I cannot begin to put into words how excited I was to receive an ARC of this book. Once I realized that it was connected to the author’s first book, “Perfect Distraction”, I was even more excited to get into it.

Overall, I loved it. Was it on the same level as Perfect Distraction? Not quite, but I felt like the small things that I didn’t quite get in the first book were made up for in this one. I loved getting to know more about Logan and Jeni’s back stories. I loved that Logan seemed like a mature, normal guy, where Andrew came across as almost TOO perfect in the first book. The character chemistry was spot on - dialogue seemed to flow quite smoothly between the leads.

As far as why I took this from 5 to 4.5 stars, Jeni. I loved her, I really did, but her reasons for wanting to avoid a real relationship were exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, her reasoning was valid, but I couldn’t reason with why it took so long for her to truly understand that Logan was different and loved her no matter what.

Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*Thank you NetGalley and the author Allison Ashley for this e-ARC*

I really did enjoy this book! I really was rooting for the characters the whole time. I enjoyed their witty and playful relationship as well. The slow progression of Logan and Jeni’s relationship was a classic story of having what you thought you knew and wanted for your life drastically change. The only thing that did seem off was the timeline, some aspects of the story seemed to move very quickly, but truthfully it didn’t ruin the story for me! It was a cute story!!

Book Review for Home Sweet Mess
Full review for this title will be posted at: @cattleboobooks on Instagram!

I was beyond excited to read Logan and Jeni’s story. After meeting them in Perfect Distraction, I needed to know! I loved Logan from the first sight and knew he’d be just as spicy as I expected him to be. Jeni has such a strong determination to stay the heck away from him that it was only a matter of time before she was drawn in. Their relationship developed so fluidly, without feeling rushed or contrived. Logan gave me serious heart eyes as he found himself falling for Jeni. And although at times I wanted to shake her for keeping her heart so sheltered, I loved how their story developed. This one is a 10/10 recommended read, as was the first story in this “series” because Lauren and Andrew are just perfect! I received an ARC for the purpose of review and all opinions are my own.

So I almost didn't finish this one! But I pushed through it. Not sure what it was! But the things I did enjoy was the characters I loved Logan and Jeni. enemy to lovers is a great one to.me!
This was a slow burn.... Which isn't always a favorite of mine!
But I enjoyed the writing, setting, characters, plot!

Enjoyed Home Sweet Mess so much! I found both Jeni and Logan very realistic and well-developed. It was also a breath of fresh air to see how imperfect and insecure both of these characters were but actually acknowledging those flaws inside the story.

I loved that part of the book dealt with adopting and fostering, but also that one of the characters had to go through a divorce in such a young age. Sometimes it's hard to imagine how life can be different, but starting over can also seem super scary even at a young age.

Even though I completely understood Jeni's side and that due to her trauma she was unwilling to try something new, I was also glad that Logan stood his ground and didn't diminish his wants. I kinda wish that Jeni wasn't so indecisive but oh well!

This book felt empowering overall and there was such an optimistic view on that sometimes the right person can make all the difference. Would love to read Ashely's other book, Perfect Distraction, as well and read more about Andrew and Lauren since there wasn't an in-depth examination of those two characters in this book.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Logan who works for the nfl likes his best friends sister named Jeni. When Logan's friend is sick Logan and Jeni spend more time together I enjoyed the chemistry between Logan and Jeni.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
I have to say I was unsure about this book as I was unfamiliar with the author and wasn’t sure I would like it. I read it in one day so I guess that says something about the book.
Jeni’s past had a lot of heart aches and she tried marriage once but her husband left her devastated and with some issues that she would soon learn she would have to work through.
Enter Logan who Jeni finds out is a player right off the bat. Then to find out he is her brothers best friend to boot. Some interesting twists in this book and it’s well worth it to read.
5 stars

Home Sweet Mess is my first book by Allison Ashley. I requested it because I really enjoy both the friends to lovers AND enemies to lovers trope and while I couldn't be sure which category this book fell into, I knew it was one of the two and either way that's a win for me.

The book started out pretty meh for me. Jeni, the main character, felt off. I wanted to like her, but something about her seemed immature to me. Sadly, as the book progressed, I couldn't love her character. There were times when I liked her character but there were also more times when I did not like her at all. Unfortunately, her immaturity deepened and it just didn't FIT with the character the way she was written. However, this book is written from multiple points of view and Logan's character was the whole package. I loved him, I rooted for him. His story was so well developed. His insecurities FIT with his past and ultimately his character. He made so much sense and kept me coming back to the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was compulsively readable and the trope DID NOT DISAPPOINT ( I knew it would be a win). As soon as I finished, I searched the author and ordered Perfect Distraction. I can't wait to read Lauren and Andrew's story.

I give this book 3.5 stars


Thank you to NetGalley and Allison Ashley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Home Sweet Mess.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Jeni is new to Kansas City, working in child protective services, a passion to help people has always been in her blood. Her twin, Andrew, is her best friend and always keeps an eye out for her. Logan, is Andrew's best friend and wants the two of them to meet and become friends. Little did Andrew know what would ultimately happen to his two favorite people, let alone himself. I really enjoyed following the stories of these three individuals and how their lives change, progress, during good and bad times. You never know how much you have in common with people or how different aspects may intertwine for the better. I loved watching Jeni's guard slowly come down and Logan, the ladies man, take a relationship approach to his life. Great quick read! I would recommend!

3.5 stars. For the most part, I really liked this book. Even though it took me longer than I expected, mainly because I was having a hard time trying not to reach through the pages to strangle Jeni, I ended up enjoying it. I had a hard time dealing with Jeni's attitude throughout most of the book - she definitely let one mistake rule her life, and the "woe is me" pity party was definitely getting on my nerves towards the end. Despite that, the story had some funny moments as well as touching, sweet moments, and I loved Jeni's brother Andrew and his story. Logan was an absolutely sweetheart and definitely book-boyfriend material. The football rivalry was hysterical!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review this advanced reading copy!

This was a very sweet and easy to read story. It was fairly easy to spot what would happen and despite my predictions being 100% accurate it didn’t make it a boring read. The characters were likeable and it was a pleasant few hours lost in an easy to follow book. Would recommend for a few hours of escapism!

Home Sweet Mess by Alison Ashley is the companion to Perfect Distraction - there are character overlaps, so one should really read the other first to avoid two major spoilers. I really enjoyed Home Sweet Mess. Jeni is an outspoken, strong woman, and Logan is a bit arrogant, but also a kindhearted, genuine man. Their relationship begins awkwardly and not without conflict (though minor), but evolves into a strong friendship with benefits and more. There is plenty of banter balanced with deeply heartfelt conversations, which add to the characters' chemistry. It is a well paced novel with strong character arcs and realistic dialogue. If you enjoy enemies-to-friends-to-lovers or best-friend's-sister tropes, then this novel will be an excellent choice for you!

Content warning: cancer, divorce, foster system

Advanced copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start off by saying this is the second book written by this author. The first book is about Jeni’s brother and his experience with cancer. And him meeting his one and only. I absolutely loved everything about that first story! This one lacked a bit. I did enjoy the story which is why I am giving it four stars, but it is missing something/a few parts were slow. Logan is a well developed character who you can’t help fall in love with right away. Jeni was a bit annoying to me a few times and I just wanted to skip over some of her parts.
Overall, I do recommend you read this one. It is an enjoyable story with mostly great characters. I just wish it had more of the feels that Perfect Distraction allowed me to experience.

So here's the thing - I liked a lot of things about this book. This is an enemies to friends to lovers to friends to marriage book. It has an unusual arc - and I liked that about it. I liked Logan and Jeni's commitment to foster children and their friends and family. I liked Logan's character arc of growth and the advice his mother gives him. What I didn't like? Jeni. I know, I know, she's "sassy" and tough. I can love that - and do love that in many books. I just didn't here. I felt she was selfish, immature, and cowardly most of the time. Granted - she is very up front about her feelings with Logan (which I did like) but everyone could tell - even Logan that while she was being up-front with him - she was also straight up not being truthful with herself.

I'm also not sure about the title here - I kind of expected it to be about home improvement - but it wasn't. It was about finding home - to an extent - but it just doesn't fit for me.

Overall - I liked it - but it definitely wasn't love.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

I love this authors writing style and this was no expectation, it was so cute. I’ve done very few 5 star books this year so far and this was one of them. I loved it! I’ll definitely be recommending this to all my fellow book readers! Thank you for this gem of a book! 😍

What a beautiful story. So many real and raw emotions are expressed in this book and so beautifully written, I cried more than once.

I loved Jeni and Logan and how they bantered with each other. As each of their back stories unfolded my heart broke for each of them. Each had a wall they had built to protect themselves from being hurt again and even though Logan is the one who, rather unexpectedly decides he wants more, he wants that connection and commitment, he’s still holding back and protecting himself, it takes his mom pointing it out to him about his past behaviour for him to realise. He then lays his heart out to Jeni and leaves himself open to be truly hurt. Jeni takes a little longer to get the same point as Logan as her past hurt scared her deeply and it is asked her having to move on without Logan to make her realise he’s worth the risk. The moment when she opens herself fully to him is simply beautiful.

This was my first book by this author and it was simply beautiful, the heart was so strong. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Home Sweet Mess follows new-in-town, social worker Jeni and her twin brother’s womanizing best friend Logan as they attempt to navigate friends with benefits vs dating while dealing with twin/best friend Andrew’s cancer diagnosis. (Too wordy? This is why I’m not a writer 😂).

This was the enemies to friends to lovers romcom book I didn’t know I needed. I started out hating Logan (which was the point) and seriously considering putting it down cause I didn’t want a whole book of him. So glad I kept going as per usual romance style, you start to learn why Logan is who he is and fall in love with him. This book had back story and well as romance. I loved the alternating perspectives as I always enjoy getting inside a male lead’s thoughts. I also loved how you got to see a glimpse of the foster care system through Jeni’s work.

My only minor issue is that it annoys me when girls want to be with someone but won’t allow themselves love because they don’t want a relationship 😒. (And this is the second book recently that had that as a story line). For those of us her are terminally single, I just want to scream at her! But that’s my issue entirely, not a fault of the book 😂.

If you looking for a great romance with depth and backstory that will give you all the feels, go check out this self published one by @authorallisonashley

Thank you NetGalley and the author for this gift eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is a breath of fresh air and one I enjoyed immensely. You could relate to these characters so much and once you get into their world, you have trouble leaving. I found myself rooting for them and wanting to meet them for coffee or drinks. It encompasses a lot of topics and the author did an excellent job weaving a story that many are sure to enjoy. One I will be recommending.

3.5 out of 5. This is a cute story. A predictable but cute and nice story that is a very easy read and a very enjoyable 1 sitting read. I loved the NFL focus, and all their meet cutes. Jeni is a bit stubborn for my taste but at least there is some strong character development throughout the story. Sadly i didn't know there was a 1st book, as i might have wanted to read that one but know i know how it ends!

I enjoyed this book.
I found Logan and Jeni to be very realistic characters. It was nice to see that the characters weren't perfect. So many times you read books and the characters are so perfect, that they are just too good to be true. But Logan and Jeni are like regular people. It was easy to relate to them. It was also great to see them acknowledge their flaws throughout the book.
I get that Jeni went through a trauma so she's unwilling to try something new, I completely appreciated Logan stood his ground and didn't waiver
This was a very empowering and optimistic book. It let me see that the right person can make all the difference.

Thank you NetGalley, Allison Ashley and the publishers for the chance to read this great book.

Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion. Copy provided by NetGalley.

This book was amazing! I loved to see the love bloom from these two characters that was carried over from secret crushes of their younger years.

This is a wonderful story,
Jeni moves to a new town for a job, it has 2 perks. 1. It’s a job she loves, 2. Her twin brother is close by. She falls into an easy routine of drinking her morning coffee on her porch swing, often accompanied by the sounds of her neighbour and a different gentleman caller enjoying themselves in the bedroom, going to work and eating the best vegetarian sandwich for lunch at the deli on the corner, and watching football with her twin brother on Sunday’s. The last thing she expects or wants to find is a man, especially one she has seen leaving her neighbours house !
This is an endearing story about love and what makes a family.
I really enjoyed it.

I loved Allison Ashley's debut book, Perfect Distraction, so I couldn't wait to read Home Sweet Mess and I loved this book as well! I liked that the book follows Jeni, Andrew's sister from Perfect Distraction, so we get to see things that happen in that book from her perspective. Once I started reading this story, I could not put it down and was very invested in what was going to happen between Jeni and Logan.

