I want more from this series, and that is always good news! Was this perfect? No, but I liked it quite a bit. Flynn’s light, easy writing style makes this fly by, and the low angst storyline was a lot of fun. I loved that the premise felt unique and different; I’d have trouble describing the reasoning behind the bet in a three-paragraph review, but it worked for me. This sets up the overall series very well, and while this book easily reads as a standalone, the following two probably won’t. Dixon’s story had the difficult task of both spinning off a beloved series AND starting up a new one, which did detract from the love story at times. He’s also not really a mama’s boy – his fatal flaw is more that he refuses to lose at anything. I could definitely tell that Flynn changed course while writing, because several things (including all three book titles) feel out of place or underdeveloped, but I had no trouble bingeing this in one sitting – and I enjoyed the vast majority of it.
The story follows Dixon, a man who was burned by love two years ago and has since closed off his heart. When a complicated family situation requires him to date the first person who matches his dating profile (it’s a long story and I’m not going to go into it, lol), Dixon makes the worst profile ever. He’s not interested in love, and doesn’t want to be matched with someone he’ll find appealing. Unfortunately, Fiona recognizes his photo and accepts the match – though she’s not interested in love either. Dixon has cancelled three business meetings with her (they’ve never met), and she’s only too happy to pretend to be the type of woman he’s seeking. The two go on a series of dates, and it’s not long before Dixon sees through Fiona’s act – and realizes that she might just be a great match after all.
Again, the premise is kinda complicated and that does take away from the romance at times, but I imagine that won’t be an issue in the other two cousins’ books. I really enjoyed the playfulness, and having Fiona put on an act made this interesting. They’re not quite enemies, but neither one is taking the “dating” process very seriously either. The first half read better for me; there’s humor and a light feel to the initial dates, and that’s where I felt the most chemistry. Once this transitioned into a friends with benefits scenario, it lost me to a certain extent. Things stayed very surface level/focused on the sex, so a few threads were completely dropped or didn’t work very well. So, this wasn’t a homerun for me, but I really did like it. There’s a lot of potential in the next two love stories, and I’m betting they’ll read a lot easier. I’m definitely looking forward to checking them out. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this light and steamy romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WSjWMk
Blurb:
MUST HATE DOGS
Do you hate dogs? Only want to talk about yourself? Is having a sense of humor something you’ve never been accused of? Think eating for pleasure is a complete waste of time? Agree that tipping is for suckers? Then you’re the date for me.
Dixon Beckett is the kind of guy who loves his mama, treats women right, and never ever wants to fall in love again. That’s why he’ll do anything to win a bet to be the last single man standing by Christmas.
He’s got a plan, too. Create the most no-good, horrible, very bad dating profile in existence. Only someone actually responds to his ad…
The rules say he has to go on six dates with the first (or in his case, only) person who answers—even if that person is Fiona Hartigan: Hater of dogs, non-lover of any delicious food, and zero sense of humor.
But something feels off about this pariah. In fact, Dixon is almost positive Fiona is just pretending to be awful. Pretending to be the most horrible date in existence. And she’s most definitely pretending to not be as interested in him as he is in her.
The more Dixon Beckett starts to unravel the mystery of why Fiona answered his ad in the first place, the more he starts considering the most vile, awful, terrible idea ever…falling in love.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WSjWMk
Neanderthal releases September 13th!
He’s smart enough to know that she’s the one.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yxqga3
About the Author:
When Avery Flynn isn’t writing about alpha heroes and the women who tame them, she is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She has three slightly wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband, and has a slight shoe addiction. Find out more about Avery on her website, follow her on Twitter, like her on her Facebook page, or friend her on her Facebook profile. Also, if you figure out how to send Oreos through the internet, she’ll be your best friend for life. Contact her at avery@averyflynn.com. She’d love to hear from you.
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