Zoe Valentine has always wanted a husband, a family and a happy home but that wasn't in the cards for her in her first marriage. When her friends are killed in an accident leaving a small daughter, Zoe is tapped to take care of the cute little Mira. And so is Liam Davies, another family friend. There's only one problem -- Zoe and Liam don't really get along.

This is my second book from this author and I've really enjoyed this two book series. It's satisfied my need for a romance I can fall into. I loved these two characters and was really rooting for them to it together so they could be together and it takes most of the book to get there. Liam has some childhood baggage that messes him up, but underneath it all, he is attracted to Zoe and has been for a very long time. It's great to see him get out of his own way and figure out how he can truly be happy. I loved his journey and he figures it all out with some help from his friends.

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance. Zoe is sweet, and Liam is just right for her. They are great together.

After reading the first book I was happy that this one wasn't as grief heavy. While there is still elements of it the story is more focused on the relationship and co-raising the daughter of their best friend. Zoe immediately takes in Mira and tends to all her needs, though it is a struggle being a single parent. She isn't supposed to be a single parent but Liam the other co-parent decides to walk away.

While he was very absent for a good portion at the beginning he does come around, eventually moving in next door to help Zoe. The two are opposites but their mutual pining led to some good tension. Zoe's book club filled with older women who was very happy to push her towards Liam, and added some much needed levity.

Overall, not what I was expecting from this author and a lot less steam that I am used to from her.

“Clearly, having a great ass and perfect arms and the sexiest accent known to man doesn’t actually make you a good person.”

OMG! This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions! I came for the promise of enemies to lovers and stayed for all the slow burn deliciousness and all the feels!

Zoe and Liam have had a decade old back and forth going on. Their best friends are married to each other so they don’t have a choice of being around each other. When their best friends unexpectedly passes away, imagine their surprise when they were named as guardians of their daughter Mira.

Liam’s only love is football and never wanted a family of his own, so he doesn’t understand why his best friend chose him.
Zoe will do anything to follow her best friend’s wishes even it means playing nice with the grumpy, broody Liam.

As they adapt to their new life, they also discover things about one another that changes the way they see each other. And with the lovable and adorable Mira in the middle that maybe their situation as not as bad they thought it would be.

I love little Mira! She’s the best! She also broke my heart a few times and had me crying, ugly crying face and all 😂. Get your tissues ready!
Zoe, Mira and Liam going through their shared grief and learning and growing together was a journey you need to see.
Zoe and Liam and their delicious slow burn was so worth the read! Love their back and forth, and to find out why Liam was so broody with Zoe? Ohhh so good! And the parts with Liam and Mira will melt your heart!
I could go on and on about the things I love about this book but I think you need to see for yourself!

In The Best of All by Karla Sorensen, commitment-phobic Liam Davies and hopeless romantic Zoe Valentine, who believes in happily ever after, are appointed co-guardians of their mutual best friends’ sweet, bright toddler, Mira after they pass away. Liam and Zoe never quite got along, but now they must figure out how to resolve their differences and provide the secure, loving family and home Mira’s parents wanted for her. Written in Zoe and Liam’s dual first-person POVs, The Best of All explores Liam, Zoe, and Mira’s relationships by including flashbacks to pivotal moments from their first meetings to the present.

From its first scene, Sorensen drew me into this compelling novel about grief, loss, family, and love. Her descriptions and world-building are vivid and detailed, and she uses the characters’ senses to make you feel like you are with them each moment. Sorensen’s colorful, natural-sounding dialogue and snarky banter perfectly suit her characters, setting, and theme. She uses their dialogue and banter along with the characters’ sweet, sexy, steamy, and intimate interactions and love scenes to develop complex, messy, relatable, and likable characters you can’t help but love and root for to be happy. These interactions help to reveal and evolve the story and the characters.

I love all the scenes with Liam, Mira, and Zoe learning to be a family. They are funny, sweet, and poignant. Additionally, Sorensen’s writing is outstanding in the scenes that deal with the grief over losing a parent and best friends. They are emotional, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written. Sorensen excellently explores grief and loss, particularly for a young child and a person stepping into a caregiver/parental role for the first time. I love Liam’s scenes with Mira that show this.

Sorensen transitions Liam and Zoe’s relationship from reluctant allies barely tolerating each other to partners, friends, and more. Though they try to deny and fight it, Liam and Zoe are deeply attracted and drawn to each other, with an intense chemistry and connection that becomes more than sexual as they spend time together caring for Mira. I love their snarky banter, flirting, and sexual and romantic tension, which play out deliciously. Their romance is a slow burn, and Sorensen excellently builds the tension between them, allowing them to develop a friendship and relationship based on more than sexual attraction before they become intimate because it’s best for them and Mira. Sorensen’s descriptions make their first kiss and love scenes feel intimate, sensual, emotional, and romantic. The following quote made me laugh and took me out because it was so surprising coming from Zoe—though it perfectly captured her reluctant thirst for Liam. “Good Lord, what soap did he use? Dirty sex in a bottle? That’s about what he smelled like. Clean, fresh, a little spicy.” I can’t even!

My first read by Sorensen, The Best of All is an absorbing, sweet, steamy, hilarious, sexy, poignant, and fast-paced romance that’s perfect for fans of sports romance, opposites attract, forced proximity, first-time parents/instant family, and enemies-to-lovers.

Content warnings: domestic violence (past)

The Best of All by Karla Sorensen
The Best Men #2

Just the book I needed to read today ~ All the feels ~ Smiles, chills, tears, and a HEA for Zoe, Liam, and Mira ~ Loved it!

What I liked:
* Chris & Amie: wonderful people with the world ahead of them, died too soon, changed the lives of more than one person in their lives
* Zoe Valentine: accountant, divorced, believe(d) in fairy tales, good friend, bright, caring, affectionate, wants what is best for Mira
* Liam Davies: English, professional football player, strong, fast, guarded, grumpy, there for his team, good friend, overwhelmed by the the death of the friend and the thought of being Mira’s guardian, grew a LOT in this book
* Mira: daughter of Chris & Amie, orphaned too young, bright, charming, active, adorable, and the tie that brings Liam and Zoe together
* Liam’s Teammaates and coaches: there for one another, supportive, interesting
* Rosa, Martha, and Phyllis: three older women friends of Zoe’s that provide a spark to the story
* Liam’s mother: strong, caring, survivor, did what it took to keep Liam and herself safe
* Carol: family therapist that had a big impact on Liam
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I was drawn in, felt a part of the story, cared about the outcome and would have liked to have been friends with more than one of the characters
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Amie’s ex-husband who really did not deserve her
* Thinking about the impact of the death on the survivors
* Having to say goodbye to the characters and wondering if there will be a book three in the series

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

My review for this ARC is a bit late as I had a few family issues come up. With that being said, I absolutely love this book! There is absolutely no way you don't fall in love with Zoe and Mira, Liam did take a bit to warm up to but when you do you love them all. Zoe and Liam were chosen by their best friends to become guardians of their daughter Mira if anything were to happen to them. Unfortunately, they are both killed in a car accident and Zoe and Liam have to step up. Zoe immediately steps up and takes care of Mira, Liam has a difficult time considering some trauma he had in his childhood. This is definitely a slow burn romance, but I enjoyed every bit of it.

I completly adored the first one but the second? I LOVE IT. Everything was perfect in the plot, the chemistry between the mail characthers was UNREAL and I truly can't wait to read more from this author - she nail it every single time!

I have to admit that Liam took a while to get to like. As a story, that made this a slower story for me. That said, once he came around, he did a slightly unbelievable 180 turn. However, there was a sweetness and sadness to this story of two enemies that had to come together to take care of a baby who lost her parents. Some of the most emotional aspects of the story came from Liam's recognition of what it means to take responsibility. Angsty but with an undercurrent of hope, I overall enjoyed the story. I saw that the audible is listen and read for free with Shane East! I'm definitely getting that one to relive the story! Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy.

Thank you, Karla Sorenson and Author Agency, for an e-ARC.

Zoe, having been catapulted into parenthood, is accepting her grief over the deaths of her friends while doing her best for Mira. Then, the attorneys disclose a shocking turn of events: she shares guardianship with Liam, her rival. The tension between these two was incredible. Being forced together allowed Liam and Zoe to let down their barriers, and watching them fall in love was beautiful!

THE BEST OF ALL By Karla Sorensen

A decade-old animosity is the only thing Liam Davies and Zoe Valentine have in common. Until their mutual best friends pass away and they’re appointed co-guardians of the trusting couple’s precocious toddler, Mira.
Liam is committed only to professional football. Relationship-wise, he’s even better at defense. Still wrestling with a tough childhood, he’s not cut out to be a father. Why his late best buddy believed in him, Liam has no idea.
An optimistic romantic, Zoe has always dreamed of a fairy-tale life. But even though Liam’s biceps make her dizzy and she can’t stop thinking about his lips on hers, he’s not exactly Prince Charming. With or without that brooding Brit, she is determined to make good on her friends’ last wish.
Forced into a predicament they never expected, Zoe and Liam are discovering things about each other that could scorch through boundaries, warm hearts, and change minds. And best of all, with their shared love for a pint-size surprise like Mira, they might just turn a house into a home.

😊What i liked -

✔ Forced Proximity/Grumpy-Sunshine/Sports/He Falls First/Forced Guardianship.
✔ First things First - The slow burn near about k!lled me in this. Ufff the wait and the anticipation.
✔ The way Liwam falls in love with Mira was so cute. The little girl has him wrapped around her finger 😍.
✔ Their chemistry and banter is hot notch.
✔ I am in love with Nash. He was sooooo swoony. (though i hurt of him too)
✔ This was a really cute, heart wrenching and slow burny read.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ It did become a bit slow in between.


📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
☀ Grumpy-Sunshine Romance
🏈 Sports Romance


📈My Rating : 4/5

Thank you, Karla Sorenson and Author Agency, for a copy

This author has always been a favorite of mine ( I loved the Washington Wolves and the Ward Sisters series) but I must say she outdid herself in this book. Liam and Zoe have always had a weird slightly antagonistic relationship. Even the first time they met they were rude to each other. Liam was rude because Zoe affected him in a way that he was to afraid to face and name. Zoe may have felt similarly but she basically just responded to his attitude. These two are the best friends of a married couple who unfortunately die way to early and leave their young child in the joint custody of Liam and Zoe. Zoe is thrilled she is a divorced woman who desperately wanted a child and she loves Mira and wants to fulfill her best friend’s wishes. Liam on the other hand wants no part of Mira and thinks that he isn’t good with children or with being a part of a family. Liam slowly has a change of heart and as he changes this abrupt, brusque man becomes this man who is gentle, kind and thoughtful. I loved how the two of them were able to work through their issues to become a strong family unit for Mira. This is an incredibly moving and emotional story that will tug your heartstrings.

I wish I could properly express how good this book was but I don’t feel like any words will do it proper justice.

This was a rollercoaster in the best way possible and had me crying at my desk because the emotional trip I was taking. (I literally could not put it down.)

Zoe and Liam are thrust into guardianship of their best friend’s daughter after a tragic accident and these two have never really gotten along.

Liam has never wanted to settle down and start a family, so why would his best friend put him in this position?

And Zoe has always wanted to be a mom, but not like this…losing her best friend in the process.

These two have to settle their scores and step up for the little girl and what they find along the way changes everything.

Karla Sorensen made me laugh and cry in this emotional, enemies to friends to lovers story of loss, love, and the family you find along the way.

Fantastic book! Check my full review on my goodreads at : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/159001220-mary-dimarzo

FMC: Zoe
MMC: Liam
Tropes: opposites attract (grumpy/sunshine), sports/football, hate-to-love, forced/co-guardianship, slow burn
Spice Rating: 2
Series: Yes (Second Book in Standalone Series)
Cliffhanger: No

ABSOLUTELY AMAZEBALLS! Karla Sorensen has a way of writing the most swoon-worthy grumpy male leads and that's what Liam's character provides. After reading the first book in this series and getting a peak at Liam and Zoe's story, this book moved to the top of my TBR. I thought I loved the first book but this one stole my heart. I went through all the FEELS while reading. I cried, swooned, and laughed out loud... which may or may not have gotten me some looks. Overall, the book had lovable characters, great plot, and ALL the ducks. I highly recommend.

*This is a special thank you to the author for providing me with the opportunity to receive and review an ARC of this book.*

I don't know how Karla does it... but each time, she just gets better! If you loved the movie Life As We Know It with Josh Duhamel and Katherine Heigl, then you'll love this book!

4⭐️ | 2🌶

Tropes:
~ Dislike to love
~ Sunshiny book-loving FMC
~ Grumpy Brit MMC
~ Co-guardianship situation
~ Close proximity
~ Slow burn
~ Opposites attract
~ Dual pov

Review:
If you loved the movie ‘Life as We Know It’, then ‘The Best of All’ is a must-read!

I had the pleasure of reviewing both the ARC and ALC, which allowed me to enjoy the story through audio at work while annotating the ARC at home. This dual format review experience was truly enriching!

Liam and Zoe can't stand each other. However, it’s evident to us readers and their best friends that beneath their animosity lies passion. When they are unexpectedly left as co-guardians of their friends' toddler after a tragic car accident, Liam and Zoe are forced to completely change their lives, including living together and becoming parents; a journey that transforms their lives in unexpected ways.

Liam, a hero guarded by childhood trauma, fears loving anyone. Although he doubts he is the right person for Zoe and Mira (the toddler), his actions prove otherwise. He loves deeply and instinctively, even if he doesn’t realize it. Zoe, on the other hand, battles her own demons following a divorce that shook her confidence in finding the right partner again. Despite the slow burn, Liam and Zoe eventually find what they need in each other, both deserving it more than anything. They also become the parents their friends knew they would be, which was the most emotional aspect for me!

This book exceeded all my expectations! The slow-burn romance between Liam and Zoe builds with palpable tension, leading to moments of electrifying intimacy. The storyline, while heavy, is beautifully lightened by their developing love story. This book perfectly captures the essence of ‘it's always been you’, and with every layer revealed, I found myself falling deeper for the MMC. This story made me smile and cry, and its impact was powerful and lasting!

Overall, this delivers a heart-pounding romance filled with deep emotions and beautiful character development. It’s a story that sneaks up on you, leaving a lasting impression. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and emotional love story!

I’m having a really difficult time writing a coherent review for this book and as of yet have been unsuccessful. My first instinct from the synopsis and in reading the events that unfold. I was comparing it to the movie Life As We Know It with Katherine Heigl & Josh Duhamel. Which is a great thing because I Iove this adorable movie.
To the point I am thinking I will write my review in some of my quotes highlighted in this book.

Tropes:
❤️ Forced proximity
❤️ Instant family
❤️ Brit NFL player hero
❤️ Slow burn
❤️ Funny old woman with a Spicy Book Club
❤️ Divorced heroine
❤️ Book references

Some favorite quotes and highlights while reading…

“One of the weirdest things about life is how you change without even realizing it’s happening. Change comes in such tiny increments, water dripping slowly into a bowl, and before you know it, everything is overflowing. The mess materializes before you realize you’ve got something to clean up.”

“We survived on takeout and grocery deliveries and Amazon Prime, like God and the introverts intended.”

“I wanted to be close to her. Wanted to see her smile. And I wanted to push her as far away from me as humanly possible, because proximity to Zoe Valentine was dangerous. It had felt like a mockery, the ring on her finger that first night, because for the first time in my life, I’d met a woman who knocked the breath from my lungs when she smiled. I hated that she was taken. I hated that she made me feel that way. And I hated even more that she was marrying some idiot who needed to be punched about as badly as anyone I’d ever met. Naturally, that meant I was a dick to her every single time I saw her. Just to make sure the lines between us were clear.”

