What do you think?
Rate this book
Marrying the Boss
Husband Skills
My big, scary boss wants to practice his husband skills…
On me.
Kingston Holt ain’t the kind of man you marry. Everyone knows that. He’s too big, too mean, too rough around the edges. He roars around town on a giant motorbike, and rumor has it he did time when he was a young man.
These days, he owns the bar where I serve drinks and scrub tables. He’s strict as hell, and he stares at me an awful lot lately.
Then one day he calls me into his office and tells me he’s ready to settle down. Ready to find a nice girl. But first he wants to rehearse.
Oh god, why did I agree to help?
And why does it kill me that this is fake?
This is messy as can be…
Husband Skills is a short and steamy instalove novella, starring a repressed grump and the girl he needs more than air.
On me.
Kingston Holt ain’t the kind of man you marry. Everyone knows that. He’s too big, too mean, too rough around the edges. He roars around town on a giant motorbike, and rumor has it he did time when he was a young man.
These days, he owns the bar where I serve drinks and scrub tables. He’s strict as hell, and he stares at me an awful lot lately.
Then one day he calls me into his office and tells me he’s ready to settle down. Ready to find a nice girl. But first he wants to rehearse.
Oh god, why did I agree to help?
And why does it kill me that this is fake?
This is messy as can be…
Husband Skills is a short and steamy instalove novella, starring a repressed grump and the girl he needs more than air.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2023
721 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mint
152 books1,373 followersCassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.
Sign up for Cassie's newsletter!
www.authorcassiemint.com/newsletter
Sign up for Cassie's newsletter!
www.authorcassiemint.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
October 23, 2023
2.5 My Heart and Soul Are Both Insistent Stars ⭐
I'm not convinced you can deliver a plausible story in less than 100 pages. I'm not being mean because many readers adore novellas. For me, I'm always left feeling disappointed.
Husband Skills had real potential. From an ex con bar owner to a very innocent almost naive waitress, I wanted this to be great and it started that way until it wasn't.
I’m not about to waste time. I’ve found my woman, the only woman for me, and I’m all in. Let’s get this show on the road, you know?
Kingston Holt is a grumpy and a not very approachable boss who Dani has the utmost respect for. And when he proposes the stupid idea of practicing to be a husband with her; I cringed.
The fake dating was cute, the sex average and not very appealing in his office. Everything happened so quickly, I thought I missed a few chapters. Unfortunately now I'm grumpy for getting a half assed romance.
I'm not convinced you can deliver a plausible story in less than 100 pages. I'm not being mean because many readers adore novellas. For me, I'm always left feeling disappointed.
Husband Skills had real potential. From an ex con bar owner to a very innocent almost naive waitress, I wanted this to be great and it started that way until it wasn't.
I’m not about to waste time. I’ve found my woman, the only woman for me, and I’m all in. Let’s get this show on the road, you know?
Kingston Holt is a grumpy and a not very approachable boss who Dani has the utmost respect for. And when he proposes the stupid idea of practicing to be a husband with her; I cringed.
The fake dating was cute, the sex average and not very appealing in his office. Everything happened so quickly, I thought I missed a few chapters. Unfortunately now I'm grumpy for getting a half assed romance.
September 8, 2023
I love heroes who have crushed on their love interest since the moment they met them????? PINING HARD FOR THEM??? I'm a goner. Cassie Mint always delivers on that front. And Husband Skill definitely has that in spades.
I had fun reading this just like the others I've read. I feel like her novellas are getting shorter and her first stuff was a bit longer (120 pages or so maybe) and had a lil bit more angsty goodness or development. Either way this one was also pretty fun and enjoyable. Bar owner x bartender and he asks her to go on a date with her to let him know if he's good husband material because he's ready to settle down. But she doesn't know that he wants to settle down WITH HER. She's the only one for him!!!!
I had fun reading this just like the others I've read. I feel like her novellas are getting shorter and her first stuff was a bit longer (120 pages or so maybe) and had a lil bit more angsty goodness or development. Either way this one was also pretty fun and enjoyable. Bar owner x bartender and he asks her to go on a date with her to let him know if he's good husband material because he's ready to settle down. But she doesn't know that he wants to settle down WITH HER. She's the only one for him!!!!
August 31, 2023
5/5 cute read!
TROPES:
~instalove
~age gap
~boss x employee
~grumpy x sunshine
Dani works at King's bar, where Kingston runs the place. She's been there for six months and is really intrigued by her grumpy boss. He, on the other hand, tries to stay away from her because he knows he's too old for her. What happens when he suggests for her to help him be a better man and "husband material"?
