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Single Dads' Club #3
The Dating Pact
A dating pact with my best friend? What could go wrong?
After years of being a single dad and widower, I’m ready for more intimacy than my memories and right hand have been providing. Nothing serious. Just some fun. But with my social life limited to play dates and the occasional lazy evening at my best friend’s farm, I don’t have the first clue about finding a casual hook-up.
Brooke is still searching for her happily ever after, and while I’ve already had mine, she agrees that it’s time I get out there again. So we decide to brave the online dating world together, and she offers to help me get my game back with some light dating refreshers. We’ve known each other for years, supported each other through our ups and downs, and this is no different.
It’s all fun and games until one night on her couch, when “dating practice” gets out of hand, and my best pal is naked and underneath me. There’s no turning back after I learn how she feels under my palms and how she tastes sweeter than my favorite candy.
I don’t think I can have a second love of my life. But the woman who I’ve only ever seen as my best friend might be the girl I need right now.
After years of being a single dad and widower, I’m ready for more intimacy than my memories and right hand have been providing. Nothing serious. Just some fun. But with my social life limited to play dates and the occasional lazy evening at my best friend’s farm, I don’t have the first clue about finding a casual hook-up.
Brooke is still searching for her happily ever after, and while I’ve already had mine, she agrees that it’s time I get out there again. So we decide to brave the online dating world together, and she offers to help me get my game back with some light dating refreshers. We’ve known each other for years, supported each other through our ups and downs, and this is no different.
It’s all fun and games until one night on her couch, when “dating practice” gets out of hand, and my best pal is naked and underneath me. There’s no turning back after I learn how she feels under my palms and how she tastes sweeter than my favorite candy.
I don’t think I can have a second love of my life. But the woman who I’ve only ever seen as my best friend might be the girl I need right now.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2024
105 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
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July 11, 2024
Jude & Brooke
ARC Review
what to expect-
*friends to lovers
*no 3rd act break up
*healing from loss
*fmc surgery induced menopause
*widow / single dad
*a dating pact (obviously)
Jude & Brooke have had their share of losses and hardship. They navigate friendship to lovers flawlessly while healing from their past and anticipating a future they both deserve. Their story is realistic, heartfelt and vulnerable. This will leave an ache in your chest until they get their happily ever after.
Jude lost his wife 5 years ago leaving him with a 5&1 year old to raise. They met as kids and she was the only girl he ever dated or loved. He's been navigating life solo with the help of parents, his band of other single dads, and his friend Brooke. He's reached the point where he is lonely and wants a partner.
Brooke lost her ability to have children when cancer robbed her of that. She underwent a total hysterectomy putting her into menopause. Subsequently she lost her fiance when he couldn't handle those changes. It left her feeling inadequate and unlovable.
Jude & Brooke rely on each other as friends and never crossed that line. That is until now when they share with each other they have thought about getting back out there and dating. Brooke agrees to help Jude get back out there by offering advice and also setting up a dating app profile. They share some laughs over dating app conversations and bad dates. But, things begin to shift for each of them. Lines blur and mutual feelings surface.
As Jude navigates his first time dating in over a decade he begins to see Brooke in a different light. She is the one person he wants to share his experiences with and the one person he doesn't feel guilty about seeing a future with. Brooke begins to reciprocate those feelings with Jude and they navigate these waters together. Their is never any miscommunication and they ease into their feelings for each other. While they do pause seeing each other a short time it is done so the children can ease into the changes. It is done with care and intention and not a 3rd act break up. They pay respect to the deceased wife / mom and it is done with utmost care.
I do feel the intended audience will be a touch older for this book. Someone with a little more life experience may gravitate toward this and understand these hardships with more ease.
Many thanks to author Sophie Andrews for allowing me the opportunity to read and review early. Best of wishes with this release. It was truly an honor to read this story and to share their laughs and tears alike.
ARC Review
what to expect-
*friends to lovers
*no 3rd act break up
*healing from loss
*fmc surgery induced menopause
*widow / single dad
*a dating pact (obviously)
Jude & Brooke have had their share of losses and hardship. They navigate friendship to lovers flawlessly while healing from their past and anticipating a future they both deserve. Their story is realistic, heartfelt and vulnerable. This will leave an ache in your chest until they get their happily ever after.
Jude lost his wife 5 years ago leaving him with a 5&1 year old to raise. They met as kids and she was the only girl he ever dated or loved. He's been navigating life solo with the help of parents, his band of other single dads, and his friend Brooke. He's reached the point where he is lonely and wants a partner.
Brooke lost her ability to have children when cancer robbed her of that. She underwent a total hysterectomy putting her into menopause. Subsequently she lost her fiance when he couldn't handle those changes. It left her feeling inadequate and unlovable.
Jude & Brooke rely on each other as friends and never crossed that line. That is until now when they share with each other they have thought about getting back out there and dating. Brooke agrees to help Jude get back out there by offering advice and also setting up a dating app profile. They share some laughs over dating app conversations and bad dates. But, things begin to shift for each of them. Lines blur and mutual feelings surface.
As Jude navigates his first time dating in over a decade he begins to see Brooke in a different light. She is the one person he wants to share his experiences with and the one person he doesn't feel guilty about seeing a future with. Brooke begins to reciprocate those feelings with Jude and they navigate these waters together. Their is never any miscommunication and they ease into their feelings for each other. While they do pause seeing each other a short time it is done so the children can ease into the changes. It is done with care and intention and not a 3rd act break up. They pay respect to the deceased wife / mom and it is done with utmost care.
I do feel the intended audience will be a touch older for this book. Someone with a little more life experience may gravitate toward this and understand these hardships with more ease.
Many thanks to author Sophie Andrews for allowing me the opportunity to read and review early. Best of wishes with this release. It was truly an honor to read this story and to share their laughs and tears alike.
July 21, 2024
Endometrial cancer survivor, co-op farmer, and all around bada$$ Brooke is ready to get back on the horse so to speak, so she contemplates using a dating app to find her future husband. While she was going through chemotherapy her awful boyfriend/fiancé left her in the most callous manner while she was at her lowest point and frightened of what could happen if her disease didn’t respond to treatment.
Widower and father of two Jude is also pondering whether to create an online dating profile. He was madly in love with his late wife but after five years alone he’s in need of physical relief without emotional entanglement. After indulging in some recreational weed, he and Brooke decide that they will embark on their dating journeys together, and help each other along the way with advice and encouragement.
When Brooke summons Jude over to help her pick out an outfit for her first match, Jude is struck by an unexpected and unwelcome feeling of jealousy toward Brooke’s date. Likewise when Jude seeks guidance on how to converse with a match who’s quite forward in her interest in him physically, Brooke is deeply hurt by the situation. When it’s time for Jude’s first big date, Brooke is nonplussed by the prospect. Shortly thereafter the pair decide to practice flirting techniques with each other, but things take an unanticipated turn when a practice kiss turns into a great deal more.
Add in the obvious disapproval of the shift in their relationship by one of Jude’s children, and we’ve got a four alarm fire of push and pull. How will Brooke and Jude’s physical relationship evolve into something much deeper?
This was another great read by Sophie Andrews in the Single Dad’s Club series. I loved it, and Jude is the consummate cinnamon roll MMC for whom we’ve been waiting.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m happy to share my honest review.
Widower and father of two Jude is also pondering whether to create an online dating profile. He was madly in love with his late wife but after five years alone he’s in need of physical relief without emotional entanglement. After indulging in some recreational weed, he and Brooke decide that they will embark on their dating journeys together, and help each other along the way with advice and encouragement.
When Brooke summons Jude over to help her pick out an outfit for her first match, Jude is struck by an unexpected and unwelcome feeling of jealousy toward Brooke’s date. Likewise when Jude seeks guidance on how to converse with a match who’s quite forward in her interest in him physically, Brooke is deeply hurt by the situation. When it’s time for Jude’s first big date, Brooke is nonplussed by the prospect. Shortly thereafter the pair decide to practice flirting techniques with each other, but things take an unanticipated turn when a practice kiss turns into a great deal more.
Add in the obvious disapproval of the shift in their relationship by one of Jude’s children, and we’ve got a four alarm fire of push and pull. How will Brooke and Jude’s physical relationship evolve into something much deeper?
This was another great read by Sophie Andrews in the Single Dad’s Club series. I loved it, and Jude is the consummate cinnamon roll MMC for whom we’ve been waiting.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m happy to share my honest review.
August 7, 2024
Thank you so much to the author Sophie Andrews for the advance copy of her book!
This book will be out on August 8th.
Content Warnings from the author:
Once again Sophie has made me fall in love with one of her single daddies! Each book in this series so far has been such a joy and I think this may be my new favorite.
I absolutely loved this one from start to finish! We are once again reunited with the man of the Single Dads Club & the honorary member Nate. Jude has been special from the start. He is a widow with two children and is battling with himself over how or if should try to date again. Enter his best friend Brooke. They had such a great friendship that started prior to his wife's passing. Brooke did not have it easy herself, fighting cancer (which caused her to lose the ability to have children) & having a partner who left her when she was in the thick of her treatment. "Because he'd made me feel like I had nothing to offer anyone anymore, and if he didn't want me, who would?" She was such a strong female character which made her come off real. Which honestly is what is so great about Andrews writing is that she writes these characters that you not only feel like you know but feel like you could see in a grocery store. Plus hello, we need more big men in books!!!
Just like with Andrews prior work, the banter, the swoon, the spice, all perfection! Jude was so head over heels for Brooke and as soon as they kissed, it was game over. They both felt that instant connection. She tried to play it off but as an audience we knew. She was also a goner. Jude was so patient with her and Brooke told him what she needed and liked.
"They think they'll be the ones to fix me."
"You don't need to be fixed."
I am such a fan at the way that Andrews writes not only the love interests but how she writes the main character's relationship with the others in the book. The relationship Jude's relationship with his son Sebastian pulled at my heartstrings. He misses his mom and is still grieving her and so seeing his dad with another woman really was a jolt to the gut. And poor Brooke who has come to love these children over the years having to suddenly be the enemy. I thought the way it was handled was done so well!
I cannot rave enough about this series and I highly recommend them!! I am super excited for Nate's book which will come out in early 2025 but I will also be sad because that means the series is over.
Please check this book out if you love dual POV, best friends to lovers & just a great friendship between men.
This book will be out on August 8th.
Content Warnings from the author:
Once again Sophie has made me fall in love with one of her single daddies! Each book in this series so far has been such a joy and I think this may be my new favorite.
I absolutely loved this one from start to finish! We are once again reunited with the man of the Single Dads Club & the honorary member Nate. Jude has been special from the start. He is a widow with two children and is battling with himself over how or if should try to date again. Enter his best friend Brooke. They had such a great friendship that started prior to his wife's passing. Brooke did not have it easy herself, fighting cancer (which caused her to lose the ability to have children) & having a partner who left her when she was in the thick of her treatment. "Because he'd made me feel like I had nothing to offer anyone anymore, and if he didn't want me, who would?" She was such a strong female character which made her come off real. Which honestly is what is so great about Andrews writing is that she writes these characters that you not only feel like you know but feel like you could see in a grocery store. Plus hello, we need more big men in books!!!
Just like with Andrews prior work, the banter, the swoon, the spice, all perfection! Jude was so head over heels for Brooke and as soon as they kissed, it was game over. They both felt that instant connection. She tried to play it off but as an audience we knew. She was also a goner. Jude was so patient with her and Brooke told him what she needed and liked.
"They think they'll be the ones to fix me."
"You don't need to be fixed."
I am such a fan at the way that Andrews writes not only the love interests but how she writes the main character's relationship with the others in the book. The relationship Jude's relationship with his son Sebastian pulled at my heartstrings. He misses his mom and is still grieving her and so seeing his dad with another woman really was a jolt to the gut. And poor Brooke who has come to love these children over the years having to suddenly be the enemy. I thought the way it was handled was done so well!
I cannot rave enough about this series and I highly recommend them!! I am super excited for Nate's book which will come out in early 2025 but I will also be sad because that means the series is over.
Please check this book out if you love dual POV, best friends to lovers & just a great friendship between men.
August 1, 2024
I loved this book 🥰.
Jude and Brooke were adorable, I don't typically go for friends to lovers books but with one was amazing.
I really enjoyed watching them all grow especially Brooks relationships with judes kids.
I was so upset when they broke up but knew they would find their way back and it was so worth it in the end.
The therapy aspect was great I loved how it showed that therapy isn't something bad or to be shamed but something that can be so good.
Jude and Brooke were adorable, I don't typically go for friends to lovers books but with one was amazing.
I really enjoyed watching them all grow especially Brooks relationships with judes kids.
I was so upset when they broke up but knew they would find their way back and it was so worth it in the end.
The therapy aspect was great I loved how it showed that therapy isn't something bad or to be shamed but something that can be so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
Jude, a widower with 2 kids and his friend Brooke get together in this sweet, spicy romance.
I liked the realism in this book. I was actually happy to read about a guy that was no sex expert like the majority of fictional men.
I could connect with both of them, I guess because they are in their mid-30s and have actual problems. There was not much tension but a smooth transition from friendship to something more that took the necessary time- no instalove here :) I definitely enjoyed this book, it’s well written.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 3.75/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the realism in this book. I was actually happy to read about a guy that was no sex expert like the majority of fictional men.
I could connect with both of them, I guess because they are in their mid-30s and have actual problems. There was not much tension but a smooth transition from friendship to something more that took the necessary time- no instalove here :) I definitely enjoyed this book, it’s well written.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 3.75/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2024
MY HEART.
You know when you become so close to someone, they are your best friend, the one who brings you comfort, is your home, and is always there to listen and care? This is that type of friends to lovers book. Add in Jude being a single dad with two kids who are his world 🌎
The banter between the two best friends is *chef's kiss* had me giggling & ofc the bromance of the (not so much anymore-)single dad club 💕
I wish Sophie could create men IRL 😆
*friends to lovers
*grief
*funny banter
*protective sweet MMC
*sassy FMC trying to get Jude to eat some veggies
You know when you become so close to someone, they are your best friend, the one who brings you comfort, is your home, and is always there to listen and care? This is that type of friends to lovers book. Add in Jude being a single dad with two kids who are his world 🌎
The banter between the two best friends is *chef's kiss* had me giggling & ofc the bromance of the (not so much anymore-)single dad club 💕
I wish Sophie could create men IRL 😆
*friends to lovers
*grief
*funny banter
*protective sweet MMC
*sassy FMC trying to get Jude to eat some veggies
May 23, 2025
5⭐|3🌶|13%🌶frequency
This is a cute and emotional story.
I already loved Jude through the previous books. I felt sorry for him. It's definitely not easy to be a widower with two small children. Especially Amelia. She was only one year old when her mom died 😭
There were a lot of surprises in the story. I don't talk about plot twists, just things I didn't expect to be this way, but I loved that it's this way 🩷
The pact Jude and Brooke made, lol, yeah, didn't go the way they planned it 🤣 It could have been a good idea, but I liked it better how it ended 😁 I loved the chemistry and all the connection the two have. It's such a special friendship. And it didn't even start as a friendship between them, but between Brooke and Jude's wife.
It's not just Jude who had a dramatic "thing" happen with the death of his wife. Brooke is a cancer survivor. Both happened around the same time, and that brought them stronger together.
There are a lot of things that have changed for Brooke. I don't know anything about endometrial cancer. So, it was informative for me. For example, the things that changed in Brooke's 🌽life. That she can't get 💦 anymore. But it's so cute how Jude reacted to all of that 😍 Not like Brooke's ex-fiancé 🤬
Even with all the sad things, there are a few funny scenes too 😁 So, it's a wonderful mix 🙂
And one thing is for sure, it's not always easy to fall in love with a single dad 😖 Kids can be wonderful, but they also can be a problem...
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
This is a cute and emotional story.
I already loved Jude through the previous books. I felt sorry for him. It's definitely not easy to be a widower with two small children. Especially Amelia. She was only one year old when her mom died 😭
There were a lot of surprises in the story. I don't talk about plot twists, just things I didn't expect to be this way, but I loved that it's this way 🩷
The pact Jude and Brooke made, lol, yeah, didn't go the way they planned it 🤣 It could have been a good idea, but I liked it better how it ended 😁 I loved the chemistry and all the connection the two have. It's such a special friendship. And it didn't even start as a friendship between them, but between Brooke and Jude's wife.
It's not just Jude who had a dramatic "thing" happen with the death of his wife. Brooke is a cancer survivor. Both happened around the same time, and that brought them stronger together.
There are a lot of things that have changed for Brooke. I don't know anything about endometrial cancer. So, it was informative for me. For example, the things that changed in Brooke's 🌽life. That she can't get 💦 anymore. But it's so cute how Jude reacted to all of that 😍 Not like Brooke's ex-fiancé 🤬
Even with all the sad things, there are a few funny scenes too 😁 So, it's a wonderful mix 🙂
And one thing is for sure, it's not always easy to fall in love with a single dad 😖 Kids can be wonderful, but they also can be a problem...
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
August 5, 2024
“I think you can love a lot of people in different ways. No one way is better or worse the. The other.”
Massive thanks to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! If you haven’t read this series I can’t recommend it enough.
I don’t know what else I can say to convince you to read Sophie Andrews. She is, hands down, the best romance author you aren’t reading. I’m always surprised when she hits me in the feels and she writes these characters that feel real and relatable.
Jude is such a sweet baby angel. As a widower with two young kids, he has had a hard time navigating life after the death of his wife. But Brooke, one of his closest friends, has always been there with a shoulder to lean on. She has had her own difficulties, and watching them be raw and vulnerable with each other is really beautiful. Their chemistry is also absolutely electric.
The way Jude wants to be there for his kids is everything, and the parts with his son, Sebastian, are the moments that made me emotional. As much ad Jude wants to be happy, his kids are a major part of every decision he makes. And the fact that Brooke understands this is incredible. They act like two adults figuring out their new feelings and the relationship they want.
“You deserve someone worrying about you.”
Brooke is such a strong female protagonist and her story is really inspirational. She is confident and knows what she wants, even if she’s afraid she’ll never get there. This series has just been such a joy to read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Massive thanks to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! If you haven’t read this series I can’t recommend it enough.
I don’t know what else I can say to convince you to read Sophie Andrews. She is, hands down, the best romance author you aren’t reading. I’m always surprised when she hits me in the feels and she writes these characters that feel real and relatable.
Jude is such a sweet baby angel. As a widower with two young kids, he has had a hard time navigating life after the death of his wife. But Brooke, one of his closest friends, has always been there with a shoulder to lean on. She has had her own difficulties, and watching them be raw and vulnerable with each other is really beautiful. Their chemistry is also absolutely electric.
The way Jude wants to be there for his kids is everything, and the parts with his son, Sebastian, are the moments that made me emotional. As much ad Jude wants to be happy, his kids are a major part of every decision he makes. And the fact that Brooke understands this is incredible. They act like two adults figuring out their new feelings and the relationship they want.
“You deserve someone worrying about you.”
Brooke is such a strong female protagonist and her story is really inspirational. She is confident and knows what she wants, even if she’s afraid she’ll never get there. This series has just been such a joy to read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
July 31, 2024
First of all, you know I gotta gush over yet another one of Sophie’s books! (OG President of her unofficially official fan club.)
Her Single Dad’s Club series continues with “The Dating Pact” - an absolute home run if you want a best friends to lovers stories mixed in with some spice.
Jude - your gentlemanly single dad & widow - is best friends with Brooke - your bad ass FMC & cancer survivor turned co-op owner.
These two besties are ready to get back on the horse (figuratively speaking, cuz ya know, Brooke has a farm and all 😜) and make a dating pact that quickly turns spicy. Be prepared to be blessed with some spice ✨very✨ early on.
With two young kids to consider, Jude navigates dating and falling in love again while also ensuring his happiness. Can he navigate that as he falls head over heels in love with Brooke?!
My honeybees - I’ll love them till forever. Double infinity ♾️♾️
Tropes:
* Best friends to lovers
* Healing from loss
* FMC’s surgery-induced menopause
* Widow & Single Dad
* Dating Pact
She is 4-for-4 with making me head over heels with her ARCs!
Release Date: August 8, 2024
Her Single Dad’s Club series continues with “The Dating Pact” - an absolute home run if you want a best friends to lovers stories mixed in with some spice.
Jude - your gentlemanly single dad & widow - is best friends with Brooke - your bad ass FMC & cancer survivor turned co-op owner.
These two besties are ready to get back on the horse (figuratively speaking, cuz ya know, Brooke has a farm and all 😜) and make a dating pact that quickly turns spicy. Be prepared to be blessed with some spice ✨very✨ early on.
With two young kids to consider, Jude navigates dating and falling in love again while also ensuring his happiness. Can he navigate that as he falls head over heels in love with Brooke?!
My honeybees - I’ll love them till forever. Double infinity ♾️♾️
Tropes:
* Best friends to lovers
* Healing from loss
* FMC’s surgery-induced menopause
* Widow & Single Dad
* Dating Pact
She is 4-for-4 with making me head over heels with her ARCs!
Release Date: August 8, 2024
August 3, 2024
4.5☆
Right from the first page I was giddy and so happy to be back with this group! I have loved every book of this series and this was another winner for me. Sophie knows how to deliver a romance that packs a punch and never disappoints. This friends to lovers story was beautiful, witty, emotional and super steamy.
Jude is a single dad to two kids after losing his wife years ago. When everyone around him starts telling him he should consider finding love again, he enlists the help of his best friend, Brooke. But when help turns to practise, something changes between them and suddenly they’re seeing one another in a different light.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: single dad, friends to lovers, fmc in menopause, teddy bear mmc, love after loss, s3x lessons, k!nk exploration.
I adored Jude + Brooke, both individually and together. Their friendship was something special and they had the most amazing dynamic and banter. The way they showed up, supported and encouraged each other was beautiful and I loved the way their friendship seamlessly blossomed into something deeper and so much more. It was so natural and I was completely invested in their story and HEA the entire way.
Something Sophie does extremely well is writing grief. I admired the way this was handled with such care, it was realistic and palpable through the pages. I was a mess of tears for a good portion of the second part of the book. The focus on Jude’s kids, their mental health and how they were adjusting was beautiful and I adored the relationship they built with Brooke.
I absolutely love this group of dads, their banter is so fun. I cannot wait for Nate’s story next! He may be my most anticipated since the beginning of this series and with the sneak peek Sophie gave us, I just know it’s going to be a good one!
Right from the first page I was giddy and so happy to be back with this group! I have loved every book of this series and this was another winner for me. Sophie knows how to deliver a romance that packs a punch and never disappoints. This friends to lovers story was beautiful, witty, emotional and super steamy.
Jude is a single dad to two kids after losing his wife years ago. When everyone around him starts telling him he should consider finding love again, he enlists the help of his best friend, Brooke. But when help turns to practise, something changes between them and suddenly they’re seeing one another in a different light.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: single dad, friends to lovers, fmc in menopause, teddy bear mmc, love after loss, s3x lessons, k!nk exploration.
I adored Jude + Brooke, both individually and together. Their friendship was something special and they had the most amazing dynamic and banter. The way they showed up, supported and encouraged each other was beautiful and I loved the way their friendship seamlessly blossomed into something deeper and so much more. It was so natural and I was completely invested in their story and HEA the entire way.
Something Sophie does extremely well is writing grief. I admired the way this was handled with such care, it was realistic and palpable through the pages. I was a mess of tears for a good portion of the second part of the book. The focus on Jude’s kids, their mental health and how they were adjusting was beautiful and I adored the relationship they built with Brooke.
I absolutely love this group of dads, their banter is so fun. I cannot wait for Nate’s story next! He may be my most anticipated since the beginning of this series and with the sneak peek Sophie gave us, I just know it’s going to be a good one!
August 9, 2024
Jude and Brooke
If you need a green flag book boyfriend, Jude is for you! I loved him! While there was some stuff he was going through and working on, he was fun and sweet, and I loved that he was able to cut loose with Brooke.
