I keep going back and forth between three and four stars for this one, but there are definitely some things that I was unsatisfied with, so I’m leaning towards three. This had an uphill battle from the start, because I really, really hate the main trope – one night stand results in a baby, and the girl on the sidelines steps in to fill the role of Mom. Yes, the backstory was all kinds of troublesome for me, but this couple’s chemistry in present day ALMOST made up for that. I loved Ford’s vulnerability, and he is pretty adorable as a dad, so I was pleasantly surprised by the story once it got going. I actually liked Ford a lot more than I expected to, so if there had been a stronger emotional connection and less focus on Ford’s playboy past, then I probably would’ve rated this higher.
The story follows Ford, a player on and off the ice. He comes from a wealthy family and usually gets what he wants, so suddenly becoming a father has thrown him off-balance. When a situation with the family business requires him to appear settled down, Ford enters an engagement of convenience with the PR woman who always has to clean up his messes. Lena has gotten to know Ford well over the last few years – she’s seen the women and partying with her own eyes – and they frequently exchange tension-filled banter. Now that they’re spending time together and Ford has calmed the chaos, Lena is seeing him in a different light. It’s not long before their fake relationship begins to feel very real, but neither one is sure if Ford is ready for commitment.
I’ve been enjoying this series, so I didn’t hesitate to read this, despite the fact that I knew the trope is one that rarely works for me. I actually really liked Ford and Lena’s chemistry, and if I ignored the fact that Ford has hooked up with countless girls since that chemistry sparked, then this probably would’ve read pretty well. Unfortunately, that’s an essential part of the story – drama and insecurities regarding Ford’s playboy past are what threaten the relationship. I also think the emotional connection was lacking; Lena is lusty for Ford, and I don’t think he earned that. They’re definitely fire together, and the banter was great. There are some excellent moments in the story, and it does make a solid addition to the series. It’s certainly not my favorite, but it’s a relatively light and sexy read. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this single dad romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zk2zBz
Blurb:
Fake.
Being the heir to Jacobs Enterprises, I’ve been around fake people my entire life. I promised myself a long time ago that I wouldn’t change for anyone. Which is the only reason I’m a professional hockey player who lives on the beach and does as he pleases without answering to anyone—except my father.
And now, my daughter.
Being a single dad wasn’t in the plan but after a one-night stand who took off after the baby was born, this is my reality.
My dad’s been harping on me to quit hockey and join the company for years and now that I’m a father, he’s only intensified his efforts. Until he makes me a deal I can’t refuse.
Insert Lena Boyd, the Jacobs’ family PR rep. She’s beautiful and intelligent and not at all the woman for me—ask anyone.
My dad needs us to act happily engaged and sell the idea that we’re in love. If we’re successful I won’t have to join the family legacy—ever. Of course, I agree.
That’s when things get complicated. I thought I had her all figured out until I found out there was more underneath her judgmental sneers and eye rolls. It feels like everything is coming together for the future I really want—with Lena—until my past ruins everything.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zk2zBz
Start the series today!
These will read as standalones, but there are teammates who tie the series together. I enjoyed the first book in the series, My Lucky #13, and am definitely curious to see where the series heads next.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hll0in
About the Authors:
Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have “Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle” (okay…you caught us, that’s our tagline). A little about us… We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We’re both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We’re both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.
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