I think this is my first time reading a romance that is centered around a trauma bond. The characters "meet cute" was anything but. Grady and Marnie's story is full of competent care taking, complex family dynamics, and small town drama. All tropes I love to read. This has to be one of the more unique premises for a romance with them literally crashing into each other on her way to her wedding.

I loved the story early on and overall but it felt a tad insta-love to me considering all that Marnie has experienced and the timeline. This was an enjoyable read I would recommend to fans of happily ever after and "slowish" burn spice.

Every Chance After by Jessica Sherry is a heartfelt, emotional slow-burn romance that completely pulled me in. Marnie’s life is shattered after a tragic accident—caused by Grady, a broody, reclusive vet with a ton of guilt. What follows is a beautifully written journey of grief, forgiveness, and unexpected love.

I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic and how the romance built slowly and naturally. Grady is a top-tier book boyfriend—flawed, complex, and quietly swoon-worthy. Marnie is strong and vulnerable in all the right ways. The way Sherry handles themes like trauma, mental health, and healing felt authentic and moving without being overly heavy.

I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy for my bookshelf—this one deserves a spot! Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.75 ⭐️

A tragic accident on her wedding day ends up completely changing the course of Marnie’s life, and she is left navigating her new future with the man who caused it.

I’ll be honest, if I were in Marnie’s place, I’m not so sure I would have been as forgiving as she was with Grady—even if he did save her life.

However, she’s sunshine incarnate and in spite of the life she imagined herself having crumbling around her, she continued to see the good in everything.

Despite how they met, Grady and Marnie just work. They balance each other out well, and their friendship turned romance was super sweet.

What to expect:
- car accident meet “cute”
- trauma bonding
- small town romance
- age gap
- grumpy x sunshine
- friends to lovers

CW: on page car accident, injuries and blood sustained from said crash, emergency medical procedures, mentions of infertility/pregnancy, grief, abandonment, mental health rep, parental abandonment, mentions of divorce

Ive read one other book from her through arcs and let me just say seriously the best characters, the best writing, just overall such good writing. The characters are always so mature and while Marnie has her naive moments she also kind of explain the reasoning behind acting the way she is. I loved Grady and he was the perfect grumpy to her sunshine in every way. I would love to see the other characters again as they were just so loveable too. Thanks so much for the ARC!

Thankyou for the arc copy of Every chance after.
I adored this book so much.
The start with the accident and them meeting that way can be confronting for some but I liked that it was exciting right off the bat.

This book takes you through the journey of grief, guilt, love, hope and forgiveness. I cried and I laughed and I felt all the feels.

The tropes in this book are age gap, caretaker, sunshine x grumpy, found family and small town romance.

I loved the characters and watching them grow. Solid 5 star read for me

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of Every Chance After. Many thanks to Netgalley and Jessica Sherry for this opportunity.

Some love stories feel destined, and Every Chance After is one of them. This novel beautifully captures the magic that happens when two seemingly opposite souls- literally-collide: one grumpy, guarded, and skeptical, the other brimming with warmth, hope, and an unfailing belief in the good.

Set against the backdrop of a life-changing event, Grady and Marina’s initial meeting is anything but perfect. Yet, as the pages turn, they challenge each other in ways neither expected. Grumpy Grady's rough edges soften, revealing a tender heart beneath the cynicism. Meanwhile, Marina discovers depths of resilience and complexity she never knew they had. Their journey is raw, emotional, and undeniably sweet, proving that sometimes, love isn’t about changing someone; it’s about uncovering their best self.

Jessica Sherry’s writing is charming and immersive, striking the perfect balance between humor, heartache, and swoon-worthy romance. The banter between characters, both main and secondary, is sharp and delightful, while Grady and Marina’s vulnerable moments hit right where it matters. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to make readers truly feel the blossoming of love; their chemistry is undeniable, and every stolen glance, whispered conversation, and emotional turning point is beautifully crafted by Sherry.

For fans of tender romance with depth and sincerity, Every Chance After is an absolute must-read.

Oh, Marnie. You beautiful, adorable soul.

I'd like to start by saying this story hit all the spots I was hoping for it to hit; the emotional, grief-stricken journey toward love. I'm a sucker for these kinds of books, and this one delivered. It was a rich story, filled with great characters and layered with emotion. The slow burn and the romance were fantastic, but surprisingly, they weren’t even the parts I found myself paying the most attention to.

The story was compelling, and Marnie and Grady's journey was written with love and care.

My only complaint is that many of the side characters, like Grady's family and others, felt like they existed in a broader universe outside of this book. It was a bit confusing at times, as many were introduced without much background until later on. It almost felt like I was expected to already know them from previous stories. If this is part of an interconnected series, I would’ve appreciated a headsup, just so I could decide whether to dive in here or start from the beginning.

Aside from that, beautiful story, beautiful ending. I definitely cried and giggled here and there.

Thank you to NetGalley and author Jessica Sherry for the ARC!💖

This book was emotional and so full of heart warming moments between the characters, Marnie and Gardy.

