Made the Grade: The Souvenir by Emma Nichols

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 359 KB | Release Date: October 3, 2016 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon

"The Souvenir" by Emma Nichols

Author's Book Description : Bestselling author Emma Nichols presents a new adult contemporary romance fans and critics are comparing to works of Jennifer Weiner. Snark and heart make The Souvenir a novel that will leave readers desperate for more.

Wren Jacobs—a twenty-something corporate trainer—would like to announce the birth of her baby, Taylor, named after the artist singing "Bad Blood" during the conception. Mother and child are adjusting nicely and ready to welcome visitors, especially the father, Brady Conner.

Despite a few too many misunderstandings, Wren never stopped loving Brady…and would love the opportunity to thank him for her souvenir from their relationship who weighed in at a whopping 8lbs 5oz, effectively ruining her after an unintentional natural delivery. Taylor's birth will forever remind Wren of the first day of summer, the last time she was ever able to wear a bikini, and that she'll probably never go to a bar again.

Follow Wren and Brady as they navigate through the tricky dating scene in this touching romantic comedy, and fall in love with the souvenir of their relationship.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Wren and Brady have been dating and living together for a while, and Brady messes that up by letting his insecurities and an ex-girlfriend of his get between them. Can Wren and Brady overcome everything to be able to get back together with one another? Or will friends and exes get in the way and assist their relationship in falling apart?

If the last two chapters weren’t as good as they were, you would be reading a major rant right about now. I mean I understand Wren’s fears about her relationship with Brady and why she wanted to move out of their/his house, which inevitably distanced herself from him. I get it. So, please do not take this wrong. But reading about how she spent her whole pregnancy using one excuse or another to not tell Brady about their baby REALLY irked me. I have a different perspective then most on the instance of children being raised by single mothers, while I support them wholeheartedly (as my mother was one for many years) I feel the man (if he’s technically a good guy) has the right to know and choose whether or not to be a part of his child’s life. I know it can be hard because of how relationship may end (like Wren and Brady’s did) but if you don’t tell the father then you hurt your child and you don’t get to see the possibility of how good a guy he could turn out to be for his child. Even though I know not all guys are great, I still think they have the right to know.

Therefore, because of my beliefs, it was very hard for me to appreciate the middle part of this novel. In addition, it did NOT help that Wren’s best friend Jasmine kept assisting to create distance between Wren and Brady. Jasmine did this because she wanted what was best for herself by having Wren move in with her. Yes I feel Jasmine did want what was best for Wren too but because of her own personal issues with Brady as soon as something went wrong between Wren and Brady, Jasmine used that to inform Wren she just needed to stay away all together. It was very annoying. Even though I know that this is how most female friendships work (hey, I am a female) it was just grating to see Jasmine trying to support Wren in ways that I didn’t feel were assisting Wren at all. And I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall when Wren informs Jasmine of the new changes in her life that take place in the last chapter, as I don’t think Jasmine will be too happy about them. *sigh*

I really did not want to rant. I’m sorry. While this novel was not what I expected or hoped for I appreciated the transformations that both Wren and Brady go through throughout this novel. I do feel Wren and Brady were made for each other. Yet, they were both too stubborn to see through their pride and reconcile sooner. The best thing I can say about this novel is I LOVED Wren and Brady’s banter.

Overall, I DO recommend this novel. It was sweet and charming when it wanted to be. Also, I enjoyed Trey tremendously! I feel this novel is for those looking for an unplanned pregnancy romance and/or an unexpected women’s fiction.

Purchase This Book Here :

Amazon (Kindle) USD : The Souvenir

Author's Novel Extras :

Book Teaser(s) :

"Are you scared?" The nurse came over and squatted beside my bed. "You don't have to be. We'll take good care of you."
I shook my head. "I'm not afraid. I'm just...not suppose to be here," I wailed. Then I wiped my eyes and blew my nose for the twelfth time since I changed out of my street clothes, into the horrible backless gown, and climbed into the hospital bed.
Her brow furrowed. "Were you supposed to go to CMC?"
"No. I'm supposed to be at Baskin Robbins!" The realization of my situation made me cry even harder.
"You're in labor." She patted my hand. "Trust me. You can have ice cream later." ~ within Chapter 18 - titled 'Wren'

Book Preview(s) :

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Emma, then please check out her Amazon Acct.