Soft Rebound (Mad City Moments #2) by Fiona Embers

ABOUT THE BOOK

The first hookup after a long relationship is always meaningless. Right?

Still reeling from his divorce two years ago, Joe Larson sleepwalks through life until a chance encounter with Liz Jensen jolts him awake. Their sexual chemistry is undeniable, but Liz is fresh off a broken engagement and has no intention of letting anyone get close. Joe must overcome his fear of being hurt again if he is to convince Liz that love does not mean being powerless and that their rebound fling is actually their happily ever after.

MY REVIEW

I was really excited to read Liz and Joe’s story in the second book of the Mad City Moments Series, and for the most part, it didn’t let me down. I mean, Lucy and Joe have great chemistry, but they just need to get out of their own way!

This story is a rebound between two strangers who are in different stages of their lives — her fiancé has recently dumped Lucy, and Joe has been divorced for several years.

Joe is a lawyer who hasn’t really been on the dating scene since his divorce three years ago. He’s kind of turned into a workaholic with no personal life to speak of. When he meets Lucy, there is a surprising instant attraction that turns into a one-night stand that blows their minds. He wants more, but she wants space. Yes, he is pushy at first, but he does eventually give her the space she wants and needs. I admire Joe’s kindness and his ability to recognize when he needs help, especially when his ex-brother-in-law drops a bombshell.

Lucy is hiding after leaving her home and family. She is starting over on her own terms despite her overwhelming feelings about Joe. Right now, her main focus is on finding herself and getting a job, and she doesn’t have room for a relationship right now, so she pushes Joe away. Honestly, I get it. Getting out of a long relationship can be overwhelming, and Liz seems to struggle with that. But let’s be real—it felt like she was stringing Joe along a bit. Mixed signals all around. And let’s not forget about her hypocritical, childish behavior when Joe asks for space.

It is refreshing to read about normal people with larger body types who stand their ground and work on their personal growth. I’m tired of reading about billionaires with athletic physiques and beautiful, petite women with perfect bodies giving in to each other’s demands at the detriment of their own self-worth.

Family dynamics are also a big part of this story, and wow, they sure caused a lot of guilt for Liz. The pressure to conform to family expectations versus her own desires is tough. And, I couldn’t help but admire Joe for admonishing his best friend for not being there for Liz’s brother, Bobby, when he needed him most.

Fiona Embers’ characters are well-developed and show potential growth, the pacing was quick and easy to read, but I just wasn’t feeling this story. Between the instant friends-with-benefits theme, family drama, the misleading cover, and the third-act breakup, it was too much for me in one sitting.

Despite my misgivings, this was a quick, fun read that genuinely explored how to trust again and start over.

Thank you to Ms. Embers for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Mad City Moments Series

Shoot Your Shot (2024) – My review
Soft Rebound (2025)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fiona Embers writes angsty, steamy romance about heroines who are too much and heroes who can’t get enough. She lives with her family in the American Midwest and drives in the snow like a champ. Fiona also writes dark speculative fiction (horror, sci-fi, and fantasy) under the pen name Maura Yzmore.