Perfect Storm

Life Sucks #6

by Elise Faber

He left her.
Now she was back…with his son in tow.
Four years ago, he’d been a jerk with a wild side, a messed-up head, and a penchant for breaking hearts.
But he’d been a special brand of jerk to Kim.
Mostly because she was incredible. Smart, funny, beautiful. He’d seen a future with her, and that terrified him…
So he’d broken things off. Cut ties, lost her number, and moved on before she could move on from him.
But now she was back.
Now she was back, and she wasn’t alone.
His son was with her.

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary, Romance, Second Chance Romance, Slow Burn

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Universal

A chance encounter with an adorable little boy has Caleb in for the shock of his life. His ex, looking even more beautiful, but so angry and flat and distant emotionally, and with a 3 year old boy in her arms, a 3 year old who is HIS ?!



Kim has suffered immeasurably since Caleb ghosted her years ago. Her baby was diagnosed with a condition that not only costs money to manage, but costs immense amounts of time and mental fortitude, and she's had to manage this all by herself since the day she found out she was pregnant. Now the man has one run-in with her son and NOW he wants to be in her life, in their lives? Well, she'll never keep him from their son, but her heart? Yeah that's a totally different story, because her heart belongs to her son and isn't open for business, ever again, especially not for Caleb to break it all over again. Or at least, that's what she tells herself. But can she resist the man Caleb is now? Resist how persistent and determined he is to do right by them? To have a second chance at winning her heart?



Second chances can be hard to get right. I only appreciate them when the couple really wants the second chance, and when the one who hurt the other really redeems him or herself so deserves a second chance. In this case, Caleb did his best to redeem himself, and was so sweet with both of them, so determined that I couldn't help but give him a pass. I might not have really thought his reason for ghosting Kim was particularly valid or right, but the way he went about wooing both his son and his love was just about perfect. There was no way she was going to resist him forever. I do like that she made him work for her, though, and the story itself is slow burn goodness.



ARC provided by for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Honestly, this series just goes from strength to strength. I also enjoyed catching up again with the Jackson family, they are an absolute hoot who love each other fiercely and that also includes the extra's that have found their way into their family over time.
This book features Caleb & Kim. Caleb was a huge (I want to swear here) jerk to Kim when they dated previously, and my heart really wanted for her to be and absolute (I want to swear again here) cow back to him for how he made her feel. But once that part of his story was revealed, even though it was terrible what he did, it does make it excusable. But all I have to add to that is - communication!!! Oh well, it does make for some great reading nevertheless. Cole was extremely well written and I just adored whenever he was a part of a scene. But it was Kim hands down who made this book as exceptional as it ended up being. She was just incredible.
Now I know who I hope will have a book with them as one of the main characters, I will just have to keep my fingers crossed that it will happen. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book" ~Sharon


Perfect Storm is the sixth book in the Life Sucks series and first from that series that I have read. I loved reading and following Kim and Caleb's second chance story. I look forward to reading more from this series. ~Dawn

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: secret baby, second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥

"𝑯𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒏𝒐𝒘. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅."

Goodness gracious, my heart barely survived! Perfect Storm is book 6 in Elise Faber's Life Sucks series and can be read as a complete standalone. Kim has led a difficult life. Trying to scrape herself out of poverty, wanting more. An education. A love. A Life. But just as she was getting all those things, the man she was in love with, Caleb, walked out of her life, inadvertently taking all those things with him and leaving her with her most precious possession, her son Cole. Cole's medical issues have kept Kim from scraping them out of poverty, seemingly looped there for good. When Caleb crashes back into her life, he wants a chance to start over. To love her. Support them. He says he left for "reasons", but Kim isn't about to buy what he's trying to sell, despite being willing to support his relationship with his son. Caleb is going to have to work extra hard to prove otherwise.

"𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌, 𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒏. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏. 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 .... 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓."

Perfect Storm is a perfect, super sweet slow burn that will leave you with all the feels! Well written, with a distinctive writing style that will draw you in from page one and not let you go until you finish the final page. Elise Faber is the queen of the slow burns, lol, and in the Perfect Storm you have a hot simmer until about 80% when it explodes into hot smexy that will leave a burn on your kindle. The characters are absolutely wonderful. Kim just can't cut a break, but still manages to take the best care of her son and is just an honestly, nice person. Cole is a great sweet hero that truly wants to make things right with Kim. Not just for Caleb's sake, but because he loves her and wants to be with her while righting the mistakes of the past. Truly a sweet read ❤️. You won't be disappointed!