My favorite part of the story was definitely how the relationship between the two main characters evolved! The idea of a dating pact so they could both get back out there was pretty entertaining, and I loved how it changed from dating to more between the two.
While the overall theme of the book is sweet and fun, it deals with some heavier themes of hurt/comfort and grief. Check the content warnings
If you need a green flag book boyfriend, Jude is for you! I loved him! While there was some stuff he was going through and working on, he was fun and sweet, and I loved that he was able to cut loose with Brooke.
My favorite part of the story was definitely how the relationship between the two main characters evolved! The idea of a dating pact so they could both get back out there was pretty entertaining, and I loved how it changed from dating to more between the two.
While the overall theme of the book is sweet and fun, it deals with some heavier themes of hurt/comfort and grief. Check the content warnings
May 16, 2025
Okay, now Sophie Andrews has a new obsessed reader who's going to find her entire backlist.
.
This book isn't just perfect in terms of pace, chemistry, slow burn, or the steamy, perfectly choreographed scenes that leave you wanting more pages. It's also very well written.
.
You can tell she did research about the disease and put a lot of care and love into how she portrays Brooke. You simply see all the dedication and affection because it's impossible not to love them, not to feel that connection with her and Jude.
Because Jude isn't just the single dad, a widower in this case, a sexy, almost golden retriever. Sophie Andrews portrays him just as you think a real man in this situation would be, and you see a man who has gone through unexpected loss and lives every moment of the day giving 100 percent of himself.
.
And as if that weren't enough, his friendship with Brooke is so cheff-kiss that when it becomes something more, it's exquisite. A five thousand stars and I will add all her back list to my tbr.
.
This book isn't just perfect in terms of pace, chemistry, slow burn, or the steamy, perfectly choreographed scenes that leave you wanting more pages. It's also very well written.
.
You can tell she did research about the disease and put a lot of care and love into how she portrays Brooke. You simply see all the dedication and affection because it's impossible not to love them, not to feel that connection with her and Jude.
Because Jude isn't just the single dad, a widower in this case, a sexy, almost golden retriever. Sophie Andrews portrays him just as you think a real man in this situation would be, and you see a man who has gone through unexpected loss and lives every moment of the day giving 100 percent of himself.
.
And as if that weren't enough, his friendship with Brooke is so cheff-kiss that when it becomes something more, it's exquisite. A five thousand stars and I will add all her back list to my tbr.
July 14, 2024
“You’re here. You’re all here.”
“We are.”
“For good?”
“Forever.”
I need 3-5 business days to recover because I spent the entire book sobbing. Literally perfect. Stunning. Beautiful.
“We are.”
“For good?”
“Forever.”
I need 3-5 business days to recover because I spent the entire book sobbing. Literally perfect. Stunning. Beautiful.
August 6, 2024
This is how you do the friends to lovers trope!
This book feels like a proper grown up read. Jude is looking for love after losing his wife (and only partner) to a brain aneurism.
Brooke is looking for love after having endometrial cancer, so the best friends decide to support each other to get back out there. Little did they know there perfect person for each of them is the person right in front of them.
This book is full of emotion but the banter between Brooke and Jude and his friend's makes the book feel light even though there is heavy subject matter.
Brooke is strong and resilient and Jude really grows throughout the book. Friends to lovers isn't usually my favourite trope but this is definitely how it should be done. X
This book feels like a proper grown up read. Jude is looking for love after losing his wife (and only partner) to a brain aneurism.
Brooke is looking for love after having endometrial cancer, so the best friends decide to support each other to get back out there. Little did they know there perfect person for each of them is the person right in front of them.
This book is full of emotion but the banter between Brooke and Jude and his friend's makes the book feel light even though there is heavy subject matter.
Brooke is strong and resilient and Jude really grows throughout the book. Friends to lovers isn't usually my favourite trope but this is definitely how it should be done. X
August 4, 2024
📌 Release Date: August 8
⭐ 4.5
What made me cry this book? Oh my God, Sophie does it again, but this time the tears were a mix of joy and the feeling that my heart was shrinking because of this pair.
Jude and Brooke are friends who have been through a lot, and that's why they get along so well, they share a beautiful and mature friendship. Jude became a widower when his wife passed away, and he carries the guilt of not being enough for his children, even though his parents and his late wife's parents encourage him to move forward, he still feels it's not the right time. That's where Brooke comes in: she's his friend and, I dare say, confidante. Brooke also has a past where she won the battle against cancer but lost the possibility of having children, which plays a special role in shaping her personality and how she faces life. These two friends make an agreement to help each other with dating by creating online profiles. But little did they know about the intense chemistry they would share, not only emotionally but also sexually. I really appreciated seeing Brooke, despite her "issues" feeling comfortable and secure with Jude.
Regarding Jude's children, their portrayal felt authentic. Their feelings were heard, even though there was a small drama involving Jude's older son towards the end. It seemed like he was afraid of losing his father to someone else. After all, they had been a tight-knit trio for a long time. While that little drama caused Jude and Brooke to separate, I think it was a necessary step for them to become a lasting couple, and I liked that.
I find this author's writing to be genuine, which is why I enjoy her books. Although this story is light, it still moved me to tears and believe it or not, I liked that.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
---
¿Lo que llore con este libro? Dios mio Sophie lo hace de nuevo pero esta vez las lágrimas fueron entre alegría y entre que mi corazón se hacía pequeño por este par.
Jude y Brooke son amigos, han pasado por mucho y por eso se llevan tan bien y comparten una amistad de lo más linda y madura. Jude quedó viudo cuando su esposa murió y se hizo cargo de sus dos hijos, y siente esa culpa por no ser suficientes para sus hijos, aun cuando sus padres y las de su difunta esposa le dicen que sigan adelante él siente que aún no es tiempo, allí entra Brooke que es su amiga y hasta puedo decir confidente, ella también tiene un pasado donde ganó la batalla contra el cáncer pero perdió la posibilidad de tener hijos y creo que eso juega un rol muy especial en toda su personalidad y cómo la afronta, estos dos amigos llega a un acuerdo de ayudarse el uno al otro con las citas y crean cuentas en sitios online, pero oh ellos no contaban con la gran quimica que tenian porque no solo son buenos en los sentimientos entre ellos sino también sexualmente, y me gusto mucho ver a Brooke que aún y sus “problemas” se sentia comoda y segura con Jude.
Con el aspecto de los niños de Jude, lo sentí real, sus sentimientos fueron escuchados aun cuando al final hubo un pequeño drama con el hijo mayor de Jude siento que él tenía miedo de perder también a su papá por otra persona, ya que bueno han sido ellos tres por mucho tiempo, si bien ese pequeño drama hace que Jude y Brooke se separan siento que eran lo que necesitaban, siento que fue un paso para ser una pareja duradera y eso me gusto.
Creo que la escritura de esta autora se siente real y por eso me gustan sus libros, esta historia si bien es ligera me hizo soltar varias lágrimas y eso aunque no lo crean me gusto.
⭐ 4.5
What made me cry this book? Oh my God, Sophie does it again, but this time the tears were a mix of joy and the feeling that my heart was shrinking because of this pair.
Jude and Brooke are friends who have been through a lot, and that's why they get along so well, they share a beautiful and mature friendship. Jude became a widower when his wife passed away, and he carries the guilt of not being enough for his children, even though his parents and his late wife's parents encourage him to move forward, he still feels it's not the right time. That's where Brooke comes in: she's his friend and, I dare say, confidante. Brooke also has a past where she won the battle against cancer but lost the possibility of having children, which plays a special role in shaping her personality and how she faces life. These two friends make an agreement to help each other with dating by creating online profiles. But little did they know about the intense chemistry they would share, not only emotionally but also sexually. I really appreciated seeing Brooke, despite her "issues" feeling comfortable and secure with Jude.
Regarding Jude's children, their portrayal felt authentic. Their feelings were heard, even though there was a small drama involving Jude's older son towards the end. It seemed like he was afraid of losing his father to someone else. After all, they had been a tight-knit trio for a long time. While that little drama caused Jude and Brooke to separate, I think it was a necessary step for them to become a lasting couple, and I liked that.
I find this author's writing to be genuine, which is why I enjoy her books. Although this story is light, it still moved me to tears and believe it or not, I liked that.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
---
¿Lo que llore con este libro? Dios mio Sophie lo hace de nuevo pero esta vez las lágrimas fueron entre alegría y entre que mi corazón se hacía pequeño por este par.
Jude y Brooke son amigos, han pasado por mucho y por eso se llevan tan bien y comparten una amistad de lo más linda y madura. Jude quedó viudo cuando su esposa murió y se hizo cargo de sus dos hijos, y siente esa culpa por no ser suficientes para sus hijos, aun cuando sus padres y las de su difunta esposa le dicen que sigan adelante él siente que aún no es tiempo, allí entra Brooke que es su amiga y hasta puedo decir confidente, ella también tiene un pasado donde ganó la batalla contra el cáncer pero perdió la posibilidad de tener hijos y creo que eso juega un rol muy especial en toda su personalidad y cómo la afronta, estos dos amigos llega a un acuerdo de ayudarse el uno al otro con las citas y crean cuentas en sitios online, pero oh ellos no contaban con la gran quimica que tenian porque no solo son buenos en los sentimientos entre ellos sino también sexualmente, y me gusto mucho ver a Brooke que aún y sus “problemas” se sentia comoda y segura con Jude.
Con el aspecto de los niños de Jude, lo sentí real, sus sentimientos fueron escuchados aun cuando al final hubo un pequeño drama con el hijo mayor de Jude siento que él tenía miedo de perder también a su papá por otra persona, ya que bueno han sido ellos tres por mucho tiempo, si bien ese pequeño drama hace que Jude y Brooke se separan siento que eran lo que necesitaban, siento que fue un paso para ser una pareja duradera y eso me gusto.
Creo que la escritura de esta autora se siente real y por eso me gustan sus libros, esta historia si bien es ligera me hizo soltar varias lágrimas y eso aunque no lo crean me gusto.
August 5, 2024
Jude and Brooke are friends that supported each other through a really difficult time in their lives. Jude lost his wife to an unexpected medical issue and Brooke was navigating cancer and having a hysterectomy while her then partner decided it was all too much work for him. Jude and Brooke navigated their experiences with humour, communication and support for each other and a dash of recreational/medical mj. After a few years of solid friendship, they decided to extend their support for each other as they each navigate a new adventure of dating. Jude is looking for some intimacy (nothing serious) and Brooke is looking for a lifelong partner (super serious). They decide to enact a dating pact. The dating pact helps each of them until some practice in flirting leads to some naked fun and some kink practice. Now that the door has been unlocked, they begin to see each other in a different light. Brooke worries that she's looking for her happily ever after, but knows that's not what Jude is looking for. Jude is struggling to navigate the guilt of being happy after losing the love of his life. Can he have a happy future, while respecting his relationship with his deceased wife? Navigating it all while considering his kid's feeling is tough for him as well.
I loved this book. It was such a comfortable read, like nothing that takes your breath away, but eases you into it. There was no love at first sight, no suddenly they're in love moments. It was more like a gradual slide into love and that was awesome. It was such a nice change. This book was kind of interesting for me to read. I related a lot to Brooke as I too have had a hysterectomy, I related to Jude, our kids are the same age. It was just a nice realistic love story and it felt real to me.
I can't recommend this book enough, this entire series is a gem.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
I loved this book. It was such a comfortable read, like nothing that takes your breath away, but eases you into it. There was no love at first sight, no suddenly they're in love moments. It was more like a gradual slide into love and that was awesome. It was such a nice change. This book was kind of interesting for me to read. I related a lot to Brooke as I too have had a hysterectomy, I related to Jude, our kids are the same age. It was just a nice realistic love story and it felt real to me.
I can't recommend this book enough, this entire series is a gem.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
August 6, 2024
Jude is a single dad still mourning the loss of his wife. He’s struggling to be the best dad he can for his two kids, Sebastian and Amelia. As part of “The Single Dad’s Club” with his 3 best friends, he knows they are trying to help him by pushing him to date. Or at least hook up some night. But he harbors so much grief and feels guilty about his wife if he dates again - even though she’s been gone for several years now.
And then there’s his best friend, Brooke. Some nights, they smoke weed together to relax, each understanding the other better than anyone else can. She’s suffered very serious health issues in the past which have left her with lasting scars. She wants to find Mr Right and have her HEA. He trusts her with sharing his concerns about his kids, trying to date again for just a hook up, nothing serious, so much so that they decide to both join an online dating app and help each other out. This is their dating pact. But then…… they get way too involved with advice that turns into more.
I couldn’t put this book down. Jude’s mental anguish, trying to do right by his kids and by Brooke, tears him apart and it’s definitely an emotional roller coaster. I wanted to hug Jude more than once. Both of them fighting their new, deep feelings that are more than friendship creates drama for Jude with his son, Sebastian. The conflict, the emotional upheaval will keep you glued to this book.
There’s humor and lighter tones for sure, especially with Jude’s friend Nate, the only one in their “club” who isn’t attached and he doesn’t have kids. But he insists he’s still part of the club. And Brooke. She’s been thru so much but she’s such a strong, self assured woman, I loved her character.
Poignant, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting, this best friends to lovers, single dad romance is one of my favorite reads this year and one you absolutely won’t want to miss.
July 29, 2024
I absolutely loved Jude and Brooke! After reading The Rehearsal Fling and The Nanny Tenure I was so excited to read Jude's story, and this lived up to my every expectation.
Jude is a widower doing his best to raise his two children after losing his wife unexpectedly four years ago. Forming a friendship with a fellow Farmer's Market vendor, Brooke, was exactly what he needed in the wake of losing his wife. The two have been friends for years and decided to enter back into the dating pool together, but when Jude's lack of experience makes it hard to put himself out there Brooke offers to help him by creating a "Dating Pact."
Jude's perspective on love was so thoughtful and refreshing. Writing a widow can be extremely difficult and delicate but Sophie absolutely knocked it out of the park. The way Jude was able to continue to love his late wife while creating space in himself to love someone else was so beautifully written. I also adored Jude's relationship with his kids. He was kind and understanding with them and fully accepted that he did not have the answer to everything but would still do his best for them. Overall Jude's character was so sweet and fun.
Brooke was the perfect match for Jude. After a battle with cancer and the loss that came along with that, she provided such a unique perspective on dating. She was kind, funny and strong. Her understanding and willingness to put Jude's children first at all times was selfless and mature in ways the romance genre needs to see.
Not only was The Dating Pact fun to read, but it had such valuable commentary on grief, loss, love, single parenthood, and recovery. I have loved watching this Single Dad's Club find their happily ever after, and I am so excited for Nate to enter the fold in The Bartender's Baby!
Jude is a widower doing his best to raise his two children after losing his wife unexpectedly four years ago. Forming a friendship with a fellow Farmer's Market vendor, Brooke, was exactly what he needed in the wake of losing his wife. The two have been friends for years and decided to enter back into the dating pool together, but when Jude's lack of experience makes it hard to put himself out there Brooke offers to help him by creating a "Dating Pact."
Jude's perspective on love was so thoughtful and refreshing. Writing a widow can be extremely difficult and delicate but Sophie absolutely knocked it out of the park. The way Jude was able to continue to love his late wife while creating space in himself to love someone else was so beautifully written. I also adored Jude's relationship with his kids. He was kind and understanding with them and fully accepted that he did not have the answer to everything but would still do his best for them. Overall Jude's character was so sweet and fun.
Brooke was the perfect match for Jude. After a battle with cancer and the loss that came along with that, she provided such a unique perspective on dating. She was kind, funny and strong. Her understanding and willingness to put Jude's children first at all times was selfless and mature in ways the romance genre needs to see.
Not only was The Dating Pact fun to read, but it had such valuable commentary on grief, loss, love, single parenthood, and recovery. I have loved watching this Single Dad's Club find their happily ever after, and I am so excited for Nate to enter the fold in The Bartender's Baby!
August 13, 2024
ARC REVIEW
3.5/5 ⭐
This is about a single dad who's a widower and a woman who is a cancer survivor but can't get pregnant and her fiance leaves her at her worst time.
It's a friends to lovers, small town romance, second chance at love. The plot of the book is fine. Spice is good. What I felt lacking was the background story to the grief they both went through.
Brooke and Jude met at a farmers market a few years ago when Jude was married to Mira and she was alive and they were happy. Mira befriended Brooke and they became friends. When Mira passed away Brooke lent her shoulder to Jude and vice-versa when Brooke needed it. But the pain and suffering they went through was portrayed in the passing only as in, in a way of discussion and reminiscing but not on page.
They both have been single for a very long time and they needed to find partners for themselves. Jude is a bit sceptical about dating so they made a pact that they would help each other. Now they have been friends for a while so the physical attraction or the chemistry between them should have been portrayed in a better way. I feel it was a bit rushed because at one time they were smoking and in a second they were making out and they were having sex. After sex they realised they can't share each other with other people. Then there were kids who at one time liked Brooke and when Jude's son found out about Jude and Brooke he started hating her. He was rude to her but it all sorted out just like that.
It got me thinking that this book wasn't properly written. It would have been a better book had it been given a proper background story to it.
I have read this author before and I love her writing style but this book felt a bit off and I'm disappointed.
3.5/5 ⭐
This is about a single dad who's a widower and a woman who is a cancer survivor but can't get pregnant and her fiance leaves her at her worst time.
It's a friends to lovers, small town romance, second chance at love. The plot of the book is fine. Spice is good. What I felt lacking was the background story to the grief they both went through.
Brooke and Jude met at a farmers market a few years ago when Jude was married to Mira and she was alive and they were happy. Mira befriended Brooke and they became friends. When Mira passed away Brooke lent her shoulder to Jude and vice-versa when Brooke needed it. But the pain and suffering they went through was portrayed in the passing only as in, in a way of discussion and reminiscing but not on page.
They both have been single for a very long time and they needed to find partners for themselves. Jude is a bit sceptical about dating so they made a pact that they would help each other. Now they have been friends for a while so the physical attraction or the chemistry between them should have been portrayed in a better way. I feel it was a bit rushed because at one time they were smoking and in a second they were making out and they were having sex. After sex they realised they can't share each other with other people. Then there were kids who at one time liked Brooke and when Jude's son found out about Jude and Brooke he started hating her. He was rude to her but it all sorted out just like that.
It got me thinking that this book wasn't properly written. It would have been a better book had it been given a proper background story to it.
I have read this author before and I love her writing style but this book felt a bit off and I'm disappointed.
July 26, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
What’s your love story? Were you ever genuinely, purely best friends with someone for it to later become an enduring love?
I read plenty of friends-to-lovers romances and I have never felt this natural an evolution to more than I have with Brooke and Jude.
Jude is a widower- the girl he fell in love with when he was fifteen, married, and had children with died five years ago. He’s been doing his best to be a grieving, single dad. His best friend is Brooke, an endometrial cancer survivor (hey, me too!) who has also been grieving her own loss. They get together and laugh, smoke medicinal marijuana and just enjoy the hell out of each other’s company.
Jude and Brooke both think it’s time to start dating again. Jude doesn’t want commitment, just sex. Brooke still wants her happily ever after, a family. One night they’re smoking and Jude is worried because he’s only ever been with one woman and she’s been gone five years. Brooke says “Practice with me.”
Y’all. These two. I love them. They are great communicators, they TRUST each other, they take risks, they “experiment”. They are not perfect physical specimens, but they think the other absolutely is. I want to carry these two around with me forever.
@authorsophieandrews provided this ARC and I’m giving a review with all my own, subjective thoughts.
#romance #contemporaryromance #friendstolovers #lovestories #arc #thedatingpact #brookeandjude
What’s your love story? Were you ever genuinely, purely best friends with someone for it to later become an enduring love?
I read plenty of friends-to-lovers romances and I have never felt this natural an evolution to more than I have with Brooke and Jude.
Jude is a widower- the girl he fell in love with when he was fifteen, married, and had children with died five years ago. He’s been doing his best to be a grieving, single dad. His best friend is Brooke, an endometrial cancer survivor (hey, me too!) who has also been grieving her own loss. They get together and laugh, smoke medicinal marijuana and just enjoy the hell out of each other’s company.
Jude and Brooke both think it’s time to start dating again. Jude doesn’t want commitment, just sex. Brooke still wants her happily ever after, a family. One night they’re smoking and Jude is worried because he’s only ever been with one woman and she’s been gone five years. Brooke says “Practice with me.”
Y’all. These two. I love them. They are great communicators, they TRUST each other, they take risks, they “experiment”. They are not perfect physical specimens, but they think the other absolutely is. I want to carry these two around with me forever.
@authorsophieandrews provided this ARC and I’m giving a review with all my own, subjective thoughts.
#romance #contemporaryromance #friendstolovers #lovestories #arc #thedatingpact #brookeandjude
August 13, 2024
Ahhhhhhh this book was SO good!! I couldn’t put it down. This is a story of healing, letting go, finding yourself again, and learning to love in the here and now. It was sweet, and spicy and I swooned and shed a few tears. My heart was so full in the end! This is book 3 in Sophie’s Single Dads Club series but can be read as a standalone.
Jude lost his wife (who was his childhood sweetheart) 4 years ago. Brooke is a cancer survivor with baggage from a nasty ex boyfriend. They’ve been friends for years, and both Jude and Brooke decide it’s time to get back into the dating game- or at least back into the having sex game. They make a pact to go on this journey together, and after a couple of bad dates they end up agreeing to “practice” with each other. No strings attached. Just two best friends helping each other out. What’s the worst that could happen?!
Sophie has this ability to take “average” guys and make them so damn sexy!! Jude is a widower/single dad to 2 kids. He’s not 6”7 and doesn’t have an 8 pack. But… he’s the sweetest cinnamon roll MMC and Brooke brings out his sexy side in spades.😮💨 The communication between them was what everyone wants and *should* have in a relationship! I absolutely LOVED how they explored different fantasies with each other, and had fun with it. (Helloooo being chased by a masked man in a dark forest scene.😏🥵) The realities of dating as a single parent, never mind a single parent who’s also a widower, were really well represented in the book. The patience and understanding that Brooke showed was beautiful and her loving Jude’s kids and wanting what’s best for them really made her a top notch FMC! Oh, I can’t forget about the boys-the other single/not single anymore dads. Their bromance is amazing and their text message humour is laugh out loud funny.
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
♥ 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
♥ 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚
♥ 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙙
♥ 𝙋𝙡𝙪𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙢𝙘
♥ 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙈𝘾
♥ 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨
♥ 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙮!
Big thanks to Sophie for an early copy in exchange for my honest review. I love everything she writes!!! The dating pact is out now and I’m so excited to read the next single dad instalment!
5⭐️2🌶️
Jude lost his wife (who was his childhood sweetheart) 4 years ago. Brooke is a cancer survivor with baggage from a nasty ex boyfriend. They’ve been friends for years, and both Jude and Brooke decide it’s time to get back into the dating game- or at least back into the having sex game. They make a pact to go on this journey together, and after a couple of bad dates they end up agreeing to “practice” with each other. No strings attached. Just two best friends helping each other out. What’s the worst that could happen?!
Sophie has this ability to take “average” guys and make them so damn sexy!! Jude is a widower/single dad to 2 kids. He’s not 6”7 and doesn’t have an 8 pack. But… he’s the sweetest cinnamon roll MMC and Brooke brings out his sexy side in spades.😮💨 The communication between them was what everyone wants and *should* have in a relationship! I absolutely LOVED how they explored different fantasies with each other, and had fun with it. (Helloooo being chased by a masked man in a dark forest scene.😏🥵) The realities of dating as a single parent, never mind a single parent who’s also a widower, were really well represented in the book. The patience and understanding that Brooke showed was beautiful and her loving Jude’s kids and wanting what’s best for them really made her a top notch FMC! Oh, I can’t forget about the boys-the other single/not single anymore dads. Their bromance is amazing and their text message humour is laugh out loud funny.
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
♥ 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
♥ 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚
♥ 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙙
♥ 𝙋𝙡𝙪𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙢𝙘
♥ 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙈𝘾
♥ 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨
♥ 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙮!
Big thanks to Sophie for an early copy in exchange for my honest review. I love everything she writes!!! The dating pact is out now and I’m so excited to read the next single dad instalment!
5⭐️2🌶️
August 8, 2024
🌟Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💧Drip-o-Meter: 💦💦💦💧
💗Something I Loved: How this book was really Jude’s story. Each chapter switches between Jude and Brooke’s perspective, but Jude was undeniably the main character. I also loved that both characters had room for growth and were able to support each other through it while showing that friendship can save you from the darkest moments in life.
🫤Something I Would Have Changed: I felt like the transition from friends to lovers happened awfully quickly. I’d love a little more tension before the main event.
🥰Favorite Moment: When Jude and Brooke sat around a bonfire shamelessly eating an entire cake with David Beckham’s face on it. #friendshipgoals
🌶️Spiciest Scene: The mask scene - IYKYK 👀. Jude really rose to the occasion and stepped outside of his comfort zone, willing to try new things and get a little dirty in the process. 🔥
📚Standalone vs. Series: Standalone within an Interconnected Series: A Single Dad’s Club Novel book 3 of 4
📖Would I Recommend: Absolutely! I went in blind without having read any of the previous installments and was immediately hooked. This book was a breath of fresh air - no scandals, no third act breakup, no cheating. Bonus - the characters are in their 30’s, established in life but overcoming realistic setbacks. Don’t get me wrong, I love a little drama but every once in a while I want to read about real life characters with real life problems and this book delivered.
💬Tropes: Single Dad, Friends to Lovers
💧Drip-o-Meter: 💦💦💦💧
💗Something I Loved: How this book was really Jude’s story. Each chapter switches between Jude and Brooke’s perspective, but Jude was undeniably the main character. I also loved that both characters had room for growth and were able to support each other through it while showing that friendship can save you from the darkest moments in life.
🫤Something I Would Have Changed: I felt like the transition from friends to lovers happened awfully quickly. I’d love a little more tension before the main event.
🥰Favorite Moment: When Jude and Brooke sat around a bonfire shamelessly eating an entire cake with David Beckham’s face on it. #friendshipgoals
🌶️Spiciest Scene: The mask scene - IYKYK 👀. Jude really rose to the occasion and stepped outside of his comfort zone, willing to try new things and get a little dirty in the process. 🔥
📚Standalone vs. Series: Standalone within an Interconnected Series: A Single Dad’s Club Novel book 3 of 4
📖Would I Recommend: Absolutely! I went in blind without having read any of the previous installments and was immediately hooked. This book was a breath of fresh air - no scandals, no third act breakup, no cheating. Bonus - the characters are in their 30’s, established in life but overcoming realistic setbacks. Don’t get me wrong, I love a little drama but every once in a while I want to read about real life characters with real life problems and this book delivered.
💬Tropes: Single Dad, Friends to Lovers
July 18, 2024
⭐️4.5/5
🌶️3/5
Sophie has hit the ball out of the park yet again! I couldn’t put this book down!
Jude is just the biggest sweetheart and Brooke is the most understanding person ever. I felt the struggles that both Jude and Brooke were going through. Jude trying to be the best for his kiddos and yet finding happiness himself. Brooke trying to be okay with life not going her way. Both characters were so relatable in their own ways.
The banter between Jude and Brooke was exquisite. Sophie was able to capture the comfort between them as well as the awkwardness that can happen when getting to know someone on a different level so well.
Both Jude and Brooke are working through their own struggles and personal experiences throughout the book and leaning on each other for support as best friends do. I love that they always were honest with one another and didn’t worry about what might happen. They talked things through and there wasn’t miscommunication which was just the icing on the cake!
Jude’s relationship with his kids is so strong. He really is a cinnamon roll inside and out 😍 Sophie portrayed the changing relationship from a little kid to a pre teen so well and the struggles that come from it. Seeing the relationship between the kids and Brooke and how much she loved them already was equally amazing. She put their needs first and understood why.
I didn’t want their story to end and absolutely cannot wait for the little snippets we will get in the next book of the series!! I’m so happy I don’t have to say goodbye to any of the dads and families just quite yet!!
🌶️3/5
Sophie has hit the ball out of the park yet again! I couldn’t put this book down!
Jude is just the biggest sweetheart and Brooke is the most understanding person ever. I felt the struggles that both Jude and Brooke were going through. Jude trying to be the best for his kiddos and yet finding happiness himself. Brooke trying to be okay with life not going her way. Both characters were so relatable in their own ways.
The banter between Jude and Brooke was exquisite. Sophie was able to capture the comfort between them as well as the awkwardness that can happen when getting to know someone on a different level so well.
Both Jude and Brooke are working through their own struggles and personal experiences throughout the book and leaning on each other for support as best friends do. I love that they always were honest with one another and didn’t worry about what might happen. They talked things through and there wasn’t miscommunication which was just the icing on the cake!
Jude’s relationship with his kids is so strong. He really is a cinnamon roll inside and out 😍 Sophie portrayed the changing relationship from a little kid to a pre teen so well and the struggles that come from it. Seeing the relationship between the kids and Brooke and how much she loved them already was equally amazing. She put their needs first and understood why.
I didn’t want their story to end and absolutely cannot wait for the little snippets we will get in the next book of the series!! I’m so happy I don’t have to say goodbye to any of the dads and families just quite yet!!
August 10, 2024
The Dating Pact is the story of two best friends, Jude and Brooke, who have helped each other through difficult times. Jude lost his wife several years ago, leaving him to raise their two children on his own. Brooke went through a terrible health scare, then her significant other left when it was too much for him to handle. Eventually, they make a pact to help each other get back out and navigate the dating pool again. There are plenty of humorous interactions between Jude and Brooke, especially when Jude is scared of some of his online potential dates!
Neither realizes why they are so bothered whenever the other goes out on a date. After one of them has a disastrous date, they end up back at Brooke’s place and things get rather heated between them.
Of course, not all is smooth sailing with these two. Jude has two children. His young son isn’t thrilled with the idea of his dad dating again. Jude puts his children’s needs ahead of his own, which makes him such a great dad! And it makes Brooke love him more, even if it seems to be keeping them apart.
I enjoyed this book so much! It was fun seeing Jude and Brooke fall in love, the banter between them was great, and they weren’t afraid to talk about difficult subjects. They had to work hard for their HEA, but they eventually get there.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out!
Neither realizes why they are so bothered whenever the other goes out on a date. After one of them has a disastrous date, they end up back at Brooke’s place and things get rather heated between them.
Of course, not all is smooth sailing with these two. Jude has two children. His young son isn’t thrilled with the idea of his dad dating again. Jude puts his children’s needs ahead of his own, which makes him such a great dad! And it makes Brooke love him more, even if it seems to be keeping them apart.
I enjoyed this book so much! It was fun seeing Jude and Brooke fall in love, the banter between them was great, and they weren’t afraid to talk about difficult subjects. They had to work hard for their HEA, but they eventually get there.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out!
August 7, 2024
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and the third installment of the Single Dads Club delivers it handily. Jude is a single dad still grieving his late wife and Brooke, who he met through his late wife years ago, is now his best friend. While they both quickly realize that there is a connection between them that goes beyond just friendship, Jude doesn’t want a relationship and he knows that Brooke is looking for marriage and everything that goes with it. Yet the pull between them is too strong to be ignored.
It's fun getting to see the rest of the single dads after each of them have found their one, along with the support they offer Jude through his struggles. The most rewarding part of this book is seeing two mature adults dealing with real-life issues as they continue evolving into themselves and experiencing a true supportive relationship.
The author provides plenty of content warnings, including about “recreational and safe marijuana use” which I appreciated. Nevertheless, I wasn’t a huge fan of how that played into their developing relationship, particularly in the beginning.
It's fun getting to see the rest of the single dads after each of them have found their one, along with the support they offer Jude through his struggles. The most rewarding part of this book is seeing two mature adults dealing with real-life issues as they continue evolving into themselves and experiencing a true supportive relationship.
The author provides plenty of content warnings, including about “recreational and safe marijuana use” which I appreciated. Nevertheless, I wasn’t a huge fan of how that played into their developing relationship, particularly in the beginning.
August 9, 2024
4.5/5 stars 2/5 spice
I seriously could not tell you which of the single dads I loved more. They are all so freaking good and Jude’s story was so heartbreakingly perfect. There was so much happiness along with the grief and guilt of moving on with your life. Sophie so beautifully wrote about how much pain seeps into you when you lose someone young and reading Jude’s children try to process a new way of life was so well done. Okay enough with the sad let’s get to the spice. I mean Jude is perfect! Reading spicy books to get ideas and not judging when it came to approaching situations differently. God it was perfect and I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again SINGLE DAD ROMANCES HIT DIFFERENT! I cannot wait for Nate’s book and honestly anything that Sophie writes!
Jude is trying to get back on the horse or do to speak after losing his wife unexpectedly 4 years ago. Now he has to juggle two kids, a job and possibly a hookup. He vents to his best friend over some medical libations. Boeing to help each other get back into the dating pool Brooke and Jude make a pact, help him get laid and her find a husband. However life and love have other plans and boy is this book work every minute!
I seriously could not tell you which of the single dads I loved more. They are all so freaking good and Jude’s story was so heartbreakingly perfect. There was so much happiness along with the grief and guilt of moving on with your life. Sophie so beautifully wrote about how much pain seeps into you when you lose someone young and reading Jude’s children try to process a new way of life was so well done. Okay enough with the sad let’s get to the spice. I mean Jude is perfect! Reading spicy books to get ideas and not judging when it came to approaching situations differently. God it was perfect and I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again SINGLE DAD ROMANCES HIT DIFFERENT! I cannot wait for Nate’s book and honestly anything that Sophie writes!
Jude is trying to get back on the horse or do to speak after losing his wife unexpectedly 4 years ago. Now he has to juggle two kids, a job and possibly a hookup. He vents to his best friend over some medical libations. Boeing to help each other get back into the dating pool Brooke and Jude make a pact, help him get laid and her find a husband. However life and love have other plans and boy is this book work every minute!
February 17, 2025
I adored this story.
A sweet,sexy and emotional friends to lovers romance from Sophie Andrews...It gave me butterflies in my stomach as the love between Jude and Brooke became something more,
Jude is a widow and had two children his wife Mira died in an unexpected way and after many years of mourning her death,Jude is ready to start dating again.
Brooke is a Breast Cancer survivor and a warrior she was dumped by her ex while going through chemo and she is also now ready to find her forever love.
They are best friends and have helped eachother thorough some of their darkest times and agree to help eachother find dates.
What they don't realise is that the person that is perfect for them is right in front of them.So when one night while Jude is worried about intimacy they cross the line between being friends and being lovers and it is so comfortable and right.
But Jude has his children to think about so there is a bumpy road ahead of them as they try to navigate these new feelings they have for one another,and to keep their romance quiet until the children know.
Sophie Andrews has written this book so beautifully and I did shed a few tears..I love this series so was so happy that Jude got his time in the spotlight.
I really enjoyed reading this book
Magnificent 5 Stars.
A sweet,sexy and emotional friends to lovers romance from Sophie Andrews...It gave me butterflies in my stomach as the love between Jude and Brooke became something more,
Jude is a widow and had two children his wife Mira died in an unexpected way and after many years of mourning her death,Jude is ready to start dating again.
Brooke is a Breast Cancer survivor and a warrior she was dumped by her ex while going through chemo and she is also now ready to find her forever love.
They are best friends and have helped eachother thorough some of their darkest times and agree to help eachother find dates.
What they don't realise is that the person that is perfect for them is right in front of them.So when one night while Jude is worried about intimacy they cross the line between being friends and being lovers and it is so comfortable and right.
But Jude has his children to think about so there is a bumpy road ahead of them as they try to navigate these new feelings they have for one another,and to keep their romance quiet until the children know.
Sophie Andrews has written this book so beautifully and I did shed a few tears..I love this series so was so happy that Jude got his time in the spotlight.
I really enjoyed reading this book
Magnificent 5 Stars.
October 25, 2025
Jude is a widow with two cute kids, Brooke is a longtime friend who didn’t let him drown in his lowest time of grief.
Brooke went through cancer and came out the other side not able to have children, her fiancé left her in that low vulnerable time scaring her emotionally.
One night they make a pact to help each other get back out and navigate the dating scene again. Tho Jude want no commitment she wants marriage so both on different life paths.I enjoyed all of the interactions between Jude and Brooke, especially when Jude is scared of some of his online potential dates, there was several humorous moments.
Eventually they realise the jealousy is due to falling for each other.
Unfortunately all is not smooth sailing when his son finds out about them.
Jude puts his children’s needs ahead of his own, when Brooke says Seb comes first and isn’t ready to share his dad, it made her the perfect partner.
It was fun seeing Jude and Brooke fall in love, and I absolutely loved all the natural banter between them, and they weren’t afraid to talk about the difficult subjects like his love of mira his wife.
Brooke went through cancer and came out the other side not able to have children, her fiancé left her in that low vulnerable time scaring her emotionally.
One night they make a pact to help each other get back out and navigate the dating scene again. Tho Jude want no commitment she wants marriage so both on different life paths.I enjoyed all of the interactions between Jude and Brooke, especially when Jude is scared of some of his online potential dates, there was several humorous moments.
Eventually they realise the jealousy is due to falling for each other.
Unfortunately all is not smooth sailing when his son finds out about them.
Jude puts his children’s needs ahead of his own, when Brooke says Seb comes first and isn’t ready to share his dad, it made her the perfect partner.
It was fun seeing Jude and Brooke fall in love, and I absolutely loved all the natural banter between them, and they weren’t afraid to talk about the difficult subjects like his love of mira his wife.
August 29, 2024
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, and a million times over… IF SOPHIE ANDREWS WRITES IT, I AM READING IT!!! 🙌🏼
I can truly say without a shadow of a doubt that Jude + Brooke’s story is my favorite of the series 🥹 and THAT is saying something because I love them ALL so much!!
The Dating Pact is the third book in the Single Dad’s Series and I cannot recommend the entire series enough!! The Rehearsal Fling (book 1) and The Nanny Tenure (book 2) follow two of Jude’s friends, Dylan and Liam, on their own unexpected journey’s of love. What I love the most about this series is how intertwined these friends are in each other’s lives… it’s just so relatable and really makes you invested in the characters.
This particular story follows Jude and Brooke… two best friends who have never looked at each other as anything more in all the years they’ve known each other. Brought together in friendship through grief and hardship, the bonds that forged their friendship could never be broken 🩷 The Dating Pact is a story of raw, real, incredibly messy love, that is relatable AF in every way.
I can truly say without a shadow of a doubt that Jude + Brooke’s story is my favorite of the series 🥹 and THAT is saying something because I love them ALL so much!!
The Dating Pact is the third book in the Single Dad’s Series and I cannot recommend the entire series enough!! The Rehearsal Fling (book 1) and The Nanny Tenure (book 2) follow two of Jude’s friends, Dylan and Liam, on their own unexpected journey’s of love. What I love the most about this series is how intertwined these friends are in each other’s lives… it’s just so relatable and really makes you invested in the characters.
This particular story follows Jude and Brooke… two best friends who have never looked at each other as anything more in all the years they’ve known each other. Brought together in friendship through grief and hardship, the bonds that forged their friendship could never be broken 🩷 The Dating Pact is a story of raw, real, incredibly messy love, that is relatable AF in every way.
December 7, 2024
I really enjoyed The Dating Pact. Sophie has such a talent for showing raw emotions and what real life families and people face. She doesn’t shy away from the hard topics but is so good at revealing them in an unfiltered way whist still bringing levity to the situations. Brooke was such a resilient and brave character and i thought she just handled every situation that was thrown at her with a calm and patient demeanour even when the situations were really hard and hurt her. Jude was also a great character who had been through so much and was just trying to find a way to balance his emotions and ultimately be genuinely and completely happy. His and Brooke’s relationship was steeped in genuine friendship with the ultimate respect for one another. They knew everything about one another, even the really hard things that they’d been through and were so supportive of each other. The emotions we go through with both Brooke and Jude as well as Amelia and Sebastian were done so well and i just adored this book and the realness it portrayed.
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