Contractor West Aldridge’s main goal in life is to protect his three daughters from another heartbreak. The wealthy new girl in town who hires him for a remodeling project is off-limits times ten…so why can’t he follow his own no-heartbreak rule?
Amy Knupp is a USA Today Best-Selling author of contemporary romance and a freelance copy editor. She loves words and grammar and meaty, engrossing stories with complex characters.
Amy lives in Wisconsin with her husband, and has two sons, four cats, and a box turtle. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in French and journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, breaking up cat fights, watching college hoops, and annoying her family by correcting their grammar.
Okay, so here’s the thing, this entire story comes with an inherent conflict of boss/employee because of West’s potential, and much needed, promotion up for grabs. Also, he’s carrying a huge amount of guilt from a past relationship gone bad which hurt his daughters very much. So, he needs this promotion, and he never plans on putting his daughters thru that pain again. We, the readers and/or listeners, never really get to forget this because it is a constant in the story. They are part of West’s thoughts, ergo ours, constantly.
And then you know what happens? We get a third-act breakup because *sigh* I just don’t know.
I’m not the author or even an author, so I won’t pretend to know what should’ve happened, but as a reader/listener, I can only say that conflict driven stories are twitchy enough without throwing a last minute wrench into the mix. Now I shall exit stage left from this topic…
Despite the above mentioned situation, I really enjoyed the overall journey of West & Presley, but if I’m being honest, it wasn’t their relationship build that had me captivated or even West, it was Pressley and her journey. I felt she had a lot of growth throughout the story while West stood basically still, until the end that is. I know I said I was done with this topic but I’m not gonna lie, West’s constant internal battles kept him from growing as a character in my opinion and that very last minute thing that happened after 6ish hours of audio just sucked the joy right out of me for him. *hangs head* Okay, I’m really exiting stage left here.
🎧As for Connor Crais & Stella Hunter’s performances, they were outstanding. No one does inner monologue better than Connor, and there was a lot of it with this one! He was truly a saving grace for me! Stella Hunter captured Pressley’s upbeat and positive vibe perfectly. It was a pleasure to have them in my ears! *heart eyes*
NOTE: Narration is an outstanding 5+ stars, however, the story for me barely makes it to 3 stars and if I was to follow mathematical logic, my rating should be 4 stars, but I just can’t do it, so 3 stars it is. You know, Amy Knupp is an outstanding storyteller. She has proven this to me time and time again, but this time, someone fell asleep at the wheel. *shrug*
Okay this was such a sweet book in the Dragonfly Lake series by Amy Knupp! After being hired to work on Presley’s house, the attraction between her and West is so clear. He’s respectful caring, and the sweetest dad to his 3 girls - I mean how much more can my heat take before it bursts!
Audiobook: Narrated in dual by Stella Hunter & Connor Crais and this audiobook was so enjoyable to listen to! They brought this story to life and I couldn’t stop listening! West is literally the sweetest dad with his girls and I was swooning so hard!
Read if you enjoy: 🩵Single dad 🩵Small town 🩵Contractor x client 🩵Opposites attract 🩵Found family
Thank you so much to Amy Knupp & Home Cooked Books for letting me listen and review an early copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own
West is a single dad to 3 girls and works as a contractor for a construction company. Presley moves to town and hires that company to work on some projects for her. The attraction for both of them is instant but neither of them want anything serious. They definitely have some undeniable chemistry and can't fight it for long. I love how protective West is of his girls. He's such an amazing dad. Presley was so good with his girls too. She called them the smart girl brigade and I loved that.
This one was a fast, enjoyable, sweet read! I love Dragonfly Lake.
🎧Audio:🎧 The was a dual narration by Connor Crais & Stella Hunter. This was such a great pairing to play West & Presley. I love Stella's sweet voice and as always, I love everything Connor Crais does! Their voices complement each other so well. This was a great audio.
This one releases on August 8. Thanks so much to Home Cooked Books for this ALC!
The single dad trope has quickly become a favorite of mine.
Single-Minded was such a sweet, feel-good book. I listened on audio, specifically for the narrators, and as always, they were brilliant, sweeping me away to the small town and all the fun adventures.
Performed in dual style by Stella Hunter and Connor Crais, they breathed life into Presley and West... plus the adorable three little girls. I've enjoyed books by both narrators, and each time l've listened, I have enjoyed and adored their performances.
Being a great father and taking care of his three daughters are West's main priorities when he meets his wealthy and very beautiful client at his job site. After spending several days together on different projects, both West and Presley decide to have a no-strings attached relationship, and to keep it quiet. West, so his daughters do not get hurt and Presley, because she doesn't do relationships. We all know how these kind of relationships work out and this one was no different. The character growth was probably my favorite part about this book because it wasn't rushed and it felt genuine.
Single-Minded is fun, entertaining audiobook that I would recommend to anyone looking for a romance book. I adored West, Presley and their adorable little family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What to Expect: - Small Town Romance - Single Dad - Opposites Attract - Workplace Romance - Contractor x Client - Secret Hook-ups - Found Family - Dual POV - Dual Narration
Single-Minded is the fourth book in the Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series, following Presley and West. After deciding to leave her busy life as an investment banker behind, Presley moves to the small town of Dragonfly Lake for a fresh start. She buys a house that needs a little work, and hires a construction company to help. Enter Wes. He is a single dad to three young daughters and the contractor handling the project. He’s focused on doing a good job so he can get a promotion at work. The last thing he needs is to fall for a client, no matter how amazing she is. He’s been hurt before and doesn’t want to make another mistake, especially with kids involved.
Presley and Wes try to fight their attraction to each other, but the pull is just too strong. It's impossible for them to ignore their undeniable chemistry. I loved Presley and Wes together. They are opposites, but they were perfect for each other. Their journey to love is fun, steamy, and full of heart. Presley's connection with Wes's three little princesses was super sweet. This is a feel-good story that left me with a huge smile on my face. If you enjoy small-town romance stories with lovable characters and strong family bonds, you should absolutely add this book to your list.
Narration: Stella Hunter and Connor Crais perform this audiobook in dual-style narration. Their performances were wonderful. Stella and Connor were the perfect voices for Presley and Wes, and brought these characters to life in the best way. They are two of my favorites, and their voices work so well together. I felt all the emotions associated with making big life changes and navigating a new relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed my listening experience and highly recommend this audiobook.
Thanks to Amy Knupp and Home Cooked Books for the review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Home Cooked Books for the ALC of Single-Minded by Amy Knupp, narrated by Stella Hunter and Connor Crais!
This was such a charming addition to the Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series. Presley and West’s story has all the right ingredients for a great small-town romance—slow burn tension, undeniable chemistry, and the kind of emotional baggage that makes the payoff worth it. I really enjoyed how their opposites-attract dynamic played out, especially with West’s grumpy single dad energy clashing beautifully with Presley’s drive to reinvent herself.
Stella Hunter and Connor Crais absolutely nailed the narration. Their performances brought depth and nuance to the characters, especially West’s internal conflict and Presley’s stubborn charm. The dual narration added that extra layer of immersion I always appreciate in audiobooks.
That said, there was just something about the flow of the story that didn’t quite click for me. Maybe it was pacing or the way certain emotional beats were handled—but I found myself wishing for a bit more spark in certain places. Still, it was a solid, heartwarming listen and a great escape into the world of Dragonfly Lake. If you love single dads, forbidden workplace tension, and small-town heat, you’ll want to give this one a try.
5 Star Review Single Minded (Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake #3) by Amy Knupp
eBook/Audio This is contractor and single dad West Aldridge and ex investment banker, Presley Holiday’s set in Dragonfly Lake.
West’s main goal is to provide for his three young daughters Scarlet, Sienna, and Nova. He would do anything for them and his devotion is heartwarming.
When the company he works for is hired to remodel Presley’s new home he has no idea how complicated his life is about to get.
West is determined to keep the relationship professional but the heart wants who the heart wants and once they cross the line, it’s impossible to bring it back.
This was at times an emotional story as West struggles with his emotions and fear of letting his daughters down.
Narrated by Connor Crais and Stella Hunter did a fabulous job with their narration. They brought the characters and story to life for me and were well voices suited to the characters and voices were pleasant and easy to listen too.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the fourth book in this impressive series, and this is West and Presley’s story. Presley has given up her career and moves to a small town to simplify her life, and she buys a house she wants to rehab. West is a single dad to his three girls, and he is ex-military, and now a contractor. West though he had everything he wanted in life, until he meets Presley, and the sparks fly. This is a well written story, which has found family, friendships, emotions, forbidden, tension, opposites attract, reservations, secrets, determination, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, and endearing, small-town romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
🔹️single dad 🔹️contractor x client 🔹️secret hook-ups 🔹️small town 🔹️opposites attract
Short, sweet, small town romance. West is the single dad to three girls. He's had bad history with women in his daughter's life. So when he's attracted to his new client, Presley, they agree to secret hook-ups only.
Narrated in Dual by Stella Hunter & Connor Crais. Stella & Connor where phenomenal in their performance of West & Presley.
I love these small town single dad books, they get me every time. West is the father of 3 sweet girls and his world revolves around them. Everything he is and everything he does is for those girls. He’s used to women not sticking around and he’ll do absolutely everything to keep his girls from being hurt by someone who walks away…SWOON RIGHT?!
I absolutely love how his world comes to a halt when all he can do is think about Presley. The way he tries to fight it but can’t? Yes please. Their banter and the spice are perfection. I loved watching their “FWB” become so much more. I loved how she was with the girls, and I love how he was opening up.
This story was beyond cute. If you love a single dad romance with small town feels, perfect banter, best friends who would do anything for you, and the HEA you know and love, add this book to your tbr. Add the entire series. I only wish small towns like this were real and there were hard working, single dads everyone. Sounds like freakin heaven.
I was able to get the ALC for this story, and Connor Crais & Stella Hunter did a phenomenal job with these characters. Connor has been a narrator I’ve come to love. He has the best voice for this emotional moments that suck you into the story. Stella Hunter was new for me, but I love her voice and it really just seemed perfect for the characters in this book!
✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨ West, a dedicated single father of three, is striving for a promotion when he crosses paths with Presley. However, he knows it's against protocol to mix business with pleasure. Presley effortlessly blends into his family dynamic, but West is adamant about not getting involved with a client.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 single dad romance hits all the right notes for me. West is that loving and protective parent who prioritizes his girls above all else. Then there's Presley, who is absolutely charming, confident, and emotionally intelligent. She quickly developed a sweet bond with West’s girls. The narration by 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬 and 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 truly brought the characters to life, making this a great listen for fans of small town single dad romances.
A big thank you to 𝐀𝐦𝐲 𝐊𝐧𝐮𝐩𝐩 and 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 for providing the audio copy. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Small town, dual POV, open door romances are some of my favorite things and when you add in a swoony single dad, house renos, forced proximity and a strong woman who knows what she wants, I'm gonna gobble that up every time.
All of that and more made up this fourth book in Amy Knupp's Dragonfly Lake series. While I hadn't read any of the others I still enjoyed it as a standalone but readers might want to read the series in order since there is a lot of character overlap.
What really made this light-hearted but spicy book work for me was listening to Connor Crais and Stella Hunter (two of my VERY favorite narrators!). Highly recommended if you just want something light for the summer that will put a smile on your face and keep your mind off your worries.
I received a complimentary ALC from @homecookedbooks in exchange for my honest review and I definitely enjoyed my time with this new on audio romance by a new to me author. I'll definitely be checking out more of Knupp's books that are perfect for fans of authors like Samantha Chase or Julia Jarrett.
I was in heaven when I received both advance reading and listening copies of Single-Minded, and I stayed there right up until the very end. Single-Minded has everything: humor, heat, conflict. Romantic, swoony, hilarious, mysterious, unpredictable (except, of course, you do kind of know where all that heat is going), perfection. And to listen to two of the best narrators – Stella Hunter and Connor Crais – bring author Amy Knupp’s words to life – fantastic. To listen and read along is the best way to while away an afternoon – or to go straight through like I did, because there was no place to stop until I got to the starry-eyed ending.
I love Dragonfly Lake. Author Knupp has populated it with so many wonderful characters, and I’m hoping she writes a book about each and every one of them. All of the books set in Dragonfly Lake so far can be read standalone, but I recommend reading them all. The Henry Brothers first captured my heart and now four single dads have further entranced me. Each book adds depth, focusing on someone you’ve met before and taking you back to what have become your favorite places: the restaurants, the inn, the lake itself. All enticingly described by Knupp.
In Single-Minded we shine the spotlight on two already favorite characters: Presley Holiday, Chloe Henry’s best friend from business school, the bazillionaire who’s all about work, work, work, and West Aldridge, the single-dad contractor with the three adorable little girls and the locked tight, closed off heart who would do anything (or deprive himself of anything) to protect those little girls.
Presley bought a house in Dragonfly Lake, intending to do who knows what with it, but after a spur of the moment decision to quit her job based on health concerns and dissatisfaction with her boss, she’s decided to live in that house full-time. Needs some updating though; great location, great views, great bones but who wants to live in the ‘60s? She’s got the funds for a big remodel. That’s where West comes in. Needing a promotion to better provide for his girls, he’s determined to do a spectacular job. And he’s fully capable. What’s also spectacular, though, and what he’s not prepared for, is that the client is Presley. They met once, briefly, and there was that electric-handshake thing between them, but she was still a workaholic and he was still the grumpy, unavailable-for-much-fun single dad. Now, though, they are going to be spending a lot of time together and that electric handshake has crackled into a full-blown electric storm. You can practically see the sparks between them. Presley is open to a fling – why not? They’re both single, attracted to each other, what could be the harm. The harm could be West’s girls getting hurt when he makes another disastrous relationship decision that doesn’t work out. You see where this is going, right? Tension, tension, tension, tension. You start the countdown of how long they’ll last before they give in almost as soon as you read Chapter 1.
Amy Knupp does her always extraordinary job of bringing this story, this town, these people to life. And keeping us hugely entertained in the process. Laugh-out-loud moments and inner thoughts of Presley and West that will have you gasping for air. And then there are those moments that will have you gasping some more, although for a very different reason. It’s not just Dragonfly Lake in the summer that’s hot. These two are practically volcanic. And don’t forget sweet, romantic, touching, tender, thoughtful. The trifecta: silly, sexy, swoony. The plot scoops you up and moves along, transporting you to every special place in town and revisiting all those people you wish were your neighbors. There are surprises, unexpected revelations, change of heart, change of mind, hard decisions and you will love every minute of it.
Narrator Stella Hunter hardly needs introduction. I am thinking of seeing if she reads a grocery list or something on her website so I can listen to it in between books. All of Presley’s personality shines through in Hunter’s performance: her drop in self-confidence when she realizes she’s achieved all the goals she once set and has to figure out what to do with the rest of her life, her concern over her health, her inability to relax, her instant attraction to West and then her surprise (and initial dismay) over realizing she could actually be falling for this man – and his daughters. Hunter is masterful as always, and Presley appears complicated and vibrant because of it. Connor Crais is the perfect balance as West. Crais’s deep, rumbly voice shows the often gruff, ex-military man, lots of friends but lots of rules, but then reveals the inner West who is often overwhelmed and worried, smitten with Presley and downright scared about it, so forceful and tender and romantic your heart will throb. Such a strong performance, and Hunter and Crais together? Incredible.
Amy Knupp has written many, many books that have given me many, many hours of reading and listening pleasure, and Single-Minded is right up there at the top. I loved this book and recommend it without hesitation, and I think there is even one more single dad left! I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
👀POV: Dual, first person, past tense 📖 What to expect: single dad, opposites attract, contractor hero, secret fling, fish out of water, found family, small town
I’m really enjoying this series, which is not surprising because the single dad trope is one of my favourites and the series is about a group of single dads. This story really had me hooked. I finished it in one sitting. It’s book 4 in the Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series and can be read as a standalone. It’s my favourite of the series (although I haven’t read book 3 yet).
I loved the characters in this book. Presley is a strong, career-driven woman – a former investment banker newly moved into town who’s trying to adapt to a slower pace of life after a health scare. West is a military veteran, single dad to 3 adorable girls, and the contractor in charge of remodelling Presley’s new house. As soon as they meet, sparks fly, but West is determined to keep things. Soon they start working on a secondary project and it’s only so long before West’s resolve breaks.
This book is so aptly named. Both characters have been single minded in their pursuit of the thing that drives them – up until now, Presley’s main focus has been excelling at her job and making more and more money to secure her financial future. West’s main driver is his daughters. Everything he does is to keep them safe and happy. I love how fiercely he loves them though it does eventually lead to conflict between him and Presley. They’ve both got emotional baggage that they have to work on and it’s great to see their growth by the end of the book. It’s not super spicy, but when the spice hits, it’s so hot. Connor Crais voicing West definitely turned up the heat.
I loved the small town charm and the found family element woven through the story. It was nice seeing characters from previous books and I especially enjoyed seeing Chloe from book 1 of the Henry Brothers series (the original Dragonfly Lake series). Now I’m itching to go back and read the rest of that series. The support they get from their friends is truly heartwarming – exactly the kind of bond and sense of community that makes the found family trope one of my favourites.
The narration of this book was amazing. Stella hunter and Connor Crais are one-click narrators for me and their performance had me hooked from start to finish. Stella Hunter’s portrayal of the strong, driven Presley was spot on. Connor Crais’s portrayal of the doting single dad had me all gooey and his voicing of West’s 3 adorable princesses – each with her own distinct personality – was such a treat. Both narrators showcased a wide vocal range in their portrayals of the side characters, adding depth to the performance.
If you’re looking for a feel-good story with small town charm, emotional depth, humorous moments, supportive side characters and two main characters that find healing in each other, you need to read/listen to this book.
*I received an advance listener copy from Homecooked Books and an advance reader copy from The Author Agency. These opinions are entirely my own.
Single-Minded Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake, Book 4 By: Amy Knupp Narrated by: Connor Crais, Stella Hunter
Amy Knupp created something special when she created her “Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake” series, created a fabulous world with wonderful characters, ones you enjoy learning more about and spending time with. This fourth book of the series is West Aldridge and Presley’s story, a story that had me hooked right from the start. West, a contractor and single dad of three daughters, and Presley, a former investment banker who gives up her fast life in the city for a slower small town living. Presley finally moved into the home she bought as an investment, and she has plans to update and remodel it, hiring a local contracting company to do the renovations. West worked for that company and is heading the job, hoping to impress his boss enough to get the promotion that is opening up in the company. He knew working with her was going to be a challenge, but not for the work itself, but for her enticing looks and then, after getting to know her, for who she was as a person. West is very protective of his daughters and is careful with how he brings into their lives, and for that reason, he does not have romantic relationships. The chemistry between these two was undeniable and they could only deny each other for so long, despite knowing nothing will come of it. I thought these two were perfect together and for each other, she was amazing with his girls, too. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other and learning more about them. I loved all the layers of the story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Amy Knupp, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 It was a pleasure to listen to Connor Crais and Stella Hunter deliver a heartwarming performance as they brought these characters to life with voices that were fitting for a perfect portrayal of each. Hunter nailed it as Presley, showcasing every aspect of her personality beautifully, including her type A tendencies. Crais did the same for West, and was just as amazing with nailing his personality, from his drive to his protectiveness. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side and secondary characters, children included. Their performance perfectly captured the story’s tone and the characters’ emotions, allowing you to feel each one. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complemented each other and an entertaining performance that keeps you glued to the story.
In Amy Knupp’s latest novel, Single-Minded, readers are treated to a soul-deep and emotionally rich romance that captivates from the very first chapter. This story is a beautiful exploration of love, healing, and the courage it takes to open your heart again. Narrated with stunning authenticity by the talented Connor Crais and Stella Hunter, the audiobook format elevates an already exceptional story into an unforgettable listening experience.
At the heart of the novel is West Aldridge, a contractor whose main goal in life is to protect his three young daughters from any more heartbreak. He is everything you could want in a hero—tender, fiercely honorable, and wholeheartedly devoted to his children. Knupp portrays his journey as a single father with a moving and realistic touch, capturing the weight of his responsibility and his deep-seated fear of letting anyone new into their lives. His no-heartbreak rule is absolute.
That is, until Presley, the wealthy new girl in town, hires him for a remodeling project. Presley is a breath of fresh air—fierce yet graceful, strong yet deeply empathetic, and completely unpretentious despite her privileged background. She represents everything West believes he must avoid, making her off-limits times ten. Yet, the connection between them is immediate and undeniable, sparking a love story that is both stormy and healing. Their journey is filled with moments that will make you smile, ache, and ultimately, sigh with joy.
What truly makes this book shine is the profound emotional depth of West and Presley’s relationship. It's a story about two people learning to trust again, not just in each other, but in themselves. The supporting characters and the charming small-town setting of Dragonfly Lake add another layer of warmth, making the world feel comforting and real—like a cup of coffee on a rainy day.
The narration by Connor Crais and Stella Hunter is an absolute gift to this story. They bring every beat of heartache, joy, tension, and tenderness to life, making you feel every word in your bones. Their performances enhance the authenticity of the characters and make their emotional journey all the more powerful.
Single-Minded is the kind of story that leaves you feeling lighter, fuller, and more hopeful. Amy Knupp has once again delivered a romance that heals, inspires, and reminds us that even when we try to build walls around our hearts, love always finds a way. It’s a truly moving and beautifully crafted novel that is not to be missed.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you’re looking for a sweet swoon worthy single dad romance with two narrators who are incredibly talented .. then you need this one in your ears! My first book by Amy Knupp and she didn’t disappoint! 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️//10/10🎤🎧 🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧 Single Minded Author Amy Knupp Narrated by : Conner Crais and Stella Hunter
Presley and West story
Presley ☕️ Giving up her drawn out career of investment Banking and moving to the small town of Dragonfly Lake was supposed to simplify her life. It didn't. Because relaxing didn’t come easy for her .. not when she’s attracted to the hot contractor who is in charge of her home renovations and is definitely one hot distraction!
But let’s just say West Aldridge is determined to keep their relationship.. professional…until…
West 🩵 A single dad with a military background, who has seen it all. He was prepared for anything life would throw at me.
Until Presley Holiday.
The perfect woman who almost makes West forgets that sleeping with a client is forbidden. Totally off limits…yes definitely off limits.
But West can't afford to make another mistake especially when it comes to affairs of the heart.. you see West isn’t the one night stand hit ‘em and leave them kinda guy….therefore Keeping the relationship platonic between himself and Presley is what he should do.. right?
✨Too bad doing the right thing has zero appeal when it comes to Presley...✨
This story is beautifully written and wonderful narrated.. The Author did a wonderful job writing this story of two people who both want the same things and who obviously belong together.
This was perfectly narrated by the smooth velvety voice of Connor Crais alongside an equally talented Stella Hunter whose style of storytelling is perfect. Together they made this story so much more interesting and unique in its entirety and I loved every second!
~~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~
Definitely recommend listening to this sweet story with an amazing narration!
AUDIOBOOK VIBES 📔🎧 🩵Single Dad 👷♂️Small Town 🤎Ex Military 🩵Contractor ☕️Forbidden 🤎Steamy 🩵Opposite Attracts ☕️Dual POV 🩵HEA Be sure to add this one to your Goodreads TBL or your audible wishlist and tell me what’s your thoughts.
A special thanks to HBC for this incredible opportunity of listening Single Minded by Amy Knupp. And thank you for sticking around and reading my review.. until next time One Love 💕 Georgious 🦋
These single Dads of Dragon Fly Lake keep getting better and better. “Single-Minded” is a swoony, heartfelt and sweet single Dad/work place romance that was a great addition to the series.
West Aldridge is a single Dad to three little girls and they are his whole focus. He works as a contractor and is up for a promotion which would help with their daily lives. His newest project is renovating a house for a woman who just bought the property. Presley has given up her career in investment banking for health and a quiet life in Dragonfly Lake is exactly what she needs. However, she’s not used to the slow life so she decides to start her own business and open a coffee shop. After asking West, she hires him to help renovate the shop. And as the two spend time together, it’s clear that there is an attraction between the two of them. Neither are looking for anything permanent so they agree to a one time thing that slowly blurs the lines.
West had me swooning from the moment I started this audiobook. I love how devoted he is to his daughters and makes sure that they are healthy and well cared for. I loved that he’s a blue collared worker and can build things with his hands. He’s a bit of a grump but it’s so endearing on him. Presley is someone who I loved from the beginning and that only grew as the story went on. She had a high profile career, made her money but realized it was something that wasn’t good for health. If I was her, I would want to move to Dragonfly Lake too. And finding a new purpose in opening a coffee shop is exactly what she needed. The chemistry between these two was instant and I couldn’t wait for them to give into the attraction they had for each other. Even though they said it was supposed to be that one time, they found ways to be around each other. Presley was amazing with his daughters and they formed a sweet bond. West had some things to work on when it came to relationships and thankfully he realized he had a good thing with Presley. The ending was so perfect for them and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Connor Crais and Stella Hunter narrated this audio and they were amazing as West and Presley. Connor is always amazing narrating as a single Dad, he brought West’s caring and protective personality alive perfectly. Stella’s narration was caring, passionate and vulnerable just like Presley. I enjoyed listening to them bring this story to life so much.
I freakin love this series by Amy Knupp. A WHOLE set of books devoted to single dads? Yes, please! This is my kryptonite people & I have gobbled up these sweet stories.
West is a single dad to 3 young girls. He works hard as a contractor for a construction company. His ex-wife floats in & out of their lives. Don't get me started on her! 🙄 Pressley moves into town & hires the company West works for to renovate her beautiful home on the lake. This job is a do-or-die for West & if done well, could potentially result in a substantial pay increase & promotion.
There's an instant attraction between these two. They're both trying to ignore it & just pretend it's not there, but it ABSOLUTELY is! When West agrees to take on another project for Pressley, creating & renovating a space for her new coffee business, that means more time together! Ya'll, the tension is SO thick! They break! You knew it was comin'. Pressley is such a breath of fresh air for West. Not only is she beautiful, she's driven, smart & adores his girls.
His main goal in life up until this point has been to protect his three "princesses." He's closed himself off to love for fear of more heartbreak for them. He's skiddish when it comes to relationships. "No heartbreak," is his number one rule. Pressley struggles with connection as well. Up until this point, her whole life has been devoted to her job. She moved to DragonFly to break away from the stress & find a new way of living!
I loved this one. Both of these individuals have to learn to trust again. Not just learning to trust in a partner & lean on someone but also learn to trust themselves that they are making decisions that will make them happy. This was such a quick & fun listen but it gave me all the feels too. There's moments that made me smile, chuckle, sigh & ache a little but there's a wonderful HEA. DragonFly is the coziest little town with wonderful side characters & warmth that just envelopes it.
🎧Let's talk audio: OK folks, Connor Crais as a protective father is one of my happy places for him. He always delivers when it comes to the single dad! West is so loyal & so good & honorable. Connor does such a wonderful job capturing the weight & responsibility this single father is experiencing but also all the love he has for his little girls. Perfecto!👌 Stella was fantastic voicing this driven & independent woman who is looking to make a change. Together, these two made this audio such a delight!
I LOVE Amy's series. Her characters are layered, have messy lives & are always such good people on the inside. I can't recommend this series enough. Each audio & story has been GREAT!
Audiobook releases August 8, 2025
Thank you, Amy Knupp and Home Cooked Books, for a #gifted copy of the ALC. All thoughts are my own.
💼 Career Change 🏡 Small Town Romance 🔥 Opposites Attract 👨👧 Single Dad 💔 Forbidden Love 💪 Strong Hero 💋 Slow Burn 🛠️ Renovation Romance 💫 Second Chances 🌶️ Spicy Romance
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
In Single-Minded, book 4 of the Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series by Amy Knupp, readers are treated to a passionate, small-town romance where two people with very different lives and priorities find themselves drawn together by undeniable chemistry. Presley Holiday moves to Dragonfly Lake in hopes of escaping the grind of her previous career and simplifying her life. However, her plans for peace and relaxation are disrupted when she encounters West, a hot contractor in charge of renovating her new home. Despite the sizzling attraction between them, West is determined to keep things professional, knowing the complications that come with getting involved with a client.
West, a single dad with a military background, is no stranger to challenges. His tough exterior and strong sense of responsibility make him a reliable figure in his community, but when it comes to Presley, all his self-control starts to crumble. Though he’s been burned by love in the past, his attraction to Presley is undeniable. The more they interact, the more he struggles to keep their relationship strictly professional, especially since he knows that getting involved with a client is forbidden.
Presley, on the other hand, can’t deny the pull between them. She’s been through her own personal battles and thought that leaving her soul-sucking career behind would bring peace, but it’s only made her realise how much she craves real connection. The tension between them builds as Presley fights to keep things platonic while also being drawn to the warmth and strength that West offers.
Single-Minded is a delightful blend of opposites attracting, with heart, heat, and emotional depth. The characters are well-developed, and the small-town setting of Dragonfly Lake adds a comforting touch to the story. Presley and West’s chemistry is electric, and their journey to figuring out whether they can turn their professional relationship into something more is both steamy and heartfelt. Amy Knupp weaves a story that’s perfect for fans of romantic escapism, with just the right mix of spicy moments and emotional depth.
West and Presley were such a cute couple! While she is more than willing to jump into a no-strings attached situation, West knows that he tends to jump in to these things too fast. Determined to do the right thing so that he doesn’t get too attached to Presley - while also making sure his little girls also don’t get attached to her, proves to be harder than he thought. The more time they spend together working on the renovation, the harder it gets to deny the crazy attraction to each other. And seeing the way his daughters have taken to her makes it even harder. I loved Presley. After quitting her high powered career and moving to a small town, she’s struggling to figure out what to do next. She’s more than comfortable financially, but is a bit lost in life. West is a successful contractor who has been unsuccessful at love. With his girls getting attached so quickly, he is determined to keep all of their hearts locked down.
Read this if you love:
💕 Single Dad 💕 Small Town Romance 💕 Secret Hookup 💕 Opposites Attract
I loved Presley's confidence in letting her attraction for West be known. As an incredibly successful woman, she knows who she is and she's comfortable in her skin. She is very wealthy while West struggles to support his girls so they have quite different lifestyles. She's at a crossroads in her life as she's just given up her high powered job and relocated to a small town and she figures what harm could a little fling be while he works on her house.
West is trying to earn a promotion at work to give his daughters a more comfortable life. Their mother flits in and out of their lives occasionally but the majority of their upbringing falls to him. Because of this lack of a mother figure in their lives, the girls get attached to women very easily so he is determined to keep his work life and personal life separate. The more time he spends with Presley, the more he likes what he sees and pretty soon they are hooking up in secret. As long as he can remember that he doesn't want a relationship, everything will be smooth sailing.
This is a sweet, small town romance with great characters and adorable little girls. I want to go back and read the earlier instalments in this series because I loved the dynamic between West's friend group.
Thank you so much to Amy Knupp and The Author Agency for the ARC of this book!
Presley walked away from a career she’d poured her heart into for most of her life, trading boardrooms and burnout for a fixer-upper on the water near Dragonfly Lake. As luck would have it, her long-shot investments paid off—handsomely. With financial freedom finally within reach, she chose to rewrite her story. She knew what she wanted—and more importantly, what she didn’t. So she hired a contractor to help renovate her new home and the cozy coffee shop she dreamed of opening in her new small town. West is a single dad to three daughters, doing his best to keep the lights on and the love flowing. He’s blue-collar through and through—loyal, hardworking, and fiercely devoted to his girls. When he’s assigned a renovation for a newcomer, he expects drywall and deadlines… not a woman who knocks the wind out of him with one glance. Living and working in the same small town means Presley and West can’t avoid each other. What starts as friendly collaboration turns electric one night. They both chalk it up to a moment of weakness—two people who’ve sworn off love trying to get it out of their systems. But one night isn’t enough. What I loved most? West. A single dad who’s not dripping in wealth or hiring a nanny—just a man doing his best, fighting his own desires to put his kids first. It’s a refreshing shift from the usual tropes. Presley’s journey was just as compelling. She’s not afraid to admit she got it wrong about love, and she’s brave enough to try again. West’s daughters are adorable, and the Single Dads Club? Total heartwarmers. Their friendships added that extra spark that makes you want to keep coming back to Dragonfly Lake. If I had one wish, it’d be for more spice and more real-time connection between Presley and West—less flashback, more slow-burn tension. But honestly? It didn’t stop me from devouring the book in one sitting. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves small-town charm, blue-collar heroes with big hearts, and female leads who choose reinvention over regret. Presley didn’t just turn the page—she burned the boat and never looked back.
Tropes ⪩༏⪨ Single Dad of 3 ⪩༏⪨ Wealthy, independent gal ⪩༏⪨ Small town ⪩༏⪨ Friends and community ⪩༏⪨ Work place romance 👷 ⪩༏⪨ Spice and love
This is my first taste of Amy's work and I wasn't sure how I'd go jumping straight into book 4 in The Single Dad's of Dragonfly Lake series but it felt so seamless and easy.
All the books in the series are interlinked stand-alone romances. I found my feet within the setting, and understood its characters quickly, feeling comfortable after the first few chapters.
It felt refreshing that the financially secure and independent character in the story was the FC Presley Holiday. More often than not that role is taken by the lead MC. I found this to be really refreshing, Though that didn't take away from my instant love of West. The hunky, rugged and completely addictable construction man who is besotted with his 3 little girls and the life he wants to give them.
I loved the dynamics between Presley and West. How their lust and spice grew and developed in secret, parallel to the relationship between Presley and Wests kids and surrounding friends. This felt so organic and wholesome. Throw in some larmas and a charming small town setting and what's not to like.
The plot pace flowed well, though it felt more like a novella in terms of listening length to me.
The narration was perfectly casted 👍🎧 We all no I'm a HUGE fan of @connorcrais and I loved being introduced to @stellahunternarrator work.
I'd say the spice level was around a 2.5-3 🌶️ (only note is.. I could have done without the word "suckling"...sorry) 🤔😂
Overall I really enjoyed this audiobook and would definitely listen to other related books within the series to find out more about the surrounding characters and their love stories.
If you fancy a romantic, steamy, single dad in construction trope this is a thumbs up.
West Aldridge is single father to his three little princesses. He is part of a group of other singles in Dragonfly Falls, although many of their group have now found happy relationships. West had a tumultuous relationship with his now ex-wife and she rarely sees the girls. A relationship with April ended last year and when she moved out the girls were very upset. His girls are his world and he plans to never have another relationship again that could hurt his girls. Presley Holiday is Chloe’s best friend. When she came to visit Chloe she fell in love with a big house by the bay and bought it. She has been married to her job for many years and her main goal is to make money and more money. When she was a child they were very poor and it was hard making ends meet. She never wants to experience that again and money would give her the security she needs. She is under a lot stress in her job as an investment banker and her doctor says it is affecting her health. The final straw comes when a male partner says she will never be offered a partnership because of her gender. Something snaps inside her and she quits and moves to Dragonfly Lake. She doesn’t want a relationship, either. All the relationships she saw growing up were abusive. She likes her independence and freedom too much She wants her house to be renovated and hires the company where West works. She and West were attracted right away, but he always puts his girls first and ignores her initial flirtation. Their forced proximity brings their attraction to a boiling point and they agree on a one off. Of course, nothing is that simple there are many more steamy nights but they keep it a secret. They both realize they are developing feelings and try to push that idea right out of their heads. This is a lovely story with a happy ending and I really enjoyed reading it. I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
🛠️ Single dad 🔥 Opposites attract 🛠️ Contractor hero 🔥 Secret fling 🛠️ Fish out of water 🔥 Found family 🛠️ Small town
Warning: Contains one grumpy dad, one determined heroine, and multiple cases of ‘accidental’ shirtless labor.
We’ve got West Aldridge, a military vet, single dad of three girls (send this man a medal), and about as determined as they come when it comes to keeping his heart off-limits. He is the definition of “I’m not looking for love” while he thinks emotional walls are part of the home renovation package. He’s got a hammer, a tool belt, and no idea he’s about to get nailed. Then along comes Presley Holiday, new in town, classy as heck, and West’s latest renovation client. Their plan? Keep it professional. Reality? Sparks. Banter. That one look that says we’re doomed in the best possible way and the sparks are about as subtle as a fireworks show.
West’s protective streak isn’t just for show, and Presley has her own quiet strength that makes you root for her from the start. By the end, you’re basically yelling at them to just kiss already, while also tearing up at the sweeter moments. West tries so hard to stay in “safe single dad mode,” but Presley isn’t just pretty, she’s whip-smart, independent, and has zero patience for his nonsense. Watching him fall for her is like watching a cat pretend they don’t want the treat you’re holding.
This isn’t your standard small-town fluff. Sure, there’s charm, community, and all the cozy vibes, but Amy Knupp delivers the emotional punches too; family bonds, trust issues, and the scary beautiful mess of letting someone in again.
Single minded is a cozy romance with just enough sass, steam, and stubbornness to keep you grinning like a fool. I definitely recommend it and you will get attached to all the hot single dads in this series! Thank you Amy Knupp and The Author Agency for this arc opportunity!
I'm in LOVE with this series! Amy Knupp has stolen my heart with these amazing single dad's. I devoured this audiobook just like I did the other 3 in this series. You can't help but fall in love with these characters and this town!
The narrators Connor Crais and Stella Hunter were chef's kiss!! They held my attention and kept me entertained the entire time I was listening to this book.
West is a single dad of three little girls and is just trying to give them the best life he can by working hard to get a promotion. His next project is working on a house for a woman that just moved into town. Presley quit her job as an investment baker because if she didn't the job was going to kill her. So she decided to buy a house in a small town where she could live a less stressful life. While her house is being worked on she figures out what she wants to do next. She wants to open a coffee shop because there isn't one in this town so no one has a place to go for a good cup of coffee. Now she needs someone to repair the building she's leasing.
West takes time from his girls to help her with the remodel on the coffee shop since this is extra money he could use to take the girls on a vacation. The more time he spends with Presley the more he falls for her. These two were absolutely amazing! I loved how they fell for each other and the love she had toward his girls.
West will have you swooning through out this book. You will laugh, swoon, smile, your heart will melt and you will be left with a wonderful ending! I can't wait for the next book! I HIGHLY recommend this audiobook and this series!
Thank you Amy Knupp and Home Cooked Books for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.
This has been such a wonderful series full of delicious single daddies, and West Aldridge is another yummy addition to my single dad collection. He has three absolutely darling girls and finds himself in quite the pickle when he ends up doing a bunch of contract work for the home and business of the absolute whirlwind that is Presley.
She is the epitome of a go-getter. Her drive and ambition are something to admire, and West certainly finds that and more attractive. Too bad she’s his client. And too bad he also swore off women as permanent fixtures in his life. He had a couple bad experiences which ended up with his three daughters broken-hearted, so that’s not going to happen again.
No matter how hard they try, though, their attraction and connection is so powerful. West is trying to show Presley that she can enjoy life at a slower pace, while she’s trying to gain his trust and prove that he can trust his heart, and his daughters’, with her. It’s a wonderfully sweet story, and while West and Presley certainly light up the pages, I also enjoy all of the times we get to see them together with the girls. This series is such a comfort for me.
🎧: Connor Crais and Stella Hunter, of course, did a wonderful job in this dual narration. They’re some of my fave narrators, and their two voices work so well together. They brought the emotion and the banter and made this audio such a wonderful experience.
This was such a sweet story, and if I was correctly picking up what Amy was putting down, then I hope there’s still more to come from Dragonfly Lake!
Thank you so much to Amy and @homecookedbookspromos for the advance audio!
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜: ☕️ Small Town Romance 🔨 Single Dad ☕️ Opposites Attract 🔨 Workplace Romance
This series just keeps getting better. I couldn’t stop listening to the latest installment. West is the single dad to three adorable, feisty young girls. They are his world, and it’s captivating to see his adoration for his daughters. He’s working hard for a promotion at work and that involves running the renovations of Presley’s large home on the lake. West and Presley are attracted to each other from the beginning. West fights his attraction, and Presley suggests, “why fight it?’ Why not keep it casual and secret? What could possibly go wrong with that plan?
Presley recently relocated to Dragonfly Lake when she left her investment banker position suddenly. She was done with the ‘boys club’ and overworking herself to the detriment of her health. Now she’s attempting to slow down, however, she quickly realizes two things. She’s no good at sitting still and there isn’t a place to get a decent cup of coffee in her new town. Like most things, on a whim, she decides to open a coffee shop. West is now the contractor for her new business. With the time they spend together between both her projects, the closer they are getting and the less casual their relationship. Especially, the more she interacts with his daughters.
Narrated by Stella Hunter and Connor Crais and they were fantastic. Stella delivered on the smart, funny, sweet and vulnerable qualities of Presley as she navigates her new normal. There are few that portray the single dad as good as Connor. His tone and delivery are perfect for the doting, protective single dad. But he still carries that growl that can make a girl blush. These two were audio perfection and lifted an already great story to another level.
Thanks to The Author Agency and Amy Knupp for the #gifted copy of this book.
"I'm in love with you, Presley. Crazy in love. Stupid in love. I want to be with you. I want to make this work. I told my daughters I had feelings for you, and I wanted to date you, like for real date."
Summary: This is book 4 in the Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series, but can be read as a standalone. It is a spicy, small-town story with opposites attract, a single dad, and a fish out of water trying to change her life for the better.
"You hiding me away like your dirty little secret?"
My Thoughts: I couldn't wait for Presley's story, especially after the last book ended, and it was so much fun to finally get her happily ever after. It was so sizzling reading about the tension Presley and West had from day one. They worked so well together that not only did they complete her house, but also her new coffee shop endeavor. I love how Presley was not afraid to jump into the construction process and wanted to learn how to do the work as well, because that is how I am, too.
I can understand why West was trying to protect his girls from more heartbreak. But I also wish he had opened his eyes and set his fear aside earlier to see how Presley was treating them completely differently than the previous women in their lives. Never once did Presley want to exclude the girls from any activity they were doing together. The ending was so sweet, and I am SO excited for the next book!!!!
What You'll Find: 🥰single dad 🔥opposites attract 🧰contractor hero 🤫secret fling 🤩fish out of water 💖found family ❤️small town