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Pity #2
Pity Party
She's a bridal shop owner looking for love. He's a grumpy single dad who doesn't want to fall in love again.
I should have used my college degree to become a lawyer, politician, or heck, even a Time Lord—hey, it worked for Dr. Who. But no, I had to own a bridal boutique. Turns out that's a terrible idea for someone with my lousy dating history.
Every day, I'm surrounded by the trappings of the perfect wedding, and I'm starting to resent all the smug almost-marrieds. I shouldn't want to throat punch the brides, right?
Then Jamie Riordan moves to Elk Lake with his twelve-year-old daughter. He's everything I've ever wanted in a guy—tall, gorgeous, successful, and clearly devoted to his kid.
Too bad his grumpy highness wants nothing to do with me.
I may not be his dream girl, but does he have to be so insulting about letting me know?
I should have used my college degree to become a lawyer, politician, or heck, even a Time Lord—hey, it worked for Dr. Who. But no, I had to own a bridal boutique. Turns out that's a terrible idea for someone with my lousy dating history.
Every day, I'm surrounded by the trappings of the perfect wedding, and I'm starting to resent all the smug almost-marrieds. I shouldn't want to throat punch the brides, right?
Then Jamie Riordan moves to Elk Lake with his twelve-year-old daughter. He's everything I've ever wanted in a guy—tall, gorgeous, successful, and clearly devoted to his kid.
Too bad his grumpy highness wants nothing to do with me.
I may not be his dream girl, but does he have to be so insulting about letting me know?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
156 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Dineen
66 books807 followersWhitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
November 8, 2024
It's a pity I did not enjoy this "Pity Party" book.
😭😭😭
SOME LOVE FOR THIS ROM-COM:
1) Fabulous premise:
Love-hungry bridal shop owner in a small Midwestern town meets a love-starved single dad.
❤️❤️❤️
2) I also loved the book's title and cover.
❤️❤️❤️
WHY 2 STARS?
This book was contrived and waaay too cheesy for this fastidious vegan.
Also, the male protagonist's 12-year-old daughter lacked authenticity.
What 12-year-old tween shares non-stop details about her menstrual cycle with her father?
Hearing details about the 12-year-old tween's menstrual cycle was certainly not on my wish list.
I listened to the audiobook read by Desiree Ketchum and Aiden Snow.
I always enjoy and appreciate full-cast narrations and both narrators did outstanding jobs.
September 30, 2023
A single dad who loves his daughter with all of his heart? Add in some grumpy/sunshine and a small town romance and it’s a winning combination.
This book had lots of humorous and romantic moments, but it also adeptly dealt with some heavy themes in a very realistic, sensitive, and heartfelt way.
Melissa co-owns a bridal shop with her mom and has always dreamt of her own wedding, but with her unfortunate dating history, she’s doubtful that will ever happen.
Jamie is a devoted single father to 12 year old Sammy. When she gets relentlessly bullied by her former friends, they decide to move away and make a fresh start in a new town and school.
Sammy comes into Melissa’s shop and they immediately hit it off. One of my favorite things about this story was the fabulous relationship and bond between these two!
But meeting Sammy’s dad is a whole different story. Rather than hitting it off, they immediately clash. Jaime is surprised by the instant attraction he feels towards Melissa. Still deeply hurt by his ex, he’ll try to do everything in his power not to give in to his feelings.
What I loved:
💚 Sammy stole the show. Her typical preteen attitude cracked me up, and I loved her strength, resilience, and spunk!
💚 Fun and witty banter
💚 Daddy daughter dates
💚 Melissa seeing underneath Jaime’s grumpy facade to discover a really good guy — and helping he and Sammy move forward with their feelings towards Beth.
💚 Letting go of grudges
💚 Don’t let fear rule your decisions.
You can expect:
💚 Kisses only
💚 Slow burn
💚 Parental abandonment
💚 Talk of postpartum depression
💚 An overbearing parent
💚 Bullying
💚 Death of a former boyfriend
💚 HEA
This is book two in the Pity Series but can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to the author for an eBook!
This book had lots of humorous and romantic moments, but it also adeptly dealt with some heavy themes in a very realistic, sensitive, and heartfelt way.
Melissa co-owns a bridal shop with her mom and has always dreamt of her own wedding, but with her unfortunate dating history, she’s doubtful that will ever happen.
Jamie is a devoted single father to 12 year old Sammy. When she gets relentlessly bullied by her former friends, they decide to move away and make a fresh start in a new town and school.
Sammy comes into Melissa’s shop and they immediately hit it off. One of my favorite things about this story was the fabulous relationship and bond between these two!
But meeting Sammy’s dad is a whole different story. Rather than hitting it off, they immediately clash. Jaime is surprised by the instant attraction he feels towards Melissa. Still deeply hurt by his ex, he’ll try to do everything in his power not to give in to his feelings.
What I loved:
💚 Sammy stole the show. Her typical preteen attitude cracked me up, and I loved her strength, resilience, and spunk!
💚 Fun and witty banter
💚 Daddy daughter dates
💚 Melissa seeing underneath Jaime’s grumpy facade to discover a really good guy — and helping he and Sammy move forward with their feelings towards Beth.
💚 Letting go of grudges
💚 Don’t let fear rule your decisions.
You can expect:
💚 Kisses only
💚 Slow burn
💚 Parental abandonment
💚 Talk of postpartum depression
💚 An overbearing parent
💚 Bullying
💚 Death of a former boyfriend
💚 HEA
This is book two in the Pity Series but can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to the author for an eBook!
September 27, 2023
Pity Party is book 2 in the Pity Series. You absolutely don't need to read book 1, but you should!
This books takes place in small town Wisconsin and is full of all the Midwestern charm I loved in book 1.
Here we have a single dad, Jamie, who is relocating to Wisconsin with his 12 year old daughter, Sammy. He's very standoffish and a bit of a grump, but local Melissa seems to be drawn to him.
If you love grumpy sunshine, an amazing single dad and a great preteen character, this book is for you. I absolutely loved Jamie's daughter.
Pity Party is a must read. It's LOL funny.
This books takes place in small town Wisconsin and is full of all the Midwestern charm I loved in book 1.
Here we have a single dad, Jamie, who is relocating to Wisconsin with his 12 year old daughter, Sammy. He's very standoffish and a bit of a grump, but local Melissa seems to be drawn to him.
If you love grumpy sunshine, an amazing single dad and a great preteen character, this book is for you. I absolutely loved Jamie's daughter.
Pity Party is a must read. It's LOL funny.
September 26, 2023
I enjoyed this book.
I did think it was strange for 32 year old Melissa to still allow her mother to run her life.
How she described working in a bridal shop was very funny.
I thought Sammy stole the book. The poor kid has been subjected to the worst kind of ostracism bratty girls could summon.
Jamie needed to get a clue and live a little.
I thought both he and Sammy were way too forgiving toward Beth and it was like ok all those years didn’t matter.
I liked the community because it’s a typical small town.
Tim was quite pathetic and needed a pet instead of a partner.
Thanks to Whitney Deneen for my copy.
I did think it was strange for 32 year old Melissa to still allow her mother to run her life.
How she described working in a bridal shop was very funny.
I thought Sammy stole the book. The poor kid has been subjected to the worst kind of ostracism bratty girls could summon.
Jamie needed to get a clue and live a little.
I thought both he and Sammy were way too forgiving toward Beth and it was like ok all those years didn’t matter.
I liked the community because it’s a typical small town.
Tim was quite pathetic and needed a pet instead of a partner.
Thanks to Whitney Deneen for my copy.
September 3, 2023
4.5⭐️
Oh my gosh. I am loving this series.
Melissa and Jamie’s chemistry is just off the charts. Plus Sammy! Goodness it’d be hard not to fall in love with that girl.
This book made me chuckle, made me swoon, made me just a lil teary, and was overall a really fun read.
It has:
- Dual POV
- Small town full of wild and wonderful secondary characters
- Single dad with an amazing daughter
- Grumpy/Sunshine
Thank you so much Whitney Dinesen for sending me this eARC early! I enjoyed it so much!
Oh my gosh. I am loving this series.
Melissa and Jamie’s chemistry is just off the charts. Plus Sammy! Goodness it’d be hard not to fall in love with that girl.
This book made me chuckle, made me swoon, made me just a lil teary, and was overall a really fun read.
It has:
- Dual POV
- Small town full of wild and wonderful secondary characters
- Single dad with an amazing daughter
- Grumpy/Sunshine
Thank you so much Whitney Dinesen for sending me this eARC early! I enjoyed it so much!
September 26, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Melissa & Jamie’s points of view
– there is an age gap of 7 or 8 years between them
– there are about 4 curse/not nice words
– there are some innuendos/suggestive comments
– Melissa finds her mother to be overbearing & dislikes how her stepfather walks all over her mother (letting/making her do everything for the both of them)
– Jamie’s ex/Sammy’s mother left them after postpartum depression hit & she felt she couldn’t connect with her daughter/she decided she liked who she was without them
– at a point in the story our main characters are in a friendship that’s essentially a friends with benefits relationship (the benefits being kissing in their case)
– kisses/make outs are heated
Review:
I removed a star because I was a little uncomfortable with their kisses/make outs & wasn’t a fan of their kissing friendship situation.
However, I did like the tension and interest that was clearly displayed on both ends starting from when they first met. I loved how both Melissa & Jamie interacted with Jamie’s daughter Sammy and how much they cared about her wellbeing and her adjustment to just about everything being new in her life at that point. I loved that their relationship with her was realistic and that Jamie was a bit uncomfortable with girl talk (Sammy gets her period during the story for the first time & Jamie freaks out a little bit while Melissa helps her to understand everything going on with her). Though I especially loved the scenes of Jamie finding joy in bringing joy to his daughter and seeing her bloom in their new environment. I also really enjoyed the scenes where Jamie was getting jealous over Melissa dating someone else & trying to talk himself out of that jealousy.
Summary:
Melissa almost got the life that she wanted – a husband to grow a family with – a few times, but after each one ended in failure she changed from the hopeless romantic to a fairly resentful & cynical person. Though that might have had to do with choosing to work at the local bridal boutique since she was little and never leaving, placing her smack dab in the middle of weddings all the time. When new people move into town, Melissa’s skepticism of finding her own happily ever after wanes for a bit. Because the new people to town includes a handsome single father with an adorable twelve year old daughter that Melissa takes an instant liking to. If only he was interested in pursuing the chemistry between them…
Jamie had his heart broken by his ex and never wants to put himself or his daughter’s hearts in the line of fire again. So despite the many pointed looks his daughter Sammy throws his way when romance is discussed, Jamie has no interest in pursuing a woman. Even when their move to small town Elk Lake leads him to someone he can’t get out of his mind. Melissa is his daughter’s first friend in Elk Lake and that gives Jamie joy that his daughter is coming out of her shell, but makes it an even harder no when it comes to pursuing her romantically. But with small town life comes many times that you’re likely to bump into each other whether you want to or not. And Jamie doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be able to hold out against the growing tension between them…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Melissa & Jamie’s points of view
– there is an age gap of 7 or 8 years between them
– there are about 4 curse/not nice words
– there are some innuendos/suggestive comments
– Melissa finds her mother to be overbearing & dislikes how her stepfather walks all over her mother (letting/making her do everything for the both of them)
– Jamie’s ex/Sammy’s mother left them after postpartum depression hit & she felt she couldn’t connect with her daughter/she decided she liked who she was without them
– at a point in the story our main characters are in a friendship that’s essentially a friends with benefits relationship (the benefits being kissing in their case)
– kisses/make outs are heated
Review:
I removed a star because I was a little uncomfortable with their kisses/make outs & wasn’t a fan of their kissing friendship situation.
However, I did like the tension and interest that was clearly displayed on both ends starting from when they first met. I loved how both Melissa & Jamie interacted with Jamie’s daughter Sammy and how much they cared about her wellbeing and her adjustment to just about everything being new in her life at that point. I loved that their relationship with her was realistic and that Jamie was a bit uncomfortable with girl talk (Sammy gets her period during the story for the first time & Jamie freaks out a little bit while Melissa helps her to understand everything going on with her). Though I especially loved the scenes of Jamie finding joy in bringing joy to his daughter and seeing her bloom in their new environment. I also really enjoyed the scenes where Jamie was getting jealous over Melissa dating someone else & trying to talk himself out of that jealousy.
Summary:
Melissa almost got the life that she wanted – a husband to grow a family with – a few times, but after each one ended in failure she changed from the hopeless romantic to a fairly resentful & cynical person. Though that might have had to do with choosing to work at the local bridal boutique since she was little and never leaving, placing her smack dab in the middle of weddings all the time. When new people move into town, Melissa’s skepticism of finding her own happily ever after wanes for a bit. Because the new people to town includes a handsome single father with an adorable twelve year old daughter that Melissa takes an instant liking to. If only he was interested in pursuing the chemistry between them…
Jamie had his heart broken by his ex and never wants to put himself or his daughter’s hearts in the line of fire again. So despite the many pointed looks his daughter Sammy throws his way when romance is discussed, Jamie has no interest in pursuing a woman. Even when their move to small town Elk Lake leads him to someone he can’t get out of his mind. Melissa is his daughter’s first friend in Elk Lake and that gives Jamie joy that his daughter is coming out of her shell, but makes it an even harder no when it comes to pursuing her romantically. But with small town life comes many times that you’re likely to bump into each other whether you want to or not. And Jamie doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be able to hold out against the growing tension between them…
October 18, 2023
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute grumpy/sunshine RomCom set in a small town in Wisconsin. Melissa is in her early 30s and working in a bridal shop she owns with her mother. Usually she’s happy to help brides pick out the perfect dress, but lately she’s hating life. She wants nothing more than to find the “right one” and settle down and have a family. But, the prospects are slim in her small town and she wonders if it will ever happen.
Jamie is a single dad to 12 year old Sammy. They move to Wisconsin from Chicago because Sammy’s being bullied by mean girls in her school and making her life intolerable. They’ve vacationed in the town and loved it, so they both help it will give them both a new start. Sammy’s mother left her and Jamie when Sammy was only 10 months old. The wound left behind on them both has never healed.
I loved the dynamic between Melissa and Jamie. Melissa is very up front with what she wants. I love her bravery in putting herself out there. I could never do that. Jamie wants Melissa just as much as she wants him, but refuses to let himself get close because he’s afraid she’d leave him and Sammy. Jamie is in denial about his unresolved feelings for Sammy’s mother. He’s got more issues to deal with than he will admit, and it takes a lot for him to come to terms with them. Melissa recognizes this and gives him the space to work it out for himself.
I really like this series of books and look forward to the next book featuring Melissa’s friend Paige. This is a fun, quick read that I recommend you check out, and it's available on Kindle Unlimited.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute grumpy/sunshine RomCom set in a small town in Wisconsin. Melissa is in her early 30s and working in a bridal shop she owns with her mother. Usually she’s happy to help brides pick out the perfect dress, but lately she’s hating life. She wants nothing more than to find the “right one” and settle down and have a family. But, the prospects are slim in her small town and she wonders if it will ever happen.
Jamie is a single dad to 12 year old Sammy. They move to Wisconsin from Chicago because Sammy’s being bullied by mean girls in her school and making her life intolerable. They’ve vacationed in the town and loved it, so they both help it will give them both a new start. Sammy’s mother left her and Jamie when Sammy was only 10 months old. The wound left behind on them both has never healed.
I loved the dynamic between Melissa and Jamie. Melissa is very up front with what she wants. I love her bravery in putting herself out there. I could never do that. Jamie wants Melissa just as much as she wants him, but refuses to let himself get close because he’s afraid she’d leave him and Sammy. Jamie is in denial about his unresolved feelings for Sammy’s mother. He’s got more issues to deal with than he will admit, and it takes a lot for him to come to terms with them. Melissa recognizes this and gives him the space to work it out for himself.
I really like this series of books and look forward to the next book featuring Melissa’s friend Paige. This is a fun, quick read that I recommend you check out, and it's available on Kindle Unlimited.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
September 5, 2023
Whitney Dineen creates such wonderful, believable characters with just enough flaws to make them absolutely endearing. We caught a glimpse of Melissa in Pity Date and you felt for her, working in a bridal shop, without her own happy ever after. She is smart, sassy, and knows exactly what she wants. Getting to know her was a treat. As was watching her relationship grow with both Jamie and Sammy. There is so much more than the romance in this book and the messy relationships with the secondary characters really fleshes this novel out and gets you really thinking about love and forgiveness. Then there’s the trademark Whitney Dineen humor: I laughed so much reading this book. Highly recommended!
September 19, 2023
Charming and cute read set in a small town with some tough baggage. I think Whitney navigated the life issues Jamie and Sammy have thrown their way very well. I really liked Sammy, and I loved her friendship with Melissa. Jamie and Melissa's attraction is obvious, and their chemistry was apparent. Both were frustrating at times, but I think the tension added to the story. I do think the ending seemed a little rushed and would've preferred the HEA worked out a little earlier. I would have also loved a cameo from Faith and Teddy, but I appreciate their absence being explained.
I look forward to Paige's story and returning to Elk Lake.
I look forward to Paige's story and returning to Elk Lake.
July 2, 2025
Call me crazy but insta lust in a clean book is just stupid
They met one afternoon and the next day he was already jealous that she had a date & she was weak for him in the middle of her date.
Not just that but him being rude to her cause he finds her attractive is just perpetuating the "he causes you pain by pulling your hair because he likes you" lie that we tell little girls.
THIS IS A ROMANCE BOOK WITHOUT ROMANCE
There's only so much "turning off my brain" I can do for a small town romance book but at 50% of the book they are only on their 4th day knowing each other but she already hired a 12 year old to work on her store, toured a house with them, kissed him, got rejected, went on a day trip to a shopping mall with them & is on her second date with charming Tim which makes the MMC jealous even they he has only had 2 conversations with the MMC
I really liked the first book
But this book was a let down
They met one afternoon and the next day he was already jealous that she had a date & she was weak for him in the middle of her date.
Not just that but him being rude to her cause he finds her attractive is just perpetuating the "he causes you pain by pulling your hair because he likes you" lie that we tell little girls.
THIS IS A ROMANCE BOOK WITHOUT ROMANCE
There's only so much "turning off my brain" I can do for a small town romance book but at 50% of the book they are only on their 4th day knowing each other but she already hired a 12 year old to work on her store, toured a house with them, kissed him, got rejected, went on a day trip to a shopping mall with them & is on her second date with charming Tim which makes the MMC jealous even they he has only had 2 conversations with the MMC
I really liked the first book
But this book was a let down
October 1, 2023
Contains: kisses, mother abandonment. 2.5 stars. I did not like Jamie. He was kinda mean and very hot and cold. Their whole friends-with-benefits thing seemed to only benefit him and confuse her. Also, I was a bit creeped out by Melissa. Her behavior in the beginning seems like grooming. She gets a kid to help her out at work, befriends the kids, and offers to take her shopping all without first talking to the kid’s parent. The fact that Sammy’s only friend is an adult is a little concerning. So we have a weak foundation where I don’t care for the MCs and we top it off with I didn’t feel like the MCs relationship was built on anything other than attraction and lust. Other things I didn’t care for: the focus on everyone’s eating habits (they eat out every meal and we hear about every meal), Sammy acting way older than 12, and the excitement over getting a period
September 28, 2023
Gosh the hero was full of bullshit. I thought the second read from Whitney was gonna be better but I was wrong. I’m very disappointed. I liked the blurb so much and everything just sucked. Melissa was a doormat I’m so embarrassed for her. Grow a pair, Melissa. Jamie is an embarrassment to all the James around the fictional world thank you very much
December 28, 2023
This was disappointing after Faith and Teddy's book. Jamie especially frustrated me to no end—a grown ass adult man and still acting like a situationship is the answer. Please be for real.
February 1, 2025
I've read better things on wattpad
October 5, 2023
This is book two of the Pity series and the main characters are Missy (Melissa) Corner, who has lived in Elk Lake all of her life, apart from her years away at college, and Jamie Riordan, who moves from Chicago to the small town, with his daughter Sammy (12) due to the bullying she suffered for the last school year, from girls who were formerly her best friends! Missy works with her mother Margie in their bridal dress shop, Bride’s Paradise, having been pretty much ruled by her mother’s decisions ever since her parents got divorced and life was made difficult. Missy has a number of friends she has known from elementary school, all who have either stayed in town after school, or came back after college. Her friend Paige Holland is the seventh grade maths teacher and they spend time together watching romcoms normally. But this time they watch a dating show and she wonders if they should sign up for the show that seems very realistic and is coming to their state for the next season. Missy’s past dating history has not been great and her last serious relationship ended with her almost fiancé dying before he could give her a ring, some three years before. Jamie has been a single father to Sammy since shortly after her birth, when his partner Beth moved to London for a job and left the baby with him. She hadn’t been well during the pregnancy but in particular afterwards, never actually bonding with Sammy. She felt it would be better if she wasn’t actually a mother and Jamie told her not to contact Sammy until she decided she was ready to be in her life, so as not to mess about with her!
Missy first sees Sammy when she catches her standing by the window fascinated by one of the dresses. Melissa asks her if she wants to come in and look at it, which Sammy is overjoyed at! She soon makes her first friend in town, even if she is a grown woman. Sammy wants to come and work in the shop each day before school starts, even though her dad was actually cutting his hours of work, to spend more time with her. He has never brought anyone home to Sammy, always concerned about his daughter first and foremost. When he comes to find Sammy, he is shocked that Melissa has offered her a job and was going to pay her some cash in hand for her hours helping out. To Melissa he is pretty rude and annoying, but as soon as her mother greets him, he is all smiles and niceties! He may be really handsome, but his attitude towards her was very off-putting. Luckily one of her friends makes up a profile for her on a dating app and she soon has a date with her former high school crush Tim Ferris, who has moved back to town to take over from his father, who wants to retire. Melissa gets herself in a bit of an accidental body plant on top of Jamie as she jumps down a ladder and he is still holding at at the bottom for some reason. She thought he was making excited noises and so kissed him when they got their faces close together. Only he was actually in pain! Which is kinda embarrassing! He returns the kiss a little while later, but then tells her he is not interested in dating her or anyone. Great confidence booster for Melissa!
Her friends Anna and Faith have found their HEA’s and now it is either Melissa or Paige that deserves it next. Melissa has to see loads of women having their happy day after helping them find their dream dress in the bridal shop she owns with her mother. Just she never seems to find her own dream man and an actual wedding. Maybe she should have refused to work with her mother after college and try to branch out somewhere else, but she loves Elk Lake and doesn’t really want to live anywhere else. The only problem now arising is that she and Jamie can’t seem to resist kissing each other and he wants to be her very good friend with kissing benefits, but no further! A bit like Tim who seems to want to date multiple women at once to have the best chance to find someone who won’t let him down this time round. Not something Melissa really agrees with. It takes a few certain incidents and a bit of absence making the heart realise what it truly wants, for common sense to finally reach Jamie, all for a fail in use of an app to almost waylay his apology. Lots of fun situations for the two to explore, but the chemistry was there from the start, it was just past experiences that were stopping them from going further, especially in Jamie’s opinion. Being a single parent puts extra pressure on the dating experience and his last attempt having ended up badly for his daughter, made him hesitant. Shame it took him quite so long to discover what he truly wanted and it messed with Melissa. Cracking young Sammy steals the show in quite a few of the incidents and is very mature and has a good head on her shoulders. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Missy first sees Sammy when she catches her standing by the window fascinated by one of the dresses. Melissa asks her if she wants to come in and look at it, which Sammy is overjoyed at! She soon makes her first friend in town, even if she is a grown woman. Sammy wants to come and work in the shop each day before school starts, even though her dad was actually cutting his hours of work, to spend more time with her. He has never brought anyone home to Sammy, always concerned about his daughter first and foremost. When he comes to find Sammy, he is shocked that Melissa has offered her a job and was going to pay her some cash in hand for her hours helping out. To Melissa he is pretty rude and annoying, but as soon as her mother greets him, he is all smiles and niceties! He may be really handsome, but his attitude towards her was very off-putting. Luckily one of her friends makes up a profile for her on a dating app and she soon has a date with her former high school crush Tim Ferris, who has moved back to town to take over from his father, who wants to retire. Melissa gets herself in a bit of an accidental body plant on top of Jamie as she jumps down a ladder and he is still holding at at the bottom for some reason. She thought he was making excited noises and so kissed him when they got their faces close together. Only he was actually in pain! Which is kinda embarrassing! He returns the kiss a little while later, but then tells her he is not interested in dating her or anyone. Great confidence booster for Melissa!
Her friends Anna and Faith have found their HEA’s and now it is either Melissa or Paige that deserves it next. Melissa has to see loads of women having their happy day after helping them find their dream dress in the bridal shop she owns with her mother. Just she never seems to find her own dream man and an actual wedding. Maybe she should have refused to work with her mother after college and try to branch out somewhere else, but she loves Elk Lake and doesn’t really want to live anywhere else. The only problem now arising is that she and Jamie can’t seem to resist kissing each other and he wants to be her very good friend with kissing benefits, but no further! A bit like Tim who seems to want to date multiple women at once to have the best chance to find someone who won’t let him down this time round. Not something Melissa really agrees with. It takes a few certain incidents and a bit of absence making the heart realise what it truly wants, for common sense to finally reach Jamie, all for a fail in use of an app to almost waylay his apology. Lots of fun situations for the two to explore, but the chemistry was there from the start, it was just past experiences that were stopping them from going further, especially in Jamie’s opinion. Being a single parent puts extra pressure on the dating experience and his last attempt having ended up badly for his daughter, made him hesitant. Shame it took him quite so long to discover what he truly wanted and it messed with Melissa. Cracking young Sammy steals the show in quite a few of the incidents and is very mature and has a good head on her shoulders. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 26, 2023
This is my first novel by Whitney Dineen and I can definitely see why her books are popular. She deftly combines laugh out loud humor with some pretty deep situations. Pity Party is a fun, grumpy/sunshine, small town romance with an endearing tween girl and her single dad.
Melissa co-owns a bridal shop with her mom and is beginning to resent the happy brides especially with her disastrous dating track record. When a cute, bright, bubbly twelve year old girl admires her shop and wants to help out, she’s found a kindred spirit in Sammy. Meeting her handsome dad though gives her major grump vibes. It seems he’s charming to everyone but her. But as she gets to know the man underneath the grumpy facade, she sees a caring, loving father who is still scarred from his past relationship. Melissa wants a home and family, but can she convince Jaime to be more than friends?
Jaime Riordan is committed to not dating while he’s raising his daughter. When Sammy’s mother Beth left them when Sammy was only 10 months old, he never got over it. He was hoping once she got treatment for her postpartum depression, she’d come back. But, it’s been over 11 years, and she’s had no contact with Sammy. Hoping for a new start with his daughter, they move to Elk Lake, Wisconsin.
When he meets Melissa, he’s startled by the attraction he feels towards her and the fact that she looks a little like his ex. He has to do everything in his power not to give in to his feelings for Sammy’s sake. But, when an accidental passionate kiss turns into one of the best kisses he’s had, he doesn’t want to stop kissing her. Is it possible for them to be friends with kissing benefits?
I loved the relationships between Melissa, Sammy, and Jaime. Melissa is so good with Sammy and gives her the motherly advice she’s always wanted. Sammy definitely steals the show and is adorable. Jaime is a fabulous, caring father who makes his daughter his priority. I enjoyed the slow build relationship between Jaime and Melissa. I liked that they were friends first. I was a little annoyed with Jaime because he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. I didn’t like that he wanted fiery kisses with Melissa, but then remain just friends. While their make-out sessions are pretty intense, the author does manage to keep things closed door.
There are some pretty deep subjects covered in this story including: forgiveness, parental abandonment, an overly controlling mother, and bullying. Each of these is handled adeptly and mixed with really funny humor and innuendo. Sammy also gets her period in this book and we see Melissa handling it well while Jaime has a hard time. I also liked how Melissa helped Jaime and Sammy reconcile their feelings towards Beth.
I’d consider this a closed door romance. There is some mild swearing including the “s” word and taking the Lord’s name in vain, innuendo, heavy make-out sessions, and alcohol use. It was a little more than I’m comfortable with, but I still found it enjoyable. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.
Melissa co-owns a bridal shop with her mom and is beginning to resent the happy brides especially with her disastrous dating track record. When a cute, bright, bubbly twelve year old girl admires her shop and wants to help out, she’s found a kindred spirit in Sammy. Meeting her handsome dad though gives her major grump vibes. It seems he’s charming to everyone but her. But as she gets to know the man underneath the grumpy facade, she sees a caring, loving father who is still scarred from his past relationship. Melissa wants a home and family, but can she convince Jaime to be more than friends?
Jaime Riordan is committed to not dating while he’s raising his daughter. When Sammy’s mother Beth left them when Sammy was only 10 months old, he never got over it. He was hoping once she got treatment for her postpartum depression, she’d come back. But, it’s been over 11 years, and she’s had no contact with Sammy. Hoping for a new start with his daughter, they move to Elk Lake, Wisconsin.
When he meets Melissa, he’s startled by the attraction he feels towards her and the fact that she looks a little like his ex. He has to do everything in his power not to give in to his feelings for Sammy’s sake. But, when an accidental passionate kiss turns into one of the best kisses he’s had, he doesn’t want to stop kissing her. Is it possible for them to be friends with kissing benefits?
I loved the relationships between Melissa, Sammy, and Jaime. Melissa is so good with Sammy and gives her the motherly advice she’s always wanted. Sammy definitely steals the show and is adorable. Jaime is a fabulous, caring father who makes his daughter his priority. I enjoyed the slow build relationship between Jaime and Melissa. I liked that they were friends first. I was a little annoyed with Jaime because he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. I didn’t like that he wanted fiery kisses with Melissa, but then remain just friends. While their make-out sessions are pretty intense, the author does manage to keep things closed door.
There are some pretty deep subjects covered in this story including: forgiveness, parental abandonment, an overly controlling mother, and bullying. Each of these is handled adeptly and mixed with really funny humor and innuendo. Sammy also gets her period in this book and we see Melissa handling it well while Jaime has a hard time. I also liked how Melissa helped Jaime and Sammy reconcile their feelings towards Beth.
I’d consider this a closed door romance. There is some mild swearing including the “s” word and taking the Lord’s name in vain, innuendo, heavy make-out sessions, and alcohol use. It was a little more than I’m comfortable with, but I still found it enjoyable. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.
April 13, 2025
Whitney Dineen’s Pity series takes place in the small town of Elk Lake, Wisconsin. Full of well-rounded characters, this series of standalones reads better in publication order, since you’ll get the satisfaction of seeing what’s happening with the characters even after they cease to be the main focus. CAN you read them out of order? Sure. SHOULD you? That’s up to you.
All of these books feature women who have lots of spunk and personality, but haven’t been lucky in love. Many cover parental relationships, what it’s like to be a woman in business, and other issues reflected in modern society. None of the female leads is obsessed with appearance; all clearly enjoy good food and none is a size 2.
All have references to popular culture, just enough to ground them in the modern day. Recurring characters—even those who are not the focus of the story—are well rounded. It’s also fun to see the hints for what characters could be the focus of later books.
I also love the little bits of unimportant continuity, like the apartment above the yarn shop—first Melissa lives there, then Trina rents it for a summer, and finally, Lorelei considers moving there.
It’s now two years since the first book was published, as the sixth is hitting the market. Time passes a little faster in Elk Lake, as you will see with references to Pity Date’s Faith and Teddy in Pity Play.
My Thoughts:
Melissa has lived in Elk Lake all her life and works with her mother in their bridal salon. Mom is more than a little overbearing and puts a lot of pressure on Melissa to find a man.
Jamie moves with his daughter, Sammy, to Elk Lake, to get her away from some toxic bullying. Sammy’s mom left them when Sammy was an infant, and it’s just been her and Jamie. He’s protective of her, and he’s a really involved and caring dad.
When 12-year-old Sammy starts helping Melissa at the bridal store on her very first day in town, Jamie is skeptical. It doesn’t help that he finds Melissa attractive in a way he hasn’t thought of a woman in a long time. He has reason to be cautious about dating.
Melissa becomes a good friend to Sammy, helping her with things like choosing the right colors for their red-head complexions to periods.
And when Jamie and Melissa find themselves becoming friends who happen to kiss, a lot, the tension ratchets up even more. Events keep pushing them together, and Jamie really tries hard to resist, worrying that pursuing a romantic relationship with Melissa could end with heartbreak for both him and his daughter.
The reappearance of Sammy’s mother in their lives gives Jamie the push he needs to finally allow himself to admit the possibility of love again.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Very mild cursing. Indications that unmarried adults have sex. Mention of LGBTQ people. Mention of death of romantic partner. Adults drink alcohol. Divorce and parental abandonment. Discussion of periods. Bullying.
Who Might Like These Books:
Romcom fans, especially those who like imperfect characters and small towns..
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
All of these books feature women who have lots of spunk and personality, but haven’t been lucky in love. Many cover parental relationships, what it’s like to be a woman in business, and other issues reflected in modern society. None of the female leads is obsessed with appearance; all clearly enjoy good food and none is a size 2.
All have references to popular culture, just enough to ground them in the modern day. Recurring characters—even those who are not the focus of the story—are well rounded. It’s also fun to see the hints for what characters could be the focus of later books.
I also love the little bits of unimportant continuity, like the apartment above the yarn shop—first Melissa lives there, then Trina rents it for a summer, and finally, Lorelei considers moving there.
It’s now two years since the first book was published, as the sixth is hitting the market. Time passes a little faster in Elk Lake, as you will see with references to Pity Date’s Faith and Teddy in Pity Play.
My Thoughts:
Melissa has lived in Elk Lake all her life and works with her mother in their bridal salon. Mom is more than a little overbearing and puts a lot of pressure on Melissa to find a man.
Jamie moves with his daughter, Sammy, to Elk Lake, to get her away from some toxic bullying. Sammy’s mom left them when Sammy was an infant, and it’s just been her and Jamie. He’s protective of her, and he’s a really involved and caring dad.
When 12-year-old Sammy starts helping Melissa at the bridal store on her very first day in town, Jamie is skeptical. It doesn’t help that he finds Melissa attractive in a way he hasn’t thought of a woman in a long time. He has reason to be cautious about dating.
Melissa becomes a good friend to Sammy, helping her with things like choosing the right colors for their red-head complexions to periods.
And when Jamie and Melissa find themselves becoming friends who happen to kiss, a lot, the tension ratchets up even more. Events keep pushing them together, and Jamie really tries hard to resist, worrying that pursuing a romantic relationship with Melissa could end with heartbreak for both him and his daughter.
The reappearance of Sammy’s mother in their lives gives Jamie the push he needs to finally allow himself to admit the possibility of love again.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Very mild cursing. Indications that unmarried adults have sex. Mention of LGBTQ people. Mention of death of romantic partner. Adults drink alcohol. Divorce and parental abandonment. Discussion of periods. Bullying.
Who Might Like These Books:
Romcom fans, especially those who like imperfect characters and small towns..
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
September 13, 2023
Single dad with a plan goes off track: witty & fun💋
4.5🌟 stars
I love a single dad romance and when the child is an emotional pre-teen, even better, especially from author Whitney Dineen in Pity Party. The closeness between Jamie and his twelve year-old daughter Sammy is adorable and Jamie's sole focus on protecting and nurturing his daughter made their bond a key theme throughout the story. Melissa, the local resident in a small Wisconsin town who befriends newly-arrived Sammy and can't escape her instant attraction to Jamie, is a down-to-earth, all-around great catch but Jamie resists.
This novel was an easy read and I really enjoyed the idea that Sammy fell into such a great situation, with Melissa as her confidante and mentor, so soon after moving from Chicago where mean girls had done their best to attack and wound her.
Despite their age gap, Melissa never tries to act the motherly figure that Sammy has missed out on since her mother abandoned Jamie and Sammy before Sammy's first birthday. Melissa is a welcoming committee of one who even offers Sammy a summer job in her bridal boutique, helps her connect with the local kids and always has time to support the girl when difficult things, like meeting her mother for the first time in twelve years, come up. It was refreshing to read about their blossoming friendship and how it gave Sammy confidence and a foot in the door to town life. The best scene for me: Sammy's delight in "becoming a woman" and proudly announcing it to Melissa and her dad.
Jamie seemed swoon-worthy but his intransigence about steering clear of any relationship, which was the main thread running through the plot, showed him up as simply stubborn, especially when he plays on Melissa's attraction to him.
The secondary characters are just that: not too intrusive. Date Machine Tim added an unusual subplot and I liked the arc of the story for Margie, Melissa's mom and door mat to her second husband until Melissa gets her seeing her life from a different perspective.
I found the romance sweet, the interplay between characters endearing and the book overall a great read. Dineen is an expert at creating relatable characters with fun and whimsy, but she does not shy away from some of the serious issues like teen bullying.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
I love a single dad romance and when the child is an emotional pre-teen, even better, especially from author Whitney Dineen in Pity Party. The closeness between Jamie and his twelve year-old daughter Sammy is adorable and Jamie's sole focus on protecting and nurturing his daughter made their bond a key theme throughout the story. Melissa, the local resident in a small Wisconsin town who befriends newly-arrived Sammy and can't escape her instant attraction to Jamie, is a down-to-earth, all-around great catch but Jamie resists.
This novel was an easy read and I really enjoyed the idea that Sammy fell into such a great situation, with Melissa as her confidante and mentor, so soon after moving from Chicago where mean girls had done their best to attack and wound her.
Despite their age gap, Melissa never tries to act the motherly figure that Sammy has missed out on since her mother abandoned Jamie and Sammy before Sammy's first birthday. Melissa is a welcoming committee of one who even offers Sammy a summer job in her bridal boutique, helps her connect with the local kids and always has time to support the girl when difficult things, like meeting her mother for the first time in twelve years, come up. It was refreshing to read about their blossoming friendship and how it gave Sammy confidence and a foot in the door to town life. The best scene for me: Sammy's delight in "becoming a woman" and proudly announcing it to Melissa and her dad.
Jamie seemed swoon-worthy but his intransigence about steering clear of any relationship, which was the main thread running through the plot, showed him up as simply stubborn, especially when he plays on Melissa's attraction to him.
The secondary characters are just that: not too intrusive. Date Machine Tim added an unusual subplot and I liked the arc of the story for Margie, Melissa's mom and door mat to her second husband until Melissa gets her seeing her life from a different perspective.
I found the romance sweet, the interplay between characters endearing and the book overall a great read. Dineen is an expert at creating relatable characters with fun and whimsy, but she does not shy away from some of the serious issues like teen bullying.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 26, 2023
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @whitneydineenauthor for an early copy of Pity Party. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: September 26th, 2023
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Pity Party is a heartwarming novel for me, simply because I enjoyed Melissa’s relationship with Sammy, Jamie’s daughter. Having Sammy’s mother, Beth, leave them when she was only a few months old, Jamie has raised Sammy on his own and has vowed to never date again and just be 100% there for his daughter. He’s a sweet dad and his love for his daughter was so much that he was willing to give up his romantic happiness for her. Their move to Elk Lake is clearly the right move for their family, with Melissa being Sammy’s first friend in the town. I loved Melissa’s character and how good she is to and for Sammy. She really understands her and gives sound advice like a mother would give to her child even though she doesn’t have one herself.
On the other hand, I felt Melissa had more chemistry with Tim than she had with Jamie. Jamie and Melissa were physically attracted to each other which was very evident by their wanting to kiss each other all the time, but I felt like they lacked the emotional connection and chemistry. Yes, they relied on each other as they unloaded their painful pasts, but I wished they had more fun and enjoyable times together rather than their rollercoaster ride of emotions, I found it frustrating with Jamie that he kept confusing Melissa about wanting to kiss her but can’t be in a relationship with her, thinking it would be the best for his daughter not to date anyone.
Overall a fun and heartwarming read! This novel explores acceptance and forgiveness, and that all the pain is a part of growing up; fear would only hinder you from experiencing the good parts life has to offer.
Thank you @whitneydineenauthor for an early copy of Pity Party. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: September 26th, 2023
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Pity Party is a heartwarming novel for me, simply because I enjoyed Melissa’s relationship with Sammy, Jamie’s daughter. Having Sammy’s mother, Beth, leave them when she was only a few months old, Jamie has raised Sammy on his own and has vowed to never date again and just be 100% there for his daughter. He’s a sweet dad and his love for his daughter was so much that he was willing to give up his romantic happiness for her. Their move to Elk Lake is clearly the right move for their family, with Melissa being Sammy’s first friend in the town. I loved Melissa’s character and how good she is to and for Sammy. She really understands her and gives sound advice like a mother would give to her child even though she doesn’t have one herself.
On the other hand, I felt Melissa had more chemistry with Tim than she had with Jamie. Jamie and Melissa were physically attracted to each other which was very evident by their wanting to kiss each other all the time, but I felt like they lacked the emotional connection and chemistry. Yes, they relied on each other as they unloaded their painful pasts, but I wished they had more fun and enjoyable times together rather than their rollercoaster ride of emotions, I found it frustrating with Jamie that he kept confusing Melissa about wanting to kiss her but can’t be in a relationship with her, thinking it would be the best for his daughter not to date anyone.
Overall a fun and heartwarming read! This novel explores acceptance and forgiveness, and that all the pain is a part of growing up; fear would only hinder you from experiencing the good parts life has to offer.
September 11, 2023
A good rom-com filled with emotions and best relationships between characters.
Melissa owns a bridal store, with her mom, in the Elk Lake. She is super single and is in search of love that lasts. What she didn't expect is a gorgeous friendship with a gorgeous 12 yeard old and her stupidly gorgeous father, Jamie.
Jamie and Sammy move to Elk Lake to get a new start. Jamie's been single from the time Sammy's mom left when the baby was 6 months old. And dating after that lead to severe bad consequences that hurt Sammy. Just when he decided to be away from dating drama, he ends up getting dangerously attracted to Melissa.
You need to read how everything unfolded between these three amazing characters.
First, I love the characterizations. From Melissa's mom to Beth to Terra and her husband. But I am not sure if I like Jamie. I understand him but I don't know if I like him. For one thing, if I know for sure that there is no future, I wouldn't go around kissing and lead someone. And then say we can just be friends (but who kiss eachother). Or justify it saying that I am only human. He is lucky that Melissa didn't give up. Melissa and Sammy's friendship is adorable. It is the best thing in the whole story.
I liked the potrayal of emotions of a single father. How afraid and on-guard he should be always to protect his daughter from cruel things.
I believe there is nothing mentioned about moving into the log house, which I would have loved if the lot moved there and there are couple of scenes there. And I am pretty sure the cover can be done better. The story is so sweet but the cover really doesn't give anything. It's just a woman. A thing or two that can relate to the plot would have made it better.
I would love to read the upcoming books in this series. And did I mention that I loved this more than 'Pity Date'?
Melissa owns a bridal store, with her mom, in the Elk Lake. She is super single and is in search of love that lasts. What she didn't expect is a gorgeous friendship with a gorgeous 12 yeard old and her stupidly gorgeous father, Jamie.
Jamie and Sammy move to Elk Lake to get a new start. Jamie's been single from the time Sammy's mom left when the baby was 6 months old. And dating after that lead to severe bad consequences that hurt Sammy. Just when he decided to be away from dating drama, he ends up getting dangerously attracted to Melissa.
You need to read how everything unfolded between these three amazing characters.
First, I love the characterizations. From Melissa's mom to Beth to Terra and her husband. But I am not sure if I like Jamie. I understand him but I don't know if I like him. For one thing, if I know for sure that there is no future, I wouldn't go around kissing and lead someone. And then say we can just be friends (but who kiss eachother). Or justify it saying that I am only human. He is lucky that Melissa didn't give up. Melissa and Sammy's friendship is adorable. It is the best thing in the whole story.
I liked the potrayal of emotions of a single father. How afraid and on-guard he should be always to protect his daughter from cruel things.
I believe there is nothing mentioned about moving into the log house, which I would have loved if the lot moved there and there are couple of scenes there. And I am pretty sure the cover can be done better. The story is so sweet but the cover really doesn't give anything. It's just a woman. A thing or two that can relate to the plot would have made it better.
I would love to read the upcoming books in this series. And did I mention that I loved this more than 'Pity Date'?
October 3, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. Melissa owned the town bridal shop with her mother. Jamie and his twelve-year-old daughter moved to town after she experienced bullying in Chicago. (“Junior high school girls have got to be the most dangerous beasts on the planet.”) When Sammy built a friendship with Melissa, Jamie and Melissa had to confront their attraction to each other, especially as they ended up spending more and more time together. The development of the romance was swoony and so great. I really enjoyed it and all the interactions between them. Jamie’s relationship with Sammy was so beautiful. This is probably one of my favourite single-dad books I’ve read. There was good banter, particularly the fun between Jamie and Sammy. The characters were great, especially Melissa, Jamie and Sammy. They were very engaging and I was truly invested in their lives. The biggest roadblock to the romantic relationship between Melissa and Jamie were Jamie’s fears, particularly in regards to Sammy being hurt, and the author really set-up a background that made that very believable. “‘You’re so worried about making wrong decisions that you’re afraid to make the right one.’” This book was so good. I absolutely recommend it for romance readers who like closed door but have some tolerance for innuendo and discussion of intimacy. This is the second book in a series but reads very well as a standalone. Reading the first book is not necessary to enjoy this one. This book does set-up book three and I’m very excited for it! There is content about bullying, parental abandonment, and unhealthy relationships. This is a closed door story with moderate innuendo and discussion. There are a couple instances of harsh language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2023
Where do I start reviewing this book. Firstly by saying five stars is definitely not enough and secondly Whitney has out done herself with this book.
Being left by your partner with her not even wanting to be a part of her daughters life isn't easy, so Jamie decides it's best to cut himself off from committing to any form of relationship. He concentrates on his daughter and his business until fate has other ideas. After bullying and angry confrontations he decides they need to move to a quite place called Elk Lake where they vactioned the previous year. Melissa is co owner of the bridal shop, but certainly disillusioned on ever finding the one. Her mother is constantly telling her that she needs to stop being so fussy and settle down. Most of her friends are now married other than Paige, who also feels its time they both took serious steps to find romance. Her first encounter with Jamie is not good she feels he's grumpy and rude. But she becomes friends with his twelve year old daughter and can't imagine how she can be so outgoing and friendly with such a miserable father. Will these two every see eye to eye. The characters are so believable and the storyline is so relatable that you really are drawn into their lives. Although there are quite a few funny situations there's also serious issue's covered well and very believable dealt with. I found I didn't want the bookbto end and couldn't put it down. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I most certainly hope you'll enjoy it just as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being left by your partner with her not even wanting to be a part of her daughters life isn't easy, so Jamie decides it's best to cut himself off from committing to any form of relationship. He concentrates on his daughter and his business until fate has other ideas. After bullying and angry confrontations he decides they need to move to a quite place called Elk Lake where they vactioned the previous year. Melissa is co owner of the bridal shop, but certainly disillusioned on ever finding the one. Her mother is constantly telling her that she needs to stop being so fussy and settle down. Most of her friends are now married other than Paige, who also feels its time they both took serious steps to find romance. Her first encounter with Jamie is not good she feels he's grumpy and rude. But she becomes friends with his twelve year old daughter and can't imagine how she can be so outgoing and friendly with such a miserable father. Will these two every see eye to eye. The characters are so believable and the storyline is so relatable that you really are drawn into their lives. Although there are quite a few funny situations there's also serious issue's covered well and very believable dealt with. I found I didn't want the bookbto end and couldn't put it down. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I most certainly hope you'll enjoy it just as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you @KateRockBookTours and @WhitneyDineenAuthor for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
It was so great to be back in the quaint and charming town of Elk Lake, Wisconsin. I love the atmosphere and the fact that people know each other.
But Melissa is thirty-two and works with her mother in the local bridal boutique. Not the best place when you're still single and your mother hounds you about your relationship status daily. Her two closest friends are happily married and now Melissa wonders if she must resort to a match-making show... until she sees the new guy in town.
Jamie Riordan and his twelve-year-old daughter, Sammy, just moved to Elk Lake. He’s a single dad trying to give his daughter a clean slate after she went through a terrible school year of bullying. He is a hot dad who is fully devoted to his kid, but he wants nothing to do with dating, and he lets Melissa know it.
So mix one smart and sassy woman with one scorned, protective dad and one adorable, preteen girl who wants a mom to help her through puberty and you’ve got a charming, heartwarming romance. I loved the friendship that blossomed between Melissa and Sammy; they both helped each other see the power of forgiveness and letting hurt go. The romance is a slow-friends first build, and it brings up some important issues. I flew through this and was sad to say goodbye to the residents of Elk Lake… for now.
Whitney Dineen has become a favorite of mine, and I’m excited to read the next installment of this series.
Thank you @KateRockBookTours and @WhitneyDineenAuthor for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
It was so great to be back in the quaint and charming town of Elk Lake, Wisconsin. I love the atmosphere and the fact that people know each other.
But Melissa is thirty-two and works with her mother in the local bridal boutique. Not the best place when you're still single and your mother hounds you about your relationship status daily. Her two closest friends are happily married and now Melissa wonders if she must resort to a match-making show... until she sees the new guy in town.
Jamie Riordan and his twelve-year-old daughter, Sammy, just moved to Elk Lake. He’s a single dad trying to give his daughter a clean slate after she went through a terrible school year of bullying. He is a hot dad who is fully devoted to his kid, but he wants nothing to do with dating, and he lets Melissa know it.
So mix one smart and sassy woman with one scorned, protective dad and one adorable, preteen girl who wants a mom to help her through puberty and you’ve got a charming, heartwarming romance. I loved the friendship that blossomed between Melissa and Sammy; they both helped each other see the power of forgiveness and letting hurt go. The romance is a slow-friends first build, and it brings up some important issues. I flew through this and was sad to say goodbye to the residents of Elk Lake… for now.
Whitney Dineen has become a favorite of mine, and I’m excited to read the next installment of this series.
September 4, 2023
Sometimes, you just come across the book that your heart needed and you didn't even know it. That's how I feel about Pity Party by Whitney Dineen.
Melissa's beginning to regret her career choice. Afterall, it's tough being a bridal consultant when your own love life is non-existent. When Jamie Riordan moves to her small town, Melissa and Jamie's daughter Sammy become fast friends. Things could be looking up for Melissa in the love department too, that is until Melissa realizes that Jamie is a just tall gorgeous grump who wants nothing to do with her.
Jamie and Melissa's relationship definitely has some grump/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers vibes at times, but it also has some humor and pulled at my heartstrings too. This is one of those books that is a romance, but it's not just the romantic relationship that is the focus of the story. So much of this book revolves around Jamie's relationship with Sammy and with Melissa's relationship with Sammy, and let me tell you...I couldn't help but adore that 12-year old young lady.
I nearly read this book in one sitting, not wanting to put it down until I found out how it would end. I smiled, I laughed, and I cried. My heart broke and was put back together again. In the end, I found this one to be a feel good romance (and so much more), and it was exactly what my heart needed.
Melissa's beginning to regret her career choice. Afterall, it's tough being a bridal consultant when your own love life is non-existent. When Jamie Riordan moves to her small town, Melissa and Jamie's daughter Sammy become fast friends. Things could be looking up for Melissa in the love department too, that is until Melissa realizes that Jamie is a just tall gorgeous grump who wants nothing to do with her.
Jamie and Melissa's relationship definitely has some grump/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers vibes at times, but it also has some humor and pulled at my heartstrings too. This is one of those books that is a romance, but it's not just the romantic relationship that is the focus of the story. So much of this book revolves around Jamie's relationship with Sammy and with Melissa's relationship with Sammy, and let me tell you...I couldn't help but adore that 12-year old young lady.
I nearly read this book in one sitting, not wanting to put it down until I found out how it would end. I smiled, I laughed, and I cried. My heart broke and was put back together again. In the end, I found this one to be a feel good romance (and so much more), and it was exactly what my heart needed.
September 26, 2023
I read the first in the series, Pity Date, last week, and Pity Party over the weekend. These sweet romcom books were a fun and quick read! Elk Lake seems like a welcoming, relaxed small town community.
Melissa Corner owns the bridal shop in Elk Lake, WI with her mom, and helps brides from all over find their perfect wedding day look. After two failed long-term relationships, she isn’t sure Mr. Right is out there but is determined to keep trying. Maybe online dating will work?
Jamie Riordan and his 12-year old daughter, Sammy, are new to Elk Lake. And Jamie is convinced that staying single is the way to go. After a chance meeting, Sammy thinks helping Melissa out at the bridal shop is really fun. Sammy’s mom abandoned them when she was just a baby, and she loves hanging out with Melissa and getting advice from her.
There’s some obvious attraction (and a few smooches along the way) but past experiences mean hesitation. Can these two figure things out, or will Melissa find another man to spend her life with instead?
And Sammy was wonderful! Her almost-teen antics and teasing towards her dad were hilarious. I have a tween at home, and I can see her saying many similar things in a few years just to get a reaction. 😂
Thanks to author Whitney Dineen and Wildfire Marketing for the copy of Pity Party, receipt of which did not impact my review.
Melissa Corner owns the bridal shop in Elk Lake, WI with her mom, and helps brides from all over find their perfect wedding day look. After two failed long-term relationships, she isn’t sure Mr. Right is out there but is determined to keep trying. Maybe online dating will work?
Jamie Riordan and his 12-year old daughter, Sammy, are new to Elk Lake. And Jamie is convinced that staying single is the way to go. After a chance meeting, Sammy thinks helping Melissa out at the bridal shop is really fun. Sammy’s mom abandoned them when she was just a baby, and she loves hanging out with Melissa and getting advice from her.
There’s some obvious attraction (and a few smooches along the way) but past experiences mean hesitation. Can these two figure things out, or will Melissa find another man to spend her life with instead?
And Sammy was wonderful! Her almost-teen antics and teasing towards her dad were hilarious. I have a tween at home, and I can see her saying many similar things in a few years just to get a reaction. 😂
Thanks to author Whitney Dineen and Wildfire Marketing for the copy of Pity Party, receipt of which did not impact my review.
October 16, 2023
Pity Party by Whitney Dineen is a closed-door romantic comedy and is second in the Pity Series. Melissa owns a Bridal Boutique with her mother. She thinks it is not the best job for someone who is single and wants very badly to be married. Jamie Riordan has just moved to Elk Lake with his 12-year-old daughter. He is trying to start over and his past tells him feel like he can never date anyone that his daughter knows. What if they end up liking each other?
I enjoyed meeting up again with my new friends in Elk Lake, Wisconsin. Melissa is a kind compassionate character who is trying to make peace with her past and her family. I enjoyed her interactions with Jamie’s daughter, Sammie, and her interactions with her mother. Jamie is an amazing single dad, and the story has an interesting spin on his situation. I loved the banter, chemistry, and humor between Melissa and Jamie The supporting characters added humor, depth and charm to the story. I am feeling very connected to my new friends in Elk Lake, Wisconsin and love the town.
This is a delightful redemptive story. The author weaves humor through the hard things in life and offers a great ending. I recommend Pity Party by Whitney Dineen.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
I enjoyed meeting up again with my new friends in Elk Lake, Wisconsin. Melissa is a kind compassionate character who is trying to make peace with her past and her family. I enjoyed her interactions with Jamie’s daughter, Sammie, and her interactions with her mother. Jamie is an amazing single dad, and the story has an interesting spin on his situation. I loved the banter, chemistry, and humor between Melissa and Jamie The supporting characters added humor, depth and charm to the story. I am feeling very connected to my new friends in Elk Lake, Wisconsin and love the town.
This is a delightful redemptive story. The author weaves humor through the hard things in life and offers a great ending. I recommend Pity Party by Whitney Dineen.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
September 24, 2023
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Melissa’s lived in Elk Lake Wisconsin her whole life apart from a few years in college. She runs the local bridal boutique with her mom, but the fact that she’s 32 and single and bossed around by her mom is driving her nuts. When her best friend signs her up for a dating app, she starts dating Tim, who’s taking over the country club from his dad. But single dad Jamie who’s also recently moved into town with his daughter Samantha is catching Melissa’s eye!
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
The second book in this sweet series, I think this story can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed how Melissa is trying to stand up for herself and also take action on her single status, and how sweetly she bonds with Sammy. I did want to give Jamie a shake for the way he was quite happy to kiss Melissa but kept denying wanting a relationship with her, while he was relying on her like she was his girlfriend 😩 Also, as a mom to a 12 year old, having Sammy help out in the bridal shop constantly feels like a bit of a stretch. But… this is still a fun, small town weekend read with some serious issues covered ❤️
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
Melissa’s lived in Elk Lake Wisconsin her whole life apart from a few years in college. She runs the local bridal boutique with her mom, but the fact that she’s 32 and single and bossed around by her mom is driving her nuts. When her best friend signs her up for a dating app, she starts dating Tim, who’s taking over the country club from his dad. But single dad Jamie who’s also recently moved into town with his daughter Samantha is catching Melissa’s eye!
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
The second book in this sweet series, I think this story can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed how Melissa is trying to stand up for herself and also take action on her single status, and how sweetly she bonds with Sammy. I did want to give Jamie a shake for the way he was quite happy to kiss Melissa but kept denying wanting a relationship with her, while he was relying on her like she was his girlfriend 😩 Also, as a mom to a 12 year old, having Sammy help out in the bridal shop constantly feels like a bit of a stretch. But… this is still a fun, small town weekend read with some serious issues covered ❤️
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
September 27, 2023
3.5 stars for Melissa and Jamie
All of these stars are for the writing, Melissa and Samantha. I didn’t really like the story itself or Jamie. Jamie is no Teddy, that’s for sure. There wasn’t much romance between the two MCs. The majority of the book Melissa was dating another guy and Jamie was waxing poetic about his ex, Beth, and how he thought they’d be together forever. I mean Melissa’s last boyfriend passed away and she didn’t even think about him half as much as Jamie thought about Beth. I felt like Beth was such a large part of this book there was no room left for Melissa and Jamie to build something. He pushed her away the entire book! He doesn’t want to date her but he doesn’t want anyone else to have her either which is frustrating. Even at 70% he’s wondering if he still has feelings for his ex. I would have liked to see more time with them to together. The writing was really good and Melissa was hilarious. I loved her! I am looking forward to Paige’s book.
Also I didn’t like Anna in the first book and I still didn’t like her in this one.
FMC DATES AND KISSES OM MOST OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK WHICH I WOULD CONSIDER OM DRAMA
NO HEAT (ONLY KISSES SHARED)
NO MANWHORES
NO VIRGINS BUT THEY DONT HAVE SEX SO I GUESS THATS IRRELEVANT
All of these stars are for the writing, Melissa and Samantha. I didn’t really like the story itself or Jamie. Jamie is no Teddy, that’s for sure. There wasn’t much romance between the two MCs. The majority of the book Melissa was dating another guy and Jamie was waxing poetic about his ex, Beth, and how he thought they’d be together forever. I mean Melissa’s last boyfriend passed away and she didn’t even think about him half as much as Jamie thought about Beth. I felt like Beth was such a large part of this book there was no room left for Melissa and Jamie to build something. He pushed her away the entire book! He doesn’t want to date her but he doesn’t want anyone else to have her either which is frustrating. Even at 70% he’s wondering if he still has feelings for his ex. I would have liked to see more time with them to together. The writing was really good and Melissa was hilarious. I loved her! I am looking forward to Paige’s book.
Also I didn’t like Anna in the first book and I still didn’t like her in this one.
FMC DATES AND KISSES OM MOST OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK WHICH I WOULD CONSIDER OM DRAMA
NO HEAT (ONLY KISSES SHARED)
NO MANWHORES
NO VIRGINS BUT THEY DONT HAVE SEX SO I GUESS THATS IRRELEVANT
October 3, 2023
Thank you @WhitneyDineenAuthor for my complimentary autographed copy and book bling & @KateRockBookTours for my spot on the tour. My thoughts are my own.
Melissa owns a bridal boutique with her mother and, at 32 years old, she is tired of helping other women choose their attire for their wedding day without ever planning her own. With two failed relationships behind her, she’s almost given up on looking for that perfect match.
Jamie is single dad to a 12-year-old delightful daughter. His personal life is on hold as he tries to help his daughter maneuver into her teens.
When Jamie and Melissa meet, the chemistry is there immediately, but with Jamie’s refusal to date, it looks like nothing will happen. Can he control his jealousy as Melissa dates other men?
Romance is not my first choice genre but I have to say I really enjoyed this book! I found myself laughing out loud at the father/daughter jokes and games, as well as the situations Jamie and Melissa found themselves in. I loved Jamie’s relationship with his daughter, Sammie; and Sammie was a delight!
If you enjoy duo perspectives, the grumpy/sunshine troupe, and small town romance, I think you will love this one. This is a clean romance with some sizzling moments!
Melissa owns a bridal boutique with her mother and, at 32 years old, she is tired of helping other women choose their attire for their wedding day without ever planning her own. With two failed relationships behind her, she’s almost given up on looking for that perfect match.
Jamie is single dad to a 12-year-old delightful daughter. His personal life is on hold as he tries to help his daughter maneuver into her teens.
When Jamie and Melissa meet, the chemistry is there immediately, but with Jamie’s refusal to date, it looks like nothing will happen. Can he control his jealousy as Melissa dates other men?
Romance is not my first choice genre but I have to say I really enjoyed this book! I found myself laughing out loud at the father/daughter jokes and games, as well as the situations Jamie and Melissa found themselves in. I loved Jamie’s relationship with his daughter, Sammie; and Sammie was a delight!
If you enjoy duo perspectives, the grumpy/sunshine troupe, and small town romance, I think you will love this one. This is a clean romance with some sizzling moments!
August 31, 2023
I'm a big fan of the Subreddit, AITA (if you know, you know!) In that vein: I, Jamie (40ish) have a daughter, Sam(13), who I would do ANYTHING for. Her mother abandoned us when she was only 10 months old. It took me a very long time to get over this betrayal. I tried dating again, but the last woman i dated told everyone we were an item before I was ready. Her daughter didn't accept us as a couple, and proceeded to make my daughter's life a living hell. It got to the point that we actually moved to a smaller town to escape the bullying. But in Elk Lake (the small town) I mat a woman, (Melissa32) who seems to be everything I ever wanted in a mate! But I've sworn not to date again until Sam is in college (which is, admittedly, not for about 6 years, and she doesn't have children either.) I kissed her in a moment of weakness...and wanted more! I'm really attracted to her! But I told her I don't even want to be friends. She's understandably hurt by this. And on top of it all, she and Sam have connected as well, and seem to be good friends. I'm really torn. So tell me...AITA? (Read the book, and decide for yourself!)
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