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Single Dad CEO #3
Heartsick & Lipsticks
Nick Locke
My life was exactly how I’d planned it. Growing up, I wanted to rule the world, and being CEO of Locke Media Group fulfilled that dream. I’d started with nothing and built a billion-dollar empire one brick at a time. My motto was work hard, play harder. Becoming a single dad had rearranged my priorities, but I still found time to live up to the title I’d earned of San Francisco’s Most Eligible Bachelor.
Settling down was not in the plan…until I met her. She took me by surprise and had me reevaluating my bachelor status. Single life was all I’d ever known and ever wanted, but that was before I knew and wanted her.
Skye Taylor
My life was not how I’d planned it. Growing up, my dreams were nursery rhymed inspired; love comes first, then marriage, then a baby carriage. Things hadn’t gone in that order. Becoming a teen mom by a man who wanted nothing to do with me or our baby was not how I’d envisioned my life. But I rolled with the punches making the executive decision to focus on my daughter and my career.
No dating. No drama. No problem. I’d managed to go fifteen years living by that credo. But then I met him. I never saw him coming and he had me not only rethinking my choices but also bending all my rules.
Heartsick & Lipsticks is an opposites attract, single dad/single mom, forced proximity, insta-love, slow burn, reformed playboy, billionaire romance. This happily-ever-after is as far from cookie-cutter as you can get. The recipe for this romance is one part hot and tasty tattooed hero, one part sweet and savory sworn-off-relationships heroine, and two parts spicy and seasoned meddling family and friends. This delectable dish is sprinkled with zesty and zingy humor, drizzled with tender caramelized aww-inducing connections, and marinated with spicy sizzling sexiness. Bon appétit.
My life was exactly how I’d planned it. Growing up, I wanted to rule the world, and being CEO of Locke Media Group fulfilled that dream. I’d started with nothing and built a billion-dollar empire one brick at a time. My motto was work hard, play harder. Becoming a single dad had rearranged my priorities, but I still found time to live up to the title I’d earned of San Francisco’s Most Eligible Bachelor.
Settling down was not in the plan…until I met her. She took me by surprise and had me reevaluating my bachelor status. Single life was all I’d ever known and ever wanted, but that was before I knew and wanted her.
Skye Taylor
My life was not how I’d planned it. Growing up, my dreams were nursery rhymed inspired; love comes first, then marriage, then a baby carriage. Things hadn’t gone in that order. Becoming a teen mom by a man who wanted nothing to do with me or our baby was not how I’d envisioned my life. But I rolled with the punches making the executive decision to focus on my daughter and my career.
No dating. No drama. No problem. I’d managed to go fifteen years living by that credo. But then I met him. I never saw him coming and he had me not only rethinking my choices but also bending all my rules.
Heartsick & Lipsticks is an opposites attract, single dad/single mom, forced proximity, insta-love, slow burn, reformed playboy, billionaire romance. This happily-ever-after is as far from cookie-cutter as you can get. The recipe for this romance is one part hot and tasty tattooed hero, one part sweet and savory sworn-off-relationships heroine, and two parts spicy and seasoned meddling family and friends. This delectable dish is sprinkled with zesty and zingy humor, drizzled with tender caramelized aww-inducing connections, and marinated with spicy sizzling sexiness. Bon appétit.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
230 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 8, 2023
What an emotional and touching book! I don’t know how Skye could emotionally handle being a hospice nurse, but she was good at her job. Skye is the sole provider for her 14 year old daughter and her mother. So many people’s lives changed when Skye got called to watch Nick’s mother at night as she had about three months to live. Nick was a single dad to a beautiful and loving six year old. Nick’s story will break your heart, but you will get to see what a caring heart he had. Nick was a celebrity in town and a sought after rich bachelor. It melted my heart to see Skye with the family that was created between Nick’s family and Skye’s family while taking care of Nick’s mother. I can’t tell you how many times I had tears in my eyes-both sad and happy-while I was reading this book. I loved the book, and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
August 21, 2023
Heartsick & Lipstick by Shawna Renae, book three in her Single Dad CEO series, is an emotional, heart wrenching yet touching book that will grab your heart and not let go. Nick Locke is the CEO of Locke Media Group, has a very successful podcast and is the single dad to a beautiful and loving six year old. Nick’s story will break your heart, as he didn't have the best childhood, growing up in the foster care system. When he turned 18 he found out he was born in prison and went to meet his mother; only things don’t go as planned. Despite his past, he has a huge and caring heart. Nick was a celebrity in town and a sought after rich bachelor; not one for settling down. Fast forward and Nick gets a call from prison with news about his mother; as she had about three months to live. Skye Taylor is a young single mom, a hospice nurse, and the sole provider for her fourteen year old daughter and her mother; who has sworn off men until her daughter is eighteen. So many people’s lives changed when Skye was asked to give up her vacation to watch Nick’s mother at night. Skye and Nick's journey is not an easy one; as they both have baggage from their pasts, as well as all they are dealing with in the present. There are so many different emotions and feels in this story: sadness, fear, and hurt mixed with laughter, love, family and friendship. The chemistry between Nick and Skye was off the charts and the way their relationship grew given the issues both of them had had in the past was amazing.
Shawna Renae wrote a gut wrenching, emotional love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, and endearing secondary characters which all makes for an enjoyable journey for Nick and Skye. I highly recommend Heartsick & Lipstick.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Shawna Renae wrote a gut wrenching, emotional love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, and endearing secondary characters which all makes for an enjoyable journey for Nick and Skye. I highly recommend Heartsick & Lipstick.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 7, 2023
Heartsick & Lipsticks is the third book in the Single Dad CEO series and I think that Shawna Renae saved the best for last! I have enjoyed all the books in this series, but this one definitely had me from the very first page.
Nick Locke is the CEO of Locke Media Group, has a very successful podcast and is the single Dad to a precious little girl. He didn't have the best childhood, so he's not one for settling down. He's all for hooking up and keeping things unattached. That is until he a gets a glimpse of Skye and then all bets are off.
Skye Taylor is a single Mom and a nurse. She had her daughter when she was young, so she made the decision she wasn't going to date until her daughter was in college so she could focus on giving her the best life she could. When she meets Nick for the first time, her reaction to him is visceral. There is no denying that he's easy on the eyes, but she knows she needs to stay away. But can she?
Skye and Nick's journey is not an easy one. They both have a lot of trauma from their pasts, not to mention the things they are dealing with in the present. There is a great deal of emotion, sadness, fear, and hurt mixed with laughter, love, family and friendship. The chemistry between Nick and Skye was off the charts, but beyond that, I appreciated the way in which their relationship grew given the issues both of them had had in the past.
This is one of the most unique storylines that I've read in sometime, which I applaud Shawna Renae for! That's another reason I haven't given away much in this review because I feel like it's best to go into this book blind. I had no idea where we were going when I read the start of the first chapter, but I trusted and I ended up reading one of the best books I have in a while!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Nick Locke is the CEO of Locke Media Group, has a very successful podcast and is the single Dad to a precious little girl. He didn't have the best childhood, so he's not one for settling down. He's all for hooking up and keeping things unattached. That is until he a gets a glimpse of Skye and then all bets are off.
Skye Taylor is a single Mom and a nurse. She had her daughter when she was young, so she made the decision she wasn't going to date until her daughter was in college so she could focus on giving her the best life she could. When she meets Nick for the first time, her reaction to him is visceral. There is no denying that he's easy on the eyes, but she knows she needs to stay away. But can she?
Skye and Nick's journey is not an easy one. They both have a lot of trauma from their pasts, not to mention the things they are dealing with in the present. There is a great deal of emotion, sadness, fear, and hurt mixed with laughter, love, family and friendship. The chemistry between Nick and Skye was off the charts, but beyond that, I appreciated the way in which their relationship grew given the issues both of them had had in the past.
This is one of the most unique storylines that I've read in sometime, which I applaud Shawna Renae for! That's another reason I haven't given away much in this review because I feel like it's best to go into this book blind. I had no idea where we were going when I read the start of the first chapter, but I trusted and I ended up reading one of the best books I have in a while!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
August 15, 2023
So sad for the final book in this short series! Nick is the final single dad from the group of best friends that have spent years building up and supporting each other to the successful businessmen they are today. While we previously don’t know much about Nick before his book, Shawna more than makes up for it with the wild ride we get in his story. Nick has kept his past a secret for years – in the public he paints the story that both his parents are deceased, when in reality, his mother has been in prison for murdering his father before he was born. Avoidance runs out when he receives a call that she is dying and is given pardon to be released so she can live as a free woman in her final days, and Nick takes responsibility and brings her to his home. She requires round the clock care, and that’s where he meets Skye, who initially is supposed to be on vacation, but when an emergency for another nurse happens, she fills in, unable to pass up the financial aspect of the job, as she is a single mom with a traumatic past as well. Sparks instantly fly between them, although they both fight things (Skye more than Nick), and as a reader I continued to fight for them in my head through the back and forth, and my heart broke when not only did Nick’s mom pass on, but this couple doesn’t make things official! Thankfully, fate, family, and friends intervene and show them exactly why they are perfect for each other. I can’t wait to see what Shawna writes next after falling in love with these characters!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 12, 2023
Great read with tearjerker moments
Nick, the eldest of our single dad CEOs' gets his true chance at love. Born in prison and pretty much on his own his whole life, Nick has only known the love of his daughter. When his mother is given a compassionate release from prison due to major illness with only months to live, he takes her in to live with him and his daughter. He hires the best hospice care around. But he doesn't know how to talk to his mother.
Skye, a single mother and hospice nurse, has been on a man fast since her teenage daughter was born. She is asked to cancel her stay-cation to work the overnight shift for a special hospice case. She also has a difficult relationship with her mom.
Sparks smolder when these two meet. The more they fight it, the stronger the sparks get.
We get instant friends when kids meet each other and the same when their mothers meet.
It takes a long time for Nick to come to terms with feelings towards his mother, and they finally talk. Same for Skye and her mom.
Really enjoyed this story. We get the full range of emotions: love, lust, loss, anger, sadness, forgiveness, and more.
Nick, the eldest of our single dad CEOs' gets his true chance at love. Born in prison and pretty much on his own his whole life, Nick has only known the love of his daughter. When his mother is given a compassionate release from prison due to major illness with only months to live, he takes her in to live with him and his daughter. He hires the best hospice care around. But he doesn't know how to talk to his mother.
Skye, a single mother and hospice nurse, has been on a man fast since her teenage daughter was born. She is asked to cancel her stay-cation to work the overnight shift for a special hospice case. She also has a difficult relationship with her mom.
Sparks smolder when these two meet. The more they fight it, the stronger the sparks get.
We get instant friends when kids meet each other and the same when their mothers meet.
It takes a long time for Nick to come to terms with feelings towards his mother, and they finally talk. Same for Skye and her mom.
Really enjoyed this story. We get the full range of emotions: love, lust, loss, anger, sadness, forgiveness, and more.
August 8, 2023
It's not often that I find a book with a very unique storyline nowadays. I read over 200 books per year so at times I find storylines can become repetitive with a twist here and there. This book was truly unique. I had not read a book like this before and it made it impossible to put it down once I started reading.
I've been a fan of Melanie Shawn books for a while but I am absolutely loving this alter ego pen name Shawna Renae and their new contemporary romance books. I've read and loved every book in this series!
Nick and Skye have a unique journey that brought them together. He's a single dad and she's a single mom and they've both been through a lot. I loved their banter, relationship and chemistry.
Nick and Skye along with their brood makes a new family that I'd truly wonderful to experience.
I've been a fan of Melanie Shawn books for a while but I am absolutely loving this alter ego pen name Shawna Renae and their new contemporary romance books. I've read and loved every book in this series!
Nick and Skye have a unique journey that brought them together. He's a single dad and she's a single mom and they've both been through a lot. I loved their banter, relationship and chemistry.
Nick and Skye along with their brood makes a new family that I'd truly wonderful to experience.
August 6, 2023
Nick Locke is an almost 40 year old single dad who has essentially been on his own since he was born. Turns out, his mother was in prison for murdering his father and after years of being a model prisoner is dying. The system allowed a compassion release and Nick decides that he needs to take her in and not allow her to die in prison.
Skye has been a single mom it seems all of her life. She has been taking care of and supporting her own mother and her 14 year old daughter while working as a hospice nurse. She is assigned to Naomi Locke, a recently released prisoner.
Skype views the world in black and white. Her constant wishy washy was a bit much to handle for me. Normally I love these books but this one hit home and was very emotional which I was not expecting.
Overall the book was well done and the chemistry between the characters was awesome.
Skye has been a single mom it seems all of her life. She has been taking care of and supporting her own mother and her 14 year old daughter while working as a hospice nurse. She is assigned to Naomi Locke, a recently released prisoner.
Skype views the world in black and white. Her constant wishy washy was a bit much to handle for me. Normally I love these books but this one hit home and was very emotional which I was not expecting.
Overall the book was well done and the chemistry between the characters was awesome.
August 9, 2023
Another Fantastic Read
For the record I love Shawna's writing.I have read everything she's written,most multiple times. This was a fantastic read and fitting end to a great series. Skye -single mom, non dater,hospice caregiver Nick - gazillionaire, single dad, serial "dater".
No spoilers, but this book affected me as I had to deal with hospice for my mom. Shawna handled that part with tact,class ,kindness and understanding,I only cried a little. The steam and spice were at the level I've grown to expect from this writer. Skye and Nick after some bumps in the road got their well deserved HEA .
10 stars
For the record I love Shawna's writing.I have read everything she's written,most multiple times. This was a fantastic read and fitting end to a great series. Skye -single mom, non dater,hospice caregiver Nick - gazillionaire, single dad, serial "dater".
No spoilers, but this book affected me as I had to deal with hospice for my mom. Shawna handled that part with tact,class ,kindness and understanding,I only cried a little. The steam and spice were at the level I've grown to expect from this writer. Skye and Nick after some bumps in the road got their well deserved HEA .
10 stars
August 4, 2023
The story of Nick and Skye is so good that I couldn't put the book down.
When the book started talking about prison, I had no clue where Shawna Renae was headed but I soon found out that I would fall in love with the story line. From someone who has lost both parents, the way that Shawna Renae handled the loss of Naomi was one I greatly appreciated.
The latest book in the Single Dad CEO series is definitely a must read. Shawna Renae does not disappoint.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
When the book started talking about prison, I had no clue where Shawna Renae was headed but I soon found out that I would fall in love with the story line. From someone who has lost both parents, the way that Shawna Renae handled the loss of Naomi was one I greatly appreciated.
The latest book in the Single Dad CEO series is definitely a must read. Shawna Renae does not disappoint.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
heart wrenchingly beautiful
This book tugged at your heart strings. This book has all the feels. This is a single mom meets single dad work place forbidden (kinda?) love. Skye is a hospice nurse and is called off her vacation to care for a patient. Nick locke grew up in the foster care system when he turned 18 he found out he was born in prison and went to met his mother. Things don’t go as planned and fast forward and Nick gets a call from prison with news about his mother. This book was so good.
This book tugged at your heart strings. This book has all the feels. This is a single mom meets single dad work place forbidden (kinda?) love. Skye is a hospice nurse and is called off her vacation to care for a patient. Nick locke grew up in the foster care system when he turned 18 he found out he was born in prison and went to met his mother. Things don’t go as planned and fast forward and Nick gets a call from prison with news about his mother. This book was so good.
August 9, 2023
Nick is the last of the sexy single dads club, and he’s ok with that until his life takes a turn and he finds himself saying yes when he is asked to let his mom stay with him until she dies. He hires hospice nurses for round the clock care. When he gets sight of Skye (one of the nurses) is world flips over and settles. He only feels calm when around her. Skye has sworn off men, she won’t date until her daughter is 18. Then she catches sight of the sexiest man alive. These two are fire. I loved every word….I cried huge ugly tears when they have the goodbye on the beach. Grad slam!
August 14, 2023
Single dad Nick has turned a tough past into a successful career as a podcast host & media mogul. When his estranged mom comes to live with him, he meets hospice nurse Skye. Skye is a single mom caring for her daughter & her own mom.
Both Nick & Skye have avoided any sort of relationships, each for their own reasons - Nick dates everyone and anyone while Skye hasn’t had a date since her daughter was born. They are immediately attracted to each other, but circumstances aren’t ideal to start a relationship. Can they resolve their struggles to find their HEA?
This book made me laugh, cry & smile! A wonderfully written story that was hard to put down.
August 19, 2023
Wow! The emotional roller coaster this book will take you on is a wild ride!
Heartsick & Lipsticks is the third novel in the Single Dad CEO series by Shawna Renae. The title for this novel could not be more perfect!
Nick is the last of his friends to be single. They used to have a nickname at the diner they've gone to for the majority of their lives, but Nick is the only one left. He's never been the commitment type, and he doesn't need that...or so he thinks.
Skye is a hospice nurse. She has a teenage daughter, and her mother lives with her. Her life hasn't been easy, but she is grateful for what she has. But she's offered a job that pays triple the normal rate even though she's supposed to be on vacation, and boy is her life about to change!
This book was filled with family, emotions, and some very deep situations. I loved the group we met in this story! It is a great read!
Heartsick & Lipsticks is the third novel in the Single Dad CEO series by Shawna Renae. The title for this novel could not be more perfect!
Nick is the last of his friends to be single. They used to have a nickname at the diner they've gone to for the majority of their lives, but Nick is the only one left. He's never been the commitment type, and he doesn't need that...or so he thinks.
Skye is a hospice nurse. She has a teenage daughter, and her mother lives with her. Her life hasn't been easy, but she is grateful for what she has. But she's offered a job that pays triple the normal rate even though she's supposed to be on vacation, and boy is her life about to change!
This book was filled with family, emotions, and some very deep situations. I loved the group we met in this story! It is a great read!
August 11, 2023
The Truths
The emotions I experienced while reading this book were not safe. Two single parents brought together in the most sensitive way. Both who grew un unconventional but thrived in their own right. I was here for it, and when I found out Nick secret and how big his heart was, I loved him more.
Shawna, you nailed putting the pieces back together of four broken hearts and souls. Living with regret is not healthy, and words go a long way. Closure at its purest form.
The emotions I experienced while reading this book were not safe. Two single parents brought together in the most sensitive way. Both who grew un unconventional but thrived in their own right. I was here for it, and when I found out Nick secret and how big his heart was, I loved him more.
Shawna, you nailed putting the pieces back together of four broken hearts and souls. Living with regret is not healthy, and words go a long way. Closure at its purest form.
August 21, 2023
This series keeps getting better and better. The emotional baggage that Nick and Skye carry with them is enormous. Their childhoods, or lack of a childhood, while different were equally depressing. Fortunately they each had a close relationship with friends that became their family. Facing their pasts and dealing with multiple traumatic situations does not set them up to handle a functioning adult relationship. The heart doesn’t care about any of that. Their connection is combustible and the emotions run deep. Overcoming fear and getting out of their heads is easier said than done.
August 21, 2023
Oh my heart! I loved this. What a heartbreaking story, my heart broke for Nick and his mom Naomi. His response to her initially was very understandable, he didn’t know how to talk to her or ask the difficult questions. I think seeing her interact with Skye and her family helped to see her as a human and his mother. Skye helped him to find the courage and strength to talk to her.
Nick and Skye were great together. I loved their insta attraction and how they fought against it and each struggling to identify if what they were feeling was actually love. I loved this from start to finish.
Nick and Skye were great together. I loved their insta attraction and how they fought against it and each struggling to identify if what they were feeling was actually love. I loved this from start to finish.
August 4, 2023
This is a beautifully written story
that is at times heartbreaking
& others can make you laugh
out loud. It's a feel-good, steamy
& emotional romance.
There is a wonderful mixture of characters that adds even more to the story.
Engaging & Interesting.
Could not put down.
I loved every page!
that is at times heartbreaking
& others can make you laugh
out loud. It's a feel-good, steamy
& emotional romance.
There is a wonderful mixture of characters that adds even more to the story.
Engaging & Interesting.
Could not put down.
I loved every page!
August 6, 2023
Loved the emotional energy
The story is such a good one because it has tragedy, romance and breaking cycles that can break families. The title is so appropriate, but I won’t say why because that will spoil a special part of the story.
HEARTSICK & LIPSTICKS definitely tugged at my emotions. The circumstances bringing Nick and Skye together is original. How it effects each character differently is really good writing. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished.
The story is such a good one because it has tragedy, romance and breaking cycles that can break families. The title is so appropriate, but I won’t say why because that will spoil a special part of the story.
HEARTSICK & LIPSTICKS definitely tugged at my emotions. The circumstances bringing Nick and Skye together is original. How it effects each character differently is really good writing. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished.
August 6, 2023
What an incredible book. From the very first page I was drawn into their story. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will definitely make you feel deeply. I fell in love with Nick and Skye. I have to say their journey was not an easy one but it made for an amazing read. Definitely one of my top ten books so far this year. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 9, 2023
Nick is a self made billionaire and single father. He grew up in the foster care system and beat the odds. He thought his life as a single dad was good. That was until Skye walked into his life. Skye is there to help care for a loved one and likes to follow rules. Can Nick get her to be a rebel and ignore the rules?
August 14, 2023
Loved the third installment in the single dad CEO series! Nick and Skye's story was great. Totally unexpected falling in love for both of them - one non dater hospice nurse and one serial dater who never committed, both single parents, both complicated relationships with their moms.....it handled the hospice element and that sadness as well as normalizing therapy in a wonderful way. This was a great book and I can't wait for her next one!
August 11, 2023
Nick and Skye are fabulous together! I loved how fast Nick was struck by love and how fast he fell for Skye. They made me cry several times through their story. I loved the storyline and all of the characters.
August 15, 2023
Heartsick & Lipsticks
at first I didn't think I would finish this book. But I stuck it out and am glad I did. a perfect ending to this trilogy. I will recommend this book because of the heartfelt emotions and well written the subject matter is. enjoy
at first I didn't think I would finish this book. But I stuck it out and am glad I did. a perfect ending to this trilogy. I will recommend this book because of the heartfelt emotions and well written the subject matter is. enjoy
August 7, 2023
Awesome story. A roller coaster of emotions on every page. Every character was special in their own way. The chemistry between Nick and Skye was off the charts. I really loved the mending of fractured relationships. I think this one is definitely my favorite.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 13, 2023
Great story our last of our sexy singles CEO's. This time up its Nick (Single dad /CEO of Locke Media) and Skye ( single mom /hospice nurse). Great chemistry, great cast of characters. Still laughing at the Easter egg lipsticks.
August 15, 2023
love the love story
I love love stories and this was awesome
Keep them coming
I can’t wait who is next.
Great work I hope to read next one
I love love stories and this was awesome
Keep them coming
I can’t wait who is next.
Great work I hope to read next one
August 21, 2023
Heartwarming romantic journey filled with engaging charters, intriguing story line, witty banter, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Really enjoyed this emotional and sweetly thrilling adventure from beginning to end.
August 20, 2023
Nick has had life set, until it's not. Now he has a young daughter and a dying mother he never knew. Skye is a hospice nurse, and her next job will change her life. How much she lets it is up for debate. She is determined to be alone.
August 9, 2023
Nick and Skye made me CRY! Amazing story. I don’t know how Skye did her job so well. I love when lightning strikes the bachelor and knocks him out! All these characters were fabulous.
August 20, 2023
OMG this book is fantastic!
I couldn't put this book down! I read it in 1 day! I laughed so hard and cried all through out this book. very emotional and hot. loved it!
I couldn't put this book down! I read it in 1 day! I laughed so hard and cried all through out this book. very emotional and hot. loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews