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The Knights of Jacksonville #3
Damaged Grumpy Billionaire Daddy
Eleven years ago, Carson Knight shattered my heart.
Thinking I betrayed him, he pushed me away… not knowing I was carrying his baby.
Our son, longing for his father, finds the billionaire CEO and thrusts a DNA report in front of him.
Now, Carson demands to be with his son; afraid of losing custody, I agree to move in.
Living under Carson’s roof is torture – he’s a walking temptation. Every. Chiseled. Inch.
I crave to be back in his strong tattooed arms, but he can’t ignore my past.
Seeing him as a daddy, and his loving devotion to our son, makes my heart melt.
Under his grumpy exterior is the man I remember - and I want him back.
When things heat up, my barriers fail.
His touch ignites an inferno, and I drop my defenses… and my panties.
I yearn for a second chance to repair his damaged heart.
If only he could forgive the secret that ripped us apart.
Thinking I betrayed him, he pushed me away… not knowing I was carrying his baby.
Our son, longing for his father, finds the billionaire CEO and thrusts a DNA report in front of him.
Now, Carson demands to be with his son; afraid of losing custody, I agree to move in.
Living under Carson’s roof is torture – he’s a walking temptation. Every. Chiseled. Inch.
I crave to be back in his strong tattooed arms, but he can’t ignore my past.
Seeing him as a daddy, and his loving devotion to our son, makes my heart melt.
Under his grumpy exterior is the man I remember - and I want him back.
When things heat up, my barriers fail.
His touch ignites an inferno, and I drop my defenses… and my panties.
I yearn for a second chance to repair his damaged heart.
If only he could forgive the secret that ripped us apart.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2024
229 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thomas
41 books37 followersHi everyone,
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If you'd like an accurate list of my books please visit my Author Page/All Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 26, 2024
I'm a little salty on this one because I hate immature characters and writing and this one has it in spades!
SPOILERS!
Plot: MCs meet on a cruise 11 years prior and fall in love. Heroine is married (see below) and doesn't tell Hero. He finds out by accident and tells her not to ever contact him as he loathes people who breaks their vows. She makes one lame attempt weeks later to call him to tell him she is pregnant but he has blocked her so she gives up and raises her kid alone.
In the present, 10 year old son goes to see Hero with a paternity test in hand to tell him that he is his son. Hero falls in love with his kid and rest of the story is about son bonding with Hero and getting to know his Father's family - and also a lot of mundane things like how heroine has moved in immediately to his condo and cooks every meal for them. Page after page we get informed what breakfast and dinner heroine has cooked and how Hero enjoys her meals and taking care of his home.
As for romance? What romance? Do they get to have deep conversations and get to now each other? Nope. Sexy times? Sheesh, a few that were cringe worthy and lame! Hero spent 99% of the story feeling angry at her for cheating on her husband without once asking her about her marriage until at the end when he finds a letter from the deceased "hubby" telling him about their marriage and all of a sudden it's ILY and The End.
Now for anyone interested in the heroine's marriage, here it is
It started out wonderfully but somewhere around chapter 3 or so it lost it's appeal with all the mundane nonsense and no substance. Had it been fleshed out more with author showing us an actual romance and bond developing with the MCs instead of just MMC and his son, then it could have been interesting but all we got is two unlikable MCs. Hero with his childish behavior and whining about she is not trustworthy, blah, blah, blah and heroine with her lack of personality. Other than being a good mom to her son, we never get to see her personality of what she likes/dislikes, what her dreams & ambitions are, etc. She doesn't have a career or work at all. She was just written as a character whose role in life is to be a homemaker which is fine but in a romance, I want to see her independence and who she is before she marries Hero. And what I didn't like is that she came off as a gold-digger and moocher.
Additionally, the ending bombed as well because it went from Hero pushing her away and saying nasty things to her throughout the story and treating her as less-than to suddenly ILY when he learned the truth. She never makes him work for it but just sat and took everything like a good pet that she is and we are supposed to believe they lived HEA suddenly? Lol.
Two stars only for the kid.
Safety:
-NO OW/OM drama
-No cheating though Hero was not celibate during separation and all we got in terms of history about heroine is that she was not a virgin when she met Hero and that she tried to go on 2 dates during the separation but both ditched her when they learned she was a Mother.
- HEA with marriage and kid a year later
SPOILERS!
Plot: MCs meet on a cruise 11 years prior and fall in love. Heroine is married (see below) and doesn't tell Hero. He finds out by accident and tells her not to ever contact him as he loathes people who breaks their vows. She makes one lame attempt weeks later to call him to tell him she is pregnant but he has blocked her so she gives up and raises her kid alone.
In the present, 10 year old son goes to see Hero with a paternity test in hand to tell him that he is his son. Hero falls in love with his kid and rest of the story is about son bonding with Hero and getting to know his Father's family - and also a lot of mundane things like how heroine has moved in immediately to his condo and cooks every meal for them. Page after page we get informed what breakfast and dinner heroine has cooked and how Hero enjoys her meals and taking care of his home.
As for romance? What romance? Do they get to have deep conversations and get to now each other? Nope. Sexy times? Sheesh, a few that were cringe worthy and lame! Hero spent 99% of the story feeling angry at her for cheating on her husband without once asking her about her marriage until at the end when he finds a letter from the deceased "hubby" telling him about their marriage and all of a sudden it's ILY and The End.
Now for anyone interested in the heroine's marriage, here it is
It started out wonderfully but somewhere around chapter 3 or so it lost it's appeal with all the mundane nonsense and no substance. Had it been fleshed out more with author showing us an actual romance and bond developing with the MCs instead of just MMC and his son, then it could have been interesting but all we got is two unlikable MCs. Hero with his childish behavior and whining about she is not trustworthy, blah, blah, blah and heroine with her lack of personality. Other than being a good mom to her son, we never get to see her personality of what she likes/dislikes, what her dreams & ambitions are, etc. She doesn't have a career or work at all. She was just written as a character whose role in life is to be a homemaker which is fine but in a romance, I want to see her independence and who she is before she marries Hero. And what I didn't like is that she came off as a gold-digger and moocher.
Additionally, the ending bombed as well because it went from Hero pushing her away and saying nasty things to her throughout the story and treating her as less-than to suddenly ILY when he learned the truth. She never makes him work for it but just sat and took everything like a good pet that she is and we are supposed to believe they lived HEA suddenly? Lol.
Two stars only for the kid.
Safety:
-NO OW/OM drama
-No cheating though Hero was not celibate during separation and all we got in terms of history about heroine is that she was not a virgin when she met Hero and that she tried to go on 2 dates during the separation but both ditched her when they learned she was a Mother.
- HEA with marriage and kid a year later
July 21, 2024
Carson's story is a roller coaster of a page turner filled with banter, lust, family, love, emotions, and growth. Carson and Anna met briefly on a vacation. They immediately are drawn to one another. However, vacations always come to an end. Ten years later, a little fate, brings them back together for a second chance. Their emotional past is a hurdle they must overcome if they truly want their second chance to work. Carson and Anna know what they want, but it's only when it is laid at Carson's feet that he is able to act.
This is one Knight Security book you don't want to miss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one Knight Security book you don't want to miss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2024
Carson and Anna meet at a masquerade party on a cruise. They spend the entire voyage spending time together. Carson finds out some crippling news about Anna and he blocks all contact with her. Anna has a son, Connor, who has lots of questions about his father. Kelly Thomas has written this spellbinding book, which is awesome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2024
I did NOT like Carson at all. He was awful until the last chapter. The MFC was nothing but a doormat the whole book.
The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because of the 10 year old being the one to find his dad. He was the most mature out of both parents.
Again, I hate Carson.
The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because of the 10 year old being the one to find his dad. He was the most mature out of both parents.
Again, I hate Carson.
July 21, 2024
Book begins with Carson finding out he’s not only a big city business mogul but also a father.
The mother of his child is non other than Anna, the woman who broke him more than a decade ago.
In all fairness to Anna, Carson did tell her to never contact him again.
So she didn’t. When the cruise manager spilled the news of Grayson’s accident, that gave Carson the ammunition he needed to deny himself a future with Anna. Carson believes Anna betrayed not only him but her husband.
But Carson should be aware that everything is not while and black in life as he likes to believe.
Anna had her reasons. Reasons she should have voiced to Carson immediately upon his attempt at disgracing her in front of cruise staff.
But she didn’t. Just like she didn’t tell Carson about his son Connor. He is left to be introduced to Connor by the 10yr old boy himself.
Read what happens when the two are forced to co-parent.
You won’t be disappointed
The mother of his child is non other than Anna, the woman who broke him more than a decade ago.
In all fairness to Anna, Carson did tell her to never contact him again.
So she didn’t. When the cruise manager spilled the news of Grayson’s accident, that gave Carson the ammunition he needed to deny himself a future with Anna. Carson believes Anna betrayed not only him but her husband.
But Carson should be aware that everything is not while and black in life as he likes to believe.
Anna had her reasons. Reasons she should have voiced to Carson immediately upon his attempt at disgracing her in front of cruise staff.
But she didn’t. Just like she didn’t tell Carson about his son Connor. He is left to be introduced to Connor by the 10yr old boy himself.
Read what happens when the two are forced to co-parent.
You won’t be disappointed
July 19, 2024
Carson! You need to listen to Anna, why oh why didn’t you let her explain about her circumstances? As you can see I was very invested in this story. Carson and Anna met on a cruise 11 yrs ago, their attraction was instant, they spent everyday together, finally giving in to their attraction one night, when truths are revealed and feeling let down and hurt Carson tells her he wants nothing to do with her, but then she appears back in his life, will he be able to forgive and forget now that she’s not alone? Anna is a great FMC, the sacrifice she made stopped her from being with the man she fell in love with yrs ago. Although Carson is as stubborn as a mule he was a good guy, I only wish he would listen to her! Great story tinged with lots of family love, secrets, truths, a very mature 10 yr old and plenty of steam.
July 19, 2024
This book was a quick and entertaining read filled with romance and facial love. I loved the scenes with The main character Carsons's family- they were very descriptive and real to me. All of the characters were described in such a way that I could picture the various relationships.
Early on I had a little bit of trouble wanting more insight into Carson and Anna's relationship- and why she chose to not disclose some things that eventually altered the course of her life. I find myself still wanting more about their initial relationship even following reading the epilogue.
Overall however I liked the story, found the brother interactions hilarious and enjoyed watching a relationship evolve with Carson and Anna. I would gladly read another book from this author.
Early on I had a little bit of trouble wanting more insight into Carson and Anna's relationship- and why she chose to not disclose some things that eventually altered the course of her life. I find myself still wanting more about their initial relationship even following reading the epilogue.
Overall however I liked the story, found the brother interactions hilarious and enjoyed watching a relationship evolve with Carson and Anna. I would gladly read another book from this author.
July 21, 2024
This love story has very touching moments. Carson is definitely a man who goes after what he wants. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Initially, I wondered why Anna was so hot and cold. As their instant attraction became hot and heavy it was easy to understand why Carson had reservations about letting Anna into his life. The ten year surprise was met with open arms but using common sense. The relationships in this book are so genuine and caring it added depth and feeling to the story. The end of story was disappointing for me. I liked the HEA but the quick turnaround in behaviors. Overall this is a must read, enjoy.
This Booksprout ARC is definitely worth reading. My review includes my thoughts and feelings about this book.
