House of Cards

Not in the Cards #1

by Courtney W. Dixon

"I never wanted nor was I supposed to be a father. Now, I'm having to foster care for a 14-year-old grieving boy."

Calvin Abernathy

Life is good. It’s exactly how I want it. No relationships. No kids. I own a business, and I have a nice home. I can do whatever I want and sleep with whomever I want. To make life even better, I have a hot neighbor that I love tormenting. His annoyance gives me great pleasure because he’s cute when he gets flustered. Too bad he has so many kids and a new boyfriend.

When my perfect life turns on its head after my friends die in a tragic accident, I end up with their teenage son in my care. To say that I’m freaking out is an understatement. I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. So, with my tail tucked between my legs, I ask for Seth’s help. Now, our growing friendship has me wondering if having a relationship would be so bad.

Seth Griffin

My neighbor, Calvin, is a jerk. He’s always making fun of me and turning my kids’ toys left in his yard into these totems. Weirdo. He’s annoying, and I hate that he’s hot. However, when he comes to me after becoming the guardian of a teenager, I decide to help him—just for the boy’s sake. Eventually, a close friendship develops between us, and feelings arise, but I shouldn’t want my neighbor.

I’m finally dating again after being abandoned by my ex-husband. While I would never cheat, this friendship with Cal is getting complicated, and I need to decide what to do about it. Then, my new boyfriend’s red flags are revealed, making my decision easier. It’s Calvin I run to now. It’s Calvin I want.

Tropes:

♠️ Neighbors
♠️ Unexpected Father
♠️ Single Dads
♠️ Pseudo Enemies to Lovers
♠️ Eventual Best Friends
♠️ Finding Love After Heartbreak
♠️ Hurt/Comfort
♠️ Bonding Through Poker
♠️ Found Family
♠️ Medium Burn
♠️ ‘I’ll Always Be There for You’

Sex before the relationship, grief, reluctant fatherhood, on page non-consensual breath play that led to bodily harm (not MCs), bullying of a child (not by MCs), abusive/narcissistic parent (not by an MC), death of friends, death of a secondary character, death of a parent, alcohol consumption, mentions of cheating and abandonment from previous relationships (not MCs).

** Ends in a SERIES cliffhanger, not a cliffhanger for the couple. The couple achieve and complete their HEA. **

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Found Family, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Slow Burn

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2026

About the author

Courtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.

She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.

She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.

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Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ rounded up

ARC REVIEW

This was my first Courtney Dixon book and what a book to start with!

Calvin and Seth’s story was beautiful and heartwarming!

Both characters go through a lot of growth and have a lot of hurt/comfort and I loved seeing them develop throughout the story!

Seth is amazing with his kids and re assures Calvin constantly and seeing Calvin transform from a pseudo playboy into a warm family man was amazing

My only real critiques with this were that some of the dialogue felt off? Maybe forced in a way? And the constant use of the nicknames was a little much for me personally

All this to say I will definitely be reading more of Cortney’s works!

Out 3/16/26

[Shonee]

DNF @ <10%

The narrator has a significant lisp that carries through to each character, making it difficult to maintain a separation between the characters.

I'll have to try reading this with my eyeballs.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book brought on so many emotions and I felt bad for everyone. I felt so bad for Seth and what his ex did to him but I’m glad he had Calvin on his side. And the surprise that was thrown at Calvin ugh made him so much more amazing for doing what was right. I love this book! If you read it be ready for all the emotions.

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 4 out of 5]

House of Cards is the first book in Courtney W. Dixon’s new Not in the Cards series. Please note that this book ends with a happily ever after for the main characters, but ends on a series (not a story) cliffhanger. Here’s what you can expect from Calvin and Seth:

♣️ MM contemporary romance
♣️ First person dual point of view
♣️ Guaranteed happily ever after
♣️ Open door spice
♣️ Neighbors
♣️ Unexpected father
♣️ Single dad
♣️ Frenemies to lovers (eventual best friends)
♣️ Finding love after heartbreak
♣️ Hurt/comfort
♣️ Bonding through poker
♣️ Found family
♣️ Slow burn

Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
⚠️ Sex before relationship between main characters
⚠️ Grief
⚠️ Reluctant fatherhood
⚠️ On page non-consensual breath play that led to bodily harm (not by one of the main characters)
⚠️ Bullying of a child (not by main characters)
⚠️ Abusive/narcissistic parent (not by a main character)
⚠️ Death of friends
⚠️ Death of a secondary character
⚠️ Alcohol consumption
⚠️ Mentions of cheating and abandonment from previous relationships (not main characters)

Courtney W. Dixon has become an auto-read for me over these past couple years. She always comes up with unique and refreshing storylines, and I was looking forward to House of Cards and her new series focusing on men that may not have expected to become parents in the way they did and of course, featuring a dads’ poker club with all the found family vibes. I really enjoyed Seth and Calvin’s book. Their journey from frenemies to lovers was really special, and there were lots of twists and turns and secondary characters in the story that made for an interesting read. I liked that the kids weren’t shoved into the background of the story when it might’ve been convenient, and they were critical to the plotline. There is lots of healing and growth in this book, and although some of the content can be heavy at times, this story brought me lots of joy and comfort. Also, the spice was phenomenal and I think the dynamics between Seth and Calvin worked perfectly. This book also sets up the second in the series, and I’ll be looking forward to that story! Love after loss and grief of any kind is difficult to write and read, and I think Courtney handles it with the utmost care and respect.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siân PJsAndBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Courtney, for my audiobook copy of House of Cards narrated by Harley Chase. This book comes in hot, squeezes your heart multiple times & makes you fall in love with a new cast of characters. ⚠️⚠️ With all of Courtney's books, I recommend reading the content warnings if you have any subjects you prefer not to read. House of Cards, an emotional rollercoaster peppered with bad dad jokes & definitely nothing vanilla IYKYK. I adored this on audio & particularly enjoyed the accent choices for Calvin.

Our MCs are Single Dad of 3, Seth & his neighbour confirmed batchelor Calvin. That is until Calvin's world is turned upside down, after a tragic event, he becomes guardian of his bffs 14 year old son. Calvin turns to his neighbour & frenemie Seth, things change & their budding friendship turns to more. The 3rd MC is the city of New Orleans & I definitely want to visit now. Courtney always does their research & many locations/activities are real!

The anxiety I felt whilst listening to the epilogues knowing what was coming was next level. The trauma chapter to tease you into book 2, When the Chips are Down. 😭😭😭
But to be clear, Calvin & Seth get their HEA in House of Cards & the event is related to other members of the Royal Dads Poker Night group. 🥹😭 I need When the Chips are Down ASAP.

🃏 MM Romance
🃏 Neighbours
🃏 New Oreleans setting
🃏 Frienemies
🃏 Hurt Comfort
🃏 Unexpected Fatherhood
🃏 Single Dads
🃏 Eventual BFFs
🃏 Royal Dads Poker Nights
🃏 Dual POV
🃏 Epilogue
🃏 THAT CHAPTER!
🃏 MCs HEA

[Bryoni Jayde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4⭐️
Emotion 2🥹
Spice 2🌶️

I enjoyed House of Cards. It’s definitely more of a slow burn. The focus of the story is centred more around the kids, fatherhood and the struggles that go along with that.

Calvin never planned on becoming a dad, but when his friends’ son Braeden ends up on his doorstep after their passing, he turns to his neighbour and single dad Seth for help.

What starts as support slowly grows into friendship and eventually something more. I really enjoyed watching Calvin grow into fatherhood and loved Seth and Calvin together.

The kids really stole the show in this one, especially Emily.

I’m looking forward to reading more in the series. Paul’s story seems like it’s going to be very emotional.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

I absolutely loved this! This is my first book by this author and I am hooked! I just adored Seth and Calvin as well as all the kids. This was such a wonderful slow burn romance. I am a huge fan of the build up to the first kiss and all the butterflies that follow. Seth and Calvin built a friendship first, centered around parenting with Calvin suddenly finding himself the guardian of a teenager, and watching their friendship grow into love was fantastic! They were open and honest with each other, they built trust and respect, and finally love. This was just a wonderful love story. No unnecessary drama, no miscommunication, no 3rd act breakup, just 2 men leaning on each other and falling in love--surrounded by their kids. I absolutely loved it!

[ChaosShadowReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hσυʂҽ σϝ Cαɾԃʂ

⁽ᴺᵒᵗ ⁱⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜᵃʳᵈˢ ᴮᵒᵒᵏ ¹⁾

(¯`*•.¸,¤°´✿.｡.:* Courtney W Dixon *.:｡.✿`°¤,¸.•*´¯)

House of card is beautifully written Seth and Calvin these to just have been through so much that make relationships so weary and not in their cards. Well what happens when you grumpy neighbor ask for some help?

This book is no different from Courtney's books. She always draws you in and make you teary eyed and then helps slowly put you back together! My heart for these two!!! Also for Brae definitely hurts! But this book is beautiful and amazing!

Why not pick up House of Cards and give it a read!

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Calvin and Seth so much. Braeden, Harrison, Sawyer, and Emily were also great. I love how Calvin embraced becoming a father to a teen but also embraced Seth's kids with no hesitation. The chemistry was good and it was well written.

[Wren Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So much

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 49%

Notes I took while I was reading:

The intro was interesting. Showing Calvin's promiscuity and empathy towards his hook up was decent, if a little confusing since the story could've just started at Seth's part without really losing much characterization imo.

Seth's first chapter was good since it showed his struggles with single parenthood but also showed that he liked it.

Calvin's first conversation with his assistant about their work was pretty bad the way he told her about basic project details like "is going to be a boring but it'll pay the bills" or "We worked our asses off to obtain that job" as if the assistant didn't already know that about the jobs. Never a fan of when authors write dialogue to inform readers about details that all parties involved in the conversation already inherently know.

I like that the author wrote Calvin's mom to show the whiplashy parts of narcissistic relationships but I don't think her saying "I'm sorry and I love you" was really enough especially when Calvin himself was explicitly aware of what she was doing. I feel like abusive relationships like that need the victim to hold out hope and trick themselves into believing that their abuser is inherently good and only has bad days as opposed to them being inherently bad with a few redeeming qualities. Calvin knowing his mom was a narcissist AND not wanting to even stay in contact with her but then suddenly going around and saying that he craves her approval did not jive at all with how strong of a personality he seemed to have. If Calvin had been more timid, maybe his character taking his mom's shit would've made more sense, but he was a successful, independent, seemingly well-adjusted 40 year old man so there was a quite a large dissonance with his portrayal and actions.

How anti-social were Calvin's old friends that they weren't able to find a replacement guardian in the fourteen years that Calvin had left them? I'm not usually against improbable events in books but this one was just a touch too unbelievable. Surely there was someone that they'd gotten close to since Calvin's departure?

It was super weird for Calvin to sudden act like he was super close to Braeden's in the story. I guess there's such a thing as post mortem appreciation, though the story seeming to play it straight instead of highlighting how distant they actually were was odd. If Calvin was going to act that way, the story should've just had him actually stay on contact with them rather than having them go more than a decade without any real communication.

Seth just continually talking about Calvin on his date with Leo was annoying. He knew that Leo was feeling insecure about his friendship with Calvin (regardless of how problematic that jealousy was) so him continually needling Leo with things he rejected him on but freely gave to Calvin was wild (aka Calvin already meeting his kids). I get were supposed to view Leo as this toxic & possessive red flag but it didn't help how much of a dick Seth was being by rubbing Calvin in Leo's face.

I kinda lost all interest after Calvin and Braeden went to the funeral. First of all, I still couldn't get over how weird the whole "Calvin gets custody" thing was given how little contact Braeden's parents had with him (AND they updated their wills recently enough to show it was a conscious decision). Second, since there wasn't a real connection between Calvin and Braeden's dead parents, the whole thing felt flat rather than emotional. Third, Braeden suddenly changing subjects to his sexuality after talking with Calvin was so weird. He literally just attended his parents' funeral and Calvin was telling him stories about how they met and he's suddenly interested in how he experiences attraction? What?

