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Freelance Flirt: Falling for the Single Mom
Her business consultant has love on the agenda.
Dean... Hitting on my best friend’s sister started as a way to make her laugh after her divorce, but it’s since morphed into real feelings. Karma is fun like that.
Now I plan out ways to get her attention. I hold onto breadcrumbs pigeons wouldn’t even get excited about.
But Grace doesn’t take me seriously, because she’s a single mom and I’m a carefree bachelor.
Someday she’s going to see me for who I really am. Not just a buddy, or the business guy with money. Me. Her truly perfect match.
Grace... Everyone loves Dean Kinney, including my seven-year-old daughter. But he's a shameless flirt, and I don't have room in my life for one of those. In fact, I go out of my way to keep his high-level charm at arm's length.
Unfortunately, Dean is my go-to guy in an emergency, and right now I have one. My flower shop is in trouble, and I can’t tell if the people wanting to buy it up are friend or foe.
Despite asking me to rate his hotness level during a business meeting, Dean knows his stuff. I trust him with this. I trust him with everything. Just not my heart.
Read the whole Sworn to Loathe You rom com series
Worst Neighbor Ever - A Prequel
I Hated You First - Book 1
Carpool Crush - Book 2
Not Friends - Book 3
Keep It Together - Book 4
Freelance Flirt - Book 5
**All of Rachel John's books are closed-door romances sprinkled with flirty banter and swoony kisses only.**
Dean... Hitting on my best friend’s sister started as a way to make her laugh after her divorce, but it’s since morphed into real feelings. Karma is fun like that.
Now I plan out ways to get her attention. I hold onto breadcrumbs pigeons wouldn’t even get excited about.
But Grace doesn’t take me seriously, because she’s a single mom and I’m a carefree bachelor.
Someday she’s going to see me for who I really am. Not just a buddy, or the business guy with money. Me. Her truly perfect match.
Grace... Everyone loves Dean Kinney, including my seven-year-old daughter. But he's a shameless flirt, and I don't have room in my life for one of those. In fact, I go out of my way to keep his high-level charm at arm's length.
Unfortunately, Dean is my go-to guy in an emergency, and right now I have one. My flower shop is in trouble, and I can’t tell if the people wanting to buy it up are friend or foe.
Despite asking me to rate his hotness level during a business meeting, Dean knows his stuff. I trust him with this. I trust him with everything. Just not my heart.
Read the whole Sworn to Loathe You rom com series
Worst Neighbor Ever - A Prequel
I Hated You First - Book 1
Carpool Crush - Book 2
Not Friends - Book 3
Keep It Together - Book 4
Freelance Flirt - Book 5
**All of Rachel John's books are closed-door romances sprinkled with flirty banter and swoony kisses only.**
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
127 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
52 books524 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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July 15, 2024*Thank you to the author for sending me an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own :)*
Freelance Flirt is the first book I’ve read in this series, and let me just say - it was adorable!
This book followed Grace and Dean’s story. Grace is a single mom who is recently divorced, and she’s extremely guarded as a result of her last relationship.
Dean, a shameless flirt, is her brother’s best friend who (whether she admits it or not) has been a constant in her life for a while now.
When a fate induced dating app ‘disaster’ occurs, secret feelings become not so secret and things begin to shift between them. With the truth out in the open, they both must decide how far they are willing to go to get what they want.
This book is so cute! I really loved the characters and the premise of the plot. The dual POV was perfect because getting to see both sides of their story really added a lot to this book. The chemistry was great, and the book itself was just so sweet.
Dean was such a great guy. If a guy isn’t pursuing me with the persistence Dean did?
I. DON’T. WANT. IT. 😂
Anytime we got a scene with him and Piper I literally melted because it was so so sweet. I’m such a sucker for this trope. You can’t tell me it’s not the biggest green flag when the MMC is good with the FMC’s kid!
As far as MMCs go, Dean was a really good one!
Grace, the FMC, was so complex and it added a lot to the plot. She was multi-faceted, and always had you questioning her next move. She grew a lot as this story progressed and I loved watching it!
This book was a quick, wholesome read! Give this book a try if you’re looking for a rom-com that will give you all the cutesy vibes (without a full blown 3rd act breakup!). I enjoyed so many aspects of it, and really think you will too!
A Few Tropes:
She Fell First, He Fell Harder
Reverse Age Gap
Single Mom
Brother’s Best Friend
Content Warnings:
Kisses Only
Freelance Flirt is the first book I’ve read in this series, and let me just say - it was adorable!
This book followed Grace and Dean’s story. Grace is a single mom who is recently divorced, and she’s extremely guarded as a result of her last relationship.
Dean, a shameless flirt, is her brother’s best friend who (whether she admits it or not) has been a constant in her life for a while now.
When a fate induced dating app ‘disaster’ occurs, secret feelings become not so secret and things begin to shift between them. With the truth out in the open, they both must decide how far they are willing to go to get what they want.
This book is so cute! I really loved the characters and the premise of the plot. The dual POV was perfect because getting to see both sides of their story really added a lot to this book. The chemistry was great, and the book itself was just so sweet.
Dean was such a great guy. If a guy isn’t pursuing me with the persistence Dean did?
I. DON’T. WANT. IT. 😂
Anytime we got a scene with him and Piper I literally melted because it was so so sweet. I’m such a sucker for this trope. You can’t tell me it’s not the biggest green flag when the MMC is good with the FMC’s kid!
As far as MMCs go, Dean was a really good one!
