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Teacher Chronicles
Before You Were Mine
Ally McVeigh has landed her dream job at Woodbury High. But when single dad, Owen Davies walks into her office with a tragic past and anxious daughter in tow, he threatens more than just her career plans.
Struggling to distance herself from the rugged father’s promise of romance, Ally’s fear of commitment turns to hope; maybe she can have her cake and eat it.
Especially when Owen craves more than one bite.
He wants Ally in his life, in his bed and as the mother of his child. But in pursuing a relationship with the Food Tech teacher, old wounds and even deeper secrets begin to surface.
When his daughter becomes a pawn in a vicious custody battle, he stands to lose not only his child, but the one woman who could make his family complete.
Struggling to distance herself from the rugged father’s promise of romance, Ally’s fear of commitment turns to hope; maybe she can have her cake and eat it.
Especially when Owen craves more than one bite.
He wants Ally in his life, in his bed and as the mother of his child. But in pursuing a relationship with the Food Tech teacher, old wounds and even deeper secrets begin to surface.
When his daughter becomes a pawn in a vicious custody battle, he stands to lose not only his child, but the one woman who could make his family complete.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2020
74 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Ida Brady
16 books556 followersIda Brady is a lover of chocolate and thunderstorms. She writes contemporary romance that promises humour, heartbreak and a happily ever after.
Ida loves travelling with her family, observing strangers at cafés and getting lost in a good story.
Ida loves travelling with her family, observing strangers at cafés and getting lost in a good story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 25, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Ida Brady and Book Throne for the digital copy of Before You Were Mine. This is my personal review.
Owen and Ally were meant to be together right from the beginning of the book. The chemistry was there and as I read I could see what was coming next, They were both very pleasant people and I liked them both. I would have enjoyed the book more if there would have been a little more of a build up of romance between them. There were a few bumps and hiccups between the two but for me it was just a nice book to keep me reading but I would have liked more of a pop and sizzle in the story.
Owen and Ally were meant to be together right from the beginning of the book. The chemistry was there and as I read I could see what was coming next, They were both very pleasant people and I liked them both. I would have enjoyed the book more if there would have been a little more of a build up of romance between them. There were a few bumps and hiccups between the two but for me it was just a nice book to keep me reading but I would have liked more of a pop and sizzle in the story.
April 25, 2021
3.5 stars
Cute & funny, well-written for the most part, & a story with satisfying character growth arcs beyond the romance storyline. I really enjoyed this one.
[What I liked:]
•Owen & Ally have good chemistry. Their insta lust was at times annoying, but their connection went much deeper & I could tell why they liked each other as people.
•Ally’s relationship with her parents, & Owen’s with his daughter/in laws/late wife are all portrayed with depth & nuance. There are great character growth arcs for Charlotte, Owen, & Ally, & Ally+Owen’s romantic relationship has a good development arc too.
•I have many fond memories of my student teaching in a middle school! It was nice to read a story about that unique & special world, with scheduling crises & horrid parents & adorable/hilarious 13-year-olds, & administrative stresses. Ally is a very devoted teacher, & I could tell why she likes her job & why it means so much to her. The school setting, the staff relationships, etc. were all well written.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Very heavy on the insta-lust, in a way that felt over the top. So much time is spent inside the MC’s thoughts with them drooling over each other. It gets boring & repetitive fast. Once they got together, though, this got better.
•The high stakes here: Ally is in a trial position at her dream job, & it’s not professional to date a parent. I could definitely feel how she was feeling guilty about wanting to date Owen, but I wasn’t clear on the details for half the book. Is it formally against the rules to date a parent, or would it just look bad? What are the consequences if they dated & were discovered? Knowing the ins & outs early on would help the stakes feel even higher.
•At some points the prose & dialogue are smooth, but at others the writing gets wordy & the dialogue on the nose. It’s mostly Ally’s conversations with Maddie & Sera that felt forced or just unnecessary. Either her friendships needed more depth, or the scenes with them needed to be trimmed down. There were way too many repetitive discussions about how hot Owen was.
CW: toxic parental relationships, ableist language (from a student, who is reprimanded)
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
Cute & funny, well-written for the most part, & a story with satisfying character growth arcs beyond the romance storyline. I really enjoyed this one.
[What I liked:]
•Owen & Ally have good chemistry. Their insta lust was at times annoying, but their connection went much deeper & I could tell why they liked each other as people.
•Ally’s relationship with her parents, & Owen’s with his daughter/in laws/late wife are all portrayed with depth & nuance. There are great character growth arcs for Charlotte, Owen, & Ally, & Ally+Owen’s romantic relationship has a good development arc too.
•I have many fond memories of my student teaching in a middle school! It was nice to read a story about that unique & special world, with scheduling crises & horrid parents & adorable/hilarious 13-year-olds, & administrative stresses. Ally is a very devoted teacher, & I could tell why she likes her job & why it means so much to her. The school setting, the staff relationships, etc. were all well written.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Very heavy on the insta-lust, in a way that felt over the top. So much time is spent inside the MC’s thoughts with them drooling over each other. It gets boring & repetitive fast. Once they got together, though, this got better.
•The high stakes here: Ally is in a trial position at her dream job, & it’s not professional to date a parent. I could definitely feel how she was feeling guilty about wanting to date Owen, but I wasn’t clear on the details for half the book. Is it formally against the rules to date a parent, or would it just look bad? What are the consequences if they dated & were discovered? Knowing the ins & outs early on would help the stakes feel even higher.
•At some points the prose & dialogue are smooth, but at others the writing gets wordy & the dialogue on the nose. It’s mostly Ally’s conversations with Maddie & Sera that felt forced or just unnecessary. Either her friendships needed more depth, or the scenes with them needed to be trimmed down. There were way too many repetitive discussions about how hot Owen was.
CW: toxic parental relationships, ableist language (from a student, who is reprimanded)
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
November 14, 2020
I really love this feel good, adorable and charming story! Before You Were Mine (Teacher Chronicles #1) is a wonderful single dad romance (one of my favorite tropes) that I definitely recommend reading. Owen and Ally are wonderful and genuine characters along with Charlie (Owen’s daughter), it’s very easy to fall in love with them. The storyline is consistent, engaging and filled with a lot of depth. It has the perfect blend of flirty behavior, hilarious moments (Ally’s best friends Sera and Maddie are excellent and supportive secondary characters), sex, a little drama and a whole lot of love. I can’t wait to find out who the main characters are in the next book and I’m looking forward to reading it.
June 21, 2021
I started this book shortly after finishing another book that I practically skimmed over because I wasn’t into into. I was halfway through my nursing school prerequisite program when I started this and I just want something short and sweet that would let my brain get away from all the thinking.
I had no idea that this book would have the story it did but I am so happy that something about the cover of this story drew me in so much so that there were times during the week that I had to convince myself that only one more chapter and I would go to sleep.
Ally & Owen were simply perfect, and what I loved most about this story was that it didn’t have any unnecessary drama. It had a relationship between two people who didn’t put any more strain on their relationship by getting mad at each other and storming off. They fought for their relationship despite what the outside tried to throw at them and were able to build a family for a little girl who so desperately needed one.
I had no idea that this book would have the story it did but I am so happy that something about the cover of this story drew me in so much so that there were times during the week that I had to convince myself that only one more chapter and I would go to sleep.
Ally & Owen were simply perfect, and what I loved most about this story was that it didn’t have any unnecessary drama. It had a relationship between two people who didn’t put any more strain on their relationship by getting mad at each other and storming off. They fought for their relationship despite what the outside tried to throw at them and were able to build a family for a little girl who so desperately needed one.
April 29, 2021
2.5 stars. I didn’t really enjoy the first half of this book much. Ally is likeable, but I just felt meh about Owen for too much of the book. Ally is obviously a good person, plus I appreciated that she was 5’11” and “curvy”, which is a nice change from the petite leads in most rom-coms/romances. I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them until very far into the book. Although there were moments early on where it seemed like Owen was a little too forward (him pushing her hair behind her early the second or so time they met). There were also multiple times where he mentioned he “always gets what he wants”- huh? That doesn’t sound like something a good guy is going to tell a woman. Even the fact that Ally told him no multiple times but he still pursued her is a little off putting.
There some odd or cheesy things said multiple times in the books including; him “branding” her (I can’t stand when this term is used in romances- I can’t help but roll my eyes every time), he asks her to take her hair down and says her hair “fascinates “ him (what!?!), and he says he decides to “woo her over” (is this an Australian thing? Here, it’s to woo someone or win someone over, not woo someone over).
I didn’t get why everyone close to the main characters seems completely obsessed over whether or not they’ve had sex. It’s just weird and creepy. They also seem to insist on being told every detail of their sexual activity. It’s just kind of gross, to be honest.
I did really appreciate at one point in the book where Ally had done something that upset Owen that he didn’t overreact and storm out or cut her off. He actually behaved like a real life adult and went on with their relationship treating her with kindness and respect. That was refreshing.
One of the last things I didn’t love was the characterization that the dream for all good women is to have children. This is such a common idea in romances. There are plenty of good people who have no interest in having their own kids- I’d love to see that in a rom-com.
Overall, the book was just okay. I can tell there will be future books featuring Ally”s teacher friends, but I don’t think I’ll check them out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Throne Publishing for allowing me access to this eARC!
There some odd or cheesy things said multiple times in the books including; him “branding” her (I can’t stand when this term is used in romances- I can’t help but roll my eyes every time), he asks her to take her hair down and says her hair “fascinates “ him (what!?!), and he says he decides to “woo her over” (is this an Australian thing? Here, it’s to woo someone or win someone over, not woo someone over).
I didn’t get why everyone close to the main characters seems completely obsessed over whether or not they’ve had sex. It’s just weird and creepy. They also seem to insist on being told every detail of their sexual activity. It’s just kind of gross, to be honest.
I did really appreciate at one point in the book where Ally had done something that upset Owen that he didn’t overreact and storm out or cut her off. He actually behaved like a real life adult and went on with their relationship treating her with kindness and respect. That was refreshing.
One of the last things I didn’t love was the characterization that the dream for all good women is to have children. This is such a common idea in romances. There are plenty of good people who have no interest in having their own kids- I’d love to see that in a rom-com.
Overall, the book was just okay. I can tell there will be future books featuring Ally”s teacher friends, but I don’t think I’ll check them out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Throne Publishing for allowing me access to this eARC!
April 28, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Book Throne publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw the cover of this book and read the synopsis I thought it would be a cute, cheeky read. In places it is, but it was also much more, the author manages to deal with tricky subject matters in a fun and easy to read way.
Single widowed Father Owen enrols his Daughter Charlotte into a new school, on meeting the head teacher Ally he realises she is the one for her and he will have her in his life. The pairs friendship develops but Ally is holding back and trying to stay professional, guarding her own feelings and those of Charlotte who is still reeling after the death of her month from cancer a few years before.
For me personally the pace of the book just felt off, the two main characters are obviously very attracted to each other and have an almost init-love situation however it takes in my opinion too long for anything to happen and even when it does there were no fireworks. I would read other books by the author.
When I saw the cover of this book and read the synopsis I thought it would be a cute, cheeky read. In places it is, but it was also much more, the author manages to deal with tricky subject matters in a fun and easy to read way.
Single widowed Father Owen enrols his Daughter Charlotte into a new school, on meeting the head teacher Ally he realises she is the one for her and he will have her in his life. The pairs friendship develops but Ally is holding back and trying to stay professional, guarding her own feelings and those of Charlotte who is still reeling after the death of her month from cancer a few years before.
For me personally the pace of the book just felt off, the two main characters are obviously very attracted to each other and have an almost init-love situation however it takes in my opinion too long for anything to happen and even when it does there were no fireworks. I would read other books by the author.
dnf-never-again
November 4, 2023**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
Summary: Teacher x parent, traumatized child, family drama with overbearing parents and custody dispute.
Stats: CR, M/F, presumably open door and stand alone?
Notes: Just way too much going on in here - and I struggled with a parent MC who doesn't bend over backwards to help their child to the absolute best of their ability.
Incomplete, but still spoilery, Content Notes
Summary: Teacher x parent, traumatized child, family drama with overbearing parents and custody dispute.
Stats: CR, M/F, presumably open door and stand alone?
Notes: Just way too much going on in here - and I struggled with a parent MC who doesn't bend over backwards to help their child to the absolute best of their ability.
Incomplete, but still spoilery, Content Notes
January 3, 2021
This is the first in a new series by Ida Brady and it was an absolute delight. The story follows Ally, a single teacher turned leader of her school. She's got a bit of a tough past to overcome, but she's got great friends and a job she is passionate about to help her. Enter Owen, widower, single dad, and all man. He knows what he wants and is determined to get it, but is also willing to wait and go slow. His daughter Charlie is adorable and through the course of the story, she comes out of the shell she's formed following her mother's death. While several wrenches get thrown in to gum up the works, the characters finally learn that they're stronger together, and that's a beautiful moment. Before You Were Mine was a swoon worthy, hopeful, beautiful story and I loved every page.
June 17, 2021
I liked the premise of the story and it was a fairly quick read. I was however not too keen on the writing style which felt too “expositiony at times ” i.e. characters who know each other having conversations with background story info that is clearly intended to get the reader up to speed. (2.5 ⭐️)
June 22, 2024
All Ally can think as she leads the new student and her father into the conference room... her reputation means everything and goggling the gorgeous single dad is definitely not what she needs to be thinking about if she wants to keep her new job as junior coordinator.
Owen hopes he is making the right decision as he registers his teenage daughter in the new school mid-year. After the death of his wife from cancer Charlotte withdrew into herself and as soon as he heard his daughter was getting bullied he removed her from the private school her grandparents had her in.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This story takes place in Australia so I'm not familiar with their school system, but I believe that Ally is a cooking teacher and also an admin school coordinator and Charlotte is in the 7th grade.
I love the close relationship between Ally and her friends and even through their annoyances they love and support each other. Ally grew up with all that money could buy, but not the love and acceptance of her parents. Parents who used her as a pawn against each other. Owen is in a bitter dispute with his wife's parents for custody of his daughter.
This book is action-packed, smoking hot and full of surprises. Ally fear of impropriety have her fighting her feelings for Charlotte's dad and when she finally gives in her worst fears are realized.
Highly recommend!
Owen hopes he is making the right decision as he registers his teenage daughter in the new school mid-year. After the death of his wife from cancer Charlotte withdrew into herself and as soon as he heard his daughter was getting bullied he removed her from the private school her grandparents had her in.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This story takes place in Australia so I'm not familiar with their school system, but I believe that Ally is a cooking teacher and also an admin school coordinator and Charlotte is in the 7th grade.
I love the close relationship between Ally and her friends and even through their annoyances they love and support each other. Ally grew up with all that money could buy, but not the love and acceptance of her parents. Parents who used her as a pawn against each other. Owen is in a bitter dispute with his wife's parents for custody of his daughter.
This book is action-packed, smoking hot and full of surprises. Ally fear of impropriety have her fighting her feelings for Charlotte's dad and when she finally gives in her worst fears are realized.
Highly recommend!
April 25, 2021
Before you were mine is a romance novel that portrays the traumas of a young girl (Charlotte) and the emotional effects that the death of her mother caused on her. Owen, Charlotte's father decides to move his 12 year old daughter from school because she was suffering bullying because when her mother died she withdrawal from everything social and emotional. She doesn't speak or make eye contact with people. Ally is the new coordinator that will help Charlotte adjust to her new school and help her engage in the things that she likes and make new friends. When Owen and Ally meet they feel attracted to each other and Owen decides to do whatever it takes for them to be together.
The good things about the book is that it shows the emotional traumas that events can cause in a child. In this case the fights that their parents had, her mom's death, and the constant fights with their grandparents about her that the only thing that they did to her was affect her more. As well as the abuse that Ally had in her childhood with her parents. I also liked that the problems that Owen and Ally had they started to get more comfortable with each other and started to rely on one another instead of getting away from each other.
The good things about the book is that it shows the emotional traumas that events can cause in a child. In this case the fights that their parents had, her mom's death, and the constant fights with their grandparents about her that the only thing that they did to her was affect her more. As well as the abuse that Ally had in her childhood with her parents. I also liked that the problems that Owen and Ally had they started to get more comfortable with each other and started to rely on one another instead of getting away from each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
I have given Before You Were Mine by Ida Brady five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Owen and Ally have my entire heart. This book follows a dual perspective of Ally; a co-ordinator at a junior high school and Owen who is a widowed parent trying to navigate single parenting with a soon-to-be teenager. I loved both of their characters so much. Ally was really admirable and fun, yet had so many trust issues due to her childhood upbringing and Owen was so understanding, loyal and knows how to woo a woman whilst dealing with difficult, spiteful in-laws.
Although there was insta-love between Owen and Ally it also a slow burn because of the build up for when their relationship fully takes charge. Own and Ally have such an incredible connection and they’re not going to give up easily on making it work.
Spicy sex scenes had me 🥵 Ida Brady’s writing in this book had me hooked from the first chapter but oh wow, the sex scenes were tantalising and I would’ve loved to have had more however, I think the handful of sex scenes in this book was perfect for these characters and their story.
This book is definitely one of my favourites I’ve read so far this year! I cannot wait to dive into the next book of the series and I look forward to the third book coming out later this year!
Owen and Ally have my entire heart. This book follows a dual perspective of Ally; a co-ordinator at a junior high school and Owen who is a widowed parent trying to navigate single parenting with a soon-to-be teenager. I loved both of their characters so much. Ally was really admirable and fun, yet had so many trust issues due to her childhood upbringing and Owen was so understanding, loyal and knows how to woo a woman whilst dealing with difficult, spiteful in-laws.
Although there was insta-love between Owen and Ally it also a slow burn because of the build up for when their relationship fully takes charge. Own and Ally have such an incredible connection and they’re not going to give up easily on making it work.
Spicy sex scenes had me 🥵 Ida Brady’s writing in this book had me hooked from the first chapter but oh wow, the sex scenes were tantalising and I would’ve loved to have had more however, I think the handful of sex scenes in this book was perfect for these characters and their story.
This book is definitely one of my favourites I’ve read so far this year! I cannot wait to dive into the next book of the series and I look forward to the third book coming out later this year!
August 9, 2021
This story, at first, I thought was going to be a simple love story, but the story turned out to have more depth in it then I thought it would, and it really surprised me. I really loved Ally and Owen. Although their relationship was almost like an instant love, it was more of a slow burn too because of how long it took them to act upon their feelings and I thought it was absolutely perfect. I loved their relationship and how they fought for their relationship and even with all the stress in their lives they could have a major argument and not storm off. That they could actually talk about it and still hug and go to dinner afterwards. I loved that and you don’t see it often. I also loved how much they fought for Charlie, it made me smile more to think they cared more about that little girl then their own budding romance. Overall it was a nice read.
April 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. Ally and Owen are attracted to each other right from the start. But, Ally’s past, and her job as Owens daughters teacher makes her hesitant to start a relationship. But, their relationship slowly builds. This book was a fast read, but I found at times, it jumped around. Like, the characters could be doing one thing, and in the next instant, we’re doing something different. While this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story, it was confusing at times. But I look forward that to reading the other books in this series. This book was a quick read, and definitely recommend it if you like a sweet, romantic story.
August 20, 2024
Before You Were Mine by Ida Brady is a book that truly captivated me. I found the way Brady intertwines past and present to be both intricate and emotionally engaging. The characters are well-developed and their stories struck a chord with me. While there were a few slow patches and some predictable moments, these didn’t detract too much from the overall experience. The novel’s emotional depth and strong storytelling make it a worthwhile read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction.
Read
April 25, 2021Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this book after a couple chapters. I just could not for the life of me get into it. The synopsis sounded really good, but it just fell short for me. I felt the development of the characters were just standard for romance novels. I will recommend this book to friends who enjoy the romance genre more than I do.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Throne for an advanced copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Throne for an advanced copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
May 24, 2021
I really liked this book, the story is easy to get into and the characters are just perfect for the story.
Now that I entered to NetGalley I see that some people find it confusing or more exactly inaccurate, since I am not Australian, I didn't noticed so for me that wasn't a problem.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick, sweet, healing in some point, this is the book you must read.
IT HAS LIKABLE CHARACTERS, A NICE LOVE STORY, A GOOD TEMPO. GO READ IT.
Now that I entered to NetGalley I see that some people find it confusing or more exactly inaccurate, since I am not Australian, I didn't noticed so for me that wasn't a problem.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick, sweet, healing in some point, this is the book you must read.
IT HAS LIKABLE CHARACTERS, A NICE LOVE STORY, A GOOD TEMPO. GO READ IT.
August 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I relate to Ally a fair bit as a teacher and felt for her as she dealt with the struggles she was facing. I liked the way both she and Owen had difficulty opening up and the way they were able to get there without it being toxic.
My only issue was the narration calling a 12 year old a 'little girl'. I teach 12 year olds and they aren't little girls anymore...
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
My only issue was the narration calling a 12 year old a 'little girl'. I teach 12 year olds and they aren't little girls anymore...
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 25, 2021
High school teacher Ally is about to break the first rule of teaching, don’t fall for the parent of one of your students. This is a fun, sexy, easy read that had me hooked, especially as it was set in an Australian high school.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 22, 2024
Such a feel good book
This was such a good book. It’s emotional, sweet, loving. The characters are so relatable. Mental health and emotions are brought up in such a good way in this book. If you’re looking for an easy read with happy feel good emotions, this is the book for you! I absolutely loved it & can’t wait to follow in the series & begin the next book.
