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Becoming an Evans #2

More Than Fine

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She’s running from her past, he’s hiding from the world when suddenly their lives collide.

Trish Biltman has spent the last two years evading a past she fears. Tucked away in a small seaside Jersey town, with her two young children, her life is simple. Until the day a photo from her best friend’s highly publicized wedding shows up on Page 6, and she finds herself once again on the run trying to keep her family safe.

Since his divorce, Grant Evans focuses his time and attention on his secluded Pennsylvania farm. His solitary life is fine, until the quiet, brown eyed Trish and her adorable—but loud—kids need somewhere to go. Since his farm is their only option Grant reluctantly opens his doors to them.

Both Trish and her kids begin to thaw the ice that held Grant’s heart captive for years as he teaches her to trust again. But the darkness from her past comes back, threatening their relationship, just as Grant starts to believe life can be More than Fine.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2021

229 people are currently reading
846 people want to read

About the author

Jenni Bara

26 books897 followers
Jenni Bara lives in New Jersey working as a paralegal in family law, writing real-life unhappily ever-afters every day. In turn, she spends her free time with anything that keeps her laughing, including life with four kids, or five, if you count her husband. She is just starting her career as a romance author writing books with a great balance of life, love, and laughter.

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5 stars
324 (48%)
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245 (37%)
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73 (11%)
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15 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for C.
166 reviews21 followers
July 24, 2025
3.5⭐️
Profile Image for Jennifer Parke-Marriner.
161 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2021
Because I am a start-from-the-beginning kind of gal, when I received this ARC I immediately downloaded the first book in the Becoming an Evans series (More Than the Game) and I really enjoyed it. But this second book? OMG I adored it so much! It was insta-love for me with the sweet, hardworking, protective Grant. And I was so captivated by Trish's plight and the drama that it brought to the story. Together Grant and Trish get the beautiful love story that they both deserve. I cannot wait to read about the rest of these sweet, crazy brothers in future books. Bring on more Evans men!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Evie Alexander.
Author 18 books939 followers
December 15, 2021
Trish is on the run from her abusive ex husband. She's got two small children to look after and feels like a normal life is something she will never get to experience. When her ex crashes back in her life she has to go on the run again, but this time her best friend offers her a different refuge - on her reclusive brother-in-law's farm.

After his divorce, Grant is a broken man. He's got his farm to keep him busy, and knows that the family he once craved will never be his. But when Trish and her children come into his life, the walls he's spent so long building up, start crashing down. Can Trish and Grant take a chance on love? Can their lives be truly happy rather than just 'fine'?

This is a small town romance which deals with difficult issues sensitively. Grant is a gruff man hiding a heart of gold. How he acts with Nate and Katie, Trish's children will melt your heart, and he understands that Trish needs careful handling if she is ever going to trust a man near her again. More than Fine is a fabulous read, full of wonderful characters that you will fall in love with. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Sarah Festa.
395 reviews11 followers
November 9, 2021
Trigger warning ⚠️

This book deals with abuse, both physical and emotional.

Trish, a broken woman on the run with her two adorable children, takes shelter with the rugged lonar, Grant, who since his own heartbreak has preferred the comfort of his farm to people.

I really thought this book was so well written. The little things that Bara showed us through the eyes of Trish, how she didn't want to be touched or how the smallest of things could trigger. Watching her slowly let her guard down and appreciate life again was a wonderful thing.

The patience that Grant had with her and his softness, was poignant. He didn't rush, he remembered what she said she was uncomfortable with and he was a God with her children.

A beautiful story about two wounded souls finding each other and healing each other, and beginning a life that is more than fine.
Profile Image for Renee (BookLoveWithRenee).
272 reviews16 followers
November 6, 2021
Grant Evans. Officially my newest book boyfriend. I mean seriously- a protective, hardworking, sexy cowboy who is willing to do anything for his girl & loves kids…how could you not love him? This story is equally as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. Grant & Trish’s love story is beautiful & brought tears to my eyes. I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with this family. I’m so looking forward to watching all the Evans brothers fall in love. I think I know who’s next… 😉
Profile Image for Sarah (read.with.prncss1204).
573 reviews17 followers
October 31, 2021
More Than Fine is the second book in the Becoming an Evans series and so far it’s my favorite. I loved both of the main characters and their journey to happily ever after.

