New to me author came up on NetGalley and the cover intrigued me. It says it’s book 2 in a series but that it’s more of a prequel than a continuation and so it feels like it’s appropriate to read it first ( can’t wait to pick up the story of Roxie next).
4.5stars
This is a portrayal of two very “real” people experiencing heartbreak after they both have had relationships end. They have meet-cute that leads to an amazing night of intimacy. The book describes these two as having “normal” body types with a little around the middle and not perfect looking. I love that aspect as we are also able to feel their connections. We also see them while they sort through the emotions of their previous breakups. Great therapy representation that I applaud. There are some other family drama moments to work through and each main character has some emotional growth that we get to witness. It feels like how a real relationship evolves. All the warts and bumps in the road.
There’s some spectacular spicy moments that feel so raw and real as each character explores the other and stretches their boundaries. Loved it. I highly recommend!

This book had me at being set in Wisconsin, I enjoyed it immensely.

Liz has uprooted herself from St. Cloud MN to Madison WI after her fiancee calls it off. A chance encounter in a bar brings her to Joe, also a Minnesotan in Wisconsin, drinking New Glarus and waiting to catch up with his ex-brother in law. They share an instant connection and a hot night. But, Liz is scared to move on to something right away. After what feels like seven wasted years and not really living for herself, she wants time to just be herself. Joe has his own issues from his ex-wife who after 10 years of marriage said she didn't ever want kids. This left him with some scars. But, what was at first a rebound felt like so much more. Is their rebound really for forever?

I think what I liked most about this book is how real it felt. Neither of them is described as particularly skinny -- in fact, they both have a bit of a belly. But Joe LOVES all of Liz's curves and big ass. And, their separate issues were so relatable. And Joe sees a therapist -- love a mental health rep especially for a MMC.

Seriously, this was just a delight. I'll definitely be going back to read the first one in the series and watching for the books from the other characters. (Hello, Bobby!! (can he and Trey actually make it work please???!))

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for access to the ARC in exchange for this honest review!

I really enjoyed this book more than I expected. Liz and Joe felt very real and not perfect, which made their story refreshing. Both have emotional baggage from past relationships, and I liked how their connection grew naturally with all the ups and downs. Joe was a bit pushy sometimes, but his honesty and growth made him more likable later. I also liked the side story with Liz’s brother Bobby and Trey, it added depth and made me curious about their future. Overall, it was a solid read. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and
Fiona Embers for sending me a review copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. At first, I was convinced this was going to be one of those stories where two strangers hook up after a chance encounter, maybe a classic case of mistaken identity thrown in for good measure. I couldn’t tell you exactly why I thought that, but I did. However, the story took a completely unexpected turn, and I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected.

Joe and Liz are incredibly layered, emotionally complex characters who have clearly been shaped by the pain and baggage of their previous relationships. When they meet by chance at a bar, what begins as a casual hookup quickly reveals itself to be something much deeper, I really liked Joe and his character. He did come across quite persistent and didn’t know how to take no for an answer at times. However, I really liked how authentic and grounded both characters were. Their interactions were refreshingly real, full of vulnerability, tension, and moments of genuine connection.

The supporting characters were just as compelling. I was especially drawn to Liz’s older brother, Bobby, and his developing relationship with Trey. Their subplot added another engaging dimension to the story, and I found myself just as invested in their dynamic as I was in the main couple. I’m genuinely curious to see what might unfold between them in the future; whether it’ll be a second chance romance between them or not.

Overall, this story defied my expectations in the best way, and I had a fantastic time reading it.

This steamy and heartfelt romance explores what happens when two emotionally bruised people take a chance on love—whether they’re ready or not. Joe Larson and Liz Jensen’s chemistry is electric, but what starts as a rebound soon reveals deeper feelings neither expected.

Despite being book 2 in a series, it stands strong on its own, with witty dialogue, emotional depth, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for readers who enjoy second-chance love stories with flawed, relatable characters.

The review below is already posted on Goodreads and will also be posted on Amazon once the release date happens on June 27th.

Soft Rebound was a phenomenally fast paced steamy romance book. It has several funny but relatable moments. While I have not read the first one in the series, it does not seem as though they rely on one another. I do in the future wish to read the first one but I loved this particular book very much. I am not a huge fan of changing points of view but the author did really well to make it all work together and feel as though both points were needed. Would definitely recommend if this is a genre you like and reminds me of the Salacious Player's Club Series by Sara Cate.

I signed up for this arc because the blurb really intrigued me and I am so glad I did because I had such a good time reading!!

Their first encounter was cute and carefree, but also awkward in the most adorable way, two strangers who weren’t planning to spend the night with anyone else.
it felt so real and authentic!!

Liz had just come out of a seven year relationship , and Joe himself had been in a long relationship as well. She was in a relationship where she always felt like she wasn’t good enough. But this story is so much more than just a girl getting over a breakup!! It’s about a woman trying to find herself. What she likes, who she really is when she’s on her own. She learns that she doesn’t owe anyone anything, only herself. It was so nice to see her become a woman who finally knows her worth.

And Joe—the way he takes the time to learn what she likes because he puts her pleasure before his own! A real man with no expectations, who just wants her. The full package. The real package.
What I loved most about him was his vulnerability—the way he openly talks about his insecurities and what bothers him. It made my heart break for him. I also appreciated how he’s pro therapy, especially since there’s sadly still stigma around it.

I loved reading about Joe’s and Liz’s growth and development—not only in their relationship but as individuals. Seeing both of them finally let go of the past and find real happiness was everything I wanted for them, and it was so heartwarming to witness.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Fiona Embers for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!