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Dads of Stillwater #1
Nouveau Venu (Les Pères de Stillwater t. 1)
I lost everything in the fight for my daughter...
So, with my tail between my legs and completely out of options, I ran back to Stillwater. The town that stole everything from me.
The only silver lining is...Arlo.
He won my daughter’s heart with a simple gesture and charmed me before I knew his name. And here I thought returning home was going to be yet another train-wreck.
How could I not fall for the guy who took a phallic-looking plant into a bar?.
But I can’t start something new.
This time it’s not just my heart on the line, it’s my daughter’s too.
Can I afford to take the chance?
Newcomer is a prequel novel to Ana Ashley’s new series, Dads of Stillwater.
Single dads, sassy kids, Ana’s usual cast of intriguing secondary characters, Stillwater has it all.
So, with my tail between my legs and completely out of options, I ran back to Stillwater. The town that stole everything from me.
The only silver lining is...Arlo.
He won my daughter’s heart with a simple gesture and charmed me before I knew his name. And here I thought returning home was going to be yet another train-wreck.
How could I not fall for the guy who took a phallic-looking plant into a bar?.
But I can’t start something new.
This time it’s not just my heart on the line, it’s my daughter’s too.
Can I afford to take the chance?
Newcomer is a prequel novel to Ana Ashley’s new series, Dads of Stillwater.
Single dads, sassy kids, Ana’s usual cast of intriguing secondary characters, Stillwater has it all.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
126 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Ana Ashley
45 books771 followersMeet Ana Ashley, your friendly neighborhood romance author!
Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!
Ana's books offer sweet and sexy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.
When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.
You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana's website anawritesmm.com
Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!
Ana's books offer sweet and sexy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.
When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.
You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana's website anawritesmm.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 28, 2023
I loved the Chester Falls books. Now, I have a whole new series to love. This was a great read. Arlo and Levi are great, but it’s the supporting characters that make the book special. Ava is too precious for words. I look forward to reading Fletcher and Harrison’s story in the next book.
March 12, 2023
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Chi ha letto la serie “I papà di Stllwater” conosce già Arlo e Levi. Abbiamo visto i personaggi secondari innamorarsi mentre loro due facevano da sfondo a ogni storia. Stavolta è arrivato il loro momento.
Sappiamo già come la storia finirà e cosa accadrà, ma non abbiamo mai avuto l’occasione di conoscere Arlo e Levi prima ancora di innamorarsi. Non sappiamo cosa sia accaduto a Levi prima di tornare a Stllwater e cosa abbia spinto Arlo a lasciare la sua ricca famiglia e ricominciare da zero in una piccola cittadina famosa in tutto lo stato per la sua fiera dell’artigianato. Levi è un padre amorevole ma solo, il suo ex compagno lo ha costretto a rifugiarsi a Stllwater malgrado si fosse promesso di non tornare mai. La sua vita non è mai stata come si sarebbe aspettato ma l’arrivo di Ava e il suo amore lo hanno convinto di poter affrontare qualsiasi sfida pur di poter dare a sua figlia una vita migliore. Arlo è un’artista pronto a sfidare chiunque per mostrare le proprie capacità e dimostrare alla propria famiglia che non ha alcun bisogno dei loro contatti per essere felice e realizzato.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Chi ha letto la serie “I papà di Stllwater” conosce già Arlo e Levi. Abbiamo visto i personaggi secondari innamorarsi mentre loro due facevano da sfondo a ogni storia. Stavolta è arrivato il loro momento.
Sappiamo già come la storia finirà e cosa accadrà, ma non abbiamo mai avuto l’occasione di conoscere Arlo e Levi prima ancora di innamorarsi. Non sappiamo cosa sia accaduto a Levi prima di tornare a Stllwater e cosa abbia spinto Arlo a lasciare la sua ricca famiglia e ricominciare da zero in una piccola cittadina famosa in tutto lo stato per la sua fiera dell’artigianato. Levi è un padre amorevole ma solo, il suo ex compagno lo ha costretto a rifugiarsi a Stllwater malgrado si fosse promesso di non tornare mai. La sua vita non è mai stata come si sarebbe aspettato ma l’arrivo di Ava e il suo amore lo hanno convinto di poter affrontare qualsiasi sfida pur di poter dare a sua figlia una vita migliore. Arlo è un’artista pronto a sfidare chiunque per mostrare le proprie capacità e dimostrare alla propria famiglia che non ha alcun bisogno dei loro contatti per essere felice e realizzato.
Continua sul nostro blog!
June 10, 2022
Well this was cute. Levi moves back home, with his daughter, to Stillwater after a horrendous time with his ex. Arlo is somewhat of a newcomer and sparks fly.
There's some craft fair drama for Arlo, an ex mystery for Levi and some other minor plot distractions but on the whole this was just pretty cute.
It's a prequel for Dads of Stillwater
There's some craft fair drama for Arlo, an ex mystery for Levi and some other minor plot distractions but on the whole this was just pretty cute.
It's a prequel for Dads of Stillwater
March 17, 2023
Arlo !!!
September 30, 2025
This was an easy read. The build-up for the MCs was good. Arlo is the real star of this book, followed by Ava, Levi's daughter. Levi and Arlo both have some baggage that they have to get over or stand up to, but it's a good read.
March 31, 2023
Arlo è un artista che si è trasferito a Stillwater per iniziare un futuro in cui poter esprimere la propria arte in libertà. Levi è appena ritornato da Chicago con sua figlia Ava, dopo una brutta esperienza con il suo ex. Entrambi nuovi, fanno fatica ad adattarsi alle dinamiche della cittadina. Tuttavia insieme troveranno la forza di andare avanti, Arlo nella sua battaglia contro il comitato cittadino e i pregiudizi di alcune persone, Levi nel rimettersi in gioco dal punto di vista sentimentale. Sono entrambi dolcissimi e il modo in cui interagiscono con Ava mi ha davvero emozionato. Come gli altri libri della serie anche questo è stato scorrevole e piacevole, uno di quelli che ti lascia con un sorriso sulle labbra. Consigliato!
March 6, 2023
This is a very chill, low angst small town romance. That being said, big trigger warnings for homophobia. You know how small town romances usually have this wacky cast of quirky but kind neighbors? Yeah, that's not the kind of neighbors they are in this small down. There are a LOT of bigoted jerkfaces in power, sticking their noses in everyone's business. I think I prefer the quirky folks, honestly.
Newcomer is about Levi, who is moving back home to the small town he grew up in with his young daughter because of a relationship gone bad that's blown up his career as well, and Arlo, who recently moved to Stillwater (said small town) and is TRYING to participate in their renowned craft fair but is repeatedly rebuffed. In their own ways, both Levi and Arlo are newcomers to Stillwater, though Levi has some extra baggage there already.
Sweet and steamy single-dad, small town romance where you can't help but fall in love with the couples and also the side characters (well, the ones who don't suck, anyway!)
This is the first book in the Dads of Stillwater series and can be read as a standalone. The epilogue has a little teaser to link you into book two, Antagonist.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
Newcomer is about Levi, who is moving back home to the small town he grew up in with his young daughter because of a relationship gone bad that's blown up his career as well, and Arlo, who recently moved to Stillwater (said small town) and is TRYING to participate in their renowned craft fair but is repeatedly rebuffed. In their own ways, both Levi and Arlo are newcomers to Stillwater, though Levi has some extra baggage there already.
Sweet and steamy single-dad, small town romance where you can't help but fall in love with the couples and also the side characters (well, the ones who don't suck, anyway!)
This is the first book in the Dads of Stillwater series and can be read as a standalone. The epilogue has a little teaser to link you into book two, Antagonist.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
March 29, 2023
Un peu court mais ce n'est pas mal du tout !
Levi doit revenir en urgence dans sa ville natale qui n'a pas revu depuis qu'il s'est fait "expulser" pour pouvoir garder sa fille de 7 ans Ava. Il va faire la rencontre de Arlo et va l'aider à devenir le parfait membre de la communauté afin d'obtenir un stand aux ventes artisanales de printemps.
Tous les concepts sont réunis pour créer une bonne œuvre. La petite ville paumée de États-Unis, la famille déstructurés, des rumeurs infondés, un objectif de fin de livre et des personnages attachants.
Ce qui pèche, c'est que ce livre est beaucoup trop court et tout ce qui est mis en place par l'auteur n'est pas vraiment développé. Que ce soit Lévi et la garde de sa fille exigé par son ex mais dont on n'entend plus parlé. Le flirt de lévi et Arlo qui ne dure que quelques chapitre. Des petites jalousies qui ne sont là que pour être là et remplir une case. Même le problème principal a une résolution trop facile.
Je pense que l'auteur veut faire un livre à la Lennox mais ça manque encore de pratique ! Hâte de voir ce que la suite va donner !
Levi doit revenir en urgence dans sa ville natale qui n'a pas revu depuis qu'il s'est fait "expulser" pour pouvoir garder sa fille de 7 ans Ava. Il va faire la rencontre de Arlo et va l'aider à devenir le parfait membre de la communauté afin d'obtenir un stand aux ventes artisanales de printemps.
Tous les concepts sont réunis pour créer une bonne œuvre. La petite ville paumée de États-Unis, la famille déstructurés, des rumeurs infondés, un objectif de fin de livre et des personnages attachants.
Ce qui pèche, c'est que ce livre est beaucoup trop court et tout ce qui est mis en place par l'auteur n'est pas vraiment développé. Que ce soit Lévi et la garde de sa fille exigé par son ex mais dont on n'entend plus parlé. Le flirt de lévi et Arlo qui ne dure que quelques chapitre. Des petites jalousies qui ne sont là que pour être là et remplir une case. Même le problème principal a une résolution trop facile.
Je pense que l'auteur veut faire un livre à la Lennox mais ça manque encore de pratique ! Hâte de voir ce que la suite va donner !
March 31, 2024
A nice easy read after my last book, just what I needed. This one was sweet and it made me laugh. Great start to a new series, hopefully the feeling continues.
● Contemporary
● Quick easy read
● Going back home
● Small town
● Comes with some small town issues
● Single dad
● Made me laugh
● Very sweet
● Loved the MCs... Levi & Arlo
● Levi's daughter Ava is beyond adorable
● Satisfying ending
● Secondary characters will move on to the next instalments
May 20, 2024
4.25 🌟
April 11, 2023
Arlo e Levi, finalmente conosciamo la loro storia!! Bello, consigliato😊
September 6, 2023
This was... nice. Cute moments, very inoffensive and angst-free. The kid is adorable but too perfect and all around the book is just sugary sweet. Both main characters are artists, which I like, and they were sweet together. In addition to the perfect kid and perfect funny friends there's also the perfect love-to-hate antagonist in the form of a homophobic auntie with influence.
I just don't think this kind of story is my jam, but here and there I did enjoy those perfect moments, so I can see the appeal. This is probably very nice for people who enjoy these kinds of stories. The writing's not bad, though not really my favourite either, with first person present tense and frequently switching POVs.
I'm not in a hurry to continue this series (though the cover model for the second book is... hnnnngh) but I might give it a try.
I just don't think this kind of story is my jam, but here and there I did enjoy those perfect moments, so I can see the appeal. This is probably very nice for people who enjoy these kinds of stories. The writing's not bad, though not really my favourite either, with first person present tense and frequently switching POVs.
I'm not in a hurry to continue this series (though the cover model for the second book is... hnnnngh) but I might give it a try.
March 4, 2024
A nice read, and part of a good series
Relatively angst-free, there is mention of some unpleasantness a decade earlier, there’s a wicked witch character, and good overcomes evil (well, just unpleasant personalities) yay. It’s sweet and very hot and steamy with some funny moments mixed in.
Relatively angst-free, there is mention of some unpleasantness a decade earlier, there’s a wicked witch character, and good overcomes evil (well, just unpleasant personalities) yay. It’s sweet and very hot and steamy with some funny moments mixed in.
August 25, 2025
DNF @ 82%
One of my absolute pet peeves is having too many obvious setups or callbacks to previous MCs, and this story definitely does that very early on.
It was a bit weird seeing Arlo be so buddy buddy with Levi's daughter, Ava, because their first meeting had happened off screen. Weird decision to not show them getting to know each other especially since that would've been a really good opportunity to show how compatible they were. Getting rid of an indulgent side character chapter would've made space for it (like Arlo meeting some handsome rando named Harrison who also had a daughter that he met at work)
I didn't really like how divergent Levi and Arlo's stories were. Yes, Levi was going to help Arlo with getting a license to sell at the fair, but there wasn't anything proprietary about the help he offered. And Levi's focus on his history in town and his ex Jayden (which was also seemed to be yet another set up for a future MC) was way too divorced from Arlo considering how avoidant Levi had been with things. I didn't really give a shit about Levi's personal problems and his relationships with the Martin family because it had nothing to do with his and Arlo's relationship.
The back to back sex scenes right after Levi and Arlo got together were excessive and really killed the pacing midway through.
It was even worse that both of their problems got solved after one community lesson with Arlo and one conversation with Jayden respectively. So much for the insinuation that getting community support would take time. It almost felt insulting how easily Arlo had forgiven the man who he says chased him out of town and had the rest of the town still whispering about the incident.
I had to DNF after that.
One of my absolute pet peeves is having too many obvious setups or callbacks to previous MCs, and this story definitely does that very early on.
It was a bit weird seeing Arlo be so buddy buddy with Levi's daughter, Ava, because their first meeting had happened off screen. Weird decision to not show them getting to know each other especially since that would've been a really good opportunity to show how compatible they were. Getting rid of an indulgent side character chapter would've made space for it (like Arlo meeting some handsome rando named Harrison who also had a daughter that he met at work)
I didn't really like how divergent Levi and Arlo's stories were. Yes, Levi was going to help Arlo with getting a license to sell at the fair, but there wasn't anything proprietary about the help he offered. And Levi's focus on his history in town and his ex Jayden (which was also seemed to be yet another set up for a future MC) was way too divorced from Arlo considering how avoidant Levi had been with things. I didn't really give a shit about Levi's personal problems and his relationships with the Martin family because it had nothing to do with his and Arlo's relationship.
