3.5 stars.

I got smart and actually read the first book instead of accidentally starting with the second book in a series. This seems to happen a lot when I get an ARC - it often turns out it’s not the first book in a series.

Anyway, this book used the same narrator from the first book, and it still had the same issue of the voice actor not doing a very good job of differentiating between the male characters because their voices sound extremely similar. Otherwise, I don’t have any other complaints in regards to the narration.

I found this book to be MUCH more exciting than the first book. This helped move the story along, and I wasn’t stuck hearing about the characters’ mundane lives.

I do wish there had been more focus on bringing Josh and Gemma closer. I felt the methods used to help them fall in love again were on the weak side. There simply wasn’t enough content there to make it seem realistic. I found there to be too much other “stuff” that didn’t make me believe that Gemma had really gained her feelings back for Josh in such a short time.

Besides that, I enjoyed this book and would certainly read another in the series.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“Don't think that just because one thing is the truth that something else can't be as well “

The story opens with Josh and Gemma's wedding that didn't quite go plan... You watch the couple deal with the aftermath and how to come back together. I was invested in the story from the end of the prologue!

I really loved both Gemma and Josh. Super lovable and easy for us to empathise with their situation and really root for them. Baby Hope is the cutest to gonna lie!
There were also some spicy moments which were fun!
I do not vibe with Ian – he’s a jerk.
Erin Mallon was a fantastic narrator!

“…. Sometimes things have to get really, really bad before they get better.”

What to expect in Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around
- Real-life problems
- Lovable characters
- Cute moments and sad moments
- well-placed humour
- Satisfying emotional arc
- Happily ever after
- Great audio narration

I’m going to be totally honest; I did not realise this was a sequel until I was about halfway through, but no joke, it didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment of the book. I do think I’ll go back a read book one though as I’ve heard its even better than this one.
I do recommend this book even if you haven’t read book one. Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around is a great romance book with hard hitting subjects and a love that defies it all.

Trigger Warning:
Traumatic Brain Injury, Premature birth, Miscarriage, infertility

Thank you NetGalley for this #gifted copy!

Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around is a wonderful sequel. It was great to get introduced to the characters again.
This author never fails. I love love it. You all should read this. Gives you feels.

I loved the first book in this series. I was pregnant and I found it while I browsed on the internet and had to read it immediatly. I was expecting something completely different, but I really liked that IVF was presented in books. Therefore, when I was browsing NetGalley and realized that there was a new book of the series, I automatically requested it. Then I thought that maybe I shouldn't have, because I have good memories about Gemma and Josh, and maybe this story will ruin it. And unfortunately I have to say that it would have been better to leave it as it was.
That's why I started reading the book with mixed feelings. About 10%, I thought that it was unnecessary to be afraid and that I would like it. I admit, after reading the synopsys, I thought that it would be about the difficulties of becoming a parent. This is a difficult stage, and as a new mom, I would have preferred to read about it. But no... Instead, the issue in their relationship is kind of funny. IT wasn't realistic at all, the whole reason is almost stupid. And from there the book went downhill for me. Even with the first book, the story wasn't completely realistic, but it was fun, and I never expect books to be realistic, just fun... But here I just asked myself that "What the hell?", I wasn't having fun at all. The writer didn't deal with the baby at all, sometimes she appeared as a bio decoration, but Ready didn't know what to do with her at all. Many characters disappeared from the book, like her friends. They were an integral part of the first book and I really loved them, and they appeared maybe once in this one. Instead, she brought two old characters to the fore, Ian and his mother. I liked her relationship with her mother. Although, I have to say that she was just a typical mother character. But what I didn't like was the whole Ian thread. It was almost a bad joke. Even if the writer had only made him more human, it would be okay, but his story with Josh has become too much. Also, being reintroduced as a third person in their relationship was annoying. The first book wasn't about reality either, but it was fun, here I just rolled my eyes. Unfortunately, this book also spoiled the experience of the first book.

Josh and Gemma are finally engaged while pregnant with their first baby. Well, after a whole lot of drama and banter (read prequel). But on their wedding day, things take an unexpected turn, neither of them realizing that their lives will never be the same again.

I didn't realize how much I was missing the prequel to this book until I grabbed this one. Listening to Erin Mallon breathing life into Josh and Gemma once more, was such a beautiful experience.

I was really not expecting a sequel to Josh and Gemma Make a Baby. Honestly this book was very much different from the previous one. While the prequel feel is more of a breezy novel with banter and fun this has a serious twist here it is wonderful to reunite with our favourite characters.

Saying anything at all about this book is a potential spoiler, so all I'll say is go get yourself a copy of this book and the prequel, if you haven't read it yet.

Thank you so much Sarah Ready and NetGalley for letting me listen to an ALC in exchange of my honest review.

Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around is a wild sequel (I didn't read part 1 but didn't feel like I was missing out on too much) that will have you riding a rollercoaster with both Josh and Gemma as they end up not getting married, end up with a medical emergency, the birth of their baby and a whole slew of craziness. But you will probably fall in love with Narrator Erin as well as author Sarah Ready.

The writing style is different than I am used to but while listening it was fantastic. It was great to listen to while road tripping.

I listened to the book, but gave review on the ebook as I sometimes read along.
https://www.netgalley.com/book/276075/review/297974

Note on the audiobook:
Good pacing, easy to follow, kind of okay.
But I hated the girl who read aloud, I just didn't liked the voice of her. Couldn't match the sound with the image I had of Gemma.

TRIGGER WARNING:

Traumatic Brain Injury, Premature birth

Josh and Gemma The Second Time Around follows them after marriage and the end of Gemma’s pregnancy.

The prologue had me hooked. This propelled me to immerse myself in their story and wow, was it an action-packed and emotional rollercoaster!

I listened to the audiobook. It was a quick listen, and the narrator was perfect for Gemma’s voice and also Josh.

Baby Hope was just the cutest. Her name choice was soo apt given how she came into the world and I was happy Gemma had support from her mmum, but I did NOT like Ian, or his attitude and views towards his work at the rehab facility Gemma was in. I’m a person with multiple, severe and complex disabilities myself (although I don’t have TBI) and found this shocking. I’m glad Gemma did not want much to do with him. Because I didn’t either.

I was rooting for Gemma and Josh through the ups and downs of their marriage and life. I felt so many emotions: sadness, happiness, anger and hope.

Thanks to Sarah Ready for raising awareness of Traumatic Brain Injury and premature birth. May this awareness go a long way to help those with TBI and those Thanks to Sarah Ready for raising awareness of Traumatic Brain Injury and premature birth. May this awareness go a long way to help those with TBI and those who were born prematurely. I was born prematurely and Hope’s story made me emotional as did Gemma’s.

I would have liked to experience more of Gemma’s experience in therapy, as I felt that was skimmed over.

This audiobook is beautiful. Thanks to Sarah Ready and Swift and Lewis Publishing for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Is love better the second time around? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but in books it usually does so I was ready for a sweet story with the inevitable happily ever after. I love the concept and was excited as to what was next for them as in the first book it took me a good part of it to even like Gemma. I thought this would be a nice continuation of their love story. That did not happen. My first thoughts were that this was mostly the movie “The Vow”. The names and places were different, but otherwise, it was the same. Been there, read and seen it. I slugged though this, but with the exception of Josh, I didn’t find anyone terribly likable. Gemma, experiencing terrible trauma reverted back to her immature childish, selfish ways, her mother was wonderful with the baby, but stop already with the matchmaking and inappropriate meddling and inviting the enemy into the house, her brother, well just no and Ian. I was bummed that Josh didn’t actually punch him out. I love almost every happily ever after I have ever read, but this was the first one I wanted there to not be one. Josh deserved better. Lots of emotions were evoked when listening to this book, but mostly they were negative. The saving grace was the narrator. It kept me listening.

Thank you to NetGallery, the author and the publisher for giving me this ARC for exchange to my honest opinion. This one was fun and fast read even if you haven’t read the first one. I loved Josh and Gemma so much and the side characters as well !

I've no idea of why I requested this book when I didn't really enjoy the first one.

Erin Mallon as the narrator though was top notch. Such an easy voice to listen to and I had no problem in knowing which character was speaking.

I was so excited to read the sequel to Josh and Gemma Make a Baby, and really enjoyed this second book,
JOSH AND GEMMA THE SECOND TIME AROUND.

While I didn't quite enjoy the sequel as much as the first book, I appreciated being reunited with these beloved characters, and thought the audiobook was great!

Pregnant and so in love, Josh and Gemma are preparing for their upcoming wedding until things don't go as planned.

*many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy for review

"The best gift that someone can give is love"
Josh and Gemma’s love story continues in The Second Time around. Not wanting to give away too much of book 1 or 2, I’ll just say that Josh and Gemma's story is a reminder that love is not linear. It’s common for traumatic events to test loving relationships and this love story was not immune. This story follows healing, self-discovery and the road to Josh and Gemma 2.0.

The author lightened the heavy topics with well-placed humor. Much like with the first book, I found myself laughing out loud - I mean, the Jell-O mold scene! The levity didn’t erase the challenges woven throughout the book. It was an emotional read but didn't leave me out of commission for days.

“Don't think that just because one thing is the truth that something else can't be as well “
After the first of this series, I didn't think I could toleratate Ian again but, surprisingly, the author had me sympathizing with him!
At the conclusion of this novel, I am left wondering we will hear more about the other characters in this story Gemma's friends and siblines? Ian's love story perhaps?

Erin Mallon's narration was another winner! Her tone enjoyable and brought the characters to life in all the humorous, serious and sentimental scenes.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series to anyone who enjoys rom-coms with a some emotional waves throughout the storyline.

I haven’t listened to this book as I didn’t realise it was the 2nd in a series I need to listen/read the first book first

"Josh and Gemma the Second TIme Around" a sequel to "Josh and Gemma Make a Baby" is a story that focuses on second chances in life and love.

In this sequel, the readers are treated to 2 and a half chapters of bliss between Josh and Gemma before their world is turned on its head. It’s important to note that one of the main characters undergoes many physically perilous trials, so readers please beware of potentially triggering material. Overall the characters are shells of the ones we met in book one, and the miscommunication issues between Gemma and Josh throughout are almost indigestible. Really, the main star in this story is Ian Fortune, who makes a wholly unnecessary return. There are also six chapters in this book that contain ONE word a piece. It's perplexing and unnecessary.

The narrator for this audiobook Erin Mallon was a bright spot, just animated enough, making it an easy listen!

While the content of "Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around" wasn't my favorite, I do enjoy Sarah Ready's writing style, and tidbits of humor. I look forward to reading some of her other titles.

Thank you to Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC and Netgalley for an early audiobook review of "Josh and Gemma the Second TIme Around".

**Posted to Goodreads on 2/12/2023

4.5 Stars!

I jumped into this audiobook after hearing a few wonderful reviews without knowing it was book two, but it really didn’t matter much, except I missed out on the building of their relationship. This is my first book by author Sarah Ready. I am ready to sing her phrases for this deeply emotional journey she took me on.

The book quickly opens with preparations for a wedding ceremony between the very pregnant Gemma and her fiancé, Josh. Surrounded by a chaotic supporting cast of characters, you can’t help but laugh as they get ready. In a stunning turn of events, Gemma does not make it to the alter; instead, she wakes up hospitalized, no longer pregnant, and unable to feel emotions.

If you are looking for a warm feel-good book that is nothing but the happy path of a relationship, this book is not for you. This book is an emotional rollercoaster for both Josh and Gemma while she tries to navigate her new way of life and get the pieces of her old one from slipping through her fingers. Dozens of laugh-out-loud moments help ease some of the emotional heaviness of the book. The chemistry between Josh and Gemma makes you long for it in your own life. His complete dedication to Gemma and their new daughter makes the struggle they go through that much more emotional.

While I enjoyed the narration in the end, it took me a while to get a feel for Erin’s pace. I adjusted the speed a couple of times but could never really find a sweet spot; instead, I just got accustomed her style. Erin also did a great job of giving life to many different characters in the book.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, and Sarah Ready for a digital audiobook copy of Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

✨✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨✨
Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around
By Sarah Ready
Release Date: January 26th, 2023
Page 338
Second in the series

I did not realize this was the second in the series (yes I have said that a lot, I read the synopsis and if it sounds good I request it lol). But I read/listened it anyways and I have to say I think it can be a stand alone book as well. There was a bit where I had to put the pieces together but just for a chapter or two. However after talking to friends who read both books, it is recommended to read “Josh and Gemma Make a Baby” before you read this book.

I really liked this book. I will be reading the first so I can fully understand their story but I feel like I understood this book just fine without it. I also really liked the narrator they picked for the audiobook.

Tropes:
Rom Com
Second Chance
Spicy

This was the second part of Josh and Gemma’s story that I didn’t know I needed.

In this second book, Josh and Gemma live through an unexpected change of circumstances that test them individually and as a duo. This is a journey where they learnt about themselves and their communication, still showing their strong connection and intimacy.

I will admit the beginning took me by surprise (also the reappearance of certain characters), but once the story move forward, I was more and more convinced this was a perfect wrap up for Josh and Gemma’s journey together.

Just like the first book, the audiobook was also performed by Erin Mallon, who effortlessly made me dive into the narration and enjoy all the scenes and dialogues.

Overall book: 5/5 stars
Audiobook: 4/5 stars

I’m not sure how I managed to miss that this book was a sequel however here we are! For those who also don’t know this is the sequel to Josh and Gemma Make a baby.

It’s sort of like that film The Vow except Gemma remembers her life, she just doesn’t remember that she loved the people in it. Gemma comes round from a coma she’s been in since her wedding day, with no emotions. Josh and Gemma are now facing a future they haven’t planned for and this story broaches that subject of changed plans in a touching way.

I was confused about Ian Fortune, until I realised I’d missed that there was a Book 1! He comes back into Gemma’s life in an unexpected way (especially, it would seem, for his character) and starts to provoke feelings out of Gemma. She grasps onto that and tries to find a way back to Josh.

I listened to the audiobook of this title narrated by one of my favourite narrators Erin Mallon. Erin’s narrated on other titles by authors like Lauren Blakely and Whitney G so if you enjoy the narration of this be sure to check them out too.

Really great audio for such an emotional book! - Am I ovulating, or is this book a tear-jerker? *Dabs tears daintily as I finish folding laundry.*😭😭😭

Let me be clear... I’m not the type to cry normally. Small humans and dogs are usually the only things that get me? I definitely prefer to cry on the inside.. like Cameron Diaz...

But some books – like this one? You just have to have a good cry as you fold your husband's 56,712 pairs of gym socks and be ok with it. (A note for the trolls – my husband works harder than any man I’ve ever met and is a damn good man on top of it -- so yes, I’m happy to lovingly fold his socks and put away his laundry if he’s just too tired to do it. 🥰)

THOUGHTS:
- Absolutely loved exploring what happens to a person’s psyche when they experience parental abandonment. Society treated mental health as a frivolous afterthought for much too long and this book highlights that we’re JUST now beginning to understand how traumas will affect people.
- Discussions around fertility IVF, miscarriages, difficult pregnancies etc can be very sensitive, but it’s awesome to see a happy romance structured around these struggles! All relationships take work – but especially those plagued by issues that others without experience cannot possibly understand. If you loved Colleen Hoover’s ‘All Your Perfects’ – you’ll absolutely love ‘Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around’!!
- Real couples and real relationships are always so great to read. SO much of the smutty romance world is designed to give us brain candy to shamelessly listen to while we go about mundane tasks, but as I was saying about the sock folding above, it’s the little things and the real things that really make relationships happy and whole. 🖤🖤🖤

FAVORITE QUOTE:
“…. Sometimes things have to get really, really bad before they get better.” – Sometimes they just really do.

NOTES:
- Second in the series
- A reallll tear-jerker
- CWs: Miscarriage, infertility, parental abandonment

**I received this book for free as an advanced reader copy, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