Home Sweet Mess

by Allison Ashley

Charming NFL marketing manager Logan Davis has a major crush on his best friend’s sister. Despite the fact that pursuing her would be a Bad Idea, she makes him want to abandon casual dating. Sassy social worker Jeni Bishop has lost faith in love. She can’t stand Logan or the NFL team he works for, but can’t help thinking he could help her scratch an itch. When Jeni’s brother and Logan’s closest friend is diagnosed with cancer, they unexpectedly find themselves on the same team. With Logan interested in a relationship and Jeni ardently avoiding them, they resist their growing attraction even as their lives continue to intertwine in unexpected ways. Can a man who has never experienced love convince a woman hardened by it that romance isn’t dead?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Sports, Adult

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2021

About the author

Allison Ashley is a music-loving, coffee-drinking mom of two who loves love stories. She's an oncology pharmacist and spends her days focused on helping patients through the hardest thing life can throw at them. Her escape has always been books—specifically reading books about happiness, love, and laughter—and it was inevitable that she'd eventually write her own. She promises to always write stories with deep romance, intense connection, and humor…but most of all, that coveted happy ever after.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours and Allison Ashley for my eARC!

Home Sweet Mess ... the romance I didn't know I needed. And now here I sit with a major book hangover. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters. Not even a little ...

Enemies to lovers, yes please! This book was such a delight to read. The characters had depth and were well written. I enjoyed the flow of this book and the storyline. The chemistry between Jeni and Logan was truly heartwarming, even if it took them awhile to get right where they needed to be. Plus, I love a realistic storyline!

I have a mad craving for tacos and a use for the phrase "that's what she said" Ha Ha Ha!!!!

[Allison Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope y'all love Jeni and Logan as much as I do.

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know I love my fun, steamy, emotional rom-coms, and Allison Ashley's newest book, Home Sweet Mess is a good addition to the list!!

When Logan and Jeni first meet, he’s immediately smitten; she takes a fairly instant dislike to him because she believes him to be a womanizer. But with Logan being her brother’s best friend, it appears she won’t be able to escape seeing him.

When Andrew, Jeni’s twin brother, is diagnosed with cancer, he needs the support of both of them. Little by little, Logan and Jeni grow closer, but she’s not interested in a relationship since her marriage failed. But Logan wants more than friends with benefits; he wants it all, and he wants it with Jeni. Can he convince her to try again?

I loved the banter between these characters and their great chemistry. The smack talk about each other’s football teams totally cracked me up, but there was also tenderness and humor between them, too. Rom-coms that combine chemistry with emotion are always my favorite.

Sure, at times I wanted to shake Jeni and make her realize that Logan wasn’t her ex, but I want to shake lots of people, real and fictional. (It's funny because it's true.)

Home Sweet Mess is Ashley’s second book featuring some of the same characters; I’ll definitely want to go back and read her first book, Perfect Distraction .

Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours and Allison Ashley for allowing me to be part of the tour, and providing a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.

[RateTheRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Allison Ashley's debut novel, The Perfect Distraction, so much that I was eager (but also a little scared) to read her follow-up book HOME SWEET MESS. But, oh, is it ever good. No, not "good"....FANTASTIC.

HOME SWEET MESS is a delightful Enemies-to-Lovers, teach me how to sex, friends with benefits, brother's best friend, love story. Yeah, Allison Ashley went for ALL the best tropes and nailed them ALL in one book!

Jeni is the perfect female lead. She is smart and caring and snarky and you will LOVE her! You will laugh out loud at the hate-banter between her and Logan! It was also so refreshing for a female to be the commitment-shy part of the relationship. Logan is so swoony and sweet! If you like a "reformed rake" then saddle up because Logan is the BEST. As his layers are revealed you will have no choice but to put Logan at the top of you Book Boyfriends list.

This book handles some tough topics with care and authenticity. NOTE: There is a clear Trigger Warning before the first chapter and BRAVO to the author for adding it! These tough topics never feel just thrown in for drama, instead they feel genuine and add to the characters being complex and relatable.

