Not my favorite of the series, but it did have a lot of good stuff going for it. There’s a small town feel that ties the series together, with a fun cast of characters. I also love a swoony single dad with a precocious daughter, and pairing him with the woman who makes him feel alive is never a bad thing. Did I need to be reminded – constantly – that he only hooks up with tourists? Uh, no. Was this more of a second chance romance than I expected? Definitely. Did I wish that they would communicate better? For sure. But I liked the foundation of the book, and the frenemies to lovers sparks were pretty great. I never became emotionally invested in the relationship at the heart of this single dad romance, but I’m looking forward to the next installment in this light and sexy series.
The story follows Cole, a man who closed his heart when the mother of his child died. He spends most of his time being the best dad he can be, and that means he doesn’t have room in his life for anyone else. So when Cole discovers that the woman who has been infuriating him since high school is his daughter’s new computer instructor, he’s not sure what to think. Cole and Holly shared a steamy kiss over a year ago, but it was just one more instance that showed how much they rub each other the wrong way. Spending time with Holly could prove to be a complication, but Cole is more interested in getting to know the mystery woman he matched with on a dating app. As he navigates his interactions with two not-so-different women, Cole wonders if he might be ready to start up something with a local after all.
There’s a lot that I liked about this, from the playful frenemies to lovers vibes, the small town setting, and the addition of Cole’s daughter. It’s a low drama romance with a little more angst than anticipated – mostly in the tension that Cole and Holly’s history brings to their present-day relationship. I think it would’ve been a solid 4-star read for me if we hadn’t been reminded of Cole’s hookups and mess-ups a MILLION times throughout the story. Like… I don’t need to hear it a dozen times to get the point. Their miscommunication was also extremely frustrating, and I could see why both of them had been hurt by past interactions – particularly Holly. There wasn’t enough romance in present-day to balance it out; they’re resistant to moving forward for much of the story. That being said, much of this is good – and I’m still eagerly anticipating future books in the series.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v7923y
Blurb:
They’re all wrong for each other…but sometimes two wrongs do make a right.
Cole
The only woman I need in my life is my eight-year-old daughter, Jane. As a widowed brewery owner, I don’t have the time or inclination for anything more serious than a one night stand. Running the brewery is a big job, and being a parent is a bigger one, especially since my in-laws keep trying to prove I’m an unfit guardian.
But there’s no denying Holly Mayberry drives me crazy with her sassy mouth and attitude. I’ve known her most of my life, but I’ve always done a good job of evading her. Until now. She’s teaching Jane’s after-school computer program, and fate keeps throwing us together.
Holly and I are like oil and water, no good for each other. I need to stop thinking about her, so I agree to beta test a new dating app—one that Holly designed, although she’s the last person I’d tell.
My match and I can only DM each other for thirty days. No photos. No real names. No personal information until the end.
If I wanted more with a woman, Cherry Bomb checks all the boxes…so why can’t I stop thinking about Holly?
* * *
Holly
Cole Garrison is a jerk. Or so I’ve told myself for years. The truth is, he’s a DILF and a half, and bickering with him is better than kissing someone else.
Hopefully, the guy I’m chatting up on my dating app will help me forget him…and take his place in my dirty daydreams.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v7923y
Start the series today!
He’s everyone’s dream man but hers.
Bryn
I used to believe in what we do at Mayberry Matchmakers, but now? Love is just another four-letter word.
Too bad my grandmother hasn’t gotten the memo. When tech billionaire Rory Byrne approaches us, wanting to develop the matchmaking app my sister and I dreamed up (and Nana shot down), she jumps at the chance. My grandmother is nothing if not opportunistic.
Of course, there’s a catch. She’ll only do it if Rory lets us matchmake him the old-fashioned way.
He’s going to say no.
Please God, let him say no.
The last thing I want to do is matchmake an entitled rich jerk…especially one who looks like sin and talks a good game.
***
Rory
I’ve screwed up in love a few times, but I never screw up in business. Mayberry Matchmakers has the idea for something amazing, and I have the money and the experience to make it come to life.
I should deny Nana Mayberry’s condition. If I let them matchmake me, it’ll be all over the news, and making headlines has never interested me…especially not after the personal betrayal that nearly broke me. But I’m having trouble caring about what I should do, because Bryn Mayberry is smart, snarky, and not the slightest bit impressed with me.
Actually, this may be Mayberry Matchmakers’ easiest job yet.
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qzd6HO
About the Authors:
Angela Denise is the pen name for Angela Casella and Denise Grover Swank.
ANGELA CASELLA loves writing romcoms, particularly with the lovely Denise Grover Swank (they write together as Angela Denise). She also writes the Fairy Godmother Agency series. Her hobbies include herding her daughter toward less dangerous activities, stress baking, and marathon watching TV shows, preferably ones that are not stressful. She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, daughter, and two geriatric dogs. You can find out more about Angela at www.arcdgs.com.
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became nomadic, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe. You can find out more about Denise at www.denisegroverswank.com
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