Tangled Emotions

by Ivy Penn

Edith
Two crazy older brothers plus one sassy baby sister, leaves me trapped in the middle of it all. Everyone in town knows our diner and my brothers, meaning no man has the balls to date me. The strangers who rolled through aren’t worth getting to know either. Until he rolled into town. Thick dark hair sprinkled with a hint of silver. Deep blue eyes that a girl could get lost in and a body that works harder than I do during the Sunday lunch rush.

Frank
My tour for Uncle Sam finished, and I was ready to be a civilian. The plan was to cruise coast to coast, have some fun, and downtime. My Marine brother asked me to check on his mom in Port Stella. He promised me good food and drink when I got there. What he failed to tell me was that I’d find a woman and a place to call home.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Ivy Penn is a multi-genre romance author who has a macabre sense of humor and loves horror movies. Growing up as a single child, she was often lonely and began creating characters to entertain herself. Now she shares her stories with her readers. Dark, morally grey, sweet, or dirty. Her belief is that all stories bloom in thier own way. She lives in the midwestern United States with her husband and daughter. Her hobbies include drinking coffee, video games, and cooking.

Reviews

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Emotions is single mom/ military man story with a loving and overprotective family that makes you laugh and warms your heart.

Edith's family owns the diner and everyone works there. Next to the diner, her son is Edith's world. Frank has just been discharged from the military. In town on honor a fellow brother and friend's promise, he is knocked off his feet when he sees Edith.

Love the way this story is woven with love, family, misunderstanding and passion that pulls you in page after page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters centering on Edith and Frank. The author brings a small town romance filled with family, a fun banter and love. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers an entertaining read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this just before the Christmas holidays was perfect timing—it felt like wrapping myself in a blanket of joy and nostalgia, surrounded by the love and laughter that make the season magical. But let me tell you, this book isn’t just for December; it’s a feel-good romance that will sweep you off your feet any time of year. Set in the idyllic small-town of Port Stella, it’s the kind of story that makes you wish you’d grown up alongside these amazing characters. While the heart of the story revolves around Edith (Edie) and Frank, it’s the lively supporting cast that truly makes this book shine. Most of them are Edie’s family, and oh, what a family they are! They’re chaotic, loving, and absolutely delightful, with hilarious banter that practically leaps off the page. Kudos to the author for capturing the beautiful mess of a big family so perfectly. Full marks to Edie’s clan, who didn’t even blink an eye when she found herself pregnant right out of high school. Her then-boyfriend? A total douche, who bailed at the first opportunity. But honestly, who needs him when you’ve got parents like hers, plus two fiercely protective older brothers and a sassy little sister ready to take on anyone who dares hurt Edie. Fast-forward nine years, and Edie has settled into her life as a single mom to her adorable son, Matthew, while working at the family’s diner. She’s content—or so she thinks. Enter Frank, an ex-Marine stopping by to check in on his Marine brother’s mom before setting out to rediscover himself after two decades in service. One glance at Edie at the diner (aptly named That One Place), and he’s hooked. What follows is a delicious slow burn as Frank patiently works to break through Edie’s carefully built walls. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the laugh-out-loud moments and tender scenes that truly steal the show. The mischief caused by Frank’s nickname had me grinning like a fool, while his “man-to-man” chats with little Matt completely melted my heart. And speaking of Matt—good luck finding a sweeter, more lovable little boy anywhere else! This story is everything a feel-good romance should be: heartfelt, funny, and packed with characters you’ll wish were your own neighbors. If you don’t finish this book with a smile on your face, then all I can say is bah, humbug!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book had me laughing out loud, snickering and then sighing happily with the biggest smile on my face. Who doesn’t love a stronger-than-she-thinks, sassy single mom with an adorable nine year son who is wise beyond his years? Add in a straight up good guy, a cinnamon roll hero if you like, who not only recognizes a good women when he sees her, but is also willing to be patient and persistent in his pursuit of her. Frank doesn’t mind that her family is overly involved with Edie’s life, especially when they seem to be on his side as he tries to get Edie to go on a date with him. Edie’s sister, Evie, is a tad un-hinged, impulsive, super protective of Edie and totally irreverent, but she truly wants what is best for Edie and her son Matt. Fortunately for Frank, it just so happens that Evie is convinced that he is the right man for her sister. After her ex rejected her when she was pregnant at eighteen, Edie’s family made sure that she and her son were safe, supported and protected. Edie learned to guard her heart and her son’s, taking finding love and relationships other friendship off her agenda completely. The instant attraction to the handsome ex-Marine is new, but she is not about to give into it with someone who is just visiting her small home town. Thankfully, Frank’s persistence and her family’s encouragement pays off, though not without a few twists, some soul searching and some heartfelt conversations. I have to say that young Matt is a scene stealer, and that we would all be lucky to have a close-knit, gregarious family like Edie’s