This author stepped up the steam from the first book and I am HERE. FOR. IT. The beautiful part is that the steamy scenes portray both the physical and emotional components of sex. The author finds the balance between lighting the reader's panties on fire and also melting their heart.

HOME SWEET MESS is a story of love and loss. Fear and family. And claiming your happiness because you deserve it. This book is funny, sweet, sexy, and full of feels. Easily one of my favorite reads of the year!

Just read this book already. You will LOVE it!!!

RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated PG-13
TRIGGERS: parent's addiction, injuries from auto accident, cancer, infertility, foster care
FEELS-O-METER: 4/5 Tackles some seriously tough topics so have tissues ready.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/3vwXhAU (aff.)

👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
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[Em · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring and unsubtle and starring characters that inexplicably decide they super like each other despite all signs indicating the opposite. She treats him like slutty trash because he's attractive and single-ready-to-mingle and nice, and he casually invites her to join him in a threesome as he's walking out of her single neighbors house. And we know he had a good morning because our heroine listens to their sex noises from her front porch. SHE WANTS TO DRINK HER COFFEE OUTDOORS. IT'S HER RIGHT!!!

I mean, come on! Anyway, you know the drill. The author does absolutely nothing to show WHY or HOW these two like each other except continually illustrate how different they are - and we're supposed to understand that THAT is chemistry. Um, no. It's not.

Then, after all this we don't like each other but SECRETLY we do, we get a curve ball with "let's be friends with benefits" (um, again, not surprising. AT ALL.). AND EVEN WORSE? All that big lead up segues into a blink and you’ll miss it sex scene THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING?? Um. HOW DOES IT CHANGE EVERYTHING? WTF. Literally she suggests it, they share one kiss, head to the bedroom where he kisses her neck and then this

As he spent long minutes exploring and worshiping her body, Logan struggled to keep it together. He didn’t know if it was the unconventional request that brought them here or if it was something about the woman herself. But when their bodies finally joined and she gripped his back with desperation, her breath and sweet moans in his ear, he did know one thing. He’d never had an intimate experience quite like this one. Not even close.

God. This sequence is so bad. From a neck kiss to “finally” joining. Finally?? WHAT THE F WERE YOU DOING FOR SO LONG BEFOREHAND? AND why can't we read it Allison Ashley???????????????????????

This “gem” pretty much sums up the characterization of our super irresistible and wise about women MC:

Any man who knew anything about women knew jealousy was a good sign.

Oh, really? No, it just proves you're a dick. Yeah, he’s a real catch.

And BTW, if he’s running his hands down her arms, he can’t feel the goosebumps left behind in his wake.

Friends, the fade to black sex scene was my breaking point. DNF.

Mess is an apt description of this book.

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read Perfect Distraction, which I now know is about Andrew and Lauren. I’m going to have to read that, because I enjoyed this story so much! This is Jeni’s story, Andrew’s twin sister.

Jeni is new to Kansas City, moving for a job, when she first encounters Logan. Later that same day, after two more aggravating encounters with him, she learns he is one of her brother’s best friends.

As Andrew has a health crisis, Jeni and Logan become closer. Jeni married young and is now divorced. She says she doesn’t want to get married again. Logan is a little bit of a ladies man. But this time, he wants more and she only wants “friends with benefits.” Or so she says.

This is a very enjoyable romance with fun banter between the two— especially about their differing favorite NFL teams. There is great chemistry between Logan and Jeni. He is a pretty amazing book boyfriend. I did want to reach though my kindle, at times, and tell Jeni to wake up. Logan was genuine and not like her ex-husband.

Thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours, the author , and NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect sequel to The Perfect Distraction that follows two characters we have come to know, but clearly not that well, in the first book! What I loved most is that this story really takes place alongside Andrew and Lauren’s story, so we see a lot of them in Home Sweet Mess, and get a different perspective on the events that occurred. After reading both, I think my favorite thing about this series is how we get a real swoony romance without all the open door steam! As similar to her first book, Allison did a great job covering tough topics while keeping the story lighthearted.