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Storm is a sweet second chance romance as fate throws Caleb and Kim back in each other’s lives after four years and throws in a surprise for Caleb.
Caleb walked away from Kim four years ago with no explanation and left her to take care of the son he never knew about, but now that they are back in each other’s lives, Caleb wants to be a part of his son, Coles life too. He is going to have to work very hard to gain Kim’s trust with not only her heart but their sons as well.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Architect Caleb Jackson recently moved to the small town of Stoneybrooke to be closer to his parents and siblings. He's walking out of the hospital one day after visiting his sister-in-law and new niece when he runs into a little boy and his shockingly familiar mother: Caleb's ex-girlfriend, Kim. Quickly doing the math, it's pretty easy for Caleb to figure out that 3-year-old Cole is his son. Kim hasn't had an easy time since Caleb ghosted her shortly before she learned she was pregnant, and even though she would never stand in the way of him having a relationship with his son, her own heart is off-limits. Caleb has never stopped loving her, however, and he's determined to do whatever it takes to prove that he'll never leave her or Cole again.

This story gave me all the feels! Even though Kim was hurt by Caleb's actions, I could tell how much she still loved him and wanted to believe that he was committed to her and their son. I truly admired her bravery in allowing Caleb to build a relationship with Cole despite her fear that his wealthy family would try to take her son away from her. As for Caleb, I understood why he'd left Kim even if I didn't agree with his reasons. He did a good job of showing her that he was genuinely remorseful and that he would be there for them going forward.

I highly recommend "Perfect Storm" for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series, which will feature Kim's friend Raven and Caleb's brother Connor.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb and Kim were together, and he ghosted her. Years later, they run into each other, and he finds out he has a son.

This is a secret baby story done well. I really enjoyed the way in which this one plays out because while it’s a secret baby, there was numerous attempts made by the heroine to tell the hero about the baby.

OH Caleb, how I wanted to junk punch you. This guy has a lot of insecurities and issues, but they aren’t really flushed out fully and I was left wanting more.
The dynamic between Kim and Caleb was good and I liked the fact that she didn’t keep Caleb from his son at all, but she wasn’t as keen on having him in her life because of the way things ended between them the last time. There are a lot of hurts and it make sense even after Caleb tells her why. He deserved to have to grovel. I really enjoyed the dynamic of this group of friends and family and love that they enveloped Kim into the fold even if she wasn’t going to give in to Caleb. I like the fact that Caleb had to work to earn her trust gain and it wasn’t an instantaneous thing. I just wanted more from this story as a whole.

POV: 3rd Person Multi
PoP: 83%

[Betsy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle ebook

Honey. Baby. Honey. Baby. Honey. Honey. Honey. Baby. Fuck. Sunshine. Honey. Baby. Baby. Breathe. These words made this book 50 pages longer than it should have been. I’m not gonna lie, this book was a slog. I almost DNF’d it.

This book ruined the word “fuck” for me. Me! The girl whose favorite movie quote is, “Fuck you, you fuckin’ fuck”. RUINED IT!

This series has not been up to Elise’s Bad series. Those books were angsty fun goodness. This series lost it’s steam. I don’t know if I’m going to give the next one a chance. It comes out in February so we’ll see.

If you’re not a fan of the above words, skip this one. Trust me, you’ll be reading them a lot.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know I really and I mean I REALLY want to hate on Caleb. What he did to Kim was unforgivable in my eyes at the beginning of the story. She suffered alot in the 4 years since he disappeared. She had her boy alone. She was alone when he was diagnosed. Not to mention all the financial burden she endured. Like I said , I really wanted to hate him. But that was impossible with his actions when he saw her again and how much he stepped up when he learned he had a son, who was just the sweetest little boy around. We learn why he disappeared so abruptly and while I might not agree with him, mental health is important and it was probably better the way everything turned out in the end. His love and support was all Kim needed and in the end she got it in spades.

I love this series. It is a bit romanticised but it's still close enough to everyday life you can't help but relate and root for the couples and wish the HEA for all involved.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

PERFECT STORM is the sixth book in the Life Sucks series but you don't have to have read the others to get this one.

Caleb ghosted Kim four years ago. He had his reasons and put himself into a timeout to sort out his head. That didn't help Kim when she realised she was pregnant. Her dreams went up in smoke and she concentrated on putting her son first. Fast forward and they meet again. Caleb knows Cole is his son and is heartbroken at what he has missed through his own fault. He is determined to put things right and to win back Kim, plus have Cole in his life.

