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The Single Dad Playbook #5
Crazy Love
A small town, marriage of convenience, single dad, sports romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Aster
Penn Hudson. Sexy. Intense. Gorgeous.
The star running back of the Colorado Mustangs.
Well-known playboy and consummate bachelor.
We met in the Bahamas.
I knew exactly who he was.
He had no idea who I was.
Yet for a few blissful hours, it didn’t matter.
We had an unbelievable connection…
Something special that held so much promise.
Then I unexpectedly had to leave and never had a chance to say goodbye.
Fast-forward to today, when I am about to see Penn again,
and he’s going to find out exactly who he was kissing in the Bahamas.
I’m excited about my new job and returning to my hometown of Silver Hills.
But seeing him every day won't be easy,
especially with the lingering memory of his touch and the attraction that still burns between us.
When he faces an obstacle in adopting a young boy he’s mentored for years,
I offer him a solution I never thought I’d make:
A fake marriage.
He needs to show stability and a squeaky-clean public image,
and I figure, how hard could it be to play house?
But as time goes by, nothing feels fake anymore.
I’d always planned on getting married for love,
but sometimes we make once-in-a-lifetime sacrifices.
I just hope I won’t be devastated in the process.
Crazy Love is book five in the standalone The Single Dad Playbook series.
Penn Hudson. Sexy. Intense. Gorgeous.
The star running back of the Colorado Mustangs.
Well-known playboy and consummate bachelor.
We met in the Bahamas.
I knew exactly who he was.
He had no idea who I was.
Yet for a few blissful hours, it didn’t matter.
We had an unbelievable connection…
Something special that held so much promise.
Then I unexpectedly had to leave and never had a chance to say goodbye.
Fast-forward to today, when I am about to see Penn again,
and he’s going to find out exactly who he was kissing in the Bahamas.
I’m excited about my new job and returning to my hometown of Silver Hills.
But seeing him every day won't be easy,
especially with the lingering memory of his touch and the attraction that still burns between us.
When he faces an obstacle in adopting a young boy he’s mentored for years,
I offer him a solution I never thought I’d make:
A fake marriage.
He needs to show stability and a squeaky-clean public image,
and I figure, how hard could it be to play house?
But as time goes by, nothing feels fake anymore.
I’d always planned on getting married for love,
but sometimes we make once-in-a-lifetime sacrifices.
I just hope I won’t be devastated in the process.
Crazy Love is book five in the standalone The Single Dad Playbook series.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2025
1528 people are currently reading
6761 people want to read
About the author
Willow Aster
47 books4,607 followersWillow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling Author of emotional, angsty love stories with a side of quirk. She is co-writer of The End of Men series with Tarryn Fisher and co-writer of the G.D. Taylors series with Laura Pavlov.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 735 reviews
July 10, 2025
PENN, ADDY, SAM AND WINNIE HUDSON 😭
🏈 forced proximity
🩵 found family
🏈 marriage of convenience
🩵 adoption
🏈 coaches daughter
🩵 second chance
oh man, i knew from the beginning of the series that penn was going to ruin me and ruin he did 😭 (in the best of ways). i cant even begin to explain how much of a joy this series has been to read and review early for willow & VPR over the last year, a massive part of me wants to refuse to believe its already over 😭
this book was such a beautiful way close this chapter of the single dad players, its very low angst (however there is mentions of child abuse and the MCs working hard to them out of a horrible situation, so be mindful of this and take care of yourselves!!!) and all the tooth rotting fluff and everyone getting their happiness that you could ever ask for 🥹
one of my absolute favorite things about this series has always been the found family aspect, i have always loved how we get peaks of everyone through out the books and the ways the group grows as they welcome more people into their lil circle 🥹
i dont think there has been a single thing i have not wholeheartedly adored about this entire series and now that we are done i’m already itching to reread them through the audios to bring the characters to life AND also very excited at the possibility of a second gen with these guys!! 😭 (i mean these men as overprotective as they are can you imagine the dramatics of watching them all figure out life, dating eachother and/or becoming grandpas LOLLLL 😂)
penn & addy, you will always be so special to me!!!
🏈 forced proximity
🩵 found family
🏈 marriage of convenience
🩵 adoption
🏈 coaches daughter
🩵 second chance
oh man, i knew from the beginning of the series that penn was going to ruin me and ruin he did 😭 (in the best of ways). i cant even begin to explain how much of a joy this series has been to read and review early for willow & VPR over the last year, a massive part of me wants to refuse to believe its already over 😭
this book was such a beautiful way close this chapter of the single dad players, its very low angst (however there is mentions of child abuse and the MCs working hard to them out of a horrible situation, so be mindful of this and take care of yourselves!!!) and all the tooth rotting fluff and everyone getting their happiness that you could ever ask for 🥹
one of my absolute favorite things about this series has always been the found family aspect, i have always loved how we get peaks of everyone through out the books and the ways the group grows as they welcome more people into their lil circle 🥹
i dont think there has been a single thing i have not wholeheartedly adored about this entire series and now that we are done i’m already itching to reread them through the audios to bring the characters to life AND also very excited at the possibility of a second gen with these guys!! 😭 (i mean these men as overprotective as they are can you imagine the dramatics of watching them all figure out life, dating eachother and/or becoming grandpas LOLLLL 😂)
penn & addy, you will always be so special to me!!!
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July 10, 2025Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://geni.us/Crazylove
Listen today!
Narrated by: Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin
Audible: https://geni.us/CrazyLoveAudible
Goodreads: https://geni.us/CrazyLoveGR
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://geni.us/Crazylove
Listen today!
Narrated by: Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin
Audible: https://geni.us/CrazyLoveAudible
Goodreads: https://geni.us/CrazyLoveGR
July 17, 2025
This story is sweet and warm. There aren’t any troubles.
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
July 7, 2025
This book is the epitome of who Willow Aster is an author. The characters are so kind, loving, and supportive. There's very little angst, yet I'm still always locked into her books.
I started reading her when Must Love Audio was working with Mad Love. The cover was gorgeous, so I dived in. Its that simple. Haha!
The Single Dad's Playlist series is so cozy, amd welcoming, and beautiful! 5 guys become dad's in 5 different ways, and they all support, tease, and uplift one another again and again. It's so cool to see.
Surprise baby, divorced dad, accidental pregnancy, or adoption, no matter how it happens, they are there for one another!
Penn & Addie are some of the sweetest and kindest hearts ever. They go out of their way to help others and they love Same and Whinny SO much. It was so beautiful to watch them create a family and adopt these two kiddos. I teared up way too often.
I love Willow Aster's characters and I enjoy spending time with them gang so much! I'm sad to leave this series but I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Audio Book is narrated by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin
5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: child abuse in a foster home
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title. *
I started reading her when Must Love Audio was working with Mad Love. The cover was gorgeous, so I dived in. Its that simple. Haha!
