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Single Dads Club
In this warmly funny romance about finding your way, opposites attract when an ex-heiress and a single dad cross paths, only to find that their separate roads may lead them to the same destination.
Rowan Quinn knows fatherhood is a role he doesn’t want to take on—until he unexpectedly finds himself a single dad. He uproots his perfectly constructed life to move to a tight-knit coastal community in South Africa where, with the help of his grandmother, Rowan has a shot at giving his son the family he never had.
Once footloose and fancy-free, former heiress Delilah Huntington is now a waitress in Sugarbush Bay determined to build a better life and a better self. So when she meets introverted Rowan, she makes it her personal mission to induct him into the town’s circle of single dads to give him the support he needs.
The more Delilah lends her help to an out-of-his-depth Rowan, the more Rowan begins to realize that family is what you make it…and, just maybe, Delilah could be part of his.
Rowan Quinn knows fatherhood is a role he doesn’t want to take on—until he unexpectedly finds himself a single dad. He uproots his perfectly constructed life to move to a tight-knit coastal community in South Africa where, with the help of his grandmother, Rowan has a shot at giving his son the family he never had.
Once footloose and fancy-free, former heiress Delilah Huntington is now a waitress in Sugarbush Bay determined to build a better life and a better self. So when she meets introverted Rowan, she makes it her personal mission to induct him into the town’s circle of single dads to give him the support he needs.
The more Delilah lends her help to an out-of-his-depth Rowan, the more Rowan begins to realize that family is what you make it…and, just maybe, Delilah could be part of his.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
226 people are currently reading
4845 people want to read
About the author
Therese Beharrie
109 books360 followersTherese Beharrie is a South African romance author of several acclaimed novels, including her One Day to Forever series. She takes pride in writing diverse characters and settings, and her books are often recommended for their heart and banter. She lives in Cape Town with her husband, her inspiration for every hero, and two adorable baby boys. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook or visit her at theresebeharrie.com.
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July 17, 2023Gorgeous cover.
Rowan is a single dad living with the mother of his baby (they had a ONS, tried dating, and are now coparenting and living in the same house. Can we give it up for a really adult relationship between parents who aren't together with no evil exing.). He's also an anxiety basket case because of parents who never loved him and left him feeling unworthy. Delilah was brought up by wealthy, unforgiving parents as a party girl until her mum got done for embezzlement; she's reinvented herself as a Nice Person but without really addressinng her deep seated guilt.
Which is to say they both have Issues. This book is very much about them working that out, thinking and talking it through: there's not an awful lot in the way of external plot, though we do meet a very nice supporting cast (all of whose stories would be welcome). It's classic Therese Beharrie: decent but damaged people using their mutual liking and desire as a spur and aid to sorting themselves out (which is not at all the same thing as having the other person sort you out, still less being Healed By Sexing).
That does mean the pace is leisurely, and the romance quite careful and tentative. If you want wildly overblown drama and angsty swoons, you've come to the wrong shop. Rather, it's very engaging and likeable and...grown-up, really, with a clear-sighted view of how we tie ourselves in knots and how we might go about untying them. Also more open-door than much of her work, with lots of UST and a well-done scene. If you like character work and want a book that reinforces a fundamental faith in humanity, you'll love this.
Rowan is a single dad living with the mother of his baby (they had a ONS, tried dating, and are now coparenting and living in the same house. Can we give it up for a really adult relationship between parents who aren't together with no evil exing.). He's also an anxiety basket case because of parents who never loved him and left him feeling unworthy. Delilah was brought up by wealthy, unforgiving parents as a party girl until her mum got done for embezzlement; she's reinvented herself as a Nice Person but without really addressinng her deep seated guilt.
Which is to say they both have Issues. This book is very much about them working that out, thinking and talking it through: there's not an awful lot in the way of external plot, though we do meet a very nice supporting cast (all of whose stories would be welcome). It's classic Therese Beharrie: decent but damaged people using their mutual liking and desire as a spur and aid to sorting themselves out (which is not at all the same thing as having the other person sort you out, still less being Healed By Sexing).
That does mean the pace is leisurely, and the romance quite careful and tentative. If you want wildly overblown drama and angsty swoons, you've come to the wrong shop. Rather, it's very engaging and likeable and...grown-up, really, with a clear-sighted view of how we tie ourselves in knots and how we might go about untying them. Also more open-door than much of her work, with lots of UST and a well-done scene. If you like character work and want a book that reinforces a fundamental faith in humanity, you'll love this.
June 10, 2023
This book is so hard to review bc of the topic. If you're looking for a hot single dad who's trying to sex it up, this is not the book.
This book is really, really, an ode to the anxieties of single parenthood, shame, unresolved childhood trauma, and moving on. Rowan, what an anxious baby. I particularly thought it was really interesting that we saw him struggling. Feeling abandoned from a child to wanting to be a good father but scared. It was interesting to read his internal thoughts of being broken, not feeling good enough, and also concerned that being a single father would be considered baggage. Also, his anxieties about actual sex. You felt his hesitation every step of the way. I was rooting for him.
There's a lot to unpack.
Delilah was such a complex character. She cared for others while working through the shame of her parents' past. There's one line that I thought hit the nail on the head- "do you realize that whenever something happens to someone you care about, you take responsibility for it?". I felt that because she spent so much time thinking about her impact or that she wanted people to feel seen.
Delilah did a really great job with communicating, but that third act breakup was a bit messy. Though the singles dads came in clutch and put things into perspective. If you love a grand gesture, you might eat up the last chapter.
I thought we spent a lot of time in their head, which, on the one hand, helped communicate why both of these characters were stunted. But at the same time, it felt nothing was happening, but emotional work was unfolding on the page. Hopefully, that makes sense. Anyways, the last 1/3 of the book is where we get the most pay off of their development.
CN: financial fraud, childhood pregnancy, shaming, unwanted pregnancy (discussion on whether or not to have an abortion), anxiety, depression (missing meals and dissociation)
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book is really, really, an ode to the anxieties of single parenthood, shame, unresolved childhood trauma, and moving on. Rowan, what an anxious baby. I particularly thought it was really interesting that we saw him struggling. Feeling abandoned from a child to wanting to be a good father but scared. It was interesting to read his internal thoughts of being broken, not feeling good enough, and also concerned that being a single father would be considered baggage. Also, his anxieties about actual sex. You felt his hesitation every step of the way. I was rooting for him.
There's a lot to unpack.
Delilah was such a complex character. She cared for others while working through the shame of her parents' past. There's one line that I thought hit the nail on the head- "do you realize that whenever something happens to someone you care about, you take responsibility for it?". I felt that because she spent so much time thinking about her impact or that she wanted people to feel seen.
Delilah did a really great job with communicating, but that third act breakup was a bit messy. Though the singles dads came in clutch and put things into perspective. If you love a grand gesture, you might eat up the last chapter.
I thought we spent a lot of time in their head, which, on the one hand, helped communicate why both of these characters were stunted. But at the same time, it felt nothing was happening, but emotional work was unfolding on the page. Hopefully, that makes sense. Anyways, the last 1/3 of the book is where we get the most pay off of their development.
CN: financial fraud, childhood pregnancy, shaming, unwanted pregnancy (discussion on whether or not to have an abortion), anxiety, depression (missing meals and dissociation)
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2023
2.5 stars
This just wasn’t for me. It was a snoozefest for me and I lost interest in it real fast.
This just wasn’t for me. It was a snoozefest for me and I lost interest in it real fast.
February 10, 2024
I was really trying to be a good book club participant, but this just didn't work for me...
To start off with things I did appreciate, it was the setting. I didn't realize going into this that we were going to be in South Africa, and this small community where everyone knows everyone is my favorite kind of thing. It really worked to aid the story when it was sagging.
I didn't care for how surface everything else felt... So much of this book felt like we were going through the motion. It definitely had that Hallmark feel about it where even the bad things in these characters lives couldn't really be that bad. The longer I spent reading about these characters the less real they felt to me despite all Beharrie was trying to do to get me to connect with them.
In the realm of what can happen in the third act of a romance this wasn't the worst thing that could have happened, but it just didn't work for me. It felt silly in a way that made me want to laugh at the book and not with the book.
Ultimately I didn't care for these characters and at no point did I actually think they'd be capable of having a successful Situationship let alone a romance worth reading about.
To start off with things I did appreciate, it was the setting. I didn't realize going into this that we were going to be in South Africa, and this small community where everyone knows everyone is my favorite kind of thing. It really worked to aid the story when it was sagging.
I didn't care for how surface everything else felt... So much of this book felt like we were going through the motion. It definitely had that Hallmark feel about it where even the bad things in these characters lives couldn't really be that bad. The longer I spent reading about these characters the less real they felt to me despite all Beharrie was trying to do to get me to connect with them.
In the realm of what can happen in the third act of a romance this wasn't the worst thing that could have happened, but it just didn't work for me. It felt silly in a way that made me want to laugh at the book and not with the book.
Ultimately I didn't care for these characters and at no point did I actually think they'd be capable of having a successful Situationship let alone a romance worth reading about.
August 9, 2023
Set in Sugarbush Bay, a small coastal town in South Africa full of all the close knit community and all the meddling you'd hope for in a small town contemporary romance, Single Dads club was SO angsty, delicious, and sweet. I truly hope we get a story for each of the dads who form Rowan's squad!!
Beharrie has a way of imbuing her romances with this hint of sadness and ennui that then becomes so utterly romantic, and this is no exception. you are going to have major feelings as new dad Rowan learns that he can be a father (and not like his absentee parents) AND have a life of his own, with former heiress Delilah.
I also so appreciated the co-parenting in this book - Rowan is living with his child's mother, but they are not interested in trying to have a relationship after their one-night stand and an attempt to date after she discovers she's pregnant. I really hope she gets her HEA with one of the dads (I saw what you did there at the end Therese!!)
ALSO - a must listen on audio - the narrator is delicious
Beharrie has a way of imbuing her romances with this hint of sadness and ennui that then becomes so utterly romantic, and this is no exception. you are going to have major feelings as new dad Rowan learns that he can be a father (and not like his absentee parents) AND have a life of his own, with former heiress Delilah.
I also so appreciated the co-parenting in this book - Rowan is living with his child's mother, but they are not interested in trying to have a relationship after their one-night stand and an attempt to date after she discovers she's pregnant. I really hope she gets her HEA with one of the dads (I saw what you did there at the end Therese!!)
ALSO - a must listen on audio - the narrator is delicious
December 29, 2023
Sometimes you look at a book and aren't sure if you'll like it but you give it a go anyways and it blows you away.
Sometimes you look at a book and think the cover is so reminiscent of books you love that you'll love that one too.
Sadly, this wasn't the case on either front for this book.
I don't know what it was but it felt so disconnected. The characters felt flat and one dimensional and like we were told everything rather than allowed to feel and infer for ourselves. The story didn't truly hold together and felt clunky and like it was attempting to follow a flow and pattern but didn't get there. I didn't feel like any of the characters had chemistry or something between them.
Sometimes you look at a book and think the cover is so reminiscent of books you love that you'll love that one too.
Sadly, this wasn't the case on either front for this book.
I don't know what it was but it felt so disconnected. The characters felt flat and one dimensional and like we were told everything rather than allowed to feel and infer for ourselves. The story didn't truly hold together and felt clunky and like it was attempting to follow a flow and pattern but didn't get there. I didn't feel like any of the characters had chemistry or something between them.
June 3, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book is pretty simple but still fun. Plus, it had a lot of potential. However, I'm sorry to say the execution was poor.
First off, we find out a lot about the characters, but I still felt like I didn't know them at all? Most of the book is just description after description of their past and overly detailed explanations for their actions and behaviors. The author tells us everything but shows us very little, so it's unnecessary to think and draw conclusions for ourselves.
Next, some of the behaviors of both main characters seemed so silly to me. These are grown adults, one of them is even a parent, but they act like dumb teens for half of the book? There are so many miscommunication situations, as well as too many instances where the author knew what needed to happen but had no idea how to get there. The result? Lazy writing that feels lackluster and unconvincing.
Still, what bothered me most was how little I felt any type of emotion while reading. The romance was boring and too insta-love, none of the characters were interesting enough to care about, and most of them felt like caricatures with only a single recognizable (stereotypical) character trait. It was just all so disappointing and I had to force myself to finish the novel. It felt like a chore, and books should never feel that way.
All in all, I feel like this author has potential and great ideas, but the execution falls short in this one.
The premise of this book is pretty simple but still fun. Plus, it had a lot of potential. However, I'm sorry to say the execution was poor.
First off, we find out a lot about the characters, but I still felt like I didn't know them at all? Most of the book is just description after description of their past and overly detailed explanations for their actions and behaviors. The author tells us everything but shows us very little, so it's unnecessary to think and draw conclusions for ourselves.
Next, some of the behaviors of both main characters seemed so silly to me. These are grown adults, one of them is even a parent, but they act like dumb teens for half of the book? There are so many miscommunication situations, as well as too many instances where the author knew what needed to happen but had no idea how to get there. The result? Lazy writing that feels lackluster and unconvincing.
Still, what bothered me most was how little I felt any type of emotion while reading. The romance was boring and too insta-love, none of the characters were interesting enough to care about, and most of them felt like caricatures with only a single recognizable (stereotypical) character trait. It was just all so disappointing and I had to force myself to finish the novel. It felt like a chore, and books should never feel that way.
All in all, I feel like this author has potential and great ideas, but the execution falls short in this one.
August 5, 2023
This book was sooo adorable! Single Dads Club tells the story of a man who unexpectedly becomes a father after a one-night stand. Moving to a quaint town in South Africa, he meets a seemingly perfect woman who appears too good to be true. But as they get to know each other, he realizes they share more similarities than he initially thought. However, he finds himself torn with conflicting emotions about her and the possibility of a future together.
This book primarily drew me in because of its focus on a single dad and his struggles with raising a child. Usually, in media we see women's perspectives on raising children, so it was refreshing to read about a man experiencing these things.
Plus, the sense of community within Sugarbush Bay and them rallying behind Rowan to help him was heartwarming.
Although, there are some downsides to this book...
Beware: spoilers ahead
Rowan and Delilah's relationship is incredibly cute, and I admire Delilah's unwavering support for him. She empathizes deeply with Rowan and his circumstances. However, it would have been nice to see more instances of Rowan reciprocating and supporting Delilah. While he planned a picnic and made a grand gesture at the end of the book, Delilah seems to do much more for him throughout the story. Though I do understand his lack of contributions to the relationship, since Rowan is primarily focused on his responsibilities as a father. But at the end of the book Delilah recalls "how much he'd done for her—big and small." However, we aren't shown many of these acts, which would have made her affection for Rowan more believable.
It would have also been preferable if their main conflict revolved around this dynamic of Rowan trying and failing to balance fatherhood and maintaining a healthy relationship. He struggles as a new father and the emotional neglect from his own parents play a significant role in shaping his insecurities. He is determined not to repeat their mistakes. So, if the author instead wrote about him self-sabotaging his relationship with Delilah, or Rowan noticing the time spent on his relationship is affecting his son negatively somehow, it would hit harder.
Instead, the main conflict between our main characters is....miscommunication. Miscommunication in terms of his feelings about sex and having more children with the right person. While this is a valid concern, it didn't seem to be Rowans main concern throughout the book. Because of this, I feel like it shouldn't have been the central conflict between Rowan and Delilah.
I also wish we got a deeper exploration of Rowan and Delilah actively working through their unresolved childhood trauma. I feel like the characters' past traumas and their subsequent actions and emotions are explicitly explained to us by the author rather than being seamlessly woven into the storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this. It's cute and light and it'll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. 3 ⭐️'s
This book primarily drew me in because of its focus on a single dad and his struggles with raising a child. Usually, in media we see women's perspectives on raising children, so it was refreshing to read about a man experiencing these things.
Plus, the sense of community within Sugarbush Bay and them rallying behind Rowan to help him was heartwarming.
Although, there are some downsides to this book...
Beware: spoilers ahead
Rowan and Delilah's relationship is incredibly cute, and I admire Delilah's unwavering support for him. She empathizes deeply with Rowan and his circumstances. However, it would have been nice to see more instances of Rowan reciprocating and supporting Delilah. While he planned a picnic and made a grand gesture at the end of the book, Delilah seems to do much more for him throughout the story. Though I do understand his lack of contributions to the relationship, since Rowan is primarily focused on his responsibilities as a father. But at the end of the book Delilah recalls "how much he'd done for her—big and small." However, we aren't shown many of these acts, which would have made her affection for Rowan more believable.
It would have also been preferable if their main conflict revolved around this dynamic of Rowan trying and failing to balance fatherhood and maintaining a healthy relationship. He struggles as a new father and the emotional neglect from his own parents play a significant role in shaping his insecurities. He is determined not to repeat their mistakes. So, if the author instead wrote about him self-sabotaging his relationship with Delilah, or Rowan noticing the time spent on his relationship is affecting his son negatively somehow, it would hit harder.
Instead, the main conflict between our main characters is....miscommunication. Miscommunication in terms of his feelings about sex and having more children with the right person. While this is a valid concern, it didn't seem to be Rowans main concern throughout the book. Because of this, I feel like it shouldn't have been the central conflict between Rowan and Delilah.
I also wish we got a deeper exploration of Rowan and Delilah actively working through their unresolved childhood trauma. I feel like the characters' past traumas and their subsequent actions and emotions are explicitly explained to us by the author rather than being seamlessly woven into the storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this. It's cute and light and it'll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. 3 ⭐️'s
May 7, 2023
I received an ARC and I’m leaving an honest review.
[ you can also read the full review here ]
I honestly don’t have the words to express how much I loved this book — from the very first line to the last period.
I think ‘romance novels where both characters are traumatized’ must be my favorite genre, because they hit the mark every time.
When the story starts there is already a level of attraction between them, but despite that it doesn’t feel insta-lovey (at least to me, it didn’t). The two of them were great together and the angst made me sob uncontrollably for most of the book (I’m very sensitive, so I already tear up even when they simply just allude to past bad memories).
Rowan is a grump, and it was really funny to see him interact with the other guys, but especially with Matt because he’s also a grump. Delilah was friendly and lovely and I was pleased that she never came off as too much, like some other sunshine characters usually do.
I spent most of the book waiting for and hoping that Delilah and her brother would sit down and talk about their past and I’m so glad we got to see that. Their conversation was amazing (and yes, I did cry).
I literally have never highlighted a book as much as I did this one, and now I need to get a physical copy to annotate as well. I really feel like this is going to become a comfort read.
[ you can also read the full review here ]
I honestly don’t have the words to express how much I loved this book — from the very first line to the last period.
I think ‘romance novels where both characters are traumatized’ must be my favorite genre, because they hit the mark every time.
When the story starts there is already a level of attraction between them, but despite that it doesn’t feel insta-lovey (at least to me, it didn’t). The two of them were great together and the angst made me sob uncontrollably for most of the book (I’m very sensitive, so I already tear up even when they simply just allude to past bad memories).
Rowan is a grump, and it was really funny to see him interact with the other guys, but especially with Matt because he’s also a grump. Delilah was friendly and lovely and I was pleased that she never came off as too much, like some other sunshine characters usually do.
I spent most of the book waiting for and hoping that Delilah and her brother would sit down and talk about their past and I’m so glad we got to see that. Their conversation was amazing (and yes, I did cry).
I literally have never highlighted a book as much as I did this one, and now I need to get a physical copy to annotate as well. I really feel like this is going to become a comfort read.
June 16, 2023
hidden kindle unlimited gems are the absolute best!!!
i was hooked by this cover when it popped up on my kindle unlimited so i decided to read it and i’m so glad!! rowan and delilah were perfection, they were so soft and just the cutest little couple that deserves so much happiness! this book was super slow and had incredibly low stakes, this isn’t a bad thing it’s just a fact. it was such a change of pace from the books i usually read and i think that’s why i enjoyed it so much. obviously there was the single dad trope, which i love, but this wasn’t really a tropey book which i appreciated. something about this book just felt so real, rowan and delilah had flaws and they weren’t written to be the best book boyfriend or girlfriend. they were just two people who had some shitty pasts and we’re struggling with their newfound love for eachother. super cute and definitely worth the read!! i only wish we saw more of them as a couple because some cute family moments would’ve made this book even better!! also the rest of the single dads club best be getting stories because i’m in love with them!
i was hooked by this cover when it popped up on my kindle unlimited so i decided to read it and i’m so glad!! rowan and delilah were perfection, they were so soft and just the cutest little couple that deserves so much happiness! this book was super slow and had incredibly low stakes, this isn’t a bad thing it’s just a fact. it was such a change of pace from the books i usually read and i think that’s why i enjoyed it so much. obviously there was the single dad trope, which i love, but this wasn’t really a tropey book which i appreciated. something about this book just felt so real, rowan and delilah had flaws and they weren’t written to be the best book boyfriend or girlfriend. they were just two people who had some shitty pasts and we’re struggling with their newfound love for eachother. super cute and definitely worth the read!! i only wish we saw more of them as a couple because some cute family moments would’ve made this book even better!! also the rest of the single dads club best be getting stories because i’m in love with them!
August 8, 2025
Matt was right, Rowan wasn’t good enough for Delilah. It’s been a while since I’ve rooted against a romance so much. I’m shy too but it shouldn’t really be an excuse for his behavior.
December 18, 2024
i always love a single dad romance and this one didn’t disappoint, but it didn’t wow me much either. it dragged a little at times but was overall a good read and i would recommend it
June 9, 2023
Painfully Slow Burn
The cover art was so beautiful. I couldn’t wait to dive in. I was expecting a sexy, flirtatious single dad that was as fine as the guy on the cover. Rowan turned out to be weighed down by his social anxiety and a difficult childhood. He was so socially awkward and insecure. Delilah was such a ray of sunshine. She was witty and boisterous. I found myself becoming annoyed that she was always bending to please Rowan. It was rarely reciprocated. I didn’t like that at all! Both characters struggled with “mommy issues”. I hoped that would bond them. So much of the book was, “I like you and you like me. Instead of acting on that mutual attraction, let’s have angst-ridden internal dialogues about our feelings.” This book started out with so much promise, but quickly had me begging for it to get to the point!
The cover art was so beautiful. I couldn’t wait to dive in. I was expecting a sexy, flirtatious single dad that was as fine as the guy on the cover. Rowan turned out to be weighed down by his social anxiety and a difficult childhood. He was so socially awkward and insecure. Delilah was such a ray of sunshine. She was witty and boisterous. I found myself becoming annoyed that she was always bending to please Rowan. It was rarely reciprocated. I didn’t like that at all! Both characters struggled with “mommy issues”. I hoped that would bond them. So much of the book was, “I like you and you like me. Instead of acting on that mutual attraction, let’s have angst-ridden internal dialogues about our feelings.” This book started out with so much promise, but quickly had me begging for it to get to the point!
February 27, 2024
The best word to describe this is “unconvincing.” At no point was a convinced of these characters struggles, past, & relationships. The characters kept over-explaining things to the point where it felt like a bunch of repeating to the reader. we weren’t given more time to fully explore how Rowan is feeling as a single father & the complexity’s behind it, but it never really went there- even with Delilah’s problems. It was like we were ALMOST there to dig deep into their feelings, but overall felt very shallow. Obviously this is a romance where they are suppose to be attracted to each other, but their immediate attraction & horniness for each other felt… off? It was unnatural. The side characters also never felt like real people- especially the grandmother, Linda, and the baby mama, Mckenna. Even the BABY fell short as a character.
November 14, 2023
Loved the idea of this book and the cover but ultimately felt disengaged and even slightly annoyed by the characters. This book was snail-paced slow and repetitive. The dialogue was awkward most of the time, not just between the protagonists but even with the MFP and her brother - eek! There was far too much internal dialogue for my liking.
What I liked:
🥰 supporting characters - grandmother and best friend
🥰 small town feel/found community
Had I not been listening to the audiobook version, I would have DNF’d.
What I liked:
🥰 supporting characters - grandmother and best friend
🥰 small town feel/found community
Had I not been listening to the audiobook version, I would have DNF’d.
March 30, 2025
Somehow, my first from this author. It's an emotional and touching story about being a single parent and the struggle and emotions that go with it. It was cute in places and sweet but it did get a bit bogged down in some of the emotions and details. And the cover is so cute! I'll definitely look for more from this author.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
February 24, 2024
3.5 Stars!
February 3, 2023
Rowan becomes a single father to Declan, his young son, so he uproots his life to move to a small, coastal city in South Africa in hopes of giving his son the childhood he never had.
Delilah is a former heiress and now a server who is working in a café which is where she meets Rowan and Declan. She is determined to make improvements to herself and her life. Rowan is hesitant to get involved with anyone due to his past history, so it is up to Delilah to reach out. She does this by introducing Rowan to her brother, Matt, which sparks the Single Dads club. The more Delilah helps Rowan, the more he understands that family isn't necessarily dependent on blood ties.
What I loved most about this book apart from the slow burn between the couple is that the author is incredibly talented at illustrating the challenges and rewards of parenthood!!
My honest review is given in exchange for receiving a free ARC from Netgalley.
Delilah is a former heiress and now a server who is working in a café which is where she meets Rowan and Declan. She is determined to make improvements to herself and her life. Rowan is hesitant to get involved with anyone due to his past history, so it is up to Delilah to reach out. She does this by introducing Rowan to her brother, Matt, which sparks the Single Dads club. The more Delilah helps Rowan, the more he understands that family isn't necessarily dependent on blood ties.
What I loved most about this book apart from the slow burn between the couple is that the author is incredibly talented at illustrating the challenges and rewards of parenthood!!
My honest review is given in exchange for receiving a free ARC from Netgalley.
June 7, 2023
Let me tell you something about that first kiss it had my month watering!! The tension before the kiss!? Scrumptious! The glancing!? Spellbinding! The kiss itself!? Baby I felt that kiss everywhere!! (which should probably be a sign that I’ve been single for way too long but it is what it is🤷🏽♀️🥲) and Lord when he opened his mouth to speak, I damn near fainted.
So the thing is about me is that I dislike slow burns but my belly doesn’t cause when they finally kiss after have the whole build the first 45% of the book, the kiss just evokes way too many feelings!!! And honestly I’m quite contradictory cause if I don’t feel those butterflies i am not rating the book 5 stars.
So long story short I really loved the second half of this book it was so cute and Rowan and Delilah’s story was so sweet!!
So the thing is about me is that I dislike slow burns but my belly doesn’t cause when they finally kiss after have the whole build the first 45% of the book, the kiss just evokes way too many feelings!!! And honestly I’m quite contradictory cause if I don’t feel those butterflies i am not rating the book 5 stars.
So long story short I really loved the second half of this book it was so cute and Rowan and Delilah’s story was so sweet!!
June 19, 2023
Opposites attract in this dual POV single dad/ex-heiress romance set in South Africa. I listened to this one and maybe it was the narrator and the slow way they spoke but I wasn't a huge fan of the audio. I felt the story itself was a bit too slow moving for my tastes as well.
I did love the single Dad rep and the unique setting though. The book also does a good job exploring the legacy of parental abandonment/family trauma and wanting to do better for your own kids. Recommended for fans of authors like Jane Igharo.
I did love the single Dad rep and the unique setting though. The book also does a good job exploring the legacy of parental abandonment/family trauma and wanting to do better for your own kids. Recommended for fans of authors like Jane Igharo.
June 17, 2023
Thank you Therese Beharrie and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
I loved being brought into Sugarbush Bay, and especially welcomed into Rowan and Delilah’s lives. Their problems were very realistic and I loved that there wasn’t a lot of miscommunications between them, which is quite often an easy trope for authors to utilise to create conflict. All the characters in the book seemed to speak honestly with one another and if anything, the only issues with their communication was keeping things to themselves - and in 90% of the circumstances it was fair enough, no one else has a right to know every thought that goes through your mind and the characters in this story did very well in toeing the line of privacy and vulnerability.
All the side characters felt useful to the storyline and the reader sees just enough of each of them to want to know more. I think this book is a great entry novel to a series surrounding the whole town, and I would love to see each of the Single Dads Club and their friends find a happy ending within Sugarbush Bay.
I loved being brought into Sugarbush Bay, and especially welcomed into Rowan and Delilah’s lives. Their problems were very realistic and I loved that there wasn’t a lot of miscommunications between them, which is quite often an easy trope for authors to utilise to create conflict. All the characters in the book seemed to speak honestly with one another and if anything, the only issues with their communication was keeping things to themselves - and in 90% of the circumstances it was fair enough, no one else has a right to know every thought that goes through your mind and the characters in this story did very well in toeing the line of privacy and vulnerability.
All the side characters felt useful to the storyline and the reader sees just enough of each of them to want to know more. I think this book is a great entry novel to a series surrounding the whole town, and I would love to see each of the Single Dads Club and their friends find a happy ending within Sugarbush Bay.
June 1, 2024
Content warnings: poverty, grief, classism
I didn't enjoy this QUITE as much as the first book in the series, if only because I didn't entirely find it believable that these two small children would turn to active destruction of their community in an attempt to get their father's job back.
There were definitely some funny moments, and I liked the ultimate twist of how they got their father to come home. All of that being said, I hope there are more books coming in this series in the future because the characters - especially Huda - are delightful.
I didn't enjoy this QUITE as much as the first book in the series, if only because I didn't entirely find it believable that these two small children would turn to active destruction of their community in an attempt to get their father's job back.
There were definitely some funny moments, and I liked the ultimate twist of how they got their father to come home. All of that being said, I hope there are more books coming in this series in the future because the characters - especially Huda - are delightful.
September 29, 2024
2.5 a bunch of repetitive chapters
March 19, 2023
Rowan never expected to become a father, and certainly not after one night with a woman he hardly knew. But while he and McKenna might not be right for each other, they're both determined to do right by Declan. When they move from Cape Town to Sugarbush Bay, Rowan finds himself struggling with fatherhood and an undeniable attraction to Delilah, his beautiful neighbor who is battling her own demons. Along the way, he finds a community, particularly in Delilah's brother Matt and his friends Corey and Lucas who are also single dads.
I picked this book up largely because I loved the idea of this club of single dads helping each other through the ups and downs of fatherhood. So I was pretty disappointed that the focus was on the romance between Rowan and Delilah and less on the dads, we only really ever get a sense of Rowan's challenges outside of a few anecdotes about the others.
I did like reading about his relationship with McKenna, and how they were both determined to be there for Declan but still struggled with their choices and the complexity of their relationship. The supporting characters really shone in this story and I wish we had gotten more of them.
For a story set in South Africa, I wish we'd gotten more about the food, or culture, or anything really. Apart from the references to Cape Town, it sometimes felt like this could be set in any small town.
Overall though, it was a light, easy, slightly steamy read and I thought it set things up well for a series with the other dads. Since I loved the supporting characters, especially Matt with his gruff personality and Delilah's friend Kirsten, I hope that's really the case.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy.
I picked this book up largely because I loved the idea of this club of single dads helping each other through the ups and downs of fatherhood. So I was pretty disappointed that the focus was on the romance between Rowan and Delilah and less on the dads, we only really ever get a sense of Rowan's challenges outside of a few anecdotes about the others.
I did like reading about his relationship with McKenna, and how they were both determined to be there for Declan but still struggled with their choices and the complexity of their relationship. The supporting characters really shone in this story and I wish we had gotten more of them.
For a story set in South Africa, I wish we'd gotten more about the food, or culture, or anything really. Apart from the references to Cape Town, it sometimes felt like this could be set in any small town.
Overall though, it was a light, easy, slightly steamy read and I thought it set things up well for a series with the other dads. Since I loved the supporting characters, especially Matt with his gruff personality and Delilah's friend Kirsten, I hope that's really the case.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy.
June 21, 2023
Single Dads Club is about Rowan and his identification after his son, Declan, is born. This book touches on mental health, friendship and love.
I found the title to be very misleading. I expected more of the aspect of Rowan finding friendship amongst a group of other single Black dads but that story is barely the tip of the iceberg.
The romance was very slow burn and almost redundant. Rowan dealt with his inner turmoil for 85% of the book leaving me to be very bored with the storyline.
There were some cute points but overall, I probably wouldn't pick this book up to read it again
I found the title to be very misleading. I expected more of the aspect of Rowan finding friendship amongst a group of other single Black dads but that story is barely the tip of the iceberg.
The romance was very slow burn and almost redundant. Rowan dealt with his inner turmoil for 85% of the book leaving me to be very bored with the storyline.
There were some cute points but overall, I probably wouldn't pick this book up to read it again
July 25, 2024
This is not a typical MF single dad romance.
This book is more about the children that are hurt by the sins of their parents and how when they become adults the weight of those fears can stunt their growth in more ways than one. It also is a testament to acknowledging that something isn’t right with you, according to you, and trying to figure out what that is and how you can deal or work on your issues. Especially before you start dating so that people aren’t hurt because you don’t even know yourself.
This book is more about the children that are hurt by the sins of their parents and how when they become adults the weight of those fears can stunt their growth in more ways than one. It also is a testament to acknowledging that something isn’t right with you, according to you, and trying to figure out what that is and how you can deal or work on your issues. Especially before you start dating so that people aren’t hurt because you don’t even know yourself.
June 8, 2023
I really wanted to love this, but it didn't quite get there for me. I liked the concept of these single dad's helping each other work through their issues and the trials of parenting. Unfortunately, that was such a small part of it. I think the problem for me was how much of the story was in the mc's heads. Instead of dialogue with side characters, the mc's were stressing through inner monologue. Which is a shame because the side characters had a lot of potential to round this story out.
August 8, 2023
This was incredibly boring.
February 18, 2023
3.5 Stars
When Rowan becomes a single father to his young son, being the parent he never had becomes his sole focus. Unfortunately, those well-intentions quickly led to isolation and a fair amount of self-doubt. Luckily, the residents of Sugarbush Bay aren't the kind to leave a fellow neighbor behind. With the help of Delilah, a kind waitress and an individual who once benefited from the kindness of their small town herself, Rowan starts to feel the world beneath his feet again.
The biggest strength of this story was the cozy feelings that came along with this community supported and valued each other. While finding refuge in each other, Rowan and Delilah also allowed their friends to hold their hands as they navigated uncertain waters. In Single Dads Club, the idea of it taking a community to raise a child rang true here. Though I selfishly hoped that some elements had been developed further and there was more of an expanded conclusion, this quiet story made me happy.
Having never read one of Therese's books before, I really enjoyed her writing style. Not only did the narration have a nice flow to it but the witty dialogue made this book a quick read to breeze through. I will likely read other titles from her in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Therese Beharrie for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Rowan becomes a single father to his young son, being the parent he never had becomes his sole focus. Unfortunately, those well-intentions quickly led to isolation and a fair amount of self-doubt. Luckily, the residents of Sugarbush Bay aren't the kind to leave a fellow neighbor behind. With the help of Delilah, a kind waitress and an individual who once benefited from the kindness of their small town herself, Rowan starts to feel the world beneath his feet again.
The biggest strength of this story was the cozy feelings that came along with this community supported and valued each other. While finding refuge in each other, Rowan and Delilah also allowed their friends to hold their hands as they navigated uncertain waters. In Single Dads Club, the idea of it taking a community to raise a child rang true here. Though I selfishly hoped that some elements had been developed further and there was more of an expanded conclusion, this quiet story made me happy.
Having never read one of Therese's books before, I really enjoyed her writing style. Not only did the narration have a nice flow to it but the witty dialogue made this book a quick read to breeze through. I will likely read other titles from her in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Therese Beharrie for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
Shoutout to the audiobook narrator. Without her I would have dnf’ed this during the last 3rd of the book.
I enjoyed the South African small town setting and would have loved to see more it. Delilah & Rowan were both pretty annoying main characters but also endearing somehow, so kudos to the author for that. I felt that a lot of their “issues” could have been dealt with via a 5 minute conversation rather than leaping to conclusions. Because of this, the conversations, or really I should say, their internal dialogues were very repetitive because they refused to just speak to one another.
What truly annoyed me was the 3rd act breakup. Not only was it another moment of terrible communication between them. But, it also demonstrated a very toxic reaction to rejection. The way Rowan’s fear of physical intimacy was handled really left a bad taste in my mouth and made me drop my rating from 3 to 2 stars.
I enjoyed the South African small town setting and would have loved to see more it. Delilah & Rowan were both pretty annoying main characters but also endearing somehow, so kudos to the author for that. I felt that a lot of their “issues” could have been dealt with via a 5 minute conversation rather than leaping to conclusions. Because of this, the conversations, or really I should say, their internal dialogues were very repetitive because they refused to just speak to one another.
What truly annoyed me was the 3rd act breakup. Not only was it another moment of terrible communication between them. But, it also demonstrated a very toxic reaction to rejection. The way Rowan’s fear of physical intimacy was handled really left a bad taste in my mouth and made me drop my rating from 3 to 2 stars.
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