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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
šš šš¢š§š¬š šš„š„ šššš¬ is the 3rd book in the Ember Falls Series by Corinne Michaels, featuring an irresistible second chance romance for Everett and Violet. After her life implodes in a public way when her husband cheats with his co-star, Violet seeks safety in the comfort of her grandmaās former home in Ember Falls, knowing full well sheāll eventually run into the man she left behind, but never truly forgot. That undeniable pull and obvious connection between Everett and Violet was so heartwarming! I challenge anyone to read this and not fall head over heels for Everett!! Who doesnāt want a man who never stops loving his woman, will do absolutely anything for her, and stands totally firm on his convictions, even when the surprise baby sheās carrying is not his!šš„° The amazing friend group chime in with banter and support, and Violet wins the bestie lottery with Analeigh, who was ready to ride at dawn, no matter the crime!!š¤£ I enjoyed the dramatic twists, the emotions, and the passion! But seriously, you know a man is a winner, when he takes care of his mama the way Everett does! I was all in my feels with this one! They were simply made for each other!! I canāt wait for the next story!! I so loved that bonus epilogue as well!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
š¶ļøš¶ļøš¶
ā©4.5
ā¦What to Expectā¦
ā¢Second Chance
ā¢Right Person/Wrong Time
ā¢Pregnant but not his baby
ā¢Small town romance
ā¢Ultimate Frisbee
ā¢Found family
ā¢Neighbors to lovers
ā¢Lots of nervous baking
ā¢Childhood sweethearts
ā¦Charactersā¦
ā¢Violet Stewart
ā¢Everett Finnegan
ā¦Fav Quotesā¦
Violet was my other half, and even though we were kids, I knew it then and itās still true today.
āI donāt want to go back to what life is like without you.ā
āYou are where I want to be.
I love you with everything that I am.ā
My God. My heart. My world will never be the same again.
ā¦Thoughtsā¦
These two š„¹
I WAS SWOONING !
You know I love second chance romances and this one was so good!
These two were so sweet!
Everett!!!!! āHeās a good man Savannahā
HE IS A PGOM AND WAS PERFECT!!!
Analeigh!!!! So funny!!! She had me cracking up!
Dylanā¦ WHAT A DOUCHE CANOE!!!
I need my girl Hazel to get her HEA!
The next book!!! Iām so excited for Killianās books
ā¢ARC Readā¢
ā¦What to Expectā¦
ā¢Second Chance
ā¢Right Person/Wrong Time
ā¢Pregnant but not his baby
ā¢Small town romance
ā¢Ultimate Frisbee
ā¢Found family
ā¢Neighbors to lovers
ā¢Lots of nervous baking
ā¢Childhood sweethearts
ā¦Charactersā¦
ā¢Violet Stewart
ā¢Everett Finnegan
ā¦Fav Quotesā¦
Violet was my other half, and even though we were kids, I knew it then and itās still true today.
āI donāt want to go back to what life is like without you.ā
āYou are where I want to be.
I love you with everything that I am.ā
My God. My heart. My world will never be the same again.
ā¦Thoughtsā¦
These two š„¹
I WAS SWOONING !
You know I love second chance romances and this one was so good!
These two were so sweet!
Everett!!!!! āHeās a good man Savannahā
HE IS A PGOM AND WAS PERFECT!!!
Analeigh!!!! So funny!!! She had me cracking up!
Dylanā¦ WHAT A DOUCHE CANOE!!!
I need my girl Hazel to get her HEA!
The next book!!! Iām so excited for Killianās books
ā¢ARC Readā¢
Against All Odds is a sweet, second chance romance between childhood sweethearts, Violet and Everett. She returns to the small town of Ember Falls after a public scandal with her soon to be ex-husband. Everett is still living there and taking care of his mother who has memory loss due to a car accident. He has never gotten over Violet, his one true love.
This is an emotional romance that had my full attention. At first, I thought it might have gotten boring at one point for Violet and Everettās relationship , but nopeā¦the added storyline twist just keeps the reader on their toes.
I listened to the advanced listener copy narrated in duet by Robert Hatchet and Andi Arndt. They are both so good. Definitely brought the story to life!
Read this if you like:
Dual POV
First person POV
Small town romance
Second chance romance
Childhood sweethearts
Thank you to the author for an ARC/ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is an emotional romance that had my full attention. At first, I thought it might have gotten boring at one point for Violet and Everettās relationship , but nopeā¦the added storyline twist just keeps the reader on their toes.
I listened to the advanced listener copy narrated in duet by Robert Hatchet and Andi Arndt. They are both so good. Definitely brought the story to life!