This is a sweet second-chance romance where neither main character acts like a jerk just for the sake of it. No, they're not sweetness and light all the time. Who is? Instead, you get fully-rounded characters that interact and build up their time together.

An easy-to-read story with sexy times, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Looking forward to reading Raven's!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 26, 2022

[Seaweed75 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I blame Book Tok...

This had the premise of everything I love. Secret baby, second chance, how could I be disappointed.


Spoiler.....

Why I could not finish the book....

First off the MMC is at the hospital with another sibling having a baby. We get a dousing of how gross he thinks babies are. Fine with that. I have one of my own and don't love the smells and body fluids that ooze out of the creatures. He runs into a woman he has thought of for years and years and felt guilty he ghosted. OOPS the baby she is holding must be his. Right. I mean only his family has hazel eyes.

Kim is angry (and should be) He just up and moved for no reason and blocked her when she tried to call and let him know about the baby.

However now that they have found each other she has decided not to keep him out of her sick child's life because the MMC deserves to know his son. UMM excuse me. As a protective mother, the first thought is if he ghosted me when things were easy he is definitely going to ghost my child when things are hard.

Okay she is tired so we will let that one pass. He sees her walking down the street in trashy clothes and makeup that is not her at 2 am. So his automatic response is she must being forced to work at the local semi nude bar. There is no other explanation. Of course that is true so we will forgive that one. Then the next morning he meets his sister for breakfast and Kim is there as a waitress. He is furious with her because she has dark circles under her eyes. It is obvious she is exhausted and he ask why is she doing this? UMM you care that she is tired but don't care enough to explain why you left with no reason?

Later that day he invades her house (again after they agreed to talk later in the week), her 3 year old ask who he is and she says he is your daddy. Kid is supper happy with that and then ask what a daddy is. They go into a long explanation about how he was made (to a 3 year old). Super dad then swoops in with groceries, cooks dinner and does the dishes so Kim can get rest. When it is time to put the child down for bed, the child argues and super dad swoops in again and make a long speech about promising to go to bed and how important promises are. The 3 year old agrees.

I don't expect my romance to be reasonable, but I noped out when you can negotiate with a 3 year old. They are tiny terrorist.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Storm is the sixth book in the Life Sucks series. When Caleb bumps into Kim for the first time in four years, he immediately wants to apologize for ghosting her, but he soon realizes he missed out on a lot more than he realized. Will he be able to win a place not only in his son’s life, but a place in the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved?

Oh my goodness! You guys, this book was so good! I cried through pretty much the whole first half, filled with the heartbreak and hardships that both Kim and Caleb had to endure, and had to fight for. Their struggle just felt so real. But if you stick through, you know the fight will be totally worth it, and it ended up being pretty heartwarming! I loved Kim and Caleb! I loved them together, I loved their ups and downs, I loved the fears they had to face, and I loved their passion that they still had for one another. Kim was completely selfless, especially when it came to her son, but I loved the backbone she did possess and the boundaries she placed when it came to letting Caleb into their lives. Caleb had a lot to make up for, but I loved that he never gave up and was quick to adjust his thinking to having a son (and woman) that he wanted to protect and provide for! I loved it! I loved them and their little boy! I loved their drama, insecurities, and their journey to loving each other again! I loved this book! I am loving this series! This book and romance definitely stands alone, but I love that you see the previous relationships. I can’t wait for more!

[Tara Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This family and town are so fantastic that I find myself wanting more of each story. Caleb and Kim (and Cole) have a ton of baggage to comb through and regrets to overcome, but if they can forge a new path, it might be what they all need and want.

The Jackson family is pretty awesome and I couldn’t figure out why Caleb would ghost Kim four years earlier. Now that he sees her, and her son, he wants to make up for lost time. I loved how he didn’t question the paternity of Cole, he just knew he was his. The reason he ghosted Kim made sense, I just wish there would have been more healing portrayed from that time. I also wish there would have been more one-on-one time between Cole and Caleb.

Kim is strong, independent and alone (except for Cole and Raven). She is hesitant to trust Caleb again and fears that he will take Cole; even though she promises to never keep them apart. Her backstory was sad and I could understand why she felt afraid of letting him back in her life. I enjoyed seeing her open up to the possibility of love and trust.

Cole is adorable and is pretty sick. It is manageable, but scary for someone so young. I wish there was more time with Cole being a little boy and interacting with other children, as well as, his parents. His love of trains was sweet.

I love this series and can’t wait for the next book to be released. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad Elise Faber moved Soph and her big, meddling family to town! Because these Jackson's are a special breed - and I want more more more!!!

Four years ago, Caleb ghosted Kim. She had no idea what had happened, had not been able to get in contact with him. Had worried so much about him, right up until his house was emptied and put up for sale. So - when Cole quite literally runs into him in the hospital parking lot, she doesn't know how to react. She just knows that her toddler ran smack dab into his dad.

Caleb has missed Kim. Has tried to find her again. And the minute he realizes her son's age, the puzzle pieces begin to click together for him. So very much regret. And now it's on him to make up for the time he missed with his son, and to do everything in his power to win back the woman he loves.

Caleb may have disappeared without a trace - and he is beating himself up plenty for that - but now that he's found Kim and their son, he wants nothing more to build a new family. He knows he messed up, and he will take whatever Kim will allow - even if it means he never gets to be with the woman he loves.

But - what if she still loves him too? Hot, spicy, incredibly strong heroine, and an adorable toddler with excellent tasted in music, and you just can't go wrong.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when the love of your life shatters your heart and walks back into yr life four years later? Do you let him back in because he still owns your heart and you have a piece of him with you every day of your life or do you protect your heart and the one person that relies on you?

Perfect Strom is a second-chance romance that finds Kim and Caleb finding one another years after Caleb just disappeared into thin air and left Kim completely heartbroken. What happens when he looks into his own eyes when a little boy bumps into him in a hospital parking lot? When Caleb sees Kim for the first time in four years all he wants to do is hold her tight in his arms and tell her how sorry he was that he left her. Then he sees a little boy, Cole, that has his eyes and is about the right age for him to be his son. Kim's life has been one full of worry for her son about how to make ends meet as they were on their own. Can Kim understand the reason why Caleb just walked away from her, actually ghosted her? When Caleb shows her that he is not the same person he was, he is here forever and that Cole and her can count on him, Kim opens her heart.

I loved this book and Caleb and Kim's story. It was full of forgiveness and love. Perfect Storm is the type of story that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. A definite must-read book that you will not be able to put down.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this series just goes from strength to strength. I also enjoyed catching up again with the Jackson family, they are an absolute hoot who love each other fiercely and that also includes the extra's that have found their way into their family over time.
This book features Caleb & Kim. Caleb was a huge (I want to swear here) jerk to Kim when they dated previously, and my heart really wanted for her to be and absolute (I want to swear again here) cow back to him for how he made her feel. But once that part of his story was revealed, even though it was terrible what he did, it does make it excusable. But all I have to add to that is - communication!!! Oh well, it does make for some great reading nevertheless. Cole was extremely well written and I just adored whenever he was a part of a scene. But it was Kim hands down who made this book as exceptional as it ended up being. She was just incredible.
Now I know who I hope will have a book with them as one of the main characters, I will just have to keep my fingers crossed that it will happen. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book

[Downward dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Storm is a bittersweet romance with unforgettable characters that had me quickly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. It is sweet and poignant and I loved every minute of this second chance story.

When Caleb and Kim first meet the timing is all wrong and things don’t work out for them. When they meet again, they have both changed and grown after encountering some difficult issues. Kim has had a tough time, but she is strong and has worked hard taking care of her son and making sure he has everything he needs. I admired Kim’s dedication to her son. Caleb feels bad for all the mistakes he made in the past and he wants to make things right, but it takes Kim a while to trust him again.

Caleb and Kim are great together and for each other and I enjoyed all of their encounters. I also loved Caleb’s family. They are big and boisterous and love to banter back and forth, but underneath all the joking, they care about each other. This is an emotional story with great dynamics between the characters and it left me with a good feeling.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely swoon worthy second chance romance!

Another great story set in the make-believe town of Stoneybrook, where the Jackson family of brothers and one sister all are finding their true loves.

Starting off with a lot of action, Caleb and Kim’s story moves along at a fast pace but touches on several heartbreaking topics. (Avoiding spoilers here!). While Caleb basically ghosted Kim 4 years ago, he is truly shocked to see her in his small town with a son.

Cole is adorable and such a happy boy in spite of all of the struggles he and his mom, Kim, have faced in his young life. Caleb, while he truly is out of his element when he sees Kim and Cole, does his utmost to be supportive and helpful and, along the way, falls in love with Cole.

As with the other stories in this series, the women have overcome incredible hardships while remaining strong and kindhearted. And, as in the others, each find their HEA’s which makes for a wonderful ending!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review of Perfect Storm (Life Sucks #6) by Elise Faber
Having read a number of books by Elise Faber I was excited when Perfect Storm hit my kindle. This was an entertaining, emotional read that ticked the boxes for me. This second chance at love story follows Kim and Caleb as they come to terms with the past and re connect.
Although book 6 in the series it can definitely be read as a stand alone. Kin has had a hard life, struggling for everything she has achieved and just when she thought she found her forever love, he walked away. Returning home it is inevitable that these two meet, particularly when Caleb learns that he has a son, Cole, a son who has medical issues.
Caleb realizes that Kim is the one for him and is determined to do everything in his power to win her back. Can Caleb convince Kim to take another chance on love with hmi? Can Kim forgive him?
One click and find out in this emotional roller coaster of a read from Elise Faber.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just what I currently needed. Sweet, low drama, no angst, second chance love story. Kim and Caleb had a fast paced love story years ago that he up and took away from them. Now their paths have crossed again and they are getting their second chance, with an added bonus in Cole.

I loved Kim's strength and determination. She’s a great mom doing the best she can with her circumstances. Cole is adorable and I love that we get his 3 year old talk. Caleb I like. But his reasoning for ghosting her just didn't sit right with me. Not to mention apparently neither of them never changed their numbers. Why didn't he just call her when he finally got out of his head?

Another good story in this series. Loving the Jackson family and looking forward to more happily-ever-afters. Glad Kim and Cole finally found their family!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance for Caleb and Kim who were in a relationship four years before in a totally different city. They end up living in the same town and even sharing some friends and that's how they end up running into each other again.

Caleb didn't really have much in the way of excuses for why he ghosted Kim all those years before, but once he realized what he had given up, he tried to make up for his colossal mistake. I liked that he owned up to it and he really felt the pain of what he lost by not calling Kim back and ghosting her.

I liked that Kim is such a strong woman and that she really makes him work for his shot again with her and her son. Aside from Caleb's mistake I like that this story was low on drama and high on romance and winning Kim's heart. An awesome second chance with a hero that has a lot to atone for.

I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Sucks Series

Caleb Jackson is an architect in the small coastal town of Stoneybrooke and comes from a large family. As he is leaving the hospital a little boy runs into him and as he's trying to calm the child down the mom comes running up. He is shocked to see it's his ex-girlfriend Kim and it's her 3 yr old son.
They had dated and were getting serious when he ended up ghosting her and not returning any of her calls and when Kim goes by his house, it's up for sale. Kim hasn't had it easy raising her child by herself. Her son Cole has medical issues that have Kim working 2 jobs to support them and getting him everything he needs to be well.
Caleb is shocked to learn he's a father but now that he knows, he wants to help and be a part of his life.
Can Caleb break down Kim's walls she has up and can they find a way to have what they once did?

4 1/2 stars

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Caleb and Kim’s story. Kim has had a tough life which has left her lacking in self-esteem, and medical issues with her 3-year-old son Cole, has her struggling to survive. Caleb broke Kim’s heart 4-years aga, and he is taken aback when she arrives back in town with her little son in tow. Caleb is desperate to make amends and have a 2nd chance with Kim and his son, but she is afraid of getting her heart broken again. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, a slow burn, and an emotional roller coaster, with intrigue, heartache, regrets, redemption, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Caleb sees his ex-girlfriend, Kim, in the parking lot he is stunned to see that the cute little boy she has in tow has his hazel eyes and when he finds out that he is three, he has no doubts that Cole is his son. A fact which Kim does not dispute, but being the sole provider for Cole has left this strong woman exhausted and lacking in self confidence. Life has been hard for Kim and with no support, a boyfriend who ghosted her and refused to take her calls, a son with health issues, she has no option but to work days at a diner and a couple of nights a week at a strip club. All that is about to change as Caleb swears to be in Cole's life, but can Kim trust him or allow him into her heart again? This book is witty, has such heart and emotion, a slow burn chemistry that will make your panties sizzle and an adorable three year old. What more could you want?