The back to back sex scenes right after Levi and Arlo got together were excessive and really killed the pacing midway through.
It was even worse that both of their problems got solved after one community lesson with Arlo and one conversation with Jayden respectively. So much for the insinuation that getting community support would take time. It almost felt insulting how easily Arlo had forgiven the man who he says chased him out of town and had the rest of the town still whispering about the incident.
I had to DNF after that.
March 16, 2023
So happy to have Arlo and Levi's story after getting to know them throughout the rest of the series. (This book was released after Breakthrough)
Both men face hardship when in Stillwater. Levi is returning to town after fleeing when he was fifteen and is now back with his daughter after being forced to leave his life by a conniving ex. People in town gossip about his return but don't know the truth of why he left. Arlo is relatively new in town and trying to get his art into the local craft market but is continuously denied by the board, which happens to be made up of those who don't like anyone different, out of towners or those who identify as LGBT+.
This is a sweet and fairly low angst romance with a bit of drama that comes from those who think they are better than everyone else. Small town drama that keeps the gossip mongers going. Levi and Arlo are brought even closer together by Ava, Levi's daughter, a delightful little one who loves Arlo's art and the joy it brings. It also introduces us to a lot of the people who will be getting their own stories in the future as well as the strong friendships that exist and are built between them and within the community.
John Solo gives a wonderful performance, providing the soothing voices for both men as well along with the rest of the characters. I found it very easy to fall into the story and loved it from start to finish.
Both men face hardship when in Stillwater. Levi is returning to town after fleeing when he was fifteen and is now back with his daughter after being forced to leave his life by a conniving ex. People in town gossip about his return but don't know the truth of why he left. Arlo is relatively new in town and trying to get his art into the local craft market but is continuously denied by the board, which happens to be made up of those who don't like anyone different, out of towners or those who identify as LGBT+.
This is a sweet and fairly low angst romance with a bit of drama that comes from those who think they are better than everyone else. Small town drama that keeps the gossip mongers going. Levi and Arlo are brought even closer together by Ava, Levi's daughter, a delightful little one who loves Arlo's art and the joy it brings. It also introduces us to a lot of the people who will be getting their own stories in the future as well as the strong friendships that exist and are built between them and within the community.
John Solo gives a wonderful performance, providing the soothing voices for both men as well along with the rest of the characters. I found it very easy to fall into the story and loved it from start to finish.
August 28, 2022
✔ Letto in lingua originale! Devo dirvi che leggendolo dopo il primo libro già tradotto, sento veramente la sua importanza per la serie. C'erano copie già formate e una di questa è proprio quella di Levi e Arlo.
Due nuovi arrivati in città.
Levi che era già del posto ma che per 10 anni ha dovuto lasciare la sua casa, i suoi amici e la sua famiglia per colpa di persone che si credevano padroni della città. È ritornato perché aveva bisogno per la sua figlioletta di stabilità e famiglia e al suo malgrado li avrebbe trovati li a Stillwater.
E Arlo, che voleva farne parte della comunità, contribuendo con il suo talento, ma per colpa delle stesse persone che anni addietro hanno cacciato Levi, lui non può integrarsi. Di ritorno agli USA dalla India, si tieni lontani dalla famiglia che detta leggi e controlla, esattamente come le persone che lo tengono lontano in città.
Con l'arrivo di Levi e di Ava, e scoprire che i veri amici ci sono sempre e combatteranno insieme per le giuste cause. Che non sono soli e il sostegno arrivano da dove meno si aspettano.
Spero venga tradotto in Italia, peccato non abbiano potuto farlo prima.
Un libro super carino, leggero e a ricordarti che l'amore vince sempre. ... è tutto da leggere.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e 💋
Due nuovi arrivati in città.
Levi che era già del posto ma che per 10 anni ha dovuto lasciare la sua casa, i suoi amici e la sua famiglia per colpa di persone che si credevano padroni della città. È ritornato perché aveva bisogno per la sua figlioletta di stabilità e famiglia e al suo malgrado li avrebbe trovati li a Stillwater.
E Arlo, che voleva farne parte della comunità, contribuendo con il suo talento, ma per colpa delle stesse persone che anni addietro hanno cacciato Levi, lui non può integrarsi. Di ritorno agli USA dalla India, si tieni lontani dalla famiglia che detta leggi e controlla, esattamente come le persone che lo tengono lontano in città.
Con l'arrivo di Levi e di Ava, e scoprire che i veri amici ci sono sempre e combatteranno insieme per le giuste cause. Che non sono soli e il sostegno arrivano da dove meno si aspettano.
Spero venga tradotto in Italia, peccato non abbiano potuto farlo prima.
Un libro super carino, leggero e a ricordarti che l'amore vince sempre. ... è tutto da leggere.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e 💋
April 21, 2023
Performance: 3.5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
This small-town romance pairs two relative newcomers to Stillwater - new(ish)-in-town artist Arlo and recently returned single dad Levi. The latter causes a stir when he moves back to the sleepy Connecticut town years after being run out as a teenager, now with a young daughter in tow. The two men in their late 20s make a believable couple, and the sweet and steamy times between them are just that.
There seemed to be a bunch of secondary characters packed into this story, likely to help set up the rest of the series. The homophobic, domineering town matron (also the mother of Levi's childhood best friend and the reason he left town) also seemed more like a plot device than a real person, which took me out of the story a bit whenever she appeared.
Narrator John Solo delivers a pretty good performance. I couldn't detect a whole lot of difference between Levi and Arlo's voices, which was particularly frustrating during the intimate scenes because I couldn't easily tell who was who. The quiet, almost tentative delivery of the chapter numbers and titles also struck an odd note that didn't fit the tone of the story. I received a free review copy of this audio book and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Story: 4 Stars
This small-town romance pairs two relative newcomers to Stillwater - new(ish)-in-town artist Arlo and recently returned single dad Levi. The latter causes a stir when he moves back to the sleepy Connecticut town years after being run out as a teenager, now with a young daughter in tow. The two men in their late 20s make a believable couple, and the sweet and steamy times between them are just that.
There seemed to be a bunch of secondary characters packed into this story, likely to help set up the rest of the series. The homophobic, domineering town matron (also the mother of Levi's childhood best friend and the reason he left town) also seemed more like a plot device than a real person, which took me out of the story a bit whenever she appeared.
Narrator John Solo delivers a pretty good performance. I couldn't detect a whole lot of difference between Levi and Arlo's voices, which was particularly frustrating during the intimate scenes because I couldn't easily tell who was who. The quiet, almost tentative delivery of the chapter numbers and titles also struck an odd note that didn't fit the tone of the story. I received a free review copy of this audio book and have left this honest review voluntarily.
March 10, 2023
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Performance: ⭐️️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️
I was happy to read that there is a new series by Ana Ashley, because I really like her wonderful writing style.
This time the story is about Levi and Arlo. Levi left the town of Stillwater after memorable events and never really wanted to return. But things don't always go as planned in life, so he returns to his hometown with his little daughter. Arlo has decided to stay in Stillwater after a long trip, but he is not really welcome by some of the inhabitants. Yet the artist is very likeable and wants to get something going with his art. It doesn't fail that Levi and Arlo meet and a sweet romance develops.
The story features loveable main characters and secondary characters and I can very well imagine that it is the same in a small town as it is in Stillwater. I liked the beginning of the new series.
John Solo also does a good job of giving the various characters different personalities with his voice and intonations. John Solo brought the book to life and it was a pleasure to follow along with the happenings in Stillwater.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Performance: ⭐️️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️
I was happy to read that there is a new series by Ana Ashley, because I really like her wonderful writing style.
This time the story is about Levi and Arlo. Levi left the town of Stillwater after memorable events and never really wanted to return. But things don't always go as planned in life, so he returns to his hometown with his little daughter. Arlo has decided to stay in Stillwater after a long trip, but he is not really welcome by some of the inhabitants. Yet the artist is very likeable and wants to get something going with his art. It doesn't fail that Levi and Arlo meet and a sweet romance develops.
The story features loveable main characters and secondary characters and I can very well imagine that it is the same in a small town as it is in Stillwater. I liked the beginning of the new series.
John Solo also does a good job of giving the various characters different personalities with his voice and intonations. John Solo brought the book to life and it was a pleasure to follow along with the happenings in Stillwater.
October 12, 2022
Loved Arlo and Levi
I read Antagonist first because I didn't realise there was a prequel. I loved Fletcher and Harrison and they were worth four stars but the story had a few flaws. This one didn't have the same flaws in the story so it's definitely worth four and a half stars.
I loved both men's backstories, making them the people they are today. Each of their histories had a payoff which were both very satisfying, and the villains of their stories got their just desserts.
I'm not a fan of kids in stories because authors have a tendency to make them either too twee or too smart for their own good. Arlo's daughter Ava fell in the second category, as did Megan (Harrison's daughter) but George (Fletcher's son) was just a sweet kid who I loved.
This was a much longer story than I expected it to be as a prequel but it was worth every word. If I'd read Newcomer first, I'd definitely be reading the series on the strength of this alone. I'm off to read Breakthrough now.
I read Antagonist first because I didn't realise there was a prequel. I loved Fletcher and Harrison and they were worth four stars but the story had a few flaws. This one didn't have the same flaws in the story so it's definitely worth four and a half stars.
I loved both men's backstories, making them the people they are today. Each of their histories had a payoff which were both very satisfying, and the villains of their stories got their just desserts.
I'm not a fan of kids in stories because authors have a tendency to make them either too twee or too smart for their own good. Arlo's daughter Ava fell in the second category, as did Megan (Harrison's daughter) but George (Fletcher's son) was just a sweet kid who I loved.
This was a much longer story than I expected it to be as a prequel but it was worth every word. If I'd read Newcomer first, I'd definitely be reading the series on the strength of this alone. I'm off to read Breakthrough now.
March 8, 2023
I’m reviewing the audio edition. This is the start of a new series.
Levi who has a history with this town, has returned only because he had no choice. His ex has cost him almost everything but he was able to prove he is the father and maintain custody of his daughter. While trying to put his life back together, he meets Arlo. Arlo is a newcomer to Stillwater and facing discrimination from some of the town elders. As Levi and Arlo get more acquainted, Levi’s daughters art interests opens the issue there is no art instruction available in Stillwater. So many things come out not only about Arlo but also about the original reason Levi left town. There are great secondary characters and the main characters are so likable. This is a heartwarming little town story and a great beginning to a new series. The narration by John Solo gave the characters personality. He made it easy to picture the surroundings and emotions going on in the story.
Levi who has a history with this town, has returned only because he had no choice. His ex has cost him almost everything but he was able to prove he is the father and maintain custody of his daughter. While trying to put his life back together, he meets Arlo. Arlo is a newcomer to Stillwater and facing discrimination from some of the town elders. As Levi and Arlo get more acquainted, Levi’s daughters art interests opens the issue there is no art instruction available in Stillwater. So many things come out not only about Arlo but also about the original reason Levi left town. There are great secondary characters and the main characters are so likable. This is a heartwarming little town story and a great beginning to a new series. The narration by John Solo gave the characters personality. He made it easy to picture the surroundings and emotions going on in the story.
September 6, 2024
Né carne né pesce.
Una lettura veloce e leggera per quando si sta affrontando un periodo stressante e non si ha voglia di qualcosa di impegnativo.
Certo, un tantino troppo semplice, con una trama veramente rachitica e dei dialoghi cringe all'inverosimile, ma fa il suo lavoro.
Piccolo tip per le autrici di questo genere: non parlate di "il mio bottom" o "il mio top". È veramente imbarazzante e ridurre una persona al suo ruolo in camera da letto è snervante. Si può parlare di un rapporto sessuale senza queste digressioni. Che, oltretutto, hanno alzato il livello di cringe già abbastanza elevato della storia.
Per quanto riguarda lo stile... semplice. L'ho sentito molto amatoriale e fanfictioniano, se si può dire. Una roba molto da tema di terza media.
Probabilmente continuerò la serie per quando ho voglia di staccare il cervello e leggere qualcosa che non richiede alcuno sforzo.
Una lettura veloce e leggera per quando si sta affrontando un periodo stressante e non si ha voglia di qualcosa di impegnativo.
Certo, un tantino troppo semplice, con una trama veramente rachitica e dei dialoghi cringe all'inverosimile, ma fa il suo lavoro.
Piccolo tip per le autrici di questo genere: non parlate di "il mio bottom" o "il mio top". È veramente imbarazzante e ridurre una persona al suo ruolo in camera da letto è snervante. Si può parlare di un rapporto sessuale senza queste digressioni. Che, oltretutto, hanno alzato il livello di cringe già abbastanza elevato della storia.
Per quanto riguarda lo stile... semplice. L'ho sentito molto amatoriale e fanfictioniano, se si può dire. Una roba molto da tema di terza media.
Probabilmente continuerò la serie per quando ho voglia di staccare il cervello e leggere qualcosa che non richiede alcuno sforzo.
December 4, 2024
Levi moved back to his hometown with his daughter and meets Arlo, a relative newcomer to the town who is having a bit of an issue with some of the locals and getting his art into the craft fair.
This was a quick, easy, no angst read. Both main characters are artists, Levis daughter is cute, the relationship between the MCs develops quickly and we go from them finding each other attractive, to spicy times and to love in a blink of the eye so I personally never felt fully invested in them as a couple. Found the audiobook for this on Everand, and I was looking for a quick listen between finishing a book and starting a buddy read the next day, so this entertained me for an evening. It was my first book by this author so i will read another to see how i get on with more of their work as this wasn't bad and i liked it, it just wasn't anything memorable.🌶🌶
This was a quick, easy, no angst read. Both main characters are artists, Levis daughter is cute, the relationship between the MCs develops quickly and we go from them finding each other attractive, to spicy times and to love in a blink of the eye so I personally never felt fully invested in them as a couple. Found the audiobook for this on Everand, and I was looking for a quick listen between finishing a book and starting a buddy read the next day, so this entertained me for an evening. It was my first book by this author so i will read another to see how i get on with more of their work as this wasn't bad and i liked it, it just wasn't anything memorable.🌶🌶
May 28, 2025
This was such a great story. Levi comes home after a tough custody battle, looking to start fresh in his small hometown with his daughter and sister by his side. He’s trying to rebuild, but of course, small town history doesn’t stay buried for long—and it definitely comes back to the surface in a big way.
Then there’s Arlo, the new guy in town, who’s doing his best to create a life on his own terms, away from his complicated family. He and Levi cross paths, and what starts as something tentative slowly turns into something real. I really liked the way their relationship developed—it wasn’t rushed, and both men had their own healing to do.
The story balances emotional depth with sweet, heartwarming moments. Levi’s love for his daughter was a big highlight, and I appreciated how much family, both blood and chosen, played a role in the story. Arlo’s journey to figure out who he is outside of his family’s expectations was also really well done.
If you like small-town romances with real heart, second chances, and characters you can root for, Newcomer is definitely worth picking up. I’m looking forward to more from this series!
Then there’s Arlo, the new guy in town, who’s doing his best to create a life on his own terms, away from his complicated family. He and Levi cross paths, and what starts as something tentative slowly turns into something real. I really liked the way their relationship developed—it wasn’t rushed, and both men had their own healing to do.
The story balances emotional depth with sweet, heartwarming moments. Levi’s love for his daughter was a big highlight, and I appreciated how much family, both blood and chosen, played a role in the story. Arlo’s journey to figure out who he is outside of his family’s expectations was also really well done.
If you like small-town romances with real heart, second chances, and characters you can root for, Newcomer is definitely worth picking up. I’m looking forward to more from this series!
June 30, 2025
Cute but instalust feel over lasting love
Super sweet. Slightly disappointed at the love level tbh. These guys were marketed as open and honest, not afraid to share remarks like "love train" and yet AFTER the love declarations is the first time Arlo's real name is revealed to his partner and he doesn't even share his own birthday? Not really sure why this distance is in the story. The name isn't secret enough not to share with his boss, but he doesn't share with someone he loves? Not even his birthday, when it's so close to Ava's he's had multiple opportunities to mention it? Shame that this distance was put in. It made it feel much more instalust and less satisfying, which is pretty much the whole reason I read dad romance, since they're protective over their kids and it's guaranteed genuine and lasting feeling.
Super sweet. Slightly disappointed at the love level tbh. These guys were marketed as open and honest, not afraid to share remarks like "love train" and yet AFTER the love declarations is the first time Arlo's real name is revealed to his partner and he doesn't even share his own birthday? Not really sure why this distance is in the story. The name isn't secret enough not to share with his boss, but he doesn't share with someone he loves? Not even his birthday, when it's so close to Ava's he's had multiple opportunities to mention it? Shame that this distance was put in. It made it feel much more instalust and less satisfying, which is pretty much the whole reason I read dad romance, since they're protective over their kids and it's guaranteed genuine and lasting feeling.
October 14, 2023
Voto: 4.25 stelline
Ho letto in ritardo questo volume rispetto alla serie, ma finalmente me lo sono gustata ed è davvero carino!
Levi, ingiustamente criticato da tutti per il suo passato, torna nella città natale a malincuore, ma finalmente scopre che qui c’è anche gente di buon cuore, gente disposta a supportare lui e Arlo, artista in incognito e uomo in cerca di radici e amore. La piccola Ava genera un sacco di sorrisoni al lettore.
Fra l’altro, leggendolo, ho scoperto i collegamenti con l’altra serie di Ana, e che il fratello di Sage è un certo fornaio di nostra conoscenza con le sue leggendarie girelle alla cannella… com’è piccolo il mondo!
Da leggere per continuità e se cercate una storia dolce e hot al punto giusto.
Ho letto in ritardo questo volume rispetto alla serie, ma finalmente me lo sono gustata ed è davvero carino!
Levi, ingiustamente criticato da tutti per il suo passato, torna nella città natale a malincuore, ma finalmente scopre che qui c’è anche gente di buon cuore, gente disposta a supportare lui e Arlo, artista in incognito e uomo in cerca di radici e amore. La piccola Ava genera un sacco di sorrisoni al lettore.
Fra l’altro, leggendolo, ho scoperto i collegamenti con l’altra serie di Ana, e che il fratello di Sage è un certo fornaio di nostra conoscenza con le sue leggendarie girelle alla cannella… com’è piccolo il mondo!
Da leggere per continuità e se cercate una storia dolce e hot al punto giusto.
January 10, 2024
Wonderful
I love a wonderful story about single dad/dads. Levi has to return to his hometown after being run out by a homophobic woman years prior. With his daughter in tow he moves in with his sister at their family home. Arlo has been back in the States and has been determined to not let his family know. When he applies for a license for the craft fair he’s turned down. Soon Levi finds out the real reason and tells Arlo and Sage. Together they work on a plan only to be blind sided by another meeting by the town council. When things seem to not be going in the direction of getting his license for the next fair an unexpected alley shows up at the meeting. And yes there’s where i stop, lol. I enjoyed this book. But don’t take my word for. Read it for yourself!
I love a wonderful story about single dad/dads. Levi has to return to his hometown after being run out by a homophobic woman years prior. With his daughter in tow he moves in with his sister at their family home. Arlo has been back in the States and has been determined to not let his family know. When he applies for a license for the craft fair he’s turned down. Soon Levi finds out the real reason and tells Arlo and Sage. Together they work on a plan only to be blind sided by another meeting by the town council. When things seem to not be going in the direction of getting his license for the next fair an unexpected alley shows up at the meeting. And yes there’s where i stop, lol. I enjoyed this book. But don’t take my word for. Read it for yourself!
April 15, 2024
This is the 3rd series of Ana’s that I am reading in two weeks. I can’t get enough!
Levi has no other choice but to go back to the town that chased him away and ruined his life. After using everything he has to make sure he keeps his daughter Ava, they move in with his sister.
Arlo is an incredible artist and creates stunning pieces. He works in a crafts shop and is trying to enter the towns famous fair so he can sell his art.
Levi gets a job as a bartender and when Arlo comes in for a drink they are immediately interested in each other. Only Levi claims he doesn’t have time for relationships and is scared that others won’t accept that he comes with a daughter.
Arlo was a beautiful character. He loved Ava and made sure Levi knew that having a daughter makes no difference to him. He was understanding and patient.
These two were fire together! They complimented each other beautifully! This was such a cute book and hit me right in the feels!💜
Levi has no other choice but to go back to the town that chased him away and ruined his life. After using everything he has to make sure he keeps his daughter Ava, they move in with his sister.
Arlo is an incredible artist and creates stunning pieces. He works in a crafts shop and is trying to enter the towns famous fair so he can sell his art.
Levi gets a job as a bartender and when Arlo comes in for a drink they are immediately interested in each other. Only Levi claims he doesn’t have time for relationships and is scared that others won’t accept that he comes with a daughter.
Arlo was a beautiful character. He loved Ava and made sure Levi knew that having a daughter makes no difference to him. He was understanding and patient.
These two were fire together! They complimented each other beautifully! This was such a cute book and hit me right in the feels!💜
March 6, 2023
This is a prequel for the series. This was a pretty cute, sweet quick read. Levi moves back to Stillwater w/his daughter after a horrible break-up w/his ex. Arlo is the newcomer to the town. He is an artist & is trying to get his art showing at the craft fairs that Stillwater is known for. He hasn't been able to get approval. Our MC's meet when Levi's daughter starts taking classes that Arlo teaches. We get to see the sparks fly. This is a relatively angst free read. I had already read books 1-3 as I didn't know this book was out there. It didn't take away from the story.
I received a copy of this audio book from the Author, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this audio book from the Author, and this is my honest review.
March 18, 2023
an audio review
Newcomer is Book 1 in the Dads of Stillwater series. Welcome to Stillwater. This is such a great story. Arlo and Levi are so sweet together and Levi's daughter is just the cutest. Arlo is trying to live the life he wants and not the life his parents want for him. Levi finds himself back in town and staying with his sister while he saves for a place for him and his daughter. This book is a wonderful start to the series and has me ready for more of these amazing characters. I love small town stories and this series is a must read. Definitely recommend.
Narrator John Solo does another amazing job. He continues to be a joy to listen to.
Newcomer is Book 1 in the Dads of Stillwater series. Welcome to Stillwater. This is such a great story. Arlo and Levi are so sweet together and Levi's daughter is just the cutest. Arlo is trying to live the life he wants and not the life his parents want for him. Levi finds himself back in town and staying with his sister while he saves for a place for him and his daughter. This book is a wonderful start to the series and has me ready for more of these amazing characters. I love small town stories and this series is a must read. Definitely recommend.
Narrator John Solo does another amazing job. He continues to be a joy to listen to.
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