I absolutely loved this book. From the first few chapters, I was hooked- so much that I binge-read this book in one day, like 6 hours to be exact! As my very first ARC, it set the bar so high! The book is filled with emotion, small-town charm, and so much depth of the characters that all comes together so beautifully in a story that was both heartbreaking and healing.

First, Marnie was so lovable. She is radiant, resilient, and just overall so lovable. You can connect to her in some way. Watching her world fall apart on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life (her wedding day) was heartbreaking but the way she picks up the pieces was adorable!

And Grady!!!! Oh, Grady! The guilt-filled vet who accidentally derails Marnie's dreams and life, but can't help but stick around to try to make it better... I love you. I can picture how closed-off and guarded he is, yet he slowly becomes such a lovable, kind character. I mean... he braids her hair. Are you kidding me???

Their chemistry was undeniable, but what I really loved was all the little, sweet moments that were moments of genuine care, love, and connection between the characters. This book isn't just about romance, but about connecting, finding a family, and forgiving.

Tropes:
- Strangers to friends to lovers
- He's the black cat, she's the golden retriever
- Age gap
- Found Family
- Small town romance
- Opposites attract
- Protector
- Second chances

I was very happy to receive an early copy of this book. The story was written in such a beautiful and raw manner. I absolutely adored the main character, Marina. She was sunshine embodied! Unfortunately, overall, this book was not my cup of tea when it comes to spice and language. While the spicy scenes focused on emotional intimacy, there were still some explicit details that I prefer avoiding; however, I have to give Sherry props for writing a story about forgiveness, hope, perseverance, positivity, love, and resilience. The overall message was incredibly inspiring! Thank you Netgalley and Jessica Sherry for my copy of this book! All opinions are my own!
Spicy chapters: 40, beginning of 41, and 44; innuendo throughout!

Thank you to Jessica Sherry and Netgalley for the ARC.
This book started with a bang. The two main characters get into a car crash, and trauma bond if you will. It’s Marnie’s wedding day, and she’s had bad luck for most of her life. Grady is a grumpy and tired veterinarian, who deals with guilt and wanting to make things right.

The beginning was very fast paced and somewhat intense, but the story slowed down after that. I like Marnie’s character and how she saw the upside of everything. Grady’s support for Marnie, when she had no one else, was precious. It was nice that Marnie taught Grady to let go and just be again.

I have a lot of thoughts on this one. I really enjoyed Every Chance After, it is a solid four-star read for me. From the moment Marni and Grady met, I was hooked. Their chemistry was crazyyyy, and I found myself immediately rooting for them!!! Loved the small-town vibes, how Marni and Grady were literally the definition of grumpy x sunshine, and how the characters, both main and secondary, felt real and well-developed. I especially liked how the side characters had their own interesting backstories rather than just existing to move the plot along.

What stood out the most to me was the emotional honesty developed throughout the book. Jessica Sherry did a great job of exploring heavy themes in a way that felt natural and meaningful to the story. However, I’ll admit, there were moments I wished Marni allowed herself more space to grieve or be angry. Her insistence on staying positive sometimes felt a bit too much, especially when she had every right to feel her feelings. I was craving just a touch more angst from her, especially towards the end of the book.

While the story captivated me, I don’t think it’s a book I’d re-read. There were parts where I felt a little bit of a disconnection or like a dip in momentum, but overall, it’s a beautiful, well-written story about healing and love, and I love love. Definitely worth the read!

The premise was solid but the execution felt clunky.

The characters were like caricatures. There was almost no nuance to them; they were stereotypes without their own personalities. Even antagonists have SOME good in them, usually. But not here; the main antagonists had no redeeming qualities and it was almost comical (unintentionally) how awful they were.

The writing also felt a bit underdeveloped.

Thank you to the author and publisher cut an advanced copy.

Jessica Sherry's Every Chance After is a beautifully crafted narrative that explores the complexities of love, guilt, and forgiveness. The protagonists, Marnie and Grady, are richly developed, each carrying emotional baggage that adds depth to their evolving relationship.

The age-gap dynamic is handled with sensitivity, focusing on mutual respect and emotional connection rather than mere novelty. Sherry's writing shines in the quiet moments, where characters confront their pasts and make peace with their present.

Highlights:

Character Development: Both leads undergo significant growth, making their journey satisfying.

Emotional Resonance: The story tackles heavy themes with grace, ensuring readers are both moved and hopeful.

Engaging Prose: Sherry's writing is evocative, painting vivid emotional landscapes.

Conclusion:

Every Chance After is a heartfelt exploration of love's capacity to heal. It's a story that lingers, reminding readers of the beauty found in vulnerability and the courage it takes to embrace love anew.

📚Every Chance After📚
Arc review
Rating 4🌟
Release date: 27th May 2025
I was so happy to be accepted to read this book before it came out
I loved this book. I didn't expect it to get interesting straight from the beginning of the book. I was shocked. The fact that he just kept helping her with everything was just so cute. I love how she makes her own board games (now that's interesting)

This book was AMAZING! I don’t have enough good words to say about how this book made me feel. One moment I’m on the verge of crying, the next I’m smiling and laughing. Perfection.

In this novel we follow Marnie and Grady. On the day Marnie is to marry her man-child fiancé Ashe, Grady is driving home from a 32 hour shift and falls asleep at the wheel. The outcome results in Marnie getting badly injured, but Grady also saves her life. While most people would be angry their life has changed so drastically, Marnie stays positive and is grateful to Grady for saving her. Grady on the other hand feels so much regret he vows to make it up to Marnie. As he helps her get back on her feet, they both find themselves growing in their love for each other.

This book has all the feels. The first few chapters are dramatic and slightly graphic (I hate blood and I was able to handle this no problem), but I kept tearing up. Then I would be laughing. Marnie is a funny, strong character - the epitome of a sunshine character. I think she hit me the hardest because she reminded me of myself and the stuff I went through as a child.

This isn’t just a love story, but the story of found family. The side characters wormed their way into my heart. I want to hug Wade, Christie, and Roy.

The plot just kept me wanting to read. I’ve been in a book funk for a few weeks and this took me out of it. I loved every page. The only thing I would change is the mom situation in the second half. No spoilers, but I’ll just say Marnie is more forgiving than I would be. Multiple characters in this book would have been slapped.

Please pick up this book! I already know I’ll be binge reading the rest of this author’s books. Bring em on!

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. This book was addictive. I came across it on Netgalley Saturday and immediately had to request it. I started reading the second the approval came through and let me tell you, I did not want to put it down. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about when I could pick it back up again.

Every Chance After is a grumpy/sunshine, age-gap romance set in a small town that tackles some heavy topics. While handled with extreme care, I recommend checking the list of trigger warnings included in the beginning of the book.

Marnie and Grady are EVERYTHING. I loved them so much. Though they were brought together by trauma, there’s a genuine friendship that forms between them and I loved the way their relationship evolves. Their chemistry was insane and the slow-burn was just👌🏻
The way he repeatedly shows up and takes care of her when no one else does was perfection. Even better, the dual POV allows us to witness the yearning on both sides which makes it that much better when they finally accept that they belong together. Nothing about their situation was easy but their journey to love was absolutely beautiful.

You can’t help but admire Marnie’s strength. In light of all she’s lost, she keeps a bright smile on her face determined not to let anyone see her cry so seeing her eventually let her guard down around Grady was wonderful.

The found family in this is FANTASTIC. Family is all Marnie’s ever wanted and being so close to finally belonging to one only to lose it was devastating (even if the family she was about to marry into wasn’t the greatest). Thankfully, Grady is surrounded by wonderful people who welcome her with open arms. I loved them all and the mental health rep in this book was amazing.

There’s also adorable cats, dogs and even a gator named Bessie!

This is my first book by Jessica Sherry but it certainly won’t be my last! I’ve already downloaded Yes No Maybe through KU and can’t wait to get started!

This was a beautiful novel of love but second Chan e love as well. I could relate so much to Marnie and her longing of family and that sometimes our happily ever after date were we least expect to find them. Gorgeous story and cover. Readers will enjoy escaping to this gorgeous tale.

Sherry writes an entertaining romance story that also deals with grief. She gives us both the male and female main character perspectives. It was a refreshing book to get lost in. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley, Jessica Sherry and the publisher for this ARC!

4.25 ⭐️ This is my first Jessica Sherry book and won’t be my last! I devoured this book, went to bed thinking about it, I loved it! The chemistry between Marnie and Grady is beautiful. Even though their first meeting together was tragic and sad, throughout the book the growth and character development for Marnie and Grady was amazing. Grady comes across as a protective man, but deep inside he was kind and loving (even braiding her hair!!) Marnie lost a lot thought out the book but she still remained resilient, and continued to be a powerful and strong women.

The writing was beautiful making you want to read more. The structure of the plot was amazing and thought out, although it feels like a slowish burn it was a perfect pace for the themes within the book. The various mental health and neurodivergent representations through the book were well written. I think everyone should add Every Chance After to their tbr!

Tropes - grumpy sunshine, age gaps, mental health representation, age gap, he is the care giver, strangers to friends to lovers, small town, and second chances.
Happy reading!!

My first Jessica Sherry book and OMG. I devoured this book. I read this is one day. Could not put it down.
Marnie and Grady!!! I love them together.
Tropes: age gaps, grumpy sunshine, found family, mental health representation, slow burn (but in a good way), he is the caregiver, animals, and horrible meet-cute.
Grady is a top-tier book boyfriend. The man holds her and lets her cry. He braids her hair! He also shows love to the cats. I just couldn't get over his character. He had such a tough exterior, but he was such a kind, loving, tender man!
While their meeting was so tragic and sad, the growth that happened in both MCs because of that tragedy was beautiful.
They were made for one another in all the best ways. I can't get enough of how well this author writes her characters and has the reader so invested in everything with these characters. You feel what they feel. I just can't say enough about this writing.
The structure of the plot is wonderful, and the pace is perfect for the story.
I haven't had many 5-star reads this year, but this will go down as one of my favorite books of the year.
I don't want to give away too much, but do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR immediately! It comes out today!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jessica Sherry for the opportunity to read and review this exceptional book!
Happy Reading!