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Jackson brother finds love….a second chance at love with the woman he mysteriously ghosted four years ago. Caleb is shocked to discover the adorable three year old boy in his ex-girlfriend’s arms has his eyes, and he is heartbroken over what he’s already missed in his son’s short life and what he unknowingly put Kim through.

I really enjoyed this book in the Life Sucks’ series, and the story we get is wonderful; however, I did wish more scenes with the Jackson family. I really wish a scene would have been included showing his family’s reaction to learning Cole is Caleb’s son - maybe right after Caleb and Soph go out for breakfast and Soph discovers Caleb has a secret. In previous books there has always been a hilarious scene or two around the Jackson family dinner table where the brothers all needle each other as only siblings can do.

Caleb is all in on becoming a daily part of Cole’s life, and Kim welcomes his involvement even as she fears losing her son because she’s not good enough. Her self confidence is extremely low after all she’s been through in her life.

I received a free ARC from the author and Elle Woods PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Storm is an amazing read. I loved every moment of this one. This is a second chance romance with a surprise child. Kim does whatever it takes to help her son Cole and is an amazing mom. Caleb has always loved Kim and has his reasons for just disappearing on her years before. I love how their chance meeting just brings everything back. You get why Kim is cautious of Caleb. Caleb will steal your heart the way he is with Cole and making it all up to Kim. This is one of those small world reads when you discover you know mutual people yet did not know the other person was around. I love how Kim and Cole just fit into Caleb's family like they have always been there. I could not get enough of Caleb and Kim. This made my heart so happy. Go one click this one now.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Another great book in this series! I loved Caleb and Kim. Little Cole just stole my heart right away. This book is jam packed with all the feels. It's one that pulled on my heartstrings. My heart melted watching Caleb navigate fatherhood. The man who is not a fan of babies has his own kid. The irony! I really love Caleb's family. They are so close knit and always there for one another. My heart goes out to Kim for all she has done raising Cole on her own. She is one strong woman that deserves all the happiness in the world. This book also had moments that stopped my heart and had me on the edge of my seat. It's a book that's hard to put down. I loved the tease for the next book because boy does it sound like a good one!!

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb Jackson is blindsided when he runs into his ex girlfriend in the parking lot of the local hospital! But, the real shock of the chance encounter is her son, an adorable three year old ‘who looks just like him’! He’s been gone for four years so the timing is right! After a year into his absence he had gone looking for Kim but she had disappeared! So, yeah he’s overjoyed to have found her.
But Kim is justifiably leery of Caleb’s intentions. After all things were great between them and then he was just gone! What’s the guarantee he won’t do it again?
A story of true love, and fighting to get back what you so carelessly tossed aside.
Definitely a well earned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rating for Elise Faber!

[Toni L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, this is the latest in the Life Sucks series but can be read completely as a standalone with no impact on your enjoyment or understanding. The book is what I've come to expect from this author. The writing is tight and snappy, the story and characters individual and not at all cookie-cutter, the story flows nicely and it all makes for a very enjoyable few hours spent with this book.
Having said all of that I loved this book for the inclusion of characters that battle their own health issues. Without giving anything away, there was insight, understanding and empathy shown by the author which reflected for me in bringing these characters to life. I would love to see more authors tackle these sorts of issues in such a feel-good genre as romance.
Loved it

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calab Jackson you know those Jackson men they really know how to bring the spark to the women they choose to love. And Caleb messed up big 4 years ago he had everything but fear had him ghosting his future Kim but a chance encounter at the hospital in his hometown brings him face to face with not only Kim but her son and if his math is write he's Cole's father he has allot of things he needs to fix and make write. Kim has worked hard to provide for her son she tried to find his father but he was just gone and everything got tougher but she managed to take care of Cole but now Caleb wants her back and to know his son there's allot to get past to forgive and to understand why did he leave 4 years ago.

This was a sweet read Caleb and Kimmmie's story was perfectly done.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another win for author

Caleb is a good looking rich guy, whose profession is never mentioned.
But that doesn’t change fact that book is one of the best in series.
Having come upon realization that he has a 3 yo boy, by accident he’s filled with regrets. Regrets that he couldn’t be there for Cole his son and baby mama, Kim.
Having been ghosted by Caleb, Kim has been angry with him for 3 years.
Kim has has to scrape by and provide for her son- never complaining-but she’s exhausted.
When Caleb tries to come back into her life - she’s worried that the past will repeat itself
Is that what happens or does Caleb regret his choices enough not to repeat them?
Find out in this comedic romance.