I was lucky enough to receive both this book and the first as advanced copies and I definitely recommend them. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Garry Michael.
Author 11 books394 followers
April 22, 2022
This book stole my heart. Grant and Trish were two unlikely characters, both victims of their past, but they have to rely on each other to get the future they deserve.

I’ve said this on my previous reviews, but for a book to hold my attention, it has to have depth and Jenni Bara is one of the few authors who weaves subplot of importance to her books especially on ‘More Than Fine’.

Although this is a romance, Grant and Trish love story is not the whole story. Jenni deals with coping and how someone’s betrayal (not by our MCs) could leave a lasting effect on someone.

Trish offered what Grant had been missing and Grant provided the stability (literally and figuratively) to Trish and in the end this unlikely couple couldn’t have been more perfect for each other.

Loving is trusting and trusting is loving. This book told me just how true that statement is.
Profile Image for Nicole (the library of n).
130 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2021
“I wish I could give you something that was so much more than fine”

More Than Fine tells the story of how Trish Biltman and Grant Evans collide. Trish is running from her dangerous past. Grant is hiding from the world and from love. But when the two are forced to hide out together, they find out that life might be able to be more than fine.

I WANT GRANT EVANS!! THAT is my absolute biggest takeaway! Grant is an amazing, beautiful character with so much depth and heart but he is so grumpy!! And I love grumpy men who are actually teddy bears with hearts of gold!! Trish is an amazing, beautiful, strong woman and it was so incredible to watch her flourish and come into her own in More Than Fine. Their story is such an incredible story of two individuals finding out that life can be more than they expected after all of the difficulty that they have been through.

Thank you so much to Jenni Bara and to Amy Dodson - APA for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Beth.
44 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2021
More than Fine was the first book by Jenni Bara I've read. And now I can't wait to read more! This book is a standalone, but is and will be interconnected with many more. The MMC, Grant, is one of many siblings, which is one thing I love! I love when an author gives each family member their own HEA and I can revisit beloved characters through each novel.

Trish is running from her past. She and her children are hiding, but when her past starts to catch up with her, broody and grumpy farmer Grant Evans is there to help. People may think of him as standoffish and surly, but he knows how to care for creatures who are scared and in pain. Whether they're human or horse.

Bara knows how to make you fall in love with her characters. She evokes deep emotions through her writing, and I found myself tearing up on more than one occasion while reading this. I can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Jenny.
44 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2021
❄️❄️BOOK REVIEW❄️❄️

More than Fine
By: Jenni Bara

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

So, so , so cute! I have been on a thriller kick recently and this was a perfect segue into cozy winter reading with intrigue, romance, the works. The book definitely delves into more serious topics (TW: abuse) but I absolutely loved the story and watching Trish and Grant as their relationship progresses. Now I have to go back and pick up the first book of this series! (Though this read fine as a stand-alone to me)

Thank you @jennibarabooks and @amyd_apa for including me on the book tour and for the ARC.
Profile Image for Heather Keel.
28 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2021
*Trigger Warning. One character has a past relationship that was emotionally/physically abusive.*

Trish and Grant meet at a mutual friend‘s wedding, where he takes notice of her almost immediately. There isn’t necessarily instant chemistry for the two, though there is underlying curiosity about the other person. Grant treats Trish’s children like his own, without the promise of a romantic relationship in the beginning.

Both have difficult experiences with previous relationships that come to the surface. I appreciate that the path to an HEA isn’t obvious and has obstacles that each have to overcome.

I received an ARC of this book, and look forward to other books by Jenni Barra in the future!
Profile Image for Joyce.
46 reviews37 followers
November 22, 2021
I immediately fell in love with Trish, Grant, and the Evans family! I loved seeing how supportive they all were of eachother. Trish escaped her abusive husband with the help of an Evans brother. When the husband caught up to her, the family decided it'd be best for Trish and her children to stay with their brother Grant, who owned a farm in the middle of nowhere. Watching the relationship grow between Grant, Trish and the kids was amazing! I didn't want this book to end and can't wait to see what's next!

