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Love, Me
A pitch-perfect exploration of modern married life, Jessica Saunders’s deliciously readable novel embraces the truth that some old flames can’t be snuffed out, no matter how many years go by.
Rachel Miller is a lawyer and mother of two who’s just as comfortable in a courtroom as she is on the sidelines of a soccer field. Sure, her marriage is on autopilot, her parents are overly involved, and the other suburban moms are just a little bit catty. But if you ask Rachel, life is good. That is until her world is upended when racy photos of her and her high school boyfriend, the famous actor Jack Bellow—along with his love letters to her—are published in a tabloid, unexpectedly thrusting Rachel into the spotlight. This newfound attention calls into question her marriage, her career, and her superstar ex. Betrayed by someone she trusted and reunited with the man she tried so hard to forget, Rachel must ask herself, “How did I get here? And what do I really want?”
Rachel Miller is a lawyer and mother of two who’s just as comfortable in a courtroom as she is on the sidelines of a soccer field. Sure, her marriage is on autopilot, her parents are overly involved, and the other suburban moms are just a little bit catty. But if you ask Rachel, life is good. That is until her world is upended when racy photos of her and her high school boyfriend, the famous actor Jack Bellow—along with his love letters to her—are published in a tabloid, unexpectedly thrusting Rachel into the spotlight. This newfound attention calls into question her marriage, her career, and her superstar ex. Betrayed by someone she trusted and reunited with the man she tried so hard to forget, Rachel must ask herself, “How did I get here? And what do I really want?”
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
January 5, 2024
A captivating read!
Rachel Miller, a talented lawyer and devoted mother of two, was having a normal day in court when her world came crashing down. Suddenly, a shocking photo of her with her high school sweetheart, Jack, now a famous actor, was splashed across the headlines. As if that wasn't enough, love letters that Jack had written to her years ago were released, leaving Rachel reeling with confusion and disbelief. She hasn't spoken to Jack in years, so how did these private photos and letters end up in the hands of the press? Now Rachel is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and wondering if her marriage can survive this scandal.
Perfect for fans of domestic drama, women's fiction, and romance. From the very first page to the last, it will keep you hooked and leave you wanting more. I highly recommend giving it a read!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Jessica Saunders, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Rachel Miller, a talented lawyer and devoted mother of two, was having a normal day in court when her world came crashing down. Suddenly, a shocking photo of her with her high school sweetheart, Jack, now a famous actor, was splashed across the headlines. As if that wasn't enough, love letters that Jack had written to her years ago were released, leaving Rachel reeling with confusion and disbelief. She hasn't spoken to Jack in years, so how did these private photos and letters end up in the hands of the press? Now Rachel is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and wondering if her marriage can survive this scandal.
Perfect for fans of domestic drama, women's fiction, and romance. From the very first page to the last, it will keep you hooked and leave you wanting more. I highly recommend giving it a read!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Jessica Saunders, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
January 6, 2024
4-4.5⭐️ Lawyer Rachel Miller is a married mother of two whose life is turned upside down when racy photos of her and her high school boyfriend, now famous actor Jack Bellow, are published in a tabloid. With all eyes on her, Rachel is forced to question everything - her unhappy marriage, her role as a lawyer and mother, and where exactly Jack fits in her life as she navigates forward.
It is insanely hard not to binge this quasi-romance, and I would up listening to/reading it in one sitting. It has quite a few of the romance tropes I love, but it is important to note that this is not exactly a romance, but rather lies somewhere in the murky grey area between Women’s Fiction and Romance. Do not prepare yourself to swoon because quite frankly, you won’t. What you will get is an intimate look at a love story gone awry, and what happens next. It offers a deep and meaningful in-depth look at marriage and motherhood, from the perspective of someone who thought they had it all, only to discover maybe something, or someone, is missing from their life.
Read if you like:
•women’s fiction
•second chance
•love triangles
•emotional stories
•jewish rep
•dual timeline
•Emily Giffin (Love the One You’re With)
•mild open door
Pubs: Jan 16, 2024
Thank you Union Square & Co. and Dreamscape Media for the gifted copies.
It is insanely hard not to binge this quasi-romance, and I would up listening to/reading it in one sitting. It has quite a few of the romance tropes I love, but it is important to note that this is not exactly a romance, but rather lies somewhere in the murky grey area between Women’s Fiction and Romance. Do not prepare yourself to swoon because quite frankly, you won’t. What you will get is an intimate look at a love story gone awry, and what happens next. It offers a deep and meaningful in-depth look at marriage and motherhood, from the perspective of someone who thought they had it all, only to discover maybe something, or someone, is missing from their life.
Read if you like:
•women’s fiction
•second chance
•love triangles
•emotional stories
•jewish rep
•dual timeline
•Emily Giffin (Love the One You’re With)
•mild open door
Pubs: Jan 16, 2024
Thank you Union Square & Co. and Dreamscape Media for the gifted copies.
January 12, 2024
Wow, what a story! Jessica Saunders' Love, Me is not your usual boy meets girl romance. This story is a modern tale about mature characters who lose sight of what's important, lose the focus about what's driving their lives, and dig deep to find their path again.
The story is centered around Rachel, who discovers her husband has betrayed her trust, and realizes that her current life isn't everything it could be.
The other characters get their stories told as well, but only through how they revolve around Rachel.
There's some time line jumping as well, which works nicely in the novel.
The audio version of Love, Me is performed by Emily Ellet who does a nice job creating a unique voice for each of this varied cast of characters.
an audiobook copy of Love, Me was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The story is centered around Rachel, who discovers her husband has betrayed her trust, and realizes that her current life isn't everything it could be.
The other characters get their stories told as well, but only through how they revolve around Rachel.
There's some time line jumping as well, which works nicely in the novel.
The audio version of Love, Me is performed by Emily Ellet who does a nice job creating a unique voice for each of this varied cast of characters.
an audiobook copy of Love, Me was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
December 30, 2023
I devoured this book. It's one of those stories where I'm choosing to ignore the terrible decisions made by the characters simply because it was so unbelievably addictive. In many ways it's a story of marriage, motherhood, and choosing yourself. But ultimately it was the romance that completely sucked me into its chaos. I couldn't put it down!
Rachel Miller is living a seemingly normal life with her husband and children until some photos resurface of her alongside high school ex-boyfriend—now famous actor—Jack Bellow. Told in past and present, I loved that you're not only given flashbacks of her relationship with Jack but her husband, Dan, too!
It was an undeniably messy love triangle with a lot of betrayal wrapped around these characters. I was truly uncertain (even at the 90% point) who Rachel would choose. I will say, it's somewhat of an abrupt ending, which I think could bother some readers, but I personally loved the open-ended closure. What a fun, super bingeable story!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, mild to moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rachel Miller is living a seemingly normal life with her husband and children until some photos resurface of her alongside high school ex-boyfriend—now famous actor—Jack Bellow. Told in past and present, I loved that you're not only given flashbacks of her relationship with Jack but her husband, Dan, too!
It was an undeniably messy love triangle with a lot of betrayal wrapped around these characters. I was truly uncertain (even at the 90% point) who Rachel would choose. I will say, it's somewhat of an abrupt ending, which I think could bother some readers, but I personally loved the open-ended closure. What a fun, super bingeable story!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, mild to moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you, Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for giving me the possibility to listen to an early copy of Love, me.
Even if the word love is in the title this is not a romance book. There is some romance in it, but it is just to serve the main story and not the purpose of it.
Like always Dreamscape media production is flawless and the voice actress did an amazing job with the audiobook.
Sometimes it happens not to connect with a book and this was exactly the case for me.
In her debut novel, Jessica Saunders talks about very important topics, like the importance of choices and the hardship of consequences.
This book starts with such a good premise. Rachel finds herself in the middle of a scandal and it´s her own husband who caressly put her there.
I loved how the dynamic unfolds and all the struggle she goes through, how she finds herself drifting back to where and when she was younger, happier.
Unfortunately, this story lost me at some point. I hated all the secondary characters, the parents, the friends, the husband, and the super hot actor ex-boyfriend (in the present day). I found them very plain and with no layers. They added little to nothing to the Rachel story.
This leaves me perplexed, from a certain point of view I understand what the author tried to do to make these characters. Wanting the reader to focus on the protagonist and her feelings, but I´m not sure I got it fully. I see where she was going but I didn´t manage to follow her.
Therefore 3 solid stars, it was a nice book but I may not be in a real-life position to appreciate it fully.
But if you are forty, a mother, and a little frustrated this may be your cup of tea.
Thank you, Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for giving me the possibility to listen to an early copy of Love, me.
Even if the word love is in the title this is not a romance book. There is some romance in it, but it is just to serve the main story and not the purpose of it.
Like always Dreamscape media production is flawless and the voice actress did an amazing job with the audiobook.
Sometimes it happens not to connect with a book and this was exactly the case for me.
In her debut novel, Jessica Saunders talks about very important topics, like the importance of choices and the hardship of consequences.
This book starts with such a good premise. Rachel finds herself in the middle of a scandal and it´s her own husband who caressly put her there.
I loved how the dynamic unfolds and all the struggle she goes through, how she finds herself drifting back to where and when she was younger, happier.
Unfortunately, this story lost me at some point. I hated all the secondary characters, the parents, the friends, the husband, and the super hot actor ex-boyfriend (in the present day). I found them very plain and with no layers. They added little to nothing to the Rachel story.
This leaves me perplexed, from a certain point of view I understand what the author tried to do to make these characters. Wanting the reader to focus on the protagonist and her feelings, but I´m not sure I got it fully. I see where she was going but I didn´t manage to follow her.
Therefore 3 solid stars, it was a nice book but I may not be in a real-life position to appreciate it fully.
But if you are forty, a mother, and a little frustrated this may be your cup of tea.
November 4, 2023
Review copy courtesy of Union Square & Co
I think some marketer called this romance somewhere and it certainly wasn't. Readers who enjoy celebrity gossip may like this tale of Rachel, a lawyer whose high school boyfriend grows up to be a famous actor, as she struggles when their old photos and letters become tabloid fodder. Rachel is unfortunately married to a husband and father to her two children when this happens, leaving her to have a crisis. And there's really no one to root for here, as all three characters are basically repulsive in their actions. I also did not enjoy the very detached third person perspective left me feeling like I knew none of the characters or understood their motivations.
I think some marketer called this romance somewhere and it certainly wasn't. Readers who enjoy celebrity gossip may like this tale of Rachel, a lawyer whose high school boyfriend grows up to be a famous actor, as she struggles when their old photos and letters become tabloid fodder. Rachel is unfortunately married to a husband and father to her two children when this happens, leaving her to have a crisis. And there's really no one to root for here, as all three characters are basically repulsive in their actions. I also did not enjoy the very detached third person perspective left me feeling like I knew none of the characters or understood their motivations.
February 12, 2024
Love, Me is Jessica Saunders's debut novel, and I think she is off to a great start! It actually had me wondering how things would turn out, and I was never entirely sure who Rachel would end up with (if anyone). I thought Saunders did a great job of showing the internal struggle Rachel had regarding reigniting her relationship with Jack versus continuing her marriage while at the same time figuring out what she truly wanted from her life. There were a couple of laugh-out-loud moments, but while it was mostly a lighthearted read, it was not as humorous as I had expected and hoped it to be. I did love the focus on friendship in this book though, and the focus on Rachel as a mother which made it more than just a straight-up romance.
I couldn't tell that Love, Me was a debut, and I only found that part out after I read the about the author section. I personally think this says a lot about Saunders' talent right out of the gate, and I sincerely hope she writes more novels that I can read! I listened to this on audio, and I was very satisfied with Emily Ellet's narration. She made a really great Rachel, and I thought her tone and mannerisms for the character were spot on. There was a dual timeline as well which I enjoyed as it gave us a look into Rachel's past, both with Jack and her current husband Dan. The end made me smile, and it was such a cute way to end everything. If you enjoy women's fiction and debuts, I would give this one a chance!
I couldn't tell that Love, Me was a debut, and I only found that part out after I read the about the author section. I personally think this says a lot about Saunders' talent right out of the gate, and I sincerely hope she writes more novels that I can read! I listened to this on audio, and I was very satisfied with Emily Ellet's narration. She made a really great Rachel, and I thought her tone and mannerisms for the character were spot on. There was a dual timeline as well which I enjoyed as it gave us a look into Rachel's past, both with Jack and her current husband Dan. The end made me smile, and it was such a cute way to end everything. If you enjoy women's fiction and debuts, I would give this one a chance!
January 5, 2024
I HAVE A LOT OF THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS but I really enjoyed this!! Despite the description I’m about to give this - I want to emphasize that this is NOT a romance. it has romantic elements and is maybe romance adjacent (like in the way TJR or Rebecca Sterle books are) but it is solidly women’s fiction and for that reason I am allowed to excuse the bad, unpopular, i-would-normally-hate-this-in-a-romance-book things. but this book felt like Funny You Should Ask meets Romantic Comedy meets Every Summer After???? but like if none of those were true romances (I know that makes no sense but just go with it).
rachel is a lawyer and mom living in the suburbs with her kids and struggling but fine enough marriage and her life is upended when scandalous photos of her and her high school boyfriend, now famous movie star Jack, are leaked online along with the love letters he wrote her. thrust into the spotlight & media frenzy she starts to question her marriage & life & career. betrayed by someone she trusted & reunited with the man she tried to forget, she can’t help but wonder how she ended up here & what would’ve happened if things were different?
it’s been a while since I got a good “famous man obsessed with normal woman” book plus the second chance and nostalgia of them being high school sweethearts just had me devouring this book in 24 hours. warning that there are things that are very unpopular in the book but since I wouldn’t classify it as a romance (there’s a bit of an ambiguous ending that makes you assume a HEA but doesn’t confirm it), I don’t mind it being dramatic and messy and the characters slightly irritating with questionable actions but in a way that feels purposeful. But I can understand how this book isn’t for everyone. I think as a romance reader I just really wanted it to be a ROMANCE when it wasn’t and so I wanted way less about her husband and more of rachel and jack and I was left a little unsatisfied at the end but overall, I had a lot of fun reading this & it was a fantastic debut!!!
rachel is a lawyer and mom living in the suburbs with her kids and struggling but fine enough marriage and her life is upended when scandalous photos of her and her high school boyfriend, now famous movie star Jack, are leaked online along with the love letters he wrote her. thrust into the spotlight & media frenzy she starts to question her marriage & life & career. betrayed by someone she trusted & reunited with the man she tried to forget, she can’t help but wonder how she ended up here & what would’ve happened if things were different?
it’s been a while since I got a good “famous man obsessed with normal woman” book plus the second chance and nostalgia of them being high school sweethearts just had me devouring this book in 24 hours. warning that there are things that are very unpopular in the book but since I wouldn’t classify it as a romance (there’s a bit of an ambiguous ending that makes you assume a HEA but doesn’t confirm it), I don’t mind it being dramatic and messy and the characters slightly irritating with questionable actions but in a way that feels purposeful. But I can understand how this book isn’t for everyone. I think as a romance reader I just really wanted it to be a ROMANCE when it wasn’t and so I wanted way less about her husband and more of rachel and jack and I was left a little unsatisfied at the end but overall, I had a lot of fun reading this & it was a fantastic debut!!!
October 20, 2023
I am a sucker for a good celebrity/ordinary individual story, let alone one with a Jewish FMC - so I was thrilled to delve into Jessica Saunders debut - Love Me.
You may have noticed I did not call this a celebrity romance - and that's because our FMC, Rachel, is married and the celeb in question was her childhood sweetheart - but this story doesn't take the path you'd assume.
I adored this debut and look forward to reading more from Saunders in the future.
Thank you to Union Sq. for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
You may have noticed I did not call this a celebrity romance - and that's because our FMC, Rachel, is married and the celeb in question was her childhood sweetheart - but this story doesn't take the path you'd assume.
I adored this debut and look forward to reading more from Saunders in the future.
Thank you to Union Sq. for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2024
I absolutely loved this debut. I love reading about second chances. This author will be one to look out for if you like romance.
My bookclub Beyond the Pages is talking with her soon and I am looking forward to the event.
❓ Have you ever wondered about a first love?
My bookclub Beyond the Pages is talking with her soon and I am looking forward to the event.
❓ Have you ever wondered about a first love?
May 10, 2024
This book is written at like a fifth grade reading level
March 11, 2024
Really enjoyed this one! This was a nice surprise. The blurb caught my eye and I got it on a whim from my library’s Libby.
The writing flowed nicely and it made me feel for the characters. I was surprised when I learned it was a debut novel.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this. I wasn’t sure it was a romance. There is definitely romance but at the same time a lot of it felt like women’s fiction.
The writing flowed nicely and it made me feel for the characters. I was surprised when I learned it was a debut novel.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this. I wasn’t sure it was a romance. There is definitely romance but at the same time a lot of it felt like women’s fiction.
January 9, 2024
Okay, I was a bit torn on this one. On one hand, I liked that it shook up the main characters life and she found a way to like herself again. Her confidence at the end of the story is wonderful. On the other hand it felt like she overreacted to her husband and I questioned their marriage if that’s what tore them apart.
🌀Synopsis
Rachel had an average life. As a lawyer, she works hard but she also is a great parent to her two kids. It’s super average until photos of her and her ex boyfriend, Jack, are leaked to the press.
Then another bomb drops, it was her husband who sold them. In an effort to make back the money he lost gambling, he sold her history. She’s not sure she can forgive him, especially after the press causes her to lose her biggest account at work.
She ends up meeting up with Jack to apologize and finds some attraction still there. Forced to make some decisions Rachel decides this is the perfect opportunity for several new changes in her life.
🌀Synopsis
Rachel had an average life. As a lawyer, she works hard but she also is a great parent to her two kids. It’s super average until photos of her and her ex boyfriend, Jack, are leaked to the press.
Then another bomb drops, it was her husband who sold them. In an effort to make back the money he lost gambling, he sold her history. She’s not sure she can forgive him, especially after the press causes her to lose her biggest account at work.
She ends up meeting up with Jack to apologize and finds some attraction still there. Forced to make some decisions Rachel decides this is the perfect opportunity for several new changes in her life.
February 8, 2024
Another so-so book for me. This was more a slow burn women’s fiction novel vs. a romance read. Not really my favorite type of books to read. Basically everyone in Rachel’s life betrayed her and/or lied to her at some point, but the one thing she couldn’t get over was her husbands betrayal? All the others she got over in about 4 or less paragraphs but went the entire book unable to forgive her husband. Not saying she SHOULD have forgiven him, just interesting this is how it played out. I could see a second book coming - I would read it.
February 21, 2024
Overall: 4
Spicy: 1
OMG this book was amazing. The first chapter made it seem like it was going to be boring then the plot twist happened and kept happening until the last chapter. Jealous ex-husband, reconnecting with a past fling, how to move on from betrayal from your husband and best friend, managing a successful career and being present for your kids. It was a fast read/listen.
Spicy: 1
OMG this book was amazing. The first chapter made it seem like it was going to be boring then the plot twist happened and kept happening until the last chapter. Jealous ex-husband, reconnecting with a past fling, how to move on from betrayal from your husband and best friend, managing a successful career and being present for your kids. It was a fast read/listen.
January 20, 2024
Libby audiobook
As the narrator skillfully brought the characters to life, I found myself immersed in the world of Rachel Miller, a lawyer and mother navigating the complexities of modern married life. The author, Jessica Saunders, presents a pitch-perfect exploration of the challenges Rachel faces, balancing her career, family, and the unexpected reemergence of a past flame.
Rachel's character is so well-developed, and her experiences feel authentic and relatable. The struggles in her marriage, the interference of over-involved parents, and the dynamics with other suburban moms added layers to the narrative that kept me engaged.
The unexpected twist in the plot, with racy photos and love letters from Rachel's high school boyfriend, the famous actor Jack Bellow, being exposed in a tabloid, brought an exciting and dramatic element to the story. It forced Rachel to reevaluate her life, career, and relationships, leaving me on the edge of my seat wondering how she would navigate these challenges.
The audiobook doesn't just entertain; it also prompts introspection. It made me reflect on the idea that some old flames, no matter how dormant, have the power to reignite. The question of how Rachel ended up in this situation and what she truly wants resonated with me, adding a thoughtful layer to the narrative.
The characters' interactions, infused with humor and warmth, made me smile countless times. The chemistry between Rachel and Jack felt palpable, and the audiobook managed to balance the emotional depth with moments of lightheartedness.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this is Jessica Saunders's debut novel. The writing felt seasoned, and the narrative flowed effortlessly.
In conclusion, "Love, Me" is an engaging audiobook with a well-crafted storyline, memorable characters, and a perfect balance of entertainment and depth. Whether you're into romance, drama, or a bit of both, this audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
As the narrator skillfully brought the characters to life, I found myself immersed in the world of Rachel Miller, a lawyer and mother navigating the complexities of modern married life. The author, Jessica Saunders, presents a pitch-perfect exploration of the challenges Rachel faces, balancing her career, family, and the unexpected reemergence of a past flame.
Rachel's character is so well-developed, and her experiences feel authentic and relatable. The struggles in her marriage, the interference of over-involved parents, and the dynamics with other suburban moms added layers to the narrative that kept me engaged.
The unexpected twist in the plot, with racy photos and love letters from Rachel's high school boyfriend, the famous actor Jack Bellow, being exposed in a tabloid, brought an exciting and dramatic element to the story. It forced Rachel to reevaluate her life, career, and relationships, leaving me on the edge of my seat wondering how she would navigate these challenges.
The audiobook doesn't just entertain; it also prompts introspection. It made me reflect on the idea that some old flames, no matter how dormant, have the power to reignite. The question of how Rachel ended up in this situation and what she truly wants resonated with me, adding a thoughtful layer to the narrative.
The characters' interactions, infused with humor and warmth, made me smile countless times. The chemistry between Rachel and Jack felt palpable, and the audiobook managed to balance the emotional depth with moments of lightheartedness.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this is Jessica Saunders's debut novel. The writing felt seasoned, and the narrative flowed effortlessly.
In conclusion, "Love, Me" is an engaging audiobook with a well-crafted storyline, memorable characters, and a perfect balance of entertainment and depth. Whether you're into romance, drama, or a bit of both, this audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
December 20, 2023
A moving women's fiction story about a working mother of two young kids who finds her life imploding after her husband confesses to a gambling problem and then betrays her to the press because of her connection to her famous movie star ex. Full of second chances, starting over and learning to be an independent single woman in middle age. This was good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sophie Kinsella. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 10, 2024
4⭐️. This was great, finally! After a string of just okay books, I received this audio ARC from NetGalley and binged it in one day after a glowing review from another bookstagramer I trust.
What I loved & what you’ll get:
•Pacing is great, I never felt like the story was ebbing up or down, I was fully engaged the entire time.
•Can be categorized as women’s fiction, domestic drama and a touch of romance.
•It explores motherhood, marriage, other judgy school moms, our past experiences and what lead us to where we are today… all of it is real and relatable to someone like me, on the brink of 40, married with two kids.
•I liked the dual timeline, past and present.
•It has some romance but you won’t be swooning, but there’s love triangles, second chance love and some open door spice.
•I was super hesitant on the idea that the fmc is hung up on an ex after 20 years, but I promise you the author makes it work, at least for me.
•Debut novel and I will surely pick up more for Jessica in the future!
Thanks again to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jessica Saunders for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review. It’s out January 16, 2024!
What I loved & what you’ll get:
•Pacing is great, I never felt like the story was ebbing up or down, I was fully engaged the entire time.
•Can be categorized as women’s fiction, domestic drama and a touch of romance.
•It explores motherhood, marriage, other judgy school moms, our past experiences and what lead us to where we are today… all of it is real and relatable to someone like me, on the brink of 40, married with two kids.
•I liked the dual timeline, past and present.
•It has some romance but you won’t be swooning, but there’s love triangles, second chance love and some open door spice.
•I was super hesitant on the idea that the fmc is hung up on an ex after 20 years, but I promise you the author makes it work, at least for me.
•Debut novel and I will surely pick up more for Jessica in the future!
Thanks again to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jessica Saunders for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review. It’s out January 16, 2024!
February 22, 2024
Horrible. Please don't read. Characters had no depth to them. Here were my main issues:
1. I was 86% of the way through the book before the first kiss happened.
2. There were children int the book...UGH, not romantic at all
1. I was 86% of the way through the book before the first kiss happened.
2. There were children int the book...UGH, not romantic at all
January 30, 2024
Every character ends up being unlikable. Felt very forced.
January 30, 2024
I WAS FRUSTRATED THE WHOLE TIME
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
I should not be reading about grown up women when I am in fact 25 years old teenage girl! 😬
January 9, 2024
Advanced Book Review! Thank you @jessicasaunders, @unionsqandco and @netgalley for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
“A pitch-perfect exploration of modern married life, Love, Me embraces the truth that some old flames can’t be snuffed out, no matter how many years go by.”
Love, Me was a great debut from Jessica Saunders! I really enjoyed it and I couldn’t put it down. I love a good celebrity/regular person romance because I find that life so fascinating, but I’m not even sure I can say this fully fits in that category.
At first it seems like it’s going to be a second chance romance for Rachel with her high school boyfriend, Jack, who is now a famous actor. I feel like you would usually know how that is going to end, but with Rachel being married with two children, I honestly wasn’t sure! It really kept me reading and I loved that.
When old love letters and revealing photos of Rachel and Jack from high school are publicly released, we are with Rachel through the fall-out and learn how it affects her marriage, as well as her other relationships like her parents, friends and colleagues. She was honestly betrayed by so many of her closest people and I think I would have liked to see stand up for herself more than she did at certain points, but ultimately, she chose the right path for her.
I also loved that this book had three timelines – Rachel’s high school relationship with Jack, her law school relationship with her husband Dan, and present day. And I really liked that Rachel was a working mom who had it pretty together with her career and her kids.
“A pitch-perfect exploration of modern married life, Love, Me embraces the truth that some old flames can’t be snuffed out, no matter how many years go by.”
Love, Me was a great debut from Jessica Saunders! I really enjoyed it and I couldn’t put it down. I love a good celebrity/regular person romance because I find that life so fascinating, but I’m not even sure I can say this fully fits in that category.
At first it seems like it’s going to be a second chance romance for Rachel with her high school boyfriend, Jack, who is now a famous actor. I feel like you would usually know how that is going to end, but with Rachel being married with two children, I honestly wasn’t sure! It really kept me reading and I loved that.
When old love letters and revealing photos of Rachel and Jack from high school are publicly released, we are with Rachel through the fall-out and learn how it affects her marriage, as well as her other relationships like her parents, friends and colleagues. She was honestly betrayed by so many of her closest people and I think I would have liked to see stand up for herself more than she did at certain points, but ultimately, she chose the right path for her.
I also loved that this book had three timelines – Rachel’s high school relationship with Jack, her law school relationship with her husband Dan, and present day. And I really liked that Rachel was a working mom who had it pretty together with her career and her kids.
January 4, 2024
This debut novel reads like a blend of Hollywood gossip and domestic drama, and it sucked me right in!
Rachel’s high school boyfriend Jack has made it to the big time as an incredibly famous actor. Rachel is leading a very different life from Jack as a married mother of two living in the suburbs, commuting to the city for work. When old photos and letters Jack wrote to Rachel are leaked to the gossip rags, old feelings start to emerge and Rachel and Jack meet up for the first time in years.
The story is undeniably messy, full of poor decisions by multiple characters, but that only makes it feel incredibly authentic. The characters are realistic, which flaws and big feelings and reactions. Even while watching them make awful choices, I still felt for them and the things they were experiencing.
The story is told with multiple timelines, a plot device I always love when it is showcasing the origins of a relationship. We get to watch Rachel fall in and out of love with Jack and in love with her husband, and we see her two best friends supporting her the whole way.
I did find the ending to be slightly abrupt, and would have liked a bit more there, but I was entertained and captivated throughout the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rachel’s high school boyfriend Jack has made it to the big time as an incredibly famous actor. Rachel is leading a very different life from Jack as a married mother of two living in the suburbs, commuting to the city for work. When old photos and letters Jack wrote to Rachel are leaked to the gossip rags, old feelings start to emerge and Rachel and Jack meet up for the first time in years.
The story is undeniably messy, full of poor decisions by multiple characters, but that only makes it feel incredibly authentic. The characters are realistic, which flaws and big feelings and reactions. Even while watching them make awful choices, I still felt for them and the things they were experiencing.
The story is told with multiple timelines, a plot device I always love when it is showcasing the origins of a relationship. We get to watch Rachel fall in and out of love with Jack and in love with her husband, and we see her two best friends supporting her the whole way.
I did find the ending to be slightly abrupt, and would have liked a bit more there, but I was entertained and captivated throughout the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2024
When I picked up Love, Me by Jessica Saunders I was expecting a hot and steamy romance novel. I think the fun, bright, and illustrated cover with a hunky man on it threw me off. Oh, and probably having “love” in the title as well! Ha! Well, I did get some romance, but was pleasantly surprised by how layered, insightful, and complex this novel was as well. It had the perfect amount of scandal, drama, and shocking moments, along with themes of motherhood, marriage, and friendship. Definitely a good mix of fun and serious tones. Also, the main character, Rachel Miller is around my age and a mother of two, so I found her super relatable.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Second-chance romance
- Female friendship
- Marriage issues and struggles
- Dual timelines
- “What if” scenarios
- Young love and first crush vibes
- Celebrity gossip and scandal
- Busy working mom storyline
- Parenthood and #momlife
- 1990s nostalgia
- High school and college life
- Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella
Overall, this debut was a hit for me. It kept me engaged and entertained from start to finish. Fans of women’s fiction and the romance genre will really dig this one. Love, Me is available now, and it gets 4/5 stars from me!
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Second-chance romance
- Female friendship
- Marriage issues and struggles
- Dual timelines
- “What if” scenarios
- Young love and first crush vibes
- Celebrity gossip and scandal
- Busy working mom storyline
- Parenthood and #momlife
- 1990s nostalgia
- High school and college life
- Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella
Overall, this debut was a hit for me. It kept me engaged and entertained from start to finish. Fans of women’s fiction and the romance genre will really dig this one. Love, Me is available now, and it gets 4/5 stars from me!
January 16, 2024
“…sometimes we don’t see people for who they really are until they hurt us.”
If you love stories about second chances, what ifs, and TOTGAs (the one that got away), then this book is for you.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book. When I read the synopsis I was pretty sure the story is up my alley. I enjoyed reading the first half of the book which is mainly about the main character’s love story with her high school sweetheart. But this book isn’t just about romance and cutesies, it’s about facing the truth and making uneasy choices. Now, this is where my excitement about the book began to drop. Personally, I think the cause of conflict in the story was too shallow for the main character to react the way she did. The way she was described as having feelings for her high school sweetheart even if she already has a family also didn’t sit well with me. Some may enjoy this kind of story though, it’s just not my cup of tea.
If there will be a book solely dedicated to Rachel and Jack’s high school love story—or maybe even Alex’s—I would not hesitate to read it! Let me know where to sign up lol
Rating: 2.5
If you love stories about second chances, what ifs, and TOTGAs (the one that got away), then this book is for you.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book. When I read the synopsis I was pretty sure the story is up my alley. I enjoyed reading the first half of the book which is mainly about the main character’s love story with her high school sweetheart. But this book isn’t just about romance and cutesies, it’s about facing the truth and making uneasy choices. Now, this is where my excitement about the book began to drop. Personally, I think the cause of conflict in the story was too shallow for the main character to react the way she did. The way she was described as having feelings for her high school sweetheart even if she already has a family also didn’t sit well with me. Some may enjoy this kind of story though, it’s just not my cup of tea.
If there will be a book solely dedicated to Rachel and Jack’s high school love story—or maybe even Alex’s—I would not hesitate to read it! Let me know where to sign up lol
Rating: 2.5
August 2, 2024
This book was a dream but one that dealt with real life issues as well. I mean what would you do if old love letters were published by your ex now famous boyfriend? It would turn your life upside down, which is what happened to Rachel. It made her confront some hard things in her life and what makes her happy.
June 19, 2024
This is fun and fluffy, but in the interest of not getting bogged down, it also glosses over some serious relationship obstacles (between spouses, partners, and lifelong BFF’s) that deserve a lot more time and attention, so I was a little bit torn.
March 4, 2024
I LOVE this feel good romance book!! I was rooting for Rachel and I loved the story line!! I loved Jessica’s writing style!!
April 20, 2024
Rachel Miller is stressed but, like a lot of moms, just keeps keeping on while juggling her kids, a so-so marriage, and a demanding career. Although it doesn’t seem like it initially, a blast from her past rocks her world and provides the opportunity to stop maintaining the status quo and try to figure out what is best.
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