Lonsdale is a new to me author, and after loving this one I need to add her backlist to my TBR!

Meli and Aaron met on a plane and got married for a few days on a dare, and now they are back in each other's lives. When Aaron proposes a marriage of convenience that can help both of their careers, we get a second chance romance for the ages.

Meli's family owns a woodworking shop, such a unique career choice that I really enjoyed reading about. Her family dynamics are shaky at best, with parents who don't treat her the way a daughter should be treated and a trio ready to sell the family business out from under Meli's feet. Aaron's supportive personality and actions become the steady ground where Meli can find her balance and discover what she really needs in life, though his own upbringing was far from easy on its own.

Combining a sweet romance with family dysfunction and childhood trauma gave this story so much emotional depth, and I loved the way Meli stayed hopeful throughout it all. She never stops striving for happiness and connection in her life no matter what is thrown at her, a trait I found admirable. The banter and easy connection between Meli and Aaron made this such an enjoyable read and listen.

Amanda Leigh Cobb narrates the audio, and she is very easy to listen to. Her intonation and pacing are wonderful, and I was able to listen to this one in an evening.

This is a fun and sweet second chance romance that includes complex family dynamics, lovable characters, and an adorable cat named Blueberry.

I really enjoyed the audio and thought the growth process of the MC Meli was done very well. I would’ve loved some pov from Aaron, the love interest, especially in Vegas just to get into his mind right from the start. And while miscommunication drives me crazy theirs was minimal! Phew!

Thanks for the #gifted audiobook! @bookedwiththeemilys @kerrylonsdale @amazonpublishing

I listened to this audiobook pretty much non-stop. It was so well done. The narrator was great. The characters were well created, had wonderful growth, banter, chemistry and personalities. I loved the story and the progression and changes over time. I just thought it was a really well done, emotionally charged book. I laughed, I cried. The descriptions were so well done that I could picture myself in the pages of the book. I thought the chemistry between Meli and Aaron was felt from the early pages of the book - all the way through the end. The book discusses infidelity, family challenges, addiction, gambling and more. I thought that it was done tastefully and although it was woven throughout the pages of the book did not take away from the romance. Meli and Aaron find themselves getting married to save Meli's inheritance and Aaron to prevent his controlling family from arranging a marriage. They live together as friends and nothing more. Can they ensure that their emotions can stay out of the relationship?
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

This is an enjoyable summer read! The second chance romance is one I like as well as fake dating (or a fake marriage) so I liked this one. I also liked how Meli and Aaron's story unfolds with the woodshed and the woodworking aspect! This is an author that I have read before and enjoyed! The audiobook narrator is great too!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the retailing of this story. I felt the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life.

Meli Hynes, works in her Uncle’s wood crafting shop, since graduating from college. She has always believed that one day the company will become hers and dreams of owning it and building it up. All this falls flat, when she inadvertently discovers her Uncle is in the middle of discussions about selling it and her to a rival company.
Meli, who has a difficult relationship with her parents was brought up by her uncle and cannot believe he has betrayed her. He won’t even discuss alternative solutions. So !eli impulsively takes matters into her own hands and seeks the help of a past friend/ ex husband no one knows about.

We discover just how Meli, 1st met Aaron and how they became to be married and divorced in the space of a week. We follow as they 1st plan together to help solve Meli’s problems as well as help solve Aaron’s issues with his family. And then as they realise there may be more between them, but can it work. Can’t they overcome their own problems and move forward together.?


Thank you to Netgalley and the author in particularfor allowing me to listen to this

One of my favorites, Kerry Lonsdale has a new novel coming out in a few days, book friends! I’ve been reading her novels for years now, and I’m always impressed by her storytelling. Her latest, FALLING FOR YOU AGAIN blends romance with family drama beautifully. Take a peek at this quick synopsis:

“𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹-𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘒𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘦.”

The adorable couple, Meli and Aaron truly made this novel for me. I loved them both immediately and it was obvious from the start that they were made for one another. Their chemistry was very strong, obvious, and believable. Their connection stayed steady even with all of the shocking twists, turns, and surprises thrown their way. They’re definitely a couple that you can root for.

I absolutely LOVE reading about family businesses, so having both characters involved in running one—and similar ones at that—was an extra bonus for me. The family drama was plentiful on both sides—just the way I like it! There’s definitely some heaviness and sadness present in this story, yet Lonsdale balances heartache with heartfelt moments expertly.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Second chance romance
- Marriage of convenience trope
- Family drama and secrets
- Family business storyline
- Complex familial relationships
- Likable characters
- Strong female protagonist
- Unique and exciting plot
- Wood-crafting and furniture design

FALLING FOR YOU AGAIN comes out this Tuesday, July 8th! Be sure to grab yourself a copy! 4/5 stars!

What a beautiful reminder this story is of what it means to be family and what it means to love wholeheartedly. Aaron and Meli are so cute together and I love the way they respect and support each other despite their difficult familial backgrounds. There are some heavier topics they need to work through in this book, but they're addressed with sensitivity and care. The audiobook is narrated perfectly by Amanda Leigh Cobb and it was an excellent way to enjoy this well-written novel.

The beginning hooked me immediately! The plot and momentum quickly slowed down and I didn't find myself invested in the story or where it was going with the main characters and their marriage of convenience. It was just fine for me. A quick listen.

I was really hoping I’d love this book but there were too many plot points that I struggled with for it to really be a favorite. I did like the woodworking aspect since it was a unique profession, especially for the FMC. I wish that some of the tropes had been different, but they might be favorites for other readers. The narration was pleasant and enjoyable. Read when you want a second chance romance.

Meli Hynes has long dreamed of taking over her family’s custom furniture building business. After watching her parents fail at both marriage and parenting, she is convinced that the only lasting connection is between and artist and their art. So it’s not a big surprise when Meli pulls a runaway bride move and leaves her fiancé at the altar. She escapes to the airport and books the first flight to anywhere (which happens to be Las Vegas). Clad in her wedding gown, she literally runs into her seat mate while boarding. They strike up a conversation about love and relationships and, the next thing you know, they are agreeing to marry for one day only with no strings attached.

Yeah, that never works out as intended.

Fast forward a few years and Meli is shocked to discover that her family is selling their business to a competitor. That competitor? Her ex-husband’s family’s business. Meli seeks out Aaron for the first time since their Vegas fling and neither is happy about the business arrangement. Together they hatch a plan to get married - AGAIN - to keep the acquisition from happening.

Will the second time be the charm?

This sounds like a lighthearted second chance romance and has all the flirty banter and tension I adore, but it covers some heavy subjects. Lonsdale weaves family drama, addiction, abandonment, and grief into this second chance, marriage of convenience romance.

I switched between the digital and audio versions of this book and binged it in a single day. Amanda Leigh Cobb brought both vulnerability and strength to her narration.

Thank you to NetGalley, Booked With The Emilys , Lake Union Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the advance copies. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys and @kerrylonsdale for the #gifted copies.

5 out of 5 stars

I haven't felt that 5 star feeling so quickly into a book in a long while. I thought this book was so fun! I thought the premise was so interesting and the fact that we get the characters thoughts from both the previous timeline and the current timeline made it all the better because I felt like we were able to see Meli and Aaron fall in love before they even know it themselves. This book sucked me in and didn't let go. I loved the support the MC's gave each other in this book. Both of their parents are on thin ice though. I feel like they should have thought the premise was so fun.

Narration: I thought the narrator, Amanda Leigh Cobb did an excellent job of bringing the story to life and she had me sucked in from the beginning.

TW: Child neglect and abandonment (past, mentioned)

Thank you Kerry Lonsdale, Lake Union, and Brilliance Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.

Amanda Leigh Cobb is a newer to me narrator but I thoroughly enjoyed her portrayal of Meli. I’ve never read a book with a focus on woodworking or furniture as a family business before and enjoyed seeing Meli’s passion for it.

We find Meli as her uncle is selling their family business out from under her. He happens to be selling it to her secret ex-husband’s family business. They reunite and develop a plan to help save her business. I her liked her together with Aaron. I loved their flashbacks to their first marriage and how they met. At first, I thought it was a little bit of a wild storyline but I really liked how it worked for the story. Aaron was obviously so gone for Meli and would’ve done anything to support her. I loved how he showed her that you can have a passion for your work and a committed relationship as well.

Not my typical read, but this was super cute! If you’re looking for a fun, quick romance read, this is for you! I liked both Aaron and Meli’s characters. We see a lot of growth from Meli throughout this book, and Aaron is really thoughtful. I enjoyed the marriage of convenience troupe! I’d read another book by Kerry Lonsdale. Amanda Leigh Cobb did a great job narrating this book. Overall, this is a solid choice in a genre I don’t always gravitate towards. Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing me with this copy in exchange for an honest review!

Big thanks to NetGalley and [author:Kerry Lonsdale|14257762] (who is now on my "authors to keep an eye on" list) for this ARC.

I was in a massive reading slump when I received <i>Falling for You Again</i>, and it turned out to be a great book to get me out of it!

Meli, a furniture artisan, finds herself in trouble when her uncle unexpectedly decides to sell the shop she works in (and was supposed to inherit). Desperate to keep her job, Meli turns to Aaron, the potential acquirer's son and her ex-husband. Facing personal issues as well, Aaron comes up with a solution: getting married (again).

I liked the characters. Aaron is a walking green flag who knows what he wants and Meli evolves a lot through the book. Both went through trauma, and I liked that the story addresses difficult topics without being overly dramatic. Now, to be completely honest, not everything makes total sense. There were probably easier ways for Meli and Aaron to achieve their goals, but where’s the fun in that?

I wouldn’t have minded a few extra chapters and I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for something cute and fast paced.

𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 🫶🏻 @bookedwiththeemilys @kerrylonsdale @amazonpublishing for the free book and Brillance Publishing for the free ALC #partner All opinions are my own.

𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖 💕
“It isn’t every day that a girl has the opportunity to marry a practical stranger, not once in her life, but twice.”

𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪 ✏️
When her uncle decides to sell the wood-crafting shop that is her family’s legacy Meli will do anything to stop the deal, including a marriage of convenience to her ex-husband.

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 💭
This was such a sweet story of second chances! I fell head over heels for both Aaron and Meli and found their love story to be so beautifully written. I especially enjoyed how the author incorporated the flashback scenes to really deepen our understanding of their connection and the family drama storyline is also very well done. I felt my heartbreak for all that Meli had to endure but through it all she drew upon her strength and never compromised her ideals. 

All in all, Kerry’s writing is exemplary and perfectly balances lighthearted moments alongside those that are more poignant. If you are looking for a touching second chance romance then this is one to add to your list.

ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 📖
✩ Second Chance
✩ Family Drama
✩ Fake Dating
✩ Marriage of Convenience
✩ Forced Proximity
✩ Found Family 

𝔸𝕦𝕕𝕚𝕠 ℕ𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤 🎧
The audio version was so beautifully done! Amanda Leigh Cobb, who narrates, does a phenomenal job! I absolutely loved it!

Meli Hynes was told by her uncle that she would receive the family woodcrafting shop that she loves and has worked for her whole life when he decided to retire. So when she is told her uncle is selling the company to their competitor, Meli is furious. She tries everything to change his her uncle’s mind but nothing is working. Her last chance happens to be her ex-husband. The same ex-husband that no one in her life knows about..

Aaron met Meli when he was on a trip for work. She was in a wedding dress running from what was supposed to be the best day of her life. They made a decision that day, and once they got divorced decided they would part ways for good. Now Meli needs his help, but will he be willing to help her save her business?

This was a fun, quick read! Meli was such a fun character who showed a lot of growth throughout the book. I loved how each of them had nicknames for each other and how they made me smile each time they used them. Aaron was so thoughtful towards Meli and you could just tell how much he cared for her when reading their story. This story had a great balance of heavier themes along with humor and butterflies.

The audio made it hard to understand the present and past tense. I was often confused and having to go backwards to understand what was happening.

3.5

Thank you to Bookedwiththeemilies for adding me to their book tour!

4.25 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Kerry Lonsdale delivers a swoony, emotional, and completely addictive romance in Falling For You Again. From the moment runaway bride Meli quite literally crashes into Aaron, sparks fly. Their instant connection is undeniable, and Aaron’s ability to truly listen and see Meli for who she is leads to a bold and unexpected proposal: one perfect day of marriage, no strings attached.

Five years later, they are older, wiser, and still radiating off-the-charts chemistry as they again crash into each other’s orbits. As their family businesses become entangled, Meli and Aaron become entangled in a second fake marriage as they desperately try to stop a business transaction.
Their journey is heartfelt and filled with just the right blend of vulnerability and charm. Lonsdale crafts a love story that’s as much about healing and second chances as it is about passion.

The audiobook narration of Falling For You Again by Amanda Leigh Cobb perfectly captures the heart and heat of Meli and Aaron’s story. Cobb brings Meli’s voice to life with warmth, emotion, and just the right amount of sass, making her journey from runaway bride to resilient woman incredibly compelling. Her performance captures the tension, humor, and deep vulnerability between the characters, enhancing every twist of their second-chance romance. With her engaging delivery and emotional range, Amanda Leigh Cobb makes this audiobook an absolute delight to listen to.

Having already read the print version, I was excited to hear the story and how the narrator interpreted the voices of the characters. This audiobook was perfect! It was just what I thought Meli and Aaron would sound like. The story was fascinating, with the theme of self-discovery and independence as well as family drama. I think I still liked reading the hard copy better,, but the audio book was so good that I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the expressions in the narrator’s voice and the way she paused at the appropriate places. Great book no matter how you “read” it!

When Meli's family decides to sell the family furniture making business without telling her or giving her a chance to take over the business herself, she decides to enlist the help of Aaron, who works at the company set to buy her family's business. Oh and Aaron is her ex-husband, the man she married on a whirlwind trip to Vegas and divorced when they returned home.

Aaron has a proposal that will help Meli stop the sale of her family business, they should get married again, the marriage will be a conflict of interest and could derail the sale.

This was such a fun premise to a second chance love story. I loved Meli's character and really felt for her through most of the book. I loved that her job was to design and build furniture, and that she was so passionate about it. She was strong, and new what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. Aaron was so kind and sweet, he was the calm to Meli's slight chaos. He was understanding and patient with her, I only wish we had some chapters from his POV.

I loved the relationship between Meli and Aaron, they had such great chemistry together and their playful, flirty banter was so fun. I liked how they supported each other and their dreams. I loved how we also got some flashback to their first whirlwind marriage.

This book does deal with several serious topics for both Meli and Aaron, but Kerry handled all of those with great care. Both characters had traumatic experiences in their childhoods and parents that were less than helpful as adults. Meli's family in particular had huge difficulty with communication and I felt Meli's frustration with them through the whole book.

The audiobook was narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb and she brought Meli to life brilliantly. She was able to bring both warmth and emotion to Meli and I found myself unable to stop listening to the story.

This was my first book by Kerry Lonsdale and I can't wait to read more from her. If you like second chance romances and marriage of convenience romances you should definitely read this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the advanced copy of this book!

I unfortunately did not love this one. I typically love marriage of convenience but this was marriage of convenience x 2 (3?) and fairly chaotic. It started off strong but towards the end there were a lot of side plots that got resolved fairly quickly and didn’t make a lot of sense. I did love Aaron but found Meli fairly immature (understandable after being neglected and abandoned as a child) with really no well explained reason for her parents’ abuse.