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Date for Hire: A Second Chance Romance

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When former high school classmates unexpectedly reunite, will it be a second chance at romance with her unrequited crush?

When Amaya Walker hires a landscape designer, the last person she expects is her unrequited high school crush. She was the chubby nerd. He was the handsome heartbreaker who was out of her league. But now this plus-size diva is a record exec who’s calling the shots.

Jet Thomas deeply regrets not asking Amaya out in high school, but as a client, she’s off-limits. Their rekindled friendship leads to a forbidden relationship, but can it survive insecurities, family obligations, and secrets from the past?

Check out the other books in the

Fiancé for Hire – Sharon C. Cooper
Boyfriend for Hire – Delaney Diamond
Date for Hire – Reese Ryan

160 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2023

146 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

Reese Ryan

174 books604 followers
Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

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5 stars
147 (69%)
4 stars
46 (21%)
3 stars
12 (5%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,993 reviews107 followers
October 1, 2023
Another chance to get it right

I love a second chance romance when the couple doesn't have too much drama. This story was about high school friends to enemy to love interest years later. Throw in a few mean girls, and the story is complete. And the date for hire theme in this version was a cute afterthought by the heroine, and yet the idea was perfect. A good read.
Profile Image for JBucky.
453 reviews32 followers
May 13, 2024
Jet Thomas & Amaya Walker, developed the sweetest relationship! After being reconnected 18 years later, it was like they never missed a beat & they were drawn to one another even more in the present as they were in the past.! Of course they run into some bumps in the road with some of their past issues resurfacing, but in the end their love prevails!

This book had me soooo giddy! I loved every minute of it!!!
Profile Image for Mary.
918 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2024
A Must Read ❤️

I love a second-chance at love, especially when they get it right the second time. Jet and Amaya’s story was very sweet and no drama.
788 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2023
What a date this turned out to be!

So now we come to the third fine as wine friend John Edward Thomas aka JET poised to get his love life on track. He accomplishes this feat when he comes face to face with Amaya Peters formerly Walker his high school tutor now divorced record Exec. when he takes over her landscaping project at "At Your Service" his best friend's family business!!! Finding a way around the company policy once what didn't happen in high school began taking shape in adulthood took some secret squirrel action but in the end it was all worthwhile. I like that the mistakes made as teens did not derail what they learned they could have as adults. This Men For Hire collaboration between you Reese, Delaney Diamond and Sharon C Cooper is a sure fire winner! Each story took the particular friend on his own journey to love and the segue from one story to the next was seamless and very enjoyable! Ladies, do this again soon please! Great job Reese you too take a well deserved bow!
Profile Image for Geri Evans.
665 reviews
October 28, 2023
Second Chance Romance At Its Best!! 🥰🥰

I absolutely love second chance romance stories with mature characters and no games! This is my last read for this series and there’s no sign of disappointment!! After seeing each other again, Amaya and Jet got to know each other again, talked with each other and discovered they were both what the other needed and wanted!!

I loved how all of the relationships between the three men carried over to each book seamlessly! I loved how fierce Amaya loved and protected her brother! I loved the growing relationship and love between Mye and Jet and we can’t forget the lovable Rocky!!

This was a wonderful book and series and I highly recommend you reading them all. As always, Reese Ryan has done an amazing and awesome work with this story!! Reese, Kudos to You!! 💜
86 reviews
October 2, 2023
Great Read 📚 👏🏾 ✨️❣️

I loved Amaya and JET individually and collectively as a couple. Each were well rounded people with complete compelling backgrounds that made you want to root for them to succeed and grow in life as people but especially as a couple because good people should be loved well by good people. I loved the banter and friendship between them. I love Rocky. He was so well incorporated in this book as a character 😍. The chemistry was undeniable and sexy. This was a great read 📚 👏🏾 ✨️ ❣️
Profile Image for Shone.
1,340 reviews29 followers
October 10, 2023
Second Time Around

My second read in the Men for Hire series was powerful and heart wrenching. Reese Ryan took a second chance at love, hurt from childhood bullying, parents who are hurting, a family member on the spectrum, forgiveness, and harassment. Amaya "Mya" walker, and John Edward "Jet" Thomas were awesome individually and collectively. Now to read the last story.
#landscaping #photography #music #friends #familybusiness
Profile Image for Leigh Carron.
Author 7 books174 followers
October 28, 2023
sinfully sweet & captivating

DATE FOR HIRE is a heartwarming romance that takes readers on a journey of second chances and unexpected love. It is written by Reese Ryan, an author who knows how to make you smile while tugging at your heartstrings.

The story revolves around Amaya Walker, a successful record executive who hires a landscape designer for her home. Little does she know that the designer is none other than her unrequited high school crush, Jet Thomas. Amaya, once the shy and nerdy girl, is now a confident plus-size diva. As their paths cross again, old feelings resurface, and a relationship begins to blossom. However, company rules prevent Jet from dating a client. Luckily, Amaya has a workaround plan for that. 😉

What makes this book truly captivating is the depth of the characters. Amaya's insecurities and past experiences make her relatable and endearing. Jet's regret and longing for a second chance add a layer of vulnerability to his character. The chemistry between them is a sweet, slow burn that builds to a sizzling pop.

Reese skillfully explores family dynamics as she weaves together themes of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and the power of love. The pacing is just right, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome of Amaya and Jet's relationship. The dialogue is witty and authentic, adding a touch of humor to balance the emotional moments. And then there’s Jet’s dog, the beloved Rocky. 🐶❤️

DATE FOR HIRE is a truly delightful read that reminds us, second chances are possible with compassion and forgiveness. If you're a fan of romances that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart, then grab a cozy blanket, a cup of your favorite beverage, and get ready to lose yourself in the pages of a DATE FOR HIRE! 📖😍✨
131 reviews
October 27, 2023
Loved This Book!!

Amaya was a big beautiful woman, who didn’t realize how beautiful she actually was! It didn’t help that the “mean girls” in high school made her feel fat and ugly! I’m so glad that Jet re-entered her life. Even if it was as her landscaper! They liked each other in high school, but didn’t act on it. Amaya tutored Jet in high school. He stood up for her against the bullies, and threatened those that would hurt her in any way! When they saw each other years later, the spark was still there. Thank you Reese Ryan for this wonderful contribution to this For Hire series!! ❤️🔥
Profile Image for Cassandra Haywood.
326 reviews
February 17, 2024
Sweet Romance

Amaya Walker and Jet were high school classmates where they both had a crush on each other but never revealed it to each other their feelings. Imagine 20 years later meeting again when Amaya contracts the company Jet works for as a landscaper to turn her backyard into a beautiful oasis.
Old feelings are rekindled between the two of them but are afraid to let each other know because of conflicts in the past and present.
This was an enjoyable read. I love the second chance storyline. The characters had great chemistry together and I was cheering for Amaya to finally overcome her past hurts from her high school days and let love win for her and Jet.
Profile Image for Renee.
120 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2024
I would give this a 4.5. I am familiar with the author and this was in the TBR pile. Finally got around to reading it and glad I picked it up. This is a second chance romance novel. The characters past was very well developed and gave insight to their budding romance. Amaya and Jet were interesting enough to keep me reading. Teenage crushes developed into grown folks romance. I appreciated the issue of bullying and how it was explained throughout the novel and handled at the end. Plus sized Amaya had it going on and "someone" got the last laugh at the gala. If you want a quick romance read, pick this one up, especially if you need to reach your reading challenge goal.
Profile Image for Beauty_bydebrosse.
338 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2023
More like a 3.5 stars. It was really cute, and I overall liked how the story was done. I kinda wanted a little more drama in either the showdown at the alumni event or with their relationship and confronting their pasts. (lol but that just might be the toxic trait in me) Second chance romance isn’t normally my thing but I was so freaking excited to read this; one because the cover and two because of the thought of the nerdy chubby girl getting the guy she always wanted from high school. So overall adorable story.
Profile Image for Linda Epps - Dillon.
270 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2023
I am a sucker for second chance/lost love found romances. I really loved John Edward Thomas (Jet) and Amaya Wallace's (Mye) story. So glad they reconnected and were able to let go of their past hurts and become a couple. You could feel the genuine that they had for each other throughout the story. I loved how they supported each other to bring out the best in each other and to overcome the insecurities they both had. Favorite side character in this book was Rocky, Jet's adorable dog. Wonderful read and highly recommended. Bravo Ms. Ryan.
380 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2024
Amaya Walker has a home she is making her own. She needs a landscaper designer. The ends up hiring he high school crush Jet Thomas. Jet was very shy and not sure of himself in high school. He had a crush on her but never acted on it. He regretted not asking her out in high school. Now Amaya is a record executive. I loved their interactions. Jet was so kind and patient to Amaya's brother who is in the spectrum. They got to know each other and talked about how they felt about each other in high school and now. It was a very enjoyable story..
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,449 reviews28 followers
February 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this story as well as these characters. This author is one of my autobuy authors, and I have enjoyed every books he has written, and this one is no exception. And I also liked the fact that this book leads to her forthcoming series. It was the perfect lead in to it. And the way she adds in individuals with autism on different parts of the spectrum was great. I will plan to read the other books connected to this one and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
87 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2023
Date for Hire

I chose this rating because I liked the story line of lost love finding each other. I know that this was a part of the story line but I didn't like the fact that some of the adults that were bullies as teenagers were still petty and bullies. I recommend this book to everyone who's a fan of Reese Ryan's books.
714 reviews
October 5, 2023
Vickie J

Jet made a mistake in high school and that betraying Amaya.... She didn't know that he was trying to protect her from bullies in high school, she was his tutor and not popular.... now the company he works for has been hired to do the job. The truth and old feelings have come to light so now they have to see if it is real.
141 reviews
December 22, 2023
Enjoyed It!

I really enjoyed Jet & Mey’s story, they worked! Enjoyed the catching up and their talks about the past! Loved that the guys/friends played a role. Enjoyed their friendship and Mey fit right in teasing Montez! There definitely needs to be another story when all there couples come together!
206 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2025
Date For Hire

This was a story about Amaya Walker and John Thomas. They were childhood friends from the same art school. Reunited when he appeared at her door to landscape her home. She was overwhelmed with his plans and friendship. Each time they met led to their happily ever after.
1,024 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2023
Surprise reunion

This was a story of second chances. Loved it. A unsuccessful marriage and disappointments almost kept Amaya and Jet from their happily everafter. Glad they found each other again.
Profile Image for Nerissa Golden.
Author 23 books13 followers
October 8, 2023
Another excellent collaboration for the Men for Hire series. The way the three authors interweave elements of all the stories will make you happy you read them all to get the full length and breadth of the friendship between JET, Montez and Dre.
942 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2023
Loved it 🥰🥰🥰

This story was amazing beautiful chemistry between characters loved it 😍❤💖definitely book bae ❤I couldn't put it down simply amazing ❤this couple ❤had my whole heart loved it
325 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2023
A Second Chance at Finding Love

Jet and Amaya reconnected easily and were comfortable in their relationship from friends to lovers. Rocky the dog was a cute addition to the storyline. This was a good story.
Profile Image for Ava Smith-forrest.
867 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2023
Date for Hire

This was so sweet how Jet had loved and protected in his own way even as a teen. And how he defended Amaya at the retirement party. The southern names like John Edward Thomas did it for me.
1,243 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2024
Great read

Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Amaya and Jet are high school acquaintances that reconnected after eighteen years. There were a few misunderstandings from their past. This is their journey to rekindled friendship and love.
Profile Image for Vernell Renee Howard Griffin.
1,053 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2024
Absolutely Lovely

Big fan of second chances. This was a great read for me, because it was a great representation of myself in so many different ways. It flowed so effortlessly from beginning to end that I saw a movie in my head. I loved it. Renee G.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,212 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2024
Delightful story

Good lessons about actions that are done when we are young. Maturity should progress and develop as we age, some insecure people never allow themselves to develop.
100 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2023
Hot

Very hot, very spicy love story! I love how story shows that high school bullying and shaming can be overcome. All three books in this series are great reads.
Profile Image for Darlene.
Author 3 books12 followers
January 26, 2024
Great Read

Ms. Reese has penned another great story. Strong storyline and believable characters. If you're looking for a good second chance story this is it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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