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Work for It
The Holidates app is supposed to be the temporary solution they’re looking for. Falling in love and having to work for it should not be an option.
Bryan Parker is content with his life. Everything is uncomplicated and easy. He left his small hometown with no intention of ever going back. When he gets an invitation to his son’s engagement party, his past comes back to haunt him. He can’t go alone. He needs a date. And since it’s over a holiday weekend, what’s better than a holidate? What he doesn’t count on is falling in love while at it.
Shannen Carlisle is a single mother still recovering after a bitter divorce. The more she tries to be civil, the less it works out. She is angry and on a mission to show the world that she can do a lot better than her ex. When she gets invited to a Labor Day weekend party, she needs a date, pronto. A holidate. Falling in love is nowhere in the agreement.
The Holidates Series
Need a date for a holiday event? A family dinner with nosy relatives pestering you about settling down? The Holidates App is the perfect answer to your busy lifestyle needs. With this dating app, find the perfect rental date; both parties set the terms and conditions, absolutely no strings attached.
Join your favorite instalove authors every month of the year for a new holidate story gone bad...or oh so right. Holidates will prove tested and true to give you ALL the feels and become your new favorite app.
Bryan Parker is content with his life. Everything is uncomplicated and easy. He left his small hometown with no intention of ever going back. When he gets an invitation to his son’s engagement party, his past comes back to haunt him. He can’t go alone. He needs a date. And since it’s over a holiday weekend, what’s better than a holidate? What he doesn’t count on is falling in love while at it.
Shannen Carlisle is a single mother still recovering after a bitter divorce. The more she tries to be civil, the less it works out. She is angry and on a mission to show the world that she can do a lot better than her ex. When she gets invited to a Labor Day weekend party, she needs a date, pronto. A holidate. Falling in love is nowhere in the agreement.
The Holidates Series
Need a date for a holiday event? A family dinner with nosy relatives pestering you about settling down? The Holidates App is the perfect answer to your busy lifestyle needs. With this dating app, find the perfect rental date; both parties set the terms and conditions, absolutely no strings attached.
Join your favorite instalove authors every month of the year for a new holidate story gone bad...or oh so right. Holidates will prove tested and true to give you ALL the feels and become your new favorite app.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Andie Bale
27 books114 followersAndie Bale lives in Ann Arbor (Go Blue!), Michigan, with her husband, daughter and awesome four-legged baby. Her love of reading started at a young age when sneaking her mother's romance books to read was the highlight of her day. Now, she is beyond grateful and excited to be able to bring the characters in her head to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 17, 2024
Work for It is Book 34 in the Holidates Series. It's a steamy, instalove, fake relationship turned real, midlife, second-chance romance. Bryan is a hunky widower who has sworn off love after losing his wife. He has been estranged from his son and feels guilty. When he gets an invitation to his son, Ray's wedding, he knows he needs to attend to make amends. Friends suggest he bring a date for moral support, and he agrees. Shannen is a single mom with a douch canoe of an ex, Jeremy. She needs a date to her son’s birthday party that is being hosted by Jeremy. The two meet on the Holidates app, Shannen's message is hysterical, and they agreed to be each other's plus one for their events. Things are a bit awkward at first, and both have some baggage. But they really had such great chemistry and were perfect for each other. I laughed and cried a bit along the way to the wonderful HEA. This was another great read from Andie. I loved that Bryan was Ray's dad from book 30 and that he and Hayden were as cute as ever. I loved it.
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.
October 18, 2024
Holidates to the rescue.
Shannen is a single mom to a 16 year old, but her ex of 10 years still causes her plenty of grief. Her son's birthday is Labor day weekend and her ex wants to throw a multi-day party. She doesn't want to go at all, but there's no way she's going alone.
Bryan just got an invitation to his son's wedding. His son whom he hasn't seen in years. He doesn't even know why his son would want him there. Bryan had basically abandoned him to his grandfather after his wife died. He had been bitter, and his son had been a constant reminder of the future he had lost. But if he was going to go, he would need a date.
Enter the Holidates app. Get a plus one for your holiday event - no strings attached.
Bryan is skeptical, especially when he starts reading the responses he gets. These women are not what he's looking for. But Shannen's message makes him look twice. She's funny. She admitted she needed a little liquid courage to get on the app, and she sounds like she might be easy to spend time with.
Bryan and Shannen meet, and they agree to be each other's plus one. They get along better than they expected, and soon find themselves meeting for "lunch" most days. While they agree that their situation has a Labor Day expiration, Shannen finds herself getting attached, especially once Bryan meets her son. The two get along pretty well, making her realize the hole she's digging for herself. Bryan, though, is adamant that he's incapable of love, having ruined so many relationships. He's sure this one will be no different.
But as time passes, Bryan gets pulled in to how natural it feels when he's with Shannen. He misses her when he's not with her, and feels so lighthearted when he is. He doesn't really know what he's feeling, just that he likes it.
But what will happen when their time together is up? Can they each walk away, like they agreed? Or will they decide to give love a chance?
There was a lot going on here. They both have baggage. His in the form of guilt from years of closing himself off. Hers from her cheater ex who still tries to exert power over her life, after basically gaslighting her into believing she's not good enough.
Shannen's son is observant, and wise beyond his years. Her mother is a little nutty, and constantly trying to push her out of her comfort zone. Her ex is just a jerk who takes every opportunity to spite her.
Bryan isn't really close to anyone, and every time he sees Shannen's son it brings up guilt about his own.
This was a really good story, and I just couldn't stop reading. It was interesting watching them trying to navigate a relationship after so much time and trauma.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shannen is a single mom to a 16 year old, but her ex of 10 years still causes her plenty of grief. Her son's birthday is Labor day weekend and her ex wants to throw a multi-day party. She doesn't want to go at all, but there's no way she's going alone.
Bryan just got an invitation to his son's wedding. His son whom he hasn't seen in years. He doesn't even know why his son would want him there. Bryan had basically abandoned him to his grandfather after his wife died. He had been bitter, and his son had been a constant reminder of the future he had lost. But if he was going to go, he would need a date.
Enter the Holidates app. Get a plus one for your holiday event - no strings attached.
Bryan is skeptical, especially when he starts reading the responses he gets. These women are not what he's looking for. But Shannen's message makes him look twice. She's funny. She admitted she needed a little liquid courage to get on the app, and she sounds like she might be easy to spend time with.
Bryan and Shannen meet, and they agree to be each other's plus one. They get along better than they expected, and soon find themselves meeting for "lunch" most days. While they agree that their situation has a Labor Day expiration, Shannen finds herself getting attached, especially once Bryan meets her son. The two get along pretty well, making her realize the hole she's digging for herself. Bryan, though, is adamant that he's incapable of love, having ruined so many relationships. He's sure this one will be no different.
But as time passes, Bryan gets pulled in to how natural it feels when he's with Shannen. He misses her when he's not with her, and feels so lighthearted when he is. He doesn't really know what he's feeling, just that he likes it.
But what will happen when their time together is up? Can they each walk away, like they agreed? Or will they decide to give love a chance?
There was a lot going on here. They both have baggage. His in the form of guilt from years of closing himself off. Hers from her cheater ex who still tries to exert power over her life, after basically gaslighting her into believing she's not good enough.
Shannen's son is observant, and wise beyond his years. Her mother is a little nutty, and constantly trying to push her out of her comfort zone. Her ex is just a jerk who takes every opportunity to spite her.
Bryan isn't really close to anyone, and every time he sees Shannen's son it brings up guilt about his own.