This Booksprout ARC is definitely worth reading. My review includes my thoughts and feelings about this book.
July 21, 2024
Eleven years ago Anna went into cruise vacation,there she met a guy that she bonded a lot with.
When he tried to make a move with her she told him that she went to rest not fall in love.but they had a good vacation together and had tours as well.
but one night she fell of her words
But when a worker of the cruise came to her to tell her that somoene of her relatives took at the hospital,he knew why she’s always stepped back.
After 11 years he was in his office at work the reception called him that a boy wanted to see him.
This is a great book that I really loved reading
Highly recommend to all who loves reading a good romance books.
When he tried to make a move with her she told him that she went to rest not fall in love.but they had a good vacation together and had tours as well.
but one night she fell of her words
But when a worker of the cruise came to her to tell her that somoene of her relatives took at the hospital,he knew why she’s always stepped back.
After 11 years he was in his office at work the reception called him that a boy wanted to see him.
This is a great book that I really loved reading
Highly recommend to all who loves reading a good romance books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
Damaged Grumpy Billionaire Daddy by Kelly Thomas
A romantic blend of steamy romance, secrets, and family. The book show cases the complexity of human emotions and personal relationships, What a sweet, sexy bachelor who is handsome and sexy and holds marriage vows sacred. Oh he’s a great dad too!
My one question is how did a 10 year old get a DNA test?
This detail might require some suspension of disbelief, but it doesn't detract from the overall charm of the book.
A memorable book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A romantic blend of steamy romance, secrets, and family. The book show cases the complexity of human emotions and personal relationships, What a sweet, sexy bachelor who is handsome and sexy and holds marriage vows sacred. Oh he’s a great dad too!
My one question is how did a 10 year old get a DNA test?
This detail might require some suspension of disbelief, but it doesn't detract from the overall charm of the book.
A memorable book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2024
Anna and Carson meet years earlier on a cruise. Connor, the result of that meeting, seeks Carson, his father out. To keep Carson from taking Connor, Anna moves in with him. Carson, can't forgive Anna for their past.
This is a story of a mother's love, compassion, empathy for a family friend, and of forgiveness. Kelly does a great job with character development. If you like a great romance with an unexpected twist and a few steamy parts, this is for you. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a story of a mother's love, compassion, empathy for a family friend, and of forgiveness. Kelly does a great job with character development. If you like a great romance with an unexpected twist and a few steamy parts, this is for you. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. I was hooked from the beginning! I loved the characters. I was kind of irritated that carson wouldn't let her explain when they met. I mean, she tried! And he told her to wait until after breakfast. And then wouldn't even hear her out. Just went into assumptions. I honestly dont think if he hadn't found what he did, he never would have heard her out. Because she tried SO many times! Im glad everything worked out, and he welcomed his child with open arms without hesitation. It was an amazing story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
OMG 😱 this was an FANTASTIC story. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The he chemistry and physical attraction was sensational and sexual tension was like a rollercoaster ride. Mind blowing of drama and chaos with sexual appeal in a romance moment.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
July 26, 2024
This book is a slow burning adventure that takes you on a ride with this couple from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing with their history and the challenges they face to gain a second chance at a relationship. The characters are well written and have steamy chemistry together. The son is an added pleasant bonus. I enjoyed this book. Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2024
This was a great story.
I loved the interaction of all the characters. They were relatable and, for the most part, likable. (Thought Carson could have been less rude/nasty when Anna was trying to explain things to him.)
There was a lot of angst, tension, temptation, anger... and a whole lotta love. All the feels.
Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the interaction of all the characters. They were relatable and, for the most part, likable. (Thought Carson could have been less rude/nasty when Anna was trying to explain things to him.)
There was a lot of angst, tension, temptation, anger... and a whole lotta love. All the feels.
Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2024
I enjoyed Carson and Anna’s story. Eleven years ago, Carson Knight shattered her heart. Thinking she betrayed him, he pushed her away… Our son, longing for his father, finds the billionaire CEO and thrusts a DNA report in front of him. Now, Carson demands to be with his son; afraid of losing custody, she agrees to move in. Living under Carson’s roof is torture – he’s a walking temptation. It was an interesting read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
August 31, 2024
LGJ
Such a beautiful story. The journal of a dead man has to tell you the truth that you wouldn’t hear for over eleven years. The second time around you get it right. Firm believer that true love does conquer all. All things are possible with love, faith, commitment, forgiveness, respect, trust, and most importantly prayer
Such a beautiful story. The journal of a dead man has to tell you the truth that you wouldn’t hear for over eleven years. The second time around you get it right. Firm believer that true love does conquer all. All things are possible with love, faith, commitment, forgiveness, respect, trust, and most importantly prayer
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July 22, 2024🔥WARNING this book can cause EXTREME heat exhaustion and your body to combust due to the HOT romance and SEXY cover. Anna and Carson will give you some of the best Steamy romance and action that will have the pages flying by quickly. Kelly has a GREAT story just way for you to read it.
August 1, 2024
A second-chance romance that delves into the complexities of forgiveness, love, and redemption. Carson and the protagonist's story is a heartwarming, steamy exploration of damaged hearts and new beginnings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
I have enjoyed reading this book. The characters and the story are wonderful. There are some spelling mistakes: their/ there/ they’re …… but otherwise the story is very touching and the characters are almost real
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July 22, 2024hated it
Read
August 14, 2024Enjoyed reading it
August 19, 2024
Anna's Knight
A brilliantly written story, with friendship, romance, chemistry, family drama, intrigue, mistrust, twists and a lovely HEA. A great story to read and one I couldn't put down, would strongly recommend.
Carson is surprised when a 10-year-old turns up in his office saying he is his dad, though he can see the family resemblance. When he hears the name of the mum he remembers when he met her and when she broke his heart. He's wanting to get to know his son and insists he move in. But Connor's mum doesn't want to lose her son so he suggests she also move in.
Anna met Carson on a cruise, at a masquerade ball. Though their attraction was instant she resisted allowing him to get close till she knew he had her heart, but when a truth was revealed he'd told her never to contact him again; and the one time she tried he'd blocked her number. But when she realises their son has gone to find him she's worried she'll lose him. Moving in to live with Connor's dad, she's reminded of her feelings for him, but he doesn't trust her and there are more truths that she's kept secret for 11 years.
Will Anna be able to get Carson to listen to her and accept her past and how will his family react to meeting another Knight.
This is the third in the Knights of Jacksonville series by Kelly Thomas, and it is connected to her other books as we see Jaxson ("Falling Too Hard") - I really enjoyed how her books and different series are connected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A brilliantly written story, with friendship, romance, chemistry, family drama, intrigue, mistrust, twists and a lovely HEA. A great story to read and one I couldn't put down, would strongly recommend.
Carson is surprised when a 10-year-old turns up in his office saying he is his dad, though he can see the family resemblance. When he hears the name of the mum he remembers when he met her and when she broke his heart. He's wanting to get to know his son and insists he move in. But Connor's mum doesn't want to lose her son so he suggests she also move in.
Anna met Carson on a cruise, at a masquerade ball. Though their attraction was instant she resisted allowing him to get close till she knew he had her heart, but when a truth was revealed he'd told her never to contact him again; and the one time she tried he'd blocked her number. But when she realises their son has gone to find him she's worried she'll lose him. Moving in to live with Connor's dad, she's reminded of her feelings for him, but he doesn't trust her and there are more truths that she's kept secret for 11 years.
Will Anna be able to get Carson to listen to her and accept her past and how will his family react to meeting another Knight.
This is the third in the Knights of Jacksonville series by Kelly Thomas, and it is connected to her other books as we see Jaxson ("Falling Too Hard") - I really enjoyed how her books and different series are connected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews