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Lake Starlight #4
The Drawback of Single Dads
He’s the father of my child and my best friend.
When Hudson and I met, somehow things just clicked between us. We had the same sense of humor and the same carefree attitude about our lives and goals. Neither of us wanted to lay down roots, we wanted to explore the world.
Then one night, too much alcohol and uncontrolled hormones led to the line blurring, and we fell into bed together only to discover a month later that we were more careless than we thought.
Like the upstanding guy he is, Hudson followed me back to my hometown of Lake Starlight, Alaska, where you can’t throw a penny and not hit one of my family members. We gave them the news that yes, we were having a baby but there would be no wedding. We loved each other but we weren’t in love.
Fast forward three years and we live side by side to make co-parenting our daughter easy. I’m a writer, and he’s a ski instructor. We’ve worked out all the rough edges. Life is good.
Until out of nowhere, things start to change. He has a girlfriend, we’re arguing more than ever, and it feels as if someone has come along and popped our perfect bubble. I’m not sure we’re ever going to fit back inside it now because things are developing. Things like feelings.
When Hudson and I met, somehow things just clicked between us. We had the same sense of humor and the same carefree attitude about our lives and goals. Neither of us wanted to lay down roots, we wanted to explore the world.
Then one night, too much alcohol and uncontrolled hormones led to the line blurring, and we fell into bed together only to discover a month later that we were more careless than we thought.
Like the upstanding guy he is, Hudson followed me back to my hometown of Lake Starlight, Alaska, where you can’t throw a penny and not hit one of my family members. We gave them the news that yes, we were having a baby but there would be no wedding. We loved each other but we weren’t in love.
Fast forward three years and we live side by side to make co-parenting our daughter easy. I’m a writer, and he’s a ski instructor. We’ve worked out all the rough edges. Life is good.
Until out of nowhere, things start to change. He has a girlfriend, we’re arguing more than ever, and it feels as if someone has come along and popped our perfect bubble. I’m not sure we’re ever going to fit back inside it now because things are developing. Things like feelings.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
361 people are currently reading
1172 people want to read
About the author
Piper Rayne
215 books6,939 followersPiper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
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March 28, 2024Unsafe
Double standards
- she is single and hasnt been with anyone for about a year
- he is dating and fucking someone else for about 85%-90% of the book
He decides she wants her when she finally has a date with someone else, the same night he breaks up with the ow (he is undecided if he will ruin the h date after break up with the ow or if he should just fuck the ow and move on).
He ruins her date and takes her some to lay on the same bed he fucked ow maybe the day before.
Double standards
- she is single and hasnt been with anyone for about a year
- he is dating and fucking someone else for about 85%-90% of the book
He decides she wants her when she finally has a date with someone else, the same night he breaks up with the ow (he is undecided if he will ruin the h date after break up with the ow or if he should just fuck the ow and move on).
He ruins her date and takes her some to lay on the same bed he fucked ow maybe the day before.
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March 26, 2024Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
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July 8, 2024
Palmer and Hudson co-parent their adorable daughter like the best friends they are. They only had one more than friendly moment, and it's why they have Adley. But since then, all they've done is live next to each other so their daughter's life is disrupted the least amount possible, intermingling their lives as friends. But what happens when one of them suddenly can't stand it when the other starts dating? When his feelings (that have always been there) come roaring to the surface? Can Palmer be convinced that crossing that line won't result in losing their friendship?
Hudson has been in the friendzone 99% of his relationship with Palmer, and he's been fine with it up until just recently. Now they're sneaking around, indulging in their feelings, but something's still bugging him. Will Palmer ever be OK with them going public? He knows she has trust issues, thanks to a revelation about her parents, but he's getting tired of being a secret. If he's not careful, everything they've built might just be lost if he pushes her too far too fast. He'll either have to tread lightly or decide if he can stay a secret indefinitely.
Friends to more can be difficult to write well. Hudson and Palmer's story is perhaps not my favorite either of the authors or of this trope, but it's still sweet and heartfelt. Adley is adorable, as are the meddling residents of their small town. Really, the only thing I had a minor problem with, and the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars, is because I didn't feel that strong chemistry the authors usually give me. It's probably because they didn't really give in for a long time, and most of the rest of the time, they weren't admitting their feelings. I understood Palmer's reluctance to go public, but it was a bit frustrating, not just for me, for Hudson too, poor guy. Still though, I really enjoyed this small town romance. The deaf rep is perfectly done with the right amount of sensitivity without going overboard, and there are cameos by some of my favorite characters in the authors' series.
**Second chance
**Friends to lovers
**Single Parents
CL listen 🎶
Hudson has been in the friendzone 99% of his relationship with Palmer, and he's been fine with it up until just recently. Now they're sneaking around, indulging in their feelings, but something's still bugging him. Will Palmer ever be OK with them going public? He knows she has trust issues, thanks to a revelation about her parents, but he's getting tired of being a secret. If he's not careful, everything they've built might just be lost if he pushes her too far too fast. He'll either have to tread lightly or decide if he can stay a secret indefinitely.
Friends to more can be difficult to write well. Hudson and Palmer's story is perhaps not my favorite either of the authors or of this trope, but it's still sweet and heartfelt. Adley is adorable, as are the meddling residents of their small town. Really, the only thing I had a minor problem with, and the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars, is because I didn't feel that strong chemistry the authors usually give me. It's probably because they didn't really give in for a long time, and most of the rest of the time, they weren't admitting their feelings. I understood Palmer's reluctance to go public, but it was a bit frustrating, not just for me, for Hudson too, poor guy. Still though, I really enjoyed this small town romance. The deaf rep is perfectly done with the right amount of sensitivity without going overboard, and there are cameos by some of my favorite characters in the authors' series.
**Second chance
**Friends to lovers
**Single Parents
CL listen 🎶
March 21, 2024
The Drawback of Single Dads is friends to lovers, single parent perfection. Add in the slowest slow-burn to ever slow-burn (sloth-burn?) the cackling laughter, especially at the hands (mouths) of the folks of the Northern Lights, and you end up with another new Piper Rayne favorite.
Not only is this duo my favorite when it comes to small towns and single dads, but also family series, so of course I expected amazing things as soon as I opened Palmer and Hudson’s book. What I didn’t expect was to be completely and utterly blown away. Everything between the two of them was nothing short of extraordinary. Their friendship, their love for their daughter, and the love and respect they have for one another added so much to the story. They were meant to be, but, of course, it’s never that simple.
Palmer and Hudson are best friends who shared a night together that resulted in a pregnancy. Since that moment, they have put their daughter first. The friendship they share has made co-parenting effortless. Things start to get a little shaken up when relationships and other outside elements begin to make them question if what and who they have is really what they want. Is exploring the underlying tension that’s brewing between them worth risking the life they built?
I felt as though Palmer and Hudson’s story was a little more on the angsty side than what’s normal for this duo, but not to the point where it was overwrought with emotion. My throat felt as though it was going to close, and at times I felt as though there was a glacier the size of Alaska on my chest. There were several reasons, and each was necessary for them to get from where they were to where they ended up. Needless to say, it was an emotional ride, but don’t let that sway you because there were more laughs than anything else. I laughed until I cried, and I’m still sporting the smile that always tends to stay with me long after finishing one of this duo's novels.
