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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Frankly, I always love an unexpected pregnancy trope where the MMC is stoked about being the father when it's not his baby.
medium-paced
I'm a huge fan of second-chance romances, and Corinne Michaels truly delivers the best! Violet's world shatters when she discovers her actor husband's infidelity via leaked photos. Resolved, she retreats to her grandmother's inherited home in Ember Falls, a place of cherished childhood summers. It's there she unexpectedly reunites with Everett, her first love—the one she left so he could pursue his baseball career, and the one she never quite forgot. Their quick reconnection leads to a no-strings-attached arrangement. Soon after, Violet discovers she's pregnant, not by Everett, but by her soon-to-be ex-husband, who promptly washes his hands of them, deeming a baby detrimental to his career. This is where Everett truly shines. He steps up, committing to Violet and embracing the idea of raising the baby with her. His love language is undoubtedly acts of service; he's the epitome of a man who takes care of those he loves – quite literally, the perfect man (even if he plays disc golf!). I adored the dynamic between Violet and Everett. Witnessing Violet rediscover herself and find her voice was incredibly satisfying. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series; I just can't get enough of this charming fictional town!
Thanks @corinnemichaels for an eARC copy of this book!
Thanks @corinnemichaels for an eARC copy of this book!
emotional
medium-paced
Against All Odds by Corinne Michaels was a heartstring-pulling second-chance romance that reignites a love that never truly burned out. When Everett, the devoted small-town veterinarian, comes face-to-face with his first love, Violet, years of buried passion and unresolved emotions explode between them. Their chemistry was positively combustible, a magnetic pull that refused to be ignored, no matter the complications that stood in their way.
Michaels took me along on Everett and Violet’s emotional journey as they navigated the scars of their past, the weight of regret, and the undeniable fire still burning between them. Their quaint home-town backdrop added warmth and depth to their backstory, while the simmering tension and raw vulnerability between them made this an utterly consuming and absolutely unforgettable love story. Through a poignant blend of angsty emotion, heart-racing heat and addictive storytelling, Michaels’ delivered a romance that was a testament to the power of love’s resilience. Five smooches from me for Against All Odds by Corinne Michaels!
Tropes:
Small Town
Neighbors to Lovers
Second Chance
Not His Baby
Right Person/Wrong Time
Found Family
Small Town
Neighbors to Lovers
Second Chance
Not His Baby
Right Person/Wrong Time
Found Family
Violet returns home to Ember falls after he ex-husband leaves her for a co-star. She is trying to find herself again. Pretty much right away she runs into her love from Highschool, Everett Finnegan. He as her first love she never got over and girl, I don't blame you!!!! He is swoony, steady and exactly what every book boyfriend is made of and more.
They start of friendly/flirty but it's like they pick up where they left off. However, there is a twist, she is pregnant and it's not his baby. What makes this man even better? Not hesitating to step up and show up for both her and the baby.
This story is beautiful. The pull and chemistry that Violet and Everett is all over the pages. This is an amazing story of right person/wrong time!!! The heartbreak, the hope and the hard choices they faced kept me turning the page.
If you love a romance that deals with complicated pasts, emotional healing and a hero who is down bad and shows up... I highly recommend this!
5⭐️
If you like:
Second Chance
Small Town Romance
Right Person/Wrong Time
Accidental Pregnancy but not His
Friends to Lovers
They start of friendly/flirty but it's like they pick up where they left off. However, there is a twist, she is pregnant and it's not his baby. What makes this man even better? Not hesitating to step up and show up for both her and the baby.
This story is beautiful. The pull and chemistry that Violet and Everett is all over the pages. This is an amazing story of right person/wrong time!!! The heartbreak, the hope and the hard choices they faced kept me turning the page.
If you love a romance that deals with complicated pasts, emotional healing and a hero who is down bad and shows up... I highly recommend this!
5⭐️
If you like:
Second Chance
Small Town Romance
Right Person/Wrong Time
Accidental Pregnancy but not His
Friends to Lovers
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
FMC: Violet Stewart
MMC: Everett Finnegan
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 341
Tropes: Second Chance, Not His Baby, Small Town Romance, Right Person Wrong Time, Neighbors to Lovers, Childhood Sweethearts
Setting: Ember Falls, VA
Thoughts: I have loved every book in this series. I love the friend group, the small town, and every couple has been fantastic. I did miss the Ultimate Frisbee shenanigans in this book, they were kind of an afterthought or an offhanded mention. Violet and Everett’s second chance romance was sweet, spicy, and emotional. They had both been through a lot in their 15 years apart. Violet ended up in the exact kind of relationship she wanted to avoid, and Everett’s entire life changed 6 years ago when he became the primary care giver for his mother. Despite the changes in their lives, when Violet returns to Ember Falls, it doesn’t take long for them to find their way back together. I enjoyed the ease of their relationship, even in the face of all the turmoil in Violet’s life and the responsibility that rested on Everett’s shoulders they found a way to conquer every hurdle.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Against All Odds was a 4.5 star read for me. I have read a few accidental pregnancies, not his baby tropes recently and this one was done so well. I loved that it was also second chance. The connection and emotion second chance bring to a book gets me every time.
I loved Everett and Violet both. Even though Everett felt the need to guard his heart, I felt like we all knew he was in it for the long haul. He had so many reasons to angry at the world, but he kept moving forward, while putting others first. Violet also had so many things going against her but despite everything she also kept moving forward. Violet's character felt relatable; I believe we have all felt like we were not good enough at one point or another.
This was a happily ever after I could not wait to happen because these characters deserved it.
I loved Everett and Violet both. Even though Everett felt the need to guard his heart, I felt like we all knew he was in it for the long haul. He had so many reasons to angry at the world, but he kept moving forward, while putting others first. Violet also had so many things going against her but despite everything she also kept moving forward. Violet's character felt relatable; I believe we have all felt like we were not good enough at one point or another.
This was a happily ever after I could not wait to happen because these characters deserved it.