Read this if you like:
Dual POV
First person POV
Small town romance
Second chance romance
Childhood sweethearts
Thank you to the author for an ARC/ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Against All Odds by Corinne Michaels š
Narrated by Andi Arndt & Robert Hatchet š§
Ember Falls, Book 3
Interconnected Standalone
āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
Adult ā¢ Romance
ALC Review
šļø July 23
šsecond chance
š§childhood sweethearts
āļøsurprise pregnancy (not his)
šneighbors to lovers
š§no strings to more
āļøfound family
šno 3rd act breakup
š§small town
Somehow I was given the best of the best: both the ARC and the ALC. And while I usually dive into the ARC with no hesitations, this time I went with the ALC. AND OH MY GOATS, itās happening. Nobody panics. Itās going to be okay: Iām obsessed with (this) audiobook. Itās the duet, isnāt it?! This was my first duet narration and Arndt and Hatchet grabbed my heart and just ran with it.
Flawless narration. But also flawless storytelling. Corinne Michaels spared no punches with this one. Second chance does things to me but the way this started?! Corinne, that chapter 1 should be arrested for making my heart ache that much. I also want to take this time to nominate Analeigh for president of everything in this great, vast world. šøš»
Everett was all we knew he could be. Just like in the first two books, he showed up for the ones he loved. And that devotion moved mountains. At least it did for me. Now, I wasnāt expecting Violet to become so much to me so fast. But there was just something so genuine about her that had me calling her bestie in my head right from the start.
I kept thinking about the song Timeless by Taylor Swift while listening to this audiobook. Everett and Violet were indeed timeless, bound by a connection that spanned decades. What a marvelous read. One of my favorites this summer.
Narrated by Andi Arndt & Robert Hatchet š§
Ember Falls, Book 3
Interconnected Standalone
āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
Adult ā¢ Romance
ALC Review
šļø July 23
šsecond chance
š§childhood sweethearts
āļøsurprise pregnancy (not his)
šneighbors to lovers
š§no strings to more
āļøfound family
šno 3rd act breakup
š§small town
Somehow I was given the best of the best: both the ARC and the ALC. And while I usually dive into the ARC with no hesitations, this time I went with the ALC. AND OH MY GOATS, itās happening. Nobody panics. Itās going to be okay: Iām obsessed with (this) audiobook. Itās the duet, isnāt it?! This was my first duet narration and Arndt and Hatchet grabbed my heart and just ran with it.
Flawless narration. But also flawless storytelling. Corinne Michaels spared no punches with this one. Second chance does things to me but the way this started?! Corinne, that chapter 1 should be arrested for making my heart ache that much. I also want to take this time to nominate Analeigh for president of everything in this great, vast world. šøš»
Everett was all we knew he could be. Just like in the first two books, he showed up for the ones he loved. And that devotion moved mountains. At least it did for me. Now, I wasnāt expecting Violet to become so much to me so fast. But there was just something so genuine about her that had me calling her bestie in my head right from the start.
I kept thinking about the song Timeless by Taylor Swift while listening to this audiobook. Everett and Violet were indeed timeless, bound by a connection that spanned decades. What a marvelous read. One of my favorites this summer.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rated 4.5 Stars
I loved Against All Odds. It was extremely messy, angsty and packed with drama. It was also super emotional. Emotion seeped from every page. I loved the way emotion was infused throughout the story. I gobbled it up. I loved Everett and Violet's journey. I loved watching them rekindle what they had lost. I adored this story so much it kept me engrossed and my eyes glued to the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and very highly recommend it. It's small town, second chance goodness rolled up in an emotional bundle. I cannot wait to dive headfirst into the next book in the series.
Copy provided by author
I loved Against All Odds. It was extremely messy, angsty and packed with drama. It was also super emotional. Emotion seeped from every page. I loved the way emotion was infused throughout the story. I gobbled it up. I loved Everett and Violet's journey. I loved watching them rekindle what they had lost. I adored this story so much it kept me engrossed and my eyes glued to the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and very highly recommend it. It's small town, second chance goodness rolled up in an emotional bundle. I cannot wait to dive headfirst into the next book in the series.
Copy provided by author
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Story: 9/10
Spice: 3/5
Spicer Hierarchy: Open Door
ARC Review-Releases 7/23
Violet is getting away from her cheating awful husband. She goes back to Ember Falls where she is neighbors with her childhood boyfriend. Everett is absolutely down bad for Violet even if he wants to deny it.
There was something beautiful in this second chance love story. It was like no time had passed for them while they were apart. And while they both had their reasons initially for not wanting to give in, they were soulmates and destined to be together. I loved how Violet leaned to find value in herself again as well as her voice. Everett is an absolute dream. He may be a bit broody, but he shows up and loves Violet.
I am always a sap for accidental pregnancy and this one does not disappoint.
@corinnemichaels you forever have me in a chokehold, and new releases are always one of my most anticipated. Just like always, these two did not disappoint to make it even better. I got to listen to the audio ahead of time not just read, and this duet style narration was so incredible.
Iāve been on a kick lately with reading second chance romance, and it is so refreshing to see adults have the ability to rekindle later on in life at some point. I think because I love this trope so much, it contributes to why I so openly disdain miscommunication in other books. Thank you Corinne for always creating 30 somethingās who can have a conversation!
