My review is coming at the tail end of this blog tour so I’ve been able to skim over a few of the previous reviews. Many didn’t seem to appreciate that the author intended this to be a no-angst, super sweet escape from the days of self-isolation due to the corona virus crisis. I found the story utterly charming and, yes, pretty much unrealistic but also just what I needed to read right now.

Unlike other reviewers, I did feel like there was chemistry between Bradley and Shane. I also loved how the carefree persona of Shane was able to help bring Bradley out of his shell and add a playful element to the story. The side characters of “Peaches,” an older lady friend of Shane’s back in Texas, and Shane’s mother, were perfect touches that added to the sweet flavor of this story.

I should also probably say that the story is told in first person POV with the chapters alternating between Bradley and Shane. I’m not a huge fan of first person POV but when it’s done well, like this one, I do enjoy it especially when we get to hear from both characters.

If you’re looking for something with hot and sexy time between the sheets you won’t find it here. But if you’re looking for a super sweet story that you know in advance doesn’t have the usual moment of conflict found in romance books this will be the perfect story for you. I loved it!

Reviews for Susan Hawke

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Bradley

“Can I be done now, Daddy? My tummy hurts.” Maddie pouted adorably, giving me her best puppy dog eyes.

I fought back the instant panic that came whenever my baby was sick, reminding myself that things weren’t always as they seemed. For instance, Maddie wasn’t exactly a fan of oatmeal. Sure, she’d eat it.

Reluctantly and with a healthy dose of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Feeling calmer, I set my empty bowl aside and studied her thoughtfully. “Would your tummy still hurt if I’d made pancakes?”

“The tiny little circle ones or the big kind you make on special days?”

I fought the urge to laugh. The little stinker was obviously not feeling as badly as she’d have me think. “Either one; they both taste just as good.”

She nodded as solemnly as a five-and-a-half-year-old could pull off. “I think my tummy could eat the little ones. We could try it, I guess?” She shrugged, as if willing to make the sacrifice.

“How about we save those for Saturday? Today is Thursday and you have school in half an hour. Now finish your oatmeal, it’s brain food.”

Maddie obediently took a spoonful and wrinkled her nose with a distrustful look at the offending food before taking the bite. As soon as she’d swallowed, she clutched her stomach and winced. “My tummy doesn’t like brain food today, Daddy.”

I bit my lip, wondering if maybe she wasn’t faking it. Leaning over, I rested the back of my hand against her forehead. “You don’t have a temperature, pipsqueak. I think the problem is you let your food get cold and now you don’t like it.”

She glowered and pouted, only making a small “hmph” noise as she ate another spoonful. I couldn’t handle how cute she was, but then I never could resist my daughter. I lowered my hand to her ribs and lightly tickled her. When Maddie squirmed away from my touch with a shrieking giggle, I figured she was okay.

I waited until she took three more excruciatingly slow bites before deciding she’d had enough. “Okay, I think you’ve eaten enough to fuel your brain. Go wash your hands and brush your teeth. I’ll be in to check as soon as I get our dishes rinsed.”

Maddie shoved her bowl toward me with both hands, her face lighting up with relief. “Thank you, Daddy. I know, you don’t have to say it… hurry so we don’t be late but make sure I brush good.”

Amused by how she’d parroted what I must say a bit too often, I chuckled and caught her around the waist when she stood to rush off, pulling her back against my side while I kissed the top of her head. “You’re a good girl, pipsqueak. Thank you for minding.”

She tilted her head back to see me, smiling at me upside down. “I tried to be good, Daddy. But my tummy didn’t like our breakfast today.”

I kissed her forehead then released her, giving her bottom a playful swat as I sent her off. “I hear you, loud and clear. Tomorrow is Friday; maybe we’ll celebrate the end of our week with Raisin Bran. Now go wash up before it gets much later.”

“Okay. Love you!” Maddie took off running around the corner, her long brown hair fluttering behind her.

“Love you too, pipsqueak.” I laughed under my breath while I cleared the table and straightened the kitchen.