The connection between Palmer and Hudson was there from the very first page, but it paled in comparison to what evolved between them. They had some realizations staring them in the face, and it seemed as though once that happened, what had seemed to have been simmering on the backburner had become this intense, soul-consuming inferno between them. Palmer and Hudson’s story is a blizzard of angst, laughter, clever banter, and a level of “slow-burn” that was perfect for the Alaskan setting. Hudson and Palmer nailed the “slower than molasses in the winter time” phrase in ALL the most decadent ways!!
Nobody does small town, family, or single dads like this duo, and they still manage to leave me in awe. Every trope was depicted to the most captivatingly perfect degree!! If you are a connoisseur of tropes like myself then you don’t want to miss out on all this tropey goodness!! The only drawback was that I wanted more, not for any other reason than that spending time in this Alaskan town is food for the soul.
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Not only is this duo my favorite when it comes to small towns and single dads, but also family series, so of course I expected amazing things as soon as I opened Palmer and Hudson’s book. What I didn’t expect was to be completely and utterly blown away. Everything between the two of them was nothing short of extraordinary. Their friendship, their love for their daughter, and the love and respect they have for one another added so much to the story. They were meant to be, but, of course, it’s never that simple.
Palmer and Hudson are best friends who shared a night together that resulted in a pregnancy. Since that moment, they have put their daughter first. The friendship they share has made co-parenting effortless. Things start to get a little shaken up when relationships and other outside elements begin to make them question if what and who they have is really what they want. Is exploring the underlying tension that’s brewing between them worth risking the life they built?
I felt as though Palmer and Hudson’s story was a little more on the angsty side than what’s normal for this duo, but not to the point where it was overwrought with emotion. My throat felt as though it was going to close, and at times I felt as though there was a glacier the size of Alaska on my chest. There were several reasons, and each was necessary for them to get from where they were to where they ended up. Needless to say, it was an emotional ride, but don’t let that sway you because there were more laughs than anything else. I laughed until I cried, and I’m still sporting the smile that always tends to stay with me long after finishing one of this duo's novels.
The connection between Palmer and Hudson was there from the very first page, but it paled in comparison to what evolved between them. They had some realizations staring them in the face, and it seemed as though once that happened, what had seemed to have been simmering on the backburner had become this intense, soul-consuming inferno between them. Palmer and Hudson’s story is a blizzard of angst, laughter, clever banter, and a level of “slow-burn” that was perfect for the Alaskan setting. Hudson and Palmer nailed the “slower than molasses in the winter time” phrase in ALL the most decadent ways!!
Nobody does small town, family, or single dads like this duo, and they still manage to leave me in awe. Every trope was depicted to the most captivatingly perfect degree!! If you are a connoisseur of tropes like myself then you don’t want to miss out on all this tropey goodness!! The only drawback was that I wanted more, not for any other reason than that spending time in this Alaskan town is food for the soul.
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March 22, 2024
In the heart of an unconventional bond between two best friends, an unexpected turn of events alters the course of their lives forever. Following a wild night of revelry, their daughter emerges into the world, weaving a delicate thread of familial ties. Embracing the responsibility of parenthood, they choose to cohabit, fostering an environment of mutual support and camaraderie. However, after three years, a new presence emerges in one friend's life—a girlfriend whose significance transcends casual companionship.
As the dynamics shift and emotions intensify, the trio finds themselves navigating uncharted territory, where love, loyalty, and the intricacies of human relationships converge in a tale of profound complexity and tender vulnerability.
I felt that the characters lacked chemistry, which prevented me from fully connecting with them, however, I enjoyed reading this book.
As the dynamics shift and emotions intensify, the trio finds themselves navigating uncharted territory, where love, loyalty, and the intricacies of human relationships converge in a tale of profound complexity and tender vulnerability.
I felt that the characters lacked chemistry, which prevented me from fully connecting with them, however, I enjoyed reading this book.
March 26, 2024
Friends to lovers
Single Parents
Deaf Heroine
Small town romance
Meddling Senior Citizens
Hudson, carefree goes with the flow. Adrenaline Junky. Had a drunken one night stand.
With Palmer
Palmer, romance writer. Flirty. EVERYONE knows everyone in this small town of Starlight Lake, Alaska.
One drunk it changed their lives forever.
Not long after, Adley was born. That's where the story begins
Hudson and Palmer are trying to do what's right for the daughter by living to houses down from each so they make Adley's life easy as possible.
When Adley turns three, almost four. She starts asking questions..
How come daddy doesn't sleep with Mommy? Kind of questions??
What their daughter doesn't understand is Daddys life has already changed with someone different. Theresa.
But... Can Theresa handle Palmer and Hudson's dynamics and how close they live together to raise their daughter??
You will have to read and find out..
I love how she incorporated some characters from previous books and does it so effortlessly
Draws you you in and makes you want more. She is one of my favorite authors and writers. These characters are so believable..the characters are warm and inviting with a sense of humor. Especially Harper.
Thanks, Piper Rayne, for inviting us into your world of writing.. ❤️❤️
Single Parents
Deaf Heroine
Small town romance
Meddling Senior Citizens
Hudson, carefree goes with the flow. Adrenaline Junky. Had a drunken one night stand.
With Palmer
Palmer, romance writer. Flirty. EVERYONE knows everyone in this small town of Starlight Lake, Alaska.
One drunk it changed their lives forever.
Not long after, Adley was born. That's where the story begins
Hudson and Palmer are trying to do what's right for the daughter by living to houses down from each so they make Adley's life easy as possible.
When Adley turns three, almost four. She starts asking questions..
How come daddy doesn't sleep with Mommy? Kind of questions??
What their daughter doesn't understand is Daddys life has already changed with someone different. Theresa.
But... Can Theresa handle Palmer and Hudson's dynamics and how close they live together to raise their daughter??
You will have to read and find out..
I love how she incorporated some characters from previous books and does it so effortlessly
Draws you you in and makes you want more. She is one of my favorite authors and writers. These characters are so believable..the characters are warm and inviting with a sense of humor. Especially Harper.
Thanks, Piper Rayne, for inviting us into your world of writing.. ❤️❤️
March 24, 2025
I re read via audible in March 2025 and enjoyed this book much more so I am increasing the rating to 4 Stars. Fab narration by Jason Clarke and Kit Swann with a listening time of 7 hours and 10 mins.
Original Review : 3 Hudson and Palmer Stars
This was an ok read. I had not read any of the others in the series , and I feel like I should have as I think it would have added to the reading experience.
Hudson and Palmer were best friends but one night they got drunk and got pregnant. Fast forward three years and they co parent their little girl , Adley. They are neighbours and everything is amicable enough. Both of them have seen other people- Hudson much more so. For 50% of the book Hudson is in a relationship with Theresa, a single divorced mum. There are no on page intimate scenes of either H/ h with other people. I liked the angst element of both Palmer and Hudson being jealous of the respective potential love interests each other has. Palmer is deaf and wears cochlear implants -I enjoyed how that was really positively written in the book.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Original Review : 3 Hudson and Palmer Stars
This was an ok read. I had not read any of the others in the series , and I feel like I should have as I think it would have added to the reading experience.
Hudson and Palmer were best friends but one night they got drunk and got pregnant. Fast forward three years and they co parent their little girl , Adley. They are neighbours and everything is amicable enough. Both of them have seen other people- Hudson much more so. For 50% of the book Hudson is in a relationship with Theresa, a single divorced mum. There are no on page intimate scenes of either H/ h with other people. I liked the angst element of both Palmer and Hudson being jealous of the respective potential love interests each other has. Palmer is deaf and wears cochlear implants -I enjoyed how that was really positively written in the book.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
March 22, 2024
I cannot get enough of the small town big family series from this author. We are on the second generation and each new one is still SO GOOD.
A friend's to lovers second chance-ish.
I loved our heroine I had honestly forgotten her parents story and her disability but it wasn't necessary to know it.(guess who is doing a reread)
Talk about swoonworthy our hero fits the bill.
I love how they coparented staying best friends or that's what they thought.
Everyone (including me) knew there was more.
It was fun story watching them figure it out.
Can't wait for the next one!
A friend's to lovers second chance-ish.
I loved our heroine I had honestly forgotten her parents story and her disability but it wasn't necessary to know it.(guess who is doing a reread)
Talk about swoonworthy our hero fits the bill.
I love how they coparented staying best friends or that's what they thought.
Everyone (including me) knew there was more.
It was fun story watching them figure it out.
Can't wait for the next one!
March 27, 2024
4.5 stars
The Drawback of Single Dads by Piper Rayne is a well written and enjoyable read.
I loved watching Palmer and Hudson's relationship, they were best friends who also shared a beautiful and smart little girl.
Palmer and Hudson had set up the perfect life for them all, live next door, share responsibilities of their daughter and support each other.
But the feelings that were put on the back burner long ago start to come to the surface, once this happens both Palmer and Hudson decide to give into them and enjoy each other.
I enjoyed the way they both communicated with each other, they knew each others insecurities and helped to lift the other up when it was needed.
This beautiful family had earned their much deserved happily ever after.
Another plus for me was being back in Lake Starlight, I love seeing all our beloved characters and catching up with them.
The Drawback of Single Dads is a heartfelt read and a great addition to the Lake Starlight series.
*I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
The Drawback of Single Dads by Piper Rayne is a well written and enjoyable read.
I loved watching Palmer and Hudson's relationship, they were best friends who also shared a beautiful and smart little girl.
Palmer and Hudson had set up the perfect life for them all, live next door, share responsibilities of their daughter and support each other.
But the feelings that were put on the back burner long ago start to come to the surface, once this happens both Palmer and Hudson decide to give into them and enjoy each other.
I enjoyed the way they both communicated with each other, they knew each others insecurities and helped to lift the other up when it was needed.
This beautiful family had earned their much deserved happily ever after.
Another plus for me was being back in Lake Starlight, I love seeing all our beloved characters and catching up with them.
The Drawback of Single Dads is a heartfelt read and a great addition to the Lake Starlight series.
*I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
March 27, 2024
The Drawbacks of Single Dads by Piper Ryan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m a writer, and he’s a ski instructor. We’ve worked out all the rough edges. Life is good.
Until out of nowhere, things start to change. He has a girlfriend, we’re arguing more than ever, and it feels as if someone has come along and popped our perfect bubble. I’m not sure we’re ever going to fit back inside it now because things are developing. Things like feelings.
This was such a nice and quick read. THE JEALOUSY. I LOVED. OMG. I already love the single parent trope, but now that there is a CO PARENT TROPE? YUP. This was my first Piper Ryan book and it won’t be the last. The fact that these two best friends co-raised their daughter, and put her first, I loved it. I really enjoyed the fact that the FMC was deaf, it was nice to read about a type of character I haven’t read about.
I got this book from Grey’s promo and Piper in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m a writer, and he’s a ski instructor. We’ve worked out all the rough edges. Life is good.
Until out of nowhere, things start to change. He has a girlfriend, we’re arguing more than ever, and it feels as if someone has come along and popped our perfect bubble. I’m not sure we’re ever going to fit back inside it now because things are developing. Things like feelings.
This was such a nice and quick read. THE JEALOUSY. I LOVED. OMG. I already love the single parent trope, but now that there is a CO PARENT TROPE? YUP. This was my first Piper Ryan book and it won’t be the last. The fact that these two best friends co-raised their daughter, and put her first, I loved it. I really enjoyed the fact that the FMC was deaf, it was nice to read about a type of character I haven’t read about.
I got this book from Grey’s promo and Piper in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
Lake Starlight, Alaska is such a special setting for so many of this author duo’s books. We’re back there with Palmer and Hudson who are best friends who crossed the line once and now co-parent their young daughter Adley who was the result of that night. They are a unique family, they live next door to each other, they have maintained their close friendship and have a happy child.
Palmer being a romance writer and how it plays a part in this romance is a really fun, cute aspect that I enjoyed. Also, the representation of her as the heroine and she is deaf adds an important layer to the story.
Friends to lovers fans and fans of second chance, family romance will enjoy this sweet story that gets steamy a little bit past halfway.
The characters are likable, they’re good people and both have cool jobs. Hudson is a snowboard instructor who used to compete in extreme sports.
If you’ve read previous books in the series the retirement community crew who meddle in the sweetest ways have a few scenes. One in particular is hilarious and shows how over the top and funny they are. In an inappropriate laugh out loud way.
I love the connection the cousins in this series have to each other, their family and a special secret they share. It’s such a fantastic aspect of this series. I absolutely adore the passage of the secret to each cousin when it’s “their time.”
I sadly didn’t feel an emotional connection to these main characters, I didn’t feel their chemistry strongly which is unusual for me with a book by these authors. I don’t know if it’s because there wasn’t the wooing phase, or the falling in love phase… it might be a me thing. I don’t always fall for second chance with kids involved. It’s not bad at all, not my personal favorite of theirs.
It’s written with charm and warm, fuzzy feelings. I am probably in the minority. It’s a good story that I enjoyed, I just didn’t connect as much as usual.
Palmer being a romance writer and how it plays a part in this romance is a really fun, cute aspect that I enjoyed. Also, the representation of her as the heroine and she is deaf adds an important layer to the story.
Friends to lovers fans and fans of second chance, family romance will enjoy this sweet story that gets steamy a little bit past halfway.
The characters are likable, they’re good people and both have cool jobs. Hudson is a snowboard instructor who used to compete in extreme sports.
If you’ve read previous books in the series the retirement community crew who meddle in the sweetest ways have a few scenes. One in particular is hilarious and shows how over the top and funny they are. In an inappropriate laugh out loud way.
I love the connection the cousins in this series have to each other, their family and a special secret they share. It’s such a fantastic aspect of this series. I absolutely adore the passage of the secret to each cousin when it’s “their time.”
I sadly didn’t feel an emotional connection to these main characters, I didn’t feel their chemistry strongly which is unusual for me with a book by these authors. I don’t know if it’s because there wasn’t the wooing phase, or the falling in love phase… it might be a me thing. I don’t always fall for second chance with kids involved. It’s not bad at all, not my personal favorite of theirs.
It’s written with charm and warm, fuzzy feelings. I am probably in the minority. It’s a good story that I enjoyed, I just didn’t connect as much as usual.
March 26, 2024
Palmer and Hudson are firmly in the friend zone, living in homes next to each other to raise the little oops they had nine months after a drunken night when they threw the friend zone out the window.
When Hudson starts dating Theresa and Palmer decides to have a one night stand with a snowboard champ, things get complicated, especially when Palmer, a romance writer, starts writing a novel that sounds very familiar.
Truthfully, I was surprised by this story. I had expected the last book in this series to be Easton’s HEA, but he was only mentioned a couple of times in passing. It was disappointing.
I did still enjoy this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
When Hudson starts dating Theresa and Palmer decides to have a one night stand with a snowboard champ, things get complicated, especially when Palmer, a romance writer, starts writing a novel that sounds very familiar.
Truthfully, I was surprised by this story. I had expected the last book in this series to be Easton’s HEA, but he was only mentioned a couple of times in passing. It was disappointing.
I did still enjoy this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
June 8, 2024
5 Star Review The Drawback Of Single Dads (Lake Starlight #4) by Piper Rayne
It was wonderful being back in Lake Starlight, Alaska for Palmer Ferguson and Hudson Fisher friends to lovers story. This story will tug at your heart, have you laughing, swooning, shaking your head and smiling.
The Drawback Of Single Dads was a well written, entertaining story that ticked all the boxes for me. The characters were easy to relate to and their story quickly had me hooked. The connection that Palmer and Hudson have is based on a solid friendship and that added an additional layer to the storyline.
Co-parenting their daughter Adley, has been smooth, until it isn’t. Now they are arguing and there are cracks forming in the friendship. I wanted to smack them both across the back of the head and shake some sense into them at times. If only they would listen to one another and see what everyone else can see, that these two are meant to be together.
Their journey may have been rocky, but it was worth it in the end.
The addition of the letters from Grandma Dori and her cottage for those in need adds such a heartwarming touch and makes me smile every time her name is mentioned. She was and always will be one of my most favourite characters ever.
It was wonderful being back in Lake Starlight, Alaska for Palmer Ferguson and Hudson Fisher friends to lovers story. This story will tug at your heart, have you laughing, swooning, shaking your head and smiling.
The Drawback Of Single Dads was a well written, entertaining story that ticked all the boxes for me. The characters were easy to relate to and their story quickly had me hooked. The connection that Palmer and Hudson have is based on a solid friendship and that added an additional layer to the storyline.
Co-parenting their daughter Adley, has been smooth, until it isn’t. Now they are arguing and there are cracks forming in the friendship. I wanted to smack them both across the back of the head and shake some sense into them at times. If only they would listen to one another and see what everyone else can see, that these two are meant to be together.
Their journey may have been rocky, but it was worth it in the end.
The addition of the letters from Grandma Dori and her cottage for those in need adds such a heartwarming touch and makes me smile every time her name is mentioned. She was and always will be one of my most favourite characters ever.
March 30, 2024
not a favorite for me amongst all the books by piper rayne. i think the premise made it really iffy because palmer is a single mother who hasn't gone on a single date for a hot minute while hudson has a relatively stable girlfriend for a year (if i'm not wrong.) it's weird when he started to notice palmer when his friend got interested in taking palmer out on dates. also, the way he handled the conflict between palmer and his girlfriend was incredibly bad. although i understood that they had feelings for one another, i think . regardless, it was still an enjoyable read. i hoped that the whole girlfriend situation would have ended earlier into the book, but it wasn't until a while later that the conflict was somewhat resolved.
March 18, 2024
Palmer and Hudson were never together. They’re simply friends that accidentally made a baby together. From the minute they find out they’re expecting, the two decide that in order to do what’s what’s for their daughter Adley, they’ll remain friends. Fast forward a few years, they’re next door neighbors and navigating a life of co-parenting. They’ve been raising her successfully this way for three years and have a good thing going. The only one that hates this arrangement is Theresa, Hudson’s girlfriend.
Hudson is very much into not changing the status quo, and the way that Theresa is angling for more from him is driving him crazy. He’s got his career as a snowboarding coach to think about, and loves having Palmer and his daughter next door. So what if they eat together almost every night or walk into each others houses unannounced? That’s perfectly normal for two people that aren’t together... Despite Theresa’s complaints, he’s very content the way things are.
It isn’t until Palmer starts dating that Hudson absolutely loses his marbles.
This was such a cute book! It’s had such lovely deaf representation! Palmer has been deaf since she was young, and her family has accommodated to make sure she never feels left out. Although she has cochlear implants and can read lips, Hudson always makes sure to sign to her. I loved the way he’d always put her comfort first (Even at the expense of his actual girlfriend… I actually felt really bad for her at times. I hope she finds her own HEA because OUCH).
It was fun watching their journey as they realized they belong together. Hudson through his raging jealousy and Palmer through the book she’s writing. They’re trying so hard to protect Adley that they give each other the run around for nearly the whole book. This one is a sloooow burn, but it’s still filled with so much domestic cuteness along the way. It takes them so long to get there, but when they get together it’s like the clouds part and the angels sing, “FINALLY.”
If you enjoy a friends to lovers book, this one is for you. Despite the significant others, there’s no love triangle— so have no fear. It’s very clear who’s endgame. Plus Adley is the perfect daughter. It made reading this all the more adorable. I loved watching all their interactions even if they were just wholesome and am really craving ice cream now that I’ve finished this book.
A huge thank you to Valentine PR for the copy of this eARC. It was a pleasure to read. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Harper’s book. Palmer’s bestie is a riot, and it’ll be so fun to see what life brings her.
Hudson is very much into not changing the status quo, and the way that Theresa is angling for more from him is driving him crazy. He’s got his career as a snowboarding coach to think about, and loves having Palmer and his daughter next door. So what if they eat together almost every night or walk into each others houses unannounced? That’s perfectly normal for two people that aren’t together... Despite Theresa’s complaints, he’s very content the way things are.
It isn’t until Palmer starts dating that Hudson absolutely loses his marbles.
This was such a cute book! It’s had such lovely deaf representation! Palmer has been deaf since she was young, and her family has accommodated to make sure she never feels left out. Although she has cochlear implants and can read lips, Hudson always makes sure to sign to her. I loved the way he’d always put her comfort first (Even at the expense of his actual girlfriend… I actually felt really bad for her at times. I hope she finds her own HEA because OUCH).
It was fun watching their journey as they realized they belong together. Hudson through his raging jealousy and Palmer through the book she’s writing. They’re trying so hard to protect Adley that they give each other the run around for nearly the whole book. This one is a sloooow burn, but it’s still filled with so much domestic cuteness along the way. It takes them so long to get there, but when they get together it’s like the clouds part and the angels sing, “FINALLY.”
If you enjoy a friends to lovers book, this one is for you. Despite the significant others, there’s no love triangle— so have no fear. It’s very clear who’s endgame. Plus Adley is the perfect daughter. It made reading this all the more adorable. I loved watching all their interactions even if they were just wholesome and am really craving ice cream now that I’ve finished this book.
A huge thank you to Valentine PR for the copy of this eARC. It was a pleasure to read. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Harper’s book. Palmer’s bestie is a riot, and it’ll be so fun to see what life brings her.
March 21, 2024
Reviewed For Saucy Review
On Kinky Korner
I really enjoyed this trip back to Lake Starlight, and we are getting another instalment of the Bailey's. Palmer and Hudsons story is totally different, its one that's unconventional but totally fits for them. It's also the kind of story that you laugh and cry reading.
This story is pretty straightforward for everyone looking in. Well, everyone but Palmer and Hudson. This was a love story that was fated. They were always meant to be. Especially since their daughter Adley was born after one drunken yet special night.
This story had this couple very much together in all ways but romantically. And we get to see how they fight, deny, and finally see what's always been there. I really recommend this book. It was great and can be read as standalone, I suppose, but personally, I feel you need to start at the very beginning of the Bailey's to enjoy it more.
On Kinky Korner
I really enjoyed this trip back to Lake Starlight, and we are getting another instalment of the Bailey's. Palmer and Hudsons story is totally different, its one that's unconventional but totally fits for them. It's also the kind of story that you laugh and cry reading.
This story is pretty straightforward for everyone looking in. Well, everyone but Palmer and Hudson. This was a love story that was fated. They were always meant to be. Especially since their daughter Adley was born after one drunken yet special night.
This story had this couple very much together in all ways but romantically. And we get to see how they fight, deny, and finally see what's always been there. I really recommend this book. It was great and can be read as standalone, I suppose, but personally, I feel you need to start at the very beginning of the Bailey's to enjoy it more.
March 26, 2024
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tropes:
🩷small town
⛷️friends to lovers
🩷single parents
⛷️meddling seniors
🩷 family dynamics
⛷️ heroine is deaf
Gahhh I absolutely devoured this book from cover to cover. As someone who has read every single Bailey and Greene family book I loved this book. This is the story of Hudson and Palmer. We originally meet Palmer as a child, she is the daughter of Sedona and Jameson, who have their own book in the Baileys series.
The FMC, is a writer and co parenting, her daughter Adley who is 4. . She also is deaf and has a cochlear implant. She loves her daughter but Palmer doesn’t do relationships and her daughter is the result of a drunken one night stand with her best friend Hudson.
Hudson, co parents his daughter with Palmer and they live side by side each other, which adds to more family dynamics in their lives besides the big Bailey family and the meddling elders. Hudson works as a ski instructor locally after following Palmer back to her hometown of Lake Starlight, Alaska.
Both Palmer and Hudson tend to burry things in their hearts. Hudson has a girlfriend named Theresa, but she seems like she doesn’t fit into the dynamics. Hudson’s friend Matt, asked Palmer out and Hudson isn’t sure how he feels about that.
I absolutely devoured this book like every book these gals right. If you read the Baileys and Greene family books this is right up your alley or if you like these tropes give this a read. Thank you to the authors and Valentine Pr for the advance copy.
Tropes:
🩷small town
⛷️friends to lovers
🩷single parents
⛷️meddling seniors
🩷 family dynamics
⛷️ heroine is deaf
Gahhh I absolutely devoured this book from cover to cover. As someone who has read every single Bailey and Greene family book I loved this book. This is the story of Hudson and Palmer. We originally meet Palmer as a child, she is the daughter of Sedona and Jameson, who have their own book in the Baileys series.
The FMC, is a writer and co parenting, her daughter Adley who is 4. . She also is deaf and has a cochlear implant. She loves her daughter but Palmer doesn’t do relationships and her daughter is the result of a drunken one night stand with her best friend Hudson.
Hudson, co parents his daughter with Palmer and they live side by side each other, which adds to more family dynamics in their lives besides the big Bailey family and the meddling elders. Hudson works as a ski instructor locally after following Palmer back to her hometown of Lake Starlight, Alaska.
Both Palmer and Hudson tend to burry things in their hearts. Hudson has a girlfriend named Theresa, but she seems like she doesn’t fit into the dynamics. Hudson’s friend Matt, asked Palmer out and Hudson isn’t sure how he feels about that.
I absolutely devoured this book like every book these gals right. If you read the Baileys and Greene family books this is right up your alley or if you like these tropes give this a read. Thank you to the authors and Valentine Pr for the advance copy.
April 10, 2024
The Drawback of Single Dads was the fourth book of the authors Piper Rayne’s Lake Starlight series. Although not my favorite of the series, it was another quick and enjoyable read by the authors.
March 31, 2024
Palmer and Hudson have been best friends for ever until one day they crossed the line. After their one night stand, they had a girl named Adley and have remained great friends, and also neighbors. But their new relationships might change things between them...
----------
I had a great time with Palmer, Adley and Hudson and devoured this story as always with every Piper Rayne book I read.
I absolutely loved the deaf representation and the way Palmer communicated with everyone (and vice-versa).
I had never read a book where they are best friends raising their child together, it was refreshing, but I also wanted more of them without Adley and before Adley to really understand their bond.
Very excited for what's next!
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I had a great time with Palmer, Adley and Hudson and devoured this story as always with every Piper Rayne book I read.
I absolutely loved the deaf representation and the way Palmer communicated with everyone (and vice-versa).
I had never read a book where they are best friends raising their child together, it was refreshing, but I also wanted more of them without Adley and before Adley to really understand their bond.
Very excited for what's next!
March 26, 2024
I have to tell you! Palmer and Hudson's story has to be my favorite now!!
I looooooved this story so much! The unconventional friends to lovers story is seriously amazing.
Hudson and Palmer have been best friends for a while and they share a bond thats bigger then anything! Their little girl.
I'm obsessed with Hudson. He's such an amazing character and I fell in love with him instantly!
Piper and Rayne seriously have created two characters that couldnt fit together more then they do even if it took them a while to figure it out but when they did... aaaaah I'm still swooning!
5 ++++ Stars from me
I looooooved this story so much! The unconventional friends to lovers story is seriously amazing.
Hudson and Palmer have been best friends for a while and they share a bond thats bigger then anything! Their little girl.
I'm obsessed with Hudson. He's such an amazing character and I fell in love with him instantly!
Piper and Rayne seriously have created two characters that couldnt fit together more then they do even if it took them a while to figure it out but when they did... aaaaah I'm still swooning!
5 ++++ Stars from me
April 11, 2024
*3.5*
June 22, 2024
Update ALC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was my first audiobook narrated by Kit Swann and I adored it. This Duet narration with her and Jason Clarke was the perfect fit for Palmer and Hudson's story.
Jason Clarke is my absolute favorite narrator so every time he narrated a book I listen to I'm in love and this one is no exception.
Kit Swann was a beautiful revelation to me, I adore when she used her child tone for Adley and her older voice for grandma Dori. But most of all I absolutely adore her performance for Palmer, knowing her character is deaf, she handled it so well.
They both did such an amazing job with this audiobook. It was so beautiful.
Arc review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This story was so cute, so heartwarming and I loved it so much 🥰❤️.
Piper Rayne has done it again, they still have that super power over me. The power to get me addicted to their story, and to not want to put the book down. So, as usual I devoured this book.
I loved this book because it was different from the others. The fact that the FMC is deaf was new to me and I really enjoyed this. It was beautifully written and I was completely immersed in the story, wanting to learn to sign and be able to talk with Palmer.
Palmer and Hudson are friends, but they also have a daughter together. They've agreed to raise her together and make co-parenting the best it can be as a team, and not be involved in any relationships together.
I really enjoyed this new story. It was comforting to read and I was really into it. Being in Lake Starlight is like coming home. I love this small town and all it entails, the big nosy family, the gossip, everything. Harper, one of Palmer's cousins, was a perfect addition to their story, and Adley, their daughter, was so cute and funny.
If you love Small Town, Friends-to-Lovers, Single Parents, then this one is definitely for you, so don’t hesitate and go get it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was my first audiobook narrated by Kit Swann and I adored it. This Duet narration with her and Jason Clarke was the perfect fit for Palmer and Hudson's story.
Jason Clarke is my absolute favorite narrator so every time he narrated a book I listen to I'm in love and this one is no exception.
Kit Swann was a beautiful revelation to me, I adore when she used her child tone for Adley and her older voice for grandma Dori. But most of all I absolutely adore her performance for Palmer, knowing her character is deaf, she handled it so well.
They both did such an amazing job with this audiobook. It was so beautiful.
Arc review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This story was so cute, so heartwarming and I loved it so much 🥰❤️.
Piper Rayne has done it again, they still have that super power over me. The power to get me addicted to their story, and to not want to put the book down. So, as usual I devoured this book.
I loved this book because it was different from the others. The fact that the FMC is deaf was new to me and I really enjoyed this. It was beautifully written and I was completely immersed in the story, wanting to learn to sign and be able to talk with Palmer.
Palmer and Hudson are friends, but they also have a daughter together. They've agreed to raise her together and make co-parenting the best it can be as a team, and not be involved in any relationships together.
I really enjoyed this new story. It was comforting to read and I was really into it. Being in Lake Starlight is like coming home. I love this small town and all it entails, the big nosy family, the gossip, everything. Harper, one of Palmer's cousins, was a perfect addition to their story, and Adley, their daughter, was so cute and funny.
If you love Small Town, Friends-to-Lovers, Single Parents, then this one is definitely for you, so don’t hesitate and go get it.
March 28, 2024
Hudson & Palmer are best friends who live next door to each other who just so happens to share a child together. After a drunken one night fling, Palmer ends up pregnant. They have a great thing going as co-parents and as best friends.
Hudson has a lady friend who wants more but he’s content with just a hook up here and there. He wants to focus on his daughter as his number 1 priority. He’s also a ski/snowboarding instructor and is currently helps train his friend Matt, who is trying to get a medal in the next Olympics.
Palmer is in a total writers rut. She starts and deletes and is so frustrated. She also is deaf but has cochlear implants. Raising her daughter to learn sign and her best friend/baby daddy signs too.
One day Palmer’s cousins bring her to a cabin, we all know this is the cabin that changes and helps guide the path a cousin currently needs. It’s Palmer’s turn. She ends up working in this the cabin and writes her book. She realizes that her book is her love story with Hudson.
*Spoiler* We finally find out who is behind ‘Buzz Wheel’
Tropes:
Single dad
Single mom
One night stand
Accidental pregnancy
Best friends to lovers
It’s always been you
Slow burn
Small town romance
Hudson has a lady friend who wants more but he’s content with just a hook up here and there. He wants to focus on his daughter as his number 1 priority. He’s also a ski/snowboarding instructor and is currently helps train his friend Matt, who is trying to get a medal in the next Olympics.
Palmer is in a total writers rut. She starts and deletes and is so frustrated. She also is deaf but has cochlear implants. Raising her daughter to learn sign and her best friend/baby daddy signs too.
One day Palmer’s cousins bring her to a cabin, we all know this is the cabin that changes and helps guide the path a cousin currently needs. It’s Palmer’s turn. She ends up working in this the cabin and writes her book. She realizes that her book is her love story with Hudson.
*Spoiler* We finally find out who is behind ‘Buzz Wheel’
Tropes:
Single dad
Single mom
One night stand
Accidental pregnancy
Best friends to lovers
It’s always been you
Slow burn
Small town romance
June 10, 2024
This was a 3,5 stars overall- 5 stars for duet narration 2,5 stars for the story… I didn’t like hero being with ow for 70% of the book 🤦🏻♀️(no detailed scenes but still not my thing…) and heroine being celibate 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2025
“It's always been you. You nosed your way into my life because you know no other way and I'm thankful for that. You are my future, and I can't wait to walk the rest of my journey with your hand in mine.” —Hudson Fisher
“You broke me. In the best possible way. Thank you for being the best dad to our daghter, and the best partner to me. I consider myself so lucky to have found you.” —Palmer Fergusson
3.25🌟
gasping screaming raging wheezing throwing up
Argh. Why did this one once again fail to meet my expectations? I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn’t connect with either of the main characters.😔 And yet… here I am, finishing it in under 24 hours. So clearly, Piper Rayne’s writing still has that grip.
Palmer and Hudson’s story is a bit sweet a lot of frustrating, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance built around co-parenting their adorable daughter, Adley. After one more-than-friendly moment years ago, they’ve lived side by side as best friends, keeping their lives intertwined for Adley’s sake. Hudson’s been deep in the friendzone for most of that time, until recently, when feelings start to resurface and sneaking around begins.
While the setup is heartfelt and the small-town meddling adds charm, the chemistry between Palmer and Hudson didn’t fully land. Their reluctance to admit feelings and go public made the emotional tension feel muted, which made it harder to connect with them as a couple. The push and pull between Palmer and Hudson have been tested every last nerve I had. The jealousy? The ego? The refusal to just say the thing? Hudson, dude, your feelings for Palmer are crystal clear, so why are you still tangled up with Theresa like it’s a side quest? Be the gentleman you actually are, make a clean break, and tell Palmer how you feel. And don’t even get me started on the whole “Matt asking you to ask Palmer out” moment, acting chill instead of speaking up? Ego trash behavior.
But yeah… I get it. That’s Piper Rayne’s rhythm, chaos, tension, emotional damage, and then the sweet, satisfying resolution that makes it all worth it. I was pissed off a lot, but the ending delivered. The story still delivers warmth, solid deaf representation, and fun cameos from familiar characters. Not a personal favorite in the series or trope, but a cozy read with genuine heart. ❤️
Sure, the small-town vibes and family tropes are still hanging on, but they definitely felt dialed down this time. And don’t even get me started on the lack of Buzz Wheel chaos. I was wincing in pain. I miss that unhinged little app flinging gossip like confetti across the town. The drama, the mess, the joy? Gone too soon. 😩 And that reveal about who’s behind Buzz Wheel? After all this time?? I was shocked shockedth. I need a moment. Actually, I need a whole novella just unpacking that twist. 📱💥👀
Moreover, I want to give a shoutout to Jason Clarke and Kit Swann for narrating this one. Their duet performance brought the story to life with solid chemistry and emotional depth. While I didn’t fully connect with the female narrator, I still appreciated how both of them captured the tension, vulnerability, and intimacy between the characters in a way that felt genuine and immersive.
And, that tiny glimpse of Harper and Finn in the bonus scene got me side-eyeing so hard I nearly misfunctioning something 👀👀. The forbidden-ish banter potential is off the charts, and I’m already emotionally tethered to whatever chaos they’re about to unleash. I can feel it deep in my bones: the next book is gonna be feral, messy, and absolutely unhinged in the best way. So yep, I’m cracking open The Complication with the Best Man and letting the drama wreck me in real time. 💥🏃🏻♀️
July 11, 2025
The Drawback of Single Dads is the kind of friends-to-lovers, co-parenting romance that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. 5 stars, warm, angsty, and so satisfyingly real that I didn’t want it to end.
We’ve got Hudson and Palmer, best friends who never planned to be anything but adventure buddies with zero strings attached. They were perfectly content living side by side, co-parenting their daughter, and pretending they didn’t feel anything more. Until, of course, life (and a few questionable dating choices) decided to light a match under all that unresolved tension.
Hudson’s been dating Theresa, a perfectly nice woman who turns out to have a jealous streak a mile wide, and Palmer is doing her best to prove she’s totally fine by going on a few dates of her own. (Spoiler: no one is fine. Absolutely no one.) The second Palmer starts seeing someone else, Hudson goes from laid-back to full-on territorial, and watching him try (and fail) to pretend he doesn’t care was pure delicious angst.
And let’s be honest, Theresa getting snippy toward Palmer every time she realized she’d never be the one Hudson truly wanted? Absolutely delivered the drama I was hoping for. You could feel the tension brewing in every scene. But after Adley’s fall, when Theresa took it upon herself to start “parenting” and lightly scold Adley in the hospital? Yeah, that was it for me. I was done with her, and fully ready for Hudson to hurry up and end that train wreck of a relationship.
The first 50% of this book is basically a masterclass in mutual pining and denial. Every loaded silence, every “friendly” argument, every moment when they started to realize that their feelings were changing had me fully glued to the page. Palmer is so determined to keep her guard up, and Hudson is so used to stuffing his emotions down that he doesn’t even recognize he’s been in love with her since day one.
And then, because this man knows how to make an entrance, Hudson crashes Palmer’s date and finally tells her he’s in love with her. Honestly? I wanted to stand up and clap. It was exactly the big, messy, honest declaration this story deserved.
I loved how Piper Rayne didn’t shy away from the complicated parts, jealousy, fear of ruining their friendship, and all the ways they tried to convince themselves they were better off as just co-parents. Every bit of the angst made the ending feel so earned.
If I’m being a little picky, there were moments when I wanted Palmer to just let herself believe she was worth it without overthinking every single thing, but when she finally let go? Perfection.
If you’re into:
✨ Best friends to lovers with a side of delicious jealousy
✨ Small-town Alaska chaos
✨ Heroes who finally admit they’ve been in love forever
✨ That slow-burn payoff that makes you squeal
Then The Drawback of Single Dads is going to wreck you in the best possible way.
5 stars, swoony, angsty, and everything I want in a second-chance friends-to-lovers romance. Hudson and Palmer were everything, and I’m already ready to re-read. Bring on the rest of Lake Starlight, I’m obsessed.
We’ve got Hudson and Palmer, best friends who never planned to be anything but adventure buddies with zero strings attached. They were perfectly content living side by side, co-parenting their daughter, and pretending they didn’t feel anything more. Until, of course, life (and a few questionable dating choices) decided to light a match under all that unresolved tension.
Hudson’s been dating Theresa, a perfectly nice woman who turns out to have a jealous streak a mile wide, and Palmer is doing her best to prove she’s totally fine by going on a few dates of her own. (Spoiler: no one is fine. Absolutely no one.) The second Palmer starts seeing someone else, Hudson goes from laid-back to full-on territorial, and watching him try (and fail) to pretend he doesn’t care was pure delicious angst.
And let’s be honest, Theresa getting snippy toward Palmer every time she realized she’d never be the one Hudson truly wanted? Absolutely delivered the drama I was hoping for. You could feel the tension brewing in every scene. But after Adley’s fall, when Theresa took it upon herself to start “parenting” and lightly scold Adley in the hospital? Yeah, that was it for me. I was done with her, and fully ready for Hudson to hurry up and end that train wreck of a relationship.
The first 50% of this book is basically a masterclass in mutual pining and denial. Every loaded silence, every “friendly” argument, every moment when they started to realize that their feelings were changing had me fully glued to the page. Palmer is so determined to keep her guard up, and Hudson is so used to stuffing his emotions down that he doesn’t even recognize he’s been in love with her since day one.
And then, because this man knows how to make an entrance, Hudson crashes Palmer’s date and finally tells her he’s in love with her. Honestly? I wanted to stand up and clap. It was exactly the big, messy, honest declaration this story deserved.
I loved how Piper Rayne didn’t shy away from the complicated parts, jealousy, fear of ruining their friendship, and all the ways they tried to convince themselves they were better off as just co-parents. Every bit of the angst made the ending feel so earned.
If I’m being a little picky, there were moments when I wanted Palmer to just let herself believe she was worth it without overthinking every single thing, but when she finally let go? Perfection.
If you’re into:
✨ Best friends to lovers with a side of delicious jealousy
✨ Small-town Alaska chaos
✨ Heroes who finally admit they’ve been in love forever
✨ That slow-burn payoff that makes you squeal
Then The Drawback of Single Dads is going to wreck you in the best possible way.
5 stars, swoony, angsty, and everything I want in a second-chance friends-to-lovers romance. Hudson and Palmer were everything, and I’m already ready to re-read. Bring on the rest of Lake Starlight, I’m obsessed.
June 27, 2024
The Drawback of Single Dads- Piper Rayne
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Kit Swann
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Piper Rayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite author duos. They are new to me this year and I think I’ve read probably close to 10 books of theirs since March. I started at the beginning of Lake Starlight when this book released just to get everyone else’s story first, just to learn there’s a whole world already created and Lake Starlight is actually a second generation. I’m so excited to go back and read their backlist and learn about all these other couples’ stories. These are such fun, quick, sweet, romantic books that can be great pallet cleansers if you’re in need of something without a lot of triggers to kind of reset.
In the Drawback of Single Dads we see what most non coupled people who have a child together would want as a coparenting situation. Two mature adults who are close friends, but don’t have romantic feelings for each other. Or so they think. Palmer and Hudson have a good thing going raising their daughter together, and their friendship has never been in jeopardy until Palmer gets asked out on a date. Although he has a girlfriend, Hudson realizes his feelings for her have never really been just platonic, and as a romance novelist who is subconsciously writing her and Hudson’s love story for her next book, it’s coming together for her as well. Add in a very curious 3 year old and there are questions flying everywhere.
This narration couple was so good. I’ve actually listened to them together in another book together and loved it so I knew going into this one that they’d be a perfect narration duo.
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Kit Swann
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Piper Rayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite author duos. They are new to me this year and I think I’ve read probably close to 10 books of theirs since March. I started at the beginning of Lake Starlight when this book released just to get everyone else’s story first, just to learn there’s a whole world already created and Lake Starlight is actually a second generation. I’m so excited to go back and read their backlist and learn about all these other couples’ stories. These are such fun, quick, sweet, romantic books that can be great pallet cleansers if you’re in need of something without a lot of triggers to kind of reset.
In the Drawback of Single Dads we see what most non coupled people who have a child together would want as a coparenting situation. Two mature adults who are close friends, but don’t have romantic feelings for each other. Or so they think. Palmer and Hudson have a good thing going raising their daughter together, and their friendship has never been in jeopardy until Palmer gets asked out on a date. Although he has a girlfriend, Hudson realizes his feelings for her have never really been just platonic, and as a romance novelist who is subconsciously writing her and Hudson’s love story for her next book, it’s coming together for her as well. Add in a very curious 3 year old and there are questions flying everywhere.
This narration couple was so good. I’ve actually listened to them together in another book together and loved it so I knew going into this one that they’d be a perfect narration duo.
March 23, 2024
I want to start off by thanking VPR and Piper Rayne for sending me this ARC! I appreciate your willingness and trust to have me review this story!
I’ll start off with the things I liked about this book. I loved the tropes- I’ve become a big fan of friends to lovers recently and enjoyed reading about Palmer and Hudson’s journey from best friends to lovers. I also loved how they shared a kid that they coparented. I thought it was so unique and unlike any other book I’ve read. The story had a great progression and the best part- no third act breakup!!! Always a plus in my book lol
Now onto the things I didn’t quite love. There’s one glaring thing that bothered me throughout the book and that’s the way that Adley, their daughter, is written. I’ve taught preschool and nannied for a good long while and either this is an incredibly well spoken three year old with an insane memory or she’s supposed to be five or six. I might be nitpicking here, but this is something that stood out to me as hard to ignore. Another thing that bothered me (and bothered is a strong word but I don’t have a better one for this feeling rn) is the lack of reader knowledge about the other books in this series. For example, they reference her family and the different people in her family so many times and I was like “how come we don’t know more about these people if they’re seemingly such a huge part in the story?” Come to find out, this is a series and I definitely should’ve read the books before it. If you pick up this book, make sure to read all her other ones first.
Overall, I felt very middle of the road about this book. I thought it was so so sweet in some parts and made me irritated in others. I am, however, very grateful for this opportunity to read the ARC and be trusted with an honest review. Thank you VPR!!
I’ll start off with the things I liked about this book. I loved the tropes- I’ve become a big fan of friends to lovers recently and enjoyed reading about Palmer and Hudson’s journey from best friends to lovers. I also loved how they shared a kid that they coparented. I thought it was so unique and unlike any other book I’ve read. The story had a great progression and the best part- no third act breakup!!! Always a plus in my book lol
Now onto the things I didn’t quite love. There’s one glaring thing that bothered me throughout the book and that’s the way that Adley, their daughter, is written. I’ve taught preschool and nannied for a good long while and either this is an incredibly well spoken three year old with an insane memory or she’s supposed to be five or six. I might be nitpicking here, but this is something that stood out to me as hard to ignore. Another thing that bothered me (and bothered is a strong word but I don’t have a better one for this feeling rn) is the lack of reader knowledge about the other books in this series. For example, they reference her family and the different people in her family so many times and I was like “how come we don’t know more about these people if they’re seemingly such a huge part in the story?” Come to find out, this is a series and I definitely should’ve read the books before it. If you pick up this book, make sure to read all her other ones first.
Overall, I felt very middle of the road about this book. I thought it was so so sweet in some parts and made me irritated in others. I am, however, very grateful for this opportunity to read the ARC and be trusted with an honest review. Thank you VPR!!
March 21, 2024
I love coming back to Lake Starlight and am loving this second generation of the Bailey's so much!
The Drawback of Single Dads is Palmer and Hudson's story. These two were best friends and one drunken night resulted in their daughter, Adley. These two have been rocking the co-parenting thing even if most people find their set up a bit unconventional. It's not until the possibility of one of them moving forward in a new relationship do the feelings they've had for each other start to sneak up.
As usual Piper and Rayne have crafted a story that drew me in and captured my attention. I loved Palmer and Hudson's friendship and the relationship they had while tackling their journey as parents. Adley is adorable and full of spunk- she added such moments of sweetness and humor to the story. I did wish that we had gotten a little more of Palmer and Hudson's relationship pre-Adley or knew a little more about their history but I also can appreciate the little pieces that were revealed over the course of the story when Palmer was inadvertently writing their story as her new book.
This book is a SLOW burn- mostly because there were other contenders in the picture through most of the story as well. Everything about these two just pointed to them being perfect for one another. Hudson hadn't had any plans for any real commitments beyond being Adley's dad and making sure Palmer was always a part of his life- and Palmer seemed to be in the same boat. I kind of wanted to shake them both a few times throughout the story. I don't think that I quite get why Palmer was so anti-relationship because of her parent's rough patch when she was a baby beyond needing something to make her shy away from relationships. But all the little bumps helped them get to where they needed to be- even if they could have been there all along.
I'm dying to get Harper's story- and find out who Hudson's best man was and of course get more Lake Starlight!
The Drawback of Single Dads is Palmer and Hudson's story. These two were best friends and one drunken night resulted in their daughter, Adley. These two have been rocking the co-parenting thing even if most people find their set up a bit unconventional. It's not until the possibility of one of them moving forward in a new relationship do the feelings they've had for each other start to sneak up.
As usual Piper and Rayne have crafted a story that drew me in and captured my attention. I loved Palmer and Hudson's friendship and the relationship they had while tackling their journey as parents. Adley is adorable and full of spunk- she added such moments of sweetness and humor to the story. I did wish that we had gotten a little more of Palmer and Hudson's relationship pre-Adley or knew a little more about their history but I also can appreciate the little pieces that were revealed over the course of the story when Palmer was inadvertently writing their story as her new book.
This book is a SLOW burn- mostly because there were other contenders in the picture through most of the story as well. Everything about these two just pointed to them being perfect for one another. Hudson hadn't had any plans for any real commitments beyond being Adley's dad and making sure Palmer was always a part of his life- and Palmer seemed to be in the same boat. I kind of wanted to shake them both a few times throughout the story. I don't think that I quite get why Palmer was so anti-relationship because of her parent's rough patch when she was a baby beyond needing something to make her shy away from relationships. But all the little bumps helped them get to where they needed to be- even if they could have been there all along.
I'm dying to get Harper's story- and find out who Hudson's best man was and of course get more Lake Starlight!
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