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Peachtree Cove #2
Waiting for Friday Night
"A pitch-perfect small-town romance focused on forgiveness, second chances, and new beginnings." —Publishers Weekly on The Secret to a Southern Wedding
Friday nights in Peachtree Cove are all about football. But this season, the drama isn’t just on the field…
In the wake of losing both of her parents, Halle Parker was certain of one thing: she wanted a family of her own. And she wasn’t going to let a little thing like being single stand in her way. So, she used an anonymous donor and kept every last detail a secret—from everyone. But now, fourteen years later, Halle’s daughter, Shania, is determined to unravel the identity of her biological dad. And what she learns blindsides everyone…
When Quinton Evans’s pro-football days came to an end, he was eager to begin coaching and teaching, and he’s never looked back. But when Shania, a wide receiver on his team, reveals that she’s his daughter, he’s blown away. The one thing he refuses to do is walk away, even if Shania’s strong-willed and gorgeous mother wants nothing to do with him.
Halle knows that once you let the cat out of the bag in a small town like Peachtree Cove, you’re gonna have to do some damage control. But with Quinton suddenly popping up everywhere she turns, it’s all Halle can do to fight for the future she envisioned and the family she created. If only fate—and the undeniable heat sparking between her and Quinton—didn’t have other plans…
Peachtree Cove
Book 1: The Secret to a Southern Wedding
Book 2: Waiting for Friday Night
Book 3: Frenemies with Benefits
Friday nights in Peachtree Cove are all about football. But this season, the drama isn’t just on the field…
In the wake of losing both of her parents, Halle Parker was certain of one thing: she wanted a family of her own. And she wasn’t going to let a little thing like being single stand in her way. So, she used an anonymous donor and kept every last detail a secret—from everyone. But now, fourteen years later, Halle’s daughter, Shania, is determined to unravel the identity of her biological dad. And what she learns blindsides everyone…
When Quinton Evans’s pro-football days came to an end, he was eager to begin coaching and teaching, and he’s never looked back. But when Shania, a wide receiver on his team, reveals that she’s his daughter, he’s blown away. The one thing he refuses to do is walk away, even if Shania’s strong-willed and gorgeous mother wants nothing to do with him.
Halle knows that once you let the cat out of the bag in a small town like Peachtree Cove, you’re gonna have to do some damage control. But with Quinton suddenly popping up everywhere she turns, it’s all Halle can do to fight for the future she envisioned and the family she created. If only fate—and the undeniable heat sparking between her and Quinton—didn’t have other plans…
Peachtree Cove
Book 1: The Secret to a Southern Wedding
Book 2: Waiting for Friday Night
Book 3: Frenemies with Benefits
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2024
35 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 21, 2024
There are plenty of things I enjoyed about this book, first and foremost being the amazing main character who took matters into her own hands and was inseminated using donor sperm because she decided she wanted a family for herself. I love the non-conventional family structure and the way it worked into the plot of this book. I also love that the daughter played football. Unfortunately there were also a number of things that were missing for me, including any sort of pull towards the male love interest and the desire to actually keep reading to get to the end. I felt like I already knew where the story was going, and I became generally disinterested in making my way through the rest of the book to get there. I eventually did, and I respect the book for what it is and that it did something different within the romance genre, but it wasn't my favorite reading experience overall. I'd definitely read from this author again, but I think it would have to be a storyline that I'm really interested in.
September 3, 2024
3.75 rounded up
May 26, 2024
Full review below
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June 6, 2024
I really enjoyed getting to know Halle, Quinton, and Shania. Starting to become a family was unconventional; however, they were trying their best to make it work for them. I loved the laid-back approach and respect Quinton had for Halle. Allowing her time to adjust to their new normal was refreshing. Halle did get on my nerves with how ridged and judgy she was in the beginning, but I grew to like her. It's a super cute story; however, I would love to have a better, more in-depth description of the characters so I could have pictured them. Just saying how fine someone is isn't enough.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
February 27, 2025
coach q 💕
Waiting for Friday Night was a sweet story, an unorthodox journey of finding love and a partner. Halle, Coach Q, and Shania had me smiling, so much. I understood Halle’s hesitation in trying to protect Shania, but the girl was determined lol.
*audiobook & ebook*
Waiting for Friday Night was a sweet story, an unorthodox journey of finding love and a partner. Halle, Coach Q, and Shania had me smiling, so much. I understood Halle’s hesitation in trying to protect Shania, but the girl was determined lol.
*audiobook & ebook*
November 15, 2024
If you enjoyed the first adventure you found in Peachtree Cove with Synithia Williams, then you will enjoy this story in this second installment of the series with Halle, Quinton, and Shania. Who says that family must be created in the traditional sense? Halle and Quinton become a new family once they realize he donated sperm and she went through with IVF. Who knew she would have a baby with the ex-NFL football player who is now her daughter's football coach in her town. Crazy, right? You have to keep reading to know what happens here, there, and everywhere because some of these characters and family members are so messy and dramatic. I'd have it no other way because the plot and the drama had me hooked until the end.
I did not like how controlling and overbearing Halle was and just wanted her to take a "chill pill!" I'm so glad she finally calmed down some and let Quinton take away some of that stress. This one is such a good little story and makes you laugh and sneer at just the right moments.
Synithia Williams can do no wrong for me. I love this series. I'm ready for the next one.
4 stars!
I did not like how controlling and overbearing Halle was and just wanted her to take a "chill pill!" I'm so glad she finally calmed down some and let Quinton take away some of that stress. This one is such a good little story and makes you laugh and sneer at just the right moments.
Synithia Williams can do no wrong for me. I love this series. I'm ready for the next one.
4 stars!
April 29, 2024
I received an e-ARC copy from Net Galley, Canary Press, and Harlequin Publishing; thank you! My review is honest.
I really enjoyed this book!
This is not the typical romance trope. This novel is also about belonging, both familial belonging and community belonging.
This story is set in small town Peachtree Cove. The FMC, Halle, likes to be in control, and she struggles with it throughout most of the book. But, she is also a good, supportive mother, friend, cousin, and pillar of the town. The MMC, Quinton, is introduced early on as the transplant high school football coach, but it is quickly revealed that he is also the father of Halle’s daughter. The supporting characters moved the story forward in some interesting ways.
Overall, this was a fun and easy read! I would definitely recommend!
This is book #2 of the Peachtree Cove series, and I cannot wait to read book #3!
I really enjoyed this book!
This is not the typical romance trope. This novel is also about belonging, both familial belonging and community belonging.
This story is set in small town Peachtree Cove. The FMC, Halle, likes to be in control, and she struggles with it throughout most of the book. But, she is also a good, supportive mother, friend, cousin, and pillar of the town. The MMC, Quinton, is introduced early on as the transplant high school football coach, but it is quickly revealed that he is also the father of Halle’s daughter. The supporting characters moved the story forward in some interesting ways.
Overall, this was a fun and easy read! I would definitely recommend!
This is book #2 of the Peachtree Cove series, and I cannot wait to read book #3!
May 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this small town, dual POV, single mom/ex-pro football player romance with a twist. Holly has been raising her daughter on her own for years but when her daughter takes a DNA test and discovers her new football coach is actually the man whose sperm her mom used for insemination is her biological father, things get complicated. Heartfelt, steamy and full of family drama, this was my new favorite in the series and I look forward to Tracey's story next. Perfect for fans of Friday Night Lights!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 30, 2024
4.5⭐️
I went into this one blind also knowing that there was a book 1 that I haven’t not read yet. I loved that I did that though. I enjoyed this one a lot. The drama of it, the romance of it, all of it. It’s a small town romance where Shania is a female football player and is being coached by a famous ex football player. While she’s finding her place on the team she’s also looking for her biological father. To her surprise it’s her coach!
I loved how sassy Shania was, but her mother Halle was very much stiff. It took a minute for me to warm up to her. But Quinton, the coach, didn’t take long for me to warm up to. 🤭 He was a dream! He had the patience of a saint to deal with Halle in the beginning. I loved how he took the baby steps needed to get to know Shania once he finds out the truth. I also loved how he put his meddling parents in their place!!
After reading this one I definitely want to go back and read book 1 before book 3 is released. I’m looking forward to that next installment!
I went into this one blind also knowing that there was a book 1 that I haven’t not read yet. I loved that I did that though. I enjoyed this one a lot. The drama of it, the romance of it, all of it. It’s a small town romance where Shania is a female football player and is being coached by a famous ex football player. While she’s finding her place on the team she’s also looking for her biological father. To her surprise it’s her coach!
I loved how sassy Shania was, but her mother Halle was very much stiff. It took a minute for me to warm up to her. But Quinton, the coach, didn’t take long for me to warm up to. 🤭 He was a dream! He had the patience of a saint to deal with Halle in the beginning. I loved how he took the baby steps needed to get to know Shania once he finds out the truth. I also loved how he put his meddling parents in their place!!
After reading this one I definitely want to go back and read book 1 before book 3 is released. I’m looking forward to that next installment!
December 6, 2024
This really more of a 3.75. Shania was insufferable. Truly. Halle wasn’t any better.
And i also think the whole *shock* of the back story of Q and the dude from high school was a tad unnecessary as well as predictable. I also was annoyed he never addressed his mom about it but got mad at his dad. Made zero sense.
I also did an audiobook and the narrator made it 10x worse.
I am actually more excited about the 3rd book coming out.
This one wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great.
And i also think the whole *shock* of the back story of Q and the dude from high school was a tad unnecessary as well as predictable. I also was annoyed he never addressed his mom about it but got mad at his dad. Made zero sense.
I also did an audiobook and the narrator made it 10x worse.
I am actually more excited about the 3rd book coming out.
This one wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great.
Read
May 11, 2024Love this author and the premise is interesting…. The execution leaves me disappointed. The foreshadowing comes so early that I already know how the book is going to end. The heroine especially seems YOUNG… a silly girl mooning over a cute guy and not a professional educator. Coach was fine but I didn’t like how he ended up fitting into the story. Then the love story was fast and too deep too soon. I’ll wait for the next in series and hope it is an improvement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
This is my second book in this series and I like the Get Fresh Crew. Halle's character seemed so put together to a point of being rigid. Now that she's gotten her own story, she's not as rigid and I credit that to her daughter Shania-kids are your mirror. Shania is just as tenacious as her mother that's why she was determined to find her father who turned out to be Coach Q.
From the big reveal, the story gets going with lots of revelations from Quentin being interested in Halle from the first time he saw her to Tracy's husband's infidelity. Her and Brian's story will be fire.
Quentin's parents were a bit much in the beginning until their motives were explained and they later apologize for them overstepping (buying a 14 year old a car); Ridiculous.
Halle and Quentin are good together and will continue to be just like Imani and Cyril.
From the big reveal, the story gets going with lots of revelations from Quentin being interested in Halle from the first time he saw her to Tracy's husband's infidelity. Her and Brian's story will be fire.
Quentin's parents were a bit much in the beginning until their motives were explained and they later apologize for them overstepping (buying a 14 year old a car); Ridiculous.
Halle and Quentin are good together and will continue to be just like Imani and Cyril.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
This was such a refreshing palate cleanser read after some really heavy reads. I loved the story
May 19, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. Okay at first I was like “this is a very unethical principle!” 😆 Dating not one, but two teachers within her District! Since this is fiction, I’ll let it slide, but even within a district a principal would be hesitant to start a relationship with any teacher, let alone one they just met — ESPECIALLY not in a small town. I’m pretty sure they’d have to run it by HR too? Anyway:
Holly has to grow on you. I didn’t like her at first because of the questionable demands and judgements she makes, but as you get to know her character and how she’s had to figure out life for herself, you begin to understand why she is the way she is. There’s so much character growth in her. I loved it.
Quinton’s backstory was chef’s kiss and he was a believable gem of a man. Not some bare minimum guy or a knight in shining armor, just a patient man who loves his people. I was rooting for him!
Williams incorporates Shania into this book so well. Not a main-main character, but a character who is present and moves the plot along. She’s so feisty!!
I love that the author Synithia Williams did not waste time on the question we were all wondering the answer to! There’s so many layers to this plot and the plot twists are so juicy. The overall concept of this book is so unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The storyline moves at a good pace and just when you’re about to get comfortable, you learn something new.
I need a book for Tracey now!!! I hope that who book 3 is for. :)
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of book 2 in this series. Definitely a stand alone, but I loved getting to catch up with the characters in book 1.
Holly has to grow on you. I didn’t like her at first because of the questionable demands and judgements she makes, but as you get to know her character and how she’s had to figure out life for herself, you begin to understand why she is the way she is. There’s so much character growth in her. I loved it.
Quinton’s backstory was chef’s kiss and he was a believable gem of a man. Not some bare minimum guy or a knight in shining armor, just a patient man who loves his people. I was rooting for him!
Williams incorporates Shania into this book so well. Not a main-main character, but a character who is present and moves the plot along. She’s so feisty!!
I love that the author Synithia Williams did not waste time on the question we were all wondering the answer to! There’s so many layers to this plot and the plot twists are so juicy. The overall concept of this book is so unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The storyline moves at a good pace and just when you’re about to get comfortable, you learn something new.
I need a book for Tracey now!!! I hope that who book 3 is for. :)
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of book 2 in this series. Definitely a stand alone, but I loved getting to catch up with the characters in book 1.
May 16, 2024
♡𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰♡
4.5 🌟
-
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 :
•black romance
•football
•secret | hidden child
•small town romance
-
Waiting for Friday Night is book two in the Peachtree Cove Series.
𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 - 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑨𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑶𝒘𝒏 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒌.
This book took you on a small town romance that enjoys football and a semi secret child. I say "semi" because Halle, the female main lead, went an inconvenient route on conceiving her daughter at the age of 21. She wanted a family of her own and went to the sperm bank and conceived her daughter that way. No way in the near future did she think her or her daughter would actually meet her daughter's father. Now, this is where the storyline gets interesting. Personally, boundaries get blurred, and romance starts to blossom 🌸 lol. The football coach for the high school team is Quinton, which is Halle's daughter father. He donated his sperm in college so he could help his parent's keep their home.
This book was great to me. This book made me a giggle a few times, highly recommended.
♡𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 May.14♡
-
Thank you, Netgalley, and Harlequin Trade Press for the (eArc)-eBook for my honest review.