This was a really good story, and I just couldn't stop reading. It was interesting watching them trying to navigate a relationship after so much time and trauma.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2024
This was my first encounter with the Holidates series, and wow, Book 34—better late than never, right? From the very first page, I was hooked by the perfect blend of steamy romance and heartwarming family dynamics. Both elements take center stage in this story, pulling you in with relatable emotions and characters you can’t help but root for. At the heart of the story is Bryan, a man whose heart has been frozen since the loss of his wife. Buried under layers of grief, he lost sight of what truly matters—his son, Ray. Though the weight of his mistakes lingers, Bryan has kept his distance, too ashamed to face the reality of his abandonment. But when an unexpected wedding invitation from his estranged son’s fiancé lands in his lap, preceded by a Labor Day weekend get-together, everything changes. His friends, sensing the emotional storm ahead, insist he needs moral support—and that’s where things get interesting. Shannen is a funny, loving single mom whose ex-husband Jeremy is the kind of guy you’d happily toss out of a moving car. She’s in need of a date for her son’s birthday, a party hosted by her obnoxious ex. Cue the Holidates app! I have to say, Shannen's drunken message to Bryan had me cracking up—it was just the kind of charming chaos I love in a romance. With both Bryan and Shannen weighed down by their pasts, it’s no surprise their first meeting is a bit awkward. But as sparks begin to fly, they stumble toward something more, their chemistry building with every misstep. Their journey to happily-ever-after is sweet, steamy, and wonderfully human. Along the way, their circle of family and friends provides the perfect backdrop, supporting their budding relationship and adding depth to the story. Shannen’s mom is a particular standout—an absolute gem of a character. She’s the epitome of what a mom should be, hippie phase and all! In fact, all the secondary characters shine, with one glaring exception: Jeremy, the ex from hell. He’s been a thorn in Shannen’s side since their divorce, making her life miserable with endless custody battles and arguments over child support. He’s a real piece of work! But ultimately, this novel is a total feel-good escape that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. It's brimming with heart, humor, and enough heat to keep things exciting.
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.
October 12, 2024
Work for it is the thirty-fourth installment in The Holidates series. Work for it follows the tale of Bryan Parker and Shannen Carlisle. Bryan is quite content with the way his life is, where everything is uncomplicated and easy. Bryan had left his hometown with absolutely no intention of ever going back there. However, he receives an invitation for his son’s engagement party, and he absolutely can’t go alone. Shannen is a single mother who’s still recovering from a bitter divorce. The more she tries to be civil, the less it works out for her. Before long, Shannen becomes quite angry and is on a mission to show the world that she can do a lot better than her trash of an ex. Will Bryan and Shannen be able to overcome their past hurts? Or will it continue to rule over their lives? Author Andie Bale has does a fabulous job with the way she wrote this amazing book. She’s an amazing storyteller and writer who puts her all into her books trying her best to convey the feelings of the characters through her writing to her audience. Work for it is an absolute masterpiece and a fantastic addition to holiday romance stories. I would certainly like to suggest this book to other readers to checkout and give it a read.
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.
October 5, 2024
"Losing the love of your life is not for the faint of heart. And neither is finding true love again."
Bryan lost his wife to an illness and never really learned how to live or love again. Shannen has an ex-husband causing problems. Bryan's son is getting married and he needs a date for a wedding. Shannen needs a date for her son's birthday party/ engagement party of her ex. Both sign up on Holidates and they hit it off right away with a few bumps on the way they find their HEA with the help of friends and family.
It is also good to see some familiar characters from Rich Girl. *spoiler alert* Bryan's son is Ray from that book who found his own HEA through Holidates and Hayden is still causing mischief.
With the help of them and Shannen's mom and son, the two get past their hang ups and missteps to seal their HEA with lots of steam and spice along the way.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bryan lost his wife to an illness and never really learned how to live or love again. Shannen has an ex-husband causing problems. Bryan's son is getting married and he needs a date for a wedding. Shannen needs a date for her son's birthday party/ engagement party of her ex. Both sign up on Holidates and they hit it off right away with a few bumps on the way they find their HEA with the help of friends and family.
It is also good to see some familiar characters from Rich Girl. *spoiler alert* Bryan's son is Ray from that book who found his own HEA through Holidates and Hayden is still causing mischief.
With the help of them and Shannen's mom and son, the two get past their hang ups and missteps to seal their HEA with lots of steam and spice along the way.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2024
I loved Work for It:The Holidates Series Book 34. Bryan needs a date for his reunion with his son, he’s been a terrible father but knows he needs to make amends. Shannen needs a date to her ex’s party and her hilarious post on Holidates has Bryan interested. It’s supposed to be a fake situation but things turn fast too quickly. Bryan has never gotten over his wife’s death and Shannen has her own issues but they click and things could work out if they could get out of their own ways and let go of their pasts. I loved the storyline and the characters. We never knew when love will find us. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.
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.
September 25, 2024
What a delightful story, it is full of joy, laughter, a little angst and lots of love. There is family love and romance and a real sense of just desserts. Shayna, Shannen’s mom is a wonderful character, I am sure many readers would love a mother like her. Bryan may have had a tough time with women after his first wife died, and has become estranged from his son, but Shannon is perfect for him and helps him heal as well as her son Josh. If you want a story that will make you smile and even laugh out loud at times as well as leave you with a sense of peace and feeling that all is right with the world, then this is the story.
September 27, 2024
This is book 34 Holidates starring Bryan Parker and Shannen Carlisle. I have to say these two start off as opposite as you can get but once they meet and start to really get to know one another they are the best thing to come into each other's lives. I have to say that Ex of Shannen's was something else and I so wanted her to kick him in his booty for the way he treated her. I loved the way Bryan gets a second chance with his own son and the way these two families become one big happy family will have your heart growing two sizes with love.
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.
September 26, 2024
This was my second book of this series and I loved it! I loved how awkward Bryan and Shannen were at first. I also really enjoyed this wasn't just about them finding love but Bryan repairing his relationship with his son after all these years. Halfway through I realized Ray and Hayden were from the previous book. It was a sweet and endearing read with lots of humor and steam. Highly recommend anything written by Andie Bale.
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.
September 27, 2024
Bryan and Shannen both come with baggage from previous relationships and when Bryan receives an invitation to reconnect with his son and attend his engagement party, he goes on the holidates appt to find an appropriate date. Shannen is invited to her ex-husband's engagement party and birthday party for her son and needs a fake date as well. Can these 2 get around their past and realize they are right for each other. Great novel.
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.
September 30, 2024
I enjoyed this book, I've read a few books in this series and I liked the link up to Ray and Hayden's story.
I understand that Shannen had been dealing with a lot of things from her ex-husband but I did get frustrated with her at times, she over-reacted sometimes and had a big problem with communicating, but Bryan struggled with communication too! I'm glad they managed to sort their problems out and I loved the way their story ended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I understand that Shannen had been dealing with a lot of things from her ex-husband but I did get frustrated with her at times, she over-reacted sometimes and had a big problem with communicating, but Bryan struggled with communication too! I'm glad they managed to sort their problems out and I loved the way their story ended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2024
Bryan lost his wife years ago and abandoned his son at the same time. His son is about to get married and he is invited by his fiancé to the wedding. He needs a date for he wedding. Shannen has tried to be civil to her ex but the harder she tries the less it works out. She needs a date for Labor Day weekend party. She and Bryan meet on the Holidates App. It is not all rainbows when they first meet but the more time they spend together the more they start to like each other. Can this go beyond this agreement?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2024
I love these holidate ap stories. They are sweet and spicy. I like Shannon. I like Bryan. I like Josh and Ray and Hayden as their secondary characters and Shannon's mom. This story is more emotional, longer and more detailed than a lot of the holidates stories. Shannon's ex husband is a real jerk. I like the epilogue in this one. It is a nice look forward and a bit funny and a bit sad and a lot happy. 3.5 stars.
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.
September 23, 2024
Separately, Bryan and Shannen need to find someone to accompany them to a special event and sign up with the Holidates app. They meet, agree to attend each other’s event, then go their separate ways but they quickly realize that they’re developing feelings for each other. But their past issues become obstacles and make them question everything along the way.
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.
September 29, 2024
Bryan is an older distinguished widower in need of a date for his own sons wedding.
Shannen is a divorced mom in need of a date to a party her ex is throwing for their sons birthday.
Holidates app, curvy woman, age-gap, second chance, HEA romance.
A huge thank you to Andie Bale and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shannen is a divorced mom in need of a date to a party her ex is throwing for their sons birthday.
Holidates app, curvy woman, age-gap, second chance, HEA romance.
A huge thank you to Andie Bale and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2024
When Shannen needs a date to the birthday party that her ex is having for their son she signs up on the Holidates app where she meets Bryan who is also on the app needing a date to his estranged son’s engagement party. There are several things going on in this story that is funny and frustrating but it makes this so much more interesting. Loved this fun sexy book.
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.
October 10, 2024
Bryan & Shannen: Book 34 in The Holidates Series: Fake dating/ age gap/ widower & recent divorcee/ Holiday RomCom: Standalone series. They need dates for Labor Day weekend, but they weren’t expecting to fall in love. This is a fun series, and I enjoyed Bryan & Shannon’s story. Spice, humor, and emotional depth.
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.
October 18, 2024
Work for it was Bryan and Shannon’s story. Need a date for a holiday event? A family dinner with nosy relatives pestering you about settling down? The Holidates App is the perfect answer to your busy lifestyle needs. With this dating app, find the perfect rental date; both parties set the terms and conditions, absolutely no strings attached. It was an entertaining, steamy read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
October 18, 2024
I love how this story brings back characters from another in the series. These are wonderful characters and a definite page turner. The plan seems simple enough if only their hearts would follow along. She opens him up to things he lost long ago. He helps her with learning to love herself again. I would love to see what happens next for them all.
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.
October 7, 2024
An entertaining read in this series The Holidates. This is the story of Bryan and Shannen and their journey of navigating a dating app and their temporarily solution for dating. The Holidates app is supposed to be the temporary solution. Falling in love and having to work for it should not be an option.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2024
The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Bryan and Shannen. The story keeps us turning the pages with an unexpected connection, fears, misunderstandings, determination and steam.
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.
October 9, 2024
I enjoyed reading Work for It. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed the humor and the heat between Bryan and Shannen. They are very enjoyable characters. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. I hope you enjoy reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2024
Liked this story as this couple meets up. Enjoyed how they opened up to each other showing their vulnerabilities. The characters were well developed and loved how much they grew and realized they fit together. Like all these stories being just a bit interconnected.
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.
September 29, 2024
Another lovely story in the holidates app series and refreshing to see stories about mature adults and not just in their twenties. An enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book.
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.
October 5, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Bryan and Shannen are brought together through the app. The more time spent together shows how perfect they are for each other. I like how they heal each other after their previous bad relationships.
October 8, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book, I think it's my favourite yet from this author. Her books always leaves me feeling good and wanting to read her books all over again. Really great book and a great addition to this Holidate series. Looking forward to read more from this amazing author. Happy reading
October 17, 2024
Work for It:The Holidates Series, Book 34
Holidates
Great, amazing, and fantastic to say the least the book is GREAT.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holidates
Great, amazing, and fantastic to say the least the book is GREAT.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2024
Bryan and Shannen are great characters...each dealing with life's complications of single life. They each need a date for events, use the Holidate app but never expected to find love.
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.
October 8, 2024
Work for It:The Holidates Series, Book 34
Holidates
Andie Bale
The characters were well written. I enjoyed the chemistry, drama and journey.
Holidates
Andie Bale
The characters were well written. I enjoyed the chemistry, drama and journey.
May 4, 2025
Fine for what is, just don’t expect characters or behavior grounded in reality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews