When Sofia's husband asks for a divorce and kicks her and their kids out, she's at the end of her rope when a kind stranger in a coffee shop helps her out. Santiago just wanted to cheer up the broken woman, but when he does, he can't help but be drawn to her despite her struggles. Their chance encounter turns into more when she moves into his building and he's tormented by the sight of her across the patio everyday. Little does Sofia know, but he can't get her out of his mind. Sofia's been through the mud by her ex, and only wants to keep her three boys happy and safe. Santi worms his way into her heart, but is he ready for the challenges of step-parenthood and when her deranged ex comes calling? Santiago never thought he would be in this situation, but Sofia is worth it. He just needs to be sure of himself before he can be sure for his new family.

I thought this was an extremely well-done take on a single parent romance. The dynamic between Sofia and Santiago, as well as Sofia's kids, was well-developed and thought out. Both Sofia and Santi have their own history and baggage to deal with, but they work past their issues together and come out stronger. I especially enjoyed how supportive all the secondary characters are and invested into Sofia and Santi's happiness. I'm going to need some details on Jared and Isa though. There's something going on and I'd love to know!adult-fiction arcs contemporary Charlotte350 19

Can I relate to solo parent tropes? No. Do I read them it’s what keeps me alive? Yeah, there’s something about it that is filled with such deep emotion, self-growth, hope, and love. JL Sanchez has brought to life to characters who are so humanely flawed yet aware. Sofia and Santiago have amazing chemistry that flows so naturally.

Their baggage is worked on independently and together as a team. I often feel that the kids in a single parent trope are just used as props and here they felt an integral part of the story. The connection and relationship Sofia has with them really shows what kind of mother she is. This was the perfect snuggle in, feel good romance. With opportunity to dive into some secondary characters in a sequel, I’m excited to see who JL will introduce next. CMarie143 8

What a well-written, emotional read. I enjoy almost all genres of romances, and tropes too, and this single parent and wounded MMC story was both unique and spot on. Definitely a romantic read for when you're feeling down and looking to gain back a little hope. These characters don't have any easy time of things and the author brings all the emotions.

"The harsh sense of rejection from the one person who was supposed to love me no matter what gutted me."

Just one quote I saved on my kindle. Would recommend this to any romance reader who loves stories with depth, characters with flaws, and chemistry that is strong and jumps off the pages. Amanda Amos23

Broken people finding love

I loved this book! Both main characters have gone through divorced from shallow people. They are a shell of their former selves. After a chance meeting at a coffee shop and a short conversation, their paths cross again. They both work at being better people. Sanyo accepts Sofia- kids and all. I loved the development of the story and how it flowed. I am hoping we get a story of the best friends as they were both key players in the book! Michelle Downing12

This story is a single parent trope. The story is very well written and the characters development is great. Santiago and Sofia meet and develop a relationship even though both of them have their own baggage and heartbreak to figure out. I love the interaction between Santi and Sofia’s kids.


I am really hoping to see a book of the secondary characters Jared and Isa. Linda McCutcheon1,094 7

"The sadness has been in your heart for longer than you have been divorced."

"Are you sure you want this, Sofia? Once we go there, we can't go back. You will be mine. I won't give you up and I won't share you with any other man. I'm a possessive asshole, but I'll be your possessive asshole."

The above quotes are what makes the emotional steamy Guilty Pleasures by romance author J.L.Sanchez a true gem about mature adult relationships showing the pain and the pleasure in giving yourself a second chance at love.

Sofia is struggling with her selfish husband of 15 years coming home to say he's leaving her and their 3 sons for the 25 year old fitness model he met at the gym. She allows herself a moment of self indulgence at her favorite coffee shop.

She sees a man in line and blushes at her thought that he has the best behind she's ever seen. She's shocked a few minutes later when he's standing in front of her with a coffee for her. She barely notices the scar down Santiago's face that he's trying to hide with his hair. It seems sometimes broken hearts recognize each other.

Though it's insta love for him they don't jump into a relationship right away. In fact it's a month before they see each other again. I appreciated that this writer wrote characters that had real flaws, fears and, for Sofia, the responsibility of her children always coming first. She makes sure Santiago knows that being with her is also being with her boys.

I lived through a husband leaving and being a single Mom and this author got it right. I was a ball of emotions from anger, sadness, exhaustion, and self doubt. What she also got right was the blessing of great kids to remind you why you need to keep going, family that has your back (loved Sofia's mom) and loyal friends. I will admit if I had a Santiago it'd be the best guilty pleasure.

I received a free copy of this book from Breys Book Tours for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. Jennifer CarterAuthor 47 books19

Such a cute story and loved the characters :) and oh my gosh the kids were adorable <3 Samantha Feistritzer111 1 follower

Thank you JL for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! What a sweet story. I feel there aren’t many books written about divorced middle aged women trying to figure out how to feel sexy and loved again with the baggage that comes with life: ex spouses, kids, custody battles, etc. Santiago is dream step daddy material. The family he finds with Sophia and her boys melts my heart. Dual POV can be hit or miss, but I think it was well executed here.

However, there’s one plot hole that really bothers me and it’s the reason for 3 instead of 4 stars. In their meet cute, Santiago learns about the troubles Sophia is having trying to find somewhere affordable to live with her boys after her ex husband kicks her out. Santiago recommends a place who gives discounts to single moms with kids and, no surprise, it’s the condo right next to his. We learn early on in the book there is no discount, he just pays a portion of their rent each month secretly (he’s very well off). I’ve seen this trope before in romance books and it always ends up being a source of conflict; things are going great and then the other person finds out about creepy/sweet gesture and feels lied to they’ve kept it a secret all this time. But this just never comes up again?? By the epilogue they’re engaged, and there’s never a conversation about him paying her rent? She’s independent and has trust issues, I feel shit would hit the fan if she found out. The fact that this was never addressed does feel an oversight, Chekhov’s gun and all that. I actually d that in other aspects Sophia didn’t shy away from his financial support; she let Santiago pay for her divorce attorney when she wanted to fight for full custody after her ex pulled some shit. So I feel the author set this conflict up to turn this trope on its head which makes it all the more disappointing.

While the book gets spicy, it’s definitely more plot than smut and we’ll-balanced. Some of the dialogue definitely went over the top and was unrealistic and cheesy, but I think you can get away with that in romance.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review Bri265 5

If you love emotional books this one is for you!

I started my reading journey with JL Sanchez by reading her Metamorphosis series which you should also read. Anyway I knew I needed this story because I adore her writing and the depth she gives her characters!

Santi and Sophia both carry scars some physical others mental. Even though they don’t have the same scars they were instantly drawn to each other and able to recognize the pain and need to heal in each other. I really enjoyed that they didn’t try to “fix” the other person or solve all the other persons problems. While they were a team they also found solutions on their own.

Santi knew what he wanted and went after it. Sophia being a single mom he knew he was going to have to commit to more than just her and that he did. Some very sweet wholesome step dad moments. He forged a relationship with them because he wanted to and not just because he wanted Sophia.

A very refreshing read! Minimal drama between the MCs which is nice because sometimes you just need the gushy lovey stuff.

This book had
Love after divorce
Single mom
Middle aged main characters

Happy Reading! ?? Elizabeth- Reading_sweetpea48

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