Raising children is hard, and nobody is more deserving of happiness than people who are raising children alone. Broken Dreams hit my romantic soft spoRaising children is hard, and nobody is more deserving of happiness than people who are raising children alone. Broken Dreams hit my romantic soft spot since it features not one but two single parents finding love the second time around.
Addison and Grady have both had their lives shattered, but whereas Addison is ready to find a partner and fall in love again, Grady is unwilling to take the risk. However, he needs to present himself as a family man in a committed relationship in order to win over an investor for his business. Addison just wants to reassure her friends that she is moving forward with her life by bringing a boyfriend to her friend’s wedding. Pretending to be a couple is a win-win situation for both of them.
The thing about this fake dating scenario is that it never feels pretend. Grady and Addison have chemistry, and they enjoy spending time together. It’s not hard to fool people when the friendship and attraction are real—even in a small town full of busybodies.
It isn’t long before Addison wants to be more than just friends or even friends with benefits. I only wish Grady didn’t repeat himself so often, listing all the reasons why he doesn’t want a relationship. I got it the first half dozen times. Still, I liked them together. Grady gets an A+ in dirty talk. The little kids, Elodie and Jett, are absolutely adorable, and I loved the bond they form as BFFs. The sweet epilogue is satisfying, but I wouldn’t mind staying with Addison and Grady a little longer.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romances Fake relationships Cute kids Dirty talk Small towns
Liz Tomforde has officially become an auto-buy author for me. I’m loving her Windy City series, which enriches the sports rom4.5 stars
Audiobook Review
Liz Tomforde has officially become an auto-buy author for me. I’m loving her Windy City series, which enriches the sports romance genre to a surprising degree. She has tackled issues of mental health, negative body image, and toxic family relationships—all against the backdrop of professional sports. Caught Up now places the spotlight on the challenges of single parenting.
Go ahead and take my heart, Kai, with your selfless love for your freaking adorable toddler. The story does a good job of exploring Kai’s difficulties in finding a guilt-free work-life balance as a single father. Miller is a breath of fresh air, and she fits seamlessly into their lives. She is a famous chef, and I was excited for her to overcome her creative block. I loved all the time she spends in the kitchen while waiting for inspiration to strike.
The main conflict is that Kai and Miller are reluctant to get involved with each other. Miller’s instant connection with baby Max is so cute, but she’s only there for the summer, and Kai is worried his son will get too attached. Miller only wants to make her father proud. She is determined to achieve a level of success that she believes can’t be attained if she settles down. There isn’t a lot of unnecessary drama, just two adults willing to sacrifice their own happiness for others.
Both narrators are new to me. I was wowed by Meghan Wicks and her smoky voice. Alex Kydd was thisclose to being great, but he has this grating, cheesy chuckle that is overused. Every. Single. Chapter. It’s the kind of thing that once you notice it, you can’t unhear it. If you can get past that you’ll enjoy a very expressive narration.
Recommended for fans of: Cooking Baseball Single dads Adorable toddlers
This is a nice story that would have been even better with more exploration of the characters. I was also in the mood for a holiday read and,3.5 stars
This is a nice story that would have been even better with more exploration of the characters. I was also in the mood for a holiday read and, despite the title and cover, there's nothing really Christmas-y about the story.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed both narrators.
Gobble, gobble, gobble. That’s the sound of me eating up Nora Goes Off Script. I loved everything about this feel-good romance.
Don’t you just admire aGobble, gobble, gobble. That’s the sound of me eating up Nora Goes Off Script. I loved everything about this feel-good romance.
Don’t you just admire a woman who is underestimated? Nora’s ex-husband has always belittled her job as a romance writer for a Hallmark-style TV channel, despite the fact that her career has supported her family—if only barely. In a departure from her typical stories, her latest screenplay—based on the breakdown of her marriage—is a huge success and has been turned into a major motion picture. After the movie crew finishes filming at her house, movie star Leo Vance asks to stay on and rent Nora’s tea house for a few weeks. Nora—now a single mother with a deadbeat ex—is in need of money, so she agrees.
The way Leo marvels at Nora’s ordinary, day-to-day life, is adorable and fun. Nora’s life is rigidly routine, and it’s sweet the way Leo softens her tough edges. Through Leo’s eyes, we see that normal is underrated, and Nora is able to see that fun isn’t a bad thing.
The romance between Nora and Leo is heartwarming. Nora’s kids are so lovable, and I enjoyed how quickly Leo becomes an integral part of all their lives.
Nora Goes Off Script is a funny and satisfying story that is sure to brighten your day.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romance Hollywood stars Sunrises
I liked the beginning, but ultimately I just didn’t buy this story. I get how a one-night stand could turn into more nights. I get why a single mom miI liked the beginning, but ultimately I just didn’t buy this story. I get how a one-night stand could turn into more nights. I get why a single mom might not want to introduce her son to the man she’s casually sleeping with. I even get why you might not want to share certain personal details with the guy at first. What I don’t get is how you can date a man for months and still not be willing to tell him your son’s name. I mean, you can tell him you have a five-year-old son but not his name? Why not just keep the fact that you have a kid a secret?
Some of the dialogue is kind of cheesy, and references to Malcolm’s “rod” and “meat,” really put me off.
On the plus side, I liked the fact that there is instant attraction, but no insta-love. Their relationship is given time to develop throughout months of dating, and it’s clear Malcolm appreciates Mandy inside and out. I also enjoyed the close bond between Amanda and her best friend. Unfortunately, the positives didn’t outweigh the negatives for me.
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is the first book I’ve read by Alexis Hall, and I must say that I was completely charmed. The audiobookAudiobook Review
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is the first book I’ve read by Alexis Hall, and I must say that I was completely charmed. The audiobook really enhanced my enjoyment, but more on that in a moment.
Rosaline Palmer is a college drop-out and a single mom to a precocious 8-year-old. She decides to compete in a televised British baking series in a desperate attempt to provide a better life for herself and her daughter, as well as to ease the weight of her parents’ perpetual disappointment.
Nothing about Rosaline’s life is going as planned, and I liked the fact that even though she doesn’t have her crap together, she has a sense of humor about it. Perfection is boring. Give me a smart and witty heroine who is a hot mess any day of the week because it gives the character room to grow without them drowning in a sea of self-pity. Rosaline goes from being directionless, meek, and self-doubting to being a woman of conviction and confidence who is unafraid to speak up for herself.
I would say this book is more women’s fiction than romance, and despite what the blurb implies, there really isn’t a love triangle per se. Although Rosaline isn’t in a relationship with a woman in this story, she is bi-sexual, and I enjoyed the way her sexuality and discussions of LGBTQ+ issues are incorporated into the plot. I also liked exploring the challenges of single parenting.
As a fan of “The Great British Baking Show” I couldn't help but draw fun comparisons between that show and the book's fictional “Bake Expectations”. I got to know and like the competitors more and more with each passing week and loved seeing Rosaline form friendships with them. The cast and crew are hilarious, particularly the foul-mouthed producer who never fails to come up with colorful insults that had me laughing out loud.
Whenever Rosaline’s daughter appeared, I knew I could count on something wildly entertaining coming out of her mouth. Her best friend is also an amusing gem. Really, all the characters are either endearing or relatable except one huge condescending douche waffle that I could have had less of. I loved the British humor, slang, and bantering throughout.
As for the narration, Fiona Hardingham is spectacular. I was blown away by the variety of accents, genders, and personalities she manages to pull off. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the overall narration has the exact same inflection as the reality tv show announcer.
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is a huge treat all around.
Recommended for fans of: Baking The Great British Baking Show Single moms LGBTQ+ fiction...more
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books written by Abby Jimenez, The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist, I fully expected LiHaving read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books written by Abby Jimenez, The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist, I fully expected Life’s Too Short to knock my socks off as well. Guess what? It did. This book checked off all my boxes. You’ve got a fun-loving heroine, a glum hero in need of rescuing, single parenting, and swooning galore.
Vanessa is a breath of fresh air. A looming ALS diagnosis and its ramifications are always on her mind, but she refuses to let it get her down. I appreciated learning about the disease, and I admired her outlook and her determination to live life to its fullest. Being the unexpected guardian of her newborn niece isn’t part of her plan, but—as will all things in her life—she takes it in stride and turns it into an adventure. She is a famous YouTube travel vlogger, and I enjoyed exploring that aspect of her life.
As for Adrian, a brilliant but lonely and work-obsessed defense attorney who lives next door, he could not be more opposite than Vanessa. Their chance meeting changes both their lives for the better. Vanessa helps him loosen up and find joy in the simple things, while Adrian centers and supports Vanessa when her life sometimes spirals out of control. Seeing Adrian care for baby Grace—oh, be still my heart.
To say Vanessa’s family is a hot mess would be a gross understatement. A good portion of the emotional side of the story comes from their family dynamics. Knowing she may have less than a year to live, she goes to great lengths to ensure that all their needs are taken care of. She’s a saint; I doubt I would have done the same in her shoes.
Don’t worry about the book being all gloom and doom. Vanessa’s bubbly personality makes that impossible. Yes, many sensitive topics are dealt with, but there is also a lot of laughing and swooning throughout. Adrian assisting Vanessa without judgment is everything, and it made me fall deeper in love with him. The slow burn of their romance is perfectly paced because the story gives them time to build the foundation of a trusting and fun friendship first. The end result gave me warm fuzzies.
Life’s Too Short is a witty, tender, and romantic journey. It’s everything I hoped it would be and more.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romance YouTubers Crotchety foster dogs Disability awareness
The Mixtape tugged on every single one of my heartstrings.
I felt each ounce of Emery’s struggle as a single mom trying to keep it together—thread by tThe Mixtape tugged on every single one of my heartstrings.
I felt each ounce of Emery’s struggle as a single mom trying to keep it together—thread by thread—and support her daughter despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. She loves with her whole heart. While others might be cruel or unfeeling, Emery extends infinite grace towards Oliver when he is at his absolute worst.
Even though he’s a famous singer, Oliver is an anxious introvert with a soul so tender it brought tears to my eyes. The destructive ways he tries to cope with his grief touched me deeply. Emery comes with her own painful baggage. Oliver’s life is made better by having Emery in it and vice versa. I liked the slow burn of their romance and seeing them gradually discover happiness.
Emery’s five-year-old daughter, Reese, is quite the sassy gem and a huge source of joy. She is guaranteed to bring tons of smiles when things get a little too emotional. There are also a couple of surprises that make the story even more enjoyable.
The book handles the subject of depression with both compassion and a realistic brush. It doesn’t portray it as mere sadness that someone can snap out of if they just try hard enough, nor does it paint it as something that can be cured solely by the love of a good woman or man. The story delves into other difficult subject matters with equal care.
Through the ups and downs, my heart remained full.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romance Playlists Personal chefs Comebacks
The Soulmate Equation is surprisingly cute. I was afraid the book might spend too much time on scientific details, but it’s just the right amount. TheThe Soulmate Equation is surprisingly cute. I was afraid the book might spend too much time on scientific details, but it’s just the right amount. The relationships between the characters are what really interested me.
Jess is a statistician and single mom with an adorable seven-year-old, a hilarious ride or die best friend, and sweet grandparents. The idea that she and River, a stiff scientist, could be soulmates seems laughable to her—in fact, Jess really dislikes him initially, and River doesn’t seem very impressed by her. Nonetheless, the two decide to give the DNA dating experiment a real chance. I liked how the physical attraction between them gradually grows the more time they spend together, as does their mutual respect for each other. River’s interactions with Jess’s daughter are particularly cute.
Aside from some poorly-constructed conflict at the end where River’s actions seem nonsensical, this lighthearted romance is an enjoyable read.
Recommended for fans of: Enemies to lovers Single parent romance Math geeks Coffee shops
Christina Hovland is an author who is new to me, but I was drawn to the adorable cover and then the synopsis hooked me. I love it when I take a gambleChristina Hovland is an author who is new to me, but I was drawn to the adorable cover and then the synopsis hooked me. I love it when I take a gamble on an unfamiliar author and it pays off. Rachel, Out of Office is a witty and supremely satisfying contemporary romance.
Rachel is one of those supermoms who makes other moms jealous. She’s a single mom to twin 8-year-old boys and although her ex-husband is mostly absent, she manages to seamlessly juggle all aspects of parenting on her own — from discipline and stomach bugs to Pinterest-worthy birthday parties and housekeeping. She also owns a demanding business that keeps her working around the clock. She makes it look easy, but in reality she’s barely holding it together.
Most of the book focuses on the challenges of parenting, so I suspect it won’t resonate as well with readers who aren’t moms. Personally, I really identified with Rachel. Although my kids are almost grown, I remember what it’s like to put your needs last. Some of the antics with her boys had me laughing out loud. As a fellow control freak, I also recognized Rachel’s need to do everything herself because, of course, nobody else can do it as well.
I admired Rachel’s strength and her ability to stay calm in the midst of crisis. I didn’t expect to love her hot former brother-in-law Travis as much as I did, but I really enjoyed their chemistry and the way he’s always supportive of her. I didn’t quite understand Rachel’s ex husband, Gavin. I couldn’t decide if he was selfish, clueless, or just weak. Although Rachel’s meddling former mother-in-law is a bit over-the-top, she’s a good source of entertainment. I also liked the clever quotes from other moms at the beginning of each chapter.
All in all, Rachel, Out of Office is a feel-good humorous read about the ups and downs of parenthood and the illusion of perfection.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romances Business women Margaritas Pop Tarts
*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*
Getting Real is the third standalone in the Getting Some series and before I go any further, let me take a moment to bow dAudiobook Review ~ 4.5 stars
Getting Real is the third standalone in the Getting Some series and before I go any further, let me take a moment to bow down to the great narrator Zachary Webber. I always admire his vocal performances, but he takes it to the next level in this audiobook. The emotions, the clever distinctions between the characters, and the believability are *chef’s kiss*. Andi Arndt’s narration is excellent as well, but I found myself especially looking forward to Zachary’s chapters.
The book has a lot of my favorite tropes. You’ve got a single parent, an age gap, and a workplace romance all rolled into one.
Connor is a divorced ER doctor in his early forties. He is also a single dad to three boys who range in age from 10 to 17. Their interactions with each other are hilarious, and I fell in love with them instantly. Connor is such a patient father, and I admired his ability to navigate the ups and downs of parenting while also balancing work and managing a strained relationship with his ex.
Violet is a 30-year-old ER nurse who works with Connor and has secretly had a thing for him for ages. Connor has also been attracted to Violet, but he is put off by their 12-year age gap. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. There aren’t nearly enough romances featuring characters in their 30s and 40s. Violet and Connor make a fun, sexy, perceptive couple who—for the most part—do an excellent job of communicating with each other without playing games. Authors, there really is a market out there for mature romances. Give us more of them!
I loved, loved, loved Violet. Her initial awkwardness around Connor is so cute. I really appreciated how supportive she is of Connor’s responsibilities as a single dad and how easily she bonds with his kids.
The entire story is sweet, funny, and heartfelt. The two epilogues are delightful. I highly recommend the audiobook, which is currently available to listen for free in Audible Plus. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, do yourself a favor and pick them up.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romance Age gap romance Workplace romance Hot doctors
Yes! I just struck single parent rom com gold with The Guy on the Left. It is the next book in Kate Stewart’s The Underdogs series and it’s T4.5 stars
Yes! I just struck single parent rom com gold with The Guy on the Left. It is the next book in Kate Stewart’s The Underdogs series and it’s Troy’s story. We first meet Troy in The Guy on the Right but both books can be read independently.
There is nothing I enjoy more than when a character surprises me. I thought I had Troy’s number: cocky womanizer and entitled jock head. I could not have been more wrong.
Most of the time Troy acts more mature than Clarissa, even though she’s an older single mom and he’s a college senior. His hard work ethic, reliability, and gentle nature make him extremely appealing. He is dedicated to two things: proving himself to be a father worthy of Dante and getting drafted into the NFL.
Speaking of Dante, my face hurt from smiling so hard throughout the story and this five-year-old is the culprit. Every sentence out of his mouth either tugged at my heartstrings or cracked me up. Clarissa is a fantastic mother—firm, but loving and fun. Troy’s bond with Dante is instant. I loved every moment these two guys share.
The connection between Clarissa and Troy is wonderful as well. I desperately wanted them to have a happy ever after as a family, so I couldn’t wait for Clarissa to stop punishing Troy for his one huge lapse in judgment. It seemed like she was going to hold it over his head forever. Luckily, chemistry and common sense win out!
I laughed and swooned all the way through this book. I’m not sure which aspect I enjoyed more, but this was undoubtedly a win for me.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romance Second chance romance Age gaps Romantic comedy
With Perfectly Adequate, Jewel E. Ann takes a timeout from her signature heartbreaking and mind-blowing stories to deliver a lighter romance. Notice tWith Perfectly Adequate, Jewel E. Ann takes a timeout from her signature heartbreaking and mind-blowing stories to deliver a lighter romance. Notice that I said lighter because Jewel doesn’t do straight-up rom coms. This is a comedy with a bittersweet edge – a dramedy, if you will.
I am a sucker for two character types: oddball heroines and single parents. This story has both. I fell hard for Dr. Elijah Hawkins and the aptly named Dorothy Mayhem. Their opposites attract love affair is awkward and charming.
Eli is a devoted single father, a level-headed man who loves fiercely but is hurting and insecure following a contentious divorce. His palpable pain broke my heart, but I love the complexity of his relationship with his ex-wife. The story is wonderfully painted in grays, so don’t expect his ex to be a one-dimensional caricature villain. Little Roman! Every moment shared with his adorable toddler son is another opportunity to swoon.
Dorothy is a delightful bundle of quirks, of which her emus and color coordinated sneaker collection are only a small part. She is unpredictable, honest to a fault, and highly inappropriate at times. Having Aspergers results in her missing social cues that others take for granted, and I appreciated having a real sense of her frustration. Dorothy’s relationship with Eli’s son is a big highlight.
I did find some aspects to be predictable and I had issues with the plot toward the end. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this refreshing story.
Recommended for fans of: Single father romances Quirky heroines Dramedies Emus Wonder Woman blockquote>*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*
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Down Too Deep showcases J. Daniels’s sentimental side. I can’t seem to get enough of single parent romances lately, and this one is a real treat. Get Down Too Deep showcases J. Daniels’s sentimental side. I can’t seem to get enough of single parent romances lately, and this one is a real treat. Get ready for cuteness overload.
Jenna is a single mom to eight-year-old twins. Nate is a widower with a toddler that he barely knows. When Jenna offers to babysit Nate’s daughter for the summer, their lives quickly become intertwined.
Alpha males are fairly common in romantic fiction, and I am definitely a fan. However, I love that Nate is a man who is at his weakest point, and he isn’t afraid to let his vulnerability show. Jenna is straight up Superwoman with her awesome parenting skills. She is generous with her time, and always offers Nate emotional support without being judgmental. Their chemistry is fantastic.
Seeing Jenna’s kids fall for Nate and his daughter is almost as wonderful as watching Nate and Jenna fall in love. Oliver, Olivia, and Marley are so stinking cute. I absolutely adored them. The whole story is charming and virtually drama free. Of course, J. Daniels also throws in some spicy sex times as well. Well done.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romances Vulnerable men July 4th Blended families
*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*
This friends-to-lovers story is low on drama and high on humor—just how I like it. Lauren Blakely continues to impress with this series about three brThis friends-to-lovers story is low on drama and high on humor—just how I like it. Lauren Blakely continues to impress with this series about three brothers who used to be members of a famous teen boy band. Single parenthood is integral to each brother’s story, and these sexy former pop stars are blessedly allergic to one-night stands.
It is impossible to dislike Miller. The man is perpetually upbeat about life in general and wrings every ounce of enjoyment out of the simplest of tasks. He is pretty much the full package—funny, talented, generous with his time, and always supportive of those he loves.
Ally is a loyal friend and a completely awesome guardian. Raising a tween girl is not easy, but Ally is determined to kick butt at this single motherhood thing—even if it means sacrificing some of her own desires.
I absolutely loved the ease of Miller and Ally’s friendship. They speak their own language, and their relationship has always been a little bit goofy and a little bit flirty. The transition from friends to lovers tends to be abrupt with this trope, and it’s a bit like flipping a switch here as well; however, it’s handled in a clever way. Miller and Ally have a certain snap, crackle, and pop that’s very appealing. Their chemistry as singers is also wonderful.
Even though their misgivings about being a couple are settled suddenly, I loved the heat and humor of their romance. Had I not read the previous novel, the solution to Miller’s professional problems would have been more satisfying because…duh. That particular aspect left me feeling lukewarm, but it didn’t dampen my overall enjoyment of the story.
Recommended for fans of: Musicians Friend to lovers stories Single parent romance YouTube
*I received an early version of this book to voluntarily read.*
#UltimateReadingChallenge July: Read a Book with a Cover You Love
This book went down nice and easy. Tattered is such a delightful story that is filed #UltimateReadingChallenge July: Read a Book with a Cover You Love
This book went down nice and easy. Tattered is such a delightful story that is filed with warmth. Single parent romances are my kryptonite, and this one comes with a strong woman, an honorable man, and an adorable little girl.
Thea’s life has been pretty craptastic since the time she was born. As a young, poor bartender in New York City, she’s barely making enough to live off that good old college staple, Ramen noodles. A one night stand with Logan, a charismatic and obviously wealthy patron, rocks her world. It also changes her life drastically when she discovers she’s pregnant and they never exchanged last names.
Years later, Thea finds herself tending bar and raising her five-year-old daughter Charlie in Lark Cove. Devney Perry draws an idyllic and vivid portrait of the small lakeside town where Charlie—being a huge tomboy—is free to climb trees, make forts, and run around. That little girl charmed my pants off.
Logan is undeniably wonderful. All he wants is to be a good dad and make up for all the years he missed with his daughter. Okay, maybe he also wants to get back in Thea’s pants. Who could blame him? There’s some serious sexual chemistry between the two. Logan is a powerful NYC lawyer and heir to a fortune, but he never once tries to make Thea feel “less than”. Distance and career goals are not on their side, though.
A pseudo dangerous mysterious side plot is haphazardly thrown in and contributes very little to the story. The ending also feels very rush, but otherwise I enjoyed every aspect of this love story.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romances Small town stories Second chance romance Accidental pregnancies
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Nothing is sweeter than a single parent romance – unless you up the ante by making the single parent a mom of twin toddlers. You’d better brace yourseNothing is sweeter than a single parent romance – unless you up the ante by making the single parent a mom of twin toddlers. You’d better brace yourself for cuteness overload in Boy Toy, the third standalone rom-com in the wildly entertaining Man Hands series.
Sadie is raising her two-year-old twin girls alone with virtually no help from her loser ex-husband. Like many women, she’s trying to balance motherhood with a career and is left feeling frazzled, guilty, and unattractive.
She used to babysit Liam when he was a teenager and Sadie was in college. He’s a man now, and what a fine specimen he has grown up to be! He looks after the twins at the new daycare facility the girls attend. Liam and Sadie’s surprise reunion reignites the huge torch he has carried for her all these years.
I liked that their age difference is addressed, but is not an issue that is beaten to death. Sadie is, however, self-conscious about her post-babies body, and it is difficult for her to believe that a hot younger man would be interested in her. The process of her getting her groove back is both sweet and funny.
Holy Mother of Ovaries! Liam can change a diaper, weight lift a toddler on each arm, diffuse temper tantrums, clean laundry on his washboard abs, cook a delicious meal, and make sweet, sweet love. At the same time. Basically he’s a panty dropping manny superhero. Seriously though, his intellect, sensitivity, and love for young children make him impossible to resist.
If you’re looking for a charming romance that will make you swoon and laugh, you should definitely check out Boy Toy.
Recommended for fans of: Single mom romance Older women-younger men romances Hot mannies Romantic comedy
Lauren Blakely has a knack for blending naughty and nice. She serves up a healthy dose of both in Once Upon a Real Good Time, and I must say 4.5 stars
Lauren Blakely has a knack for blending naughty and nice. She serves up a healthy dose of both in Once Upon a Real Good Time, and I must say the combination goes down nice and smooth.
It’s a simple story of two single parents who have devoted their lives to their kids, putting aside the possibility of romantic relationships in the process. Campbell is a former boy band star turned private music teacher. Mackenzie is an entrepreneur with a wealth of Jeopardy-level knowledge.
These are two amazing characters who are perfect for each other. I love their playfulness and sexy banter. Campbell’s dirty talking bedroom skills are on point! It’s no surprise that I wanted their happily ever after like I wanted my next breath. What’s really refreshing is how lovable their teenagers are. Let’s face it. Anyone with a teen knows how difficult they can be. Mackenzie’s son is a well-rounded violin prodigy. Campbell’s daughter is a sweetheart who loves to bake and has her own YouTube channel. They each love their parent and aren’t afraid to show it.
When Campbell winds up teaching Mackenzie’s son, it throws a wrench in their plans for a possible romance. I really didn’t feel like it was that much of an issue, but thankfully instead of lots of drama, good humor and warmth prevail throughout. I’m counting this as a solid win.
Campbell has two brothers with their own books coming out. I hope I enjoy the rest of the series just as much as this story.
Recommended for fans of: Cooking Musicians Broadway Single parent romance
Ghosted deserves all the stars in the galaxy plus those yet to be discovered. This book utterly consumed me, and I have zero guilt for shuttin6 stars!
Ghosted deserves all the stars in the galaxy plus those yet to be discovered. This book utterly consumed me, and I have zero guilt for shutting out everyone and everything while I devoured it.
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Typically, I find at least one tiny thing that bothers me about a book, even if it’s a 5-star read. There is absolutely nothing I would change about this book: not a character, not any aspect of the plot, and certainly not the writing style, which I’ll get to later.
If you have a weakness for second chance love stories, this will be your Kryptonite. The relationship between Jonathan and Kennedy is intense, real, and has a wonderful build-up. Kennedy is amazing with her sacrificial love for him, which makes their breakup all the more devastating. Despite his many weaknesses, Jonathan is determined to win back the what-could-have-beens in his life. The journey is both painful and beautiful.
Their daughter! If 5-year-old Maddie doesn’t melt your heart and make you laugh over and over again then you may not have a pulse. She’s is all 31 flavors of adorable. Her connection with her entire family as well as Jonathan’s alter ego, Breezeo, is so stinking sweet and funny.
J.M. Darhower’s writing is remarkable. She skillfully navigates the reader through a clever and emotional plot, using dual points of view and throwing in quite a few surprises along the way. As if the romance, humor, and constant anticipation aren’t enough to draw you in completely, there are some very eccentric characters to sustain your interest.
Expect to have feels galore while reading Ghosted. There’s no way in hell this stunning book won’t make my Top 10 of 2017 list.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**