by: Anna J. Stewart
Series: Butterfly Harbor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 27, 2021
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
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An instant family…Is life-changing!
Pregnant construction supervisor Jo Bertoletti doesn’t need anyone’s help…or another heartbreak. So she’s putting handsome, kindhearted firefighter Ozzy Lakeman firmly into the friend zone. After all, she’s just passing through Butterfly Harbor, and her life is too complicated for a summer romance. But Ozzy feels an immediate connection. Can he convince the woman of his dreams to take a chance on building a forever family with him?
Building a Surprise Family is the tenth book in Anna J. Stewart’s Butterfly Harbor series. This is my first time reading this series which definitely makes this a standalone read. Characters from previous books do make appearances.
Oswald “Ozzy” Lakeman has been a mainstay in the Butterfly Harbor series from the very beginning. You even see him start to make a transformation in the previous books. He’s gone from being a computer tech to a Sheriff’s deputy to a firefighter. With his now solid six-pack, Ozzy is now one of the most eligible and sought-after bachelors in the small coastal town of Butterfly Harbor, California.
Jo Bertoletti is the new construction supervisor, brought in to oversee and complete the building of the new butterfly sanctuary after an accident shut down construction in a previous book. Jo's arrival surprises Butterfly Harbor residents in many ways. First, Jo is a she and not a he. Second, she arrives driving a large pickup truck, with her tiny house in tow. Third and finally, Jo is five months pregnant and single.
Ozzy and Jo are characters I liked immediately. There’s this genuineness to them that comes through the page. Ozzy has this innate need/desire to help people, whether they ask for or want it. He’s a man who always does what he feels/thinks is right. Jo is a woman who’s used to doing things on her own and not asking for help. Ozzy is definitely looking for love. Jo is definitely not. A series of events bring these two together. Building a Surprise Family is a sweet romance, where Jo and Ozzy only share a series of kisses. I loved that the drama was low. The dark moment in this story was realistic. It really made your heart go out to both of them.
I’m going to be honest. While reading Building a Surprise Family, I started to get disappointed that I hadn’t read the Butterfly Harbor series until now. I thought this was the last book in the series. I’m excited this series is continuing.
~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~
“Winning isn’t everything.”
“Only fools and hopeless romantics trust everyone.”
“Find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“Family is what you make of it.”
“It’s difficult to be proud of someone you don’t understand.”
“Sometimes what you need most finds a way to show up in your life.”
“If you’re going to go through life just waiting for people to let you down, you really will be alone.”
**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
Rating: 5
Purchase Building a Surprise Family from:
The Butterfly Harbor Series:
You can read an excerpt from Building a Surprise Family here.
Worth the Risk releases December 28, 2021
You can read my interview with Anna, where we discuss the Butterfly Harbor series here.
Places to find Anna J. Stewart:
Thank you SO much!! I'm over the moon happy you fell in love with Ozzy. And Jo .
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Ozzy and Jo were so easy to fall in love with. I didn't mention Lancelot, but oh my gosh. I fell in love with him too.
DeleteThis sounds like one I would like, great review!
ReplyDelete