Shakespeare believed there was always humor in tragedy and tragedy in humor.My life proved his theory as fact.At eighteen I was a single parent moving to this small town to be with the man I loved. The one who was supposed to love and cherish me in return.Finding out he had a wife was tragic.Remaining in love with him in spite of her was more tragic.My mom and best friend setting me up on a long … and best friend setting me up on a long string of blind dates was an ongoing tragedy.
Nine years later, I’ve learned to see the humor in most situations.
My mom and best friend setting me up on disastrous blind dates.
My son’s jokes.
The fire alarm going off each time I cook.
My constant bright spot always adding to the humor was my son, Hayden. But when Hayden had a life-threatening allergic reaction, the man who came to help my little boy became my own savior. His laugh, his smile, and the way his eyes lit up when he spoke to my son made him a beacon of light in both our lives.
But I wasn’t the only one who noticed him.
When I began having feelings for the man my best and only friend had fallen for, I knew following my heart would once again lead to a fresh round of heartbreak.
Love led me to this town.
Lies kept me there.
Would history repeat itself?
Or had life just thrown me another Curveball?
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Absolutely loved the characters in this book. It had a unique plot which I enjoyed.
4.5 Stars
I went into this really needing a sweet romance, where the hero was strong, caring, and loved hard. I needed a book where the female lead was flawed, yet independent, and fell hard. I was in the mood for a single parent trying to do it all and be all for their child/children. I got all of that with Curveball. I loved Coen (his family cracked me up and reminds me so much of my big, boisterous Italian family!). He was the perfect complement to Ella.
The writing was done well and I cared about the characters (well, not all of them, but I’m pretty sure that was the author’s intention). I may have wish for a little more at the end- a little more closure- to feel complete.
Overall, I loved this! And I will be checking out other books by Mariah Dietz!
This was my first read from Mariah… its unique.. its not a typical romance.. its an emotional one…
Ellie is a single Mother who work very hard and raised her son… Ellie is a woman who like to keep to herself.. but when her new neighbor Coen move in.. everything changed.. from friendship.. things evolve to something deeper than just a call for hot single neighbor.. its sexy in a way of sweet .. its more on how the relationship bond between Ellie and Coen.. the complicated relationship with her son Father….
The whisper… he she said.. secret.. jealousy and betrayal.. the story played with your emotion in a way I didnt see it coming…
*3,5 – 4 star for me*
I’ve read the books of this author before and loved those and although the beginning of this story didn’t grab me right away, I overall enjoyed reading it.
I liked the connection between Coen and Ella.
Ella moved to a town so her son can be able to be close to his father but it’s not as easy when the whole town seems to be against her and portrays her as someone she really isn’t. When her best friend has a new neighbour, Coen, sparks fly immediately but both hold back. It’s not always easy, trying to deny what you feel inside and the more time they spend together, the more they seem to be falling for one another. Will they get together or will Ella’s past get in between?
Date after date and Ella still hasn’t found a man that inspires sparks, most of them wind up striking out within ten minutes of the date, and she’s left wondering why she lets her mother and friend talk her into this madness. They just want to see her happy, but in her opinion you don’t necessarily need a mans love to be happy, it’s a plus of course, but that last time she let a man into her heart she got burnt. So, the idea of traveling down that path again isn’t something she is going to take lightly, she wants to get it right this time, and that means waiting for the right man to come along. And the moment Coen comes into her life she begins to think she has met him… problem is she isn’t the only one who wants him!
The moment Coen spots his neighbors beautiful friend, he is completely taken with her, now he just has to find a way to get her attention. Once he does he realizes that she is very guarded, and if he wants to explore this thing brewing between them he is going to have to take his time with her, and be patient until she is ready to come around. Good thing he has all the time in the world… he wants her and knows she has a lot of baggage to sort through, but he is willing to be there every step of the way. Now he just has to hope she will trust him enough to let him in…
This beautifully written story touched my heart, moved me beyond words, and renewed my faith in the possibility of second chances! In the beginning my heart broke for Ella, she was such a brave soul after enduring so much, but then it began to rejoice for her when things finally started to go her way, I have to say her journey was truly inspiring! The journey she shared with Coen was fragile at times, mainly because of the inner demons that they struggled to combat, but when they finally started to let go things took a very passionate turn! This was my first experience with this author’s work, and I have to say she totally won me over with this one… and scored herself a new fan! This is one of those books that will draw you in and not let you go until the last page is turned… the moment my eyes landed on the first page I was hooked!! Highly recommend!!
I enjoy a good single parent, second chance at finding love romance read. However, I could not connect with the characters or this story. I was truly disappointed because I expected so much more from this story based on the blurb for the book.
I loved this book!!! It’s emotional and sweet and frustrating and it had me totally wrapped up in it! Curveball is a lovely slow burn of a book, keeping me invested and on my toes from the beginning up until the very end.
Ella’s been dealt a tough hand but she’s managing it all with such grace, and much more dignity than I ever could have. Being treated as a pariah in the small town where she’s raising her son so that he can be close to his father has not been easy on either of them, but she’s determined to stick it out for his sake. She has her son, her best friend, and her job, and not much more and she’s okay with that. Until Coen. When he shows up her carefully structured life veers off the path she’s set forth, and while at first she’s determined to continue with the status quo, he’s a curveball she just can’t ignore.
At times frustrating, heartbreaking, and inspiring, Curveball is really Ella’s journey of self-discovery. Opening up to Coen has a ripple effect that filters through all aspects of her life. He seems to be such a happy, easy going man, but as they say, still waters run deep, and they definitely do with him. He’s such a positive influence on both Ella and Hayden. I really loved the connection they shared. Before, Ella wasn’t someone to make waves, she just took all the hate and judgement thrown her way. But with Coen she’s finally allowed herself to see what’s she been missing from life, and learning that things, and people, aren’t quite what they seem.
Curveball is full of so much feeling and heart. I went in expecting this story to play out one way but like Ella, and the title suggests, I was thrown a curveball! It’s really such a captivating book, with characters that will endear themselves to you.
Gonna have to add Mariah Dietz to my list of must read authors. Loved this book from start to finish. It has everything I love in a book…a great storyline that includes romance, drama, comedy and great relationships.