Reviews with content warning for Physical abuse - Meet Me Halfway

This was so good! Madison and Garett's build up to the relationship was great. I loved Jamie and Layla so much. She deserves her own book tbh. Madison is such an amazing mother and strong woman, I loved it. I have no complaints. The vibes were absolutely immaculate in this.

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hazelgirl21's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

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kingrosereads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Contemporary romance drama about a single mom and a grumpy neighbor that’s mildly steamy. It’s a mega slow burn. Like they don’t kiss til like 80% kind of slow burn.

Madison had Jamie when she was 17 years old and now at 25 as a single mom working 65 hours a week at three jobs and going to school full time, so she doesn’t have time to date. Madison gets judged for being a young mother on top of the usually crap single moms get. She was married to an abusive man (not Jamie’s dad) but has been divorced for 3 years. They’ve moved into a new apartment next to grumpy 34 year old, Garrett. He’s tall and hot. Her childhood best friend, Layla has moved in to help with Jamie until she’s finished school and can get one full-time job. Layla spends most of her time trying to get Madison laid, particularly with the neighbor Madison can’t help be attracted to.

Okay so it wasn’t my favorite but it had its moments. I loved the representation of a single mom, particularly a young mom. I also have to say this is the best kid I’ve read written in romance books. He doesn’t sound like an adult and he also isn’t babyed down. It had some funny moments and sweet moments. I even got misty eyed at a few scenes. It also addressed things like domestic violence, abuse, sexual harassment, poverty, slut shaming, and anxiety. It does address these themes pretty well.

I have to say I didn’t really like Layla, she’s a bit annoying and really toed the line of respectfully and disrespectfully pushing your friend. She was too into Madison’s business and it just irritated me. I wasn’t a fan of Madison trying to get Jamie to feel grateful for having food because that’s the bare minimum of the bare minimum that you’re supposed to provide for your child. I just think it’s really toxic parenting to guilt your child into needing to be grateful that you provide the basic necessities of life for a child YOU brought into the world.

Garrett also was a difficult love interest to like. He kept doing things that you just shouldn’t do to survivors of domestic violence. And pushing Madison was not okay, constantly reassuring? That’s fine. But the pushing was not okay. He’s also waaaaay too possessive. Madison can’t even talk to men? MAJOR red flag. If I wanted to read a toxic romance or dark romance I would’ve, but this was not advertised as either.

The spice scene (at 90% by the way) was pretty decent. I respect it. Okay, it was hot.

I’m glad there wasn’t a miscommunication or break up part of the book.

I think just on a personal level, it’s not my cup of tea which is why I wouldn’t recommend this unless you for sure love a controlling, jealous ex-Marine type that will parent your kid without a second thought (the only redeeming quality). If you have kids, are a single mom, or someday want kids, then this book will probably be good for you. My feelings aside, I graded it based on how well I think it was written. Honestly if Garrett wasn’t a factor I would’ve liked it as just a drama about single motherhood.

Overall, a decent book.

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