A review by justmevictoria
Because of Her by Devon May

4.0

A second chance at love and the chance for a family… 

 

With his divorced finalised, it's time for Callum to finally take the step of moving out of the family home, even though it will be hard living apart from his daughter Maisie. An unexpected bright spot on his current situation is a blast from the past in the form of his new neighbour - Cassidy, the girl he used to crush on while they were working together but who he let slip through his fingers for fear of ruining their friendship. For Cassidy, she always thought her and Callum were endgame, and after a recent heart-shattering breakup, his presence is a nice surprise, making her feel like a teenager again. In each other's company, it's a reminder of more carefree times, with no worries about businesses and families. As much as Callum wants to step back into his old life, Maisie is his priority, and Cassidy knows that she was always been Callum's first priority, no matter how much they love each other. Having struggled with infertility, Cassidy has had a rough time with relationships and the prospect of not being able to have a family. But with Callum fighting for both of his relationships, Cassidy is forced to finally face the true depths of her heartbreak and trauma if she wants the second chance she's been dreaming of. 

 

Single dad romances clearly have me in a chokehold this year! And Devon delivered one that I absolutely adored and couldn't get enough of! Oh, and a moment to appreciate that this is Devon's debut - what a flipping fabulous way to kick-off your writing career! 

 

Callum and Cassidy's relationship was so sweet, especially as they reconnected with their former selves and their current selves. They had such a great chemistry throughout their slow burn and forced proximity romance. Throw Maisie into the mix, and this second-chance romance will filled with so many feet-kicking, swoony, sweet, and heartfelt moments. There was definitely a bit too much miscommunication between these two, but in the end it brought out a strength to their relationship, and for Cassidy in particular the miscommunication was the cause for some view-changing realisiations. 

 

A trigger warning for discussions of infertility, which includes mentions of previous failed IVF and miscarriages. Cassidy's fertility struggles is something that she works to come to terms with throughout the whole book, as well as her approach to how she sees family. Her relationship with Callum and his daughter comes with highs and lows in terms of her views of being a mother and having children in her life. Also a trigger warning for anxiety and panic attacks, which affects both Cassidy and Callum. Devon handled both topics really well, filling these moments with lots of heart and emotion as well as the tenderness and delicacy that they deserve. 

 

I could not get enough of the story Devon crafted as she delved into the complexity of finding love when life is already full, or you believed you've come to terms with the fact that it won't be as full as other's. Her writing style sucked me right into the story and I did not want to put the book down for anything. Add in the fact that Devon's Australian and the book was set in Melbourne, it was like the cherry on top (seriously, I need more Aussie romances that just ooze Australian charm, banter, and character). 

 

For all my single dad romance girlies, this is a book you definitely need to have at the top of your TBR! And Devon is definitely an author you need to keep on your radar is this debut is anything to go by!