IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS HARD by Christina Hovland

This was the perfect pick-me-up to warm me all over, leave me feeling tingly good inside, and smiling for days.

This book reeled me in on page one, as Em had me laughing out loud with her “dumpster fire” and falling instantly in love with her helpful neighbor, Ethan. I mean, he’s Australian (that accent) and a chef, a single dad who loves his daughter, and he was willing to take one for the team or rather a woman he had just met. And it just kept getting better. 

Em and Ethan were cheeky and witty, and oh-so relatable especially when dealing with the joys of parenthood and family. The chemistry between them was instantaneous and yet there was a sweet, genuine friendship building along with the fun, flirty banter that made the wait for the romance well worth it (not that we had to wait terribly long). 

And as always, Christina Hovland’s secondary characters rounded out the story and added another layer of enjoyment. Between Em’s friends, her family, and the two kids you really got to know the main characters and this reader fell totally in love with them as a couple. 

I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in the Mile High Heat Series.
​5 Stars all the way.