This was really cute. Cassie Mint's novellas always hit the spot for me - it's the perfect mix of sugar, sweet, and spice! And don't forget the older hero who always makes his appearance. That's my favorite thing about CM novellas!! <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
HEA?: yes!
TROPES:
~instalove
~age gap
~boss x employee
~grumpy x sunshine
Dani works at King's bar, where Kingston runs the place. She's been there for six months and is really intrigued by her grumpy boss. He, on the other hand, tries to stay away from her because he knows he's too old for her. What happens when he suggests for her to help him be a better man and "husband material"?
This was really cute. Cassie Mint's novellas always hit the spot for me - it's the perfect mix of sugar, sweet, and spice! And don't forget the older hero who always makes his appearance. That's my favorite thing about CM novellas!! <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
HEA?: yes!
September 14, 2023
This one made me realize how much I miss the old CM books 😔😭.
This one had some nice moments, but there were some equally cringey and weird parts, which I've also noticed in a lot of her newer works.
I definitely really enjoyed the characters in this and thought that they were really cute together- but there were still some dodgy parts (as in some weird dialogue/ thoughts)😭. I really liked the ending though.
Considering I haven't read a proper novel/novella in a long time, (although I didn't love it), it was still some quick fun.
This one had some nice moments, but there were some equally cringey and weird parts, which I've also noticed in a lot of her newer works.
I definitely really enjoyed the characters in this and thought that they were really cute together- but there were still some dodgy parts (as in some weird dialogue/ thoughts)😭. I really liked the ending though.
Considering I haven't read a proper novel/novella in a long time, (although I didn't love it), it was still some quick fun.
September 7, 2023
This was better than her usual stories.
Safe
No cheating
No OW? (he imagines finding a wife and wants to practice with the woman he is in love with...*heavy eye roll*)
No OM
No separation (he doesn't talk to her for a week at work, thinking she needs space)
No gross condom use (they fuck once in his office and asks if she wants a condom, they have them at the bar in the bathrooms, he doesn't have any of his own)
No OW comparison
Don't know if both are virgins, or if both have had sex with other people in the past with a condom and it is their first time together without one.
Quote,
"Want to feel her bare, with nothing between us.
And I know from our chats that neither of us has done this before.
There’s nothing to risk except a surprise gift in nine months’ time, and god
willing, we’ll be married by then anyway.
I’m not about to waste time. I’ve found my woman, the only woman for
me, and I’m all in."
HEA
This was a tad better. She is a heroine that showed no interest in Kinston. Kingston was interested in her since she started working at his bar several months ago. He got out of prison, had the occasional awkward date in high school and then nothing. He loved to beat people up and was never the type to have sex with a girl, whether it be a ONS or a relationship. He wants to settle down and find a wife, so he asks Dani to practice because he has no clue what he is doing.
Part of me makes me think that if she is a virgin, then he is a virgin too with the "neither have us has done this before." comment, (they discussed this I guess, but why talk about condom use, and not sex in general). Their encounter is awkward, needing to adjust and find their rhythm, and she mentions how she feels him pulse inside of her. It seems to me that they are having sex for the first time, and I am hoping that is the case.
The only thing that irked me is that at first he wanted to practice being a good husband, to be with a "good woman" once he finds her (no one in particular), what made me slightly upset, is that this future woman at first was NOT Dani, so even though he is infatuated he had plans to marry an OW when he finds her.
Of course all this flew out the window during their first date, where he knew that there would never be another woman, the woman he wants is Dani. That is good I suppose, but I wish that he hatched a plan to "fake date" just as a ruse to coax Dani into liking him. Not using her at first as a fake date with another mystery woman in mind. If he just told her that but in his head he lets us know in his inner monologue that little does Dani know that this future wife is her, she doesn't know it yet, it would have been a better read.
A lot is ambiguous, I do like Kingston, weather he is a virgin or not. I do like Dani, I wish her heart was not broken, but when she tells Kingston she dreamed of him marrying another woman, he shut that down quickly, and making sure she never doubts that she is the one, so points to him. He is much more of an alpha than the typical losers Cassie Mints likes for a hero.
It was better than most of the Cassie Mint books.
Safe
No cheating
No OW? (he imagines finding a wife and wants to practice with the woman he is in love with...*heavy eye roll*)
No OM
No separation (he doesn't talk to her for a week at work, thinking she needs space)
No gross condom use (they fuck once in his office and asks if she wants a condom, they have them at the bar in the bathrooms, he doesn't have any of his own)
No OW comparison
Don't know if both are virgins, or if both have had sex with other people in the past with a condom and it is their first time together without one.
Quote,
"Want to feel her bare, with nothing between us.
And I know from our chats that neither of us has done this before.
There’s nothing to risk except a surprise gift in nine months’ time, and god
willing, we’ll be married by then anyway.
I’m not about to waste time. I’ve found my woman, the only woman for
me, and I’m all in."
HEA
This was a tad better. She is a heroine that showed no interest in Kinston. Kingston was interested in her since she started working at his bar several months ago. He got out of prison, had the occasional awkward date in high school and then nothing. He loved to beat people up and was never the type to have sex with a girl, whether it be a ONS or a relationship. He wants to settle down and find a wife, so he asks Dani to practice because he has no clue what he is doing.
Part of me makes me think that if she is a virgin, then he is a virgin too with the "neither have us has done this before." comment, (they discussed this I guess, but why talk about condom use, and not sex in general). Their encounter is awkward, needing to adjust and find their rhythm, and she mentions how she feels him pulse inside of her. It seems to me that they are having sex for the first time, and I am hoping that is the case.
The only thing that irked me is that at first he wanted to practice being a good husband, to be with a "good woman" once he finds her (no one in particular), what made me slightly upset, is that this future woman at first was NOT Dani, so even though he is infatuated he had plans to marry an OW when he finds her.
Of course all this flew out the window during their first date, where he knew that there would never be another woman, the woman he wants is Dani. That is good I suppose, but I wish that he hatched a plan to "fake date" just as a ruse to coax Dani into liking him. Not using her at first as a fake date with another mystery woman in mind. If he just told her that but in his head he lets us know in his inner monologue that little does Dani know that this future wife is her, she doesn't know it yet, it would have been a better read.
A lot is ambiguous, I do like Kingston, weather he is a virgin or not. I do like Dani, I wish her heart was not broken, but when she tells Kingston she dreamed of him marrying another woman, he shut that down quickly, and making sure she never doubts that she is the one, so points to him. He is much more of an alpha than the typical losers Cassie Mints likes for a hero.
It was better than most of the Cassie Mint books.
September 12, 2023
MCs:
- Kingston
- Dani
Book info:
- Novella
- Dual virgin (unsure, but I think they are)
- Age gap
- Workplace romance
- HEA
Notes:
- Kingston, is an ex-con he served time for six years for beating a guy harassing a woman
- The ages of the MCs were not mentioned. But it was implied King is a more than a decade older than Dani
- He owns a bar and she's one of the bartenders
Kingston needed a practice how to date because he's finally ready to settle down. But after he got out from prison, he made an unpleasant impression with other people and they are scared of him. So he asked Dani to help him "practice" his husband skills for his potential future wife. But this is a ridiculous scenario cuz he's attracted to Dani and she shares the same feelings. But they still went to a date and he realized he wants Dani to be his wife instead. There were some days where he avoided her because his assumptions were wrong. But of course they talk things out and eventually got their HEA.
Overall, this is a fun, cute, and short read. A good story to pass time.
- Kingston
- Dani
Book info:
- Novella
- Dual virgin (unsure, but I think they are)
- Age gap
- Workplace romance
- HEA
Notes:
- Kingston, is an ex-con he served time for six years for beating a guy harassing a woman
- The ages of the MCs were not mentioned. But it was implied King is a more than a decade older than Dani
- He owns a bar and she's one of the bartenders
Kingston needed a practice how to date because he's finally ready to settle down. But after he got out from prison, he made an unpleasant impression with other people and they are scared of him. So he asked Dani to help him "practice" his husband skills for his potential future wife. But this is a ridiculous scenario cuz he's attracted to Dani and she shares the same feelings. But they still went to a date and he realized he wants Dani to be his wife instead. There were some days where he avoided her because his assumptions were wrong. But of course they talk things out and eventually got their HEA.
Overall, this is a fun, cute, and short read. A good story to pass time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
Practice those skills.
Read 2: moved this down to two stars. Still a nice read but felt like it needed a little more detail. We only knew the hero was a virgin from one line right before they had sex? And I felt like there were some character inconsistencies in Dani. Still a sold cute read.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
I thought this was a sweet little story. It’s probably weird that my favorite line was “You good, baby?” God I love those unexpected moments when the hero calls the heroine baby for the first time. Especially when he’s worried about her and it’s in front of someone else. Swoon.
I’m pretty familiar with Cassie Mint’s style by now and was pretty impressed with how she slipped into these two characters head and really made them seem southern and from out in the country. I do have to admit, after a while the colloquialisms got a bit heavy and on the annoying side. She could have taken the country jargon down by 50% and still would have gotten her point across. That’s what the half star off was for. Still impressive change in writing style.
Read 2: moved this down to two stars. Still a nice read but felt like it needed a little more detail. We only knew the hero was a virgin from one line right before they had sex? And I felt like there were some character inconsistencies in Dani. Still a sold cute read.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
I thought this was a sweet little story. It’s probably weird that my favorite line was “You good, baby?” God I love those unexpected moments when the hero calls the heroine baby for the first time. Especially when he’s worried about her and it’s in front of someone else. Swoon.
I’m pretty familiar with Cassie Mint’s style by now and was pretty impressed with how she slipped into these two characters head and really made them seem southern and from out in the country. I do have to admit, after a while the colloquialisms got a bit heavy and on the annoying side. She could have taken the country jargon down by 50% and still would have gotten her point across. That’s what the half star off was for. Still impressive change in writing style.
August 18, 2024
2.5⭐ / 1.5🌶️
— vibezz
🚲 boss/employee
🏍️ age gap [10+ years not mentioned exactly]
🚲 grumpy/sunshine
🏍️ ex-con
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Dani is working at King's for quite some time now, as the owner, Kingston is more and more attracted to his too young and too off-limits employee. But the more he looks at her the more he's convinced it's time to settle down and what a better way to practice the role of a husband than calling a favor on his too sweet Dani? She could not possibly refuse.
//
This was cute, very short and very fast, I would have loved reading another one or two scene between them but it was ok.
Kingston was the perfect representation of a brooding and scowling H but turned soft only for her, he even smiled with her! lmao
And Dani was surprisingly witty once the shock of "OMG he's really talking/looking/touching me!!".
They were cute.
— vibezz
🚲 boss/employee
🏍️ age gap [10+ years not mentioned exactly]
🚲 grumpy/sunshine
🏍️ ex-con
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Dani is working at King's for quite some time now, as the owner, Kingston is more and more attracted to his too young and too off-limits employee. But the more he looks at her the more he's convinced it's time to settle down and what a better way to practice the role of a husband than calling a favor on his too sweet Dani? She could not possibly refuse.
//
This was cute, very short and very fast, I would have loved reading another one or two scene between them but it was ok.
Kingston was the perfect representation of a brooding and scowling H but turned soft only for her, he even smiled with her! lmao
And Dani was surprisingly witty once the shock of "OMG he's really talking/looking/touching me!!".
They were cute.
September 19, 2023
Just a light fun Cassie Mint. Such a good interlude.
September 16, 2023
This was super cute ☹️🫶🏻
December 3, 2024
“Husband Skills” is the story of Dani and Kingston.
Basically the heroines grumpy boss asks her to be his practice wife, until the feelings become very real. It was sweet but ok overall.
safe??
2/5
Basically the heroines grumpy boss asks her to be his practice wife, until the feelings become very real. It was sweet but ok overall.
safe??
2/5
September 20, 2025
heeem .... ok
I actually read it just to relive the reading ritual🫣
Kingston&Dani
I actually read it just to relive the reading ritual🫣
Kingston&Dani
February 17, 2024
Why was this so cute omg
December 11, 2025
He's grumpy and lonely so he decides to practise husbandly skills with shy cute bartender
September 14, 2023
hmmmm.... eh.
September 14, 2023
My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.
2.5/5 stars
Kingston is an ex-con who now owns a bar, thinking it’s time he settled down with a wife he asks one of his bartenders Dani to help him with his husband skills. I sort of understood why Dani said yes, she has a crush on him and would love for their interactions to be real but knows he would not be interested in a girl years younger than him. The other part of me would be like hell no, I’m not getting you shined up for another woman knowing it would break my heart.
He takes her on a wonderful first date and has to remind himself that she’s practice for a real wife. Like what, that’s messed up. As the date progresses he realizes he wants her to be a real date but doesn’t know how to tell her that. He ignores her after the date and Dani’s upset. So much so that the other bartender questions her. They talk and kiss but then nothing. Finally he makes him move when she tells him she had a terrible dream he was marrying someone else and she had to watch. He tells her that’s not going to happen because he wants to marry her. They have sex in his office at the bar, her first time, no mention of his past but it hints at him being a virgin too. Epilogue one year later with them married her expecting their first child.
2.5/5 stars
Kingston is an ex-con who now owns a bar, thinking it’s time he settled down with a wife he asks one of his bartenders Dani to help him with his husband skills. I sort of understood why Dani said yes, she has a crush on him and would love for their interactions to be real but knows he would not be interested in a girl years younger than him. The other part of me would be like hell no, I’m not getting you shined up for another woman knowing it would break my heart.
He takes her on a wonderful first date and has to remind himself that she’s practice for a real wife. Like what, that’s messed up. As the date progresses he realizes he wants her to be a real date but doesn’t know how to tell her that. He ignores her after the date and Dani’s upset. So much so that the other bartender questions her. They talk and kiss but then nothing. Finally he makes him move when she tells him she had a terrible dream he was marrying someone else and she had to watch. He tells her that’s not going to happen because he wants to marry her. They have sex in his office at the bar, her first time, no mention of his past but it hints at him being a virgin too. Epilogue one year later with them married her expecting their first child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
It's the story about Dani and Kingston.
- OM/YW
- dual virgins (wee like!!)
- No OM/OW
- Sweet & spicy!
Dani is a bartender at Kingston's bar and she has a huge crush on him, but she doesn't think, that he would want her - but little does she know. ;)
Kingston has had a rough background, so he is judged and labeled as a bad and dangerous man by the others in town.
He really wants a family of his own, but hasn't really had any luck with dating, so he needs some training. He wants Dani, but he doesn't think that he deserves her, so he comes up with the idea of making a deal with her. She can help him get some husband-skills for his future wife (she just doesn't know, that she's the one he wants).
I don't want to spoil the whole story, but I'll recommend this book for EVERYONE
who loves a sweet, spicy and at time a little awkward (in a funny way) story.
I'm a huge FAN of Cassie and have all of her books, so if you usually like her books - you'll LOVE this!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- OM/YW
- dual virgins (wee like!!)
- No OM/OW
- Sweet & spicy!
Dani is a bartender at Kingston's bar and she has a huge crush on him, but she doesn't think, that he would want her - but little does she know. ;)
Kingston has had a rough background, so he is judged and labeled as a bad and dangerous man by the others in town.
He really wants a family of his own, but hasn't really had any luck with dating, so he needs some training. He wants Dani, but he doesn't think that he deserves her, so he comes up with the idea of making a deal with her. She can help him get some husband-skills for his future wife (she just doesn't know, that she's the one he wants).
I don't want to spoil the whole story, but I'll recommend this book for EVERYONE
who loves a sweet, spicy and at time a little awkward (in a funny way) story.
I'm a huge FAN of Cassie and have all of her books, so if you usually like her books - you'll LOVE this!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2023
Hear me out. If a novella makes me feel allll the feelings I get with a full length book, immediate 5 stars. If I end the book WISHING it was full length book, immediate 5 stars.
And god do I wish this was a full length book. Such a cute premise of fake dating. Big surely ex con of boss want to practice his husband skills who better than his cute bartender who isn’t afraid to stick it to him. Kingston was so thoughtful, it was swoon worthy to the max and Dani personality was bursting through the pages. I have officially became a novella lover.
And god do I wish this was a full length book. Such a cute premise of fake dating. Big surely ex con of boss want to practice his husband skills who better than his cute bartender who isn’t afraid to stick it to him. Kingston was so thoughtful, it was swoon worthy to the max and Dani personality was bursting through the pages. I have officially became a novella lover.
September 20, 2023
5 stars
Now this is the Cassie Mint I love.
When she gives me this wonderful short read about two people who have been secretly carrying a torch for one another.
No stupid instacrap, no ridonculous bs drama.
Just the delicious quick story of two people who clearly belong together, with this kind of slow burn only Mint can pull off in a novelette.
I absolutely loved it!!!
Highly recommend!
Now this is the Cassie Mint I love.
When she gives me this wonderful short read about two people who have been secretly carrying a torch for one another.
No stupid instacrap, no ridonculous bs drama.
Just the delicious quick story of two people who clearly belong together, with this kind of slow burn only Mint can pull off in a novelette.
I absolutely loved it!!!
Highly recommend!
October 1, 2023
This is what I wished Jessa Kane’s books were. No real plot. Just insta love, banging each others brains out, and a happily married and pregnant epilogue. Just…without the uncomfortable sex scenes that JK loves to write (Arizona tea can, anybody??) Are they all Uber similar? Yep. Do I really care? Nope. They’re great little slump busters and do the trick everytime.
September 29, 2023
I'm a bit sad because these new Cassie Mint's books are nothing like they used to be.
Maybe it's time to take a break from her stories.
(This is also the 21th book of hers that i've read)
Maybe it's time to take a break from her stories.
(This is also the 21th book of hers that i've read)
March 27, 2024
sweet
This is a sweet but short Novella involving an older man, younger woman. Hot and heavy feelings on all fronts for both the growly alpha and the lady he adores. Great read!
This is a sweet but short Novella involving an older man, younger woman. Hot and heavy feelings on all fronts for both the growly alpha and the lady he adores. Great read!
May 20, 2024
A quick fun book to entertain us in cold nights. Was so fun to see the boss trying to find "romance reasons" to be closer to her.
September 22, 2023
Bartender Dani (h) agrees to help her boss Kingston (H) practice his dating and husband skills when he decides that he wants more out of life than just his bar. The pair are both secretly drawn to one another and as they spend time together, Dani worries how she’ll cope when he finds the woman of his dreams and Kingston worries about trying to convince Dani that she’s the only woman for him and all his skills are meant for her. Poor Dani and losing it over her dream. Kingston was lovely with all the gifts and thoughtful ways he was trying to show Dani how he felt about her. Sweet age gap, fake relationship turned real romantic quickie with plenty of heat.
October 24, 2023
3.5-4⭐
It warmed my heart how dumb these two were.
It warmed my heart how dumb these two were.
October 27, 2023
Husband Skills, Book 3 of the Marrying the Boss mini-series, was about Danielle "Dani" (no last name ever given), a bartender/waitress, and Kingston Holt, the owner of a bar called King's.
Side Note: Although the author mentioned that the MMC was at least ten years older than the FMC, no exact ages were given.
Rumors had it that Kingston had spent time in jail as a younger man, so everyone tended to either avoid him or were frightened of him. Apparently, that included women too because he mentioned, a few times, that he hadn't dated much (if at all) since high school, and not at all since prison. With that thought, it was possible that the MMC was a virgin like the FMC.
Dani had worked at King's bar for six months before he asked her to help him to be a good husband. He wanted to "fake date" and be a "fake husband" so she could teach him what he was doing wrong before he went in search of "the right woman". She agreed to do it, but she didn't ask for anything in return.
For such a short novella, it definitely dragged the fluff n stuff that wasn't necessary, as well as being totally repetitive. I gave up counting how many times the author had the FMC mention that the MMC had been in prison, or that he had scars all over his body, or how everyone else in town except her was terrified of Kingston. Oh, and she definitely had him labeled as someone who didn't know how to treat a lady like...well, a lady. She was surprised by where he took her on their first date.
As for the MMC, he kept referring to the FMC as "my pretty bartender". That got old quick as well. The author made him out to be almost illiterate with his speech and attitude. At one point the way she had him talking, I got the image of Hagrid from the Harry Potter movies (not that I think of Hagrid as illiterate, but I'm saying that his manner of speech was similar to the MMC's in this book).
The grammar in this story was what some would call "hick talk". It wasn't prettied up, it wasn't upscale, and it wasn't refined. Which normally I wouldn't have a problem with. Well, I didn't have a problem with THAT per se, but what bothered me was that the author chose to use "hick talk" (I got a Forrest Gump vibe from the language style) but then tried throwing in "fancy" words like "vivarium", but then she went back to words like "nyuh", then back to big words like "discombobulated". That wasn't cool, and it was uncomfortable to read. While I don't mind hick talk, this felt more like the author was making fun of her own characters and "dumbing them down". If an author is going to write in slang, they should stick to it and not try to dress it up with words that are "too big" for the rest of the story.
While it was a cute read, it wasn't the best story I've ever read. It had too many issues for such a short novella, and it left much to be desired. It had the potential to be a better book, but the author dropped the ball too many times. I couldn't give it more than a two-star rating.
Side Note: Although the author mentioned that the MMC was at least ten years older than the FMC, no exact ages were given.
Rumors had it that Kingston had spent time in jail as a younger man, so everyone tended to either avoid him or were frightened of him. Apparently, that included women too because he mentioned, a few times, that he hadn't dated much (if at all) since high school, and not at all since prison. With that thought, it was possible that the MMC was a virgin like the FMC.
Dani had worked at King's bar for six months before he asked her to help him to be a good husband. He wanted to "fake date" and be a "fake husband" so she could teach him what he was doing wrong before he went in search of "the right woman". She agreed to do it, but she didn't ask for anything in return.
For such a short novella, it definitely dragged the fluff n stuff that wasn't necessary, as well as being totally repetitive. I gave up counting how many times the author had the FMC mention that the MMC had been in prison, or that he had scars all over his body, or how everyone else in town except her was terrified of Kingston. Oh, and she definitely had him labeled as someone who didn't know how to treat a lady like...well, a lady. She was surprised by where he took her on their first date.
As for the MMC, he kept referring to the FMC as "my pretty bartender". That got old quick as well. The author made him out to be almost illiterate with his speech and attitude. At one point the way she had him talking, I got the image of Hagrid from the Harry Potter movies (not that I think of Hagrid as illiterate, but I'm saying that his manner of speech was similar to the MMC's in this book).
The grammar in this story was what some would call "hick talk". It wasn't prettied up, it wasn't upscale, and it wasn't refined. Which normally I wouldn't have a problem with. Well, I didn't have a problem with THAT per se, but what bothered me was that the author chose to use "hick talk" (I got a Forrest Gump vibe from the language style) but then tried throwing in "fancy" words like "vivarium", but then she went back to words like "nyuh", then back to big words like "discombobulated". That wasn't cool, and it was uncomfortable to read. While I don't mind hick talk, this felt more like the author was making fun of her own characters and "dumbing them down". If an author is going to write in slang, they should stick to it and not try to dress it up with words that are "too big" for the rest of the story.
While it was a cute read, it wasn't the best story I've ever read. It had too many issues for such a short novella, and it left much to be desired. It had the potential to be a better book, but the author dropped the ball too many times. I couldn't give it more than a two-star rating.
September 18, 2023
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
Dani has been waitressing at King’s Bar for six months and has been besotted with her boss for just as long, he intrigues her like no other man ever has before, she has heard the rumors but although he gives off a dangerous vibe, she has never felt anything but safe with him. It was a night like any other when she has closed up the bar whilst Kingston continues to tap away on his laptop, she cleans the tables and puts the dirty glasses in the dishwasher, but when she suffers a slight dizzy spell, Kingston is instantly at her side trying to take care of her, something that very few people have done, and Dani is forced to realize how much she likes his hands on her. It’s a few days later when she next sees Kingston and there is a new awareness between them, he has even bought her a gift so that if she is ever in trouble, she can draw attention to herself quickly but what really throws her off is when he asks her to help him become a man women want to date and marry. Dani agrees with the hope that she will show him that the person he should be with is her, will she succeed and finally get the man of her dreams, or will she be forced to watch him fall in love with someone else?
Kingston has spent his life paying for the mistake that he made as a teenager angry at the world, but it was a mistake that saw him jailed for six years but it seems that although he paid by losing his freedom people cant forget what happened. He is sure that his favorite waitress Dani knows all about his past, but she has never treated him differently and even with the age gap between them he cant help how she makes him feel. She is too good and too pure for a man like him and he knows that he has no real chance of anything other than friendship happening between them but the need he feels to be around her leads to him asking for boyfriend lessons. What will happen when he realizes that he is in love with her, will he be able to walk away, or could they really have found love in the unlikeliest of ways?
This was a fun and short read that is all that I expected from a Cassie Mint story. A grumpy withdrawn hero that has no idea that the woman who is the sunshine in his life and whom he thinks he has no chance with is his for the taking. 4.5* read.
Dani has been waitressing at King’s Bar for six months and has been besotted with her boss for just as long, he intrigues her like no other man ever has before, she has heard the rumors but although he gives off a dangerous vibe, she has never felt anything but safe with him. It was a night like any other when she has closed up the bar whilst Kingston continues to tap away on his laptop, she cleans the tables and puts the dirty glasses in the dishwasher, but when she suffers a slight dizzy spell, Kingston is instantly at her side trying to take care of her, something that very few people have done, and Dani is forced to realize how much she likes his hands on her. It’s a few days later when she next sees Kingston and there is a new awareness between them, he has even bought her a gift so that if she is ever in trouble, she can draw attention to herself quickly but what really throws her off is when he asks her to help him become a man women want to date and marry. Dani agrees with the hope that she will show him that the person he should be with is her, will she succeed and finally get the man of her dreams, or will she be forced to watch him fall in love with someone else?
Kingston has spent his life paying for the mistake that he made as a teenager angry at the world, but it was a mistake that saw him jailed for six years but it seems that although he paid by losing his freedom people cant forget what happened. He is sure that his favorite waitress Dani knows all about his past, but she has never treated him differently and even with the age gap between them he cant help how she makes him feel. She is too good and too pure for a man like him and he knows that he has no real chance of anything other than friendship happening between them but the need he feels to be around her leads to him asking for boyfriend lessons. What will happen when he realizes that he is in love with her, will he be able to walk away, or could they really have found love in the unlikeliest of ways?
This was a fun and short read that is all that I expected from a Cassie Mint story. A grumpy withdrawn hero that has no idea that the woman who is the sunshine in his life and whom he thinks he has no chance with is his for the taking. 4.5* read.
September 14, 2023
Husband Skills
This is a novella Romance with a workplace trope.. This can be read as a standalone but its also a part of Marrying the boss Trilogy wrote by different Authors..
This book follows Dani and Kingston.. You will find Boss/Bartender Romance, Age Gap, Fake Dating turned into love, Grumpy Hero and More
Kingston owns a bar.. Everyone either talks about him behind his back or is scared of him apart from Dani.. One day he asks Dani if she would help him out by fake dating him so he can work out his Husband skills because he is ready to find a wife.. He is happy when dani says yes to helping him but the more time he spends with her the more he wants dani to be his for real so he try's to make that happen..
Dani is a bartender.. She is not close to mum but still goes and visits sometimes.. She does not like making friends a lot but she has a good friend at work who looks out for her which is nice to see.. One day she was talking to her boss in his office and he asked her to help him work on his husband skills because he was ready to find the one and because she had feelings for him she said yes to helping him by fake dating so he can work on his skills.. The more time she spent with him is when she started to want more which made her Grumpy at work and one day her friend was worried about her so Kingston took her into his office and they had a very good talk which made them both happy
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Boss/Bartender Romance
⦁ Workplace Romance
⦁ Fake Dating turned into love
⦁ Hero wants to fake date to learn some husband skills
⦁ Hero is an Ex-con
⦁ Age Gap
⦁ Tattooed Hero
⦁ Hero has Scars
⦁ Some steam with office play
⦁ Caretaking [Hero looks out for the heroine]
⦁ Grumpy Hero
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Hero owns the Bar
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Hero owns a Motorbike
⦁ Possessive Hero
⦁ Height Different
⦁ Sweet Strong Hero
⦁ Fast Read
I really enjoyed the relationship between Dani and Kingston.. am glad that everything work out and they got their happy ending.. I really liked the way the hero looking out for the heroine
This is a novella Romance with a workplace trope.. This can be read as a standalone but its also a part of Marrying the boss Trilogy wrote by different Authors..
This book follows Dani and Kingston.. You will find Boss/Bartender Romance, Age Gap, Fake Dating turned into love, Grumpy Hero and More
Kingston owns a bar.. Everyone either talks about him behind his back or is scared of him apart from Dani.. One day he asks Dani if she would help him out by fake dating him so he can work out his Husband skills because he is ready to find a wife.. He is happy when dani says yes to helping him but the more time he spends with her the more he wants dani to be his for real so he try's to make that happen..
Dani is a bartender.. She is not close to mum but still goes and visits sometimes.. She does not like making friends a lot but she has a good friend at work who looks out for her which is nice to see.. One day she was talking to her boss in his office and he asked her to help him work on his husband skills because he was ready to find the one and because she had feelings for him she said yes to helping him by fake dating so he can work on his skills.. The more time she spent with him is when she started to want more which made her Grumpy at work and one day her friend was worried about her so Kingston took her into his office and they had a very good talk which made them both happy
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Boss/Bartender Romance
⦁ Workplace Romance
⦁ Fake Dating turned into love
⦁ Hero wants to fake date to learn some husband skills
⦁ Hero is an Ex-con
⦁ Age Gap
⦁ Tattooed Hero
⦁ Hero has Scars
⦁ Some steam with office play
⦁ Caretaking [Hero looks out for the heroine]
⦁ Grumpy Hero
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Hero owns the Bar
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Hero owns a Motorbike
⦁ Possessive Hero
⦁ Height Different
⦁ Sweet Strong Hero
⦁ Fast Read
I really enjoyed the relationship between Dani and Kingston.. am glad that everything work out and they got their happy ending.. I really liked the way the hero looking out for the heroine
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews