He’s commitment phobic. She believes in happy endings. The twist of fate that binds them is a surprise they never saw coming in a bittersweet romance about instant family—and not-so-instant love.
A decade-old animosity is the only thing Liam Davies and Zoe Valentine have in common. Until their mutual best friends pass away and they’re appointed co-guardians of the trusting couple’s precocious toddler, Mira.
Liam is committed only to professional football. Relationship-wise, he’s even better at defense. Still wrestling with a tough childhood, he’s not cut out to be a father. Why his late best buddy believed in him, Liam has no idea.
An optimistic romantic, Zoe has always dreamed of a fairy-tale life. But even though Liam’s biceps make her dizzy and she can’t stop thinking about his lips on hers, he’s not exactly Prince Charming. With or without that brooding Brit, she is determined to make good on her friends’ last wish.
Forced into a predicament they never expected, Zoe and Liam are discovering things about each other that could scorch through boundaries, warm hearts, and change minds. And best of all, with their shared love for a pint-size surprise like Mira, they might just turn a house into a home.
MY REVIEW
The Best of All is a sweet, heartwarming, instant family romance that will take readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotion as Liam and Zoe navigate their way through the cards life has dealt them.
Liam had to be one of the most frustrating characters I’ve encountered in a long time. While he’s got his reasons, he’s grumpy and extremely closed off. He comes across as a total jerk; the kind of guy you wouldn’t want to bother unless you absolutely had to. So when he finds himself as one of the guardians of his friend’s daughter, Mira, he’s like a fish out of water and utterly clueless. But, as time goes on, Mira manages to break down his walls and bring out a side of Liam that no one knew existed. That brings us to Zoe. Zoe has always wanted a family, but it never seemed to be in the cards for her. It wasn’t until after her divorce that she found herself as one of the caregivers of Mira. She provides Mira with the strength and stability she needs, however, it’s tough doing it all on her own. So, imagine her surprise when Liam steps up and provides a helping hand.
I really enjoyed Liam and Zoe’s story. It starts off utterly heartbreaking and consumes you right from the first page. As you get to know Zoe and Liam, you discover their relationship is anything but friendly. They rocked the enemies-to-lovers vibe like no other. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Liam and Zoe’s world gets turned upside down, and find themselves partners in a situation they never expected. Of course, the more time, Liam and Zoe spend together, the more you discover a delicious tension simmering beneath the surface. There is more to these two characters than meets the eye and I loved watching them navigate their way through the challenges set before them.
This book is the definition of slow burn. And while there isn’t a ton of steam, what’s there is satisfying. This romance is worth the wait and left me with a big smile on my face.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
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