The Single Dad's Playlist series is so cozy, amd welcoming, and beautiful! 5 guys become dad's in 5 different ways, and they all support, tease, and uplift one another again and again. It's so cool to see.
Surprise baby, divorced dad, accidental pregnancy, or adoption, no matter how it happens, they are there for one another!
Penn & Addie are some of the sweetest and kindest hearts ever. They go out of their way to help others and they love Same and Whinny SO much. It was so beautiful to watch them create a family and adopt these two kiddos. I teared up way too often.
I love Willow Aster's characters and I enjoy spending time with them gang so much! I'm sad to leave this series but I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Audio Book is narrated by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin
5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: child abuse in a foster home
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title. *
July 2, 2025
ALC Review
Releases 7/10
TROPES-
Marriage of convenience
NFL Player
Coach's Daughter
Found family
Meet Cute
Small town
✨️Thank you to Willow and Valentine PR for this ALC for my honest review! Two of my favorite narrators brought these characters to life so well! This was such a wholesome and sweet ending to this series. Don't get me wrong, I definitely cried at times 😂. I absolutely loved the family that Penn and Addy built. The bonus epilogue was the cherry on top, and I really hope that we get a second generation to this series! 🤭🙌 I definitely recommend this book and this series to my friends!
Releases 7/10
TROPES-
Marriage of convenience
NFL Player
Coach's Daughter
Found family
Meet Cute
Small town
✨️Thank you to Willow and Valentine PR for this ALC for my honest review! Two of my favorite narrators brought these characters to life so well! This was such a wholesome and sweet ending to this series. Don't get me wrong, I definitely cried at times 😂. I absolutely loved the family that Penn and Addy built. The bonus epilogue was the cherry on top, and I really hope that we get a second generation to this series! 🤭🙌 I definitely recommend this book and this series to my friends!
June 28, 2025
3.5 stars! Crazy Love is book 5 in the standalone Single Dad Playbook series, and the last in this series. This one is small town, marriage of convenience, single dad, sports romance!
Penn is the star running back for the Colorado Mustangs and has definitely lived up to his reputation of the playboy bachelor of the group. The book kicks off with him meeting Addy in the Bahamas while he’s there officiating his friends’ wedding and they hit it off immediately. They share a kiss but she ghosts him quickly after. We then cut to later, Penn is ready to get serious and wants to adopt Sam, a foster kid he has been spending time with. He’s struggling with the process because he’d be a single parent with a very busy career and hours spent away. Enter Addy back into his life. She’s working for the football team as their new nutritionist and she’s also one of his coach’s daughter too! She finds out about his plight to adopt Sam and jumps in with a marriage of convenience idea!
This series is very low angst and just easy and sweet. Penn is very much a cinnamon roll hero, almost too much for me paired with the low angst of it all. Penn and Addy just easily fit together and quickly are adopting another child plus pets (it did slightly feel too sweet and easy). Their house gets full fast. Her dad’s reaction to their marriage/relationship kinda took me out, he comes around in the end but it was rough. The whole series was very cutesy, but book 1 remains my fav! If you want light sports and low angst, sweet romances this author is a good one to try.
I received an audiobook ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own. This audiobook was narrated by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin who always do such a fantastic job!
Penn is the star running back for the Colorado Mustangs and has definitely lived up to his reputation of the playboy bachelor of the group. The book kicks off with him meeting Addy in the Bahamas while he’s there officiating his friends’ wedding and they hit it off immediately. They share a kiss but she ghosts him quickly after. We then cut to later, Penn is ready to get serious and wants to adopt Sam, a foster kid he has been spending time with. He’s struggling with the process because he’d be a single parent with a very busy career and hours spent away. Enter Addy back into his life. She’s working for the football team as their new nutritionist and she’s also one of his coach’s daughter too! She finds out about his plight to adopt Sam and jumps in with a marriage of convenience idea!
This series is very low angst and just easy and sweet. Penn is very much a cinnamon roll hero, almost too much for me paired with the low angst of it all. Penn and Addy just easily fit together and quickly are adopting another child plus pets (it did slightly feel too sweet and easy). Their house gets full fast. Her dad’s reaction to their marriage/relationship kinda took me out, he comes around in the end but it was rough. The whole series was very cutesy, but book 1 remains my fav! If you want light sports and low angst, sweet romances this author is a good one to try.
I received an audiobook ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own. This audiobook was narrated by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin who always do such a fantastic job!
August 1, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Penn and Addy stole my heart! When Willow wrote this last book in the series, she went all out. Because Penn might have been the last one to fall, this man fell HARD.
And when she said single dad, she went all the way in! And this man said, bring it on!
I loved this book from beginning to end. Every word of it.
Penn and Addy stole my heart. They met once and had a bit of a missed connection but the moment Addy starts working for her dad and the football team he coaches for, Penn is determined to get her to give him a chance.
What I loved is that while Penn is pursuing Addy, he has the chance to foster a little boy he has a longstanding connection with, and instead of being scared away, Addy jumps in to help both Sam and Penn be a family.
So while this is a marriage of convenience, these two had real feelings that propelled them, and stole my heart by doing what they could to gain a family by unconventional means. Ans when the surprises keep coming, both Penn and addy keep showing up for each other and their family.
And I will always always be a sucker for people that step in to raise kids that they didn’t have to love!
Plus, as always this series does a fantastic job of highlighting close male friendships where they love and support each other out loud and I love them so much.
I’m not ready to say goodbye, but the last chapter of this book gave me all the feel for how it wrapped up.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Penn and Addy stole my heart! When Willow wrote this last book in the series, she went all out. Because Penn might have been the last one to fall, this man fell HARD.
And when she said single dad, she went all the way in! And this man said, bring it on!
I loved this book from beginning to end. Every word of it.
Penn and Addy stole my heart. They met once and had a bit of a missed connection but the moment Addy starts working for her dad and the football team he coaches for, Penn is determined to get her to give him a chance.
What I loved is that while Penn is pursuing Addy, he has the chance to foster a little boy he has a longstanding connection with, and instead of being scared away, Addy jumps in to help both Sam and Penn be a family.
So while this is a marriage of convenience, these two had real feelings that propelled them, and stole my heart by doing what they could to gain a family by unconventional means. Ans when the surprises keep coming, both Penn and addy keep showing up for each other and their family.
And I will always always be a sucker for people that step in to raise kids that they didn’t have to love!
Plus, as always this series does a fantastic job of highlighting close male friendships where they love and support each other out loud and I love them so much.
I’m not ready to say goodbye, but the last chapter of this book gave me all the feel for how it wrapped up.
August 26, 2025
3.5 stars.
It's been a few days since I read this one but I didn't know what to rate it after I finished it.
It was cute and I liked the couple though it was insta-lovey for sure. The main characters are definitely not memorable though and this book was really similar to most of the other books in the series. Sam and Winnie were cute though. RTC.
It's been a few days since I read this one but I didn't know what to rate it after I finished it.
It was cute and I liked the couple though it was insta-lovey for sure. The main characters are definitely not memorable though and this book was really similar to most of the other books in the series. Sam and Winnie were cute though. RTC.
July 10, 2025
Cue THEE biggest book hangover cause I am in no way shape or form ready to say goodbye to this series!! I cannot even put into words just how much I LOVED this book!
My heart is overflowing with SO MANY FEELINGS.
It is the most bittersweet feeling, with every book I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with these single dads and the women who completely and irrevocably stolen their hearts. Not to mention the abundance of adorable children who melted mine into a puddle of goo. And the friendships. The brotherhood. The kind of bond people search their whole life for some sometimes never find, that is what Penn, Rhodes, Weston, Henley and Bowie had. An unconditional love and when I say riding for each other until the wheels falls off and even after they’ll still keep riding. That was my most favorite thing about this series as a whole.
There were so many surprises in store, Willow kept me on my toes and squeaking out loud so many times. I want you to experience the incredibleness that is this beautiful story so I won’t say what but just expect your heart to be nearly bursting with heartwarming joy. Chapter 43 alone had me in the giddiest of chokeholds!!
The obstacles they have to overcome. The sacrifices they make. Penn and Addy go on one heck of journey to their hea. Watching the biggest playboy of them all fall indisputably hard was the best. The way he opened his heart completely to this new world of love and embraced it. The swooning was instant and undeniable. And Addy, her heart was so big, so beautiful and the way she exuded a compassion and love that was all encompassing was everything Penn never knew he needed. These two together were destined.
I had no idea what to expect with Penn’s story but Willow, I must say you absolutely did your big one with Penn and Addy. And now I’m expected to say goodbye??? I can’t. I won’t. I don’t know how. I hope there’s a next gen up your sleeve.
My heart is overflowing with SO MANY FEELINGS.
It is the most bittersweet feeling, with every book I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with these single dads and the women who completely and irrevocably stolen their hearts. Not to mention the abundance of adorable children who melted mine into a puddle of goo. And the friendships. The brotherhood. The kind of bond people search their whole life for some sometimes never find, that is what Penn, Rhodes, Weston, Henley and Bowie had. An unconditional love and when I say riding for each other until the wheels falls off and even after they’ll still keep riding. That was my most favorite thing about this series as a whole.
There were so many surprises in store, Willow kept me on my toes and squeaking out loud so many times. I want you to experience the incredibleness that is this beautiful story so I won’t say what but just expect your heart to be nearly bursting with heartwarming joy. Chapter 43 alone had me in the giddiest of chokeholds!!
The obstacles they have to overcome. The sacrifices they make. Penn and Addy go on one heck of journey to their hea. Watching the biggest playboy of them all fall indisputably hard was the best. The way he opened his heart completely to this new world of love and embraced it. The swooning was instant and undeniable. And Addy, her heart was so big, so beautiful and the way she exuded a compassion and love that was all encompassing was everything Penn never knew he needed. These two together were destined.
I had no idea what to expect with Penn’s story but Willow, I must say you absolutely did your big one with Penn and Addy. And now I’m expected to say goodbye??? I can’t. I won’t. I don’t know how. I hope there’s a next gen up your sleeve.
July 23, 2025
the perfect final book to this series that i have loved so much! penn meets a girl on vacation that he can't stop thinking about even months later, so when he shows up at work one day to find out she's his coach's daughter and she's about to be working for the team.. things get interesting 👀 this was such a sweet book, the romance happened fast but it made sense for the plot and everything that needed to happen. loved this one!
this series is all about NFL players who are single dads in some capacity, it has the best friend group dynamics and i had so much fun with each book! if you're looking for a sports romance series to binge (especially on audio), i highly recommend this one!
this series is all about NFL players who are single dads in some capacity, it has the best friend group dynamics and i had so much fun with each book! if you're looking for a sports romance series to binge (especially on audio), i highly recommend this one!
July 10, 2025
4.85⭐️ | 3🌶
When i finished this I sat in silence staring at the wall sobbing my eyes out for i don't know how long. This series healed something inside me and I will forever be grateful Willow wrote it. These men set the standard for me. I'll always be thinking about them and Silver Hills until the end of time. This series is one i think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. But anyway, I knew I was gonna cry the hardest during Penn's book, and boy, did I?! Every. Single. Thing about this beautiful book is etched in my soul. Penn, Addy and their family were so perfect. Perfect doesn't even feel like big enough a word. Definitely check TW. Brb, gonna go try and be a human after this. Thank you to valentine pr for this arc.
When i finished this I sat in silence staring at the wall sobbing my eyes out for i don't know how long. This series healed something inside me and I will forever be grateful Willow wrote it. These men set the standard for me. I'll always be thinking about them and Silver Hills until the end of time. This series is one i think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. But anyway, I knew I was gonna cry the hardest during Penn's book, and boy, did I?! Every. Single. Thing about this beautiful book is etched in my soul. Penn, Addy and their family were so perfect. Perfect doesn't even feel like big enough a word. Definitely check TW. Brb, gonna go try and be a human after this. Thank you to valentine pr for this arc.
August 15, 2025
"Favourite Quote"
"Three diamonds" , Sam says softly.
"Like the three of us!"🥹🥹
• Single dad
• Marriage of convenience
• Found family
• 1st person, dual POVs
This book was such a cozy, heartwarming surprise! One night in Bahamas… and then poof—she’s gone. Next time they meet? She’s the new team dietitian AND the coach’s daughter 😳. Drama? Check. Awkward tension? Double check.
Their chemistry was undeniable, filled with sweet and funny moments. I absolutely loved his friends acting as “matchmakers”🤭—such a great found family dynamic! Sam, the famous playboy with a soft side, completely won me over.
Also… kids in books always get me 🥹 and this story handled it in such an emotional and genuine way. The “Three diamonds” quote? Instant tearjerker moment.
Would i recommend?
Yes!A perfect cozy, feel-good read for the beach!
“Three diamonds… like the three of us!” 🥹
Ps. Definitely adding the previous books in the series to my TBR.
---------
Thanks to Valentine PR for the ARC!
"Three diamonds" , Sam says softly.
"Like the three of us!"🥹🥹
• Single dad
• Marriage of convenience
• Found family
• 1st person, dual POVs
This book was such a cozy, heartwarming surprise! One night in Bahamas… and then poof—she’s gone. Next time they meet? She’s the new team dietitian AND the coach’s daughter 😳. Drama? Check. Awkward tension? Double check.
Their chemistry was undeniable, filled with sweet and funny moments. I absolutely loved his friends acting as “matchmakers”🤭—such a great found family dynamic! Sam, the famous playboy with a soft side, completely won me over.
Also… kids in books always get me 🥹 and this story handled it in such an emotional and genuine way. The “Three diamonds” quote? Instant tearjerker moment.
Would i recommend?
Yes!A perfect cozy, feel-good read for the beach!
“Three diamonds… like the three of us!” 🥹
Ps. Definitely adding the previous books in the series to my TBR.
---------
Thanks to Valentine PR for the ARC!
July 6, 2025
3.75 Stars—this book had me hooked from the start! The characters are messy, complicated, and super relatable, which made their love story feel more real. I absolutely loved Sam’s relationship with Penn and then how his relationship with Addy grew. This is how marriage of convenience should be done! A couple parts felt a little rushed, but overall it was such a fun, emotional ride. If you’re into angsty romance with characters who have to fight for their happy ending, definitely give this one a shot!
July 9, 2025
The perfect finale to a heartwarming series 🥹 this is my favorite of them all, there’s just something so special about Addy and Penn. They’re such a perfect match, balancing each other beautifully in that quietly powerful way that sneaks up on you. This one gave me all the feels: low angst, tons of sweet and funny moments, and a found family that feels like home. I especially adored the relationship between Penn and his foster son Sam, SO genuine and touching. And yes, there’s a side of spice to round it all out just right 🔥❤️ Can’t believe the series is complete but what a way to end it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
👨👦 Single Dad
🏡 Small Town
🏈 Sports Romance
🏠 Forced Proximity
💍 Marriage of Convenience
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
July 7, 2025
This is hands down my favorite story in the Single Dad’s Playbook series! Such an incredibly emotional journey that I couldn’t put down.
🖤single dad
🏈pro football romance
🖤forced proximity
🏈small town
🖤marriage of convenience
🏈found family
Penn and Addy were such captivating characters and their love story — from a meet cute that led to a missed opportunity to reconnecting months later in a storyline that pulled at my heartstrings at every turn, it was just perfect.
And don’t get me started on little Sam and Winnie, foster kids who stole the show here. Sam especially — I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that kid. Beyond that, I don’t want to spoil anything so you’ll have to read for yourself — just know this one will tug your heart for the foreseeable.
🎧Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin absolutely slayed this audio and made it so completely consuming. They’re among the best and for good reason — their talent + this sweet, low angst story was so perfect.
I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough.
Note TW re: child abuse (off page but relevant to the story).
Thank you Willow and VPR for the ARC and ALC!
🖤single dad
🏈pro football romance
🖤forced proximity
🏈small town
🖤marriage of convenience
🏈found family
Penn and Addy were such captivating characters and their love story — from a meet cute that led to a missed opportunity to reconnecting months later in a storyline that pulled at my heartstrings at every turn, it was just perfect.
And don’t get me started on little Sam and Winnie, foster kids who stole the show here. Sam especially — I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that kid. Beyond that, I don’t want to spoil anything so you’ll have to read for yourself — just know this one will tug your heart for the foreseeable.
🎧Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin absolutely slayed this audio and made it so completely consuming. They’re among the best and for good reason — their talent + this sweet, low angst story was so perfect.
I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough.
Note TW re: child abuse (off page but relevant to the story).
Thank you Willow and VPR for the ARC and ALC!
August 26, 2025
The sweetest end to this adorable little series
October 26, 2025
This story follows Penn and Addy. After meeting in the Bahamas while attending a friend’s wedding, Penn is immediately captivated by a beautiful woman he spots gazing out over the water. They connect instantly and enjoy each other’s company. But before the night ends, things take a sudden turn and Addy disappears without a trace. Months later, she’s still on Penn’s mind. But when she unexpectedly ends up in his town, can she avoid him long enough to explain what really happened that night?
I absolutely loved this book it’s my favorite in the entire series. What a way to end! Such a beautiful story that completely captured my heart. Penn and Addy are brilliant together, and what they did for Sam and Winnie was incredibly moving. It broke my heart to see how flawed the system is, especially during the moments when Penn had to stand on the sidelines, feeling helpless. But I’m so glad Sam and Winnie finally have a home. I nearly cried at one point, and when they called Penn and Addy “Mum and Dad,” I melted. I don’t want to say too much but just read it!
The audiobook, narrated by Connor and Vanessa, is fantastic I highly recommend experiencing it in that format.
This series introduced me to Willow as an author, and I’m excited to dive into her backlist and look forward to her future works.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 18mins
Narrators: Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Fifth Book In The Single Dads Playbook Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Marriage Of Convenience, Sports (NFL), Workplace, Found Family, Coaches Daughter, Jealousy, Tension, Flirting, Foster Children, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk and Phone Scene
Mentions: Child Abuse
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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I absolutely loved this book it’s my favorite in the entire series. What a way to end! Such a beautiful story that completely captured my heart. Penn and Addy are brilliant together, and what they did for Sam and Winnie was incredibly moving. It broke my heart to see how flawed the system is, especially during the moments when Penn had to stand on the sidelines, feeling helpless. But I’m so glad Sam and Winnie finally have a home. I nearly cried at one point, and when they called Penn and Addy “Mum and Dad,” I melted. I don’t want to say too much but just read it!
The audiobook, narrated by Connor and Vanessa, is fantastic I highly recommend experiencing it in that format.
This series introduced me to Willow as an author, and I’m excited to dive into her backlist and look forward to her future works.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 18mins
Narrators: Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Fifth Book In The Single Dads Playbook Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Marriage Of Convenience, Sports (NFL), Workplace, Found Family, Coaches Daughter, Jealousy, Tension, Flirting, Foster Children, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk and Phone Scene
Mentions: Child Abuse
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
June 28, 2025
Crazy Love is the 5th book in the Single Dad Playbook series! This series started with a bang (Mad Love), but Crazy Love…It’s the BEST in the series! What an ending to a solid small town, sports romance, single parent series!
Penn and Addy met while Penn was on a group trip to Mexico, and she left without giving them getting their contact info. Penn is a football, and Addy’s dad is team coach. She is hired as a nutritionist for the team, and that’s when they reunite. After a quick conversation, Penn and Addy start to come together. We know that Penn has been trying to take custody of Sam, a foster child, but he was a single man. To help Sam, Penn and Addy get married. They had a lot of chemistry before their marriage, so their story is more marriage of convenience than a fake marriage. Then came Winnie and boy did I tear up! The humor, the emotional vulnerability, and sweet/sexy romance was perfect. I love the found family vibes and how swoony Penn is. Addy is a sweet, strong, smart, and kind. The secondary characters are well written. The ending wrapped up Penn and Addy’s story well as well as the series as a whole.
The audiobook well performed by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin, which I recommend as both narrators are fantastic and 2 of my favorite narrators! Thank you to Valentine PR and Willow Aster for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Penn and Addy met while Penn was on a group trip to Mexico, and she left without giving them getting their contact info. Penn is a football, and Addy’s dad is team coach. She is hired as a nutritionist for the team, and that’s when they reunite. After a quick conversation, Penn and Addy start to come together. We know that Penn has been trying to take custody of Sam, a foster child, but he was a single man. To help Sam, Penn and Addy get married. They had a lot of chemistry before their marriage, so their story is more marriage of convenience than a fake marriage. Then came Winnie and boy did I tear up! The humor, the emotional vulnerability, and sweet/sexy romance was perfect. I love the found family vibes and how swoony Penn is. Addy is a sweet, strong, smart, and kind. The secondary characters are well written. The ending wrapped up Penn and Addy’s story well as well as the series as a whole.
The audiobook well performed by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin, which I recommend as both narrators are fantastic and 2 of my favorite narrators! Thank you to Valentine PR and Willow Aster for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️.5
• second chance
• marriage of convenience
• adoptive parents
• forced proximity
• found family
Penn is a dreamboat and an NFL star. Addy is the team dietician. But he doesn’t know that when they meet in the Bahamas during his best friends’ wedding weekend.
There were sparks but then he returns back to where he left her and she’s gone. Cue a few months later and Penn and Addy are reconnected at the team barbecue when he learns that not only is she the new team dietician but also Coach’s daughter.
Penn has been involved in Sam’s life for a couple years during a mentoring program his football team was a part of and Penn has been doing anything he can to become eligible to foster-to-adopt Sam.
The playboy days are over and Penn’s life has completely changed since he met Addy and began the adoption process. No more bars or girls and partying because he just doesn’t want it. Addy altered his brain chemistry.
I LOVE LOVED LOVED this final story of the series. These Single Dad Players have lived rent free in my head and I love the world Willow has created.
We had so many tears of happiness and heartache as well as a couple chuckles as the Dads were their normals selves. I thought Addy was a perfect addition to the ladies group and the addition to the kids circle (more than just Sam 😉) are a full circle moment and I just love it!
🌶️.5
• second chance
• marriage of convenience
• adoptive parents
• forced proximity
• found family
Penn is a dreamboat and an NFL star. Addy is the team dietician. But he doesn’t know that when they meet in the Bahamas during his best friends’ wedding weekend.
There were sparks but then he returns back to where he left her and she’s gone. Cue a few months later and Penn and Addy are reconnected at the team barbecue when he learns that not only is she the new team dietician but also Coach’s daughter.
Penn has been involved in Sam’s life for a couple years during a mentoring program his football team was a part of and Penn has been doing anything he can to become eligible to foster-to-adopt Sam.
The playboy days are over and Penn’s life has completely changed since he met Addy and began the adoption process. No more bars or girls and partying because he just doesn’t want it. Addy altered his brain chemistry.
I LOVE LOVED LOVED this final story of the series. These Single Dad Players have lived rent free in my head and I love the world Willow has created.
We had so many tears of happiness and heartache as well as a couple chuckles as the Dads were their normals selves. I thought Addy was a perfect addition to the ladies group and the addition to the kids circle (more than just Sam 😉) are a full circle moment and I just love it!
July 10, 2025
I’m so sad the series is over 😭
Gosh I loved them so much. This series as a whole I would recommend to anyone that enjoys sports romance along with some of the best found family ties I’ve read! Each single dad has a different story and circumstance.
Penn is a story you anticipate the whole series and do finally watch him get his happy ever after warmed my heart and had tears falling.
What starts as a one night, in the Bahamas has Addy on Penns mind for some time after.
Until he meets her at WORK back in the practice facility where she shows up for her job as the team dietician and her father is a coach.
Then tying in Sam, the foster kid we have also followed through the series that Penn has gotten super close to, mentoring for years.
Addy proposed a marriage of convenience to help him adopt Sam, since the system prefers a two parent household. Of course he agrees and the rest is history…. Just kidding.
These two learn so much about each other and their interests, Addy’s dream to have a family, our girl Jezabel the hairless cat and so much more.
This was the best book in the series and I’m so sad for it to be over. I laughed and cried and swooned over these two and their two littles 🫶🏼
Gosh I loved them so much. This series as a whole I would recommend to anyone that enjoys sports romance along with some of the best found family ties I’ve read! Each single dad has a different story and circumstance.
Penn is a story you anticipate the whole series and do finally watch him get his happy ever after warmed my heart and had tears falling.
What starts as a one night, in the Bahamas has Addy on Penns mind for some time after.
Until he meets her at WORK back in the practice facility where she shows up for her job as the team dietician and her father is a coach.
Then tying in Sam, the foster kid we have also followed through the series that Penn has gotten super close to, mentoring for years.
Addy proposed a marriage of convenience to help him adopt Sam, since the system prefers a two parent household. Of course he agrees and the rest is history…. Just kidding.
These two learn so much about each other and their interests, Addy’s dream to have a family, our girl Jezabel the hairless cat and so much more.
This was the best book in the series and I’m so sad for it to be over. I laughed and cried and swooned over these two and their two littles 🫶🏼
July 3, 2025
Omg just stop 😭 This book was everything I didn’t know my heart and soul needed. The emotions it evoked from me, gosh. AND THE LAUGHS! Chapter one had me cackling like you wouldn’t believe.
This series will always hold a special place in my heart. I wasn’t sure how Penn would be as a dad, but my gosh was he perfect. Literally made for it. This one is going to pull at all your heart strings. I’m a literal puddle.
Willow Aster ended this series is the perfect way. THAT ENDING THOUGH! Pretty sure I took a year off my husband’s life the way I screamed! Sorry not sorry honey.
Penn and Addy were literally made for each other. Their chemistry was off the charts and I’m obsessed with the tropes used in this book! SO DANG GOOD!! And you guys, those spicy moments are well worth the read!
As always, the bromance of the men in this series is top notch. Nothing compares. The banter, the jokes, the laughter, all of it. These men are what book boyfriends are made of. The best of the best. I’ll forever be a Bowie girlie, but I love each of these characters forever.
Just add the series to your tbr. Don’t question it. Just accept that devouring this series is in your near future. You’ll thank me later.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Willow Aster for the ebook arc in exchange for my honest opinion! I’m forever grateful for this series.
This series will always hold a special place in my heart. I wasn’t sure how Penn would be as a dad, but my gosh was he perfect. Literally made for it. This one is going to pull at all your heart strings. I’m a literal puddle.
Willow Aster ended this series is the perfect way. THAT ENDING THOUGH! Pretty sure I took a year off my husband’s life the way I screamed! Sorry not sorry honey.
Penn and Addy were literally made for each other. Their chemistry was off the charts and I’m obsessed with the tropes used in this book! SO DANG GOOD!! And you guys, those spicy moments are well worth the read!
As always, the bromance of the men in this series is top notch. Nothing compares. The banter, the jokes, the laughter, all of it. These men are what book boyfriends are made of. The best of the best. I’ll forever be a Bowie girlie, but I love each of these characters forever.
Just add the series to your tbr. Don’t question it. Just accept that devouring this series is in your near future. You’ll thank me later.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Willow Aster for the ebook arc in exchange for my honest opinion! I’m forever grateful for this series.
June 27, 2025
An absolute EPIC conclusion to the series.
I literally started-- slept-- and finished this book in less than 12 hours. Penn and Addy are EVERYTHING. Beautiful, heartbreaking, so much healing-- Penn and Addy brought everything to the table. The love they gave Sam. The family they built.
The found family of this is some of my favorite. I absolutely love the single dad players group. The love they have for each other. the way they are there for each other-- no questions asked. they truly became this big, beautiful family. 🥹
I cannot wait for this book to be out in the world.
I literally started-- slept-- and finished this book in less than 12 hours. Penn and Addy are EVERYTHING. Beautiful, heartbreaking, so much healing-- Penn and Addy brought everything to the table. The love they gave Sam. The family they built.
The found family of this is some of my favorite. I absolutely love the single dad players group. The love they have for each other. the way they are there for each other-- no questions asked. they truly became this big, beautiful family. 🥹
I cannot wait for this book to be out in the world.
September 14, 2025
THIS ONE! From the coach’s daughter to the fake marriage… even to the insta love. It was full of emotion, growth, and the perfect definition of found family. What a way to end this series!
July 5, 2025
I love this book!
The foster family aspect.
Found family.
Text message friend group.
Sports romance.
It portrayed perfectly how sad the system can be for children.
Penn is a dream guy!
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
The foster family aspect.
Found family.
Text message friend group.
Sports romance.
It portrayed perfectly how sad the system can be for children.
Penn is a dream guy!
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
July 12, 2025
Dear Willow Aster
In the nicest way possible, please invest in learning the art of writing a slow burn or even just something with a slower pacing.
Yet another cute read from you that fell short because it was too rushed. Slow down. No one is chasing you.
In the nicest way possible, please invest in learning the art of writing a slow burn or even just something with a slower pacing.
Yet another cute read from you that fell short because it was too rushed. Slow down. No one is chasing you.
October 1, 2025
5 stars!
The final book of the Single Dads Playbook series, and Willow Aster has delivered the swooniest, sweetest and most heartwarming romance! Single player Penn meets his match in this fake marriage, insta-family story that absolutely stole my heart!
From the previous books in the series we know that Penn is an NFL player, and the odd man out in his friend group. In the self-named ‘Single Dad Players’, he’s not a single dad, though he does mentor an 11-year-old boy, Sam, who he has grown to love and is trying to adopt. And unlike his friends who are all now in committed relationships, he’s also a bit of a player.
Penn and Addy meet while vacationing and share an instant attraction. They only just start to explore their wild chemistry when their evening is cut short and they lose touch. It’s months later and neither of them have been able to forget about the other, and then Addy shows up in Penn’s small town. Not only that, she’s the new nutritionist working with his team. They are stunned to see each other again, and even though the chemistry between them still sizzles, they know they need to keep their distance. But when Addy gets caught up in Penn’s world and meets Sam, she realises that she may be his only chance to get the boy out of a terrible situation and give him the home and family that both he and Penn are desperate for. She proposes a marriage of convenience to increase his chances of adoption and, desperate to do what he can for Sam, Penn accepts.
It's a fun set up, and this book is full of sweet, swoony goodness from the very beginning. There is no drama, no angst, no stupid behaviour, it’s just Penn and Addy together and figuring out how to make it work. They come together so easily, their connection is undeniable, and they find themselves slipping into their new roles with ease and a feeling of ‘rightness’.
Of course, it doesn’t take long before their simple arrangement changes, and the romance is gorgeous! Sweet and sexy, Penn and Addy come together with open hearts and no reservations, and though it’s easy, it’s no less intense, and God, I love these two together!
The emotion is absolutely there, with lots of moments that had me clutching my heart, and honestly, when you think about this kind of storyline – this book delivers on every moment you could possibly want to see! From the romantic moments to the building of a family, I was completely swept up and read this book with a goofy smile on my face and all the happy feels.
It’s a journey, but it’s a happy one, and this is a really easy, feel-good read, and honestly, was just what I needed.
There is a lot of character crossover with the previous couples of the series, and I loved seeing them again, and watching them all interact. They all have each other’s backs without question, and the bonds between them are just gorgeous. Having said that, you could also easily read this one as a standalone if you wanted to (but don’t miss the other books, they’re all so good!).
Such a gorgeous read, I loved this book – 5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
The final book of the Single Dads Playbook series, and Willow Aster has delivered the swooniest, sweetest and most heartwarming romance! Single player Penn meets his match in this fake marriage, insta-family story that absolutely stole my heart!
From the previous books in the series we know that Penn is an NFL player, and the odd man out in his friend group. In the self-named ‘Single Dad Players’, he’s not a single dad, though he does mentor an 11-year-old boy, Sam, who he has grown to love and is trying to adopt. And unlike his friends who are all now in committed relationships, he’s also a bit of a player.
Penn and Addy meet while vacationing and share an instant attraction. They only just start to explore their wild chemistry when their evening is cut short and they lose touch. It’s months later and neither of them have been able to forget about the other, and then Addy shows up in Penn’s small town. Not only that, she’s the new nutritionist working with his team. They are stunned to see each other again, and even though the chemistry between them still sizzles, they know they need to keep their distance. But when Addy gets caught up in Penn’s world and meets Sam, she realises that she may be his only chance to get the boy out of a terrible situation and give him the home and family that both he and Penn are desperate for. She proposes a marriage of convenience to increase his chances of adoption and, desperate to do what he can for Sam, Penn accepts.
It's a fun set up, and this book is full of sweet, swoony goodness from the very beginning. There is no drama, no angst, no stupid behaviour, it’s just Penn and Addy together and figuring out how to make it work. They come together so easily, their connection is undeniable, and they find themselves slipping into their new roles with ease and a feeling of ‘rightness’.
“I’m kind of loving this life we’re creating together.”
Of course, it doesn’t take long before their simple arrangement changes, and the romance is gorgeous! Sweet and sexy, Penn and Addy come together with open hearts and no reservations, and though it’s easy, it’s no less intense, and God, I love these two together!
“I don’t want to ever let you go,” he says.
“Please don’t,” I whisper.
“Do you mean it?” His eyes search mine and I nod.
“With all my heart.”
“I love you,” he whispers. “God, I can’t believe that I found you and that I love you so goddamn much.”
The emotion is absolutely there, with lots of moments that had me clutching my heart, and honestly, when you think about this kind of storyline – this book delivers on every moment you could possibly want to see! From the romantic moments to the building of a family, I was completely swept up and read this book with a goofy smile on my face and all the happy feels.
It’s a journey, but it’s a happy one, and this is a really easy, feel-good read, and honestly, was just what I needed.
There is a lot of character crossover with the previous couples of the series, and I loved seeing them again, and watching them all interact. They all have each other’s backs without question, and the bonds between them are just gorgeous. Having said that, you could also easily read this one as a standalone if you wanted to (but don’t miss the other books, they’re all so good!).
Such a gorgeous read, I loved this book – 5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
August 17, 2025
ALC REVIEW:
Reading Format: Audiobook
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Adeline Evans & Penn Hudson
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, Sports Romance, Coach’s Daughter, Found Family
Narrator (s) - Vanessa Edwin And Connor Crais
my eyes are completely dry after finishing crazy love, wow Penn Hudson the actual man you are!! i am a huge sucker for a cinnamon roll hero and Penn delivers that soft, steady strength in every single way. He’s sweet, patient, protective, and just perfect. 🥹
From the very beginning, I was swept up in the beauty of this story. The relationship between Penn and Addy was so authentic and full of heart. They just fit the way they communicated, supported each other, and poured so much love into Sam and Winnie made me emotional more times than I can count. Their bond felt real, earned, and powerful.
the way they both had come together to help sam and get him out of that terrible foster home, their kindness and love they both gave the kids!!
The way addy was, her gentle, unwavering care for those kids made my heart hurt in the best way. And Penn, his dedication to fostering Sam, his vulnerability, and that soft possessiveness (like when Addy ran into an old friend at the restaurant 👀) made him unforgettable.
Some scenes just wrecked me:
Sam and Penn grocery shopping (I was sobbing)
Penn and Sam picking out the engagement ring for addy together— “Three diamonds. Like the three of us.” 😭
And Winnie calling Penn “Daddy” for the first time. Literal waterworks.
“You were so good!” Winnie cries. “Will you teach me that, Daddy?” … “Yes, I sure can, sweet girl,” I tell her, my voice sounding raw.
Penn's friendship with the other guys in 'the single dad playbook' was one of my favourite factors honestly, i adored the friendships between the guys. Their love and support for one another, the honest advice, the humor. it gave the book so much warmth and charm. Found family tropes will always get me, and this group delivered.
The bonus epilogue from Sam’s POV? Stunning. Seeing him six years later, still so deeply connected to the family that fought for him, was the perfect, heart melting conclusion.
“We’re a mess.” I laugh, my voice cracking. “We’re your mess,” Dad says. “Always have been,” Mom says. “Always will be,” I say softly.
Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais were phenomenal as Addy and Penn. The emotion they brought to their performances was next level absolutely flawless.
Thank You Willow Aster and VPR for the ALC!! all thoughts are my honest opinion :)
Reading Format: Audiobook
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Adeline Evans & Penn Hudson
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, Sports Romance, Coach’s Daughter, Found Family
Narrator (s) - Vanessa Edwin And Connor Crais
my eyes are completely dry after finishing crazy love, wow Penn Hudson the actual man you are!! i am a huge sucker for a cinnamon roll hero and Penn delivers that soft, steady strength in every single way. He’s sweet, patient, protective, and just perfect. 🥹
From the very beginning, I was swept up in the beauty of this story. The relationship between Penn and Addy was so authentic and full of heart. They just fit the way they communicated, supported each other, and poured so much love into Sam and Winnie made me emotional more times than I can count. Their bond felt real, earned, and powerful.
the way they both had come together to help sam and get him out of that terrible foster home, their kindness and love they both gave the kids!!
The way addy was, her gentle, unwavering care for those kids made my heart hurt in the best way. And Penn, his dedication to fostering Sam, his vulnerability, and that soft possessiveness (like when Addy ran into an old friend at the restaurant 👀) made him unforgettable.
Some scenes just wrecked me:
Sam and Penn grocery shopping (I was sobbing)
Penn and Sam picking out the engagement ring for addy together— “Three diamonds. Like the three of us.” 😭
And Winnie calling Penn “Daddy” for the first time. Literal waterworks.
“You were so good!” Winnie cries. “Will you teach me that, Daddy?” … “Yes, I sure can, sweet girl,” I tell her, my voice sounding raw.
Penn's friendship with the other guys in 'the single dad playbook' was one of my favourite factors honestly, i adored the friendships between the guys. Their love and support for one another, the honest advice, the humor. it gave the book so much warmth and charm. Found family tropes will always get me, and this group delivered.
The bonus epilogue from Sam’s POV? Stunning. Seeing him six years later, still so deeply connected to the family that fought for him, was the perfect, heart melting conclusion.
“We’re a mess.” I laugh, my voice cracking. “We’re your mess,” Dad says. “Always have been,” Mom says. “Always will be,” I say softly.
Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais were phenomenal as Addy and Penn. The emotion they brought to their performances was next level absolutely flawless.
Thank You Willow Aster and VPR for the ALC!! all thoughts are my honest opinion :)
July 14, 2025
ARC REVIEW
what a stellar end to this amazing series!! I absolutely loved Penn’s story, especially his relationship with Sam and Winnie. It was tiny bit insta-lovey for me, but I loved Penn’s interactions with Addy from the start. Can’t wait to see what Willow comes up with next.
Thank you Willow Aster and VPR for an advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own!
what a stellar end to this amazing series!! I absolutely loved Penn’s story, especially his relationship with Sam and Winnie. It was tiny bit insta-lovey for me, but I loved Penn’s interactions with Addy from the start. Can’t wait to see what Willow comes up with next.
Thank you Willow Aster and VPR for an advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own!
July 6, 2025
What a sweet ending to a fun series of single dads from a small town all finding love while playing for the local professional football team.
Crazy Love is the final book in The Single Dad Playbook series and it's now Penn's turn to get his HEA. He was the last one left and not really a dad in the traditional sense, but a dad by proxy. A "Dad" that fell for a kid (Sam) in the system and was a big brother of sorts. But things are changing in their group and Penn wants what his friends have, even if he's known as the playboy running back. How will all the pieces come together?
Penn is at his friend's destination wedding when he runs into THE woman. This woman, Addy helps get him out of his head, makes him laugh, and who he enjoys kissing. But when he is pulled away to help his group out, he returns to find Addy gone and no way of getting in touch with her. Could the playboy bachelor be down for the count with a woman he only knew for a short time?
Time passes but neither Penn or Addy forgets their day together that was interrupted. When circumstances throw them in each other's orbits again, they pretty much pick right up where they left off, but have a little bit of an issue if they can continue on. What starts out as a second chance after a wrong timing, soon turns into a marriage of convenience to save a child that just may get lost in the system.
This was a nice, sweet and easy read with little to no drama or angst. The only real drama is the fact that while Penn is trying to do something about Sam and getting him out of an abusive home situation, the system does not make it easy for anyone, least of all a single man. And when Addy steps up and offers marriage and a home and everything that comes with being a family for Penn and Sam, it just all falls perfectly in order. Almost too easily. But that's ok. This will be a story that will just make you smile and feel good. To know that there are good people out there that just want to love.
Addy and Penn are cute and fit so well together. They seem to have the same focus in life and their puzzle pieces work, even if they do fall together quickly and full steam ahead as far as family, home, and careers go. They work well as a team and have no tension between them. Just some good chemistry physically and as parental units. While their household situation grows quite quickly, I expected more tension, but these two were just a good team that took everything as it came. Add in the fact that they have a great group of friends willing to help if needed and everything falls together perfectly on the field and off.
This was a sweet ending to a series with a great group of guys that are always there for one another. I loved seeing them all with their growing families and the entries they continued to put in their playbook. Those parts may have been my favorite. They guys' camaraderie and the way they gave support and advice in that cute playbook of theirs. The ending was a little OTT cutesy, but what a way to go out.
If you enjoy a light sports romance with a group of found family and a marriage of convenience with low drama, this book and this series in general will be just what you are looking for. AND we even get a little taste of the new series to come with characters that are introduced in this book. A nice little bonus for Aster readers.
Crazy Love is the final book in The Single Dad Playbook series and it's now Penn's turn to get his HEA. He was the last one left and not really a dad in the traditional sense, but a dad by proxy. A "Dad" that fell for a kid (Sam) in the system and was a big brother of sorts. But things are changing in their group and Penn wants what his friends have, even if he's known as the playboy running back. How will all the pieces come together?
Penn is at his friend's destination wedding when he runs into THE woman. This woman, Addy helps get him out of his head, makes him laugh, and who he enjoys kissing. But when he is pulled away to help his group out, he returns to find Addy gone and no way of getting in touch with her. Could the playboy bachelor be down for the count with a woman he only knew for a short time?
Time passes but neither Penn or Addy forgets their day together that was interrupted. When circumstances throw them in each other's orbits again, they pretty much pick right up where they left off, but have a little bit of an issue if they can continue on. What starts out as a second chance after a wrong timing, soon turns into a marriage of convenience to save a child that just may get lost in the system.
This was a nice, sweet and easy read with little to no drama or angst. The only real drama is the fact that while Penn is trying to do something about Sam and getting him out of an abusive home situation, the system does not make it easy for anyone, least of all a single man. And when Addy steps up and offers marriage and a home and everything that comes with being a family for Penn and Sam, it just all falls perfectly in order. Almost too easily. But that's ok. This will be a story that will just make you smile and feel good. To know that there are good people out there that just want to love.
Addy and Penn are cute and fit so well together. They seem to have the same focus in life and their puzzle pieces work, even if they do fall together quickly and full steam ahead as far as family, home, and careers go. They work well as a team and have no tension between them. Just some good chemistry physically and as parental units. While their household situation grows quite quickly, I expected more tension, but these two were just a good team that took everything as it came. Add in the fact that they have a great group of friends willing to help if needed and everything falls together perfectly on the field and off.
This was a sweet ending to a series with a great group of guys that are always there for one another. I loved seeing them all with their growing families and the entries they continued to put in their playbook. Those parts may have been my favorite. They guys' camaraderie and the way they gave support and advice in that cute playbook of theirs. The ending was a little OTT cutesy, but what a way to go out.
If you enjoy a light sports romance with a group of found family and a marriage of convenience with low drama, this book and this series in general will be just what you are looking for. AND we even get a little taste of the new series to come with characters that are introduced in this book. A nice little bonus for Aster readers.
July 10, 2025
Ratings:
4 Stars
2 Spice
Format: ALC
Narrators: Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin
Expect:
Small Town, Sports - Professional Football Player, Marriage of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Coach's Daughter, Forbidden, Fostering/Adoption, Father Figure Role
Thoughts:
This was a great ending to this series! Very bittersweet to say goodbye to these football players but I am so glad we got Penn's story to wrap things up and I definitely shed a few tears at the ending!
I think we all had been waiting for Penn's book since we saw his relationship with Sam (who he wanted to adopt) grow throughout the series. I loved the way this book portrayed fostering and adoption. It was so heartwarming and the way Penn just wanted to step up and be that father figure/dad was so cute. He grew into the perfect Dad, and husband, and I love him so much.
Then the romance! So I loved the first interaction between Penn & Addy and loved that this was Coach's daughter. It added a hint of forbiddenness but I also liked that given the circumstances, they didn't keep things hidden. It was overall low angst and I thought the pacing of their relationship was great. They just made sense together. I loved seeing their family grow and how Addy also had an immediate connection with Sam.
There wasn't necessarily anything I disliked here, but I think it just won't be my top fave of the series - Reckless Love still takes that spot. But I had a great time listening to this entire series and I will definitely miss this found family! Looking forward to seeing what Willow Aster brings us next.
Thank you so much to the author and Must Love Audio for the advanced audio copy!
4 Stars
2 Spice
Format: ALC
Narrators: Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin
Expect:
Small Town, Sports - Professional Football Player, Marriage of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Coach's Daughter, Forbidden, Fostering/Adoption, Father Figure Role
Thoughts:
This was a great ending to this series! Very bittersweet to say goodbye to these football players but I am so glad we got Penn's story to wrap things up and I definitely shed a few tears at the ending!
I think we all had been waiting for Penn's book since we saw his relationship with Sam (who he wanted to adopt) grow throughout the series. I loved the way this book portrayed fostering and adoption. It was so heartwarming and the way Penn just wanted to step up and be that father figure/dad was so cute. He grew into the perfect Dad, and husband, and I love him so much.
Then the romance! So I loved the first interaction between Penn & Addy and loved that this was Coach's daughter. It added a hint of forbiddenness but I also liked that given the circumstances, they didn't keep things hidden. It was overall low angst and I thought the pacing of their relationship was great. They just made sense together. I loved seeing their family grow and how Addy also had an immediate connection with Sam.
There wasn't necessarily anything I disliked here, but I think it just won't be my top fave of the series - Reckless Love still takes that spot. But I had a great time listening to this entire series and I will definitely miss this found family! Looking forward to seeing what Willow Aster brings us next.
Thank you so much to the author and Must Love Audio for the advanced audio copy!
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