[Dali · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Home Sweet Mess, Allison Ashley writes a charming follow up to her delightful debut novel Perfect Distraction.

Reformed lady’s man and marketing manager Logan Davis is in like on his best friend’s sister and would love to date her. Jeni Bishop on the other hand doesn’t believe in love but would mind a no strings romp with Logan. But as the help Jeni’s brother, can they resist their growing attraction and the depth of their feelings?

Both Jeni and Logan are wonderful characters I couldn’t help but cheer for. Jeni is caring and smart. Logan is deliciously swoony and wonderfully layers. Their banter was fun and the chemistry between them was sizzling.

The combination between sweet and fun, love and loss was superb and feel that Allison handled the tough subjects with great care.

Home Sweet Mess is a standalone contemporary romance by Allison Ashley. It is an enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend’s sister romance. Told from both POV with a happy ending.

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3vKquIw

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[Soula Kosti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed Home Sweet Mess so much! I found both Jeni and Logan very realistic and well-developed. It was also a breath of fresh air to see how imperfect and insecure both of these characters were but actually acknowledging those flaws inside the story.

I loved that part of the book dealt with adopting and fostering, but also that one of the characters had to go through a divorce in such a young age. Sometimes it's hard to imagine how life can be different, but starting over can also seem super scary even at a young age.

Even though I completely understood Jeni's side and that due to her trauma she was unwilling to try something new, I was also glad that Logan stood his ground and didn't diminish his wants. I kinda wish that Jeni wasn't so indecisive but oh well!

This book felt empowering overall and there was such an optimistic view on that sometimes the right person can make all the difference. Would love to read Ashely's other book, Perfect Distraction, as well and read more about Andrew and Lauren since there wasn't an in-depth examination of those two characters in this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly this was not even close to being as good as The perfect distraction and it actually felt really dragged. Also Jeni annoyed me a lot like cut the crap woman 🤡 Logan is the sweetest and I must protect him!! I can’t deny they had great chemistry tho

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sweet friend and neighbor wrote this one, and while I rarely pick romance as a genre I thoroughly enjoyed Logan and Jeni’s story!! Well done my friend!!

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 STARS

When I began this book, I had no idea it was quasi-companion to A Perfect Distraction. While I was never lost, it never felt like I was getting the complete story either. I was more interested in Andrew, which made sense since he was the MC for the first book. Logan was a sweetheart, but Jeni was so frustrating, especially in the later chapters.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read a ton of contemporary romance, but in the summer they make for great poolside reads. There's just something about sunshine and happiness that go together. Home Sweet Mess is a saccharine sweet love story that tackles some important issues around relationship trauma and the importance of healing.

Logan is your typical playboy who is looking for more in his fleeting relationships with women but never seems to find anyone worth his full attention. Enter Jeni, his best friend's twin sister, she is new to Kansas City and he's quickly enamored with her. They have a bristly meet-cute where Jeni, who has just been divorced and has given up on love, disdains him immediately. They're thrown together when Jeni's brother is diagnosed with cancer and needs their love and support. Slowly, Logan begins to chip away at the ice around her heart but Jeni is adamant they will never have anything between them but a "friends with benefits" situation. But, can he charm her and convince her that he is nothing like her ex-husband and is worth giving her heart over forever?

I found the characters quite likable, there were times where Logan's enthusiasm bordered on too intense and maybe a bit overbearing but the author did a good job at explaining why and having Logan evolve throughout the story. Logan’s love for Jeni was certainly swoon-worthy, he had a way of saying everything a girl wants to hear with such vulnerability. I appreciated being in both of their heads and seeing the source of their conflicts and their arc of healing through the story. I think I would have liked a little more of Andrew's cancer story, we got glimpses but I felt like there was some meat there that would have made its own great story.

Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours for a copy of this novel. All opinions above are my own.

[Arianna ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one took me awhile to read because it was my "work book" so I was mostly reading it in my downtime at work. But that doesn't mean I enjoyed it any less!

I absolutely love Allison Ashley's writing! It can feel a bit strange at first because it's written in 3rd person which isn't overly popular in the romance genre. But it's a nice breath of fresh air in my opinion! Once I got into the story, it didn't really register that it was in 3rd person.

Jeni is steadfast in her determination to stay single and avoid tying herself down to anyone ever again. But Logan grew up in the foster care system and despite his many hookups, just wants to settle down with "the one." He wants to take Jeni at any capacity that she'll have him but he also wants to fight for a true relationship that he's never had.

Both characters have some major baggage that they have to work through in order to compromise and get themselves ready for a relationship with the other person. I could really see myself in Jeni & her determination to live her best single life because of past relationship trauma.

Even though this is a brother's best friend romance, it's not as forbidden as it usually is. Logan uses that knowledge to make sure he takes extra care and caution with the scenario. It's never really brought up as something that they should absolutely not be doing, which made this book all that much sweeter!

Home Sweet Mess is perfect if you like:
- brother's best friend
- characters are BIG sports people
- social media marketer x social worker
- he falls first & falls harder

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always go into the sophomore book of an author with a bit of trepidation - especially when I loved the debut book SO much. So I’m pleased to report Allison Ashley has done it again!!! Home Sweet Mess is just as charming, just as sweet, just as swoony, and just as heartwarming as Perfect Distraction.

Jeni Bishop’s first interactions with Logan Davis don’t paint him in the best light, as far as Jeni is concerned. Then she finds out Logan happens to be her brother Andrew’s best friend, setting the stage for a humorous, combative relationship. But when Andrew is diagnosed with lymphoma, Jeni and Logan set their differences aside to be the support Andrew needs during his battle against cancer (which takes place in Perfect Distraction). And the more time Jeni spends with Logan, the more she realizes there’s more to Logan than his megawatt smile and charming, flirty banter. Which is inconvenient since she swore off men after her short marriage ended in divorce two years ago.

Logan is one swoony hero (despite a sleazy comment he made to Jeni as he was leaving her next door neighbor’s house early one morning 😳). I’m not gonna lie, I kinda had the same opinion of Logan that Jeni initially did. But Logan’s inner-cinnamon roll won me over. I am always going to love a book that develops the emotional relationship between the couple before the physical one - especially when it’s an intentional effort by the hero.

And I loved how this author slowly revealed Logan’s and Jeni’s pasts so we were able to understand their motivations, but did so in a way that made me want to keep reading to find out their stories - yet didn’t remind us constantly that there are mysterious things in the past we didn’t know. Logan and Jeni are compelling characters with realistic issues to work through and they deal with them with maturity. There's no unnecessary angst or drama, just two really good people doing their best to find what they need to be happy in life.

I thoroughly LOVE Allison Ashley’s writing, her characters, her storylines, and I love that she manages to make a story totally swoony without graphic steamy times. I love a book that makes me laugh but also tugs hard on my heart and this author has done exactly that. I can’t wait to read more by Allison Ashley!

* thank you to NetGalley and Allison Ashley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Ancillar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3. 5

A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book tells the story of Charming NFL marketing manager Logan Davi and his best friend’s sister Sassy social worker Jeni Bishop. These two are forced to be in each other’s presence because of Andrew after an awkward first encounter and they eventually get along with each other *wink wink*. Jeni was once married and so doesn’t believe in love *read it and call me out* so watching her find her way to happy ever after one taco at a time was such a blast.. This book will make you laugh, crave tacos, appreciate siblings, and have an appreciation of the foster care system. I totally adored this book and I want everyone to read it and eat tacos of course.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, it was a cute and light story, yeah it was a bit predictable at times, but I didn’t enjoy it any less because of this. Lovely piece of escapism

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Home Sweet Mess" is Allison Ashley's follow up to "Perfect Distraction," but I did not know that until I read the Afterward of the book. You do not have to read one to enjoy the other. This one tells the story of Jeni and Logan, and the backstory of Lauren and Andrew, though both books were about the same time period. Just do not let it stop you reading either one whenever you choose. They each work totally independently. Jeni and Andrews are twins. She has recently moved to Kansas City from rural Nebraska, where they grew up. Andrew had already lived in the city for far longer, and has a best friend, Andrew, though Jeni had not met him through Andrew. Instead, she all sort of shenanigans gooing on next door, early one morning, at the home of her neighbor, Cassidy, who was known for having multiple "suitors," and being quite loud in the process. The morning after all that so called noise, Jeni was outside with her morning coffee, and saw a good looking guy leaving the house next door, looking quite pleased with himself. She thought he was arrogant and the last man she would want to know any further than the minor "Good Morning" they exchanged as he left and got into his car.
When Jeni next sees Logan, they are in line at a sandwich shop, where he takes the meal that she was to buy, leaving her with no options as it was the only one without meat and she is a vegetarian. She is miffed, and this was insult added to injury as he had also stolen her parking space a few minutes earlier. Let the good times roll!
Jeni and Andrew meet again when Andrew invites each over to watch football, which became another bone of contention as Logan and Jeni each loathed the other's favorite team. When Andrew is diagnosed with cancer, Jeni is there for him, as she has been since they were born, as is Logan, as the best friend. The find comfort in one another during the long hours at the hospital waiting for test results. They seem to be together continually, but Jeni wants no part in a relationship. She was divorced at 25, and does not trust any man with her heart or her future. I found that a bit ridiculous. By 25, most women have not been married at all, and there would have been many breakups. A 25 year old is way too young to think all men will leave her, but this is fiction, so I had to go with the flow and just embrace the story and the romance that was clearly pre-determined. Jeni wants a friends with benefits situation, but Logan wants the whole package, and they find themselves at a standoff, while still spending a lot of time together.
There had to be a bigger reason that Jeni did not want a commitment, and I began to suspect what it was, and I was right, but it is not revealed for a long time. I ached for her, but also wanted to smack her and tell her it was not the end of the world and she could still have everything in life she wanted. Logan was a patient man, a good man, not really the type of man to want a life filled with women like Cassidy, but he felt unworthy until he got to know Jeni. The author reveals his back story and the heartache of his childhood. She knows how to pull at someone's heartstrings, which is why I keep reading her books. I cried happy tears towards the end, which is the best kind of crying!
The issue I had with the book, reducing it from a 5 star to read to a 4 star, was the fault of the editors. At one point, there was a glaring error where a necessary word was left out of a sentence, making it incomplete. There were punctuation and grammar errors, as well. We all make those, but we are not all paid authors with paid editors to make sure their works are not filled with those kinds of mistakes. Still, I loved the book, and am giving it 4 stars.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book, the background of each character like how they were raised and what happened as they grow up to shape them as how they are I love it. I love Logan, he's a sweetheart, but Jeni? the final verdict probably I need time to change from disliking her but still tolerate her to neutral. She's a great character and I get her point when you learned about her past & trauma but she's also stubborn so it's not an easy combo to tackled. I don't like how she kinda give "take the option I give or I'll get heartbroken and you don't want to see that so accept my proposition" attitude and how she dislike compromising but she doesn't see how she basically did the same thing that happened in her past, the only difference is now she's the one demanding people to compromise. I understand why she did that but I still dislike it so much. I'm glad after an effing long time she finally listen and actually hit her in the brain to get what people have been saying to her.

Beside that, I love how the story evolve around foster care & adoption, it's a serious and complex topic that affected a lot of people in the world. For me this book is well written. Oh it's a clean romance so there's no graphic adult scene happened. I really like the supporting character too, they help me to continue reading when Jeni makes it hard to lol sorry.

