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Single Dad CEO #2
Heartache & Playdates
“Love isn’t like milk. It has no expiration date.” ~ Nonna Russo
Maddox Cruz
Single dad. Tech billionaire. Genius. That is what people saw when they looked at me. Those adjectives might all be true, but inside I was still a kid who grew up in the system and was raised by the streets. Which was why I had no plans to attend my 20 year high school reunion. The last thing I wanted to do was make small talk with people who only wanted to talk to me now because of the success I’d achieved.
But when I got a text saying that the woman—who had been nicknamed Totga (The One That Got Away) by my friends—was going to be there, small talk was the price I was willing to pay to see her again. She disappeared from my life twenty years ago, and I’d never gotten over it. I told myself I was looking for closure. But the truth was, I didn’t want to close the book, I wanted to write a new chapter.
Peyton Russo
People pleasing. Nonconfrontational. Overthinker. That is how I would describe myself. Those adjectives were not anything I was proud of. I’d spent years in therapy trying, unsuccessfully, to change them. Those traits dominated my life and were the reason I’d spent the past decade in an unhealthy situationship. They were also how I found myself attending my high school reunion.
After my Nonna tricked me into flying across the country to care for an “injury” she didn’t have, only to reveal she’d RSVP’d yes to my reunion, I tried to tell her I didn’t want to go. But she guilted me into attending. At least my ex, the only man I ever loved, wouldn’t be there. And that was for the best. As much as I’d love nothing more than to see him again, our walk down memory lane would be through an emotional minefield of pain and regret.
Author’s Heartache & Playdates is a first love, second chance, single dad, billionaire standalone romance. This tale of high school sweethearts reunited comes complete with a charming/sexy/single father, a reluctant heroine who would rather leave the past in the past, a feisty (plotting) 90-year-old Nonna, friends and family who all think they know best, fan-yourself-foreplay, swoon-worthy schmexy time, and an ending that puts the happy in happily ever after.
Maddox Cruz
Single dad. Tech billionaire. Genius. That is what people saw when they looked at me. Those adjectives might all be true, but inside I was still a kid who grew up in the system and was raised by the streets. Which was why I had no plans to attend my 20 year high school reunion. The last thing I wanted to do was make small talk with people who only wanted to talk to me now because of the success I’d achieved.
But when I got a text saying that the woman—who had been nicknamed Totga (The One That Got Away) by my friends—was going to be there, small talk was the price I was willing to pay to see her again. She disappeared from my life twenty years ago, and I’d never gotten over it. I told myself I was looking for closure. But the truth was, I didn’t want to close the book, I wanted to write a new chapter.
Peyton Russo
People pleasing. Nonconfrontational. Overthinker. That is how I would describe myself. Those adjectives were not anything I was proud of. I’d spent years in therapy trying, unsuccessfully, to change them. Those traits dominated my life and were the reason I’d spent the past decade in an unhealthy situationship. They were also how I found myself attending my high school reunion.
After my Nonna tricked me into flying across the country to care for an “injury” she didn’t have, only to reveal she’d RSVP’d yes to my reunion, I tried to tell her I didn’t want to go. But she guilted me into attending. At least my ex, the only man I ever loved, wouldn’t be there. And that was for the best. As much as I’d love nothing more than to see him again, our walk down memory lane would be through an emotional minefield of pain and regret.
Author’s Heartache & Playdates is a first love, second chance, single dad, billionaire standalone romance. This tale of high school sweethearts reunited comes complete with a charming/sexy/single father, a reluctant heroine who would rather leave the past in the past, a feisty (plotting) 90-year-old Nonna, friends and family who all think they know best, fan-yourself-foreplay, swoon-worthy schmexy time, and an ending that puts the happy in happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 14, 2023
I expected nothing less than great after the first book, and this did not disappoint.
Soul mates. That’s what Maddox and Peyton are. They were high school sweethearts, that is until Peyton left one day breaking Madoox’s heart. Fast forward 20 years and these two never fell in love with anyone else, and when a high school reunion happens well…they meet again and the flame burns even brighter.
With Peyton carrying the weight of a secret, she tries to push Maddox away. The amount of coincidences that happened between them were too much to ignore, and this book was all about that. Everything just made sense between them - it was fate. They truly were meant to be.
Tbh I wish this had been longer.
4.5 ⭐️
Soul mates. That’s what Maddox and Peyton are. They were high school sweethearts, that is until Peyton left one day breaking Madoox’s heart. Fast forward 20 years and these two never fell in love with anyone else, and when a high school reunion happens well…they meet again and the flame burns even brighter.
With Peyton carrying the weight of a secret, she tries to push Maddox away. The amount of coincidences that happened between them were too much to ignore, and this book was all about that. Everything just made sense between them - it was fate. They truly were meant to be.
Tbh I wish this had been longer.
4.5 ⭐️
March 15, 2023
Never was there a more fitting title….
Oh my heart. Heartache & Playdates could not possibly have been a more perfect title. If there were a word to describe the overwhelming emotions in this book, I would choose “pining”.
This is book 2 in this series, and I’d recommend reading book one first. Not only because it’s a great book, but because you learn a lot about the dads that are the center of this universe. They all had tragic childhoods and bonded as foster brothers before each becoming successful adults. This time it’s Maddox and Peyton’s story, and it will hit you in the heart. They’ve been apart for twenty years. You read that right. After a six month life altering relationship at 16 years old, she disappears for twenty years. Neither one has moved on emotionally. The vast majority of this book is filled with them each pining for what they lost, for what they wished they could have. I thought it bordered on tedious for a bit at times, and just wanted them to get together already. But by the time I got to the end, I just felt such happiness and peace for them. They deserve all the happiness in the world.
There are some big secrets that come to light, and an insane amount of “coincidences” that will have you believing in soulmates and fate. She is definitely his lobster!
Oh my heart. Heartache & Playdates could not possibly have been a more perfect title. If there were a word to describe the overwhelming emotions in this book, I would choose “pining”.
This is book 2 in this series, and I’d recommend reading book one first. Not only because it’s a great book, but because you learn a lot about the dads that are the center of this universe. They all had tragic childhoods and bonded as foster brothers before each becoming successful adults. This time it’s Maddox and Peyton’s story, and it will hit you in the heart. They’ve been apart for twenty years. You read that right. After a six month life altering relationship at 16 years old, she disappears for twenty years. Neither one has moved on emotionally. The vast majority of this book is filled with them each pining for what they lost, for what they wished they could have. I thought it bordered on tedious for a bit at times, and just wanted them to get together already. But by the time I got to the end, I just felt such happiness and peace for them. They deserve all the happiness in the world.
There are some big secrets that come to light, and an insane amount of “coincidences” that will have you believing in soulmates and fate. She is definitely his lobster!
March 13, 2023
This book was so good! It was heartbreaking at times and heartwarming at other times. Maddox and Peyton had fallen in love at such a young age, and then to be torn apart was heartbreaking. You will not like Peyton’s father, but you will love her Nonna. Maddox had such a hard, young life, but had two of the best friends, Nick and Alex, who were more like brothers. Maddox and Peyton finally met again 20 year later and still had love in their eyes. I hated that Peyton left him again without saying anything after their class reunion. Maddox had one heartwarming thing going for him and it was his little girl Hannah. I loved the relationship he had with Lizzie who was Hannah’s mother. Lizzie, her husband, Hannah and Maddox were like a small family that got along well.
I loved how close Peyton and her Nonna was, and that she went back to San Francisco to help her when she wasn’t well. It was hard for Peyton to leave her best friend Leo who was a super, fun character. Then so many ironic things started happening that helped Maddox and Peyton get to know each other again. There were secrets that came out and had to be worked through that ended being heartwarming. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
I loved how close Peyton and her Nonna was, and that she went back to San Francisco to help her when she wasn’t well. It was hard for Peyton to leave her best friend Leo who was a super, fun character. Then so many ironic things started happening that helped Maddox and Peyton get to know each other again. There were secrets that came out and had to be worked through that ended being heartwarming. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
March 12, 2023
Heartache & Playdates is the second book in the Single Dad CEO series by Shawna Renae and it was a great addition to the series!
Maddox Cruz is a single dad to his five year old daughter, Hannah, and the CEO of the tech company he founded. While he and Hannah's Mom, Lizzy, co-parent well and are good friends, they were never going to be a long-term couple. Maddox has never been able to forget his first love, Peyton, who up and left when they were in high school and 20 years later, he still hasn't found anyone he cares for the way he cared for her.
Peyton Russo has been living and working in New York for the last 20 years. She's been in a 10 year non-committed relationship with Trent and when she receives word that her grandmother has fallen, she heads back to her hometown in California to help her. However when she arrives, her grandmother isn't as "hurt" as she claimed to be. Since her 10 year high school class reunion is taking place while she's scheduled to be home, her grandmother says she should go since she already registered her!
Peyton agrees to go to the reunion only because Maddox is not on the list of people who will be attending. She does not want to see the man she too has not been able to forget over all these years. When her worst fear happens and Maddox ends up at the reunion, she has to decide what to do. The two spend time together and end up reconnecting even if just for one night. Just like in high school, Peyton ends up disappearing again without a word to Maddox until another emergency brings her back to town permanently many months later. Will these two people who have such a deep connection be able to make a go of things or has too much happened over the years for them to try again?
There was so much to enjoy about this book. The chemistry between Peyton and Maddox was one of those things, but I really liked the friendships as well. Maddox's relationships with his buddies, as well as with Lizzie and her husband and Peyton with her Nonna and with Leo. These relationships added layers and texture to the story which made it that much richer.
Another great offering by Shawna Renae and I can't wait for book three!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Maddox Cruz is a single dad to his five year old daughter, Hannah, and the CEO of the tech company he founded. While he and Hannah's Mom, Lizzy, co-parent well and are good friends, they were never going to be a long-term couple. Maddox has never been able to forget his first love, Peyton, who up and left when they were in high school and 20 years later, he still hasn't found anyone he cares for the way he cared for her.
Peyton Russo has been living and working in New York for the last 20 years. She's been in a 10 year non-committed relationship with Trent and when she receives word that her grandmother has fallen, she heads back to her hometown in California to help her. However when she arrives, her grandmother isn't as "hurt" as she claimed to be. Since her 10 year high school class reunion is taking place while she's scheduled to be home, her grandmother says she should go since she already registered her!
Peyton agrees to go to the reunion only because Maddox is not on the list of people who will be attending. She does not want to see the man she too has not been able to forget over all these years. When her worst fear happens and Maddox ends up at the reunion, she has to decide what to do. The two spend time together and end up reconnecting even if just for one night. Just like in high school, Peyton ends up disappearing again without a word to Maddox until another emergency brings her back to town permanently many months later. Will these two people who have such a deep connection be able to make a go of things or has too much happened over the years for them to try again?
There was so much to enjoy about this book. The chemistry between Peyton and Maddox was one of those things, but I really liked the friendships as well. Maddox's relationships with his buddies, as well as with Lizzie and her husband and Peyton with her Nonna and with Leo. These relationships added layers and texture to the story which made it that much richer.
Another great offering by Shawna Renae and I can't wait for book three!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
March 12, 2023
Maddox had decided early on in life that he needed to get ahead. He graduated high school at 16 and graduated with a masters from an Ivy league school by the age of 20. When he met Peyton in high school, he had 6 months with her before she disappeared. They were the best 6 months of his life and unfortunately, even almost 20 years after she left him, she was still 'the one that got away'.
When he hears that she is going to be at the 20 year high school reunion that he had no intention of going to, he traded his weekend with his daughter Hannah for 2 playdates a month for the next year in order to go see Peyton.
Peyton has been living in New York since she started college when she was 18. She has a job she loves, a best friend everyone wants and a 1o year relationship where she knew she wouldn't get hurt.
When Nonna, her beloved grandmother calls her to tell her she fell and needed assistance she flew across the country immediately to help her out only to find out Nonna set her up to go to the High School Reunion she didn't have any intention of going to.
When Peyton and Maddox see each other for the first time since she left as a teenager, they both are shocked that they still seem to have the same gravitational feelings as before even though time has definitely passed.
These two characters both went through their own struggles and it was a wonderful book where even through the struggles, secrets and misunderstandings, they were able to make it through. I can't wait for the Nick's story next!
When he hears that she is going to be at the 20 year high school reunion that he had no intention of going to, he traded his weekend with his daughter Hannah for 2 playdates a month for the next year in order to go see Peyton.
Peyton has been living in New York since she started college when she was 18. She has a job she loves, a best friend everyone wants and a 1o year relationship where she knew she wouldn't get hurt.
When Nonna, her beloved grandmother calls her to tell her she fell and needed assistance she flew across the country immediately to help her out only to find out Nonna set her up to go to the High School Reunion she didn't have any intention of going to.
When Peyton and Maddox see each other for the first time since she left as a teenager, they both are shocked that they still seem to have the same gravitational feelings as before even though time has definitely passed.
These two characters both went through their own struggles and it was a wonderful book where even through the struggles, secrets and misunderstandings, they were able to make it through. I can't wait for the Nick's story next!
March 13, 2023
So excited for the continuation of this series! This installment focuses on Maddox and the one that got away, Peyton. They fell in love quickly in high school, but after Maddox thought they’d spend forever together, Peyton disappears, and even with all his money and resources as he got older, he could never find her, until their twenty-year reunion and she RSVPs. Deciding to attend to get his second chance, Peyton finally shows up, and the feelings and chemistry pick up right where they left off, and Maddox won’t let her get away a second time. Fate intervenes again when Peyton relocates back to the area to take care of her grandmother, and even more so when she becomes Maddox’s daughter’s teacher. There were some twists, turns, and surprises that added another level to this book that kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down! I loved how this ended, happy that these two got the HEA they were robbed of all those years ago, and it makes me so excited for the next installment!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 2, 2023
2nd book – true love never dies and always forgives!
2nd book – true love never dies and always forgives! This is about Maddox, Hannah, Peyton, and Lina. This story broke my heart to some point. You have Maddox, with his daughter Hannah and his ex, but a very close friend to him, Lizzy who can make you laugh with all her shenanigans. Note Lizzy is married to her true love, but Maddox stole my heart with what he did when he found out Lizzy was pregnant. The story is more concentrated on Maddox and his lost love Peyton and them seeing each other at their reunion. Peyton’s story is heartbreaking, I only wished the author would have come up with another solution for her to give her the opportunity to bring more to life. Nonna, Peyton’s grandmother is a hoot, I loved her from the start, but don’t forget she has a best friend, Leo, who can win your heart just as well.
2nd book – true love never dies and always forgives! This is about Maddox, Hannah, Peyton, and Lina. This story broke my heart to some point. You have Maddox, with his daughter Hannah and his ex, but a very close friend to him, Lizzy who can make you laugh with all her shenanigans. Note Lizzy is married to her true love, but Maddox stole my heart with what he did when he found out Lizzy was pregnant. The story is more concentrated on Maddox and his lost love Peyton and them seeing each other at their reunion. Peyton’s story is heartbreaking, I only wished the author would have come up with another solution for her to give her the opportunity to bring more to life. Nonna, Peyton’s grandmother is a hoot, I loved her from the start, but don’t forget she has a best friend, Leo, who can win your heart just as well.
March 12, 2023
This was an incredibly written second chance romance. Maddox and Peyton meet up again at their 20 year high school reunion. When they see each other again their feelings from so long ago are still there. The problem is there are secrets that need to be told. Once the secrets come out will they be able to move past them or will it come between their newly found relationship. I loved this book from beginning to end. It will pull at your heart strings, it will make you laugh, and smile and before you know it you will be at the end. I am looking forward to the the next book in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 12, 2023
I loved this book! I was completely drawn in to Maddox & Peyton’s story from the beginning. Maddox is a successful tech CEO who is successfully co-parenting his daughter with his baby mama. Peyton comes back for a high school reunion due to some meddling by her Nonna. She is Maddox’s Totga (the one who got away) and why he resists every single mom that flirts with him. They are reunited at the high school reunion but have a lot of history to work through. The story was entertaining and I loved the supporting cast of characters. I had a hard time putting this book down! This can be read as a stand alone but the first book in the series is also wonderful!
March 14, 2023
Great story with all the feels! The one that got away… that is what Peyton was to Maddox. They hadn’t seen each other in 20 years and he was hoping she would be at the class reunion. As he’s leaving he runs into her. Of course she did what she did 20 years ago and leave without saying good bye. How small can a town be with millions of people? Well this one is very small because wherever they go they see each other or someone who’s them.
March 9, 2023
Maddox finally meets up with Totga again after twenty years. Peyton gets to revel in the Elephant finally re-entering her life. This was a great story of rediscovering first love that never really went away. A few shocks and turned out really well! Nick is next!
March 11, 2023
second chance 20 years in the making
20 years ago Peyton disappeared from Maddox life. Affectionately called Totga by Maddox’s baby mama, Maddox find out that Peyton will be at their high school reunion so Maddox makes plans to go. Peyton disappeared 20 years ago. when her father realized she was dating Maddox he came and took her to Germany to get them away from each other. After her Nonna took a fall she flys west to check on her and her Nonna tells her she’s fine and she just happened to RSVP for Peyton to go to her reunion. This book was soo good! Surprises and heartbreak but another HEA in the books
20 years ago Peyton disappeared from Maddox life. Affectionately called Totga by Maddox’s baby mama, Maddox find out that Peyton will be at their high school reunion so Maddox makes plans to go. Peyton disappeared 20 years ago. when her father realized she was dating Maddox he came and took her to Germany to get them away from each other. After her Nonna took a fall she flys west to check on her and her Nonna tells her she’s fine and she just happened to RSVP for Peyton to go to her reunion. This book was soo good! Surprises and heartbreak but another HEA in the books
March 12, 2023
A great series, I loved being back with Maddox, Nick and Alex again, although this was very much about Maddox with only minor roles from his friends.
Maddox and Peyton are reunited after 20 years and lots of past secrets come out. The pure shining love that Maddox feels for Peyton throughout is amazing. It’s very intense and when they get together boy do the sparks fly.
Their history is very touching and you can’t help but be moved by it. However, there future looks set to be bright and filled with love.
I can’t wait for the next book about Nick.
Maddox and Peyton are reunited after 20 years and lots of past secrets come out. The pure shining love that Maddox feels for Peyton throughout is amazing. It’s very intense and when they get together boy do the sparks fly.
Their history is very touching and you can’t help but be moved by it. However, there future looks set to be bright and filled with love.
I can’t wait for the next book about Nick.
March 13, 2023
I absolutely adored this story!
It captivated me from the very first page.
It's a feel-good, moving, funny & sexy romance.
Maddox & Peyton fell in love
20 years. Until she disappeared
from his life. Never to be heard from again.
20 years later, at their reunion,
the sparks were still there.
Great characters. Twists & turns,
that will pull at your heartstrings,
wanting to know what happens next.
I truly loved reading this book!!
It captivated me from the very first page.
It's a feel-good, moving, funny & sexy romance.
Maddox & Peyton fell in love
20 years. Until she disappeared
from his life. Never to be heard from again.
20 years later, at their reunion,
the sparks were still there.
Great characters. Twists & turns,
that will pull at your heartstrings,
wanting to know what happens next.
I truly loved reading this book!!
March 13, 2023
Swooned hard for this fun and emotionally thrilling journey to find their something more. Really enjoyed this highly entertaining, sweetly clever and exciting second chance. Maddox and Peyton are a couple that where so easy to adore and want is not to love about a first love reunion. Great reading!
March 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this great reunion story. Maddox and Peyton were a love story for the ages. Struggling to deal with their past, they went through many feelings, doubts and fears. All the characters are awesome and have become a great family. Looking forward to more.❤️❤️
March 14, 2023
This is a second chance at love trope between now tech-billionaire Maddox Cruz and his high school sweetheart, now a teacher, Peyton. Twenty years ago for six months 15 year old Maddox who lived in a foster group home and 16 year old Peyton who was living with her grandmother or Nonna, whose father was a foreign diplomat were inseparable. During that six month period they became each other’s first everything. Peyton learned her father had discovered her relationship with Maddox and was going to force her to go to Germany with her parents rather than allow her to live her last two years of high school with her Nonna in San Francisco as he had promised. For reasons that aren’t revealed until much later in their story, she didn’t tell Maddox her parents were forcing her to leave the next day. Instead she slipped into his room in the basement of the foster home and gave him her virginity and then slipped away without a goodbye. Sadly this first time sex between two teenage virgins remains the best sex Peyton has ever had over the next 20 years. Which doesn’t say much for her sort of boyfriend of ten years Trent or the few other men she’s been with. Maddox was devastated but time went on with no word from Peyton. For the next twenty years Maddox and Peyton kept living their separate lives but never allowed themselves to fall in love with anyone they dated (including Lizzy) because they were still in love with each other. I thought Lizzy and Hannah were great characters. It was wonderful how Maddox and Lizzy co-parented Hannah. But I was uncomfortable with the whole Maddox and Lizzy were non-exclusive “fuck buddies” for five years because Maddox was still in love with Peyton and Lizzy was still in love with Ryan her college sweetheart. Lizzy wasn’t even sure if Maddox was her baby’s father when she discovered she was pregnant. Call me old fashioned but that just seems wrong to me for both Maddox and Lizzy.
Maddox’s and Peyton’s 20-year high school reunion was coming up. Maddox who still lives in San Francisco has no intention of attending until he learns to his surprise that Peyton’s (who only attended school there for six months of her junior year) name is on the list of attendees. Peyton who has been living and working in Brooklynn since college graduation is only going to the reunion because her grandmother who lives in S.F. tricked her into it with the help of her GBF Leo. There’s a reason Peyton hasn’t attempted to contact Maddox in the past 20 years. She’s got a secret that she’s sure if Maddox learns it would make him hate her. She’d rather never see him again than have him hate her. Because somehow she knows he doesn’t already hate her for leaving him without ever saying goodbye? Peyton goes to the reunion hoping word will get back to Maddox about how good she looks. Why since she was afraid to ever see Maddox again she still wanted him to know she was around and good looking I don’t know? But Maddox shows up at the reunion and after they get the awkward out of the way, they end up having sex after Peyton tells Maddox it can only be that night without ever explaining why and Maddox doesn’t push her for an answer. The next morning Peyton again slips out her bed with Maddox and leaves again, with no goodbye. She doesn’t even respond to his text message telling her he hopes she got home safe. Six months later Nonna has a serious health emergency. Peyton quits her job and gives up her apartment and moves in with Nonna to take care of her. She’s pretty confident that living in a city of almost 1 million people she won’t run into Maddox. But as fate would have it she ends up getting a job which makes her Hannah’s first grade teacher. Fate keeps throwing these two knuckleheads together but aside from the occasional explosive sexual interlude because she can’t resist Maddox, Peyton keeps trying to keep Maddox at arms length. After Maddox more or less forces Peyton to reveal her deep, dark secret, they make passionate love, tell each other they love one another and always have and Maddox assures Peyton he doesn’t hold her responsible for what happened when she was seventeen. Now they resist becoming a couple because as much as Peyton and Maddox love each other and want each other they both convince themselves that they’re better to be soul mates and best friends instead of soul mated lovers because they’re afraid if being in a sexual relationship doesn’t work out they’ll lose their friendship too. Right, the same two people who refused to allow themselves to fall in love with anyone else for twenty years because of their undying love for one another are suddenly worried that love wouldn’t last. Honestly this may work in a friends to lovers trope but not in this one where they have already been lovers and acknowledged they have been and always will be in love with each other. It’s just STUPID and makes me question both main protagonists common sense. Thank god for Lizzy and Lina or these two might have never gotten their happily ever after.
The introduction of the Angelina character really added to the quality of this story but her relationship to Maddox was only a surprise to him as I’m certain Shawna knew when she wrote her character into the story. Leo was great as Peyton’s GBF. Lizzy was great as Maddox’s baby mama and one of his best friends. Hannah was adorable.
This was an okay story but I had too many issues with it to give it more than three stars.
Maddox’s and Peyton’s 20-year high school reunion was coming up. Maddox who still lives in San Francisco has no intention of attending until he learns to his surprise that Peyton’s (who only attended school there for six months of her junior year) name is on the list of attendees. Peyton who has been living and working in Brooklynn since college graduation is only going to the reunion because her grandmother who lives in S.F. tricked her into it with the help of her GBF Leo. There’s a reason Peyton hasn’t attempted to contact Maddox in the past 20 years. She’s got a secret that she’s sure if Maddox learns it would make him hate her. She’d rather never see him again than have him hate her. Because somehow she knows he doesn’t already hate her for leaving him without ever saying goodbye? Peyton goes to the reunion hoping word will get back to Maddox about how good she looks. Why since she was afraid to ever see Maddox again she still wanted him to know she was around and good looking I don’t know? But Maddox shows up at the reunion and after they get the awkward out of the way, they end up having sex after Peyton tells Maddox it can only be that night without ever explaining why and Maddox doesn’t push her for an answer. The next morning Peyton again slips out her bed with Maddox and leaves again, with no goodbye. She doesn’t even respond to his text message telling her he hopes she got home safe. Six months later Nonna has a serious health emergency. Peyton quits her job and gives up her apartment and moves in with Nonna to take care of her. She’s pretty confident that living in a city of almost 1 million people she won’t run into Maddox. But as fate would have it she ends up getting a job which makes her Hannah’s first grade teacher. Fate keeps throwing these two knuckleheads together but aside from the occasional explosive sexual interlude because she can’t resist Maddox, Peyton keeps trying to keep Maddox at arms length. After Maddox more or less forces Peyton to reveal her deep, dark secret, they make passionate love, tell each other they love one another and always have and Maddox assures Peyton he doesn’t hold her responsible for what happened when she was seventeen. Now they resist becoming a couple because as much as Peyton and Maddox love each other and want each other they both convince themselves that they’re better to be soul mates and best friends instead of soul mated lovers because they’re afraid if being in a sexual relationship doesn’t work out they’ll lose their friendship too. Right, the same two people who refused to allow themselves to fall in love with anyone else for twenty years because of their undying love for one another are suddenly worried that love wouldn’t last. Honestly this may work in a friends to lovers trope but not in this one where they have already been lovers and acknowledged they have been and always will be in love with each other. It’s just STUPID and makes me question both main protagonists common sense. Thank god for Lizzy and Lina or these two might have never gotten their happily ever after.
The introduction of the Angelina character really added to the quality of this story but her relationship to Maddox was only a surprise to him as I’m certain Shawna knew when she wrote her character into the story. Leo was great as Peyton’s GBF. Lizzy was great as Maddox’s baby mama and one of his best friends. Hannah was adorable.
This was an okay story but I had too many issues with it to give it more than three stars.
March 11, 2023
Heartache & Playdates by Shawna Renae, book two in her Single Dad CEO series, is a second chance story with the one that got away; a first love, a never forgotten love, a connection that, although severed, never lost its intensity. Maddox finally connects with Totga (the one that got away) again after twenty years while Peyton gets to rejoice in the Elephant finally re-entering her life.
Maddox Cruz, a single dad, decides to attend his high school reunion, after 20 years, when he discovers that Peyton Russo, his never forgotten first love, will be attending. Peyton returned to the Bay Area, from New York, after her nonna called, asking her to come help her after a fall. The fall was a ruse to get Peyton to attend her high school reunion, despite not graduating from there. Meeting at the reunion, they both realized that they never stopped loving each other. While slowly getting back together, Maddox learns that twenty-years ago, Peyton gave birth to their daughter; a child who was taken away by her parents, to be adopted. Afraid that Maddox would never forgive her, she is grateful, when not only is he not upset, but feels bad that he wasn’t there for her during her pregnancy. Luckily for both of them, Lina, their daughter, has taken it upon herself to track them down, applying for, and getting, an internship at Maddox’s company.
One of the best parts of the book is the different relationships and friendships. Maddox and Peyton growing closer and closer as they spend time together, as well as meet and get to know their daughter, Lina; and her them. Lina enjoyed taking on the big sister role to Hannah, Maddox’s daughter. Maddox and Peyton did not choose to be separated, but fortunately, fate brought them back together; with a chemistry that still sizzled and sparked.
Shawna Renae wrote a gut wrenching, second chance love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, misunderstanding, magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, and endearing secondary characters which all makes for an enjoyable journey for Maddox and Peyton and their happy ever after. I highly recommend Heartache & Playdates and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Maddox Cruz, a single dad, decides to attend his high school reunion, after 20 years, when he discovers that Peyton Russo, his never forgotten first love, will be attending. Peyton returned to the Bay Area, from New York, after her nonna called, asking her to come help her after a fall. The fall was a ruse to get Peyton to attend her high school reunion, despite not graduating from there. Meeting at the reunion, they both realized that they never stopped loving each other. While slowly getting back together, Maddox learns that twenty-years ago, Peyton gave birth to their daughter; a child who was taken away by her parents, to be adopted. Afraid that Maddox would never forgive her, she is grateful, when not only is he not upset, but feels bad that he wasn’t there for her during her pregnancy. Luckily for both of them, Lina, their daughter, has taken it upon herself to track them down, applying for, and getting, an internship at Maddox’s company.
One of the best parts of the book is the different relationships and friendships. Maddox and Peyton growing closer and closer as they spend time together, as well as meet and get to know their daughter, Lina; and her them. Lina enjoyed taking on the big sister role to Hannah, Maddox’s daughter. Maddox and Peyton did not choose to be separated, but fortunately, fate brought them back together; with a chemistry that still sizzled and sparked.
Shawna Renae wrote a gut wrenching, second chance love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, misunderstanding, magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, and endearing secondary characters which all makes for an enjoyable journey for Maddox and Peyton and their happy ever after. I highly recommend Heartache & Playdates and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 18, 2023
Another Fantastic offering
Peyton and Maddox's love story started in highschool where they fell in love and through no fault of their own are ripped apart. At their highschool reunion they reconnect ,but are then seperated
again. Fast forward,Peyton is back in town to look after her Nonna and takes a job as an elementary school teacher where Maddox's daughter is enrolled.They again reconnect but Maddox the tech gazillionaire who grew up in the foster system is reluctant to trust that she won't leave him again. They have their ups and downs but in the end they get a very well deserved HEA !!!
The author has knocked it out the park with the second offering of the Single Dad CEO series,looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. Shawna writes found family,love stories,HEAs and steamy scences so well that it makes you sad to finish the book.5 stars aren't enough.
Hannah is enrolled .Maddox who grew up alon
Peyton and Maddox's love story started in highschool where they fell in love and through no fault of their own are ripped apart. At their highschool reunion they reconnect ,but are then seperated
again. Fast forward,Peyton is back in town to look after her Nonna and takes a job as an elementary school teacher where Maddox's daughter is enrolled.They again reconnect but Maddox the tech gazillionaire who grew up in the foster system is reluctant to trust that she won't leave him again. They have their ups and downs but in the end they get a very well deserved HEA !!!
The author has knocked it out the park with the second offering of the Single Dad CEO series,looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. Shawna writes found family,love stories,HEAs and steamy scences so well that it makes you sad to finish the book.5 stars aren't enough.
Hannah is enrolled .Maddox who grew up alon
March 23, 2023
Heartache & Playdates is the second novel in the Single Dad CEO series by Shawna Renae, and I just love it!
Back to San Francisco, where we met Alex, Maddox, and Nick. This story follows Maddox and his journey back to TOTGA (The One That Got Away). I absolutely love that acronym, by the way!
Maddox is living his best life, or as best as it can be, considering he hasn't seen the love of his life since he was 16. When he he takes a chance to see her again at their class reunion, his life changes in so many ways.
Peyton is conflicted. Being tricked into going to her class reunion, she is torn between wanting to see her ex and not. When he finds her at the bar outside of the reunion, her life is about to change forever - in more ways than one.
The stubbornness of these two was just insane! But I loved that their hearts were in the right place and that they were both surrounded by an amazing world of characters. I cannot wait until Nick's story. It's going to be a hoot!!
Back to San Francisco, where we met Alex, Maddox, and Nick. This story follows Maddox and his journey back to TOTGA (The One That Got Away). I absolutely love that acronym, by the way!
Maddox is living his best life, or as best as it can be, considering he hasn't seen the love of his life since he was 16. When he he takes a chance to see her again at their class reunion, his life changes in so many ways.
Peyton is conflicted. Being tricked into going to her class reunion, she is torn between wanting to see her ex and not. When he finds her at the bar outside of the reunion, her life is about to change forever - in more ways than one.
The stubbornness of these two was just insane! But I loved that their hearts were in the right place and that they were both surrounded by an amazing world of characters. I cannot wait until Nick's story. It's going to be a hoot!!
March 20, 2023
This was a great second chance romance for Peyton and Maddox!
After more than two decades apart Maddox and Peyton find themselves back in each other's lives but there is quite a bit from their past that they still need to overcome.
This book was full of family and reconnecting! This is the second book in the single dad CEO series and we got a glimpse into the life of Alex from the previous book and he and Maddox's friend Nick whom I hope we will get a book for very soon!
I love that Peyton and Maddox were able to find their way back to each other and that true love conquered all!
After more than two decades apart Maddox and Peyton find themselves back in each other's lives but there is quite a bit from their past that they still need to overcome.
This book was full of family and reconnecting! This is the second book in the single dad CEO series and we got a glimpse into the life of Alex from the previous book and he and Maddox's friend Nick whom I hope we will get a book for very soon!
I love that Peyton and Maddox were able to find their way back to each other and that true love conquered all!
April 11, 2023
This book took a little bit to get into but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. Maddox and Peyton clearly have a history and it was amazing to see how others worked together to help them have their happily ever after.
This is book two in the series and I enjoyed seeing the characters from the first book in this book as well. The first book sets the stage for this book by introducing Maddox so I would recommend reading these in order. Maddox and his friends are all single dads who find their happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one.
This is book two in the series and I enjoyed seeing the characters from the first book in this book as well. The first book sets the stage for this book by introducing Maddox so I would recommend reading these in order. Maddox and his friends are all single dads who find their happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one.
April 13, 2023
Maddox and Peyton’s story hit me square in the chest in Heartache and Playdates by Shawna Renae. Whew!
While this book CAN be read as a standalone, I absolutely recommend reading book 1 first as well. You really need to get to know these amazing dads, that happened to bond over some not so amazing circumstances.
These two are long lost loves. They had a brief relationship at 16, and Peyton ends up just disappearing for 20 years. Talk about love overcoming all time! There are lots of secrets and uncovered discoveries throughout, but this book did not disappoint. Keep ‘em coming, Shawna!
While this book CAN be read as a standalone, I absolutely recommend reading book 1 first as well. You really need to get to know these amazing dads, that happened to bond over some not so amazing circumstances.
These two are long lost loves. They had a brief relationship at 16, and Peyton ends up just disappearing for 20 years. Talk about love overcoming all time! There are lots of secrets and uncovered discoveries throughout, but this book did not disappoint. Keep ‘em coming, Shawna!
March 16, 2023
Heartache and Playdates is book 2 in the Single Dad CEO Series and sees Maddox Cruz get his HEA with Peyton Russo
From the very first words the story drew you in and when they ran into each other again their attraction leapt of the page from that first meeting, right to the end.
This is a past lovers separated, finding each other again HEA.
I received an ARC of Heartache and Playdates and this is my voluntary honest review.
From the very first words the story drew you in and when they ran into each other again their attraction leapt of the page from that first meeting, right to the end.
This is a past lovers separated, finding each other again HEA.
I received an ARC of Heartache and Playdates and this is my voluntary honest review.
March 22, 2023
This was a really great book. The story was unique and entertaining. I was drawn to is the world way through.
It was an easy book to read. The characters were realistic.
Peyton and Maddox had a great love long ago before it was taken away from them. Now fate it having some fun and throwing some curveballs. But it all leads to a really great ending.
I am very excited to see what is going to be next in this series.
It was an easy book to read. The characters were realistic.
Peyton and Maddox had a great love long ago before it was taken away from them. Now fate it having some fun and throwing some curveballs. But it all leads to a really great ending.
I am very excited to see what is going to be next in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
Plot twists galore
I’m loving this single dad series. Maddox and Peyton’s story is creative and romantic. Just when you think you’ve been thrown the last curveball, another one unfolds.
HEARTACHE & PLAYDATES is a good title for the book. The heartache is real, and Maddox is forever trying to wrap his head around the play date concept and all that comes with it.
There are all kinds of love in this book, with a large dose of the love that makes a family.
I’m loving this single dad series. Maddox and Peyton’s story is creative and romantic. Just when you think you’ve been thrown the last curveball, another one unfolds.
HEARTACHE & PLAYDATES is a good title for the book. The heartache is real, and Maddox is forever trying to wrap his head around the play date concept and all that comes with it.
There are all kinds of love in this book, with a large dose of the love that makes a family.
April 11, 2023
I couldnt put this book down! This book was a perfect story of love revisited. I am loving this group of men and the loves in their life. Maddox and Payton gave me all the feels and I wanted to be with them through it all. They met when they were in high school and due to circumstances had to part ways. Now they are back in the same town. Will they stay on the same track that they were on? Im not telling, you will need to read to see for yourself!
March 20, 2023
Maddox Cruz ❤️ Peyton Russo
It’s Everything! The series continues with this edition being Hallmark movie worthy with a little soap opera dramatics. There is a whole lot of heartache to overcome and some trying to avoid future heartache. Hilarious playdate situations as well as 100% commitment to doing what’s best for family. I loved every minute of it!
It’s Everything! The series continues with this edition being Hallmark movie worthy with a little soap opera dramatics. There is a whole lot of heartache to overcome and some trying to avoid future heartache. Hilarious playdate situations as well as 100% commitment to doing what’s best for family. I loved every minute of it!
April 4, 2023
LOVED it!! First off, Maddox was the perfect lead character in this story. You instantly felt the connection and were hooked from the very beginning. It was such a well written "The one that got away" book with just the right amounts of heartbreak, sadness, romance and humor. The secondary characters are also a huge part of why this book is such a great read. Can't wait for more!!
March 29, 2023
5 plus stars
Why did Maddox and Peyton story have to end. It was SO good and broke my heart while slowly putting it back together. I can’t wait to revisit them again because it was a love story the needs more words.
Why did Maddox and Peyton story have to end. It was SO good and broke my heart while slowly putting it back together. I can’t wait to revisit them again because it was a love story the needs more words.
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