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A review by kfriend
Against All Odds by Corinne Michaels
4.75
Oh my heart. Against All Odds is just so endlessly charming! This is second chance romance done right. Effortlessly romantic, infinitely swoony, and addictively page turning, this sweet and tender Ember Falls love story captured my whole heart. One of my favorite from Corrinne- and my favorite in the series so far. I completely melted for these two. And the audio?! Duet performance magic. Ember Falls is the book equivalent of a warm hug.
I love a good second chance romance, and this one with childhood sweethearts hit all of my favorite beats. Violet returns to Ember Falls after the heartbreak of the very public dissolution of her slowly deteriorating toxic marriage, seeking stability and a fresh start in the place she once called home. But that also means reconnected with Everett- her high school sweetheart that still harbors unconfronted feelings for her. Back in each other’s orbit, they can finally confront the heartbreak of not working out between them years ago, what was UNsaid between them, and rediscover each other as adults. It’s sweet, it’s smooth, it’s low angst…until suddenly they get an unexpected surprise. VIolet is pregnant…with her EX’s baby.
I loved watching sweet and gentle Violet find her peace and happiness. Finding the love that she deserves and the man who loves her unconditionally. Watching her find her footing again—setting boundaries, rediscovering her independence, and slowly opening up to love after such a traumatic break-up—feels both authentic and is hella satisfying. Her empowerment and healing is so rewarding.
And Everett is legit boyfriend goals. He’s a steady, supportive presence who gives her the emotional safety and adoration she needs. His unwavering care and patience in the way he supports Violet and the tenderness he shows his her (as well as his ailing mother) makes him so darn dreamy. He’s just SUCH a good man. And he’s unflappable with the curve ball life throws them. Not his baby? Not a problem for him- he loves her and is devoted no matter what. JUST A DREAMBOAT,!
Their chemistry is undeniable. This is what I love about second chance romances- the way history and the unspoken truths and maturity and growth all weave together to create such interesting emotional layers to the connection. The transition from the one that got away to something more again is filled with just the right dash of angst, adorable banter, and a delicious slow-burning tension that explodes into the sweetest most fulfilling relationship. Plus I loved their emotional intimacy- there is so much emotional honesty, which made their dynamic even more compelling.
The found family dynamic and tight-knit friendships are also what I love so much about this series. It adds humor, more heart, and also some great foils to push these two together. And the idyllic small-town atmosphere makes it all the more cozy and warm of a read.
The duet audio performance Robert Hatchet and Andi Arndt is FANTASTIC, both really bring the characters to life vividly and with a ton of emotional range. They also both perfectly fit how I imagined these characters- especially Robert. His voice always has an inviting affability that feels really welcoming- I loved his energy as Everett. And Andi always delivers such intense emotions. Truly an epic listen.
So far my favorite in the series- it’s a deeply emotional, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting story of healing and reconnecting. With unforgettable characters, a setting that feels like home, and a love that sweeps you away.
What to expect:
-Small Town
-Second Chance/Former Childhood Sweethearts
-Toxic Ex who causes drama
-Neighbors to Lovers
-Finally the right timing
-Surprise Pregnancy (not his)
-Vet x Teacher
-Found Family
I love a good second chance romance, and this one with childhood sweethearts hit all of my favorite beats. Violet returns to Ember Falls after the heartbreak of the very public dissolution of her slowly deteriorating toxic marriage, seeking stability and a fresh start in the place she once called home. But that also means reconnected with Everett- her high school sweetheart that still harbors unconfronted feelings for her. Back in each other’s orbit, they can finally confront the heartbreak of not working out between them years ago, what was UNsaid between them, and rediscover each other as adults. It’s sweet, it’s smooth, it’s low angst…until suddenly they get an unexpected surprise. VIolet is pregnant…with her EX’s baby.
I loved watching sweet and gentle Violet find her peace and happiness. Finding the love that she deserves and the man who loves her unconditionally. Watching her find her footing again—setting boundaries, rediscovering her independence, and slowly opening up to love after such a traumatic break-up—feels both authentic and is hella satisfying. Her empowerment and healing is so rewarding.
And Everett is legit boyfriend goals. He’s a steady, supportive presence who gives her the emotional safety and adoration she needs. His unwavering care and patience in the way he supports Violet and the tenderness he shows his her (as well as his ailing mother) makes him so darn dreamy. He’s just SUCH a good man. And he’s unflappable with the curve ball life throws them. Not his baby? Not a problem for him- he loves her and is devoted no matter what. JUST A DREAMBOAT,!
Their chemistry is undeniable. This is what I love about second chance romances- the way history and the unspoken truths and maturity and growth all weave together to create such interesting emotional layers to the connection. The transition from the one that got away to something more again is filled with just the right dash of angst, adorable banter, and a delicious slow-burning tension that explodes into the sweetest most fulfilling relationship. Plus I loved their emotional intimacy- there is so much emotional honesty, which made their dynamic even more compelling.
The found family dynamic and tight-knit friendships are also what I love so much about this series. It adds humor, more heart, and also some great foils to push these two together. And the idyllic small-town atmosphere makes it all the more cozy and warm of a read.
The duet audio performance Robert Hatchet and Andi Arndt is FANTASTIC, both really bring the characters to life vividly and with a ton of emotional range. They also both perfectly fit how I imagined these characters- especially Robert. His voice always has an inviting affability that feels really welcoming- I loved his energy as Everett. And Andi always delivers such intense emotions. Truly an epic listen.
So far my favorite in the series- it’s a deeply emotional, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting story of healing and reconnecting. With unforgettable characters, a setting that feels like home, and a love that sweeps you away.
What to expect:
-Small Town
-Second Chance/Former Childhood Sweethearts
-Toxic Ex who causes drama
-Neighbors to Lovers
-Finally the right timing
-Surprise Pregnancy (not his)
-Vet x Teacher
-Found Family