This was such a good book. It’s emotional, sweet, loving. The characters are so relatable. Mental health and emotions are brought up in such a good way in this book. If you’re looking for an easy read with happy feel good emotions, this is the book for you! I absolutely loved it & can’t wait to follow in the series & begin the next book.
April 28, 2021
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.
Overall I didn't really enjoy this book. It maybe due to the fact that it was Australian. I found it was quite repetitive in the first half with all the lusting going on.
On the positive side it was well written with interesting characters.
Overall I didn't really enjoy this book. It maybe due to the fact that it was Australian. I found it was quite repetitive in the first half with all the lusting going on.
On the positive side it was well written with interesting characters.
October 3, 2021
I'm not a fan of this book. The book doesn't hold my attention and I found myself skimming and skipping around. DNF
************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.******************
************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.******************
July 11, 2022
The premise is good and you could say this is a lighthearted read, it's just a tad over descriptive.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 10, 2024
my first Ida Brady book and I really enjoyed it
Single dad who falls for the teacher of his daughter.
Convincing the teacher to open up and give their relationship a go
sweet story with perfect mix of storyline and spice
Single dad who falls for the teacher of his daughter.
Convincing the teacher to open up and give their relationship a go
sweet story with perfect mix of storyline and spice
December 10, 2025
4.25/5 ⭐️ 2.5/5🌶
I loved this book it got me out of a reading slump. Ally and Owen we so cute together and Charlie is a cute little girl.
The whole story worked well, no third act break up, no fights for no reason, they talked things though like adults.
Over all really good book.
I loved this book it got me out of a reading slump. Ally and Owen we so cute together and Charlie is a cute little girl.
The whole story worked well, no third act break up, no fights for no reason, they talked things though like adults.
Over all really good book.
May 10, 2021
*E-ARC provided by Netgalley*
This book is very fast paced with lots of moving parts but enjoyable nonetheless. There were some parts that fell a bit flat for me but it was still cute.
This book is very fast paced with lots of moving parts but enjoyable nonetheless. There were some parts that fell a bit flat for me but it was still cute.
February 9, 2025
I guess the character-development was okay, but it was arduous to read. I liked Charlie though
January 25, 2025
This story has an excellent plot, though I found it difficult to connect with the characters. The emotional arcs felt somewhat underdeveloped, even though each character got their point across. Also, in the middle, I found myself wondering if the story was more about the MMC or his school-age daughter. Despite this, the book has many heartfelt moments in it.
May 24, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Book Throne and Ida Brady for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I have one thing to say about this book... blink and you’ll miss it. Okay, okay, let me explain! While the characters are likeable and the chemistry was definitely there, they went from 0-60 in no time. Like literally the first chapter and it’s already all set up for them to get together. I guess I just wish we had gotten a better build up to them meeting and such. That being said, their relationship itself took a slower pace than the insta-love they felt. This is not a light and fluffy romance. Both Ally and Owen come into the relationship with baggage and have some deep seeded issues to work through, and they need to decide if they’re going to do that together or alone.
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Ally McVeigh has landed her dream job at Woodbury High. But when single dad, Owen Davies walks into her office with a tragic past and anxious daughter in tow, he threatens more than just her career plans.
Struggling to distance herself from the rugged father’s promise of romance, Ally’s fear of commitment turns to hope; maybe she can have her cake and eat it.
I have one thing to say about this book... blink and you’ll miss it. Okay, okay, let me explain! While the characters are likeable and the chemistry was definitely there, they went from 0-60 in no time. Like literally the first chapter and it’s already all set up for them to get together. I guess I just wish we had gotten a better build up to them meeting and such. That being said, their relationship itself took a slower pace than the insta-love they felt. This is not a light and fluffy romance. Both Ally and Owen come into the relationship with baggage and have some deep seeded issues to work through, and they need to decide if they’re going to do that together or alone.
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Ally McVeigh has landed her dream job at Woodbury High. But when single dad, Owen Davies walks into her office with a tragic past and anxious daughter in tow, he threatens more than just her career plans.
Struggling to distance herself from the rugged father’s promise of romance, Ally’s fear of commitment turns to hope; maybe she can have her cake and eat it.
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