[Angela D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...I need a few days to process this book! I've been through the emotional wringer!
Five huge amazing stars Allison! There's only one other book I've ever connected with so much. I will leave a proper review in the next few days. It's going to take me a few to get through this book hangover!
June 17th
****************************************************

Ok... it's a few days later!! I felt I had to leave my initial reaction here as Allison wrote such an amazing book!

This book handles some tough topics with care and authenticity. NOTE: There is a clear Trigger Warning before the first chapter and BRAVO to the author for adding it! These tough topics never feel just thrown in for drama, instead they feel genuine and add to the characters being complex and relatable. Which is why I love this book so much. I can personally relate to most of it.

I love that she took the Enemies-to-Lovers, teach me how to sex, friends with benefits, brother's best friend, love story troupes and bundled them all together for this story.

Jeni is the perfect female lead. She is smart and caring and snarky but you still love her! You will laugh out loud at the hate-banter between her and Logan! It was also so refreshing for a female to be the commitment-shy part of the relationship. Logan is so swoony and sweet!

Home Sweet Mess is a story of love and loss. Fear and family. And claiming your happiness because you deserve it. This book is funny, sweet, sexy, and full of feels. 🥰

I would like to thank Kate Rock Book Tours and the author Allison for providing me with a #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers trope is my second favorite in the romance genre. Jeni and Logan are two different people who never expected to fall for each other. But a love story like this doesn't come easy. I mean, the story has a few very emotional moments, and it is a bit heavy. But that also what makes this book unputdownable. The characters are well-written, and the triggers were told with empathy and sensitivity. Also, it has many charming and sexy/steamy moments, which also added to the exciting and appealing love story. This is the author’s second book, and she did great in telling the character’s story. If you haven't done it yet, get yourself a copy!

[Jashaswi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeni moves to Kansas city for her job as well as to be near her twin brother, Andrew. There she meets Logan, a NFL marketing manager who also turns out to be Andrew's bestfriend. Although Logan gets charmed with Jeni's stubbornness in no time, Jeni finds it hard to open up her heart after her unfortunate past affairs. In a sudden turn of events, Andrew gets diagnosed with cancer and needs his sister's and his best friend's support. Fortuitously, Logan and Jeni find their paths coincidentally crossing as they become friends and come to terms with their fears and perplexities.

This wasn't the typical Summer romance read with a predictable ending. Rather, the book covers many issues including sibling relationship, family, foster care, troubled past, Cancer, etc. I loved how genuine the story turned out to be because of these attributes. Initially, I couldn't stand the main characters but as they evolved with the story and as their history came to light, we got a clear view of their disposition. Most of all, I enjoyed their fights over Sports but Jeni's infatuation with it felt a bit too much. Also, I felt Andrew's situation was not given enough importance and I would have loved to find more about him and Lauren.

Overall, it is a charming read with bitter sweet moments. It is fast paced, with funny banters, that is easy to love. Go ahead if you like amusing storylines that will also tug at your heartstrings.

Thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours, Allison Ashley and Netgalley for my ARC!

[litwithneha ( Neha Modi ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeni Bishop is a social worker and Logan is a marketing expert. They meet a couple of times in awkward situations and don't get along well. Jeni's twin, Andrew is Logan's best friend and that's how they end up meeting and knowing each other better.
Logan finds it difficult to fall in love and Jeni has had her share of harsh experiences in love. Will the two fall into a relationship?

I loved reading this easy and quick read. Fun conversations, good character development and lucidity in the story makes it a perfect read for a lazy chill day. Enjoyed reading it thoroughly !!

[Marisol Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

“With you, I don’t want to sacrifice what I want most for what I want right now.”

Gosh. This book!!!

Home Sweet Mess was a heartwarming, beautiful story about unconditional love. Filled with chemistry, banter, well written, real and raw characters, angst and longing, family and football. It was the best companion to Perfect Distraction. I absolutely adore Allison Ashley’s writing. I felt deeply connected to each of the characters and was rooting for them since the very beginning, just like with her debut novel. I laughed, cried, swooned and finished with a full happy heart.

Ashley has become one of my auto buy authors, and I cant wait to see what the brings next.

Read if you like ✨
•Perfect Distraction
•Brothers Best friend
•Friends to lovers
•DHS worker meets Marketing Manager
•Beer and football
•Softball and Tacos
•Dual POV
•Texts
•That’s what she said jokes
•Fostering rep

“Grouchy Jeni is too.” He leaned in close. “Flirtatious Jeni, worried-about-her-brother Jeni, and tipsy Jeni. All beautiful. But so far, happy is my favorite.”

TW. Cancer, infertility and child neglect

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably closer to 4.5 stars!
I loved the description of the book but I didn’t know how much I would love the story. I picked it up and could not put it down, finished it in one night. I love how their story focused on not just their physical relationship but literally everything surrounding it. It dealt with both of their past, their present struggles, and what they thought of their futures. They used it to grow and realize what they meant to each other. It was a sweet story that had great banter and amazing families, both blood and found. Highly recommend this book!

** I received this book from NetGalley for review.**

[Come_read_with_me_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This book is a quick and easy read. It did pull on my heartstrings. I love a good, enemies to lovers romance and brothers best friend romance. This book ticked all the boxes when it came to these two tropes.

I loved the banter between Jeni and Logan, it was fun and flirty.
That being said I didn't love the characters, now don't get me wrong, they both had some positive and lovable traits, in saying that I just couldn't connect with them. Jeni was stubborn at times and at times I wanted to shake her. Logan, from the very start, I couldn't "warm" to him, fortunately as the book progressed I did start to like him.

Allison has a great writing technique. Each dialogue was perfectly sculpted, I could feel the characters' emotions.

Overall I did enjoy this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Lanaya Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but kind of bland. Enemy-to-lovers isn't my favorite trope, and the fostercare/adoption/CPS plot points had a lot of inacuracies and negative stereotypes. Home Sweet Mess is a sequel to her first book, Perfect Distraction, which I liked a lot more. This plot takes place simultaneously with Perfect Distraction, so read that one first to avoid spoilers. 

[Susie Pavlus · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute enemies-friends-lovers. Some spice, slow start, good finish. Really more of a 3.75⭐️

[Michelle Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Logan Davis is a player - he loves women and beds anyone who wants to be bedded.
Jeni Bishop is new in town and will never remarry despite only being in her 20's.
When their worlds collide via Jeni's twin brother, who happens to be Logan's BFF, who is diagnosed with cancer. Logan and Jeni begin to bond and have a friendship. Logan wants more of a relationship, Jeni just wants a booty-friend. How will this end?

This book was fantastic. I did not realize that there was a first book that goes along with this storyline - it goes through the brother's cancer diagnosis. I need to go find that book!

[Žaba Čita Novine · Rating 3 out of 5]

CONTENT WARNING: fostering system, child protective services, female infertility, cancer

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, sweet and enjoyable read. The writing style really fit me well, and I enjoyed this book from the very first page. But I felt that I've already read this one.

I felt that the plot was almost copy-pasted from The Friend Zone and it had every romance trope imaginable: best friend's sister/ brother's best friend, he is a ladies' man/ she never wants to have a relationship, enemies turn to lovers.

So Logan and Jeni meet through a series of events where they go to each other's nerves. Logan turns out to be best friend of her twin brother. He sleeps around and she has a failed marriage and never wants to date again. Jeni's twin brother gets diagnosed with cancer and the two bond over taking care of him. Now, Jeni wants to be friends with benefits, while Logan wants to date her exclusively and not have intercourse at all.

There are some secrets that remain untold until the very end of the book, but it is very clear what they are, so all of the plot was extremely expected.

All the same, I really enjoyed the writing style and the book in general. It was a quick and easy read and I just flew through it. I'm definitely interested in reading more from the author.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free early copy in exchange for an honest review.