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Sugar and Spice, Ink #1
Realism
Ordinary, typical, conformed are words never used to describe me.
I've never been one to play by the rules. It's my world, my life and I do things my way.
I see the way they stare at my body covered in tattoos and my lavender hair; I just don't give a damn. There is only one thing in this world that can get me fired up, that's screwing with my daughter. As a single mom, it's my job to protect her, fight for her. She is and will always be my top priority.
So, when I get a call that she's in trouble at school, with a boy—no less, my claws are out and ready to strike.
And the boy's father, some high society stockbroker, isn't about to deter me. I don't care how sexy, smart, and rugged he is. Opposites may attract, and I've been down that road before, it's one I never plan to travel again. A man like that would never be interested in a woman like me.
That I know for certain, after all I'm a realist.
Contains mature themes.
I've never been one to play by the rules. It's my world, my life and I do things my way.
I see the way they stare at my body covered in tattoos and my lavender hair; I just don't give a damn. There is only one thing in this world that can get me fired up, that's screwing with my daughter. As a single mom, it's my job to protect her, fight for her. She is and will always be my top priority.
So, when I get a call that she's in trouble at school, with a boy—no less, my claws are out and ready to strike.
And the boy's father, some high society stockbroker, isn't about to deter me. I don't care how sexy, smart, and rugged he is. Opposites may attract, and I've been down that road before, it's one I never plan to travel again. A man like that would never be interested in a woman like me.
That I know for certain, after all I'm a realist.
Contains mature themes.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 2, 2019
474 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
Evan Grace
77 books1,720 followershttps://www.authorevangrace.com
A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.
During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.
A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.
During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 6, 2026
2.5 stars
This is a poorly written book about a very tattooed single mom, whose entire personality is having tattoos, and a horny single dad who says fuck a lot.
The story was actually simple and sweet. Even though Mona and Joaquin were pretty one-dimensional, I rooted for them and their perfectly perfect kids, who were the bestest of best friends in the world. There were things that made me roll my eyes (Mona was really too paranoid that people judged her for her tattoos), some annoyed me (shaming a new mother for hiring a nanny and being “well rested” is a big no for me, I don’t care that she’s the villain’s wife), but in general I eventually got invested. I guess the single-mom trope gets me every time.
My biggest problem was the writing.
Gawd, it was bad. The characters were constantly narrating everything they were doing. The number of times Joaquin went to the bathroom to “take care of business” 😩 TMI!!
There was also a lot of spice and sex talk. Like, a lot. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind sex scenes, but this was too much. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough room left for emotional intimacy, which is a shame because they were actually cute together.
I don’t regret finishing this book, especially since the epilogues were good, but I’m not tempted to continue the series.
This is a poorly written book about a very tattooed single mom, whose entire personality is having tattoos, and a horny single dad who says fuck a lot.
The story was actually simple and sweet. Even though Mona and Joaquin were pretty one-dimensional, I rooted for them and their perfectly perfect kids, who were the bestest of best friends in the world. There were things that made me roll my eyes (Mona was really too paranoid that people judged her for her tattoos), some annoyed me (shaming a new mother for hiring a nanny and being “well rested” is a big no for me, I don’t care that she’s the villain’s wife), but in general I eventually got invested. I guess the single-mom trope gets me every time.
My biggest problem was the writing.
Gawd, it was bad. The characters were constantly narrating everything they were doing. The number of times Joaquin went to the bathroom to “take care of business” 😩 TMI!!
There was also a lot of spice and sex talk. Like, a lot. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind sex scenes, but this was too much. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough room left for emotional intimacy, which is a shame because they were actually cute together.
I don’t regret finishing this book, especially since the epilogues were good, but I’m not tempted to continue the series.
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April 5, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/20/2019)! 🎁
April 3, 2019
This is a nice& sweet story of two single parents. It's safe & best of all, it has a great HEA & two Epilogues at the end with a year and 16 years later!
June 5, 2022
This book was OK for me but I really loved the relationship between the h and her family. The h is a single mom with an adorable little girl and when she gets a call from the school that her daughter was caught kissing another little boy, they have to go meet with the principal. The H is the single father to the little boy and the H/h meet and are instantly attracted.
I had some niggles with the story, but they're mostly *me* things.
As I said, the scenes at the tattoo shop and the relationship with the sisters who run the shop and their brother who helps out with the kid were the highlight of the story. They all get their own book, but I think I'll end the series here. The future books don't look like they'll be my cuppa.
Safety
I had some niggles with the story, but they're mostly *me* things.
As I said, the scenes at the tattoo shop and the relationship with the sisters who run the shop and their brother who helps out with the kid were the highlight of the story. They all get their own book, but I think I'll end the series here. The future books don't look like they'll be my cuppa.
Safety
April 4, 2019
This was an okay story for me i enjoyed it.. very fast pace.
Mona so much she was a amazing woman had a great job she worked so hard to even be in a tattoo artist in her own tattoo place, strong, passionate and sassy also a mama bear when it comes to her daughter Iris, and when she gets a call saying her daughter and bestfriend Max were kissing.. she meets Max's father Joaquin.. now at first i was ehh towards Joa.. he was charming, smart very good father.. but not really a alpha.. when he first meets Mona he said he wasn't attracted to her (but he was later since he jerked off to her) then at the pizza place that "GOD NO" when asked if that was his gf.. 😐😐 last but not least when they had some hawt sex he said they should stop messing around.. LIKE?!?! okay i sound like i dislike him more.. gut he owned up to his mistakes and proved he was man enough to say sorry, man enough to take care of Mona and Iris and i started to like him.. but he wasn't my favorite..
Low angst, mentions om the douchy ex-baby father who i wanted to smack & ow his ex but no real drama from her beside that no other op, no cheating, sexy times, background chara, no virgins and not a manwhore
Reccomend- yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Slowish-insta
Friends with benefits
Push/pull from both but mostly H at first
Seperation few days
Hea
Epilogue
Mona so much she was a amazing woman had a great job she worked so hard to even be in a tattoo artist in her own tattoo place, strong, passionate and sassy also a mama bear when it comes to her daughter Iris, and when she gets a call saying her daughter and bestfriend Max were kissing.. she meets Max's father Joaquin.. now at first i was ehh towards Joa.. he was charming, smart very good father.. but not really a alpha.. when he first meets Mona he said he wasn't attracted to her (but he was later since he jerked off to her) then at the pizza place that "GOD NO" when asked if that was his gf.. 😐😐 last but not least when they had some hawt sex he said they should stop messing around.. LIKE?!?! okay i sound like i dislike him more.. gut he owned up to his mistakes and proved he was man enough to say sorry, man enough to take care of Mona and Iris and i started to like him.. but he wasn't my favorite..
Low angst, mentions om the douchy ex-baby father who i wanted to smack & ow his ex but no real drama from her beside that no other op, no cheating, sexy times, background chara, no virgins and not a manwhore
Reccomend- yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Slowish-insta
Friends with benefits
Push/pull from both but mostly H at first
Seperation few days
Hea
Epilogue
April 3, 2019
5 Stars!
Evan Grace is an author I've really come to enjoy the last year (maybe last two) or so. I've not read everything by Evan, but I've read enough to know that her writing is special. It's always steamy. It's always a little angsty. It's always sweet. And it's always unforgettable in the best ways, inevitably making their way to my reread tbr list. And this latest might just be my favorite to date.
Realism is the first in her brand spanking new series, Sugar and Spice... where everything is certainly nice, albeit a bit complicated in moments.
In this first book, we have two single parents who meet under the most adorable (seriously wait until you see!!) circumstances... and what starts out as an opposites attracts turning into casual-benefits thing turns into soooooooo much more than they ever expected.
Mona and Joaquin lit up my kindle from the moment I met them both. Her with her free spirit, love for her kid, and tattoos. Him with his alpha tendencies, best daddy skills, and suits. And seriously together they were electric! Great banter. Adorable kids who have an unbreakable bond. Crappy Exes. Undeniable chemistry. Loads of sexual tension. I devoured every little moment they gave me.
Evan Grace is totally worth a read in my opinion if you like steamy, sexy, sweet, fast, unforgettable, contemporary romances.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Evan Grace is an author I've really come to enjoy the last year (maybe last two) or so. I've not read everything by Evan, but I've read enough to know that her writing is special. It's always steamy. It's always a little angsty. It's always sweet. And it's always unforgettable in the best ways, inevitably making their way to my reread tbr list. And this latest might just be my favorite to date.
Realism is the first in her brand spanking new series, Sugar and Spice... where everything is certainly nice, albeit a bit complicated in moments.
In this first book, we have two single parents who meet under the most adorable (seriously wait until you see!!) circumstances... and what starts out as an opposites attracts turning into casual-benefits thing turns into soooooooo much more than they ever expected.
Mona and Joaquin lit up my kindle from the moment I met them both. Her with her free spirit, love for her kid, and tattoos. Him with his alpha tendencies, best daddy skills, and suits. And seriously together they were electric! Great banter. Adorable kids who have an unbreakable bond. Crappy Exes. Undeniable chemistry. Loads of sexual tension. I devoured every little moment they gave me.
Evan Grace is totally worth a read in my opinion if you like steamy, sexy, sweet, fast, unforgettable, contemporary romances.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Read
March 3, 2019“Dad, guess what?” Max comes racing out the doors of the school with an envelope in his hand. He waves it wildly in my face before letting me take it from him. “Look, look!”
I open it and see that it’s an end of summer party, hosted by Mona and Iris Collins at Sugar and Spice, Ink. A party at a tattoo studio? Yes, I looked her up. The lavender-haired woman has been creeping into my thoughts, on and off over the past couple of weeks since we met. Her tattoo career is definitely impressive.
She and her sisters have one of the highest rated tattoo studios in the area. The pictures I’ve seen of her are stunning. Her hair color has been baby blue, platinum, and lavender, of course. She’s got that pinup girl look in a lot of the photos, and damn if they weren’t sexy. My favorite is one that she’s topless, but her hands cover her breasts and she’s giving an exaggerated wink.
The ink that covers a lot of her is beautiful. Whoever did them did a phenomenal job. I won’t lie, I’ve never been a fan of tattoos on women, but lately I’ve been liking them more and more.
I open it and see that it’s an end of summer party, hosted by Mona and Iris Collins at Sugar and Spice, Ink. A party at a tattoo studio? Yes, I looked her up. The lavender-haired woman has been creeping into my thoughts, on and off over the past couple of weeks since we met. Her tattoo career is definitely impressive.
She and her sisters have one of the highest rated tattoo studios in the area. The pictures I’ve seen of her are stunning. Her hair color has been baby blue, platinum, and lavender, of course. She’s got that pinup girl look in a lot of the photos, and damn if they weren’t sexy. My favorite is one that she’s topless, but her hands cover her breasts and she’s giving an exaggerated wink.
The ink that covers a lot of her is beautiful. Whoever did them did a phenomenal job. I won’t lie, I’ve never been a fan of tattoos on women, but lately I’ve been liking them more and more.
April 15, 2019
4.5 Stars
First things first; I love the cover to this book! I really liked that the heroine (Mona) is tattooed, has dyed hair and is a tattoo artist!
Realism is book one in the sugar and spice ink series. This story is a fast paced and easy read. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable.
I liked both hero and heroine. They are different yet they are so similar. Joaquin and Mona are both single parents. Both have successful businesses. Yes Joaquin was richer but the similarities between them was clear to see. I liked them together and I liked that Mona was Joaquin’s type. That being said, the chemistry between them was clear to see and I liked them together.
Iris and Max are so adorable! I really liked their friendship.
I really, really, really disliked Sam! He was such an A hole yet I liked that he did the right thing in the end. Iris deserved better than him.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series. I hope that we get Sierra and Nick’s story soon because I want more of them!
First things first; I love the cover to this book! I really liked that the heroine (Mona) is tattooed, has dyed hair and is a tattoo artist!
Realism is book one in the sugar and spice ink series. This story is a fast paced and easy read. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable.
I liked both hero and heroine. They are different yet they are so similar. Joaquin and Mona are both single parents. Both have successful businesses. Yes Joaquin was richer but the similarities between them was clear to see. I liked them together and I liked that Mona was Joaquin’s type. That being said, the chemistry between them was clear to see and I liked them together.
Iris and Max are so adorable! I really liked their friendship.
I really, really, really disliked Sam! He was such an A hole yet I liked that he did the right thing in the end. Iris deserved better than him.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series. I hope that we get Sierra and Nick’s story soon because I want more of them!
April 2, 2019
Every once is a while you read a book that can be easily described with one word. This is one of those times. Realism was adorable. Everything about it put a smile on my face.
Let's start by saying that I was really worried I wasn't going to like it. Why? Single dad or mum romance tropes are in between one of my least favorites. That being said, I did not have to worry. Evan made sure it all not just worked but that you fell in love with the kiddos as well as the main characters.
The chemistry between Mona and Joaquin was spot on. They worked wonderfully together. I for one think opposites attract so I loved how different they were. I think their differences made them better, they complemented each other.
Funnily enough (because as I said earlier I am not into kids on romance books) the kids were my favorite part. Their friendship to each other and Joaquin and Mona's relationship with their kids and each other's kids was truly special. They became a truly wonderful and beautiful family and I absolutely loved the little stories added at the end (months and years later).
Overall it was a fabulous story. Some parts had a little too much inner monologue and others were a tad too predictable. Also Joaquin's reaction to his attraction to Mona in the beginning wasn't great. But those were all minor things and didn't make the story any less pleasurable.
Go Read!
Let's start by saying that I was really worried I wasn't going to like it. Why? Single dad or mum romance tropes are in between one of my least favorites. That being said, I did not have to worry. Evan made sure it all not just worked but that you fell in love with the kiddos as well as the main characters.
The chemistry between Mona and Joaquin was spot on. They worked wonderfully together. I for one think opposites attract so I loved how different they were. I think their differences made them better, they complemented each other.
Funnily enough (because as I said earlier I am not into kids on romance books) the kids were my favorite part. Their friendship to each other and Joaquin and Mona's relationship with their kids and each other's kids was truly special. They became a truly wonderful and beautiful family and I absolutely loved the little stories added at the end (months and years later).
Overall it was a fabulous story. Some parts had a little too much inner monologue and others were a tad too predictable. Also Joaquin's reaction to his attraction to Mona in the beginning wasn't great. But those were all minor things and didn't make the story any less pleasurable.
Go Read!
April 9, 2019
Sweet and swoon worthy! Wonderful story!
April 2, 2019
Mona has a creative soul and it shows through both on her body and in her art. She has been judged by others her whole life, but she isn’t about to let their opinions change who she is or hurt her daughter. She is independent and the only people she needs are her siblings and she especially doesn’t need a man who can’t accept her for who she is.
Joaquin is a successful stockbroker and not only looks but acts the part. When he is called to his son Max’s school along with Mona, Max’s best friend Iris’s mom, he is drawn to her even though he knows that they are completely wrong for each other.
This is a story about family, love and new beginnings. Mona and Joaquin couldn’t be more different or more perfect together. The secondary characters are great, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Joaquin is a successful stockbroker and not only looks but acts the part. When he is called to his son Max’s school along with Mona, Max’s best friend Iris’s mom, he is drawn to her even though he knows that they are completely wrong for each other.
This is a story about family, love and new beginnings. Mona and Joaquin couldn’t be more different or more perfect together. The secondary characters are great, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
April 2, 2019
"Realism" the first in the Sugar and Spice Ink series by Evan Grace.
Mona a single mom to Iris, runs a tattoo studio in Atlanta, with her three sisters. She is not your typical mom, she is covered in tattoos with long, lilac colored hair. But Mona is strong, resilient, and smart. Joaquin a partner at an investment firm, is a single dad to Max. When Iris and Max best friends, get caught kissing at school, Mona and Joaquin's lives will never be the same.
This book is a fun read, with characters and life stories that are very relatable. The children are delightful part of the story. The author tells a juicy story of opposites attract with a side of Realism. Evan had has a wonderful writers way to tell a story. This isn't my first book by this author, and it won't be my last!.
Mona a single mom to Iris, runs a tattoo studio in Atlanta, with her three sisters. She is not your typical mom, she is covered in tattoos with long, lilac colored hair. But Mona is strong, resilient, and smart. Joaquin a partner at an investment firm, is a single dad to Max. When Iris and Max best friends, get caught kissing at school, Mona and Joaquin's lives will never be the same.
This book is a fun read, with characters and life stories that are very relatable. The children are delightful part of the story. The author tells a juicy story of opposites attract with a side of Realism. Evan had has a wonderful writers way to tell a story. This isn't my first book by this author, and it won't be my last!.
April 1, 2019
This book was steamy, sexy, yummy, goodness!!!!! This was my first Evan Grace book and I can’t wait to read more!!!!!
April 4, 2019
Just loved this book...
April 20, 2019
I'm so loving this new series❤
Love Mona and Joaq grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go.Intense amazing emotional. Ready for Nick and Sierra
Love Mona and Joaq grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go.Intense amazing emotional. Ready for Nick and Sierra
July 29, 2019
I love the single parent trope and this gives both a single mom and a single dad. I love that Mona wasn't really struggling without her child's father in the picture. She lived in a nice neighborhood and had a successful business with her sisters. I didn't like how Joaquin immediately dismissed her because of the hair and tats but later said a random "busty waitress" was more his type. That was a little cliche for me. The stroy is good and that epilogue was so sweet. Definitely recommend
March 19, 2019
Joaquin is not ashamed at all about things, "I take the beer and shrug. “I can’t help it.” I lean in. “You’ve got a great ***.” Joaquin could be bossy when he wanted to be, “I need you naked. Meet me in bed in five minutes. I’m going to make sure the house is locked up and the alarm is set.” I liked this book, I fell in love with the characters.
March 5, 2019
I always get excited when starting a new series by an author I love. I dove in without even reading the blurb. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was a double single parent story!!!!
Mona and Joaquin meet when their children get up to mischief at school....and the rest is history. These characters may look like they don't fit, but somehow they do. Mona a is a great example of why you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. I found this story to play out beautifully. The pace was great as were all the characters. I loved the support system that Mona had around her. I could definitely picture some of the scenes being played out, especially the how-to-video...ovaries go boom!
Highly recommend this story to all romance read lovers, but especially to those of you that love single parent stories.
Mona and Joaquin meet when their children get up to mischief at school....and the rest is history. These characters may look like they don't fit, but somehow they do. Mona a is a great example of why you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. I found this story to play out beautifully. The pace was great as were all the characters. I loved the support system that Mona had around her. I could definitely picture some of the scenes being played out, especially the how-to-video...ovaries go boom!
Highly recommend this story to all romance read lovers, but especially to those of you that love single parent stories.
March 6, 2019
I thoroughly loved this book.....Like really truly loved it,
I knew Mona was going to be a spit fire, her purple hair was the first clue. But Joaquin was the one that blew me away.
He was all me man me boss and then he meets out spit fire and all bets are off. Max and Iris stole every scene they were in....Just a really great book
I knew Mona was going to be a spit fire, her purple hair was the first clue. But Joaquin was the one that blew me away.
He was all me man me boss and then he meets out spit fire and all bets are off. Max and Iris stole every scene they were in....Just a really great book
April 2, 2019
Evan Grace did a fabulous job on this story. It don't surprise me though, she's fantastic. This story is definitely about opposites attract. Taking a tattooed single mom and matching her up with an uptight suit, what could go wrong? Absolutely nothing. It was the best thing ever! At least in my book. Evan really knows how to write characters that we all absolutely instantly fall in love with and makes something great come together. Mona and Joaquin, both with a somewhat similar past on how they became single parents, meet and it's instant attraction. But, the both of them are to afraid to act on it. Mona thinks she's not good enough for him and his uptight suit wearing self. And it made me a bit mad that Joaquin's first thoughts were he liked Mona but, couldn't have her on his arm do to her looks. I mean with her lavender hair and tattoos. But, what they both didn't expect was to have the strongest connection and be a match made perfectly for each other.
Thanks to their kids being BFF's its what brought them together and made this story the absolute perfection that it is! I can't wait to read more. This story was everything and more! Fantastic job Evan! Superb!
Thanks to their kids being BFF's its what brought them together and made this story the absolute perfection that it is! I can't wait to read more. This story was everything and more! Fantastic job Evan! Superb!
March 9, 2022
This is the 3rd book I have read by EG and the first of her Ink series. 3.5⭐️’s
Overall, it was an enjoyable read with some hot loving between the pages.
Opposites attract, although they share many of the same values. Both of them are single parents who have sworn off marriage after their disastrous ex’s. He had been married to his money grubbing bad mother ex. While she had been dumped by her wealthy snobby partner after she showed him a + pregnancy test.(although it sounds like he was already seeing someone else who he later married and impregnated)
Mona, our heroine is 29 and was raised in a loving family. She sports lavender hair, is a vegetarian, has a cat, and runs a successful tattoo studio with her 3 younger sisters. She also has a younger brother, Miles who is a wildly successful crime novel writer. She has a 7 year old daughter Iris Clementine. Iris doesn’t lack for love with all those aunts and an Uncle who has stepped up as surrogate father. Mona ends up meeting the hero when she is called into the principals office at her daughter’s school. It seems her daughter and the H’s son Max were caught smooching in the bathroom.
Joaquin, our hero is 30 and very successful. He wears Tom Ford suits that would even leave Beckham in the wind. He likes meat and has a dog. His father and mother were not warm and he was raised by nannies(which is what his wife wanted right away too). They have long been divorced and his father is on wife 4. However, he does have a beautIful cousin Victoria who came from the same type of family. She lives with the H and helps with the care of Max. He first meets the h at the school when he is called in about his son’s activities. (Max and Iris are best friends, and friends kiss each other)
Joaquin’s first impression of the h is “so not my type” or at least that is what his brain tells him. The rest of his body has other ideas. He is not rude to the h(yet). Mona looks at the h and decides that he is most likely a carbon copy of her ex(except yummier).
Max is invited to Iris’s end of the school year party at the tattoo parlor. He rsvp’s using the phone number attached to the invite.(the hero programs the number in his phone). Later that evening the two families end up running into each other at the local pizza parlor. Everything is going well. The H picks up the tab and the h goes out to her car with Iris. She comes back in because she forgot her phone and she was going to leave the tip. She happens to hear the H’s response to the waitress when she asks if Mona is his girlfriend. He says, “God no!” He is ashamed and embarrassed and texts the h later that night to apologize. Since she is not invested in the H she is basically ok with his apology and they agree to be friends “for the kids”.
Over the summer they keep running into each other and the H is in a little denial over his attraction for the h. At the end of the summer they end up at retreat, one last hurrah before school begins(sadly, Iris will be going to a different school since she doesn’t have the right zip code). His friend Nick zeroes in on the h’s sister Sierra(they get their own story)
Anyhoo, eventually Mona and Joaquin decide to embark on a no strings attached affair. Each agree that there will be no other men or women and that each use common courtesy whenever they decide to end it.
They get some intense loving scenes throughout the book. They are there for each other when ex’s start stirring up kid trouble. Not a lot of angst here and they make a great couple. Then the first black moment happens about 1/2 way through the story.
After engaging in hot sex with more than hot sex emotions, the H being scared breaks it up right after orgasm. The h wastes no time getting her clothes on and walking out the door. She berates herself for falling for him against her better judgement. She ends up having to reach out to the H after her daughter has a traumatic experience with her bio dad. The h hasn’t been letting her talk to her best friend and she needs her best friend Max. The H comes over with Max. The h tries to avoid him but he finally gets to talk to her and tells her what an ass he was. He explains he loves her and her daughter and that was very unexpected. The kids catch them kissing and now they advertise their love affair.
They spend lots of time together. He has a room made for Iris. They spend weekends together. Then the next black moment happens with less than a quarter of the book to go. The h overhears a conversation between the hero and his dad. His dad basically calls the h a good time girl and hears the H start laughing. This is dejavu for the h as her ex never defended her from his dad either. The h takes off with her daughter for mommy/daughter time in a hotel and the H finds out from his assistant that the h was outside the door. When she gets back from the overnight with her daughter, it is to see the H and her brother waiting for them. Joaquin looks like death warmed over and the h approaches him with her new natural colored blonde locks. He explains that yes he was laughing…laughing at his dad. He then told his dad that he can either accept her or get out his life. Oh, and he asks the h if she wouldn’t mind going back to Lavender locks.
3 months later the h moves in with the H. There is then an epilogue 1 year and a very very sweet epilogue 16 years later which gives this book an extra boost in star ratings for me. I’m an epilogue junkie. I am also an angst junkie which is why this book didn’t quite reach a 4 for me.
There was definitely more opportunity for angst in the beginning of the book. I would have liked a little bit more of the opposites causing angst issues. The H needed to eat a little more humble pie after his restaurant comment. Overall, though it was a nice love story. I will read more in this line to find out how the sisters get their HEA’s. (And Miles with Victoria)
Overall, it was an enjoyable read with some hot loving between the pages.
Opposites attract, although they share many of the same values. Both of them are single parents who have sworn off marriage after their disastrous ex’s. He had been married to his money grubbing bad mother ex. While she had been dumped by her wealthy snobby partner after she showed him a + pregnancy test.(although it sounds like he was already seeing someone else who he later married and impregnated)
Mona, our heroine is 29 and was raised in a loving family. She sports lavender hair, is a vegetarian, has a cat, and runs a successful tattoo studio with her 3 younger sisters. She also has a younger brother, Miles who is a wildly successful crime novel writer. She has a 7 year old daughter Iris Clementine. Iris doesn’t lack for love with all those aunts and an Uncle who has stepped up as surrogate father. Mona ends up meeting the hero when she is called into the principals office at her daughter’s school. It seems her daughter and the H’s son Max were caught smooching in the bathroom.
Joaquin, our hero is 30 and very successful. He wears Tom Ford suits that would even leave Beckham in the wind. He likes meat and has a dog. His father and mother were not warm and he was raised by nannies(which is what his wife wanted right away too). They have long been divorced and his father is on wife 4. However, he does have a beautIful cousin Victoria who came from the same type of family. She lives with the H and helps with the care of Max. He first meets the h at the school when he is called in about his son’s activities. (Max and Iris are best friends, and friends kiss each other)
Joaquin’s first impression of the h is “so not my type” or at least that is what his brain tells him. The rest of his body has other ideas. He is not rude to the h(yet). Mona looks at the h and decides that he is most likely a carbon copy of her ex(except yummier).
Max is invited to Iris’s end of the school year party at the tattoo parlor. He rsvp’s using the phone number attached to the invite.(the hero programs the number in his phone). Later that evening the two families end up running into each other at the local pizza parlor. Everything is going well. The H picks up the tab and the h goes out to her car with Iris. She comes back in because she forgot her phone and she was going to leave the tip. She happens to hear the H’s response to the waitress when she asks if Mona is his girlfriend. He says, “God no!” He is ashamed and embarrassed and texts the h later that night to apologize. Since she is not invested in the H she is basically ok with his apology and they agree to be friends “for the kids”.
Over the summer they keep running into each other and the H is in a little denial over his attraction for the h. At the end of the summer they end up at retreat, one last hurrah before school begins(sadly, Iris will be going to a different school since she doesn’t have the right zip code). His friend Nick zeroes in on the h’s sister Sierra(they get their own story)
Anyhoo, eventually Mona and Joaquin decide to embark on a no strings attached affair. Each agree that there will be no other men or women and that each use common courtesy whenever they decide to end it.
They get some intense loving scenes throughout the book. They are there for each other when ex’s start stirring up kid trouble. Not a lot of angst here and they make a great couple. Then the first black moment happens about 1/2 way through the story.
After engaging in hot sex with more than hot sex emotions, the H being scared breaks it up right after orgasm. The h wastes no time getting her clothes on and walking out the door. She berates herself for falling for him against her better judgement. She ends up having to reach out to the H after her daughter has a traumatic experience with her bio dad. The h hasn’t been letting her talk to her best friend and she needs her best friend Max. The H comes over with Max. The h tries to avoid him but he finally gets to talk to her and tells her what an ass he was. He explains he loves her and her daughter and that was very unexpected. The kids catch them kissing and now they advertise their love affair.
They spend lots of time together. He has a room made for Iris. They spend weekends together. Then the next black moment happens with less than a quarter of the book to go. The h overhears a conversation between the hero and his dad. His dad basically calls the h a good time girl and hears the H start laughing. This is dejavu for the h as her ex never defended her from his dad either. The h takes off with her daughter for mommy/daughter time in a hotel and the H finds out from his assistant that the h was outside the door. When she gets back from the overnight with her daughter, it is to see the H and her brother waiting for them. Joaquin looks like death warmed over and the h approaches him with her new natural colored blonde locks. He explains that yes he was laughing…laughing at his dad. He then told his dad that he can either accept her or get out his life. Oh, and he asks the h if she wouldn’t mind going back to Lavender locks.
3 months later the h moves in with the H. There is then an epilogue 1 year and a very very sweet epilogue 16 years later which gives this book an extra boost in star ratings for me. I’m an epilogue junkie. I am also an angst junkie which is why this book didn’t quite reach a 4 for me.
There was definitely more opportunity for angst in the beginning of the book. I would have liked a little bit more of the opposites causing angst issues. The H needed to eat a little more humble pie after his restaurant comment. Overall, though it was a nice love story. I will read more in this line to find out how the sisters get their HEA’s. (And Miles with Victoria)
March 27, 2019
This is my first book by Evan Grace and if you are after a book with sugar, spice and everything nice then Realism is a must read. However, don't let the nice part fool you because believe me there is enough naughty to keep you captivated from start to finish. A single parent romance that will wrap its way around your heart. A story of love, commitment, strength and fighting for the ones that you love. These characters make it easy to love them, even though at times they will frustrate you. A love story that is all about the light and the dark, the soft and the hard and holding on to what is ultimately nothing short of real love.
March 5, 2019
I was given this as an arc for my honest opinion, from the author and I loved it, it's a hot love story between 2 single parents. Mona and Joaquin are 2 very different people and have 2 beautiful children who happen to be best friends, after a meeting at school they take a unexpected journey to find there feelings for each other. This story shows how opposites attract and even when things turn against them , they fight for what they want . It's a must read , and once you start it you have to finish it .
November 24, 2021
FABULOUS!!!
This author wrote a book full of heart. I absolutely loved the characters, the dialogue, and the storyline. I am eager to read the next book in the series.
This author wrote a book full of heart. I absolutely loved the characters, the dialogue, and the storyline. I am eager to read the next book in the series.
April 4, 2019
Do you love single mom romance books? Do you love single dad romance books? If you answered yes to either of those, you are in for a treat with this one! This book has both and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. I loved each and every page and I want more in the worst way!
Mona is a strong woman who has not had the best of luck in the men department. Her daughter’s father fled as soon as she got pregnant and she has raised her on her own since. Luckily she has a wonderful family who is more than willing to help out anytime she needs them. When she gets called to her daughter's school to address an issue, the last thing she expects is the sexy Joaquin. The more she sees him, the more she wants him, even though she knows it could lead to heartbreak. In the end, will she let go of her past and give into what Joaquin is offering?
Joaquin has been raising his son on his own since his ex-wife decided that she has better things to do with her time. While he is not lacking for female company, he is wondering if there is more out there than what he has been experiencing. When he meets the mom of his son’s best friend, he can’t help but be taken back by her beauty. She does not look like the type of woman he usually goes for, but he can't help but be drawn to her. Will he give into his desires and claim Mona as his own?
Mona and Joaquin were so perfect for each other. I loved how they interacted with each other’s kids and I loved watching their relationship bloom. Mona was such a strong woman who had her heart broken by a man long before she met Joaquin. While she was hesitant to give into her feelings for him, she also knew that if she didn’t pursue whatever was going on between them, she would regret it. I loved the dynamics of the families and friends. I loved how no matter what, they were always there to support each other. Oh, and lets not forget Iris and Max! I absolutely loved those two and my heart melted each time they were together.
Without a doubt, Evan Grace is one of my favorite authors and one that I automatically 1-click whenever she releases something new. There is no doubt that she has a brilliant mind and I love getting lost in the stories she creates. I can't recommend this story enough, I promise you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to read Sierra and Nick’s story and continue to fall for this family even more!
Mona is a strong woman who has not had the best of luck in the men department. Her daughter’s father fled as soon as she got pregnant and she has raised her on her own since. Luckily she has a wonderful family who is more than willing to help out anytime she needs them. When she gets called to her daughter's school to address an issue, the last thing she expects is the sexy Joaquin. The more she sees him, the more she wants him, even though she knows it could lead to heartbreak. In the end, will she let go of her past and give into what Joaquin is offering?
Joaquin has been raising his son on his own since his ex-wife decided that she has better things to do with her time. While he is not lacking for female company, he is wondering if there is more out there than what he has been experiencing. When he meets the mom of his son’s best friend, he can’t help but be taken back by her beauty. She does not look like the type of woman he usually goes for, but he can't help but be drawn to her. Will he give into his desires and claim Mona as his own?
Mona and Joaquin were so perfect for each other. I loved how they interacted with each other’s kids and I loved watching their relationship bloom. Mona was such a strong woman who had her heart broken by a man long before she met Joaquin. While she was hesitant to give into her feelings for him, she also knew that if she didn’t pursue whatever was going on between them, she would regret it. I loved the dynamics of the families and friends. I loved how no matter what, they were always there to support each other. Oh, and lets not forget Iris and Max! I absolutely loved those two and my heart melted each time they were together.
Without a doubt, Evan Grace is one of my favorite authors and one that I automatically 1-click whenever she releases something new. There is no doubt that she has a brilliant mind and I love getting lost in the stories she creates. I can't recommend this story enough, I promise you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to read Sierra and Nick’s story and continue to fall for this family even more!
March 5, 2019
Joaquin and Mona seem to be polar opposites, but life, love, and their respective children being them together in one of the best single-parent stories I’ve read so far!
Mona knows that people judge her in an instant, but she doesn’t let it dim her creative genius, nor does she let it impact her daughter. So what if her daughter’s dad is a jerk who bailed the second the stick turned pink? She and her siblings have given her daughter all the love a little girl could possibly need to thrive in life. She doesn’t need a man, even if her daughter’s best friend’s dad DOES intrigue her like no other man before.
Joaquin is a single father and also knows that people judge him. He’s successful, completely in charge of his own life, and can’t seem to get the colorfully beautiful mother of his son’s best friend out of his thoughts or heart. He fights his attraction for a short time, then realizes that he’s only hurting everyone by denying himself the possibility of something great with Mona and her daughter, so he jumps in with both feet to try and make a life together work.
These two have a beautiful road from strangers to friends to family, and neither of them lets the opinions of outside parties diminish their love for each other. Joaquin is everything that Mona and her daughter need, while Mona is everything that Joaquin and his son need, as well. I loved knowing that neither of them would back down and that they would both do anything in their power to make the others in their lives happy and safe. Overall, this was a beautiful story about love and how it can grow at the most unexpected time. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!
Mona knows that people judge her in an instant, but she doesn’t let it dim her creative genius, nor does she let it impact her daughter. So what if her daughter’s dad is a jerk who bailed the second the stick turned pink? She and her siblings have given her daughter all the love a little girl could possibly need to thrive in life. She doesn’t need a man, even if her daughter’s best friend’s dad DOES intrigue her like no other man before.
Joaquin is a single father and also knows that people judge him. He’s successful, completely in charge of his own life, and can’t seem to get the colorfully beautiful mother of his son’s best friend out of his thoughts or heart. He fights his attraction for a short time, then realizes that he’s only hurting everyone by denying himself the possibility of something great with Mona and her daughter, so he jumps in with both feet to try and make a life together work.
These two have a beautiful road from strangers to friends to family, and neither of them lets the opinions of outside parties diminish their love for each other. Joaquin is everything that Mona and her daughter need, while Mona is everything that Joaquin and his son need, as well. I loved knowing that neither of them would back down and that they would both do anything in their power to make the others in their lives happy and safe. Overall, this was a beautiful story about love and how it can grow at the most unexpected time. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!
April 1, 2019
Title: Realism
Author: Evan Grace
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC received in return for an honest review.
This is another five star read from Evan Grace, an epic tale of opposites attract with two of the most adorable kids thrown into the mix.
Joaquin’s a single dad to Max and Mona’s a single mum to Iris, Max and Iris are best friends and when the youngsters get into some mischievous trouble at school their parents are called in, that’s where lilac haired Mona catches the eye of Joaquin, whilst she’s nothing like his usual type he’s instantly attracted to her, Mona’s also aware of just how good looking Joaquin is but she’s been down that road before with Iris’s father and she’s determined to not go there again she doesn’t need someone with money looking down on her because of her appearance and occupation however she soon learns Joaquin’s not like that he’s actually a decent guy who loves his son more than life itself. As the pair get to know one another and their friendship grows so does their attraction, both want to put their kids first and neither want a relationship so they both decide to embark on a friends with benefits type of arrangement, however fate has other plans for them when feelings become involved, you know that pesky little thing called love.
This was a beautifully written story of how opposites attract, blossoming from friends to lovers creating the most perfect family environment for the most adorable little BFF’s Max and Iris.
A great start to a new series, I can’t wait for the next one.
The Book Whisperer 🤓📚
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Author: Evan Grace
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC received in return for an honest review.
This is another five star read from Evan Grace, an epic tale of opposites attract with two of the most adorable kids thrown into the mix.
Joaquin’s a single dad to Max and Mona’s a single mum to Iris, Max and Iris are best friends and when the youngsters get into some mischievous trouble at school their parents are called in, that’s where lilac haired Mona catches the eye of Joaquin, whilst she’s nothing like his usual type he’s instantly attracted to her, Mona’s also aware of just how good looking Joaquin is but she’s been down that road before with Iris’s father and she’s determined to not go there again she doesn’t need someone with money looking down on her because of her appearance and occupation however she soon learns Joaquin’s not like that he’s actually a decent guy who loves his son more than life itself. As the pair get to know one another and their friendship grows so does their attraction, both want to put their kids first and neither want a relationship so they both decide to embark on a friends with benefits type of arrangement, however fate has other plans for them when feelings become involved, you know that pesky little thing called love.