I give this book two thumbs up, five stars ++, and my wholehearted recommendation.

[Janet Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled emotions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ivy Penn
Frank and Edith
After graduation Edith became pregnant and decided to keep the baby even though the father didn’t I want him. Frank join the Marines after graduation and spent 20 years serving this country before coming to Port Stella. When Frank walks into the diner, he is instantly drawn to Edith. She’s scared that this man that she has feelings for will leave just like the father of her child. Will Frank and Edith be able to get past her insecurities and show her that all men are not the same? You did a great job with the story and love the series as a whole because you start to know who all these characters are and the connection of community that they all have. I’m normally not a serious person but I like the way it’s all connected is like one big story.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I have really enjoyed this story and wish that I could visit the diner for real and just enjoy the entertainment that would be given there, I loved the family's dynamic and the diner lingo. I thought the characters were developed and I felt a connection to them, I believed in their connections and chemistry and found myself wanting to hug them, laugh with them, high five them and cheer them on. I loved Frank's certainty about Edie and his commitment to her and being respectful at all times, Doc and Matt's relationship was special too. I also loved the surprises, the humour, the support, acceptance and love that was shown in this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Emotions is book four of the Port Stella Series.

We've seen Edith in some of the other books in the series and know that she is a take no nonsense type of person. She is extremely family oriented and doesn't want anything to interfere with her life and her son. Enter Frank, who has to be one of the sweetest men around. He is very persistent but not in an over the top way. He takes everything at her pace and really looks out for her and her son. I especially loved the dynamic Frank has with her son. He is a teacher at the school and shows a lot of respect to the students and all of them love him for this.

This was such a feel good read, showing how some people can really be there for you with no ulterior motives. Great story!

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It is about Edith (Edie). She discovered she was pregnant at 18. Greg was the father. She told her mom first and then her dad walked in followed by her siblings. It was late so she thought she wouldn’t be interrupted but she was wrong. She went to tell Greg but he was not happy about it. He thought she did it on purpose. She didn’t but he didn’t believe her and he told her he didn’t want it. She found out that same day that he was cheating on her. He wanted her to take care of it but she told him that was not happening. She decided to have the baby and raise it on her own. She met a guy Frank 9 years later. She kept telling him no but he finally wore him down. This was a great book.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy I read this book! Edie and Frank are two of the best characters I’ve ever read: witty, sweet, spicy, and their hearts are pure joy!! I loved the pacing of their story: Ivy Penn did a phenomenal job of detailing backgrounds, allowing the characters to capture my attention, and making everything seem so real and emotional. Edie’s family and her son are her inspiration until Frank shows up in their lives. He blends in beautifully and adds so much richness to Edie’s life. I could read some more about this couple!! Snarky sister, Evelyn, is a fantastic character!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna Hiscox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 baby! Perfect small town romance, Ivy! I couldn’t wait to read Edith’s story. Her family dynamics will have you bent over belly laughing!
Their protectiveness may seem a little too much at times but it’s refreshing to see especially in this day and age. Enter the MMC, Frank, who has the patience of a saint! He is a man on a mission after Edith and displays the perfect example of a true gentleman. Their attraction is felt by all of their family and friends but Edith’s walls take a few months to breakdown and rightfully so because she has a son to protect. I love the way their family finally comes together! “Paper or Plastic”

[Becca Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a perfect little slice of heaven! It captures small towns perfectly! ❤️
I love the banter between siblings and the sweetness of the relationship! I also loved how I'd focused on family and her building relationship instead of the past trama too much!
My favorite quote so far "Evie is like a chihuahua on coke"
This book is an amazing refresher for someone who's been reading so much dark romance lately and needs a little sunshine! 😍.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book it had me laughing out loud and then full of emotion the story was told beautifully Ivy becoming one of my favorite authors
Edith was 16 when she found out she was pregnant her boyfriend wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. So she decided to do it all herself with her family’s help
Now at 27 and her son 9 years old a stranger rolls into town she’s attracted to him but is too scared to get hurt again . This s doesn’t stop Frank from trying to pursue her
This is a lovely love story

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving These Amazingly Emotional Reads!

This author knows how to get into my emotions like very few others have been able to.
Not only did I feel the feels in my heart, but I was also laughing out loud. Edith had it rough. She found out at a young age that she was pregnant, and her boyfriend was scum. She thought that she was gonna be single for the rest of time; however, Frank came into her life and the two were a perfect match!

This moving story was amazing and I highly recommend it!.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Emotions is a heartfelt book that touches on family dynamics. It is a well written story with an engaging plot and setting. The banter and antics between the siblings and main characters is priceless and a joy to read about. Frank and Eddie aka Edith had me cheering them on to getting their chance for happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I really like the story, it was a bit chaotic with so dysfunctional family but not in the bad way more like crazy family, it was overwhelming dealing with so many personalities and the 'slang'...not sure how to describe it... but well all the ayo is not so my thing lol. Anyway, back to the story I loved Francis since the beginning he was easy going, straightforward and so chill but also smart and intriguing. So happy Mathiew found a new daddy."

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith/Eddie found out she was pregnant at eighteen, the father had already moved on to greener pastures. Frank was just intending to passing thru Port Stella after his twenty year stint in the marines. When he sees Eddie, he is determined to that this just might be the place to call home, but she is fighting it.

Can he convince her that he is in for the long hall not just a hit it and quit it?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Emotions is Edith and Frank's story in the Port Stella series. I love this world and completely enjoyed Frank and Ediths great, age gap, single mom, retired military, second chance journey. Edith is tough and stands her ground, as a single parent she's had to be. But Frank chips away at that tough exterior and eventually they find something so beautiful. Tangled Emotions isn't really streamy in comparison, but it is just enough to be interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey!

[Jessica Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edith and her family had me laughing so much throughout this story. Edith works at her family's diner and became a single mom very early in life. Protected by her older brothers and one fierce, firey little sister she hasn't had much of a chance to explore a love life but that is all about to change with the arrival of Frank. Frank is a newcomer to the town and is immediately smitten by Edith. The best part, her family is cheering for him to win her over. Will he be enough to tear down her walls and swoop her off her feet or will she allow past relationship trauma to make decisions on her future? You have got to dive into this book to find out. I loved it! Ivy Penn for the win.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, love, love ivy penn's books. I will always grab them if she writes them. Hands down a phenomenal author.

I can never put her books down when I pick them up and this one wasn't any different. I was obsessed from start to finish. I'm totally crushing on the port Stella series. The characters I fell In love with. It's action packed, got banter that will have you laughing out loud, second chances and so much more. I can't wait for more. Highly recommend.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was cute! A nice second chance romance for Edie, Edith Malone, and Doc, Francis Holliday. Edie has a past relationship that didn’t really end of good terms (you know what you did wrong Gregory!) and she’s protective of her heart and her little boy. But Doc is a great guy. He’s easily able to warm her family up to him and steel her heart without her even fully realizing it’s happening.

[Hart's Reader Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the jump, and I enjoyed reading it, however, I felt like there was just too much going on, bogging down the romance. I wanted to give it more stars, but I sort of got bored in the middle and had to push myself to finish. The HEA was good, though.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Persman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Port Stella books and this one is no different. It was great to finally see Edith's story come into play and of course in a way a 2nd chance at happiness is something you can't go wrong with! This books has heartwarming moments, crazy moments especially with the family, and humor. Overall this was a fantastic read!

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith and Frank's story is a heartwarming one set in a small town, with a single mum and an older, retired marine. Evie is a little firecracker in the background, sticking her nose in and stirring things up when needed (and sometimes when not). A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Ivy Penn; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Port Stella Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Edith & Frank.

[Monica Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled emotions

I really enjoyed this port Stella novel. It is a standalone interconnected by location. I enjoyed the spice the chemistry was of the charts. I loved thier banter and how he tried to win her over.