More Than Fine is book #2 in the Becoming An Evans series. You don't have to read them in order as these are standalone. Thank you to the Author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for books.tea.happy.
570 reviews
November 23, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of More Than Fine by @jennibarabooks and I think I’ve found my new book boyfriend. Grant is a grumpy, lonely man, but really has a heart of gold. Trish has been left physically and emotionally scarred by her ex and finds it hard to trust. When her abusive ex finds her, Trish and kids go into hiding with Grant who is her best friend brother. They are both very wary but can’t fight the attraction they feel for each other. Trish is exactly who Grant needs, warm, loving, loyal and smart. Grant is the perfect man for her, strong, hot, understanding & would do anything for her and her kids. Their friends and family are a great addition to the story and help bang their heads together when they need it. This story made me hot, sad & happy and left me feeling all warm & fuzzy. Can’t wait to read more from this series!
Profile Image for Brittanee Nicole.
Author 39 books3,753 followers
December 21, 2021
This book! What a whirlwind story this was. I loved Grant! The way he loved, and took care of Trish and her kids was swoon worthy. This love story is not your typical single mom book. It dealt with real issues, and it did it beautifully. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled. Bravo to the author, I can't wait for her next book!
Profile Image for HappyKT.
1,018 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2024
He is the grump of his family that just wants to go back to his farm. She is a single mom trying to hide in plain sight. They are both broken and not sure how to fix themselves.

Grant Evans is an uncomplicated man. He moved several hours away from his chaotic family and operates his late grandfather's farm. His private heartbreak is not something he discusses with anyone. Knowing he is not husband material he doesn't really "date." But when he sees his sister's best friend Trish, at a wedding he is instantly attracted to the quiet beauty.

Trish has been through more trauma than most people. Escaping her past was difficult and messy. She has had peace for a few years, but she knows her psychotic ex will show up eventually. Fortunately, she found a wonderful found-family that will do anything to protect her and her kids. But she can't help but feel guilty for threatening their safety or being a burden.

Grant is asked to watch his sister's kids while she is on her honeymoon. What he doesn't expect is that his responsibilities will be to cohabitate with the beautiful woman who is skittish like one of his broken horses. For Trish, she has walls around herself and her kids because of their tragic past. She typically doesn't like strange men but quickly realizes Grant Evans is definitely a man and a pleasant kind of strange.

Trish's ex makes a move, which means Trish and the kids need to go into hiding. The Evans put their matchmaking heads together and decide they will be safe at Grant's farm in the country. Trish reluctantly goes but feels guilty invading Grant's privacy. Grant is happy to have the 3 visitors in his home and bends over backwards to make their stay comfortable. Soon the walls between Grant and Trish (that were built because of the hurtful actions of other people), come down with ease. Grant knows he isn't good enough for Trish but he is willing to do anything to keep her.

Dual POV, forced proximity, single mom, open door love scenes.

These two MCs carry a lot of pain. Their burn is very slow but it's understandable with their complicated situations. But these two felt like two very competent adults knowing themselves well enough to know they have something to fight for. The threat of Trish's ex looms over the whole story, but Grant will do anything to protect Trish and her kids. These two are perfect for each other. Sweet HEA and charming Epilogue.

Notes: Grant is a tall, blonde, broad farmer. The image on the cover doesn't feel accurate. But I will not complain since it's a cute cover and not cringey.
Profile Image for Amanda Zook.
Author 15 books170 followers
November 9, 2021
We've all done it. Someone asks us how we are and we say "fine," even though we are anything but fine. Trish has spent years saying the same until she'd convinced herself she was fine and it was enough. But then Grant enters her life, making her wish she could be more than fine.
When Grant takes in Trish and her kids to protect them from her ex, he never imagined how much his life would change. The kids aren't the only ones to weasel their way into his heart. Now, he just needs to convince the stubborn Trish that she is worthy of being more than fine, and he's the man that will help her blossom.
But a misunderstanding may end things between them before they even can begin. As the threat against Trish and her kids closes in, can Grant learn to let go of past hurts before he loses everything? You will not be disappointed. Grant is the book boyfriend we are all looking for. Strong and sensitive. And the scene with him and the kids will keep you swooning. Who doesn't love to see a baby asleep on the chest of a big, burly guy?
Profile Image for Bethany Smith.
Author 44 books176 followers
November 23, 2021
Meet your new book boyfriend!
I fell in love with the Evans family in More Than the Game. I wasn’t sure how Jenni would top it, but she absolutely did! I fell head over heels for Grant Evans and if you read this book, he’s gonna be your new book boyfriend. Grant is a brooding alpha type with a huge heart. Trish is learning how to open up and trust. Add in a precocious toddler and rambunctious young boy and some forced proximity and you’ve got the makings of a great story. Grant and Trish’s story is a sweet, sexy, slow burn that builds into such a beautiful love story. It had me feeling all kinds of emotions and falling in love. I can’t recommend this one enough. Another beautiful story in the Evans family. Can’t wait for what comes next!
Profile Image for Kimberly Ann.
Author 17 books147 followers
October 14, 2021
More than Fine is a fantastic second release in the Becoming an Evans series. Trish and Grant are the perfect example of how finding the right one can mend any broken heart.

Grant swore off love after his marriage fell apart. Hurt in ways he didn’t think could be repaired, he wasn’t expecting old feelings to come up when he meets Trish and her adorable children.

Trish escaped her worst nightmare, never thinking that love was ever going to be in the cards for her. Until Grant Evans.

Jenni writes this family so well, anyone reading this wants to be an Evans. I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,390 reviews18 followers
November 29, 2021
The next book in the ‘Becoming an Evans’ series, this is Grant and Trish’s story. Trish is hiding away from her ex, a very abusive relationship with her children. Grant is a bit standoffish, but there is just something about Trish, he just feels a connection and super protective of her and her kids. They have chemistry and wants more with her but they are both have a past that could affect their future.

When these two finally admit their feelings for each other, it felt natural and so easy. They belonged together and their love grew more and more everyday.
Profile Image for TheBookAddictLemur.
167 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2021
I am so glad I signed up to get a Arc of this book! Jenni Bara is a new author for me & let me tell you this book was a good one to win me over with. Every time I picked up my kindle to read I was hooked. Grant is a amazing man & trish is one hell of a woman for the shit she endured. This whole book was just PERFECT!!!!
Definitely recommend reading this!!!
Profile Image for Yvette.
15 reviews
January 16, 2023
This was my fist time reading this author and I absolutely loved this book !! It made me fall in love with the entire Evans family but Grant is going to be hard to beat ! Grant was so sweet and so patient and perfect for Trish and so so good with her kids. Its just swoon after swoon with him. I need more of the Evans family !
Profile Image for Joanne Nundy.
Author 15 books20 followers
December 2, 2021
Brilliant read

I loved this book right from the start. Great characters, brilliant build up and amazing ending. I will be reading everything this writer does now
Profile Image for Tara Wright.
503 reviews14 followers
November 3, 2021

More Than Fine sucked me in from the start. I finished this book in one day because I just couldn’t put it down.

I loved learning more about Grant and Trish. And their pasts that lead their paths to cross.

More Than Fine had the perfect amount of romance and drama.

And best of all was catching up with all the crazy Evan family members. Can’t wait for the next book.
11 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2021
I enjoyed More than the Game and wondered if Jenni Bara could suck me into a second book as much as the first. I was even more skeptical when I found out book 2 was Grant because he wasn't my favorite brother. But I was so glad I got an arc of this book. As much as I didn't think I'd like Grant the opposite was true! He is my favorite. The perfect balance of grumpy and wonderful all rolled together. And Trish stole my heart from chapter one. I cant wait for the next Evans release.

I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Loran Davis.
Author 4 books47 followers
December 22, 2021
I've been in a book slump all year. I've tried reading book after book, but I've just not been able to get into them the way I used to - UNTIL NOW! I literally could NOT put this book down. I stayed up late reading it, needing and wanting more of Trish and Grant. AND I was so upset when the story was over. I fell in love with Trish and wanted nothing more than for her to have her happy ending, and Grant - well, he reminded me so much of my husband with his sweet, attentive nature. I will not and cannot recommend this book enough. If you love sweeter stories with characters you can root for, this book is for you!
Profile Image for A.J. Ranney.
Author 19 books216 followers
November 24, 2021
Another amazing story from Jenni! She takes the reader on this perfect balance of emotions, depth and tension. I loved Grant and Trish's story and how the two of them grew as individuals throughout, but found life More than Fine with each other! Can't wait for her next one! ❤️
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
1,970 reviews64 followers
February 28, 2022
More Than Fine is the second book in Jenni's Becoming an Evans series and it is emotionally charged. This book deals with physical and verbal abuse but also a love that shows no boundaries. Grant and Trish are two lost souls that need healing and love.

Trish has been hiding for the past two years from her abusive husband. He beat her and their son and almost their baby daughter. She tried to get away but with him being a state trooper it was impossible. When she finally gets away she goes to stay with her friend, Beth, and her husband Marc. When her life is put in danger again she ends up staying with Beth's brother in-law Grant on his ranch. Well things get heated, hearts are beating faster and the pull is strong. Will the banter and sexual tension be too much for her? Will she ever be able to let a man break down her walls and let him in?

Grant has sworn off women because of what his ex-wife did to him, cheated on him with his best mate. He runs the family ranch and is fine. He thinks about what the woman and family will never have. Grant felt he was ok but then Trish and her two children end up staying with him for their safety. He tries to stay away because he doesn't have the time but there is a pull there. Can he help her heal from her abusive past? Will he be able to show Trish that not all men are like her ex? When he finds out a bit of news how will he react? When danger presents it's ugly face, what will Grant do?

Jenni does a beautiful job of having you hooked right from the beginning. She draws you in with her details in writing and the emotions that you feel throughout.
5 reviews
March 1, 2022
I was blown away by More then the Game, so I couldn't wait to pick up Jenni Bara's next book. In her second novel, More than Fine, Bara proves she is an incredible author. I read this book in a blink of an eye, and fell instantly in love with Grant (and Trish). Dare I say I almost love this book more than her first one??? Her characters jumped off the page and straight into my heart. I already want to reread it so I can experience again her beautiful love story. Truly one of the best romance writers I have ever read. Run not walk to this book!!!!!
Profile Image for Becky.
3,369 reviews140 followers
November 23, 2021
Another winner!

More Than Fine is the second book in Jenni Bara's Becoming an Evans series, and it's Grant Evans's story. Grant was a bit of a mystery in the last book--he lives away from most of his siblings on his Pennsylvania farm, and clearly had some kind of drama in his past that's still affecting him now (here we finally find out the details--in a nutshell, his first marriage did not go well).

Plus, he's kind of quiet. If you've read the first book you know how...unusual...that is in this family. ;)

This book essentially picks up where the first one ( More Than the Game ) left off, with the hero and heroine of that book, Marc and Beth's, wedding. (If you've read MTTG I can hear you sighing from here--yes, it's lovely! <3--if you haven't yet, it's not too late to pick it up! ;)) Trish and her kids (Nate and Katie) will also be recognizable to those who have read MTTG--Beth watches Nate and Katie while Trish works, and she and Trish are good friends besides. Though Trish hasn't meet Grant--until the wedding...

(Cue romantic music here!)

Trish and Grant's story hits a lot of romantic tropes--forced proximity, a hero and heroine afraid to love again, heroine in danger/protector hero, single parent with adorable children--but it has a lot of depth to it as well. Trigger warning: Trish is hiding from her husband, who was emotionally and physically abusive, as well as a member of law enforcement. To say she is fearful and has trust issues is a vast understatement. Grant is the perfect hero for her, though, since he instinctively understands damaged souls and has the patience needed to figure out what they need to heal. Their romance is a slow burn one, due in large part to the issues they both have to work through, but OMG is it ever HOT.

The first time the title comes up in the story? I practically melted. You have been warned.

And the ending--and epilogue? I can't even. Cue the heart eyes!

Ms Bara brings all the Evans siblings together not once, but twice in this story--the ending takes place at Christmas time--and clearly she's doing this to torture her readers, since she's gotta know that much time with the Evans clan is going to mean we're going to want everyone else's story now. Dare I even hope for books for Corey Matthews (Beth's and Marc's friend) and Wyatt (Secret Service guy) too?

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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