The MMC in this book was top tier. He set his life on hold to care for his mother when she needed it most. When Vi comes back to town after a public divorce, both of them are clear about the fact that they are not in a position for something serious in typical romance fashion that quickly goes out the door, but when we find out that guy is pregnant with another manās baby, Everett doesnāt hesitate to step in and step up. The man is dedicated to his mom, his animals, was there ever any doubt that he would take on this role as well?
We met him earlier in the series, and I have adored him since book one. It was a pleasure getting to watch his happily ever after. Though I love Corinneās backlist, the series has a special place in my heart, and Iām so glad this is the one that we are blessed to see in the bookstores across the world. If you havenāt picked up the series, now is your opportunity! Against all odds will be releasing this month in digital and audio formats, with the paperback available this fall (all are available for pre-order now).
Iāve been on a kick lately with reading second chance romance, and it is so refreshing to see adults have the ability to rekindle later on in life at some point. I think because I love this trope so much, it contributes to why I so openly disdain miscommunication in other books. Thank you Corinne for always creating 30 somethingās who can have a conversation!
The MMC in this book was top tier. He set his life on hold to care for his mother when she needed it most. When Vi comes back to town after a public divorce, both of them are clear about the fact that they are not in a position for something serious in typical romance fashion that quickly goes out the door, but when we find out that guy is pregnant with another manās baby, Everett doesnāt hesitate to step in and step up. The man is dedicated to his mom, his animals, was there ever any doubt that he would take on this role as well?
We met him earlier in the series, and I have adored him since book one. It was a pleasure getting to watch his happily ever after. Though I love Corinneās backlist, the series has a special place in my heart, and Iām so glad this is the one that we are blessed to see in the bookstores across the world. If you havenāt picked up the series, now is your opportunity! Against all odds will be releasing this month in digital and audio formats, with the paperback available this fall (all are available for pre-order now).
- small town
- second chance
- divorced, teacher FMC
- veterinarian MMC
- pregnant but not his baby
- neighbours to lovers
- no third-act breakup
- š¶ļøš¶ļø.5/5
- dual pov
- duet narration with Robert Hatchet and Andi Arndt
Against All Odds begins with Violet finding out her actor husband is cheating on her... through the news. She wastes no time leaving him behind and returns to her late grandmaās home in Ember Falls, the small town where she spent her childhood summers falling for the boy next door, Everett.
Everett is the heart of this story. He's sarcastic, swoony, and endlessly selfless, juggling his business while caring for his mother. When Violet reappears and soon reveals she is pregnant, he does not hesitate.
Having been adopted himself, he understands what is at stake and commits to being there for both Violet and the baby. He reads mommy blogs, shows up without being asked, and quietly proves he is all in. Violet is more hesitant, especially with her ex stirring up drama, but Everett stands strong for both of them and ensures she never feels alone.
Corinneās supporting characters are always a highlight, and this book continues that trend. The found family vibe is strong. Analeigh steals every scene she is in, and the wider Ember Falls crew brings the perfect mix of heart and humour.
The duet narration is excellent. Andi Arndt brings warmth and nuance to Violetās insecurities, while Robert Hatchet easily captures Everettās golden retriever energy. His voice suits the character so well, making every moment land with either wit or emotional depth.
This is a heartfelt small-town romance about starting over, finding strength in the people around you, and choosing love even when it feels risky.
Thanks to Corinne for the early copies!
- second chance
- divorced, teacher FMC
- veterinarian MMC
- pregnant but not his baby
- neighbours to lovers
- no third-act breakup
- š¶ļøš¶ļø.5/5
- dual pov
- duet narration with Robert Hatchet and Andi Arndt
Against All Odds begins with Violet finding out her actor husband is cheating on her... through the news. She wastes no time leaving him behind and returns to her late grandmaās home in Ember Falls, the small town where she spent her childhood summers falling for the boy next door, Everett.
Everett is the heart of this story. He's sarcastic, swoony, and endlessly selfless, juggling his business while caring for his mother. When Violet reappears and soon reveals she is pregnant, he does not hesitate.
Having been adopted himself, he understands what is at stake and commits to being there for both Violet and the baby. He reads mommy blogs, shows up without being asked, and quietly proves he is all in. Violet is more hesitant, especially with her ex stirring up drama, but Everett stands strong for both of them and ensures she never feels alone.
Corinneās supporting characters are always a highlight, and this book continues that trend. The found family vibe is strong. Analeigh steals every scene she is in, and the wider Ember Falls crew brings the perfect mix of heart and humour.
The duet narration is excellent. Andi Arndt brings warmth and nuance to Violetās insecurities, while Robert Hatchet easily captures Everettās golden retriever energy. His voice suits the character so well, making every moment land with either wit or emotional depth.
This is a heartfelt small-town romance about starting over, finding strength in the people around you, and choosing love even when it feels risky.
Thanks to Corinne for the early copies!