“Part of life is having to stumble through the shit when you can’t see the outcome. You don’t know how messy it’ll get, and you don’t always have a perfect plan.”

“The brick wall inside my chest was too high, too fortified after so many years, and already firmly back in place now that I shared space with her. It wouldn’t come crumbling down again that easily.”

“And while I hate using the word predictable to describe the books I love to read—it sounds too inherently negative—there is comfort in knowing that these two people are perfectly matched in their flaws and that they’ll cherish and respect and fight for each other and come out the other side with a happily-ever-after.”

“And I knew that if I were faced with Zoe and her eyes every fucking day, it was only a matter of time before I’d never get over her. Not for the rest of my life.”

“The men in these books aren’t perfect, and I think that’s what makes the stories even better. Imperfect people still have to find a way to overcome their issues if they want to be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that. Reading their stories is the best way to have hope for our own, I guess.”

“Guilt is just a feeling, honey. It’s not a bad feeling that we have to avoid. It means you care about Mira. But just don’t get so stuck in it that you can’t move forward.” I nodded. “Feelings aren’t facts,” I said, something I’d heard from her for years.”

“simultaneous release is not a myth.” “Stop,” I interrupted. “I swear, if you say anything about your sex life with Dad, I’ll chop my ears off.”

“There was an ache I’d had for so long that it was almost impossible to find the words to name it. Like I was missing a vital piece of myself, but I wasn’t sure where to find it. Even with everything I’d experienced, it was elusive. Frustratingly out of reach. My whole life, I’d wanted love and family, to be surrounded by that unconditionally safe feeling.”

“You keep all that shit locked down until there’s nowhere for it to go.”

“I didn’t know who moved next. She surged up onto her feet, I swooped down, and our mouths clashed in a fierce kiss.”

“He wanted me. He didn’t want to want me. And he didn’t know what the hell to do with me.”

“Understanding often came at a heavy price. And you didn’t always know what that price was until you were forced to pay it. It didn’t really matter if you were talking about understanding a person or a situation.”

“Liam, that’s part of the human experience. Almost everyone I’ve ever met navigates relationships based on fears and wants and desires that have roots in their upbringing. Some people realize it. Some don’t. You’re not stupid for your worries, but you have to challenge those thoughts when they spring up.”

“You’re taking me on a date to a bookstore that you kept open just for us?”

“They were my path, and I couldn’t wait for whatever came next.”

I received an ARC copy of this book for review.

A solid read with the usual contents. This one wasn't much different from a ton of others. I didn't love it -- I didn't hate it. I found that it was a bit lacking.

Quick Summary: A will they or won't they romance

My Review: The Best of All by Karla Sorensen is book #2 in The Best Men series.

About the Book: A tragedy brings together a divorcee and a pro baller. They are tasked with raising the child of their best friends. Will they learn how to blend together and make a family, or will they allow the tension that has always existed between them to get the better of them?

My Final Say: This was a touching story. While I didn't love it the way I thought I would, I did like it well enough.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 👍

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Montlake), and to NetGalley. I appreciate the opportunity to review this title in exchange for an honest review.

✨ ARC Review - The Best Of All by Karla Sorensen

I was fortunate enough to receive a PR package of this baby and was beyond ecstatic over the cute stickers! Reading the blurb, I was already in tears.

Karla wrote the most beautiful story between two people who at first, didn’t seem right for each other with the constant bickering, but of course there’s always a reason behind it all..

Liam & Zoe were entrusted by their best friends to watch over their young daughter if anything were to happen to them. Liam, a grumpy Brit, who thought he wasn’t fit for watching over Mira left Zoe to care for her. The way the story was put together was beautiful. I loved how the best friends just knew what they were doing, & knew their daughter was going to be well taken care of.

Tropes:

🔥Hate to Love 
🔥Forced Roommates
🔥Single 'Parent'
🔥Forced Guardianship Situation
🔥Grumpy/Sunshine 
🔥He Falls First
🔥Slow Burn 
🔥Football Player/Sports Romance
🔥Grumpy, Secret Cinnamon Roll Brit Hero 

The Best Of All is out now!