Calvin's phone convo with Seth later about the breath play incident sealed the deal because it was just so dry and tell-y. Maybe I'd have cared if Seth hadn't annoyed the hell out of me earlier or if I actually believed in Seth and Calvin's connection, but the story hadn't really done that for me.

The whole premise was Calvin being emotionally shaken by a tragedy and sudden responsibility and Seth helping him through that, but I just couldn't see Braeden's parents' death as being actually sad considering how long Calvin had gone without seeing each them. Throw in the fact that Calvin basically actually had zero issues taking in a 14 year old he literally didn't know, and the book just reads like it's trying to make drama out of nothing. I don't even know what's going on with Calvin's narcissistic or why we needed Seth to endure Leo, but both of side plots just further muddied the already weak main plot and left the entire book feeling unfocused and melodramatic. 1.5 stars rounded up.

[Ashley | adhdandread · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Cards by Courtney W. Dixon
Not in the Cards #1
Length: 387 pages
Source: Author-direct eARC
Publication date: March 16, 2026

5 ⭐⁣⁣⁣
2.5 🌶️⁣⁣⁣

WHAT TO EXPECT
🧡 ⁣Unexpected fatherhood
💛 Bonding through poker
🧡 New Orleans
💛 Single dads
🧡 Frenemies to lovers
💛 Eventual BFFs
🧡 Slow burn
💛 Dad jokes
🧡 Nicknames
💛 Hurt/comfort
🧡 Neighbors
💛 Adorable kids
🧡 “I’ll always be there for you”
💛 HEA

AUTHOR'S BLURB
"I never wanted nor was I supposed to be a father. Now, I'm having to foster care for a 14-year-old grieving boy."

Calvin Abernathy
Life is good. It’s exactly how I want it. No relationships. No kids. I own a business, and I have a nice home. I can do whatever I want and sleep with whomever I want. To make life even better, I have a hot neighbor that I love tormenting. His annoyance gives me great pleasure because he’s cute when he gets flustered. Too bad he has so many kids and a new boyfriend.

When my perfect life turns on its head after my friends die in a tragic accident, I end up with their teenage son in my care. To say that I’m freaking out is an understatement. I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. So, with my tail tucked between my legs, I ask for Seth’s help. Now, our growing friendship has me wondering if having a relationship would be so bad.

Seth Griffin
My neighbor, Calvin, is a jerk. He’s always making fun of me and turning my kids’ toys left in his yard into these totems. Weirdo. He’s annoying, and I hate that he’s hot. However, when he comes to me after becoming the guardian of a teenager, I decide to help him—just for the boy’s sake. Eventually, a close friendship develops between us, and feelings arise, but I shouldn’t want my neighbor.

I’m finally dating again after being abandoned by my ex-husband. While I would never cheat, this friendship with Cal is getting complicated, and I need to decide what to do about it. Then, my new boyfriend’s red flags are revealed, making my decision easier. It’s Calvin I run to now. It’s Calvin I want.

MY THOUGHTS
Reading Courtney is the epitome of "Kinda hurts but it feels good." She's the queen of "Thank you, ma'am, may I have another?" You will let her break your heart with a smile on your face and then serve yourself up again for another helping. House of Cards is no exception to any of this.

Cal and Seth are two phenomenal characters–and men–who stole my heart from the moment they each hit the page. They've each got broken parts, yet they keep going, keep moving, keep living despite their crappy pasts. Cal's use of humor to deflect felt like looking in a mirror at times (and that's all I've got to say about that). The same can be said of Seth's giving nature, to struggle to look out for oneself not only because that's what you've accepted from others but also because you're truly a caregiver at heart and take joy in it. Seeing them grow from reluctant neighbors to necessary friends to sustaining, supportive loves is the kind of queer joy that I'm here for. They settle into each other so comfortably it would be sickening if you didn't know the things they've had to go through to get here. Instead, you just feel warm inside getting to watch them fall for one another and become a family.

The children and other side characters in House of Cards are solid, well-developed, and true to life. I never felt I was being cheated out of the story when the focus turned to them more than the MCs, and for me, they actually contributed greatly to seeing the MCs become a couple realistically, from buddies razzing each other about their dating lives to kids being... well, kids. This book is an all-around great found-family story.

BOTTOM LINE
Good grief, yes!

CONTENT WARNINGS
Sex before relationship between MCs, grief, reluctant fatherhood, on-page non-con breath play that led to bodily harm (not by MCs), bullying of a child (not by MCs), abusive/narcissistic parent (not an MC), death of friends, death of secondary character, alcohol consumption, mentions of cheating and abandonment from previous relationships (not MCs). Ends on series cliffhanger. Always check full warnings if any of these may be triggers for you.

–A🩷

Thanks to Courtney W. Dixon for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, and Fable.

[Charlotte.s.library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtney did it again. She really said, single dads? Why not? Hold my beer while I write a whole ass series about single dads and make it amazing.

Seriously tho', this book was absolutely amazing. I think this is one the few friends to lovers I LOVED with all my heart. This series will be fire, and, as always, the found family is TOP TIER.

I don't know how Courtney does it, but... wow. 5 stars, hands down.

Cal and Seth are such amazing characters, and they set the tone for the whole thing. I don't think there is a universe in which people will not love them.

Cal is the heartbroken playboy who sworn off relationships and lives his best bachelor life. He is doing all this while flirting with his hot, hot, hot preppy neighbour who's also a dad. Basically Seth is all that Cal didn't want to be... or so he thought.

Seth is heartbroken in his own way, but being a dad comes first and his kids are his priority. What he didn't take into consideration is how his heart will always beat a little faster every time his hawt as sin neighbour flirts with him.

Their relationship didn't start in the most pleasant way, what brought them together were some circumstances neither one of them could predict and from this a beautiful friendship had the time to blossom. I am not usually the biggest fan of friends to lovers (unless it is done right) but this one made me fall in love with the characters even more.

Them being single dads added a different layer to their story, and to their love story so keep that in mind. Being a parent and a lover is not easy and I love how real Courtney was when it came to this. It showed that no matter what, you can find a way, but the route you need to take to get there is just a bit different and a lot more complicated when kids are in the mix. In this story the kids helped the adults grow and reach their true potential by keeping them humble and never letting them forget who they are to their core. Sure, they are parents but they are also their own person, ahhh... what a beautiful way to live life.

The road was not easy, as I said, but it was beautiful to watch them navigate it, and I love how bringing reality into the book didn't take anything away from it, on the contrary, it only enhanced it.

Another thing worth mentioning is how the communication between Cal and Seth is TOP TIER. This is how communication should look like in a relationship. On top of that, with all the baggage these two had ( you could fill the cargo bay of an Airbus A380 ) the way they respected each other's boundaries and never ever made the other one feel bad about it is seriously couple goals. The respect they have for each other is phenomenal and this just shows that when you love your partner it is not a hardship to put in the effort to make sure they're happy, loved and appreciated. This in itself is also a sign of self respect.

This book is also a good example of why boundaries are important and why consent is crucial. These are not just words, this is not a joke, this is a very important part of a relationship that many fail to see nowadays.

Courtney, in my opinion, is the queen of found family and this series is no exception. The friend group in this book is so good and you can tell the series will be fire just by meeting all of them in HoC. I can't wait for book 2 after that ending, and I definitely can't wait for S' book which is gonna be book 3.

You already know by now that this book was a 5 stars, and if you know me you know that everything Courtney writes is a book that I will always highly recommend.

Book two can't be here soon enough.

•••

I know I used 'top tier' and 'amazing' a lot in this review, but I am still trying to gather all my thoughts after finishing this book and words seriously fail me.

•••

Oh, another things, I have a lot more to say about the book but I can't say more without spoiling anything so... this is all I can manage 🤣. Please read the authors note and the list of TW/CW before starting the book to make sure this one is for you. I would hate to see people drag this book for something they totally ignored.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightfully surprising and touching book House of Cards is! Once again, Courtney W. Dixon has challenged my assumptions and created an emotional and marvelous story, full of robust characters that feel real and stick with you long after you’ve closed the book.

Neighbors Calvin and Seth could not be more different. Seth’s a single father of three, running on caffeine and barely controlled chaos, trying to heal from his partner abandoning him. Calvin’s a confirmed bachelor, nearing 40, and recovering from his own toxic relationships - both romantic and familial. Both men are successful business owners, though their worlds seem to be chasms apart. Calvin’s world is turned upside down with the arrival of a teenage boy - the son of his friends lost to a tragic accident - and the only person he can turn to is Seth. Through exhausted confessions, childcare support, casseroles shuttled across front yards, and a poker group of sassy and supportive single dads, Calvin and Seth learn how to lean on another person again, how to create a family, and how to love and be loved.

Oh, what a lovely book! Both Seth and Calvin have been through truly wretched romantic relationships, and are clearly doing the best that they can. As a parent, the feelings of being overwhelmed, constantly unprepared, and running on empty can feel so under represented in literature, and Courtney captured all of it perfectly. Parenthood is so often both the best and worst days at the same time and Seth’s life with 3 kids he loves and agonizes over is written poignantly and believably. Ditto with Calvin’s surprise entrance to fatherhood - the struggle to connect and protect a teen while also acknowledging that many days feel like you are definitely not qualified to parent a plant, much less a human, is visceral - and I felt so deeply for Calvin as he navigated both his and Braeden’s grief.

I love a book about single fathers portraying strength and courage not by chopping wood or battling the mafia, but by opening up to their friends and asking for help. Men who show strength through showing up for the people they love, for putting their hearts on the line and asking for comfort. Men who give comfort and dance in the living room. This book explores much about grief and loss - not just through death and divorce - but the grief and loss a person experiences when they realize their partner is not actually invested. The grief and loss of realizing that your parent is not and has never been who you needed and that protecting yourself could mean cutting them out of your life forever.

To anyone who thinks a romance novel shouldn’t have kids in it, shush. Parents get to have Happily Ever Afters, too! Kids add to the mess and chaos that swirls around us and their presence makes having spicy time a more creative process. Seth and Calvin learn that sometimes, the best moments are the quiet ones you sneak in between bedtimes. That snuggling on the couch during a princess movie can be as romantic as snogging at the drive-in. That just because you have loved and lost does not mean you can not love and be loved again.

Thank you to Courtney W. Dixon for this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last 45 minutes of this book had my heart pounding. I wasn’t sure what would happen given that there’s a cliffhanger, but my brain went to heartbreak mode. And yep, my brain was right, heartbreak😭

You’d think I’d be used to this kind of emotional pain from Courtney, but noooo. With every new book, she manages to say hold my beer😩

Calvin and Seth were an absolute delight.

Seth was a dedicated father of three who became a single dad after his husband walked out on them. Raising kids alone hasn’t been easy, and had he not had his friends supporting him, he wouldn’t have been able to make it through.

Calvin is Seth’s sexy neighbor who, at first glance, seems like a jerk but in reality has a heart of gold. He’s always teasing Seth about his kids being a wild bunch, but in truth, he’s in awe of Seth.

When Calvin becomes an unexpected dad, Seth is the first person he turns to for help. Calvin never wanted to be a father or be in a serious relationship again. His mother was an abusive witch, and his ex was a cheating bastard. He didn’t exactly have a good track record in those departments.

But when his best friends’ son is suddenly placed in his care, Calvin is completely out of his depth. He doesn’t know the first thing about being a dad, especially not to a grieving teen.

Despite their initial rocky relationship, Seth is willing to help Calvin become the best father for Braeden. He knows Calvin is so much more than what he initially thought of him. Calvin is patient, caring, and funny. Qualities that make Seth see him in a different light and complicate things for Seth since he already has a boyfriend.

Calvin can’t help his attraction to Seth, and when Seth’s boyfriend abuses Seth’s trust, Calvin goes into protective mode. He can no longer deny that he wants Seth and not just for a hookup.

I loved that they developed a beautiful friendship before becoming more. They both needed to fully heal from their past relationship traumas before they committed themselves to something more serious.

I’m glad that Calvin didn’t let his mother ruin something beautiful with her negative energy and that Seth learned to trust again. They managed to make such a perfect blended family, and I couldn’t be happier.

Now, about that cliffhanger😭 I knew it was coming, but I still wasn’t prepared for it. I’m still crying over it. I don’t care what we have to do, but we’re gonna make sure this series gets all the planned books! We need more of these guys. I refuse to let them go, even though I haven’t met them all yet. All I know is that I need them in my life even though I’m gonna be a complete mess😅

Ok, I’ll stop now. I think I’ve said enough😅 Just please read this book. You’re gonna love it as much as I do.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Courtney W. Dixon never disappoints! I was super excited when she announced this series centered around unexpected single dads and this first edition was everything I hoped it would be. With found family, a lot of hurt/comfort, and a healthy dose of banter this book has all the things I’ve come to love about Courtney’s writing.

We are first introduced to self-declared bachelor for life Calvin and his good nature was immediately evident. Even in his quest for physical closeness with zero emotional investment, he still manages to display his kindness. That’s not to say he’s without his faults, but everything he does is never out of malice and almost always with a healthy dose of humor.

We first meet Seth when he’s in the throes of the chaos that is raising a toddler and it makes him super relatable for anyone who’s ever been in charge of young kids. He’s incredibly devoted to his children, which is beautiful to witness, but there is so much more to him than just being a father. There is a gentleness that he exudes not only with his family but also with his friends that is quite refreshing.

I absolutely love how these two communicate with each other! Even in the beginning when they were only annoying neighbors, there’s a chemistry that I really enjoyed experiencing. They are so supportive of each other but also maintain healthy boundaries which I found to be refreshing. From Calvin finding himself as the unexpected guardian of a grief-stricken teenager to an incredibly scary incident with Seth, they always manage to be there for each other at exactly the right time.

As this is the first book of a series centered on single dads, I was expecting the kids to play a big part of the story and I was not disappointed. What I love most is how Courtney integrated them into the book as a whole. Calvin and Seth are definitely the main characters, but their kids are a huge part of their dynamic and I really enjoyed getting to know each of them and the ways in which they bring realness to their dad’s story.

There are a lot of aspects on mental health in this book – specifically around grief and the numerous ways it can manifest in people’s lives. I am always so impressed with Courtney’s level of care and research in every aspect of the struggles her characters endure. What Cal, Seth, and the children endure is told with gentleness and compassion but also with an honesty for which I am deeply grateful.

I cannot wait for the rest of this series!

[Maxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*

You can always trust Courtney W. Dixon to create complex, broken characters with tons of trauma and heartbreaking pasts, and then somehow make them completely addictive. This book is no exception. From the very first pages, I was hooked.

I devoured this book. I finished it in one sitting. The story just pulls you in and refuses to let go.
Calvin and Seth’s journey was such a joy to read. I loved watching their relationship unfold naturally, from antagonistic neighbors, slowly turning into friends, and then finally something more. That progression felt so organic and earned. The pacing was spot on, never rushed, never dragging, and they got together at exactly the right moment. It really felt like the story trusted the characters (and the reader) to take their time, and that made everything so much more satisfying.

Calvin is such a lovable character. He goes through so much, carries so much pain, and yet never loses his sense of humor. You can’t help but root for him from the start and want him to finally find happiness. Seth, on the other hand, is the perfect complement. His calm, caring demeanor balances Calvin beautifully, and he brings this sense of safety to the story. He’s also an incredible dad and partner even though he has also gone through some hard times, so you just want to protect him at all costs.

I’m a huge fan of the single dad trope and blended families, and this book absolutely delivered on both. I appreciate that the romance never overshadows the personal growth. Calvin and Seth both need time to heal, to process their grief and past experiences, and to become emotionally ready for a relationship. Watching them work through that, separately and together, makes the connection feel real and meaningful. This is a slow burn done right, where every step forward feels deserved.

The side characters are great too and really help build a bigger, richer world. The poker dads are such a fun addition, and all four kids are absolutely adorable. They bring so much heart to the story and make the family dynamics feel real.

I’m very excited about this series as a whole. I really love Courtney’s writing style and the way she handles hard topics. Grief is incredibly difficult to write well, and she absolutely nails it here.

I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best things are unexpected

This book was a beautiful journey not just to Seth and Calvin’s HEA, but to creating a HEA for their family. We meet Seth and Calvin as neighbors who don’t completely get along and then after life throws some pretty massive lemons their way they begin to build a friendship that turned into so much more for them. I think my favorite thing about this book was being apart of the complete journey with these men! I feel like I got to see the whole story of their relationship with this book rather than just the tip of the iceberg of their relationship.

These men go through a lot and I don’t want to spoil those moments for anyone but it was important to see how these two helped each other through those moments and how they also grew themselves and handled the situations.

I adored Seth from the beginning because his character is so strong and brave as he navigates his life that didn’t go as planned after a divorce and being a single dad. He faces a lot in this book as he navigated his past and the situations he found himself in throughout the book. However he always showed such kindness and compassion that I couldn’t help but cheer him on and was so happy that he got his HEA and his moment with Harrison that I cried.

Calvin honestly took me by surprise. I struggled initially to connect with his character because he just felt self absorbed to me at first but fudge was I wrong. Calvin ended up being so much more than I thought he was. His ability to be honest, open, vulnerable, and admit to his fears and faults was so refreshing and beautiful to see when he was talking to Seth and even the dads at poker night. To be shoved into a role he never envisioned and to just step right up while admitting he was scared and clueless was shocking to read because he initially came off as this cocky and confident man. He didn’t lose that part of himself as he grew but it was nice to read someone not afraid to own his feelings with those important to him.

These two men found each other after life threw some trails their way but they showed up for each other again and again. They created a beautiful family as they navigated grief and new roles. I can’t wait to see the rest of the stories in this universe! I did receive a free ARC of this book and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[DeeReads412 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I knew I was looking forward to this new series but I had NO idea just how much I would fall in love with it! The way Calvin and Seth meet, as new neighbors who honestly do not care so much for each other, to the way their friendship forms felt so organic. It didn’t feel like it was forced to fit a storyline. They didn’t fall in love at first sight. They had separate lives that didn’t stop because a new neighbor moved in. I loved that about this book! The storyline progresses at a real life, natural pace. Seth is in a relationship when his friendship with Calvin begins. That relationship comes to an ABRUPT end, in a way I NEVER saw coming I might add, and it isn’t until then things begin to change between Calvin and Seth. You get to see a real friendship form between Seth and Calvin without romantic intentions at the start and I loved that. They had each other’s back as friends without pinning, which is another thing I LOVED about this book.

Truly watching the friendship develop throughout the book gave an extra layer to their relationship once it does begin. The way Seth and Calvin open up to each other, and aren’t afraid to be vulnerable to help others is my FAVORITE part of this book. Courtney is the QUEEN of broken boys and this one comes in the form of a 14-year-old boy whose life is thrown UPSIDE DOWN. It is up to Calvin to try to navigate his grief, anger, and general teenage problems. He handles with all of the compassion and understanding you expect from one of Courtney’s characters.

The bad dad jokes and sass from Calvin, and blushing and kindness from Seth added a bit of humor and swoony-ness to this book. I loved these characters so much. They have so much substance, and reveal so much about themselves, that you can’t help fall in love with them too. I adore the unexpected fatherhood concept, and the way that came to be in this story and I cannot wait to see what else is in store!

AND COURTNEY THAT EPILOGUE! GUT PUNCH. I need more! I NEED IT!
Everyone READ THIS BOOK! There is so much to love in so many different ways.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT SERIES TO LOOK FORWARD TO💕 🐅🃏

Another fantastic series created by this talented author who never disappoints!

Please read Trigger Warnings to make sure this is the book for you!

Two neighbours who just barely tolerate each other are thrown into a life altering situation when fate comes knocking…

CONSENT IS KING

Seth Griffen is left holding the ball when his husband desserts him after they adopted 3 beautiful siblings, now two years later he is an accomplished businessman, doting father with a found family of poker dads and heading for a relationship with a gorgeous man until his world is turned upside down again…

THE JOKER 🃏 AND THE TIGER 🐅

“He’s taken, and I won’t date, so I’m not sure why I’m feeling this. Stupid flutters.”

Calvin Abernathy, self proclaimed bachelor and player likes to push his cute, preppy neighbour’s buttons to annoy, until the day arrives when he needs his help and this is where a tentative friendship starts and blooms into a beautiful love story��

The nick names they gave each other was absolutely adorable and fitting. Joker- Calvin always making people laugh and fitting in anywhere.
Tiger- Seth a protective father who puts his kids first.

COMMUNICATION IS THE LIFELINE OF ANY RELATIONSHIP~ Elizabeth Bourgeret

I loved the banter and teasing between Seth and Calvin and how wonderful Calvin was with Seth’s children, his godchild and Seth by always checking in with his Tiger…

Narcissistic abuse was depicted very tactfully with Calvin’s mother and gave insight to how he was reared…

The cliffhanger was a very unexpected poignant twist 🥺

The epilogues were so tear inducing and fitting for their future!

I loved the found family aspect of poker playing queer dads that get together to chat and support each other while enjoying friendly games of poker every Friday night and look forward to more from this wonderful series about unexpected single fathers finding their perfect happiness!

I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for an honest non biased review.

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Thank you for the copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Seth, a single father of three kids and Calvin, a bachelor turned unexpected father who has sworn off relationships


Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Dual POV
-Open Door
-Neighbors
-Slow Burn
-Single Dads/ Unexpected Father
-Hurt/Comfort
-Found Family
-HEA


Likes:
-Calvin's sense of humor
-Sweet kids
-Working through grief/family trauma
-Spice
-Toy totem
-Becoming friends before lovers
-Calvin's protective side/how fatherhood softened him
-Normalizing therapy
-Seth's caring nature
-Queer Dad poker group, unique idea


Neutrals/Criticisms
-I didn't like the use of some words, like "fingered his hair back"
-I didn't like the second epilogue, it should have focused on this couple/been an HEA even though it sets up for the next book


Quotes
-"He'll never stop hurting, but the days will get better"
-"Seriously, what is it about you getting all flustered that makes me so fucking giddy?"
-"I stand by my assessment that you're a big ol' softy"
-"You've got a good kid there, Tiger. Although your little hellcat is questionable"
-"Every time I get a flicker of insecurity, he snuffs it out like a candle"
-"I want to sweep him up in my arms and make him mine forever"
-"Cal! Lock in, bro. Why are you getting all weepy?"


This book is the first book I have read from this author and I liked it. I think the pace was a little too slow for me, but I enjoyed the characters. I don't read single dad romances often and I liked how this story focused on the couple as well as the kids and didn't have them as a after thought. Calvin took to fatherhood like a fish to water and I loved seeing him stumble his way through it. Seth is such a kind soul and a great father and his kids were also sweet as well as entertaining. This is a good book if you are looking for a sweet single dad romance with one MC becoming an unexpected father and multiple characters working through grief and trauma.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this deeply emotional story of two intriguing men who are slightly clashing neighbors and have vastly different lifestyles and personalities. The snarky playboy vs the preppy dad.
When Calvin's world gets turned upside down, it's Seth who is there for him to lean on. Once they get past their surface level knowledge of one another, they begin to discover there is a lot more to the other person than they thought. Both Calvin and Seth have a bunch of emotional trauma to deal with throughout their bumpy journey. At the same time, they start building an amazing friendship, one that creates a deeper bond over time, has genuine feelings and emotions, leads to a more involved relationship, plenty of steamy sexy times, personal revelations, and eventually to a true and lasting love with a wonderful HEA.
Despite the high levels of heartbreaking grief and trauma and the intense emotional situations in this book, I found it to be nicely balanced with fun, lighthearted moments (I loved their banter!) unexpectedly sweet moments, or passionate encounters that add a bit of spice, so that as a whole, this book doesn't leave you feeling overwhelmed with traumatic emotions. That said, readers should be aware of the content warning for this book as some could find it triggering for them.
There is a lot to be found in this book - amazing MC's, a wonderful group of friends that are a found family, a bunch of hurt/comfort, struggles of fatherhood, personal growth, learning to lean on others, learning to trust again, and finding love after pain.
While Calvin and Seth get a beautiful HEA, the end of this book ends on a series cliffhanger that will lead into book two as one of the secondary characters suffers a heartbreaking tragedy.
Overall, I found this book to be well worth the read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I recieved an ARC, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Eli Tosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the relationship between Cal and Olivia, especially the honesty he shared with her when he was so closed off to almost everyone else except Seth later in the story. I also related to some of the themes, like being compared to others or feeling behind when looking at where my peers are in life. Even though it was brief, I appreciated the inclusion of safe gay sex and the mention of HIV. Despite all the scientific progress, it’s still something people talk about quietly, so seeing it addressed mattered.
Although the main romance is between Seth and Calvin, I found myself drawn to the growing bond between Braeden and Calvin. The similarities between Grant and Calvin’s mother were a strong example of manipulation, and it made sense that Cal could break free from Grant because he didn’t owe him anything. With his mother, it was different — she made him believe her love was conditional, especially when she implied he stayed out of obligation.
Her death was sad, but it also showed that justice doesn’t always look the way we expect or want it to.
The only part that didn’t sit well with me was the reference to death when Calvin turned forty, especially considering how Braeden reacted when he left for Houston. It made that moment feel a bit uneasy.
I liked that Calvin didn’t immediately say “I love you” back and took his time, and I appreciated that Seth respected that and didn’t push him. Their marriage and the adoption of the kids felt especially meaningful given everything they’d both been through.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was only my second time reading about a single dad, and it was both entertaining and heartfelt. Calvin wasn’t someone chasing a carefree life — he was someone who needed love, and then had to learn how to give it to a child who had lost it. The small amount of love he received from Seth and Olivia, he passed on to his son, whether that meant stink-bombing bullies or talking honestly about his relationship with Seth. Calvin did a great job, especially for someone who practically raised himself.
I’m nervous for the next book because these characters aren’t strangers introduced briefly in the first one. Knowing something significant has already happened to them brings a whole new emotional weight as a reader.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Cards


This book surprised me with so much love and joy growing out of and beyond past hurts. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Calvin Abernathy because of his careless play boy image at the beginning he eventually becomes one of my favorites. But soon you start to see this is all about rouse to hide his pain and hurt from multiple stages of his life. You never suspect that the single dad next door is going to see through that either and care for his obnoxious neighbor. When tragedy strikes and Cal whole world is turned on its side as he is thrust into guardianship and parenthood when his best friends die, he looks to the man next door for help. As they work through the steps of helping the young man brought into his life the real Cal comes through and that man is a loveable person with wounded heart both from his youth and his last relationship. Seth is a loveable struggling single father of 3. In the beginning he doesn't really like his neighbor and more than the reader because of his obnoxious attitude about the lived in the yard of a home with a young family, and the toy totem is next level. But when he sees the vulnerable spiraling man that comes to his door for help he soon sees a totally different person. As they grow from neighbors to friends the become closer. Then the no relationship for me attitude changes to could this man be different and could a relationship be save changes a once playboy to a man that will cherish your heart. Once hurt twice shy can open up to putting that shy heart into the hands of a man who is as vulnerable and wounded as yourself. Dancing to Frank, playing cards with the joker included and the growth of a family round out this full boat and stabilize this once shaky House of Cards. A slow hot burn that gives you a hea. Definitely a heart warming 5 star read. 

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙷𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

4.75/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️

↓↓
Came for the good time. Left with heartache. Honestly, I have come to expect nothing less from Courtney.

Cal the perpetual playboy and Seth the single dad of 3 kids. One has sworn off relationship's and the other thrives to find the one and be in a relationship. They are both just trying to make it in life surviving heartbreak in the only way they know how. Cal loves to poke at Seth and get under his skin while Seth tries so hard to stay away from his hot neighbor.

Fate and the universe had other plans for Cal. While he never intended to have kids, he ends up the guardian of a teenage boy after his best friends passing. Cal has a complete change of heart, vows to be the best he can be to that boy. That also means tucking his tail between his legs and asking his single dad neighbor Seth, for some help.

These two both stole my heart from the beginning. I loved them even more (if that's even possible) once they started opening up and being vulnerable with each other.

One thing Courtney knows how to excel in is Found Family and Hurt/Comfort. The way these two came together, despite the circumstances they always put the kids above anything and everything first.

The whole Poker Dad thing is so incredible as well. The additional friends and support. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes but I am going to just prepare myself now for the hurt that I know will be happening in the future books.

𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
♠️ Neighbors
♠️ Unexpected Father
♠️ Single Dads
♠️ Frenemies to Lovers
♠️ Eventual Best Friends
♠️ Finding Love After Heartbreak
♠️ Hurt/Comfort
♠️ Bonding Through Poker
♠️ Found Family
♠️ Slow Burn
♠️ ‘I’ll Always Be There for You’

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

House Of Cards ( Not In The Cards Series Book 1 ) ♠️ Neighbors ♠️Single Dads ♠️ Frenemies to Lovers ♠️Slow Burn ♠️Hurt / Comfort ♠️Unexpected Father ♠️ Eventual Best Friends ♠️Love after Heartbreak ♠️Found Family ♠️I’ll Always Be There For You !!! Perfection!! Just absolute perfection!! Oh my gosh guys I was not prepared, just not prepared at all for Seth and Calvin’s journey . Not prepared for how it would touch my heart ❤️ , not prepared for how it would end up resonating with me on so many levels. I loved how different Seth and Calvin were , both lead such different lives- Seth being a single dad , his main focus being a father to his kids . Struggling with the emotional toll of being abandoned by his ex husband has had on his social life , and opening his heart up to the possibility of dating again .Then we have Calvin , his polar opposite - no kids , no relationships , solely focused on building his business and he can pretty much do anything he wants !!! But everything changes for Calvin when a tragedy strike’s, he finds out his best friends have died in a tragic accident and they have appointed him as guardian to their teenage son .now he must figure out what that means , how to be there for his friends son . That means asking for help and it just so happens Seth is the perfect person to do just that . I loved the progression of their relationship and that it was not all hearts and flowers . I loved watching these two fall for each other, how Calvin grew from someone who came across as more of a player to this loving protective and supportive parent who would do anything absolutely anything to help his best friends teenage son overcome the challenges of losing his parents . House Of Cards truly is pure perfection
3 minutes ago

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Cards - Courtney W. Dixon
5/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

When it comes to Courtney and her writing, I just know I’m going to have a grand time because she knows how to make us feel every single feeling and then some. I didn’t know what I was walking into but man, I just knew this was going to be an amazing story between these two MC’s.

I love it when the single dads plots are done so well and mix it in with found family and I’m a goner. I also love it when things progress naturally an it’s not forced or rushed. Just perfect.

When we meet Joker and Tiger aka Seth and Calvin, I just knew they were going to be perfect together. From Seth having three kids of his own and not having dated since his ex, who hurt him, to Calvin being single and being his annoying neighbor, these two were a hoot.

I laughed when we found out that the kids kept leaving their toys in Cal’s yard because they liked how he stacked them. That was just cute. Although, if it wasn’t for them doing that, these two might not have talked.

I loved the kids so much but poor Braeden. He pretty much got uprooted to a life he never asked for when his parents passed. I loved how he opened up and how Seth helped Calvin since he pretty much became a single dad overnight.

One of my favorite parts was how Calvin wanted to go after Leo or how he was so careful with Seth, so he didn’t hurt him. I wanted to go after Leo too. I also loved how Cal got revenge on the boys that hurt his Braeden. I was giggling like a school girl.

The ending… ohmygod. I knew it was going to be a cliffhanger and I shouldn’t be surprised by how Courtney has us on the edge of our seats for the next book.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Plaguedoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calvin has sworn off relationships after finding out his ex-partner cheated on him several times over their long-term relationship. He’s a businessman with zero interest in children, as confirmed by watching his seemingly single-father neighbor wrangle his three children every day. Calvin loves to harass the man just to get a rise out of him.

After adopting three young siblings, Seth and his husband divorced, and his ex-husband disappeared from their lives altogether. Now he’s raising three children on his own while running his own business. He’s a relationship guy, but has some trust issues and doesn’t want to put his kids through more trauma by introducing them to men who might not stick around. Unfortunately, his kids keep putting him in the sights of his annoying neighbor, Calvin, by constantly leaving their toys in his yard, leading to run-ins with the man that leave him feeling irritated after every interaction.

Calvin and Seth are freaking adorable. They’re complete opposites that shouldn’t work, but they end up forming a bond over trauma and the extenuating life circumstances that bring them together. The characters in the story are great, both the MC’s and their children, specifically. Each seems to be well thought out and stands out distinctly from the others.

The story itself is relatively predictable, but the characters are strong enough that it doesn’t really take away from the reading experience. I’ve never been huge into single-dad romances, but ones like this are a great pick-me-up/palate cleanser, especially after reading a lot of heavier, darker stories. I find myself drawn to them far more often than I used to be!

*Arc read, my opinions are my own!

[JuQuinthe Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg House of Cards by Courtney W. Dixon is one of my fav books 2026! Calvin aka Cal & Seth are one of my fav books couples ever! 🥰😍🥹 This book made me swoon, laugh & cry! 🥰😂😭 This book is a great start to a new series. 🥰😍

I love this single dad romance & frenemies to friends to lovers and opposites romance.🥰

Yes these two neighbors were destined to be together it just took them a while to to get there.

Tragedy, 😭 brings them closer when single bachelor Cal gets custody of his best friend's son Braeden. Cal need help from his cute single dad of 3 children Seth.

Cal & Seth are so prefect together.🥰 I love that Seth helped Cal with new his role as Braden's guardian.

The kids were awesome Braedan, Emily aka Hellcat, Harrison, and Sawyer were all awesome. Gizmo is such a cute cat too. I love the growth of Cal & Seth in this book. 🥰🩵💜

The found family scenes and the bonding scenes between Seth & Cal and also woth their kids was beautiful. Cal & Seth are good dads and made sure to be there for there kids no matter what. Through the ups and down. 🥹🥰

I loved all the guys in the Dad's poker club too. ♣️ The guys are great group and so supportive of Cal & Seth getting together.

Cal being protective of Seth was so good and hot too! 🥰

Omg Cal & Seth dancing together, their first kiss and they spicy scenes and the pet names Tiger & Joker were so damn! The spicy were good. I felt the heat between these two! 🥵🫠😍😏

Wow a cliffhanger sucker punch ending to start book 2. 😭 I'm ready to see to what happens in book 2. With Paul & Quinn.❤️ I do also hope to see more about Cal & Seth and their family too. 💛

5 star rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy Rating - 🌶🌶🌶

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Shyandmoodreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

This book was so absurdly sweet 🥹 and I say absurd because one MC is a major joker and between the banter and dad jokes my heart was so full while reading this 🫶.

Seth & Calvin were such an amazing, and sweet read! Definitely a good palate cleanser even with some harder topics being covered. The way Calvin stepped up when he had to, and CHOSE to, shows his character and how even if he's a man who likes to keep things light and jokey, he has so many layers and is honestly a sweet cinnamon roll deep inside.

I loved experiencing the ride alongside Seth and Calvin as they go from frenemies to friends to lovers 🥹 it just... My heart... It has no words.. I just loved them. Seth is such a strong character, with everything he's gone through, to constantly be there for his kids and his loved ones, it's just so touching 💜.

Courtney always does such an amazing job at melding the sweet with the spicy, and the soft moments with the tough that makes you feel like you're leaving behind a fluffy protected bubble when you finish the book... Even if sometimes she likes to rip your heart out... For those who have read it you know 👀.

I am officially obsessed and NEED the next book like yesterday! (please note I am just joking, I would never rush an author and I will patiently wait for anything Courtney writes even if it's a grocery list 🤣).

But in all seriousness, watching these two families mix together and be there for each other was a beautiful journey and including the dads poker club, it was so amazing to see such a strong found family unit of characters and you definitely won't want to miss out!