I read the first Josh and Gemma book and fell in love with this story. I thought for sure that any sequel could not hold up to the first, but I was wrong. I love how Josh and Gemma find their way back together and it kept me on my toes waiting to see what had happened. I really like the style it was written in. Great book!

This book was a wild ride. I really liked the first book and I thought the concept for this one. The conflict was original and really made me feel like I was going on a journey with the characters. I thought that their fight back to their relationship before was really sweet and brought back the same feelings I felt for Josh and Gemma when I had read the first book. The only problem was Ian. I felt like he was an unnecessary distraction, and while I liked that he got a redemption arc, his banter with Gemma felt super out of place for a book where he’s not the love interest. I would have loved to see more of Josh and Gemma together, but overall, it was a good addition to their happily ever after.
I also thought the narrator did a wonderful job, especially with the most emotional moments. She handled the raw emotions so well and her reading made it a great experience!

I did not like the start of this book and what was happening. I pressed on and I am glad I did. I had loved the first book so much that the way this one started rubbed me the wrong way. The Josh and Gemma I knew and loved did change but maybe it was for the better.

I really enjoyed this! I really liked the first book so when I saw this one on NetGalley I was excited! This book dealt and focused more on heavier topics than the first book which was more of a rom com. But it felt like realistic problems that a couple might go through when things get tough. While it did have its light-hearted moments, it isn’t a light-hearted book. I still really enjoyed it despite this! I enjoyed Ian’s character arc in this book! Overall, I really liked this and it was a 4.5 for me! The narration was great as well!

Thank you to NetGalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association, and Members Audiobooks in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed listening to this sweet love story about a couple’s relationship before and after a traumatic brain injury. The narrator was very good and easy to listen to. I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis publishing for the ARC of Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around. I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed the two readers who were used. As for the story, I thought it was interesting and I did like that it wasn't happily ever after and that they had to go through a lot of real world issues, though parts were obviously dramatized to make the story more engaging. With that being said, I feel like the sad parts went on for so long that it became a depressing book to read. I enjoyed the first book a lot more but do appreciate that the author tried to wrap up the story and change things up from what is typically anticipated for a happily ever after kind of book.

I've stopped listening to this audiobook, because loads deal of the plot didn't make sense it seemed like I was missing on something turns out it's the second book ....I haven't read the first book yet and it's TOTALLY MY FAULT!
so here's a disclaimer for future listeners : this is the second book in a series ! it would make so much sense if you read the first book :)

When I saw Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around, I knew it was a must read after reading Josh and Gemma Make a Baby which I loved! It picks up right where that book ends and can not be read as a standalone without confusion.

This book was much heavier topic wise than book one and is not a romcom. It deals with real-life problems a couple may go through when things get tough. It did have funny moments but it's not a light-hearted warm fuzzy feeling book. It is a very good book though and I loved seeing Josh and Gemma fight for what they each wanted.

Erin Mallon does an amazing job with the narration.

First off, don't, and I mean DON'T, read this one until you read the first one! Maybe skip this one if you do not have a strong disposition. I was floored, absolutely floored. How could the author do that! At least she redeemed herself and it turned around and came out as a HEA by the end. I'm not giving anything away. I listened to this one. If I was reading it, I probably would not have gone past the first chapter but with listening I had to find out what happened and glad I did.

I love “After the Happily Ever After” books- some people don’t but I do. They are real. They are the books you didn’t know you needed but are so happy you got at the end because they give you more of what you feel in love with the first time. And they tied up a few loose ends you may have overlooked, like Ian’s true backstory revelation that I never imagined. We also get a redemption arc for him which I also loved. But most importantly we get to see Gemma fall in love with Josh again.

So this picks up right where book one left off. It could technically be read as a standalone but I don’t recommend it. First you miss out of a wonderful book in it’s own right but it will be harder to grasp the history and development of all these characters. I won’t go into spoiler details but just like the blurb says, a tragic event separates them in many ways. And they have to fight their way back, not to the place they were before but to a new and even better place. I really enjoyed this story. My only tiny criticism is I would have like to have seen the friend group play a larger part. They made some appearances but were not as prominent in the storyline as they were in the first book and I missed them. But then again they are off with new families of their own so maybe that was the realistic scenario.

Again I highly recommended this one as a wonderful follow up to book 1. Now we just need a spin off for Ian

Thank you to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC to review for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing for both the ARC and ALC of this book!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The first one was great, and while I wasn’t sure of there being a need for a sequel at the beginning, I was more and more convinced and pleased as I read/listened!

Sarah Ready knows how to catch the attention of her readers. What got me to pick up this book was definitely the title, I've heard of fake dating, and dating out of convenience but this was the first time that I came across a book where the main characters were trying to have a baby BEFORE they date.
I really didn't have much expectations for the book, but I was surprised by how well the story flowed. If you are able to pick it up I would recommend also getting the audiobook because it just added a deeper level of involvement with the story.
So where do I start.. the story line seemed a little ridiculous but the more you got to learn about the characters the more it made sense as to why they made the choice that they did.
Gemma is the main character of the book and we are told the story from her view point, she's a likable character even though she goes a bit over the top with her motivational quotes. She's a divorcee with an infertility diagnosis, since she's unable to have a serious relationship she decides to go through IVF. I will say that I was not very familiar with IVF so I'm not sure how realistic it actually was. What I can say though is that those parts in the story might be a little too much for someone who has gone through it themselves since even I found myself getting emotional at times which surprised me. She wasn't a perfect character but she was a very realistic person in my opinion. I don't want to give away too much but her character is able to grow from this experience and she realizes that she has been very wrong about multiple thigs. Some people might not like her character too much but she will grow on you if you give her a chance.
Now lets talk about Josh, he's Gemma's brothers best friend of course. I think we can all agree that this type of trope is a good one. Josh is probably everything that you would want on the male lead, kind, smart, funny but unfortunately he is very misunderstood. So of course when Gemma needs a donor she thinks of him, the uncaring guy that wont want commitment. But that's not the case, we learn that he actually cares more than what he leads Gemma to believe. Even though we don't get to see his point of view we still get to know him pretty well since we learn about his personality at the same time that Gemma does. This might not be too much of a spoiler but just in case (view spoiler)
Both characters are very likable and there are times when they made me laugh and when they made me get a bit teary eyed. The cell phone scene was to die for and also the boy-toy movement.
There was also other set of characters that were part of the story like Gemma's support group, I loved those characters I thought they were extremely funny although I did think that they forgave Gemma a bit too quickly.
Then we have Gemma's family.. I think that as an almost 30 yr old women I can definitely relate to what Gemma was feeling. Getting reminded that we aren't getting any younger and that we need to date quickly to get married quickly. In her case getting married again. Her family felt really close and I think that comes with having close family is that they think they are able to say things to you without it being offensive or them thinking that they are being insensitive. Those moments I definitely did not like too much but I understood why they were added to the story.

The book was such a great pick that I would recommend it to anyone that wants a more realistic type of romance story. thank you Net Galley and Swift & Lewis Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved Josh and Gemma make a baby. The book was witty and fun. I loved the family aspect. I loved her journey trying to get pregnant and how her relationship with Josh evolved throughout the book. She had such a great supportive group of friends, and even her work arrangement, working for a famous motivational speaker/influencer was interesting. At times her character got on my nerves, but she had amazing growth throughout the book and it ended in such a good place. I was so excited for book two.

The second book didn’t quite live up to my expectations. She and Josh do experience a couple of significant hurdles and I’m not sure that people in real life could’ve handled it any better, but it just felt like a lot. I found myself just wanting them to get together and move forward and then we would be hit with another hurdle. It made the second book drag a bit, and although we did get the HEA in the end, it took more work to get there than I anticipated, especially based on the first book. I’m glad I finished it but I just wish it had been a little bit more upbeat.

I thought this book was a good sequel to "Josh and Gemma Make a Baby"; however, it was a bit heavier than I was expecting. I enjoyed the overall plot of this book, but I thought (and was hoping for) a bit more about their life with the baby and how that played into their relationship. I very much enjoyed the side characters in this story and the narrator really brought it to life! A solid 4/5 stars for me!

“Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around” by: Sarah Ready

“Love is definitely better the second time around.” Gemma is 34 weeks pregnant and about to marry the love of her life. The gazebo is built. The jello molds of her and Josh are gently wiggling. Everything is perfect. “And Gemma, have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?” She opens her mouth. Words spiral. Love is there. And then she is gone.

What do you do when love is gone? Do you fight for it? Do you search for it like a lost child? Do you walk away?

When I read the first book, “Josh and Gemma Make a Baby”, I expected it to be a stand-alone romance. It was really good. I highly recommend it. When I saw that there was a second book I knew that I had to read it because of how much I loved the first book. Ready masterfully allows her characters to grow and change the way real people do. You laugh and cry with them. What I also love, is that she also covers deep topics. She gives them the weight they deserve, yet the books are not weighed down. This book contains pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, a coma, and the aftermath of all of the above. Gemma and Josh have to learn who they are after facing trials that most couples could never fathom. And they have to find out if their love is real, or if it is time to let it go.

A complete 5 stars, I highly recommend this book as well (read the first, though!). Can it be a stand-alone? Eh, kind of. The first book is referenced but you can still follow the plot without having read it.

Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around was a great listen! To make it clear - I hadn't read or listened to the first book, and honestly, this is a great stand alone. It's refreshing to start a book where the people are already established and together - I thought it would save some angst. (oh, Debby...) When the catalyst for their turmoil happens, it was heartbreaking and I ignored my family so that I could finish the book in one listening.

Ms. Ready has a way with words so that you can really feel what the characters are feeling and relate to the emotions. When Gemma was frustrated and scared, I could feel the anxiety she felt. When Josh was feeling scared and overwhelmed, it was the same. I was rooting for them to work it out and for a bit, I was worried.

The narrator did a great job of capturing the spirit of the characters and making them come alive.

I would love for their to be a third book to keep us up to date with Josh and Gemma and their families. I'm going back and reading the first book now so that I can see where it all began!

Josh & Gemma The Second Time Around
Sarah Ready

Rating💙💙💙💙💙

Highlights
📌Taunt Josh, he smirks.
Bully Josh, he laughs.
Hurt Josh, he shrugs.
When life kicks Josh in the face, he smiles.
His philosophy? If life gives you lemons, laugh.
But now, he’s not smiling, he’s not laughing, there’s no ironic gleam in his eyes or smirk on his face.
📌“Everyone can say it’s meant to be when things are good. Being in a relationship is easy when there’s plenty of money, or everyone’s healthy, or everybody has a job. But when somebody gets sick, or you go broke, or someone’s in trouble, that’s when you know whether your relationship is built on sand, or something stronger.”
📌“This may not be the life you want, but it’s the one you’ve got. Live it. Ian.”

Review

A wholesome romance where love grows in different ways and sometimes takes a backseat. Gemma has been planning on a backyard wedding, little did she know what it entailed, with stress levels running high that a very pregnant Gemma has a blackout but what happens when blackouts last for three whole months and leaves her a parting gift. What happens when love dies? What happens when there's no sky above will his love still stay strong?

A well written novel of drama, pain, heartache, medical issues, injury, pregnancy, self-doubt and most importantly rekindled romance all wrapped up with a neat bow with a gorgeous cover, the plot ever building up to the grand finale, the character's emotions running rampant and one character who can't feel, the characters are relatable and easy to love. Overall a book that romance lovers would absolutely devour in one sitting!!

OK y'all, I'm obsessed! Give me all the Sarah Ready books to read/review! While this is a sequel to another book, that I haven't read yet, it didn't matter. I was able to read it like it was the first book and it was fantastic! So much unrelenting love, along with wit and banter. All of my favorite things! Ready's comedic timing is excellent!

Gemma experiences a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and I really appreciated the author’s respect for how difficult it is to return to "normal life". Life isn't "normal" for most people after something like that. A new normal has to be learned and this novel really portrayed the process of relearning who you are now, who you will be going forward, what you want, what you need, what you can give to every situation, etc.

Josh and Gemma's relationship is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Everyone deserves to be loved like Josh loves Gemma! With that said...

Not really a spoiler per se but definitely giving part about the storyline away so proceed with caution:

The synopsis doesn't speak much on there being a relationship storyline outside of Gemma and Josh's, but there is one that I was obsessed with! I tend to root for the bad guy or the underdog and her writing style made it really easy to like him even when you should be hating him. Truly, every time he spoke I was laughing at his wit. Probably my favorite character I've ever read in a book so far!

I can't speak highly enough about this book! Anyone who likes romance books should definitely read this!

I enjoyed returning to the world of Josh and Gemma, because we don't often get to follow characters beyond their happily ever afters. But to be honest, my first thought when I finished listening to this, was that it was good but unnecessary.
Although everything fits in neatly by the end the story, I didn't feel the same emotional connection to it as I did to book one.

Sarah Ready is on her way to being an "auto-read" for me. I loved the story of Josh and Gemma make a baby, and the hilarity that was included in the novel. The second time around, I found it had a good deal of "realness" and drama included in it, which did take some time to adjust to after reading the first novel.

But then I realized, that although the story of it seemed "wild", the things they were going through, like the pregnancy complications, ARE for some people things that they will go through - so it is not so much "overdramatic" as it is showing those kind of extreme experiences are real and do happen, and here is how they can potentially turn out.

It always feels good to come back to characters you knew and loved, and to see them grow. I am not 100% sure I would read another Josh and Gemma book, because I wouldn't want to risk falling out of love with them. Although this book had me questioning by love of them at times, in the end, I am still here.