Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and
Fiona Embers for sending me a review copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. At first, I was convinced this was going to be one of those stories where two strangers hook up after a chance encounter, maybe a classic case of mistaken identity thrown in for good measure. I couldn’t tell you exactly why I thought that, but I did. However, the story took a completely unexpected turn, and I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected.

Joe and Liz are incredibly layered, emotionally complex characters who have clearly been shaped by the pain and baggage of their previous relationships. When they meet by chance at a bar, what begins as a casual hookup quickly reveals itself to be something much deeper, I really liked Joe and his character. He did come across quite persistent and didn’t know how to take no for an answer at times. However, I really liked how authentic and grounded both characters were. Their interactions were refreshingly real, full of vulnerability, tension, and moments of genuine connection.

The supporting characters were just as compelling. I was especially drawn to Liz’s older brother, Bobby, and his developing relationship with Trey. Their subplot added another engaging dimension to the story, and I found myself just as invested in their dynamic as I was in the main couple. I’m genuinely curious to see what might unfold between them in the future; whether it’ll be a second chance romance between them or not.

Overall, this story defied my expectations in the best way, and I had a fantastic time reading it.

This book was what I was hoping for when i read the description.

Joe is the typical recently-ish divorced adult male, but is larger than life (literally). And Liz is sick of living in her family’s footsteps and wants to do something for herself, hence the bar, Joe, and the beer.

My favorite part about Joe and Liz is they aren’t the typical body types. Particularly mentioning Joe had a bit “around the middle” and Liz having a big ass and curves Joe loved.

I also enjoy when a story can be read as a standalone.

I’d definitely enjoy seeing more of Trey’s story, and was a little sad by the end, but hoping for more to come!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for access to the ARC in exchange for this honest review!

Soft Rebound is a cute, easy read—perfect as a little palette cleanser between heavier books. I’ll admit, I found Joe a bit pushy at the start. His insistence on pursuing Liz despite her hesitations rubbed me the wrong way, but he gradually won me over as the story progressed. I really appreciated Liz’s character arc and how Joe eventually stepped back to let her grow at her own pace.

Their story felt like a case of right person, wrong time—but with patience and growth, they found their moment.

Also… I’m low-key desperate for Bobby and Trey’s story now! And not going to lie—I was a little devastated by the ending, I'm hoping they can make their way back to each other!

Big thanks to the Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book had me at being set in Wisconsin, I enjoyed it immensely.

Liz has uprooted herself from St. Cloud MN to Madison WI after her fiancee calls it off. A chance encounter in a bar brings her to Joe, also a Minnesotan in Wisconsin, drinking New Glarus and waiting to catch up with his ex-brother in law. They share an instant connection and a hot night. But, Liz is scared to move on to something right away. After what feels like seven wasted years and not really living for herself, she wants time to just be herself. Joe has his own issues from his ex-wife who after 10 years of marriage said she didn't ever want kids. This left him with some scars. But, what was at first a rebound felt like so much more. Is their rebound really for forever?

I think what I liked most about this book is how real it felt. Neither of them is described as particularly skinny -- in fact, they both have a bit of a belly. But Joe LOVES all of Liz's curves and big ass. And, their separate issues were so relatable. And Joe sees a therapist -- love a mental health rep especially for a MMC.

Seriously, this was just a delight. I'll definitely be going back to read the first one in the series and watching for the books from the other characters. (Hello, Bobby!! (can he and Trey actually make it work please???!))

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for access to the ARC in exchange for this honest review!

Liz and Joe were real, emotionally scarred, and both struggling to deal with the loss of the long term relationships. When they meet, things get hot very, very fast, and that makes them put a break on their relationship. Sorting through their feelings to build something stronger and lasting was a nice take in this book.

Overall, a solid B.

I love that while this is Book 2 in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I was hooked from the first few chapters and appreciated the way the plot developed. Embers crafted likable characters, and the spice factor was high, and I enjoyed how it was written authentically. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

New to me author came up on NetGalley and the cover intrigued me. It says it’s book 2 in a series but that it’s more of a prequel than a continuation and so it feels like it’s appropriate to read it first ( can’t wait to pick up the story of Roxie next).
4.5stars
This is a portrayal of two very “real” people experiencing heartbreak after they both have had relationships end. They have meet-cute that leads to an amazing night of intimacy. The book describes these two as having “normal” body types with a little around the middle and not perfect looking. I love that aspect as we are also able to feel their connections. We also see them while they sort through the emotions of their previous breakups. Great therapy representation that I applaud. There are some other family drama moments to work through and each main character has some emotional growth that we get to witness. It feels like how a real relationship evolves. All the warts and bumps in the road.
There’s some spectacular spicy moments that feel so raw and real as each character explores the other and stretches their boundaries. Loved it. I highly recommend!

This steamy and heartfelt romance explores what happens when two emotionally bruised people take a chance on love—whether they’re ready or not. Joe Larson and Liz Jensen’s chemistry is electric, but what starts as a rebound soon reveals deeper feelings neither expected.

Despite being book 2 in a series, it stands strong on its own, with witty dialogue, emotional depth, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for readers who enjoy second-chance love stories with flawed, relatable characters.