Jeni and Logan had great chemistry from the start. When you first start to get to know Logan, I wanted to dislike him, but he quickly made me a fan with how he was trying to change his womanizing ways and would do anything for Jeni. A few times I wish Jeni would've given in to her emotions with how she felt about Logan, but she had very valid reasons for why she wouldn't cave, so I also applaud Ashley for making her a character who was strong enough to stick to her beliefs. The book deals with some heavy topics including cancer, infertility, and adoption, and Ashley writes about them in a way that is not only realistic, but also extremely compassionate as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Rock Book Tours for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book tells the story of Charming NFL marketing manager Logan Davi and his best friend’s sister Sassy social worker Jeni Bishop. These two are forced to be in each other’s presence because of Andrew after an awkward first encounter and they eventually get along with each other *wink wink*. Jeni was once married and so doesn’t believe in love *read it and call me out* so watching her find her way to happy ever after one taco at a time was such a blast.. This book will make you laugh, crave tacos, appreciate siblings, and have an appreciation of the foster care system. I totally adored this book and I want everyone to read it and eat tacos of course.

Home Sweet Mess is a delight to read. Allison Ashley is a wonderful writer and even when discussing difficult subjects like cancer, the foster system, and foster kids; she writes about these topics in a heartfelt way without being overly sappy or contrived. The story is about friendship, learning to let go of self-imposed parameters and most importantly family, in every definition of the word.

Jeni Bishop is a case worker who deals with heartache every day including her own. Jeni believes any type of relationship only leads to inevitable heartbreak. Logan Davis, works in social media for an NFL team is charming and has devastatingly good looks plus a big heart to boot. These two have lots in common, more than they realize and when Jeni’s brother Andrew who is Logan’s best friend becomes ill, they start becoming a team.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, the characters had depth and were well written, plot lines were developed and not forced, it was enjoyable to see how the story would progress. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about relatable people, about characters you’d wish you knew and where you look forward to seeing where the story goes.

This is another sweet romance from author Allison Ashley. The story is about Logan and Jeni, characters from her previous book, The Perfect Distraction, and it was fun to see them pop up again. Jeni has a strong desire to stay AWAY from him, but of course, it's just a matter of time. I have a new "book boyfriend" with Logan. Highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! Can't wait to see Ashley's next book!

I really really enjoyed this book. I loved The Perfect Distraction and was so excited for this one. It did not disappoint. The writing just flowed so well and I was able to fall in love with Jeni and Logan right away. Let's be real though- brother's best friend is one of my favorite tropes

If you like the type of story where the main characters are enemies, turn friends, turn lovers, you should definitely pick this one up. The beginning of their relationship has a lot of banter. Not much in the story is a surprise, there are some sad parts ( don't want to spoil it ) and the end is exactly what you wold expect from it.

Jeni and Logan’s story!

Social worker Jeni Bishop just wanted to make a difference in kids lives though her job as a social worker never planned to date again after the end of her marriage but meeting her brother’s best friend changed everything. Logan Davis loved his job doing social media for the Chiefs and running his charity finding equipment for foster children. Things changed when her brother Andrew found out he had cancer (Perfect Distraction) and Jeni and Logan changed from being friends to something more!

Home Sweet Mess is what happens when you have a friend with benefits relationship but falling in love was going to complicate everything.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book. I ended up reading this one in just one day! It made me laugh, cry, smile, and cry some more.

I loved the enemies to friends to lovers story and I also loved how the characters felt like real people with real flaws. The author 100% made me feel their heartache while I was reading.

I highly recommend this book — however it should be stated there are some trigger warnings: cancer, infertility, & child neglect.

I adored Allison Ashely’s debut novel Perfect Distraction last year (one of my favorites of 2020) and I was very excited to read her next. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it features the twin sister of a character in Perfect Distraction. It is it’s own story and can be read alone, but having read Perfect Distraction first made me love this one even more. I could see little bits and pieces of that story in this one and how they connected. The book is heavy on dialogue and the author pulls you in with her humor and heart. She gives the characters life and you feel like they are your friends by the end of the book. Rom com lovers - put Allison Ashely’s books on your TBR! Out June 21.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

I read The Perfect Distraction and really enjoyed it. This was also very good! Jeni and Logan were a sweet couple although Jeni could be a bit frustrating and too rude. I liked Logan better :) I'm glad she came to her senses.

Amazing, stupendous, adorable, and show stopping. The characters have been written in a way that grabs you and doesn’t let you go. The story is amazing. I would love to find out what happens next but happy with my glimpse.

I really enjoyed Home Sweet Mess and think it would make for a great beach read or pool side book if you are looking to add any books to your summer reading. Allison Ashley has such a beautiful writing style that makes you so invested in the story and characters, almost like you feel you are a part of the story. It is a feel good contemporary romance filled with love, friendship and banter. I really enjoyed watching Logan and Jeni's relationship develop; their chemistry was so relatable. I really enjoy when a romance feels believable and honest. If you are a fan of enemies to lovers, with a forbidden Brothers BFF this is totally the book for you.

Jeni has had a past relationship that still causes her to not want to try again. Andrew is Jeni's twin brother. His best friend is Logan. Jeni first meets Logan as he is leaving the morning after a fun night with her single neighbor.
They meet again later in the day and things don't go any better. When she learns he is her brother's best friend the sparks fly and not in a good way.
I enjoyed all the characters, although I felt Jeni could grow up a little. The flirty, fun banter had me laughing. They both have insecurities they need to work through, but make a cute couple. This is the first book by this author I have read. I did not know there was another book before this one with the same characters. I will be on the lookout for that one. A quick and easy read.

Thanks to netgalley and Allison Ashley for the arc.

This week I read, 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀, by @authorAllisonAshley and this was such a sweet romance, I couldn’t put it down. ⁣
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The book takes place in Kansas City, where Jeni is still settling in after moving to be closer to her twin brother, Andrew. She has her dream job working as a social working for a local government agency and she’s trying to get over the demise of her marriage. She meets Logan, a friend of her brother’s and there’s an immediate interest although they don’t like each other at first. As Andrew has a health crisis, it brings Logan and Jeni together. ⁣
⁣
There’s a lot of hilarious banter between these two people especially when it comes to their favorite football teams; she likes the Broncos and he loves and works for the KC Chiefs. (Which is cute, because we all know the Patriots are the best football team!) they also have such amazing sexual chemistry that you can’t help, but root for them. I will say, I wanted to shake Jeni sometimes because she’s was applying all the things that went wrong in her marriage to Logan without seeing they are two very different people. ⁣
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I did really love the focus the author brought to social issues. Jeni is a social worker for her job and Logan is the head of a charity he founded to help kids have beds to sleep in that they can call their own. I love that this focus on foster kids and adoption was such a big part of the story. ⁣

I wish to thank NetGalley and Allison Ashley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a new author for me but I will go back and read her other book now. If you want to read a good romance this just might be the one for me. It is escapism at its best as you follow Jeni Bishop from the first time she bumps into Logan Davis to the last page. Truly worthy of a Hallmark movie you will be delighted with the saucy banter and highs and lows of both of their stories while they try to decide if this could be friends with benefits or the real thing. Jeni has been through a very painful divorce and Logan is her twin brother’s best friend. Logan is known as a player. It will never work. Or can it? Read it to see but be sure you have time because you will read it cover to cover. The book is a delightful diversion. It has lots of family dynamics on all sides and you will have read meeting all the characters. It is funny and sad in all the proper places.

This was an enjoyable book. I liked the characters and how they interacted with each other. The storyline was well done and emotional.

I absolutely loved Allison Ashley's debut novel, The Perfect Distraction, so much that I was eager (but also a little scared) to read her follow-up book HOME SWEET MESS. But, oh, is it ever good. No, not "good"....FANTASTIC.

HOME SWEET MESS is a delightful Enemies-to-Lovers, teach me sex, friends with benefits, brother's best friend, love story. Yeah, Allison Ashley went for ALL the best tropes and nailed them ALL in one book!

Jeni is the perfect female lead. She is smart and caring and snarky and you will LOVE her! You will laugh out loud at the hate-banter between her and Logan! it was also so refreshing for a female to be the commitment-shy part of the relationship. Logan is so swoony and sweet! If you like a "reformed rake" then saddle up because Logan is the BEST.

This book handles some tough topics with care and authenticity. NOTE: There is a clear Trigger Warning before the first chapter and BRAVO to the author for adding it! These tough topics never feel just thrown in for drama, instead they feel genuine and add to the characters being complex and relatable.

This author stepped up the steam from the first book and I was HERE. FOR. IT. The beautiful part is that the steamy scenes portray both the physical and emotional components of sex. The author finds the balance between lighting the reader's panties on fire and also melting their heart.

HOME SWEET MESS is all the things! Funny, sweet, sexy, and full of feels. Just read this book already. You will LOVE it!!!

This book is absolutely brilliant, a superb read that leaves you feeling empty when the last page is turned!
Jeni moves to be near her twin brother Andrew, she needs stability after trauma and sadness, she immerses herself in working to help others.
Andrew’s best friend Logan is intrigued by Jeni, he’s drawn to the possibility of a long term relationship, Jeni can’t deny the chemistry but struggles with commitment.
When Jeni and Logan unite to help Andrew fight for his health, there’s no denying the love and complexity to their relationship.
A truly enjoyable storyline, Jeni and Logan have an undeniable connection but it takes time to trust and face fears.
There were many serious issues dealt with compassionately, well done to Allison Ashley, a fantastic work!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Allison Ashley grabbed me quickly from the beginning and I was officially on the ride of "Home Sweet Mess". I loved Jeni and Logan's friendship and banter throughout the story. My heart connected with Jeni and her role as a social worker as I too have worked with and advocated for children. She also won me over with her love for softball and football, although I am not as passionate as Jeni. Allison Ashley had a writing that carried me along and made me feel like I was hanging with friends throughout the book. I recommend this contemporary romance for a day at the beach, a rainy day or any day in the near future!

Thank you to Allison Ashley, Kate Rock Book Tours and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The meet cute set the stage for a fun swoony romance. Jeni and Logan's story was a breeze to read and full of heart.

Logan was the ultimate playboy with a heart. He wants real love but doesn't know how to achieve it or what it is supposed to feel like until he meets Jeni. Jeni is new in town and determined to follow her own path without relationships to drag her down. Epic bonus is that Logan is Jeni's twin brother's best friend so when the sparks start to fly complications and hijinks ensue with a bang.

Somehow the author not only gave us an awesome romance but she also managed to cover some very heavy topics including adoption, fostering, cancer, and divorce, and fertility issues.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Alison Ashley in the future!

This is my first book by this author and will not be the last. She draws you in with the witty banter and multi dimensional characters. The book deals with difficult topics with ease.
Logan Davis has a devil may care attitude towards relationships. Until he meets his match, but dating his best friends sisters is a landmine all on its own. Dealing with her barriers and his past takes them on a nice twist to a new relationship.
Jeni Bishop could be called stubborn and opinionated, but she loves helping others, especially the foster kids she works with. When she meets Logan he does not make the best first impression, but she simply can't get away from him. And the attraction is undeniable. Can she overcome her own issues with relationships and find a way to happy with the one man who might be perfect for her?

Home Sweet Mess is a heartfelt romance told from Jeni and Logan's perspectives. Young divorcee and social worker Jeni is determined not to be in a relationship again... but enter her twin brother Andrew's best friend and NFL marketing manager, Logan. When we first meet Logan, he's portrayed as a self-confident ladies man... but enter Jeni, the only woman he can now imagine himself in a relationship with. The pair grow closer when Andrew is diagnosed with cancer, but will they compromise for true love?

I really liked Home Sweet Mess. I loved the juxtaposition of Jeni's snarky comments with Logan's sweetness. I also appreciated this was a romance with a difference - she's the one that wanted to keep things casual, while he disagreed and wanted a relationship. Both the character development and chemistry was flawless in my opinion. I also loved how their joint love of the NFL and the fostering system were strong themes in the book. So, if you're looking for a relatable and unique romance novel to enjoy this summer, I encourage you to read Home Sweet Mess.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Charming NFL marketing manager Logan Davis has a major crush on his best friend’s sister. Despite the fact that pursuing her would be a Bad Idea, she makes him want to abandon casual dating.

Sassy social worker Jeni Bishop has lost faith in love. She can’t stand Logan or the NFL team he works for, but can’t help thinking he could help her scratch an itch.

When Jeni’s brother and Logan’s closest friend is diagnosed with cancer, they unexpectedly find themselves on the same team. With Logan interested in a relationship and Jeni ardently avoiding them, they resist their growing attraction even as their lives continue to intertwine in unexpected ways. Can a man who has never experienced love convince a woman hardened by it that romance isn’t dead?
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I loved this book so much! I really enjoyed both Jeni and Logan as characters and enjoyed getting to know them both. I also really liked the subplot of Jeni's brother's cancer diagnosis and treatment and would love to see his life fleshed out further in a future novel (and really can see a set up for that in the book). My only problem with this book is that Jeni's loss of faith in love is perhaps a little bit drawn out and gets to be tiresome be the end of the book. I was really rooting for Logan, but by the end, Jeni had become a little tiresome for me. I also didn't really think the title fit with the plot of the book, and I also thought the cover art could have been chosen more thoughtfully. Still, all in all, this was a solid four stars for me, and I look forward to reading more from this author!

What a totally engaging book from new to me author Allison Ashley. "Home Sweet Mess" is a captivating read right from the beginning. The two primary characters, social worker Jeni Bishop, and social media guru Logan Davis, have seductive chemistry that cannot be denied. Their tragic pasts play a huge role in their ability to forge a forever together.

Due a bad marriage, Jeni has no desire to form a romantic relationship in any way. Deciding to restart her life with a clean slate, she leaves Nebraska for a social worker position in Kansas City. Her brother is already living there, studying to be an attorney. Helping children within the foster care system is her true calling, and she is very good at it. Her brother introduces her to his best friend Logan, and they immediately take a dislike to each other. However, when Jeni's brother is diagnosed with cancer, they form a friendship that leads to much more over time.

I liked this story and the way the author evolved the romantic relationship between Jeni and Logan. Jeni's rules were a constant barrier to love, while Logan's sensibilities and warmth created a wonderful dynamic. The antics of Jeni's mom and sisters added a bit of humor to a sad situation. Overall, a nicely-written romantic read.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

What a sweet and lovely book. Jeni and Logan did not have a great first meeting. He was her neighbors one night stand. After their first awkward meeting, Jeni found out he’s her twin brother’s best friend. Soon after her brother received his cancer diagnosis she learned that she had to get along with Logan for her brothers sake. From there their relationship slowly developed between them that was beautiful. Both have serious past hang ups that they had to work on to be together. Which was understandable and appreciated. There were some serious topics that was presented in a caring and compassionate manner. Overall, I loved this book. It was like a warm hug. I totally recommend this book.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review and opinion.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me read this book in exchange for an honest review!

I had a great time reading this book! The world building was a major plus for me, and so were the relationships. I love reading about a tough, independent female characters with a soft spot for those she loves.

Many of the romance novels I have been reading are only written in one perspective so it was refreshing to see two. For this book in particular it made so much sense to play off the two perspectives to better understand the two main characters and their personal struggles.

Jeni is a social worker with a competitive streak who moves to Kansas City after facing a tough divorce. She promised herself to never get into another relationship again. Then in a series of unfortunate events that day leads her to Logan. A social media communicator with a ladies man exterior, and who also happens to her twin brothers best friend.

After a rough start, they both promise to put their walls down and get to know each other for Andrew, her brother and his best friend. One thing leads to another and Jeni suggests that they become friends with benefits. Logan on the other hand has another idea in mind, like actually having a serious relationship with her.

Their fun banter is great but I don’t know if I could call this an enemies to lovers trope. Yes, in the beginning Jeni blamed Logan for all the mishaps of the day but once she realizes he is her twin brothers best friend that aspect is dropped fairly quickly. A friendship blooms when a terrible news hits and a attraction is sparked.

It was great to see the character development throughout the book. Both Jeni and Logan had there own separate things to figure out about themselves. Their relationship brought those things to light and walls are broken down.

Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone! Can’t wait to see wait to see out!

I was really looking forward to Home Sweet Mess after reading Allison Ashley's debut book Perfect Distraction last year. The two books are connected but this can be read as a standalone.

Jeni is new to Kansas City and the only person she really knows there is her brother Andrew. One day, though, she runs into Logan a number of times and finds out he is good friends with Andrew. It was interesting watching their relationship grow from tentative friends to mutual attraction to a relationship with potential.

I was especially impressed with the character growth throughout the book, especially Logan's. I have to admit I was only feeling so-so about him initially, but he turned out to be an amazing guy. I think having dual POV really gave me the chance to understand him and how his past has shaped him.

This was a really wonderful read and I liked the author's writing and storytelling styles. I can't wait to see what she writes next!