4.5 🌟
-
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 :
•black romance
•football
•secret | hidden child
•small town romance
-
Waiting for Friday Night is book two in the Peachtree Cove Series.
𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 - 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑨𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑶𝒘𝒏 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒌.
This book took you on a small town romance that enjoys football and a semi secret child. I say "semi" because Halle, the female main lead, went an inconvenient route on conceiving her daughter at the age of 21. She wanted a family of her own and went to the sperm bank and conceived her daughter that way. No way in the near future did she think her or her daughter would actually meet her daughter's father. Now, this is where the storyline gets interesting. Personally, boundaries get blurred, and romance starts to blossom 🌸 lol. The football coach for the high school team is Quinton, which is Halle's daughter father. He donated his sperm in college so he could help his parent's keep their home.
This book was great to me. This book made me a giggle a few times, highly recommended.
♡𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 May.14♡
-
Thank you, Netgalley, and Harlequin Trade Press for the (eArc)-eBook for my honest review.
May 29, 2024
Waiting for Friday Night is a cute small town love story about a high school football coach and a middle school principal, who also happens to be a single mom. After being introduced to the characters in the first book, Secrets to A Southern Wedding, I was ready to head back to Peach Tree Cove. Halle and Quinton are two well rounded adults, who had secured themselves in their own personal lives but get caught off guard when their story suddenly and unexpectedly get wrapped together. I thought it was a cute story, I loved how there wasn't any trauma love between them. The trope of forgiving a man for indiscretions has become so stereotypical and I'm glad more stories are fo9cusing on love without heartbreak. That is not to say that these two have a walk in the park, the obstacles they do have to overcome, test them and allow them to prove that maybe they can become something. This was a lighthearted and fun read with a few twists thrown in to keep things interesting. I do feel that the book ended rather abruptly and that one of the storylines didn't really add anything to the story.
May 13, 2024
Got a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest opinion. Of course I had to read the first book in the series and the novella that followed.
Halle and Quinton’s love story was an interesting one. I kinda feel like I can’t say too much about the plot of the story without giving things away. She is a single mom and the principal of the local middle school. He is a teacher and the high school football coach. Her daughter is on the football team.
I thought the plot twist for the story came a little too early in the book and it was a little predictable. That didn’t keep me from enjoying the book.
Halle was a good character. She was very put together but actually a mess at the same time. Quinton was a dreamy love interest. I did feel like there wasn’t enough of the two of them becoming a couple. The way the story unfolded just didn’t give a lot of that. I did appreciate the moments they did have.
All in all this was a good book. I have enjoyed the series and can’t wait to read the next book.
Halle and Quinton’s love story was an interesting one. I kinda feel like I can’t say too much about the plot of the story without giving things away. She is a single mom and the principal of the local middle school. He is a teacher and the high school football coach. Her daughter is on the football team.
I thought the plot twist for the story came a little too early in the book and it was a little predictable. That didn’t keep me from enjoying the book.
Halle was a good character. She was very put together but actually a mess at the same time. Quinton was a dreamy love interest. I did feel like there wasn’t enough of the two of them becoming a couple. The way the story unfolded just didn’t give a lot of that. I did appreciate the moments they did have.
All in all this was a good book. I have enjoyed the series and can’t wait to read the next book.
dnf
October 23, 2024DNF @ 47%
The premise is what made me pick this book up I still think the anonymous donor single parent to lovers romance was the best part of this book. However, I just can't stand reading repetitive scenes and characters acting as if they haven't talked about their situation a few chapters ago. I think this book needs more brevity as it shouldn't be this long if we get straight to the point.
The premise is what made me pick this book up I still think the anonymous donor single parent to lovers romance was the best part of this book. However, I just can't stand reading repetitive scenes and characters acting as if they haven't talked about their situation a few chapters ago. I think this book needs more brevity as it shouldn't be this long if we get straight to the point.
May 2, 2025
Good read
I like a good nosey small town story but this one had me worried. It started a little slow and I wondered if I could continue. Luckily I caught on to where it was heading and decided to see it through. The small town came through and even threw in a twist that I didn't see coming. 😊
I like a good nosey small town story but this one had me worried. It started a little slow and I wondered if I could continue. Luckily I caught on to where it was heading and decided to see it through. The small town came through and even threw in a twist that I didn't see coming. 😊
January 24, 2026
While I liked the main characters, Saniyah crated my nerves. Rude and disrespectful at the beginning. I’m glad she got toned down towards the end. The adults also gave her no consequences for her mouthiness. Would’ve loved to have heard how Dawn and the wheelchair came about. But what a twist with Coach Q’s parents!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
Yesssss I loved this one way better than the first. I loved how Halle Quinton were from a small town. Reminds me of where I live. They both made a decision in college that came back to hit them in their faces like you couldn't imagine. The ending was o so perfect.
January 13, 2025
Synathia Williams writes the best mess. 💜
April 9, 2025
Loved being back in Peachtree Cove. This small town romance had a lot of laughs and twists and turns. I enjoyed this more than book one. I can't wait to read Tracey's story.
April 19, 2025
This was really cute. I didn’t see the twist at the end coming which was a nice kind of shocking surprise.
March 7, 2024
Waiting for Friday Night
Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and NetGalley provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
I thought I wasn’t going to like this book. I REALLY thought I wasn’t going to like this book. I didn’t like the FMC’s behavior or way of thinking. And then we first big reveal of the book happened and we really got to know the MMC and whew! Quinton is the newest inductee in my book bae hall of fame!
The pacing is great, the small town setting really works, the supporting characters are interesting, and the story has depth and heart.
I definitely recommend.
Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and NetGalley provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
I thought I wasn’t going to like this book. I REALLY thought I wasn’t going to like this book. I didn’t like the FMC’s behavior or way of thinking. And then we first big reveal of the book happened and we really got to know the MMC and whew! Quinton is the newest inductee in my book bae hall of fame!
The pacing is great, the small town setting really works, the supporting characters are interesting, and the story has depth and heart.
I definitely recommend.
May 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️.5
I really had high hopes for this book being that I was a fan of the first book of this series. This book follows Halle, the FMC, whom is a single parent to a 14 year old daughter by the name of Shania. Shania is a football player for her JV football team. The MMC, Quentin, is a former professional football player who is now coaching high school football.
Where this story becomes a little bit outlandish for me is that when these 2 young people at the age of 21 made some decisions that just normally would not be that of people so young. Halle decided that she wanted to be a mother so bad that she went to a sperm bank. And Quentin at a low point in his life and short on cash decided to donate sperm.
The book is not all bad, I did enjoy the relationships Halle had with her friends. Even with Quentin’s strange behavior around being a family when he finds out that Shania is his daughter, if you remove all of that he had great chemistry with Halle.
Despite my eye rolling at the timeline and decisions these two made very young, I’m still excited about this series and what’s next.
I really had high hopes for this book being that I was a fan of the first book of this series. This book follows Halle, the FMC, whom is a single parent to a 14 year old daughter by the name of Shania. Shania is a football player for her JV football team. The MMC, Quentin, is a former professional football player who is now coaching high school football.
Where this story becomes a little bit outlandish for me is that when these 2 young people at the age of 21 made some decisions that just normally would not be that of people so young. Halle decided that she wanted to be a mother so bad that she went to a sperm bank. And Quentin at a low point in his life and short on cash decided to donate sperm.
The book is not all bad, I did enjoy the relationships Halle had with her friends. Even with Quentin’s strange behavior around being a family when he finds out that Shania is his daughter, if you remove all of that he had great chemistry with Halle.
Despite my eye rolling at the timeline and decisions these two made very young, I’m still excited about this series and what’s next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! I loved the first book in this series and was very excited for this one, and I really enjoy this author's work. That being said, this book really didn't work for me due to the numerous ethical issues and nonsensical choices by the characters.
Halle, the heroine, is a single parent of a 14 yo daughter Shania, who plays football for her school JV team. Halle had the baby either during her last year of college or in the first year after she graduated (there were numerous timeline errors) and has always let people believe her daughter was the result of a nameless one-night-stand. However, Halle has been keeping a secret, which is that she went to a sperm bank and got pregnant on purpose... at the age of 21? 22? That seemed like a really strange life choice. She flat-out refuses her daughter's request for more information in a way that felt uncomfortably dishonest, and decides she's going to marry someone she's been on two dates with so her daughter will have a stepdad and shut up about her bio-dad already.
The hero, Quentin, also made some strange choices. He's a former pro-football player who moved to this small town to coach high school football and find a quieter life, which - sure, whatever. He had a tough family history and his parents were very poor, and early on we learn that at a low point in his life he was so hard up for cash that he donated sperm. This was very early on, but felt just absolutely smacking the reader in the face with foreshadowing and I probably should have stopped reading. Of course it turns out he's Shania's biological father, which they find out when Shania herself does a genetics test online and brings him a printout (what teenager prints anything anymore?)
From there, things get stranger. Quentin gets all existential about his daughter and being a family, and tells Halle he's waiting in line to date her next as soon as she breaks up with her meh boyfriend. His family comes to town and gets irrationally excited about having a grandchild/neice, and Quentin comes to Halle's family reunion where his sperm donation gets outed. Finally after the halfway point Quentin and Halle get to explore their own relationship, but there's so much other drama that we didn't get to see them grow as a couple.
Through the whole book both characters mention several times that they made sure to research and choose an ethical sperm donation clinic, not one that used the same seed for several people. Quentin somehow got paid a lot for his "prime" donation that would only be used once, and there's no explanation to why Halle had prime sperm money as a 21 year old college student. It also seems like a really weird fixation for two 21-year-olds to have had in 2008, before some of the perils of sperm donation clusters came to light.
Thinking of what I enjoyed most about the book, Halle's relationship with her friends was lovely, and she and Quentin had great chemistry. I really do enjoy the small town atmosphere and how the author humanizes social issues through her characters. Even though this book didn't work for me, I'll eagerly await the next book in this series.
Halle, the heroine, is a single parent of a 14 yo daughter Shania, who plays football for her school JV team. Halle had the baby either during her last year of college or in the first year after she graduated (there were numerous timeline errors) and has always let people believe her daughter was the result of a nameless one-night-stand. However, Halle has been keeping a secret, which is that she went to a sperm bank and got pregnant on purpose... at the age of 21? 22? That seemed like a really strange life choice. She flat-out refuses her daughter's request for more information in a way that felt uncomfortably dishonest, and decides she's going to marry someone she's been on two dates with so her daughter will have a stepdad and shut up about her bio-dad already.
The hero, Quentin, also made some strange choices. He's a former pro-football player who moved to this small town to coach high school football and find a quieter life, which - sure, whatever. He had a tough family history and his parents were very poor, and early on we learn that at a low point in his life he was so hard up for cash that he donated sperm. This was very early on, but felt just absolutely smacking the reader in the face with foreshadowing and I probably should have stopped reading. Of course it turns out he's Shania's biological father, which they find out when Shania herself does a genetics test online and brings him a printout (what teenager prints anything anymore?)
From there, things get stranger. Quentin gets all existential about his daughter and being a family, and tells Halle he's waiting in line to date her next as soon as she breaks up with her meh boyfriend. His family comes to town and gets irrationally excited about having a grandchild/neice, and Quentin comes to Halle's family reunion where his sperm donation gets outed. Finally after the halfway point Quentin and Halle get to explore their own relationship, but there's so much other drama that we didn't get to see them grow as a couple.
Through the whole book both characters mention several times that they made sure to research and choose an ethical sperm donation clinic, not one that used the same seed for several people. Quentin somehow got paid a lot for his "prime" donation that would only be used once, and there's no explanation to why Halle had prime sperm money as a 21 year old college student. It also seems like a really weird fixation for two 21-year-olds to have had in 2008, before some of the perils of sperm donation clusters came to light.
Thinking of what I enjoyed most about the book, Halle's relationship with her friends was lovely, and she and Quentin had great chemistry. I really do enjoy the small town atmosphere and how the author humanizes social issues through her characters. Even though this book didn't work for me, I'll eagerly await the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
GENERAL INFO
Waiting for Friday Night- Book #2 Peachtree Cove
Year Pub: 5-14-24, Read 3-22-24
Thanks to NetGalley and Canary Street Press/Harlequin Trade Publishing for this e-ARC 💜! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Setting: Peachtree Cove, GA
Genre: AA interests, Adult Fic, Contemporary Romance
Tropes: small town, 2nd chances, fate
HEA/HFN ending: HEA
Epilogue Included: no, but a peak @ Book #3
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Synopsis/Plot Summary: Halle lost both parents at a young age so she used an anonymous donor to have a child. She wanted to salve off the loneliness and experience unconditional love. Quinton was a football player in high school, but his parents didn't have a lot of money for college. He decided to make a donation at a sperm bank for money and put his name in DNA database in case someone wanted to find him later on. Fourteen years later, Halle's daughter Shania wants answers about her father. She matches her DNA with her football coach who just happens to Quinton. Halle, Quinton, and Shania must navigate how to become a family in a small town of gossip.
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
Flashbacks: The most devastating one was Quinton talking about being bullied and almost losing his football career due to being assaulted.
Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h : yes, Quinton and Halle's boyfriend Gregory are both jealous of each other
Amount of Sex In The Book: 1 or 2 scenes
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
Halle Parker-36, teacher turned middle school principal
Quinton Evan-36, ex NFL player turned football coach and teacher
Shania Parker- Halle's 14 year old daughter, only female player on JV football team in school
Gregory Gaines- the new English teacher, Halle's bf
Tracey and Imani-Halle's BFFs
Willie and Laura-Quinton's parents
Dawn-Quinton's sister
Brian and Cyril-Quinton's BFFs
AUTHOR OVERVIEW
Synithia Williams- I read book #1 and gave it 4 *
PERSONAL OVERVIEW
Overall Rating: 5/5
Do You Recommend This Book: yes
Will You Re-read This Book: yes
Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes
COMMENTS/NOTES: This is another great installment of small town life with some big issues. From artificial insemination, marital infidelity, sexism, and bullying to name a few. Halle is an overprotective mother who is always in control until Quinton becomes apart of her life. He says he's willing to be patient and let her take the lead in forging their new family. He just doesn't play fair with his attraction to her. I thought Quinton's parents overstepped a few times with Shania, but their hearts were in the right place. I loved the found family Halle and Shania gains, and I can't wait for Brian and Tracey's story!
Waiting for Friday Night- Book #2 Peachtree Cove
Year Pub: 5-14-24, Read 3-22-24
Thanks to NetGalley and Canary Street Press/Harlequin Trade Publishing for this e-ARC 💜! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Setting: Peachtree Cove, GA
Genre: AA interests, Adult Fic, Contemporary Romance
Tropes: small town, 2nd chances, fate
HEA/HFN ending: HEA
Epilogue Included: no, but a peak @ Book #3
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Synopsis/Plot Summary: Halle lost both parents at a young age so she used an anonymous donor to have a child. She wanted to salve off the loneliness and experience unconditional love. Quinton was a football player in high school, but his parents didn't have a lot of money for college. He decided to make a donation at a sperm bank for money and put his name in DNA database in case someone wanted to find him later on. Fourteen years later, Halle's daughter Shania wants answers about her father. She matches her DNA with her football coach who just happens to Quinton. Halle, Quinton, and Shania must navigate how to become a family in a small town of gossip.
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
Flashbacks: The most devastating one was Quinton talking about being bullied and almost losing his football career due to being assaulted.
Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h : yes, Quinton and Halle's boyfriend Gregory are both jealous of each other
Amount of Sex In The Book: 1 or 2 scenes
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
Halle Parker-36, teacher turned middle school principal
Quinton Evan-36, ex NFL player turned football coach and teacher
Shania Parker- Halle's 14 year old daughter, only female player on JV football team in school
Gregory Gaines- the new English teacher, Halle's bf
Tracey and Imani-Halle's BFFs
Willie and Laura-Quinton's parents
Dawn-Quinton's sister
Brian and Cyril-Quinton's BFFs
AUTHOR OVERVIEW
Synithia Williams- I read book #1 and gave it 4 *
PERSONAL OVERVIEW
Overall Rating: 5/5
Do You Recommend This Book: yes
Will You Re-read This Book: yes
Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes
COMMENTS/NOTES: This is another great installment of small town life with some big issues. From artificial insemination, marital infidelity, sexism, and bullying to name a few. Halle is an overprotective mother who is always in control until Quinton becomes apart of her life. He says he's willing to be patient and let her take the lead in forging their new family. He just doesn't play fair with his attraction to her. I thought Quinton's parents overstepped a few times with Shania, but their hearts were in the right place. I loved the found family Halle and Shania gains, and I can't wait for Brian and Tracey's story!
May 21, 2024
Quick Summary: A Southern soap opera romance
My Review: Waiting for Friday Night by Synithia Williams is book #2 in the Peachtree Cove series.
About the Book: A single mom and her daughter become better acquainted with the new football coach. Little did they know that they would soon uncover a secret connection that bonds them together. Family drama, hidden truths, workplace tension, and school/community gossip threaten them all. What will the next part of their story become?
About the Characters:
Halle Parker - > Principal, strong sense of independence, guarded when it comes to her heart, fiercely protective of those she cares about
Shania Parker -> female football player, only child, desirous of finding her dad, facing challenges in peer relations
Gregory - > Disingenuous, seems to wear a mask, immature
Quinton Evans - > retired pro football player, head coach of school team, loyal and responsible as a son and brother, survivor of bullying and an anti-bullying advocate
Willie and Laura - > Parents of Quinton and Dawn, interesting past, busybodies in a sense, pushy
Tracey - > Business owner, faithful friend, wronged wife
Brian -> Business owner, pretty boy, hyper aware of Tracey
The extended family Peachtree Cove residents - > Nosy busybodies, rally together at times, diverse
My Favorite Scenes: The first kiss, the community business meeting, the post game confrontation
My Final Say: This story had a very interesting premise. It completely captured my attention. What are the odds that two connected strangers would meet in the way that Halle and Quinton did? In the type of situation they found themselves in, I do not believe lines could be crossed in the way theirs was. Still, it was a brilliant notion to entertain.
Just like in the previous book, the parental involvement, particularly regarding Q's parents, was a bit much. These two were so pushy. They needed a time out. Even though they seemed to learn their lesson, I was still left wondering if they really did. Also, the way they judged Halle before they met her and even after was not cool.
Other: This would be fantastic to experience as an audiobook.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💛
Cover: +
Series: Yes
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
My Review: Waiting for Friday Night by Synithia Williams is book #2 in the Peachtree Cove series.
About the Book: A single mom and her daughter become better acquainted with the new football coach. Little did they know that they would soon uncover a secret connection that bonds them together. Family drama, hidden truths, workplace tension, and school/community gossip threaten them all. What will the next part of their story become?
About the Characters:
Halle Parker - > Principal, strong sense of independence, guarded when it comes to her heart, fiercely protective of those she cares about
Shania Parker -> female football player, only child, desirous of finding her dad, facing challenges in peer relations
Gregory - > Disingenuous, seems to wear a mask, immature
Quinton Evans - > retired pro football player, head coach of school team, loyal and responsible as a son and brother, survivor of bullying and an anti-bullying advocate
Willie and Laura - > Parents of Quinton and Dawn, interesting past, busybodies in a sense, pushy
Tracey - > Business owner, faithful friend, wronged wife
Brian -> Business owner, pretty boy, hyper aware of Tracey
The extended family Peachtree Cove residents - > Nosy busybodies, rally together at times, diverse
My Favorite Scenes: The first kiss, the community business meeting, the post game confrontation
My Final Say: This story had a very interesting premise. It completely captured my attention. What are the odds that two connected strangers would meet in the way that Halle and Quinton did? In the type of situation they found themselves in, I do not believe lines could be crossed in the way theirs was. Still, it was a brilliant notion to entertain.
Just like in the previous book, the parental involvement, particularly regarding Q's parents, was a bit much. These two were so pushy. They needed a time out. Even though they seemed to learn their lesson, I was still left wondering if they really did. Also, the way they judged Halle before they met her and even after was not cool.
Other: This would be fantastic to experience as an audiobook.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💛
Cover: +
Series: Yes
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
June 1, 2024
Technically, a 2.5
Waiting for Friday Night is the second novel in the Peachtree Cove series. You don’t have to have read that story to understand this one.
At the age of twenty-one, Halle Parker felt completely alone. Her parents having died before she graduated college, she had no close relatives and decided to fix that by making a new family for herself. Since she didn’t know anyone she wanted a kid with, she used her inheritance to pay to have artificial insemination at a private clinic. When asked about her baby daddy, she simply told everyone the father had no interest in being part of her or her daughter Shania’s life. But at fourteen, Shania has been pushing hard for details about the man, leaving Halle frustrated as to how best explain the context of her conception.
Quinton Evans had been desperate when he sold his sperm. His parents were facing eviction and as a college footballer hoping to go pro, Quinton had few options for raising money. Concerned about having dozens of kids he would never know about, he made sure the clinic understood his donation was for one-time use only. After a successful career in the NFL, he decided to coach high school ball and is now working in Peachtree Cove. Quinton is quietly fighting a crusade in the sleepy community. His childhood/teen experience with the game included an administration that gave playing time based on parental donations rather than skill. More than once, he had been told he would never amount to anything and shouldn’t be on the field. As a result, he is determined to give everyone an opportunity and judge people only on their merits. Which is why he’s championed Shania Parker against heated objections. Shania is talented and deserves a chance to participate.
But when Shania reveals she’s his daughter, the game totally changes. Now, the other coaches, team parents, and school administrators are expressing concerns about nepotism. The fact that he wants to get to know her (and she wishes to know him) complicates the issue. And the fact that Halle is in a relationship with a guy who hoped to take on the role of stepdad makes things just that much more difficult. It doesn’t help that Halle and Quinton hide their desire for each other under a layer of mild antagonism, something they will have to resolve if there is any hope of their intricate parenting situation working out. See the rest of my review at https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
Waiting for Friday Night is the second novel in the Peachtree Cove series. You don’t have to have read that story to understand this one.
At the age of twenty-one, Halle Parker felt completely alone. Her parents having died before she graduated college, she had no close relatives and decided to fix that by making a new family for herself. Since she didn’t know anyone she wanted a kid with, she used her inheritance to pay to have artificial insemination at a private clinic. When asked about her baby daddy, she simply told everyone the father had no interest in being part of her or her daughter Shania’s life. But at fourteen, Shania has been pushing hard for details about the man, leaving Halle frustrated as to how best explain the context of her conception.
Quinton Evans had been desperate when he sold his sperm. His parents were facing eviction and as a college footballer hoping to go pro, Quinton had few options for raising money. Concerned about having dozens of kids he would never know about, he made sure the clinic understood his donation was for one-time use only. After a successful career in the NFL, he decided to coach high school ball and is now working in Peachtree Cove. Quinton is quietly fighting a crusade in the sleepy community. His childhood/teen experience with the game included an administration that gave playing time based on parental donations rather than skill. More than once, he had been told he would never amount to anything and shouldn’t be on the field. As a result, he is determined to give everyone an opportunity and judge people only on their merits. Which is why he’s championed Shania Parker against heated objections. Shania is talented and deserves a chance to participate.
But when Shania reveals she’s his daughter, the game totally changes. Now, the other coaches, team parents, and school administrators are expressing concerns about nepotism. The fact that he wants to get to know her (and she wishes to know him) complicates the issue. And the fact that Halle is in a relationship with a guy who hoped to take on the role of stepdad makes things just that much more difficult. It doesn’t help that Halle and Quinton hide their desire for each other under a layer of mild antagonism, something they will have to resolve if there is any hope of their intricate parenting situation working out. See the rest of my review at https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
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