This was a beautifully written story of how opposites attract, blossoming from friends to lovers creating the most perfect family environment for the most adorable little BFF’s Max and Iris.
A great start to a new series, I can’t wait for the next one.
The Book Whisperer 🤓📚
Check it out here☟
https://m.facebook.com/The-Book-Whisp...
April 3, 2019
Mona is a single mom to a fantastic little named Iris, who has beautiful lavender hair, lots of tattoos, and owns her own tattoo shop, Sugar and Spice, Inc with her sisters. Her tiny human Iris has a best friend named Max, who she got caught kissing at school, so Mona is called to come up there, and that's when she meets Max's dad, Joaquin. He's a single dad, as Max's mom wasn't interested in being a mom, is a successful man with money, and isn't interested in relationships. However, when these two meet, there's sparks, yep, sparks, Mona doesn't want to go there since the tiny humans are best friends. But, she agrees to friends with benefits with Joaquin, and HOLY HELL! Those sexy times light the sheets on fire! However, you already know that there's drama on the horizon from what I already said, because fate doesn't care about people's demons when it's meddling in people's lives. Then there's were the exes, who added in some big angst, which had me full of feelings, and I wish I could tell you more. Thankfully, those tiny humans really gave me some hilarious interactions to keep me laughing as there were definitely times that I needed all the laughter to keep my eyes from leaking. And finally, there were some big twists that had me really dropping some loud f-bombs, so once again, the brilliant Evan Grace ticked off all my boxes, but there was never any doubt in my mind that she would! I'm already in love with this new series, and CANNOT WAIT for more! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 5, 2019
What a fun story for the first story in this new series. Mona and her 3 sisters owns a tattoo shop and they have 1 brother who is a well known writer. I can't wait to see what's in store for the 3 sister and hopefully the brother.
Mona is a purple hair, tattoo covered single mom who loves her daughter and would do anything for her. She is teaching her daughter to be a strong and independent woman which I think is great. When she has to go to school because her daughter got in trouble, she meets Joaquin, the single father of the boy that is also in trouble along with her daughter. Come to find out that Mona's daughter kissed Joaquin son at school! What an interesting way for these 2 individuals to meet. Come to find out that their kids are best friends and that's how they get to know each other.
Joaquin is a hot business man so you know that Mona is not his usual type but he seems attract to her. They are great support for each other being single parents having to deal with stupid exes. This is a fun story about 2 people who are opposites but are attracted to each other. However, Mona feels like she does not fit into Joaquin's world since it's the same type of world as her ex and that was a disaster. Joaquin however see's pasts the outside appearances and really likes Mona for who she is. They both just have to figure out how they can be with each other and not lose the person that they are. It's so great that the kids are best friends too which makes things much easier. Mona's siblings are great side characters so that we start to get to know them and I can't wait for their stories! Great start to a new series!
Mona is a purple hair, tattoo covered single mom who loves her daughter and would do anything for her. She is teaching her daughter to be a strong and independent woman which I think is great. When she has to go to school because her daughter got in trouble, she meets Joaquin, the single father of the boy that is also in trouble along with her daughter. Come to find out that Mona's daughter kissed Joaquin son at school! What an interesting way for these 2 individuals to meet. Come to find out that their kids are best friends and that's how they get to know each other.
Joaquin is a hot business man so you know that Mona is not his usual type but he seems attract to her. They are great support for each other being single parents having to deal with stupid exes. This is a fun story about 2 people who are opposites but are attracted to each other. However, Mona feels like she does not fit into Joaquin's world since it's the same type of world as her ex and that was a disaster. Joaquin however see's pasts the outside appearances and really likes Mona for who she is. They both just have to figure out how they can be with each other and not lose the person that they are. It's so great that the kids are best friends too which makes things much easier. Mona's siblings are great side characters so that we start to get to know them and I can't wait for their stories! Great start to a new series!
March 7, 2019
I found Realism by Evan Grace a great opposites attracts love story with the added bonus of 2 really great kids. Mona and Joaquin actually first meet when they are called into the principal’s office because their kids, Iris and Max, were caught kissing and this was a big no-no at kiddie college. From first glance there is immediate attraction, but they have both been put through the ringer by their exes so they both walk away. Unfortunately staying away is just not possible, especially since Iris and Max are best friends. The constant contact made them both realize the attraction was not going to go away so decided on the friends with benefits route. This too did not last too long, the chemistry was just too strong.
As much as I loved this story, Joaquin’s conflict in the beginning regarding Mona was a bit hard to take. He knew the way people reacted to her, he saw it with the principal the first time they met, so some of the reactions he had or some of the things he said rubbed me the wrong way. The back and forth, I was not too keen on. But once they both let go of what was keeping them apart they were great together.
What I really enjoyed, besides their eventual happily ever after, was what they brought to the other’s child. Joaquin was just amazing with little Iris, and Mona was just as wonderful to little Max. They became such a beautiful family.
Overall, a really great love story.
As much as I loved this story, Joaquin’s conflict in the beginning regarding Mona was a bit hard to take. He knew the way people reacted to her, he saw it with the principal the first time they met, so some of the reactions he had or some of the things he said rubbed me the wrong way. The back and forth, I was not too keen on. But once they both let go of what was keeping them apart they were great together.
What I really enjoyed, besides their eventual happily ever after, was what they brought to the other’s child. Joaquin was just amazing with little Iris, and Mona was just as wonderful to little Max. They became such a beautiful family.
Overall, a really great love story.
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