Hale: A Single Dad Sports Romance

Hale Brothers #1

by Anastasija White, Stephanie Rose (narrator), Teddy Hamilton (narrator)

She's younger and my daughter's nanny, but I want her anyway.

When professional soccer player HUNTER HALE returns home after years of living in Europe, he needs only one a nanny for his daughter, Story. The problem? No matter how highly skilled the candidates are, he doesn't like any of them. The situation seems impossible until Story's uncle, Hayden, finds the solution—his best friend, PIPER EVANS.

With her little sister's health declining, Piper was forced to drop out of college and help pay for her sister's medical expenses from her college fund. Her plan? Find a job and save up money so she can continue her studies after taking a year off. Just as she's about to start work at a local café, Hayden steps in with an offer she can't refuse.

Working as a live-in nanny for Hayden's niece sounds like a dream come true—until Piper sees her new boss. It's been years, and Hunter Hale is not like she remembers him. He's handsome, well-built, and most definitely, off-limits . . . right?

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Forced Proximity, Soccer, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance

Audible Audio

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Anastasija is an indie author who spends her days creating swoon-worthy and steamy stories that will make your heart race. Her writing is filled with flawed and relatable characters that you'll find yourself rooting for. Whether you're in the mood for angsty drama or steamy romance, her stories take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with guaranteed happy endings.

When she's not writing, she loves to lose herself in reading books, rewatching her favorite tv-shows and spending time with her son. She loves traveling and exploring the world, and then including places she visited in her novels.

If you're a fan of romance that leaves you breathless and begging for more, Anastasija is the author for you. Connect with her on Instagram and TikTok, where she loves to hear from her readers and share sneak peeks of her books and upcoming projects.

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Reviews

[Jade Bowman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to dnf this so many times but forced myself to push through.
The description and tropes pulled me in, but the writing style was not for me at all. It didn't flow well and a lot of it felt really cringey. I disliked every single character, other than the daughter (even though her name was Story 😬)
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it fell flat for me.
It has a ton of great reviews so maybe its just not for me.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

I’ve been so excited to read this book because based on the tropes, I just knew I was going to eat it up.

This is book 1 in the Hale Brothers Series following Hunter Hale & Piper. Hunter is a newly divorced, single dad & professional soccer player who has just moved back to his hometown of LA in the United States after living in Europe for a while pursuing his career. He’s in need of a nanny for his daughter & his brother suggests his best friend, Piper, who he’s met before but it’s been years since they’ve seen each other. But from the moment they meet again, they instantly have a connection. Only problem? Aside from Piper being his daughter’s new nanny, Hunter has sworn off relationships, his sole focus being soccer & his daughter. When they can no longer deny the pull between them, they agree to be friends with benefits. Because what could possibly go wrong, as long as they stick to their rules… right?

Whew Hunter & Piper take you on a ride with this one! Hunter will have you fuming one minute & swooning the next. I love how Piper never backed down from him or his grumpy attitude. She never failed to put him in his place. He was definitely stubborn but once he gave in to their connection, it was so beautiful. I loved their journey of falling in love. Piper was so good with Story. Their relationship was so sweet & Piper always put Story first. I definitely wasn’t expecting the plot twist in this book, I was so surprised but absolutely loved it!

Thank you Anastasija for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🥰

Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Age Gap (13 yrs)
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder

[RenDaggry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4/5
Tropes
• Single dad/nanny
• Sports romance
• Age gap
• Grumpy / sunshine
• Best friends brother


Piper has to take a year off from college to find a job and her friend offers her a job as a nanny because she is good with kids.
And Hunter is in desperate need of a nanny for his child. I loved the chemistry between the characters and how they interacted with each other.
What I liked even more about this book was the child ! The girl just made me fall in love with her. I love how Piper interacts with her , that there is no unnecessary drama in the book.
And Hunter is just 😍🥵 , not only is he a hot man , but he is the best father to his daughter as well

If you want to read a book with a good plot that will brighten up your evening, then this book is for you.

Thanks to the author for providing the ARC

[Kiki Garrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

The banter
The spice
The sass
The chemistry
The friendships

A single dad / nanny, sports romance with an upcoming rockstar brother & bestfriend 😮‍💨🔥

I loved this so much. Hunter’s relationship with his daughter Story is just so sweet and beautifu. Add in a strong, stunning, won’t hold back and speaks her mind Piper and this was just everything.

I love how Ana has this way of shocking me with her writing and she did not disappoint with this one. The ending, the twist there had me screamingggg. I loved it!!! Did not see it coming at all and I was so here for it 👏🏼

- Age Gap
- Best Friends Brother / Brothers Best Friend
- Forced Proximity

[Megan Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I binged this is in a day.
The soccer player really worked for me.
First soccer romance in the books.

Age gap
Best friends brother
Nanny x single dad
Liked the tropes.

Loved the wrap up and ending and time frame.

Was slightly concerned Hunter Hale might have a 🌶️ addiction tho holy moly 😅

[kal ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

enjoyed a lot more than i expected!!

[OneWordDifference · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m so sorry but this feels like a poorly written wattpad book. I made it through 9% and had to give up 💀💀

Also the age gap?? I’m sorry but a 20 yr old college kid with a 33 yr old is icky.

[Haily Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5🌶️

Tropes:
✨Soccer Romance
✨Best Friend’s Brother
✨Daughter’s Nanny
✨Single Dad
✨Age Gap
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Steamy & Angsty

First off, I want to say thank you Ana for the ARC. I was SOOO happy when I saw the email for this. I’ve been waiting to read HALE & let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. You will love Piper & Hunter’s story. Plus, Hunter’s Daughter Story is the cutest EVER.

HALE is the first book in the Hale Brother’s Series following Piper Evans & Hunter Hale. Hunter is a professional soccer player & when he returns home after years playing soccer overseas. He left behind a failed marriage but has his beautiful daughter with him, Story is his whole life. All he needs is her & soccer. He is looking for a nanny for Story and his brother Hayden introduces his best friend Piper to him & that she would be the perfect person for the job. BUT what do they do when the attraction is so strong & they should stay away from each other.

I have read a soccer romance before, but MAN did Ana bring us a masterpiece. ALSO, can I just say the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to have it on my bookshelf. I highly recommend this one. BUT I can’t wait for Hayden’s book. A rockstar romance? Yess SIGN ME UP.

Available to you on 1/12!

[Menna Elsherif · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[ᥫ᭡. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Took me a while to read this because I was reading onyx storm

[melissaa.maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hale and his daughter’s relationship is truly something special, and then throw Piper into the mix, and it just melts my heart. Piper would move mountains for that girl.

I was hooked from the first chapter. This fast-paced romance really had it all. The perfect amount of banter and spice and I fell in love with the characters from the beginning.

If you love yourself a single, grumpy, overprotective dad, let me introduce you to Mr Hunter Hale 🧎🏻‍♀️

- Dual POV
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- Best Friends Brother

I am so thankful to have received an arc copy of this novel. I can't wait for the world to meet Hale, Piper, and Story 🤍

[Life on Readpeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗲 by Anastasija White was a steamy sports romance that had 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 — from a sexy single dad to an age gap that had my heart swooning the entire time. Hunter Hale had my heartstrings all tangled up — damn that man was 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗘 as 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗟! I was living out my wildest fantasies thanks to this moody and broody soccer player. He may be older than our leading lady Piper Evans, but she sure knows how to hold her own. She knows just how to dish back the same amount of energy that he does. Their banter has me inhaling this story — word after word — in just a matter of hours. I totally would have finished in one sitting if it wasn’t for work (although I was sneaking in chapters throughout the workday in-between calls). Hands down one of the 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 single dad/nanny romances that I have read in a while — these two were just the perfect match!

Now let me just take a quick moment to talk about Story, that sweet little girl that captured Piper’s heart (and mine) from the very start! I want my own girl one day that matches her adorable little personality. I also wanted to quickly say that I liked how her parents (Hunter and Amelia) still had a sense of respect for one another when it came to not talking crap about the other parent in front of Story. Even though they didn’t work as a couple, they both know that co-parenting is the best for them.

Anastasija White was a new-to-me author (if you’ve read my last few reviews, you may have noticed a slight trend 😂. 𝗦𝗢 many amazing new-to-me authors recently) back in late 2023 when I read her books: 𝗦𝗶𝗻-𝗕𝗶𝗻 and 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿. I am so glad to have added another amazing story to my read list from her with her latest release — 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗲! If you haven’t read this author, do 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗙 a favor and redeem that right now!

[Büşra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Güzeldi. Biraz sakin ve bol spicy bir okuma oldu dkdkdkx single dad & nanny olurken bir anda benefits oldular ama yavaş yavaş birbirlerini tanıdılar ve aşık oldular sadece Hunter’in korkularına daha çok değinilmesini isterdim çünkü bir nedeni olduğunu söylüyorlar ama tam olarak geçmedi bana bu sebep olarak yani birazcık daha duygu olabilirdi gibi geldi onun dışında eğlenceli bir kitaptı özellikle Hunter’ın kızı aşırı tatlıydı💗

[Jamie Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read September

Arc Re-Read – Jan.
I am still in love with this story and I think this is my favorite book by Anastasija. I just love a grumpy older man and Hunter Hale is DADDY! Love him so much!

This story follows Piper and Hunter. Piper decides she wants to take a year off school and he BFF, Hayden, has the perfect job for her, being the nanny to his niece. Hunter has recently moved back to LA with his daughter. He has an extremely busy schedule with being a professional athlete and all….so this is where Piper comes in. At first they both drive each other crazy but the more time they spend together and get to know each other the closer they get…

I just love the single dad/nanny trope..and IMO this one was perfection! The chemistry the banter and the tension these two had was top tier!!! Hunter is possessive, protective, and a very dirty mouth. Piper is caring, nurturing, and not afraid to stick up for those she loves. Hunter will forever be listed in my top list of book boyfriends…I just can’t get enough of him and his mouth…plus he was absolutely the best dad!
And each of their own separate relationships with Story…AHHH so sweet!
If you want to read a book with a good plot that will brighten up your evening, then this book is for you.

Overall: 5
Spice: 3

Tropes:
-Soccer romance
-Single dad x Nanny
-Best friends brother
-Age gap
-Forced proximity

[Hailey Goshert · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ how do i explain that, to me, this book felt like it was trying too hard?

by 30% i could already tell that this wasn’t going to be a fav read for me, but the extended third act breakup absolutely solidified that & made me crash out fr. it lasted for an obnoxiously long and unnecessary amount of time imo.

2/3 of these stars are for Story, she was probably the most mature character in this book lol! (no fr, she was written like she could’ve been a pre-teen, not a 7 y/o)

the other 1.5 stars are for the smokin hot spice! like; damn! I’d probably only recommend this if you just want an okay storyline with pretty well written smut tbh.

characters all felt kinda wishy-washy to me. none of them seemed very dimensional or realistic. each of their motives and personalities seemed to sway too hard in complete opposite directions all the time.

might come back and just write a pros & cons list or something, idk. not an awful book but certainly not super great either?🤷🏻‍♀️

[Literary Child (Tania) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Головний герой — самозакоханий мудак, скотина і свиня. Абсолютно споживацьки ставився до героїні протягом всієї книги. Фу, огидний до кінчиків волосся. Хоче трахатися — йде до головної героїні, а як заходить за почуття — прекрасна ідея ігнорувати будь-які її повідомлення. Всю книжку казати, що він не створений для стосунків — а потім бігати за нею, коли фактично вигнав її раніше.

Нуднєйший секс кожну другу сторінку книги — мене вже під кінець нудило.

Багато негативних емоцій після прочитання цієї історії. Можливо, просто не моя авторка.

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥💥

I need more people to bring us Socccer based in the US! Thank you Ana for giving me a sport I desperately need more of! When I saw single dad/nanny, age gap, best friend’s brother, grumpy/sunshine professional athlete, I was here for it!

Hunter Hale and Piper had such a great chemistry and their dynamic was interesting from the start! Piper becomes Hunter’s nanny after he moves back to the US and her friendship with Hale’s younger brother and her instant connection to Story, Hunter’s daughter, make her perfect for the role. Hunter is a hot grump with a dirty mouth, and a total alphahole, but I still liked him anyway! His dirty mouth especially 🔥🔥🔥

I really like that Piper never was afraid to go toe to toe with Hale and give him a piece of her mind. They were evenly matched and it just brought the tension and chemistry.
Story was adorable and made Hunter more likable because he absolutely adored his daughter!

Also if you told me one of my favorite side characters would be Hunter’s ex wife, I wouldn’t have believed you, but I ended up loving her!

Such great spice and a quick easy read, this one will make any sports lover happy!

[Julie Book addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age gap soccer single dad
Love a good forbidden story
Hunter and Piper story
Enjoyed reading

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasija absolutely smashes it! Where do I start to review this!?

Hunter is a total grump! No way around it, he is a complete grump a-hole and jacka$$. Especially to Piper to start with anyway!
Even though Piper is such a sweetheart!

It really made me question how Story is related to Hunter; the Grump… wow! Because Story is the sweetest little sweetheart! She deserves all the love!

Hunter and Piper had such an intense instant connection, even if it was a very hot lust at first sight…..!! The way he eye fxcks her and she notices!!
The way they bicker, it was very intense, but it leads to the best (and hottest) fxck-it kiss!!

While their lust and connection lead to a FWB situation-ship, and rules they set in place, they always make me giggle as we all know what happens in these tropes!!

Hunter’s ex-wife; Amelia… god! She absolutely wins the ex-wife of the year award!

The third act drama was heartbreaking, but all those little nuggets dropped throughout start to make sense. But Hunter’s big grand gesture was perfect and simple and small yet so beautiful.

I won’t say too much, but I love that little hockey cameo that was snuck in!

Anastasija included a sneaky peek into her next book; Breakaway and I am so excited!! And the little nuggets for Hade are so enticing!!

Thank you Anastasija for an early copy!!

[Teagen Howden · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.. it was cute, not enough angst and build up.

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I am an e-ARC reader, these are my original thoughts -

I would have to say I am so happy that this is the first book I read by Anastasija White. Most, if not all her books, are in my to-be-read pile. This was an immediate sign up to read not only because of the author, but the tropes are some of my favorites, and I needed to find out how they fit.

This book is very spicy! I’ve read many sport romances throughout the years but only a handful of soccer romances. The writing style just capture’s you, not to mention it’s not to fall in love with the characters. The chemistry is there from the beginning and not to forget the banter. Hunter is possessive, protective, and a very dirty mouth. Piper is caring, nurturing, and not afraid to stick up for those she loves.

Piper Evans needs a job. Hunter Hale needs a nanny. Hayden Hale just wants to help.

Quotes
“If I never mee my soulmate in a lover, I’ll always have one in my best friend.”

“I have a thousand different thoughts and feelings, and the tiniest ray of hope flutters in my chest. I’m always more than practical, yet as an athlete I also believe in luck. Sometimes winning is not just about teamwork. Sometimes it’s a confluence of circumstances— pure luck.”

“This man is dead set on sending me into orgasmic oblivion with his words and his care.”

Tropes
- Single Dad
- Sports Romance
- Age Gap
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Spicy
- Best Friend’s Brother / Brother’s Best Friend
- Dual POV

[Daniela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hatte mich sehr auf das Buch gefreut aber wooow.
Was für eine Enttäuschung.
Schreibstil war nichts besonderes.
Piper war sympathisch und ich mochte die Freundschaft mit Hayden total.
Hunter war die typische 0815 „ich hab kein Herz“ männliche Hauptfigur.
Story war süss, abee habe null Ahnung wie alt sie war….
Sie kam teilweise sehr erwachsen und dann gab‘s Momente wo sie mir wie ne 5jährige vorkam.

Das Buch hat viel Smut.
Und dafür keine Entwicklung.
Die haben Sex und das ist dann irgendwann halt Liebe.
Macht genau null Sinn. Ja, sie verbringen viel Zeit miteinander - aber haben da immer nur Sex.

Ich hatte mir mehr erhofft. Es fehlte die persönliche Entwicklung der Beiden und auch ein realistischer Aufbau für die Beziehung. Würd nicht nochmals was von der Autorin lesen…. Ich hab das Gefühl, dass der Hauptfokus Smut ist und sonst nichts und das sind nicht die Romance Bücher die ich gerne lese.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5

Zaczęło się całkiem obiecująco. Piłkarz potrzebuje niani dla swojej córki i to musi być taka kobieta, która go nie podrywa tylko jest dla jego dziecka. Tak się okazuje, że jego brat muzyk ma bardzo dobrą przyjaciółkę, taką wiecie bardzo, bardzo bliską. Z drugiej strony zachowywał się jak jej ojciec albo chłopak. We wszystko się wtrącał się i nią manipulował, a Riley to niby zauważyła, ale w drugiej strony i tak dała się pod puścić, w później się niego się po prostu nie odzywała.

Oczywiście Hunter nie chce żadnego związku i tutaj troszeczkę nie rozumiem jego problemu. Oczywiście uważam, że trafia w tej sytuacji była super pomysłem. Jednak jego Awersja do związków kompletnie nie wiem skąd się wzięła aż w takim stopniu. W sensie czasami jest jakiś zapalnik, które powoduje że boimy się zaufać komuś zaufać czy na kogoś otworzyć. Czy też związku i czegoś zobowiązującego i to jest całkiem zrozumiałe. Tylko, że tutaj jego tata zdradził kiedyś mamę… i w sumie tyle. Wiem, że każdy ma takie coś zareaguje inaczej i każdego to inaczej z traumatyzuje. Jednocześnie to było na taką skalę rozdmuchane, że ja jakoś nie mogłam w to uwierzyć

Oczywiście scen zbliżeń jest mnóstwo i już w pewnym momencie miałam dosyć. Te sceny się kompletnie niczym nie wyróżniały i w kółko Macieja było to samo. Było bardzo blisko DNF. Jak na to jak bardzo się wzbraniał do Riley to Jakoś bardzo szybko między nimi do czegoś doszło. Cały czas mówiła, że nie zrobi tego swojej córce. Oczywiście jak już do czegoś doszło to od razu poszli na całość.

Już niektóre momenty po prostu mnie rozsadzały od środka. Oczywscie Stwierdzili, że będą ukrywać to co się między nimi dzieje. Czyli po prostu seks bez zobowiązań. No więc są gdzieś w miejscu publicznym i najpierw Hunter rozmawia z dziennikarką. Riley robi się zazdrosna, ale spokojnie zaraz będzie ktoś do niej zarywał. O dziwo nasz główny Bohater nawet w miejscu publicznym zachowuje się rozsądnie, ale główna bohaterka jest już obrażona, że on nie zareagował jakoś, ale sekundę wcześniej w myślach było „są w miejscu publicznym, musimy zachować się profesjonalnie.”

Nic mnie to nie porwało. Zmęczyłam się słuchając jej, okropnie mi się dłużyła i czasami też to dziecko jest jakieś takie pokrzepiające i ratuje książkę, ale tutaj niestety nie wyszło. Jego córka miała osiem lat, ale oczywiście zachowała się jakby miała co najmniej 40 na karku. Oczywiście wiem że dzieci są w pewnym wieku takie przemądrzałe. Sama miałam rodzeństwo, ale to musi być tak wyważone żeby to nie wyglądało i nie brzmiało nienaturalnie.

[Beth (bethsbookshelfx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating : ☆☆☆☆

———

𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘪𝘳.

———

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :

- 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙙 𝙭 𝙉𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙮
- 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 : 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡/𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙧
- 𝘼𝙜𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙥 : 13 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨
- 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧
- 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮 : 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧
- 𝙂𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙮 𝙭 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙁𝙒𝘽 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨

✔️ Available On KU

———

I really really enjoyed this. Anastasija just doesn’t miss for me. I thoroughly enjoy every single one of her books. The writing just speaks to me.

As a big footie girlie I adored this book. I loved the references! I loved that Hunter was opening a football academy. It took me back to my childhood of attending the ‘David Beckham Academy’.

I enjoyed Piper so much, she was such a great character and I got along with her straight away. The relationship she had with Story was the sweetest!

Hunter Hale has a damn mouth on him and I love it. He was a dreamboat throughout the book. I’m glad he finally dealt with his faults and finally followed his heart.

I love the way Hunter will involve Story in decisions by asking for her opinions. That’s a beautiful way to make a kid feel included. It was beautiful to see.

I thought I was gonna absolutely hate Amelia, which don’t get me wrong we was very close at the beginning. I absolutely adore her!

Also, a Colt appearance 🫠 I love that all of Anastasija’s characters all live in the same world and crossover.

Excited for Hade’s book!

[Nicole Hupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive the arc for this book and this is my honest review.

Every book I’ve read of Anastasija’s I’ve always loved. I love her mix of steam and emotion she adds into her books. This one was no different. Hale was a great age gap,forced proximity,nanny/single dad and add brothers best friend you get one heck of a story. It’s Hunters brother who is best friends with Piper.

Hale for me had the perfect amount of tension and drama. The tension was hot. It was very clear these two were attracted and wanted each other. Hunter fought his need for her but it came off like he was short with Piper. He was a man who lived for his soccer career and his daughter. Who by the way was the most adorable and sweet character you will love as well. Piper was a feisty and confident character. She could and does keep Hunter on his toes.

The moment they let go and give into their need for each other, it was Hunter who finally lets go and just doesn’t care. Because his attraction and lust for Piper is just too much for him not to give in. It starts as a very clear no strings attached situation,because Hunter doesn’t think he wants anything serious. But I loved how Anastasija was able to give hints and had the reader literally see them falling for each other. Even before the two even remotely knew or even admitted to themselves.

Hunter as a dad definitely will make your heart melt. Who doesn’t love a great dad?. Daddy Hale will have you 🥵. Piper and her relationship with Story was amazing. Piper adores her and Story loves Piper in turn. Even Story knew her dad was in love with Piper before he knew.

The steamy scenes were crazy hot. The type where they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. The Shower scene was omg. There was also a little surprise you won’t see coming towards the end and I know and believe most readers are gonna love.

[Meaghan Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Tropes:
Age Gap (13 years)
Best friends brother
Grumpy/sunshine
Sports romance

“This girl makes me feel everything. She makes me feel seen and heard, makes me feel real, makes me feel like me.” 🫠

Hunter moved back to LA to be closer to his family with the intention of focusing solely on his daughter and his soccer career. However, he is currently struggling to find a nanny that his daughter likes and isn’t trying to use the job to get close to him. Meanwhile, Piper has taken a year off school and is currently struggling to find a job to help her family with financial struggles. Thanks to her best friend, who puts in a good word with his brother, she becomes his daughter’s live-in nanny and things take a turn that Hunter never would’ve expected.

I love the dynamic between Piper and Hunter and the development of their relationship through the book. Though even more than that, I love the relationship with both of them and Hunter’s daughter, Story, who is absolutely adorable!

[Pauline (booksofviolette) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single dad x nanny, age gap and best friend's brother all at once?! YES.

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Piper needs money for college. Hunter Hale is back home and needs a nanny to care for his daughter. When they meet, they have an instant connection. It seems like the perfect match. Except Piper is Hunter's brother's best friend, she's younger, and his daughter's nanny. And after his divorce, Hunter swore off any relationship.

But the pull is too strong and they start a friends with benefits agreement. It just looks like a relationship but it can't turn into one... Right?

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I had a great time reading this one!

Hunter Hale. Professional soccer player. Single dad. Professional a*hole as well 😂 He is the best at being a dad, but not the best at human relationships.
I wanted to punch him so many times!

Piper is a great FMC, I love her when she speaks for herself. And I adored her relationship with Story!

I didn't expect the plot twist at the end and I am very happy with the ending of this book and the time it took to resolve everything so I will definitely read more form Anastasia White!

[Rhianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you to Anastasija and her team for sending me an ARC of Hale!!
I read this entire book in one sitting! I starting it this morning and I didn’t stop until I was finished, I just couldn’t help myself!
This book if filled with banter, fun, cute moments and 🌶️
I absolutely adored the relationship between Hale and his daughter like?? Could it be ANY CUTER?? Yeah it could be because add in her Nanny that he can’t seem to take his eyes off of? OVERLOAD

Honestly this is my 3rd book I’ve read by Anastajia and she just slays it every time, I love her writing and the characters she builds, you leave the book feeling so warm and fuzzy.

TROPES:
⚽️single dad / nanny
⚽️pro athlete
⚽️age gap (13 years)
⚽️best friend’s brother / brother’s best friend
⚽️grumpy & sunshine vibes
⚽️dual POV
⚽️not really a trope but...’crawl to me’ (that scene had my jaw on the FLOOR 🔥🔥)

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying another amazing release by Ana!! So so proud of you girlie!!!🥹🫶🏼

I had originally read the unpublished version of this book and LOVED it so I knew I would love the published version even more!! This book was an absolute joy to read!

The relationship between Hunter and Piper was so sweet to watch unravel, they’re both on different pages in life and only want to “enjoy the moment while it lasts” 👀 or so they say… but at every chance they’re stealing stolen glances at the other and just down right smitten!

One thing I love about Ana’s books are how imperfect her characters are and how they go through their struggles and get back up and it’s so beautiful to see these two find love within the other!! Ana never fails to bring us a HEA, even though she breaks your heart through the way haha, but WE LOVE IT!!🤭😂❤️

Just overall such a sweet and cute read!!

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something about this bothered me... some of the dialogue and explanations and phrases were sort of overexplained and cringe, I think? None of it felt natural, like the author was trying to write the characters perfectly and have them say things perfectly but it just came across weird. I am not sure how to explain it, but it affected my reading. Anyway, I do think it was an okay book for what it was, but I just needed more. I didn't feel the chemistry between Piper and Hunter. In fact, I felt she had more chemistry with his brother than him. Also, Hunter was kind of rude and mean to Piper for no reason and I didn't care for that either. I think this was just trying too hard to be a single dad x nanny trope book and it just didn't work all that well.