Accidental Blind Date: An Enemies to Lovers Age Gap Romance

Unintentionally Yours #1

by Mia Mara

My blind date stood me up.
But the hot silver fox at the bar? He gave my night a happy ending.
Over. And. Over.

But don’t let that charming grin fool you. He’s really not the nice guy he pretends to be.
Turns out he’s actually my older brother’s best friend.
A smooth-talking business shark trying to take over my little bookstore.

I didn't know that when I ended up between his penthouse sheets.
His sinful, commanding hands all over my curves.

I want to hate him. I do.
Forget the best night of my life.
Fight the heat between us.

But when I find out his secret, my heart melts beyond repair.

He's a single dad to two adorable little girls.

And underneath that bossy armor... he might just have a heart.

This is a full-length standalone, age gap, secret single dad, enemies to lovers romance. It's full of heat and heart and, of course, a deliciously satisfying HEA.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

356 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Kristen Lindtvedt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yet another story in this series that could have been great if not for the sloppy writing! Once again Mara's intended tale falls flat because of the large number of typos and character discrepancies throughout!

First Delilah is 9, then a few chapters later she's 7. Then toward the end of the book she's back to being 9. Libby starts off as Libby, but then Dax suddenly starts referring to her as Lila, then goes back to Libby a chapter later.

The ongoing discrepancies and lack of proofreading before publication makes this story (and several others in this series) tedious to read and ruins the larger story for me.

Honestly, this series overall is frustrating because for every installment that is both good and fairly well written there will be two that read like first drafts. It's disappointing and not worth the time to continue with further installments.

[Carol S. Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love those silver foxes!

It makes me happy to see an author that enjoys the beauty of a man in this age group, and not just because he's rich, but because he has many other attributes. It's becoming beautiful to be a full figure woman in one way or another. In most cases, an age has nothing to do with love. People feel uncomfortable with it because they find it hard to believe that someone could fall in love with an older man, or woman. Our hearts feel what they want. There is no shelf date on love. All these books have been a joy to read. I really have loved everyone so far. I can't wait to read the next one!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

Mia Mara’s Accidental Blind Date is not my first book from her. It carries a different vibe, with quite a bit of humor and fun banter between the characters, which was unexpected and very much welcomed. Like the other books in the Unintentionally Yours Series, each book has something happen accidentally. Please note that each book is also a standalone. And as the title states. Accidental Blind Date is just that, a blind date that Libby goes on and unknowingly gets stood up. Dax, without her knowledge, steps in and pretends he is her blind date—collective aww right here.

I immediately fell for Dax right from the start. There was so much more to him that unfolded later. However, it didn’t change my views, even when Libby discovers that he’s her brother’s best friend and also the one who is going to take over her bookstore.

I enjoy Mia Mara’s writing. The minute details she goes into, such as specific scenes, help make it more visual for me as a reader—“covering my mouth to hide the fact it is full of chips.” Many authors don’t do these, and I appreciate that she does.

Thank you to Booksprout and Author Mia Mara for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very special storyline about healing broken hearts ad building a family together. It is funny . It is emotionally charged. The sexual tension between Libby and Dax is very hot and spicy. Kai can be a jerk but deep down he loves his sister and parents. He just shows his feelings differently or indifferently. His relationship with Dax is odd but it also makes sense and adds to the storyline. Delilah and Poppy are the sweetest little kids in this book. I always enjoy Mia Mara’s books because of the range of emotions that they bring out. The characters are always so believable. This book is no different from the bartender Madeline to Summer and Tom her co workers. Her best friend Joni is a hoot and a half with her balancing family life , work and friendship. Even the sister in law is very real and her emotional display is understandable. I can say enough nice things about this book. I would give it more than 5 stars if possible.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Blind Date is a billionaire enemies to lovers romantic read that kept me engaged with the story of Dax and Libby as it unfolded through the pages.
MFC Libby was on a blind date, or would have been if he had shown up.
MMC Dax happens to be in the same bar for different reasons when he sees Libby, and after conversing with the bartender about Libby finds himself taking an interest.
Then after he sees the date ghost Libby he decides to pretend to be the date.
They hit it off very well so of course one thing leads to another, and one night of bliss.
I enjoyed their fated beginnings together which had a lot of unanticipated surprises coming along and made this another tightly written contemporary romance from an author whose characters were perfection and story was loaded with drama, sweetness, emotion, personal vulnerabilities, steam, family dynamics, and a romance that for me kept the story captivating and very readable as I’m sure other readers will find too!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Blind Date by Mia Mara is a charming love story about Dax and bookshop owner Libby. Dax meets Libby when he spots her being ghosted on a blind date and steps in as her date. Libby meets he a one night stand, Dax, again the next day. Dax show up at her bookstore because he has entered a contract with her brother to purchase the bookstore.

Both Jax and her brother were quite the jerks for the first chapters. They were running roughshod over Libby without regard for her feelings. Then Libby learns something about Jax that makes her see him in a different light and their romance blossoms.

Just when it seems everything is coming up roses for them, both main characters find something out that ruins interferes with their romance.

The character development was great in this story. The supporting characters were also super. This is just a charming read. Enjoy it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Blind Date is an excellent read from start to finish. This is one of those books that have you wanting the main characters (Libby and Dax) to make it work- even with all of life’s up/downs, complications, and everyday joys. I was instantly brought into Libby’s story as she navigated her self-doubts to accept her “blind date” and their evening together. The chemistry between Libby and Dax is captivating in how they are so connected when they are together, focusing on them. It is when life enters that they must find a way to make their relationship work. I journeyed right along with them as they evolved and grew as individuals, as a couple, dealing with past hurts, and as a “family”. Accidental Blind Date is well-written with wonderful characters of family and friends. (I love Poppy, Delilah, & Joni too). It is worth the read and makes an excellent addition to the Unintentionally Yours series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby and Dax 's story is heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. Two damaged people who make each other whole again after a lot of angst and drama. She escaped a bad marriage and an even uglier divorce that left her feeling insecure, unloved and unattractive. He was a heartbroken widower with two young girls. A successful businessman who turned out to be her brother's good friend from college. Her bookstore is her life as it's all she has left of her parents. Things get complicated when the will states that her brother inherited the store and even more so when he sells it to Dax. His daughters are adorable and they fall in love with 'Miss Libby' and become the ultimate matchmakers. Family drama, miscommunication and unintentional lies add to the angst. A good book with an HEA, no cliffhanger and an epilogue you'll love. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing, beautiful, emotional journey for Libby and Dax. It is a touching, magical, passionate, funny, crazy, romantic portrayal of a man and a woman and family. Libby is energetic, cheerful, beautiful, quirky, sassy and so much more. She loves books and believes in the magic that they bring to the reader. She has always believed in love and romance. Isn’t that why we read romance? We want the happy ending. She owns her family’s bookstore. Dax is more structured, serious, and quite a handsome silver haired man. He will surprise you. Dax owns many bookstores but really doesn’t do a lot of reading. Libby and Dax will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, ups and downs and back and forth. It will keep you reading. One quote from the book.
“So many books about love.”
“That’s because love is everyone’s favorite thing to read about.”
This is one book you will want to read again and again!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Mia Mara never disappoints!! This is another great book to the Unintentionally Yours series, and probably the sweetest (for me!) Libby is a divorcee who was hurt in the past, but goes on a blind date. Dax is a mature single father, who is captivated by Libby and stands as her blind date (the original date did not show up). Their attraction and chemistry is instantaneous, and their passion is sizzling. The relationship starts to heal them from all their past hurts, he finds a new beginning in her and she feels wanted but there are secrets that can break them apart.
Be prepared to love this book, the chemistry and passion is off the charts, but the tender moments, her best friend, his little girls, their conversations will make it just so hard to put down this book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dewey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lighthearted 'fun' about her asshole brother selling the bookstore her father founded without consulting her at all. Sold it to Dax, her ONS who tried to impersonate the blind date she was supposed to meet. He's the CEO of a mega big box bookstore organization. He plans to turn her charming, old style, bookstore into another cookie cutter soulless store. He brings in contractors, architects, etc., to come up with plans to revamp the store, all while they are open for business. So predictable; boring. DNF.

I keep wanting Libby to fight back somehow. Get some grassroots neighborhood publicity going. Instead she can't help herself and lets him fuc* her.

Yet another of this author's books full of typos and mistakes: Libby or Lily? age of his daughter? Maybe 'unintentional' or 'accidental' lack of editing. This will be my last book by this author.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby is supposed to be on a no-strings attached first date from an app. Dax happens to be at the bar of the same restaurant drowning in his sorrows when he spots Libby waiting for her date and then seeing said date walk in, see her, then leave. He can't stand the thought of her being stood up and steps in, pretending to be said date.

Surprise! Turns out, Libby's brother is his best friend whom he just bought her beloved bookstore from. Now, they are each other's professional nemesis.

I really enjoyed this story. It was full of heart, good character development, and plot. My only gripe would be Libby's reaction in the last "conflict" toward the ends was over the top for what the issue was.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trusting the Silver Fox

This is one great novel to read! Libby’s sitting in a bar to meet her blind date. Dax is mourning over his wife’s death of a few years in the same bar. Learning her blind date ghosted her, he steps forward pretending he’s supposed to be her date. She brightens up his life & his 2 girls really like her too. When she learns of the deception, her heart is once again broken. He is lost without her & with people nudging these two to go for the second chance of having a HEA, they take the leap & start all over but with full honesty. One cannot help but fall in love with this couple.

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mia Mara, in this book I felt like I was reading the script from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan movie, You Have Mail.
Libby owns her parents bookstore and Dax has the big box discount bookstore. have chemistry! So, there's steam!
They're business rivals, her brother is determined to sell the business from under Libby. But a surprise twist changes everything between them.
I do have to say I fell for Dax he's definitely swoon worthy!
Libby and Dax have tons of chemistry and he is not the person he appears to be in the beginning. And I loved the way everything came together in the end.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dax sees Libby in the cantina alone, he’s instantly intrigued by her beauty. As he watches her from the bar, he notices her ‘blind date’ show up at the door, check Libby out and immediately leave.

Feeling like he must intervene, he pretends to be the blind date and they have a good time, which leads to a ONS, which they both said they didn’t want.

Fast forward to Dax showing up with Libby’s brother as the new owner of her family bookstore.

I loved the energy and sparks between these two characters. The sub characters only added to the story, and through all the drama, there is a happy ending.

[Suzie Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover model is gorgeous.

A cute romance. I love that the women are not stick thin and picture perfect.
Libby runs the family bookstore. Her brother has just sold it to a big box store. Now what is she to do? Libby and Dax met accidentally. He’s nursing his heart at his wife’s favorite restaurant. Libby is waiting for an online blind date. Dax over hears that she is waiting and sees the guy come in, look and leaves. Dax moves in, expecting nothing.
Dax has two girls who fall for Libby but that first night secret threatens everything. And of course Dax is the CEO of said big box store.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby is waiting on her first blind date set up via a dating app. Dax notices the guy come in and then leave. He decides to act like her date so she isn't let down. Never expected to see each other after that night. But, Dax walks into her shop the next morning with her brother. Her brother tells her he is selling the bookstore to Dax and they will be changing it. They found out fast that Libby had no problem fighting for what she wanted and in the process, fell in love with Dax.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JanK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Dax/Jax. Libby is in a dating funk and goes to a bar to meet a blind date. Dax spies her sitting alone and hears her telling the bartender she is waiting for a blind date, name and all. He spies the guy walk into the doorway, give her a onceover, and leave. He decides to take the guys place, their names are close enough. They spend a great night and things go downhill from there. He is in business with her slimy brother, he keeps getting these strange phone calls.
Loved the characters and Dax could not be hotter. Libby and Dax so cute and a great love story.

[Abbie Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book!!! It is like ‘You’ve got mail’ and Jude Law’s character from ‘the Holiday’ all wrapped up in this amazing story! Libby gets stood up for a blind date a man, grieving his wife he lost, sees her from across a restaurant. He notices that her date comes in, sees her, and walks out. He goes over and pretends to be the date. The story only progresses from there! Absolute magic in this story!! I had borrowed the book on KU, but ended up buying it after I finished it!!

[Sharon Dubuque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Dax owns a chain of book stores. His best friend’s family owned a small book store. Dax buys it from him, but it is also owned by his friend sister, Libby. Libby decides to have a one night stand. At the bar Dax seees that she is waiting for a date. When the guy comes in but leaves, Dax decides to pretend he is the guy. They meet and get along. They have sex and it was great. A few days later she meets the new owner of the shop and …it’s Dax. This is a great story, please read!

[Kelsey McCarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in Romance?

I only wish that there was a longer epilogue. I wanted to read more of Dax and Libby!
I loved how their story played out, Libby is definitely deserving of all Dax has to offer her, even though he tried to change her book store.
Though, I have never wanted to reach through a book a shake a character more than I did with Kai. He doesn't get to be the rude, standoffish brother and still want to be protective of Libby. I'm glad he finally saw things differently but getting there, he was my least favorite person.

[Nicole Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute!!!😍📚🧸

This whole story was adorable and sweet! The only reason it didn't get five stars was because of the of all the formatting errors, typos, and for the love of God, the mfc was called Lily...twice! Her name is Libby, lol.😅 I realize not every author has an editor, but simply hitting spell check is not always enough. I know I sound incredibly harsh, but as a GenXer, we had grammar beat into us. It can also take you out of a story pretty quick. I do fully recommend this book. I just hope they fix the mistakes so it can be properly enjoyed!

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax, Dax, Dax, this is a disaster waiting to happen and I am so here for it! I instantly fell for Dax and Libby! Dax is grumpy and a fixer, he's the perfect fit for Libby, who is fun and eccentric. The chemistry was instant and sparks were flying. They have great sparring banter, wound up tension, and sizzling hot steamy moments. Another amazing book by Mia Mara!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

emotionally charged romance that blends classic tropes—enemies to lovers, age gap, and secret single dad—into a story that’s both steamy and surprisingly heartfelt. The main characters are a suave businessman who has it all, who encounters a down-to-earth woman at a bar, a white lie starts a chain of events ... a great one-sitting read...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby and widower Dax meet by accident on a dating app and things go great with him until she finds out he is trying to buy her book store the one she grew up in. The fact that he has two adorable little girls only adds to the situation but one little lie and she backs away. Will Libby and Dax be able to work through their difficulties? Loved this book. REVIEWED 10/27.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

So romance is very much alive. At least according to this story, which is somehow by far not the best book by this author. In this case I must admit that I have difficulty in pinpointing exactly what to pinpoint, but...
The length of the story, it seemed to be endless and endlessly repetitive.
But because I enjoyed reading it I am giving it beautiful three stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Puna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The author really wanted to make sure the readers knew the FMC was “quirky”, didn’t do plain/normal and being a ‘little eccentric was her MO’. So don’t forget it! I think pretty much all the MCs (couple, her brother, his kids & his SIL) could all have used some major grief counseling because none of them were dealing with their loses, from many years ago. The conclusion she came to when she found out the MMC wasn’t really her blind date/one night stand was just ridiculous.

[Livey · Rating 4 out of 5]

single silver fox

Book stores and story time, a blind date gone wrong, a wistful one night stand. Libby is divorced and looking for an interlude on a dating app. When she meets Dax she doesn’t expect to see him again or than her brother is willing to sell her shop out from under her. Mutual attraction can’t be denied and the motherless Libby falls even harder when she meets Dax’s family. Despite her brother Kai’s meddling HEA is just a few steps away.

[Karen Tomczak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This MF, dual POV book is adorable. Libby is stood up on a blind date and Dax, who is sitting at the bar watching everything unfold, assumes the place of the blind date. Unbeknownst to the two of them, Libby’s brother is Dax’s best friend and business partner, and the new owner of her long family-held bookstore. He has a lot going on in his personal life, healing from a wife who died and raising two young girls. They try to fight their attraction, but love wins out in the end.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needs a strong thorough edit. There are so many typos. At one point the MFC is called Lily, her name is Libby. The oldest child is said to be nine then she’s seven then nine again. All the content errors are distracting. It was a good book but a frustrating read.

I’m giving it two stars because of the errors. If it was edited it would be a four star read for me.