Grace, the FMC, was so complex and it added a lot to the plot. She was multi-faceted, and always had you questioning her next move. She grew a lot as this story progressed and I loved watching it!
This book was a quick, wholesome read! Give this book a try if you’re looking for a rom-com that will give you all the cutesy vibes (without a full blown 3rd act breakup!). I enjoyed so many aspects of it, and really think you will too!
A Few Tropes:
She Fell First, He Fell Harder
Reverse Age Gap
Single Mom
Brother’s Best Friend
Content Warnings:
Kisses Only
July 5, 2024
'Grace had ruined me for the take-charge women. I used to like it when relationships fell into my lap. Now, it seemed, I only had a thing for the grumpy, standoffish types.'
Single parent, grumpy/sunshine, friends-to-more, and so much more!!!
Right from reading the synopsis I knew I would love this book and Rachel's writing did not disappoint! Once I started I couldn't put this book down.
The push and pull of the romance was on point...the tension was so good and the trying to resist each other was swoon worthy to the max.
I love the single parent trope. I think it's adorable when someone else can love the other main character's child just as much as they can and aren't afraid to put a little effort into a relationship. It makes for some entertaining scenes as well lol.
Overall, I was completely entertained and highly recommend!
If you're looking for a fun, entertaining romcom definitely check this one out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: divorce, single parenting, learning your worth, romance-kisses only including make outs.
Single parent, grumpy/sunshine, friends-to-more, and so much more!!!
Right from reading the synopsis I knew I would love this book and Rachel's writing did not disappoint! Once I started I couldn't put this book down.
The push and pull of the romance was on point...the tension was so good and the trying to resist each other was swoon worthy to the max.
I love the single parent trope. I think it's adorable when someone else can love the other main character's child just as much as they can and aren't afraid to put a little effort into a relationship. It makes for some entertaining scenes as well lol.
Overall, I was completely entertained and highly recommend!
If you're looking for a fun, entertaining romcom definitely check this one out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: divorce, single parenting, learning your worth, romance-kisses only including make outs.
August 6, 2024
I was so excited to start this story after seeing a peek of these two in the previous book in the series. This is single parent, grumpy sunshine, friends-to-more, amazingness!
Things I Loved:
-“You created an anagram with your name. Just like Voldemort.”
-Anne of Green Gables references
-“Then come eat dinner with us. We’re having mac and cheese. There’s no sadness in it.”
-“‘Why would you cheat at Chutes and Ladders?’ ‘Clearly, you’ve never played.’”
-Sticky moments
-Dancing
-Sharity
-“The love is in the details”
-“The power of my contacts list has already corrupted you.”
-“You had a dance party without me?”
-“‘So, this is how the rich live.’ ‘With our fancy vacuums.’”
-“Let’s Make Questionable Decisions” shirt
-“‘We’re going to be buddies right now, Grace. Until you want to be more. And in the meantime, I’m going to woo you.’ ‘Woo me?’ ‘Yeah. It’s like seduction, but better. Because I don’t just want your body. I want your mind and heart in tune with mine. I want you to love me so much you’ll never let me go.’”
-Assistant Coach shirt
-“I would love nothing more than for you to rely on me, to love me without fear. It would be the greatest treasure you could ever give me.”
-“Exactly. You’re worth loving. And so am I.”
The tension, flirting, push and pull, and the tenderness of it all was perfectly mixed with humor—I couldn’t put it down and I loved every minute!
Things I Loved:
-“You created an anagram with your name. Just like Voldemort.”
-Anne of Green Gables references
-“Then come eat dinner with us. We’re having mac and cheese. There’s no sadness in it.”
-“‘Why would you cheat at Chutes and Ladders?’ ‘Clearly, you’ve never played.’”
-Sticky moments
-Dancing
-Sharity
-“The love is in the details”
-“The power of my contacts list has already corrupted you.”
-“You had a dance party without me?”
-“‘So, this is how the rich live.’ ‘With our fancy vacuums.’”
-“Let’s Make Questionable Decisions” shirt
-“‘We’re going to be buddies right now, Grace. Until you want to be more. And in the meantime, I’m going to woo you.’ ‘Woo me?’ ‘Yeah. It’s like seduction, but better. Because I don’t just want your body. I want your mind and heart in tune with mine. I want you to love me so much you’ll never let me go.’”
-Assistant Coach shirt
-“I would love nothing more than for you to rely on me, to love me without fear. It would be the greatest treasure you could ever give me.”
-“Exactly. You’re worth loving. And so am I.”
The tension, flirting, push and pull, and the tenderness of it all was perfectly mixed with humor—I couldn’t put it down and I loved every minute!
June 27, 2025
This is the first book that I've read by this author and it was so good! I love the brother's best friend trope and this one had the added twist of a reverse age gap, with Grace being a bit older than Dean and also recently divorced.
The story had many humorous moments, but also many serious moments as Grace tried to determine what her next steps were going to be in her professional life while also trying to guard her heart against future heartbreak.
Dean was a great main character who truly tried to be there in every way for Grace and her daughter. I loved that he really was all in for both of them.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it.
(4.5 stars)
The story had many humorous moments, but also many serious moments as Grace tried to determine what her next steps were going to be in her professional life while also trying to guard her heart against future heartbreak.
Dean was a great main character who truly tried to be there in every way for Grace and her daughter. I loved that he really was all in for both of them.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it.
(4.5 stars)
August 28, 2025
I was hooked by the little tease the author gave about Grace and Dean in Book 4 - Keep It Together, so I obviously had to read this one as soon as I could.
How the story progressed in this book too was quite interesting (I liked Book 3 - Not Friends the best.. I haven't read the first 2 books though). Carmen and Isaac from Book 4 are seen in this one too and that is what I love about series' like these; the love and support from the siblings / friends who also have their own sweet love stories in other books of the series.
How the story progressed in this book too was quite interesting (I liked Book 3 - Not Friends the best.. I haven't read the first 2 books though). Carmen and Isaac from Book 4 are seen in this one too and that is what I love about series' like these; the love and support from the siblings / friends who also have their own sweet love stories in other books of the series.
August 8, 2024
This was such a cute story. I love a good brother’s best friend romance.
Heartbroken and burned by her ex-husband, Grace wants nothing to do with love. She’s walled off her heart to keep it from being broken again. She’s been through so much and it was wonderful to watch her spark come back. To go after what she wants and to stand up for herself.
Dean is a total sweetheart. So patient and sweet. He was flirty and fun and knew how to help Grace let loose a little. His relationship with Grace’s daughter Piper was adorable. Dean is exactly what Grace needs. Someone who encourages her and supports her wants and dreams, who knows how to help her have a little fun, and puts her first.
“Grace needed someone in her life to hold her just because and tell her she was beautiful. She needed someone to make her laugh every day and never make her cry.”
There were just so many cute things in this book. A few of my favorites:
💐Knead
💐Anne of Green Gables wedding
💐Country dancing
💐The silicone bracelets
💐Funky socks
💐Dance party
💐First kiss
💐Dean’s dad
Entertaining, fun, and heartfelt. Reading this sweet rom-com made me happy and you can’t ask for much more.
I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.
Heartbroken and burned by her ex-husband, Grace wants nothing to do with love. She’s walled off her heart to keep it from being broken again. She’s been through so much and it was wonderful to watch her spark come back. To go after what she wants and to stand up for herself.
Dean is a total sweetheart. So patient and sweet. He was flirty and fun and knew how to help Grace let loose a little. His relationship with Grace’s daughter Piper was adorable. Dean is exactly what Grace needs. Someone who encourages her and supports her wants and dreams, who knows how to help her have a little fun, and puts her first.
“Grace needed someone in her life to hold her just because and tell her she was beautiful. She needed someone to make her laugh every day and never make her cry.”
There were just so many cute things in this book. A few of my favorites:
💐Knead
💐Anne of Green Gables wedding
💐Country dancing
💐The silicone bracelets
💐Funky socks
💐Dance party
💐First kiss
💐Dean’s dad
Entertaining, fun, and heartfelt. Reading this sweet rom-com made me happy and you can’t ask for much more.
I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.
July 13, 2024
Genre: romcom
Content: kisses
This is book 5 in the Sworn to Loathe You series. Grace Romano is a divorced single mom who runs a flower shop. After being hurt so badly, girl’s got walls up! Dean Kinney is her younger brother Isaac’s best friend. Grace thinks he’s just a flirt but he truly has feelings for her.
Although Grace starts out as an ice queen toward Dean, I loved the communication that they had once Grace came around to it. Dean was dreamy. He was so good for Grace with his consistency and his little ways of supporting her and Piper, her six-year-old. It was so nice to watch Grace’s walls come down as she allowed herself to open up to the possibility of love with Dean. Ah, it was so sweet!
This one releases August 6th.
Favorite Quotes:
✏️ …my fantasies about Dean were a bit more, um, passionate than the one-kiss endings between medium-attractive actors on the Hallmark Channel. This was because Dean was not medium attractive, and I had years of being single to craft a killer storyline.
‼️ Forget men riding up on a horse. The real fantasy was a man who took care of you at your worst.
🤣His flirting was so outrageous. I wanted to hate it, but there were few things that got my heart pumping these days, and this one didn't even involve fighting my way into a sports bra or telling myself to do ten more reps and then I could pause the workout video.
😍 It will work, because we'll choose to make it work. We don't need it to work for anyone else. Just us.
🔥 "We're going to be buddies right now, Grace. Until you want to be more. And in the meantime, I'm going to woo you." "Woo me?" "Yeah. It's like seduction, but better. Because I don't just want your body. I want your mind and heart in tune with mine. I want you to love me so much you'll never let me go.”
🥰"I love you," I whispered in her ear. "I need you in my life." I kissed the edge of her earlobe. "What if I need you more?" "Then I'll feel needed. I would love nothing more than for you to rely on me, to love me without fear. It would be the greatest treasure you could ever give me."
❤️ Giving Dean my trust was just another way of loving him with my whole heart.
😄 But could you enjoy a moment too much? Feel too much happiness? Could you tell someone you loved them too much? Show it too much? I didn't think so.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
Content: kisses
This is book 5 in the Sworn to Loathe You series. Grace Romano is a divorced single mom who runs a flower shop. After being hurt so badly, girl’s got walls up! Dean Kinney is her younger brother Isaac’s best friend. Grace thinks he’s just a flirt but he truly has feelings for her.
Although Grace starts out as an ice queen toward Dean, I loved the communication that they had once Grace came around to it. Dean was dreamy. He was so good for Grace with his consistency and his little ways of supporting her and Piper, her six-year-old. It was so nice to watch Grace’s walls come down as she allowed herself to open up to the possibility of love with Dean. Ah, it was so sweet!
This one releases August 6th.
Favorite Quotes:
✏️ …my fantasies about Dean were a bit more, um, passionate than the one-kiss endings between medium-attractive actors on the Hallmark Channel. This was because Dean was not medium attractive, and I had years of being single to craft a killer storyline.
‼️ Forget men riding up on a horse. The real fantasy was a man who took care of you at your worst.
🤣His flirting was so outrageous. I wanted to hate it, but there were few things that got my heart pumping these days, and this one didn't even involve fighting my way into a sports bra or telling myself to do ten more reps and then I could pause the workout video.
😍 It will work, because we'll choose to make it work. We don't need it to work for anyone else. Just us.
🔥 "We're going to be buddies right now, Grace. Until you want to be more. And in the meantime, I'm going to woo you." "Woo me?" "Yeah. It's like seduction, but better. Because I don't just want your body. I want your mind and heart in tune with mine. I want you to love me so much you'll never let me go.”
🥰"I love you," I whispered in her ear. "I need you in my life." I kissed the edge of her earlobe. "What if I need you more?" "Then I'll feel needed. I would love nothing more than for you to rely on me, to love me without fear. It would be the greatest treasure you could ever give me."
❤️ Giving Dean my trust was just another way of loving him with my whole heart.
😄 But could you enjoy a moment too much? Feel too much happiness? Could you tell someone you loved them too much? Show it too much? I didn't think so.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
August 6, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Grace & Dean’s points of view
– Grace’s ex-husband (the father of her child) tries to make a joke out of anything & more often than not it isn’t funny to those the joke is about; he also isn’t very present in their daughter’s life
Review:
So far for this series I’ve gotten to: I Hated You First, Carpool Crush, Worst Neighbor Ever, & this one. But reading this story made me want to move Grace’s brother’s story (Keep It Together) up in my TBR! I loved how much Isaac cared for his sister and that he’s how Grace & Dean met in the first place! I loved that Isaac not so subtly pushed Dean to make a move on Isaac’s sister when it was apparent that he deeply cared for her & her daughter. I loved Dean’s character so much, even outside of how he treated Grace and her daughter. He was kind, generous, & caring in his workplace with the clients he worked with. I loved that Grace made a decision that would ultimately make her happier in life during the story’s events, even though it was difficult to admit that’s what she wanted to do. I loved that Dean patiently helped her work through all the options of the decision and was patient with her feelings towards him to match how he felt about her.
I’m curious to see if we’ll get another book in this series and who it could be about if we do. I loved Dean’s friends, Charlie & Olivia, and would love to see them get together and what kind of shenanigans they might come up with. But I’m not sure if that’s where they were going for sure or not.
Summary:
Dean fell for Grace in the midst of trying to help her after her divorce. But no matter what he does, she doesn’t seem to catch on that he’s serious about her. When a chance to prove they’re compatible comes along, Dean takes hold of it full force and runs with it. He just needs Grace to acknowledge what he’s always known…
Grace doesn’t have a life outside of being a good mother to her daughter and running her flower shop. It’s not that she doesn’t have the opportunity to, just that she’s not sure if she’s ready to take that leap again. But when she does choose to? None other than Dean Kinney happens to be there too. Why can’t she escape the man who burrowed his way into her heart without her consent? And needing his help when an offer is made on her shop doesn’t help things either…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Grace & Dean’s points of view
– Grace’s ex-husband (the father of her child) tries to make a joke out of anything & more often than not it isn’t funny to those the joke is about; he also isn’t very present in their daughter’s life
Review:
So far for this series I’ve gotten to: I Hated You First, Carpool Crush, Worst Neighbor Ever, & this one. But reading this story made me want to move Grace’s brother’s story (Keep It Together) up in my TBR! I loved how much Isaac cared for his sister and that he’s how Grace & Dean met in the first place! I loved that Isaac not so subtly pushed Dean to make a move on Isaac’s sister when it was apparent that he deeply cared for her & her daughter. I loved Dean’s character so much, even outside of how he treated Grace and her daughter. He was kind, generous, & caring in his workplace with the clients he worked with. I loved that Grace made a decision that would ultimately make her happier in life during the story’s events, even though it was difficult to admit that’s what she wanted to do. I loved that Dean patiently helped her work through all the options of the decision and was patient with her feelings towards him to match how he felt about her.
I’m curious to see if we’ll get another book in this series and who it could be about if we do. I loved Dean’s friends, Charlie & Olivia, and would love to see them get together and what kind of shenanigans they might come up with. But I’m not sure if that’s where they were going for sure or not.
Summary:
Dean fell for Grace in the midst of trying to help her after her divorce. But no matter what he does, she doesn’t seem to catch on that he’s serious about her. When a chance to prove they’re compatible comes along, Dean takes hold of it full force and runs with it. He just needs Grace to acknowledge what he’s always known…
Grace doesn’t have a life outside of being a good mother to her daughter and running her flower shop. It’s not that she doesn’t have the opportunity to, just that she’s not sure if she’s ready to take that leap again. But when she does choose to? None other than Dean Kinney happens to be there too. Why can’t she escape the man who burrowed his way into her heart without her consent? And needing his help when an offer is made on her shop doesn’t help things either…
August 5, 2024
So adorably fun!
As a single mom, Grace can't pursue a relationship with someone who has trouble committing long-term, so despite her attraction to her brother's best friend Dean, the fact that he has lightly flirted with her for years tells her all she needs to know: he is not someone she can trust her heart with.
Dean started out flirting with Grace to lift her spirits after her divorce but the lighthearted flirting has long since turned into something much more, but Grace has put him in a box labeled "friend" and is determined not to let him not, no matter how many sparks are flying between them.
What you'll love:
brother’s best friend
single mom
dual POV
flirty MMC
grumpy/sunshine
movie night
Anne of Green Gables
slow burn friends to lovers
he falls harder
dancing
clear/honest communication
that first kiss!!!!!
the epilogue
Oh, my flirty fun!! Dean deserves an award for his patience with Grace as she learns to open her heart and trust again! I loved not just Dean's flirting (though he probably deserves an award for that too!) but all the ways he showed Grace how much he cared. I love that he never pushed or manipulated, he let her decide when she was ready. So many cute, sigh-worthy moments - I lost count of how many quotes I marked. And oh, that first kiss!!! Insert all the melty emojis here!
The chemistry, the cute moments between Dean and Grace's daughter, the cameos from past characters, the movie night, the themed wedding - all so memorable and fun and made for such a fun read! I have loved this entire series and this one was no exception!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
As a single mom, Grace can't pursue a relationship with someone who has trouble committing long-term, so despite her attraction to her brother's best friend Dean, the fact that he has lightly flirted with her for years tells her all she needs to know: he is not someone she can trust her heart with.
Dean started out flirting with Grace to lift her spirits after her divorce but the lighthearted flirting has long since turned into something much more, but Grace has put him in a box labeled "friend" and is determined not to let him not, no matter how many sparks are flying between them.
What you'll love:
brother’s best friend
single mom
dual POV
flirty MMC
grumpy/sunshine
movie night
Anne of Green Gables
slow burn friends to lovers
he falls harder
dancing
clear/honest communication
that first kiss!!!!!
the epilogue
Oh, my flirty fun!! Dean deserves an award for his patience with Grace as she learns to open her heart and trust again! I loved not just Dean's flirting (though he probably deserves an award for that too!) but all the ways he showed Grace how much he cared. I love that he never pushed or manipulated, he let her decide when she was ready. So many cute, sigh-worthy moments - I lost count of how many quotes I marked. And oh, that first kiss!!! Insert all the melty emojis here!
The chemistry, the cute moments between Dean and Grace's daughter, the cameos from past characters, the movie night, the themed wedding - all so memorable and fun and made for such a fun read! I have loved this entire series and this one was no exception!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
August 20, 2024
"Grace had ruined me for take-charge women. I used to like it when relationships fell into my lap. Now, it seemed, I only had a thing for the grumpy, standoffish types."
"You're right, you do deserve someone who will love you forever. But your wrong if you think you can't love them back. And you're wrong if you think it couldn't be me."
Read if you like:
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Brother's Best Friend
* Single Mom MC
* Closed Door/Kisses Only
* Witty Banter
* He Falls First
* Dual POV
* Part of series/can be read as a stand alone
This story is full of heart, humor, and growth. I loved Grace's sass and strength and her willingness to be vulnerable. I loved Dean's kindness and how down to earth he is. He truly wants to help people with his time and talents. I also love how he interacts with Piper.
Watching Dean and Grace grow throughout this book, both individually and together, was beautiful. I love how their friendship grew first and then developed into more. The witty/flirty banter is so good! The tension created by their chemistry is fantastic!
Favorites:
* Dean's bracelets
* The children's book series
* Anne of Green Gables themed wedding
* Henry's contact list
* Dance party
* "Sharity"
* Dragon shifter movie commentary
* Eager starfish move
* First kiss!
* Epilogue
This is book 5 in the Sworn to Loathe You series and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. However, fair warning, reading this book will make you want to go back and read the rest of the series if you haven't already.
"You're right, you do deserve someone who will love you forever. But your wrong if you think you can't love them back. And you're wrong if you think it couldn't be me."
Read if you like:
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Brother's Best Friend
* Single Mom MC
* Closed Door/Kisses Only
* Witty Banter
* He Falls First
* Dual POV
* Part of series/can be read as a stand alone
This story is full of heart, humor, and growth. I loved Grace's sass and strength and her willingness to be vulnerable. I loved Dean's kindness and how down to earth he is. He truly wants to help people with his time and talents. I also love how he interacts with Piper.
Watching Dean and Grace grow throughout this book, both individually and together, was beautiful. I love how their friendship grew first and then developed into more. The witty/flirty banter is so good! The tension created by their chemistry is fantastic!
Favorites:
* Dean's bracelets
* The children's book series
* Anne of Green Gables themed wedding
* Henry's contact list
* Dance party
* "Sharity"
* Dragon shifter movie commentary
* Eager starfish move
* First kiss!
* Epilogue
This is book 5 in the Sworn to Loathe You series and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. However, fair warning, reading this book will make you want to go back and read the rest of the series if you haven't already.
August 13, 2024
This was such a cute book! Dean and Grace definitely deserve their own HEA, and I loved seeing them come together.
Dean was such a fun character! He definitely seemed like a flirt, but in reality he was head over heels for Grace. He had loved her for years, but he didn’t want to ruin whatever relationship they already had. I really liked how he cared for her while still trying to respect her boundaries. He was the sweetest especially with Piper! I loved their relationship and how well he fit into their little family. Dean also had to work on not being a people pleaser, and while I would have liked to see more of his story, I loved watching him stand up for himself and Grace.
Grace had a lot of walls around her, but it made sense to me that she would want distance from Dean. She didn’t trust herself after her failed marriage even though she was starting to fall for Dean. The progression of her character was perfect as she slowly let her guard down.
I would totally recommend this romcom! There were some parts where I wasn’t super engaged in the story, but it quickly sucked me back in. It is a clean read that is part of a series but can be read standalone.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Dean was such a fun character! He definitely seemed like a flirt, but in reality he was head over heels for Grace. He had loved her for years, but he didn’t want to ruin whatever relationship they already had. I really liked how he cared for her while still trying to respect her boundaries. He was the sweetest especially with Piper! I loved their relationship and how well he fit into their little family. Dean also had to work on not being a people pleaser, and while I would have liked to see more of his story, I loved watching him stand up for himself and Grace.
Grace had a lot of walls around her, but it made sense to me that she would want distance from Dean. She didn’t trust herself after her failed marriage even though she was starting to fall for Dean. The progression of her character was perfect as she slowly let her guard down.
I would totally recommend this romcom! There were some parts where I wasn’t super engaged in the story, but it quickly sucked me back in. It is a clean read that is part of a series but can be read standalone.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
July 13, 2024
ARC REVIEW: This book was amazing. There were moments I was laughing out loud. I really enjoyed the banter.
Grace and Dean have known each other since high school when their parents dated. Grace is a single mom trying to run her flower shop. Dean is an investor and helps struggling businesses improve. When an offer comes to buy out Grace’s flower shop, Grace turns to Dean for help.
Grace holds herself back from relationships due to her divorce. Dean just wants to be near Grace and not be pushed away. They just have to prove to themselves that their relationship is worth the effort.
Favorite quotes:
The moment was imprinted on my DNA. I could never look at him the same way again. Forget men riding up on a horse. The real fantasy was a man who took care of you at your worst.
I’d sensed this coming for a while now, this dare that Dean dangled in front of me. I dare you to like me back. I dare you to let me make a move. I dare you to let me in. It was a strange setup for a friendship. Maybe it wasn’t one-hundred percent my fault we weren’t really friends. Yes, I was nervous around him, but he made it worse with the way he looked at me.
Grace and Dean have known each other since high school when their parents dated. Grace is a single mom trying to run her flower shop. Dean is an investor and helps struggling businesses improve. When an offer comes to buy out Grace’s flower shop, Grace turns to Dean for help.
Grace holds herself back from relationships due to her divorce. Dean just wants to be near Grace and not be pushed away. They just have to prove to themselves that their relationship is worth the effort.
Favorite quotes:
The moment was imprinted on my DNA. I could never look at him the same way again. Forget men riding up on a horse. The real fantasy was a man who took care of you at your worst.
I’d sensed this coming for a while now, this dare that Dean dangled in front of me. I dare you to like me back. I dare you to let me make a move. I dare you to let me in. It was a strange setup for a friendship. Maybe it wasn’t one-hundred percent my fault we weren’t really friends. Yes, I was nervous around him, but he made it worse with the way he looked at me.
July 14, 2024
Freelance Flirt is the fifth book in the Sworn to Loathe You series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone with no problems as well.
This was such a cute read! As the story starts, Dean loves to flirt with Grace--- and she is having absolutely none of it! I loved the back and forth between of them. But when she turns to him for help with her business and they spend more time together, I loved watching her walls coming down and her starting to open her heart to the idea that there might be more there than a little flirting. And oh boy, the chemistry between them! Dean was a pretty hard character not to love--- not just because of the flirting, but because of how he showed up not just for Grace, but for her daughter as well, who also added so much fun to the story! Truly, I thought this story was just the perfect blend of sweet and swoon worthy moments to humorous ones and I enjoyed them all.
Freelance Flirt is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was such a cute read! As the story starts, Dean loves to flirt with Grace--- and she is having absolutely none of it! I loved the back and forth between of them. But when she turns to him for help with her business and they spend more time together, I loved watching her walls coming down and her starting to open her heart to the idea that there might be more there than a little flirting. And oh boy, the chemistry between them! Dean was a pretty hard character not to love--- not just because of the flirting, but because of how he showed up not just for Grace, but for her daughter as well, who also added so much fun to the story! Truly, I thought this story was just the perfect blend of sweet and swoon worthy moments to humorous ones and I enjoyed them all.
Freelance Flirt is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2024
This book was ADORABLE! I am a fan of this entire series and have been highly anticipating Dean and Grace's book; it did not let me down. I love the way Rachel John can deliver upbeat and sweet romances and Dean and Grace's book fit this so well. Dean and Grace were relatable and a couple you want to cheer for. Dean, just Dean *sigh*. I loved how much of a protector he was at the same time he was equally supportive and encouraging. He wanted to love and care for Grace because he knew she was deserving of such treatment, but he also fully supported her in her dreams and wanted to give her wings to fly. Their flirting was so fun and I loved the way Dean not only captured Grace's heart, but also that of her daughter. It was a really cute single-mom/brother's best friend romance. Their first kiss is completely memorable and so much of this book had me laughing and smiling. I highly recommend it.
This is a clean romance. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a clean romance. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2024
Eeee! I’ve been so excited for Dean and Grace’s story and it was better than I could’ve imagined!
Grace had fought so hard her feelings for Dean and the poor man had consistently tried again and again to get her to like him in his own way. In this book he really started to lay things out and let her know exactly how he was feeling but Grace was plagued by self doubt. I loved seeing them become “buddies” and start to lean closer and closer to that romance line. And when it finally got crossed… ALL THE APPLAUSE! The buildup was great and the ending was oh so sweet. The last chapter had me grinning and the epilogue was the cherry on top. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Grace had fought so hard her feelings for Dean and the poor man had consistently tried again and again to get her to like him in his own way. In this book he really started to lay things out and let her know exactly how he was feeling but Grace was plagued by self doubt. I loved seeing them become “buddies” and start to lean closer and closer to that romance line. And when it finally got crossed… ALL THE APPLAUSE! The buildup was great and the ending was oh so sweet. The last chapter had me grinning and the epilogue was the cherry on top. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 2, 2024
Rating: 4.8 ✨
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Clean Level 1
The second I finished this book I thought “ I liked this book way too much.” I don’t even know if you can a like a book too much, but this one this one was soo good!
I loved the slow build of the relationship. How determined he was to win her heart over and prove how much he cares. The way she had to break down her walls. How she had a moment of realization of why she was so angry and kept working towards being better. The storyline, the characters, and romance all made this book an amazing romance. Highly recommend reading it.
Content:
* Kiss only
* No foul language
* Single mom
* Friends to lovers
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an HONEST review. All thought and opinions are my own and are not persuaded.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Clean Level 1
The second I finished this book I thought “ I liked this book way too much.” I don’t even know if you can a like a book too much, but this one this one was soo good!
I loved the slow build of the relationship. How determined he was to win her heart over and prove how much he cares. The way she had to break down her walls. How she had a moment of realization of why she was so angry and kept working towards being better. The storyline, the characters, and romance all made this book an amazing romance. Highly recommend reading it.
Content:
* Kiss only
* No foul language
* Single mom
* Friends to lovers
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an HONEST review. All thought and opinions are my own and are not persuaded.
August 25, 2024
“Grumpy Grace was fiercely beautiful. Happy Grace? Oh man, I was done for.”
I was so excited for Grace and Dean’s story. I adored them both in KEEP IT TOGETHER and this book has so many tropes I love. And it was so fun! Dean is such a great guy. So kind and helpful and SO patient. I loved how he loved Grace and never gave up. Grace is a single mom with a lot on her plate and a lot on her mind. But has no time for love and no trust. Even when it’s right in front of her.
This is such a fun reverse grumpy sunshine story. And wow, does he fall first.
Their journey to together was practically perfect. And don’t forget the adorable Piper. There are so many fun moments. The dancing, the flirting and Anne of Green Gables were just some of the enjoyable moments.
I’m excited to read another book from this author. I received an eARC from the author. All views are my own.
I was so excited for Grace and Dean’s story. I adored them both in KEEP IT TOGETHER and this book has so many tropes I love. And it was so fun! Dean is such a great guy. So kind and helpful and SO patient. I loved how he loved Grace and never gave up. Grace is a single mom with a lot on her plate and a lot on her mind. But has no time for love and no trust. Even when it’s right in front of her.
This is such a fun reverse grumpy sunshine story. And wow, does he fall first.
Their journey to together was practically perfect. And don’t forget the adorable Piper. There are so many fun moments. The dancing, the flirting and Anne of Green Gables were just some of the enjoyable moments.
I’m excited to read another book from this author. I received an eARC from the author. All views are my own.
October 29, 2025
Rachel John’s Freelance Flirt is a tender, witty, and refreshingly heartfelt romantic comedy that captures the beauty of finding love after loss. Dean and Grace’s story unfolds with charm and emotional depth anchored by playful banter, genuine affection, and the courage to take a chance on something real.
John’s ability to balance humor with sincerity gives the book its irresistible pull. Grace’s cautious heart and Dean’s persistent warmth create a dance of trust that feels as authentic as it is endearing. The result is a clean, swoon worthy romance that glows with sincerity and hope a love story that proves laughter can be the first step toward healing.
John’s ability to balance humor with sincerity gives the book its irresistible pull. Grace’s cautious heart and Dean’s persistent warmth create a dance of trust that feels as authentic as it is endearing. The result is a clean, swoon worthy romance that glows with sincerity and hope a love story that proves laughter can be the first step toward healing.
August 19, 2024
Freelance Flirt: Falling for the Single Mom
Dean and Grace have such a sweet story. Her brother is Dean’s best friend so she has only seen him as a friend. That was not the case on his behalf. Dean has had a crush on her for a long time and when she divorced, he started showing up for her in ways she never expected. It takes a while for her to overcome the insecurities projected on her by her earlier marriage. Be sure to read this if you are looking for a lighthearted and quick book.
Dean and Grace have such a sweet story. Her brother is Dean’s best friend so she has only seen him as a friend. That was not the case on his behalf. Dean has had a crush on her for a long time and when she divorced, he started showing up for her in ways she never expected. It takes a while for her to overcome the insecurities projected on her by her earlier marriage. Be sure to read this if you are looking for a lighthearted and quick book.
August 30, 2024
Can you read a book while you are asleep? I felt like I slept through this entire book because it was bland. The characters are flat and blah. Grace is low key annoying in the sense that she has no gumption, is a scaredy cat, and won’t leap for anything. What kind of life is she modeling for her daughter? And Dean is predictable and not well developed. None of the side characters are too flushed out. And the plot is also subpar.
Personally, I would skip this book. I’m pretty sure I’ve read the first ones of the series but this book did nothing for me.
Personally, I would skip this book. I’m pretty sure I’ve read the first ones of the series but this book did nothing for me.
July 15, 2024
I love Dean. He is so sweet but doesn't quite know how to get out of the "are we even friends" zone with his long time crush Grace. Grace was burned by her ex-husband and has trust issues that she puts on those around her. She is just trying to be the best mom to Piper and get through life. I love all the fun but sometimes awkward moments between these two characters. This is a sweet romance with some fun comedic moments.
August 7, 2024
You are going to love this story!
This story was fun and funny. It had me laughing out loud several times! I loved the growth and self-love Grace needed to go through. Contains no swears, chaste moral lines, no alcohol, and kissing only.
Grace Romano is a single mom to a 7 year old. She owns a flower business, and she enjoys illustrating on the side.
Dean Kinney is well off financially. He is a business consultant and has been in love with Grace for a while.
This story was fun and funny. It had me laughing out loud several times! I loved the growth and self-love Grace needed to go through. Contains no swears, chaste moral lines, no alcohol, and kissing only.
Grace Romano is a single mom to a 7 year old. She owns a flower business, and she enjoys illustrating on the side.
Dean Kinney is well off financially. He is a business consultant and has been in love with Grace for a while.
August 7, 2024
I've enjoyed this series and happy these two get their story! While this is a series it can definitely be read as a stand alone.
What I loved about this story: natural feel to the progression of their friendship to more. (I enjoyed the path and pace the author took them on)
*lots of funny moments
*great dialogue and characters
*fabulous ending and sweet
*romance and friendship without foul language or bedroom scenes
What I loved about this story: natural feel to the progression of their friendship to more. (I enjoyed the path and pace the author took them on)
*lots of funny moments
*great dialogue and characters
*fabulous ending and sweet
*romance and friendship without foul language or bedroom scenes
August 10, 2024
So fun to read the rest of this story!
I’ve been looking forward to reading this story ever since Keep it Together came out and hinted at this romance brewing. It did not disappoint! I love Rachel John’s books as they are so fun to read and the characters are so enjoyable. If you haven’t read the other books from this series I would read them and get some of the background on these characters because they had great stories too.
I’ve been looking forward to reading this story ever since Keep it Together came out and hinted at this romance brewing. It did not disappoint! I love Rachel John’s books as they are so fun to read and the characters are so enjoyable. If you haven’t read the other books from this series I would read them and get some of the background on these characters because they had great stories too.
August 10, 2024
Kisses only.
I really liked most of this book. The characters were fun and real. I liked that Dean had an eye-opening experience with his date where he realized maybe his actions were making Grace uncomfortable. It fell a bit short for me in the pacing I guess. There isn’t a major point of drama. I know that Grace fighting her own insecurities is a major issue but once she gets over that hurdle there isn’t much else.
I really liked most of this book. The characters were fun and real. I liked that Dean had an eye-opening experience with his date where he realized maybe his actions were making Grace uncomfortable. It fell a bit short for me in the pacing I guess. There isn’t a major point of drama. I know that Grace fighting her own insecurities is a major issue but once she gets over that hurdle there isn’t much else.
August 14, 2024
Slow burn
This book has all the swoons feels. Grace is convinced Dean is not being serious when he flirts with her but Dean just wants her to see that he is serious. I loved how Dean took his time getting Grace to let down her guard. Grace needed to believe she was worthy of being loved and Dean was just the right person to make her believe. I loved the chemistry and heated kisses with no spice.
This book has all the swoons feels. Grace is convinced Dean is not being serious when he flirts with her but Dean just wants her to see that he is serious. I loved how Dean took his time getting Grace to let down her guard. Grace needed to believe she was worthy of being loved and Dean was just the right person to make her believe. I loved the chemistry and heated kisses with no spice.
August 15, 2024
Love it! There was so much tension! And it was just so sweet how Dean was holding out hope for her while she figured things out! I’d forgotten a lot of the side characters since it’s been a minute since I read the other books but it was fun rediscovering them as well! Also how cool is an Anne of Green Gables themed wedding! Puffed sleeves and all! That was such a fun side event.
This is sweet and funny and the characters are vivid and will hold onto your heart!
This is sweet and funny and the characters are vivid and will hold onto your heart!
August 20, 2024
So sweet with all the tension!
I loved this book! It had all the tension without the angst. The author did a good job writing a single mom who was wary of love without being anti-love. Dean is a golden retriever hero and I loved his persistence to show Grace what they could have together. I recommend this to anyone looking for an easy to read clean romance with tension and a little sizzle.
I loved this book! It had all the tension without the angst. The author did a good job writing a single mom who was wary of love without being anti-love. Dean is a golden retriever hero and I loved his persistence to show Grace what they could have together. I recommend this to anyone looking for an easy to read clean romance with tension and a little sizzle.
September 8, 2024
I enjoyed this story so much! It felt so real and authentic, like an every day type love story. Seeing how these characters grew and communicated through the challenges they faced was so well written. I really enjoyed Dean and the way that he was in it for the long game with Grace and the way he looked for unique ways to show her how much he cared. I loved his relationship with Grace's daughter as well! I was always happy when I had time to pick this one up and read more of its pages!
September 29, 2024
I loved this story so much. The patience and the vulnerability was beautifully done. I seriously couldn’t put it down.
Rachel made you instantly connect with the characters and feel their emotions as deep as they do. Piper was a well rounded child character and their interactions were genuine and sweet.
I loved the open way he was with his feelings, and the slow way she opened up. It was a slow burn in the best way possible.
Rachel made you instantly connect with the characters and feel their emotions as deep as they do. Piper was a well rounded child character and their interactions were genuine and sweet.
I loved the open way he was with his feelings, and the slow way she opened up. It was a slow burn in the best way possible.
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