Inspired by Jessica Florence

Contemporary Romance. Standalone.

Jessica Florence has written a self-help book disguised as a romance novel. Or is it a romance novel and self-help book all-in-one? Well, I for one, always want to read self-help books, but never do because I would rather read romance, so with INSPIRED by Jessica Florence, I killed two birds with one stone. I both enjoyed the romance, and changed my way of thinking a bit as well!

“She looked tired, both mentally and physically. She also looked like a businesswoman, but beneath seemed lost, broken. A beautiful puzzle that I wanted to put back together. To bring this dazzling woman back into the light where she belonged. I was in this, but I needed to know if she was. Was Mia Moretti ready to be inspired?”

Mia Moretti is CEO of a luxury hotel chain. She had a marriage that fell apart, but she has a very successful career and that used to be more than enough. But now it isn’t. She is lost and kind of floundering. When she sees a late-night ad for a life-coach, she impulsively signs up for the 6-week program. What she doesn’t expect is the gorgeous, laid-back, surfer-looking Logan; her new life coach.

Logan is excited for his new client, but it’s going to be hard for him to keep it professional, especially after getting this warning from her assistant, Jay.

“If you aren’t ready for something truly beautiful in your life, then you might wanna guard your heart. You’re seeing Mia in her low, and when she finally shakes the mud off, you won’t even know you’re hers until it’s too late. She’s that true beauty inside and out that captures you in the best way. If you’re not ready for that, man, make a plan to get out of Dodge because you’re only going to hurt yourself and her. She doesn’t know it, but she wears her heart on her sleeve, a complete open book. You won’t be able to stop falling in love with her.”

Despite the feelings that begin to develop, Logan gives some great advice in his coaching.

“Wounds don’t heal until you stop touching them. Same goes for mental wounds.” She did not like my answer. That was clear in the frown and deadpan look her eyes were giving me. “So, I just let it all go? That’s it? The key to my happiness is letting go of the bad shit?”

I am very negative about myself. An old friend gave me this advice, and Jessica reminded me of it in this book.

“Do you know what men find the most attractive about a woman?”…
“Confidence. A woman who knows she’s sexy is irresistible to a man.”

And this piece of advice couldn’t be more on-target for most of us:

“Social media is a poison to your mind. It creates a high, much like a drug’s effect, when someone likes your shit or comments. You want more and feel validated when people engage with you. Like you’re important. It also makes you compare your life with others. Their highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes. It’s all a lie, and you shouldn’t waste your life on it. You’ve got a real life to live, not that shit. Check in on people, do business, but then get the hell out of there.”

Before Mia was ready to move on she needed to love herself.

“People really didn’t need another human to make themselves happy. Happiness came from within.”

I so enjoyed seeing Mia change and grow throughout the book, and while I loved Logan, I kind of hoped that maybe Jay, her assistant, would be the one for her.

Likes:

I love how Inspired actually inspired me to make some changes in my life. It’s actually one of the reasons it took me two weeks to review it. I decided to stop putting so much pressure on myself to review right away and enjoy my life and my family more.
I liked how it was a great combo of self-help and romance without ever feeling like self-help.
Jessica was very responsible in her approach. She never actually really gave advice, but encouraged the reader to explore further if needed.
She touches on depression and anxiety.
I really loved Logan’s attitude and spirit.
It was a lovely journey of self-discovery both for the characters and the reader.
The list of books, amazing quotes, and resources at the end.

Dislikes:

I felt it was pretty inappropriate to have a relationship with a client, especially one so vulnerable.
See the quote at the beginning of this review from Jay, her assistant? I would have actually liked to see him with Mia a little more, maybe even have had them be the couple in the end.

The Down & Dirty:

I really enjoyed Inspired by Jessica Florence. I liked how it was more than a romance, and it inspired me to treat myself better and spend more “me” time which I NEVER do. Jessica included some tips (via the story) on dealing with anxiety and other issues that may be holding you back from enjoying your life to the fullest. While Inspired was definitely a romance novel, I loved how she snuck a self-help book in there as well.