Category Archives: Single Mom

2nd Chance, Part of a Series, Single Mom, Small Town Romance, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #smalltownromance Back to You (Starlight Harbor 2) by Bria Quinlan

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A prodigal daughter…

Vivian Breck left town years ago after she and her first love “took a break.” With a not-so-secret baby on the way and a mother who was anything but understanding, she left Starlight Harbor to make sure her little one had nothing but love when he was born.

A first love never forgotten…

Camden Ross never got over losing Vi in high school and now that she’s back, he’ll do anything to win her—and her son—over. He’s got family on the brain and there’s only two people who can fill that hole in his heart.

Love never dies…

When the notorious Ms. Angie and her sidekick puppy Captain Jack Slickpaws wreck the town sleigh, Vivian needs to work side-by-side with Cam to repair it before the next Starlight Harbor vintage weekend or risk losing the state heirloom to a museum who is threatening to play finders-keepers. With the town’s history on the line, why is she having trouble focusing past the cut forearms woodworking first love?

WARNING: The Starlight Harbor series is a collection of quirky, fast-fall romances. You may start as enemies, but this novellete series means you’ll end up as more — Also, you’ll have to battle the town lairds (yes, plural), a troublemaking pup, and the women who seem to think there’s a 1900s war.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61195969-back-to-you

Amazon https://amzn.to/48ROVbN

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and here is my honest opinion

Vivian left town when her and her first love broke up, she needed to not only keep herself safe but her baby she was keeping a secret. but now she’s back home in Starlight Harbor and is running the local garage and living next door to an ex from her past. When Ms. Angie lets her sidekick Captain Jack hit the emergency brake on the towns famous sleigh that is used at all the holiday events, its forcing Vivian and Cam to have to work together to get this staple in town back in prefect shape on a short time frame. How will Vivian going to handle her feelings and heart, but also her son’s heart and wanting to have that male figure in his life. Vivian’s life is already so busy and a little complicated she wasn’t about to add a relationship into the mix. but will her heart and head both agree? omg i just love this little town and all the characters, but Captain Jack is by far the best.

Bria Quinlan is an award-nominated bestselling author of eight Romantic Comedies and YA Issue Books (that she swears are funny…really. They are.) Her books make you snort Diet Coke out your nose or tear up and curse her name.

Contemp. Romance, Single Mom

#WOTR24 #Review – Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue) Book 1 – By: Lacey Black

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Walker

There’s nothing better than a packed house on a Saturday night, and co-owning the hottest restaurant and bar in town with my best friends, isn’t so bad either. We put everything into Burgers and Brew. My job is to keep the alcohol moving and the patrons coming back for more. I won’t let anyone break my focus.

That was until I saw her.

As much as I try, I can’t fight it. Mallory makes me crave a future I never wanted for my own.

Now, I want it all.

Mallory

When I started my new job at a local specialty burger restaurant, I wasn’t expecting to find a tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome distraction in the form of Walker Meyer. He’s one of the owners, which means hands off. Only problem, it’s a lot easier said than done.

Especially when he’s so good with my daughter.

I try to keep him at a distance, but he’s insistent, slowly breaking down every one of my walls. He’s fighting to convince me I can trust him with not only my heart, but my daughter’s too.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

Mallory is trying to start her and her daughter, Lizzie, life over with a new start in a new town.  Not having much she is trying to make ends meet as a single mom. Mallory lands her the day shift at the local burger restaurant, Burgers and Brew. She collides with, Walker one of the owners and sparks start to fly. But no way can she let another man into her or her daughter’s life.

Walker is happy with his life owning and working at the bar and being single.  He does not date and has one rule never date any of the people at his bar including staff.  He meets his ladies in the ice cream aisle of the grocery store.  That is until the new waitress, Mallory, begins working at Burgers and Brew. Mallory and her daughter, Lizzie, stole a piece of his heart and has him breaking his own rules.

I absolutely loved this story. Not only did Mallory, Lizzie, and Walker steal my heart but so did Walkers family and business partners.  I so want to know more about each of them.  Not only did Mallory and Lizzie make their way into Walker’s heart but they snuck into everyone of Walker’s family and friends’ heart too. Walker was so patient with Mallory and the way he doted over Lizzie was heartwarming. The way Walker gets jealous when other guys, including his partners, talk to Mallory is hilarious. I loved that by the end of the book everyone has a nickname, well ok a shortened version of their own name. After reading this and getting little glimpses of the guys I cannot wait to read more of this series.

A few of my favorite lines:

I’ve never had a man look at me the way Walker does, with such raw yearning and lust.  ~Mallory

I like the idea of having them at my house. It’s nothing special, but maybe that’s not what makes a house a home anyway. Maybe it’s not the walls or the numbers of bedrooms or the amount of living space.
Perhaps it’s the people you invite inside.  ~ Walker

No, I can’t say I’m in love with Mallory, but I’ll agree I’m intrigued and enjoying my time with her, and if that leads to something more, then so be it.
I’m not afraid of taking the next stop, whatever that is.
I’m afraid of the fall.  ~Walker

Avid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little “spice” or hot guys in uniform pants, and I’m a happy woman. There’s just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.

Insta-Love, Novella, Single Mom

#WOTR23 #ReleaseDay #Novella #instalove #SingleMom #sunshineGrumpy – July is for Jonas, Mountain Men Series by Dylann Crush and Eve London

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July is for Jonas by [Dylann Crush, Eve London]

United by chance, bound by love.

Madeline
They say love can make a person blind, but I never thought it would happen to me. Now I’m stuck in Mustang Mountain. Abandoned by my ex, disowned by my parents, and with a baby on the way, my only hope of getting my life back on track as a single mom is to gain access to the trust fund my grandmother set up for me. There’s only one catch—I have to be twenty-five and married. My birthday’s next week, but where am I going to find a man who’s willing to wed me?

Jonas
When my twin brother Jensen says he needs a favor, I don’t hesitate. But when I find out his “favor” involves marrying a woman who’s carrying another man’s child, I’m ready to run the other way. I don’t need drama in my life, especially not when it comes in the form of a curvy, irresistible redhead. I’m sure she didn’t picture a gruff, growly mountain man as part of her happily ever after. I may not be the man she wants, but I promise my brother I’ll be the man she needs. And once I get a taste of those sweet, full lips… there’s no way I’m letting her walk away.

Welcome to Mustang Mountain where love runs as wild as the free-spirited horses who roam the hillsides. Framed by rivers, lakes, and breathtaking mountains, it’s also the place the Mountain Men of Mustang Mountain call home. They might be rugged and reclusive, but they’ll risk their hearts for the curvy girls they love.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

This was a super sweet, insta love Sunshine Grumpy couple.  Maddie is in need of a husband and Jonas gets pushed into it by his brother and girlfriend who just happened to be his ex-girlfriend.

Maddie needs help to secure her inheritance by her 25th birthday.  Jonas is on board to help when he is offered $50K.  I would marry anyone for that too!!  LOL As the two love together and learn about each other they slowly fall in love of course.  I mean we love Novellas for the happiness of the plot.

When Maddie’s past comes and tries to start trouble for her and Shrimp…oh yeah did I forget to tell ya she is preggo too!!!  Jonas is there to save the day.  The ending was super satisfying for a girl who just need a good SIGH and Swoon…..

Dylann Crush writes contemporary romance with sizzle and sass. A romantic at heart, she loves her heroines spunky and her heroes super sexy. When she’s not dreaming up steamy storylines, she can be found sipping a margarita and searching for the best Tex-Mex food in Minnesota.

Although she grew up in Texas, she currently lives in a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul with her unflappable husband, three energetic kids, a clumsy Great Dane, a rescue mutt and a very chill cat. She loves to connect with readers, other authors and fans of tequila. You can find her at www.dylanncrush.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Eve London was a girl she wanted to be a trapeze artist. Instead, she grew up to be like most women–a juggler–trying to keep bunches of balls in the air. Now she spends her days writing about the kind of men she likes – sexy, shameless, and just a little bit sarcastic.

Contemp. Romance, Single Mom

#wotr23 #SingleParent #Audio #Bar #Family #Excerpt #review- Kickstart My Heart , The Burgers and Brue Crew Book 1 by Lacey Black

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Title: Kickstart My Heart
Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #1
Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Walker 
There’s nothing better than a packed house on a Saturday night, and co-owning the hottest restaurant and bar in town with my best friends, isn’t so bad either. We put everything into Burgers and Brew. My job is to keep the alcohol moving and the patrons coming back for more. I won’t let anyone break my focus.
That was until I saw her.
As much as I try, I can’t fight it. Mallory makes me crave a future I never wanted for my own.
Now, I want it all.
Mallory 
When I started my new job at a local specialty burger restaurant, I wasn’t expecting to find a tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome distraction in the form of Walker Meyer. He’s one of the owners, which means hands off. Only problem, it’s a lot easier said than done.
Especially when he’s so good with my daughter.
I try to keep him at a distance, but he’s insistent, slowly breaking down every one of my walls. He’s fighting to convince me I can trust him with not only my heart, but my daughter’s too.
I pray he’s right.
Review by Twinsie Angie

 I purchased this audio book.

I want to start by saying OMG did I love the audio,  Both voices did a great job with each of the characters they voiced but they both did a great job with Lizzie and her baby speech.

Walker was the single guy loving his life.  He was a ladies man but he lived by a strict code…Don’t shit where you eat IE Don’t date where you work. He is quite happy to pick up a depressed woman at the grocery store in front of the ice cream aisle grabbing rocky road to heal her heart.  Walker is not about to do monogamy and then…….

Mal is starting all over. She and her daughter need a fresh start as far away from their home town.  She needs to prove to herself she can take care of her daughter.  She makes a great friend in the complex to watch her daughter when she lands a much needed Monday through Friday day shift job at a burger restaurant.

The heat between Walker and Mal is pretty intense right away.  Seeing Walker get jealous when he sees Mal talking to his business partners was hysterical.  Hut staking his claim over her with the other workers was also a great read. Mal is pretty oblivious to his eyes because she doesn’t think a guy like walker would be interested but also once he finds out about Lizzie he would be gone.

Walker and the guys, for real I loved them all, step up to the plate for Mallory.  They all understood and respected what she was doing for her daughter.  They all knew where she was coming from and pulled her into their little homemade family.

I think my favorite was when Lizzie was sick and went to see Walker vs mommy over the yuks.  I also loved when Lizzie told walker she loved him…sigh…she is the cutest.

Of course there is drama with jealous snatched who don’t respect Walkers “taken” vibes and of course there is baby daddy drama but I was loving this story.  I am so excited over the series.  Lacey needs to get the other audio books done ASAP!!!

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON
EXCERPT
Chapter One
Walker
At exactly eleven o’clock, I slip a quarter into the old jukebox on the back wall. The bar is silent as they await tonight’s selection. My bar, my choice, and tonight, I’m feeling a little rowdy. The opening melody of “Dr. Feelgood” blasts through the speakers, resulting in a loud cheer from tonight’s patrons. As I make my way back behind the bar, I get a few high fives from the guys and even more phone numbers slipped into my palm from the ladies. I wish I could confirm they’re all single, but the truth is they’re not.
Just a typical Saturday night at Burgers and Brew, the place I co-own with my three best friends. We all have our forte within the business, and mine’s behind the bar. Mixing drinks and slinging beers. That’s my life, and damn, what a life it is.
I slap Jasper on the back as I slide under the bar and jump right back in to filling drink orders. Everyone’s singing along, word for word to the ol’ 80’s hair band tune, as part of our weekend ritual. It’s an ode, a salute to our college days and the band we all grew up listening to. We built this business, taking an old brick building in downtown Stewart Grove and turning it into a staple.
Jasper’s the man in the kitchen, the one who comes up with the mouthwatering burger creations we’re known for. Isaac is the numbers guy, the man who keeps us in the black and our taxes completed on time. Jameson’s the muscle because he’s big and tattooed. But he’s more than that. Jameson is talented as fuck with a guitar and serves as our house musician Friday and Saturday nights. Then there’s me. Walker Meyer, bartender extraordinaire, who keeps the beer flowing, the panties melting, and the tips rolling in.
We’re the Brew Crüe, and damn proud of it.
“Dance, dance, dance, dance,” the crowd starts to chant, encouraging me to do what I do every weekend when we play Mötley Crüe.
Dance.
When I glance over at Jasper, he’s already shaking his head, but there’s no missing his wide grin. He knows what’s coming. Placing my hands on the bar top, I jump, hoisting myself up on the aged oak. Patrons erupt into cheers as I grin down at them. Mostly, at the ladies. The single ones and even the not-so-single ones. No, I’m not taking any of them home, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give them one hell of a show.
I twist my ballcap around so it’s on backward and start to swing my hips. Mama blessed me with moves, which helps almost double my tips every night. Women go crazy for a man who can dance. That’s evident by the number of panties that’ll be thrown behind the bar in a matter of moments.
Swaying my hips, I do a little dip and grind, popping my ass out and sending the ladies in the front row into cardiac arrest. They scream and reach for my pant legs, digging their nails into the denim. Instead of shaking them off, I wink and carefully walk a few steps away. Then, when we get to the refrain in the song, I throw my arms out to the side and belt out the words, everyone singing along with me.
It’s like karaoke.
But better.
As the song winds down, I steal the drink in Jasper’s hand and hold it up over my head. Everyone in the bar does the same. We sing. I dance and drink. The panties start flying.
(Excerpt – Kickstart My Heart, Burgers and Brew Crüe book 1 © Lacey Black)
AUTHOR BIO
Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading and writing. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves shooting guns and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
AUTHOR LINKS
2nd Chance, Audio Book, Family Orientated, Single Mom

#WOTR22 #reread #Audio #SingleMom #Teacher #2ndChance – The Queen’s Heart, Growing Strong book 2 by Michel Prince

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The Queen's Heart (Growing Strong #2)

At the tender age of seventeen, Mary Beth discovered the family she thought would see her through anything couldn’t accept her one mistake. Thank goodness for her best friends that stepped up to support her decision to keep her child. Seven years later together with her friends, she’s created a successful business on the verge of a large expansion.

But the desire to be accepted by her family continues to be a failure that taints all her accomplishments and has her making concessions she never thought she would.

Elias Marquez was content with his life. He definitely wasn’t looking for the vibrant redhead down the hall from him. After a chance encounter, he can’t escape the need to be in her company again. He wants to explore the possibilities and the undeniable spark her touch inspires.

Torn between trying to right the past and accepting that she can only control her own life is Mary Beth truly ready for the love Elias is prepared to offer as a future?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this audio book for an honest review by the author.

The narrator by Kat Maxwell is amazing.  I loved seeing her name on the book for narrator.  She does a great job voicing the characters.  She is one of my favorite narrators for audio books.

Mary Beth is normally a strong, steady, and responsible business owner.  She and her 3 besties from high school built a business and are building toward a better future.  These girls are her everything and she will do everything to be the best for her friends/family.

Mary Beth is such a strong woman until her baby daddy, Nate, comes crawling back.  She is in a bad spot.  She keeps falling back into the sheets with him and will not move forward.  She lives in the “what if” he finally comes back.  She also thinks she needs to be available for the father of her son.  Which Nate fully takes advantage of.  He knows he can worm his way back in to her life.

Eli is the swinging bachelor who moves into Mary Beth’s apartment.  He catches a glimpse of her when moving in and cannot stop trying to get to know her.  They two have crazy chemistry plus major respect for one another.  They love to banter and grow to love each other but Nate will not let this love grow without issues.

Mary Beth has a lot of other issues besides her baby daddy and that is her real family.  The birth of her illegitimate son caused her to be disowned by her parents.  When she stumbles upon some family drama, she and her friends have to be there to support her as well as Eli.

I loved the story and seeing Case and Gabby plus seeing where the family will be headed in the future.

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel is a member of RWA Pro and Midwest Fiction Writers. In 2013 she was awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and cat.

Cowboys, Part of a Series, Review, Single Mom, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries #standalone Perfect Casanova (Mason Creek 19) by Fabiola Francisco 

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She’s a single mom. He’s her sexy cowboy neighbor. Will he be able to break through her guarded heart?

When I move next door to a sexy cowboy, I know right away that he’s trouble. I won’t fall for his charms, though. My priority is keeping my son safe and starting fresh in this new town.

Levi keeps on knocking on my door, though, showing me what life could be like if I let my guard down. I’ve dealt with my share of Casanovas, but this one is different, and I’m tempted to explore what lies deeper than a cowboy hat.

But when everything gets turned upside down, I realize that a woman like me doesn’t always get her happy ending.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59437040-perfect-casanova?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mSYLpGrV7P&rank=28

Amazon https://amzn.to/3qon12u

Review by Twinsie Dee

I was given this book by the author for an honest review 

Camille is a single mom to a very energetic 4 year old, who came to Mason Creek to get out of the town that holds her past and everyone was judging her. She needed a fresh start where no one knew her past, and she is your typical mama bear who is going to do anything to protect her son. Levi your sexy cowboy neighbor tries to do a little flirting with his new neighbor but she isn’t falling for it. Levi is sort of use to women giving into his flirty nature but he isnt the playboy that Camille think he is. When it comes to being the new girl in town Camille has to learn that everyone in Mason Creek is willing to help out for no price at all it wanting to be helpful. Will this new girl ride off into the sunset with this cowboy or will he get his heart pounded in the mud. Oh wow this was a great story but it hit way to close to my heart I’m a single mom to my own son and i felt everything that Camille was feeling and worried about, maybe one day ill find my Casanova but then again I’m ok with being single lol. 

I am an indie author who writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction. You’ll often find southern gentleman in my books and a love for country music. Coffee fiend and star gazer

Audio Book, Family Orientated, Single Mom

#WOTR21 #SingleMom #2ndChance #Audio – The Queen’s Heart (Growing Strong Book 2) by Michel Prince Narrator by Kat Maxwell

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The Queen's Heart (Growing Strong #2)

At the tender age of seventeen, Mary Beth discovered the family she thought would see her through anything couldn’t accept her one mistake. Thank goodness for her best friends that stepped up to support her decision to keep her child. Seven years later together with her friends, she’s created a successful business on the verge of a large expansion.

But the desire to be accepted by her family continues to be a failure that taints all her accomplishments and has her making concessions she never thought she would.

Elias Marquez was content with his life. He definitely wasn’t looking for the vibrant redhead down the hall from him. After a chance encounter, he can’t escape the need to be in her company again. He wants to explore the possibilities and the undeniable spark her touch inspires.

Torn between trying to right the past and accepting that she can only control her own life is Mary Beth truly ready for the love Elias is prepared to offer as a future?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this audio book for an honest review by the author.

The narrator by Kat Maxwell is amazing.  I loved seeing her name on the book for narrator.  She does a great job voicing the characters.  She is one of my favorite narrators for audio books.

Mary Beth is normally a strong, steady, and responsible business owner.  She and her 3 besties from high school built a business and are building toward a better future.  These girls are her everything and she will do everything to be the best for her friends/family.

Mary Beth is such a strong woman until her baby daddy, Nate, comes crawling back.  She is in a bad spot.  She keeps falling back into the sheets with him and will not move forward.  She lives in the “what if” he finally comes back.  She also thinks she needs to be available for the father of her son.  Which Nate fully takes advantage of.  He knows he can worm his way back in to her life.

Eli is the swinging bachelor who moves into Mary Beth’s apartment.  He catches a glimpse of her when moving in and cannot stop trying to get to know her.  They two have crazy chemistry plus major respect for one another.  They love to banter and grow to love each other but Nate will not let this love grow without issues.

Mary Beth has a lot of other issues besides her baby daddy and that is her real family.  The birth of her illegitimate son caused her to be disowned by her parents.  When she stumbles upon some family drama, she and her friends have to be there to support her as well as Eli.

I loved the story and seeing Case and Gabby plus seeing where the family will be headed in the future.

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel is a member of RWA Pro and Midwest Fiction Writers. In 2013 she was awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and cat.