Against All Odds by: Corinne Michaels

Against All Odds (Ember Falls #3)
Author: Corinne Michaels
Published: July 2025
Publisher: Corinne Michaels
Pages: 341
Format: ARC eBook
Rating: 4/5
Summary:

When my ex-husband leaves me for the co-star in his movie, moving back to Ember Falls feels like my only option.

Everett Finnegan, my first love and the man I’ve never forgotten, is ready to welcome me with open arms…and an open bed.

But when I find out I’m pregnant with my ex’s baby, my entire world is upended.

My ex doesn’t want the baby, but I plan to rebuild my life as a single mother and figure out how to handle all of this alone.

Except that I don’t seem to be alone―Everett always shows up for me.

I don’t expect him to get mixed up in all my drama―not when he has his own. And I wish he would listen to me when I say we have to stop whatever it is we’re doing.

But he wants me, the baby, and my heart.

So when I’m forced to return to California sooner than planned, I’m devastated.

Everett can’t leave Ember Falls, and I can’t stay.

Saying goodbye to him the first time was hard enough. This time, it just might break me.

Review:

First, I'd like to thank Corinne & her team for sending me an ARC copy to review! I'll admit this is my first Corinne book and clearly I missed the other 2 books in the series, but you can bet I'll be going back to read them too!

Right from the beginning, I was drawn to the story. I mean you can't go wrong with hitting it off with a banger like your ex leaving you for another woman and yet you're the last one to know about it! So of course with Violet leaving for Ember Falls, you can bet returning to her small town roots was going to be an adjustment, but one for the better.

Throughout the story you learn about Everett's mom and all the things he would do to take care of her. It was an emotional aspect to the story, but I think it was a really important one to have in there. It gave another element to really grow the couple as well, and while it might be something that is difficult for some, it makes the story more relatable.

Personally for me, I live for the drama, and I wouldn't have minded reading more drama laced in from her ex, but that's me being greedy! I will say what transpired with her ex was an interesting take, but the way it played out was pretty perfect. I think there's a special place for her ex to go really after all that he put Violet through. I won't go too into it, but there's just a few moments throughout the book that really just make you wish you could junk punch the man.

Now let's talk about my man Everett. This man is all kinds of book boyfriend material. He's sweet, caring, swoony, and boy does he have a dirty mouth on him too! I couldn't stop falling in love with all the sweet moments he had with Violet. Plus you could tell he was truly fighting to have his second chance with her, and he wouldn't take no for an answer (in a good way, because clearly Violet loves him just as much!) and he was willing to prove it to her. And with the way Violet was constantly let down in her life with her parents and her ex, Everett is exactly what she needs.

While I have read this series out of order, I don't think I really missed anything. Of course I'll be going back to read them, and can figure out the couples that I'll be reading from this one. I always love a core group of friends that are more like family and this was nothing different. The laugh out loud moments, the caring moments... all of it just makes you wish you lived in Ember Falls and were part of this crew!

Overall, I really enjoyed Against All Odds! It was entertaining, emotional, heartwarming and just make me feel like I was living in this town with these characters. I couldn't put the book down, wondering what was going to happen next, and I have to say this was all kinds of swoon-worthy that'll have you gushing!

That's all for my review, I hope you enjoyed it, and be sure to grab your copy today!

So until next time, keep reading!

Your Graduated Bookworm!! :)