A One-Time Thing

by Kate Hawthorne, E.M. Denning

Gil Valentine knows three things: he doesn’t want kids, he doesn’t want a relationship, and he likes to be alone.

He spends Sundays tinkering in the garage, cruising on his motorcycle, and enjoying the luxury of a bed that he doesn’t have to share. After his last relationship with his best friend’s brother ended in disaster and nearly cost him a friendship, Gil swore off anything that might lead to complications.

Rowan Verne knows two things: being a single dad is hard, and being a single dad to a pre-teen is harder.

After the death of his wife and a tough few years as a struggling single dad, he’s determined to give his son a better life in a new town. Between moving into a fixer-upper and handling the demands of parenting a twelve year old, he’s juggling more than he anticipated—and then his son turns up down the street, talking to a very handsome, and very single neighbor.

Rowan is everything Gil doesn’t want and Gil is everything Rowan doesn’t think he needs. Even though they’re opposites, the chemistry between them is undeniable. What’s supposed to be a one-time thing quickly turns into something both men want to continue. And when tensions get high and memories from the past flare their ugly heads Gil and Rowan realize everything has changed, but they both know one thing to be true.

Once is never enough.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Adult, Fiction

292 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2025

About the author

With over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.

Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.

Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com

Reviews

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposites attract, bi4bi, single dad, hookup to more, and a lot of denying of feelings. Fun and not too angsty.

[Madison D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️
2 🌶️

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. This book has so many errors and continuity issues it simply needs another run through. Simply errors like a 0 in the middle of a word just is something a Beta reader should be catching. Over 10 mistakes honestly is too much to be enjoyable because now, I spend the whole book making sure there isn’t errors when this book was already hard to connect with.

MMC 1: Gil. Has absolutely no depth at all and it made it impossible to connect with his character at all.

MMC 2: Rowan. Single dad (my favorite). He has loads of personality and even though again, it’s all surface level we still get more from him than Gil.
•Rowan’s kid: Fisher is probably the worst kid I’ve ever read about? The constant eye rolls are kinda ridiculous as well as the earbuds always being in? If your parent is talking to you, TAKE THEM OUT!!

Things that are mentioned once with absolutely no elaboration:
•Gil’s job? I have no idea what he does except his best friend Jake, who is his exes brother, makes six figures and they joked it’s comparable? Also does he have a family? What happened to them?
•Fisher (the kid who is 12) has been cooking for Rowan and him prior to their move and it’s a passion but they order take out THE WHOLE BOOK.
•Rowan’s best friend? A best friend that you don’t text about your dates or hookups or feelings or ANYTHING?

Gil and Rowan mess around the whole book. When they are alone they don’t even have deep conversations about anything. They don’t get to know each other. They don’t talk..most of the hookups happen at Gils place and he never even tries to romance him with a dinner or even a snack?..so imagine my surprise when love gets brought up? I actually rolled my eyes. How can you love someone when you never even talked about your jobs? Goals? Dreams?

And then the book just ends. We don’t see their relationship because they only become official with about 4 chapters left in the book. In one of the last chapters Fisher asked Gil if he is going to marry Rowan? ACCA-SCUSE ME? Absolutely not. And Gil’s inner monologue is like “yeah husband sounds so much better than boyfriend”???? Maybe there are time jumps I am missing or they were left out on accident because apparently the only thing mentioned was that Rowan had done great renovations in the MONTH since they bought the house.

I’m genuinely so sorry but this book has incredible potential but needs a lot of work to add more character depth so we can fall in love with the characters. But even then, Fisher really ruins it for me because he is kinda the worst when his dad is trying his best. Rowan is literally never mean and Fisher has a huge attitude towards him and I don’t think that’s okay. I was raised by a single dad and I genuinely wanted to cry the kid was being so rude to his dad.

Anyways, ton of potential if you can get over all the grammar mistakes and continuity issues throughout.

[Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was... not as good as I hoped it would be. Don't get me wrong, it's fine! I'm certain other people will enjoy it more than me and maybe even love it to pieces. It just fell flat for me. It felt like one spicy scene after the other, with the very bare minimum amount of plot and characterization to bridge the gaps.

Now, I like good spice as much as the next person, but I need substance too, you know? I need depth. I need the feels. But because it was essentially more spice than plot, I didn't really feel like I got to know the characters at all. I knew about as much at the end as I did at the start of the book. Yes, I learned that Fisher is a surly pre-teen with the usual pre-teen problems. But we never got to the heart of him and the way this is written, he feels more like a plot device than anything else. I also learned quite a bit about Rowan and Gil's sexual preferences, but... beyond that? Barely anything. I don't know any of them. Not really.

This breaks my heart though because I adore EM Denning's solo work! She's been so reliably good, great even! But this wasn't it. It's my first time reading one of her co-writes with Kate Hawthorne and it might also be my last.

I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a neighbours to more romance, featuring Gil and Rowan, and is a standalone book.

Gil has sworn off relationships after a painful breakup, content to live alone with his motorcycle and quiet routines. Rowan is a widowed single dad just trying to hold everything together, but when their chemistry sparks, what was meant to be one night proves impossible to walk away from.

This was such a great read. I loved even though Gil and Rowan agree no feelings, there was a lot of intimacy in the small everyday moments: fixing a house, sharing space, learning to lean on someone again. The chemistry is there and it grows into something that feels more like home than passion alone. Well worth the read.

Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
MM romance
Neighbours
Opposites attract
Grumpy x Sunshine
Single dad
MC with red hair & freckles
Hurt / Comfort
Grieving partner
Spicy times & dirty talk
One night stand to more
Bowtie kink
Admit feelings
HEA

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded down. This book desperately needed better editing and probably more/better beta reading. There are a lot of errors, even things spell check should have caught (like a 0 in a word). There are also a lot of continuity errors that should have been caught by a beta reader. It’s like the authors each wrote their chapters, slapped them together and then hit publish. Gil had very little depth, and almost no character development. We don’t even find out what he does for work, and almost nothing about his backstory other than his prior relationship. Rowan’s character is better developed, but there are still aspects that are lacking. Probably the most realistic portrayal is of Rowan’s son, who is a moody 12 year old. The chemistry between the MCs is undeniable, but it’s not enough to hold this story together.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆

🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Rowan, Gil.
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Grumpy Sunshine, Single Dad, Bi-awakening,


Gil☆ te mereces millones de estrellas
Rowan el mejor padre
Fisher un niño super adorable que me partio el corazon

[Chrissy]

DNF @ 33%

[Hazel Bean]

DNF @ 38% - too many errors and continuity issues

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Als Rowan und sein Sohn Fisher in die Nachbarschaft ziehen, wagt sich Gil lieber nicht aus der Deckung. Nach einer hässlichen Trennung bleibt er für sich und von Beziehungen will er lieber nichts wissen. Selbst nachbarschaftliche Kontakte würde er gern vermeiden. Doch Rowans Sohn taucht immer wieder bei Gil auf und Gil nach nicht behaupten, dass er besonders begeistert ist. Fisher hasst hier alles und jeden. Aber den Nachbarn findet er cool und er hat auch keine Hemmungen ihn um Hilfe zu bitten, als sein Fahrrad wieder beschädigt ist. Seinen Vater fragt er da lieber nicht, denn Rowan ist jetzt auf diesem Gebiet nicht besonders geschickt. Und Gil sieht so aus, als würde er Ahnung haben.

Fisher ist ihm einerseits lästig, aber Gil gibt schnell seinen Widerstand auf. Und auch wenn er sich eigentlich nicht für Rowan interessieren will, so lässt er sich auf eine einmalige Sache mit dem neuen Nachbarn ein. Also eigentlich einmalig, denn dabei bleibt es nicht. Der verwitwete Rowan weiß, dass er bisexuell ist. Doch erst mit Gil beginnt er diese Seite seines Lebens auszuleben und sich auszuprobieren. Und auch wenn Gil immer wieder versichert, dass es kein weiteres Mal geben kann und wird, nimmt die Sache seinen Lauf und aus Sex erwächst langsam etwas, das Gil längst abgeschrieben hat.

Rowan ist nicht unbedingt zu beneiden. Fisher macht ihm das Leben nicht immer leicht und das neue Haus stellt sich als ziemliche Herausforderung heraus. Da ist viel zu machen und Rowan kämpft sich durch die Renovierungsarbeiten durch.  Fisher war für mich persönlich ein bisschen eine Herausforderung. Ja, Teenager können schon mühsam und schwierig sein. Aber Fisher scheint tatsächlich nur wenig mit seiner Umwelt agieren zu wollen. Ständig hat er die Ohrstöpsel drinnen und ist generell ein eher unangenehmes Kind. Dass Rowan mit dem Jungen irgendwie überfordert und von ihm gefrustet ist, das ist ziemlich nachvollziehbar. Ich hätte ihn vermutlich irgendwo ausgesetzt. Ohne Handy.

Da ist Nachbar Gil schon eine schöne Ablenkung, auch wenn dieser Rowan die Grenzen klar aufzeigt. Denn Gil will, obwohl der Sex zwischen ihnen spannend und aufregend ist, keine Beziehung. Und schon gar nicht mit Kind. Je mehr der Leser über Gil erfährt, desto besser versteht man auch seine Distanz und abwehrende Haltung. Allerdings stellt Gil sich manchmal auch ein wenig albern und unreif an. Leider bleiben die Helden ohne ernste Tiefe und man erfährt nur das Nötigste über ihr Leben und ihre Vergangenheit. So bleibt auch ihre wachsende Beziehung irgendwie oberflächlich und eigentlich bin ich von den Autorinnen doch mehr gewöhnt. 

[RBR]

“The crisp flavor of hops was a pale comparison to the deliciousness that was Rowan himself, but the tastes of the memory was Rowan himself only thing I’d get. A one-time thing…. Stupid. Stupid to say and stupid to pretend once would be enough.” — Kate Hawthorne and E.M. Denning


Gil Valentine, of 'One Time Thing'' by Kate Hawthorne and E.M. Denning, is about as closed-off as a man can get. His last relationship left him so devastated that he is unwilling to try being close to anyone again. But when Gil meets his new red-haired neighbor, Rowan, his libido roars to life. He may not want to become involved with anyone, but meeting Rowan makes Gil reconsider.

Rowan meets Gil while looking for his son, Fisher, who has stopped at Gil's to ask for help fixing his bike. With father and son reunited Gil dismisses them by closing the garage door. But Rowan is not easily deterred, he returns later with a thank-you offering of beer and a burger for helping his son. He has fought his attraction for years, but when he meets Gil, he finally decides to pursue his feelings.

Gil is surprised to see Rowan back so soon, but he admires Rowan's persistence and finds his awkwardness amusing. Their conversation is brief, yet Gil is taken aback by how much he likes Rowan. Despite being complete opposites—Gil is a tough biker and Rowan is a sweet, buttoned-down shirt-wearing type—Gil can't help but want to see Rowan again.

What was supposed to be a one-time thing becomes a regular occurrence. Gil makes it clear that he doesn't do relationships and Rowan agrees to this arrangement. One reason Gil sets these boundaries is that he would never dream that he and Rowan could ever have anything in common but sex. Yet, he can't shake how being with Rowan makes him feel.

‘A One-Time Thing’ is a complex, hot, and intense story about two conflicted men whose actions only add to the confusion. Fortunately, Rowan’s son, Fisher, helps when he acts as a bridge between them. Rowan displays incredible patience with Gil as he witnesses him wrestle with his emotions, denying his true feelings until he ultimately exhausts himself and confronts his fears. Thanks, Kate and E.M.


DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off fine with Gil and Rowan presenting decently defined characters and arcs to shape the story.

Then all of it kinda gets town thrown out on favor of sex too quickly (20% of the way in and after they'd only had like two conversations)

Gil and Rowan getting so hung up on each other after just sex screamed instalove. Sure, Gil had been kind to Fisher whoch could've inspired some feelings of affection that mixed with attraction could've eventually evolved into love in Rowan's case, but there was no such justification on Gil's side. His conversation with Jack where he admits that he loves him was dumb.

Also, Fisher went over to Gil's place way way too much. Having him be the sole reason Rowan headed over there every time he and Gil got into a spat got repetitive. Almost seemed like he had a crush on him of I'm being honest.

Some weirdness in the story:
- Rowan saw Gil and Jack holding hands and was visibly uncomfortable because he asked they were together but never brought it up
- Fisher was apparently super attached to his mom according to Rowan (hence why he hung up their family photo first) then tells Gil that he doesn't remember her and acts very casual about it. Does he miss her or not?
- Fisher was supposedly dealing with issues at his last school, but there's zero follow up on it until 70% when he just randomly yells at Rowan for not wanting him to have friends.
- We never did learn what Gil did for a job. He was always just home working on his motorcycle.
- Both of Rowan's friends kinda just disappeared. Eric showed up on a phone call three times and Brian stopped being a thing after lunch, date, and grocery store. And we only saw Rowan's job twice. The fact that he had nothing else going on other than his pining for Gil really made a boring character to read. Gil at least kinda had his friendship with Jack (though that conflict was really Jack's and not his)

TL;DR instalove, too quick at sex, and nothing else going on other than sex and some pining. The romance was lacking but I guess the sex was steamy at least.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gil and Rowan's story is one full of spice and swoony sweetness. Gil has sworn off relationships after his previous one ended badly, but when Rowan and his teenage son move to town, things start to change without him realizing it.

I absolutely adored Fisher, sure he was moody, what teenager isn't? But, he yearned for his dad to be happy whether that was with Gil, a woman or another man. As long as his dad was happy he was happy, which was really sweet. I loved the moments where Fisher and Gil bonded over fixing Fisher's bike. Sure, Gil was gruff and not overly talkative, but those moments really helped form a bond between those two.

The relationship between Rowan and Gil started off with a bang.. literally. They agree to only hooking up, no feelings. But the more these two fought their feelings the more problems arise, until one scary moment brings everything into clarity. I liked Rowan and Gil together, Rowan was more lighthearted and serious, while Gil was aloof and more go with the flow. I was happy when Gil finally admitted his feelings for Rowan, it was such a a pivotal moment and showed his character growth.

I do think that there could've been significantly less steamy scenes and this book would've still been fantastic. Overall a nice story! If you're looking for a low-angst, steamy, and sweet read this is for you.

[Kayla 🐼 · Rating 2 out of 5]

started good, ended okay. could’ve been great with more plot.

Listen I love smut, but this story did not have enough plot. I’m not sure how anyone can believe Rowan and Gil fall in love when the whole gist of their relationship is having sex a few times over the course of a little over a month. The beginning felt jumbled and rushed. Outside of sex, the progression of a relationship between Rowan and Gil just wasn’t actually there. There was very minimal interaction between them that wasn’t related to an orgasm. Add in more plot and you can actually flesh out a legitimate romantic relationship between them.

This story was also very repetitive, saying a lot of the same things throughout the story. That’s probably because not much of anything outside of sex actually happened between the two MCs, and honestly because of that this might’ve been better as a novella.

A couple grammar/spelling issues here and there, but there were also continuity issues. The ages Gil had his accident, dated Philip, and broke up don’t line up. Overall it also felt like there were plot holes that didn’t get a chance to be addressed due to the lack of story outside of sex.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ended up finishing it. Idk why. So many continuity errors. No real development. Frustrating parts. Just needed more work. Felt like there were vague parts where the author basically was thinking about returning to in the future to add depth but then forgot.

Also, I get super annoyed when the clumsy/falling over himself trope happens and just keeps going. Like, you are a grown man and you are constantly almost falling over?

Original review:

Dnf 35% (7/28/25)

It is a short read so I could finish it. But there are a lot of errors. Plus, it drives me a bit crazy when a character makes observations like “he has never been like this before” when he has met the other character ONCE. Oh, like, you know him and his behaviors SO WELL?

The characterization and development of the story are just not there.

Also, minor pet peeve but when your CHILD is sleeping upstairs, could you move the act to the bedroom with a closed door? I just kept anticipating a twelve year old walking in on something

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book by Kate and I truly enjoyed it. My heart hurt for all of these characters and it was really hard to not fall for them all. I really hope Jack gets a book because I would love to read more about him. 🖤🔥🚲🔥🖤

My favorite quotes:

• Rowan: I shouldn’t like the idea of him keeping it, but I liked the idea that he was keeping a piece of me. All I had of him were the memories of the way he touched me. The way he said my name. His smile when he thought I couldn’t see it and the way his mouth felt on mine. Memories of Gil were a bruise I couldn’t stop pressing.

• Gil: There would be a lot of next times, and I was so thankful for that.

Rowan loved me, and I wasn’t going to lose him anymore.

• Rowan: It was a miracle he’d fallen in love with me, but falling for him had been a foregone conclusion. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I’d known that I wanted to know him. I wanted to be near him. And the more I knew, and the more I was near, the more I wanted him. There wasn’t a scenario that ended with me not falling hopelessly in love with Gil Valentine.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two authors write hot enough stories on their own; together, they create pure fire. I don't even mean the spice levels, though the chemistry between Gil and Rowan in this book is certainly off the charts. Instead, they build on each other's strengths to create intense, well-developed characters who easily tap into reader emotions as they are forced to confront their own. They are also surrounded by secondary characters who are much more than two-dimensional figures only there to prop up the heroes. This makes all the interactions and relationships in this book realistic and messy in the best ways, leading to an emotional, satisfying ending. I didn't expect the tears I shed along the way, nor for a particular character to be the cause of them. Apparently, dirty-talking black cat heroes undergoing significant character development--and falling in love along the way--is the perfect way to hit me right in the feels.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I’m a sucker for a grump! Especially a grump who can’t say no to a kid.

Gil is a loner who keeps everyone at arms length and I love every minute of him. Especially as the kind, optimistic neighbour, Rowan, manages to work his way under his skin. Well him and his son.

The closed-off ones always fall the sweetest and their no-strings hook-up of convenience was a lot of fun to watch as each late-night knock brings them closer and closer to love.

Both of them are great guys and ones that you will root for and want to be friends with. And Rowan’s son is a wonderful addition to the story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so enjoyable! Gil is a loner-type motorcycle enthusiast who has one best friend and tons of walls up after a painful break-up several years prior. Rowan is new to the neighborhood. He's a single dad with a pre-teen boy and a desire for a fresh start. His wife died in a car crash six years earlier and Rowan is now open to a relationship. He's known he is bisexual, but he's never been with a man before. When he first sets eyes on Gil, who's helping Rowan's son work on his bicycle, Rowan is gone. When they hook up, they both agree that they are different, not wanting a serious relationship, and that this is a one time thing. What happens when they both want more?

This book is spicy hot, but also has a good blend of supportive friends and a family feeling. It's a story of two men who find their way to healing and forever love. Just beautiful!

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

While I liked this well enough, I felt that it was missing a lot.

Backstories weren't explained that well, in my opinion, for Rowan, Gil, and even Jack, Gil's best friend.

Gil’s ‘I don’t do anything other than sex on occasion so I make a point in being a jerk about it’ attitude got old quick.

Rowan's shy blushing, tripping over things, and overall clinginess was cringe, like second-hand embarrassment cringe.

I did like Fisher, Rowan's son, for the most part.

Full review with spoilers can be found at -

[Kristy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absoulutely Lovely

This story has all the fun tropes. Grumpy neighbor who is not a relationship guy and just wants to be left alone after a bad breakup. Single dad who wants to do the best he can for his pre teen son but is also kinda wanting to check out this new side of him that likes guys. Not quite sure who falls first cause it just seems to happen to them both and they both are stunned by it. A little hurt, a little comfort.

I'm telling you. The whole package of goodies. Both of these authors have a wonderful voice and bring us such amazing characters and together they have given us Gil and Rowan. Two men that really need each other and a boy who needs them both. I really loved this story.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this lighthearted single dad romance. It felt like a fun and easy read, but it also had enough depth and emotional scenes for my enjoyment.

Rowan and his son Fisher move to a new town, where they meet their neighbour Gil. Both Verne boys(Rowan and Fisher) are somehow immediately drawn to Gil. Fisher makes Gil help him fix his bike, while Rowan tries his best to thank him for helping his son. You could feel the spark between Gil and Rowan from the moment they met, and despite not wanting kids Fisher really grew on Gil. I loved how Gil and Rowan's relationship evolved, and how the pesky feelings made themselves known. It was fun to see the "one-time" thing turn into something more and deeper. I really enjoyed Gil's grumpyness and Rowans sunshine-y attitude. I also really enjoyed how flustered Rowan was around Gil. And don't even get me started on Gil's mouth! The things that man said! Phew! I loved his dirty talk.

If you're in the mood for a lighthearted, low-angst single dad romance then you should definitely give this book a try! You also get and extra helping of a moody pre-teen as well.

[Becky A · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A One-Time Thing" received TWO AND A HALF stars.

I enjoyed the characters. The story was okay, it needed another round of editing to catch the handful of mistakes I’d found.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

1/2 * gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Gil and Rowan both stole my heart as did Fisher! I think these two came into each other’s lives just when they needed it the most. Gil is the hot biker while Rowan is the nerdy single father who is the total opposite of Gil but they fit together perfectly! I could totally relate to Rowan and the anger issue because that’s exactly how I am and just adored him for that! Fisher really needed both these men and it made my heart happy that the move was better for him! Such an enjoyable read that I highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and spicy, and mostly low-angst story focusing on the hookups-to-more trope. Gil and Rowan are both solid MCs and had undeniable chemistry. I do wish, however, that they talked a bit more and actually got to know one another. The relationship depth isn’t quite there for me in this book unfortunately. But even so, the fact that they do eventually fall for each other is enough to make me happy and cheering for them. I guess maybe a few less steamy scenes and some emotional moments instead would have been the perfect balance. But overall, their story was still enjoyable and lighthearted.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super sexy romance. Gil and Rowan are total opposites in many ways, but they can't resist each other. When they come together for what they think will be a one-time thing, both quickly realize they can't get enough.
I like that Gil, who doesn't want to get involved with a parent, meets Rowan's son Fisher first. I also appreciate that Rowan is not hesitant to explore his bisexuality, even though he stresses over plenty of other things. I enjoyed seeing these two catch feelings despite their best intentions.
I recommend this book to fans of the authors, as well as anyone who loves a lot of heat with their romance. This book has that in spades, and it's a really good read.

[Malissa Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not A Chance

It’s funny how things become A One-Time Thing. That was how Gil and Rowan thought their hookup was going to be. Wrong, not a chance in all get out. One hookup lead to more and more until neither of them could stand to be apart from each other. But it was thanks to Fisher, Rowan’s son, that made Gil finally admit what he really wanted. The whole book was just adorable and Kate Hawthorne and E.M. Denning did an incredible job in writing this book. It’s definitely a 5 star ⭐️ read and I really hope they make this into a series because the other characters in the book need their story as well. A job well done! 💜

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The beginning of their relationship felt super rushed and I would have preferred a bit more build up. The book itself did kind of acknowledge this, but still. This would probably be considered an erotic romance, right, because majority of the relationship development happens through sex. So it was a little odd to have to navigate that when there was a kid involved. Like having to think about where Fisher was at any given point. lol There are also a few random but obvious typos. I know if I was an author, knowing I couldn’t fix typos would bug the crap out of me.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

This was a fun, low angst, opposites attract steamy story that shows Gil falling in love with Rowan and Rowan falling in love with Gil... but it also involves coming together as a family with Fisher and that's what added dimension to this story.

I like that Rowan and Fisher are starting over in a new place and that Gil is rethinking his life stances...

As always, I enjoyed the collaboration between these two authors - the story was seamless and flowed well!

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read but editing and continuity let this book down!

I am confused about how long this book actually covers time wise but Gil and Rowan ..WOW the connection is hot but the talking is NOT.

and I am have a teen i get the earbuds thing totally but if Fisher was a great cook why didn't he cook more?

Gil ..we almost just skim the surface of who he is ..yeah he has an ex and a best friend but we don't know anything really about him...

[Lindsey Middlemiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute single-dad romance

Cute, fun, and not too angsty single-dad romance. Great bisexual rep

In this, you'll find:
🔹️MM Contemporary Romance
🔹️Single dad new to town
🔹️Determined bachelor
🔹️Bi4bi
🔹️Older MCs (35/42)
🔹️Opposites attract
🔹️Single dad of a tween with attitude
🔹️Hookup to more
🔹️Past death of wife
🔹️Child in the ER after accident
🔹️Child running away
🔹️Mention of past motorbike crash
🔹️A HEA