"The last few threads holding him together snap before my eyes. I can almost hear the pinging of them flying apart like a popped guitar string."
I was crossing my fingers that this would live up to the excellence of Flawless, and now I'm really not sure which book I adored more - it was fantastic! So, so good. I loved the firecracker of a heroine, who kept the moody, broody hero on his toes. She is the change he needed in his life, and it was so fulfilling to watch this sexy single dad find his happy again. The forced proximity/nanny situation ratcheted up the tension, and it ended up being a scorching hot read. A slow burn to SIZZLE for sure, with the kind of heat that makes an impact. That paired perfectly with the sweet and swoony family moments, as the heroine bonded with the hero's son. I loved the contrasts between the more tender moments and the intensely steamy ones - it certainly puts the reader through a whole range of emotions! The hero steals the show though; I absolutely LOVED getting to know the man behind the grump, and Cade is the kind of gruff, secretly vulnerable, hero who will snatch your heart before you realize it.
The story follows Cade (38), a single dad who has always been the caretaker of his family. He grew up faster than he should've, married a woman he didn't love because she was pregnant, settled into a career he didn't choose because it was needed, and is raising his little boy alone without complaint. Cade is in need of a nanny for the summer, and the lack of control he has over the process has left him frustrated. So when his sister-in-law recommends her best friend for the role, Cade resigns himself to the situation... at least, until he meets Willa (25). Beautiful, fiery, and way too young, Willa gives Cade whiplash. She is nothing like he expected, and her slightly unhinged personality might be just the fire he needed. The attraction that sparks between them is obvious and overwhelming, but Cade has spent years repressing his own desires, so he believes that he can do that with Willa as well. But she might be the one to finally break him.
It's a small town, single dad, age gap romance with the perfect combination of playfulness and angst. I loved that Willa falls for Cade's son first, and she simply tolerates the grumpy man when he's around. I loved that Cade knew Willa was going to be trouble from the start, and I loved that he was such a steady, kind, and loving hero. The tension builds until it SNAPS, and that made this an immensely addictive and engrossing read. The crackle of chemistry was compelling, and whoa boy was the spice smoldering. I remember Flawless being pretty sexy, but this was a whole other level. Loved it. There was nothing that I didn't love, actually. While I think Cade is what made the book so engaging - he is such a lovable grump, and his jealous/possessive side worked for me - I also think Willa and Cade's son were perfect too. The whole dynamic was great. It made me smile, it made me swoon, it made me fan myself, and it had my eyes glued to every page. Zero complaints here; this was outstanding.
Heartless: A Small Town Single Dad Romance
4.5 | 96,638 ratings
Price: 5.99
Last update: 04-09-2025
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Jeeves Reads RomanceLoved it
SharksRJerksSweet romance
Jennifer LOVE, LOVE, LOVEDDDD! All the freaking stars for this book!
Melissa Joseph (Book Addicts Reviews)Love it!!
Melissa Joseph (Book Addicts Reviews)
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
This is book two of the “Chestnut Springs” series and can be read as alone. BUT these characters are all weaved between the books.
I’m obsessed with these characters. I absolutely love Eason and Willa. I love this entire crew. Eason is my exact favorite book boyfriend. Willa is the girl I would want to be friends with, she is amazing.
This is a love story. It has second chances, first loves, laughs, family, insecurities and so much more.
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