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All for Love #3

For the Win: A Single Dad Friends-to-Lovers Workplace Romance

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She wants a summer fling. He doesn’t think he’s worthy of more.

Claire Connelly’s life was on track—until it wasn’t. Ambitious, driven, and ready to conquer Manhattan as a family physician, she never saw the catastrophe coming. Now she’s jobless and adrift. When an opportunity in Upstate New York offers her a break from reality, she quickly accepts. And when a proposition comes next, she’s ready for a distraction. A fling. Nothing more.

Asher Greer isn’t looking for anything. Five years after losing his wife, he’s a single dad trying to keep his family summer camp afloat. The camp is thriving, but Asher’s heart? Not so much. When he hires a new doctor, the last thing he expects is to feel alive again. But in her presence, he awakens.

What begins as friendship soon turns into undeniable chemistry. Sparks fly, but Asher can’t shake his belief that he’s not worthy of love or Claire’s brilliant, delightful heart.

Could taking a chance on love be just what the doctor ordered?

Packed with laugh-out-loud humor, witty banter, and a whole lot of spice, For the Win is a hopeful story about love after loss and finding beauty in the broken.

For the Win is the third book in the All For Love interconnected standalone series but can be read on its own.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

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About the author

Katie Van Brunt

3 books141 followers
KATIE VAN BRUNT is a queer American romance author and scriptwriter. Her debut romantic comedy FOR THE PLOT earned a 2025 Sultry Listeners Award for Best Romantic Comedy. She writes steamy rom-com stories with banter, lots of texts on page, and mental health representation. She’s a total mood reader, has a love-hate relationship with the gym, and is working on being more spontaneous.

She is a military spouse and currently lives in O’ahu, Hawai’i with her husband (aka Dr. Book Daddy) and three amazingly weird kids (including a teenager!), but has lived in Greece, California, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida (where she is originally from). You can find Katie on Instagram and Threads (@katievanbruntauthor).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
Profile Image for Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut.
374 reviews718 followers
May 1, 2026
I am going to make a BOLD STATEMENT here but I think For The Win will be the book of the summer! It will be one of you favorite reads this summer. There, I said what I said. I personally think the whole All for Love series is so criminally under hyped and if you have not read the whole series yet, put it on your summer beach read TBR so you can binge this series because it is so good!

I had the pleasure of being able to be part of Katie's alpha team for this book and I am so proud of Katie and the story that she created. Seeing the writing process and the end result, I have never been prouder to be part of a book in my entire life. And let me tell you something, this book was even better the second time around. The story was just as spicy, swoony and beautiful as ever. And that epilogue?!? I’m in tears! The ending is truly so beautiful. Katie, thank you for giving me such a beautiful story about finding love after loss with a hot single daddy who is a master of mustache rides 😘

I would suggest checking your triggers on this one if death and grief is a trigger for you. Our MMC is a widower and a single dad of the cutest little 5 year old girl. This book is a beautiful story about a man who had to live through losing the love of his life while navigating being a single dad. He has flaws but I think that's part of a healing journey. And you truly get to be a part of Asher's healing journey. Watching him struggle with moving on and finding love was vulnerable but also so rewarding.

Claire and Asher truly complimented each other beautifully. With Claire's SA past, Asher was a true consent king. And Claire made sure that Asher's late wife was also at the forefront of the progression of their relationship. Now yes this one deals with grief and vulnerability but it is also a Katie Van Brunt novel WHICH MEANS you will get equal parts laugh out loud moments, swoon worthy moments that will make you wanna kick your feet like a school girl and the most unforgettable spicy moments that will take up residence in your brain. Two words: SPICY JENGA. Just trust the process and enjoy!

So please do yourself a favor and add the whole entire All for Love series to your TBR and you can thank me later! And Katie, congrats on another amazing novel! Thank you for allowing me to be part of this one!

You should read this book if you like:
- Single Dad Romance
- Doctor FMC
- Widower/Grief Rep
- Best Friend's Brother
- Friends w/ Benefits
- Roommates to Lovers
- Workplace Romance

* I would like to thank Katie Van Brunt for allowing me the absolute pleasure in being a part of the writing process and being an alpha reader for For The Win. I am also beyond thankful for allowing the opportunity to reread this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
Profile Image for Amanda Bennett.
322 reviews17 followers
May 19, 2026
I had a spicy good time and love sweet little Bea. I just dont think Asher deserved Claire 🫣😬
Profile Image for Lauren (lololovesthings).
903 reviews93 followers
May 9, 2026
4.5 stars.

Katie Van Brunt's "For the Win" is excellent! I really, really liked this book. It is a forced proximity, best friend's sister, workplace romance featuring a single dad/widower and a doctor trying something new with her job. I adored the main characters, Claire and Asher, both of their individual journeys, and their mutual pairing. What starts as a casual summertime thing slowly turns serious and desperate and hungry over time. I found it to be delightful, sweet, funny, and full of banter and terrific chemistry. I loved the friendship between Claire and Asher that turned into more (and in a deliciously spicy way, too!!). I loved Asher's relationship with his daughter, Bea, as well as Claire's quick take to Bea in their orbit. The beauty salon bit made me so ridiculously happy. I enjoyed and cried about Asher's grief journey for his ex-wife, who died the same day Bea was born. I LOOOOVED the grief group chat Asher had and their indelible bond with one another. I find any part of this book unnecessary, and I think it was a great length. I was never bored or disinterested. In fact, I was engaged from beginning to end! I truly loved this one. I haven't read the other two novels in this series, but I am definitely going back to read them now.

Thank you to Katie Van Brunt and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
282 reviews45 followers
May 15, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️

There is something incredibly special about a romance that feels both deeply emotional and wildly fun.

This is the kind of book that puts your heart through the wringer but leaves you feeling hopeful by the end. It handles grief and loss with so much care, and although a few of the emotional transitions felt a little rushed, the epilogue had me in tears.

Claire, a burned-out doctor, and Asher, a widowed camp owner, were absolutely wonderful together. Their roommates-to-lovers relationship starts as a practical arrangement, but it quickly grows into something much deeper. Asher is an incredible single dad, and the love and respect he shows both Bea and Claire made me adore him even more. Watching Claire slowly become part of their little family was easily one of the sweetest parts of the story. The roommate setup does require a tiny bit of suspended disbelief, but their chemistry and emotional connection made that easy to overlook.

The humor and spice are exactly what I hoped for: bold, playful, and unforgettable. That Jenga scene alone deserves a special mention because I will never look at the game the same way again. Combined with a lovable supporting cast and a strong sense of found family, this story struck the perfect balance between hilarious, steamy, and heartfelt.

Heartfelt, hilarious, and wonderfully steamy, this is a romance that will stay with me for a long time.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Katie Van Brunt & Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Jill (readinginpjs).
750 reviews258 followers
May 8, 2026
if you’re looking for a summer romance filled with heart & heat, For the Win is definitely IT! 🔥
the physical & emotional chemistry between Claire & Asher had me rooting for them from start to finish 💜

thank you Love Notes PR & Katie Van Brunt for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

After leaving her job in NYC, Claire takes an opportunity for a summer away, working at her best friend’s brother’s camp. An incident leaves her cabin uninhabitable, and she moves in with single dad & widower Asher, and his daughter Bea.

Their friendship quickly turns into a roomies-with-bennies situationship, but neither can really deny that their connection is so much more than that.

Asher is still in his grief, losing his wife years prior - this sometimes leads to words said & decisions made out of guilt, and fear. I love that he’s flawed, and growing throughout this story. The friendships & group chat with his grief buddies warmed my heart 🥹

Claire is also dealing with her own past, not truly believing she’s worth more than a fling. She’s also unsure of where her path is going next, though pretty sure she’ll be back in the city, so she resists getting too close.

they are both perfectly imperfect, and a perfect match for each other 🥹

I loved seeing characters we met in previous books (though this could be read as a standalone). I also loved the support Asher (and Claire) got from his inlaws - even though they lost their daughter, they continued to love Asher as a son, and want the best for him and Bea.

this book is a bit spicier than my personal preference, however there is still a ton of character development & plot!

✦ tropes & more:
☀️ summer camp/workplace
🧢 best friend’s brother
🏡 roommates
💙 single dad + widow mmc
🩺 doctor fmc
💥 friends with benefits
❤️‍🩹 grief rep
💞 dual 1st person pov

ebook | ⭐️: 4.75 | 🌶️: open door, spicy |

📖 For the Win by Katie Van Brunt
📚 book 3 • All for Love series
💜: contemporary romance.(mf)

*Connect with Me*
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457 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2026
3.5⭐️

After leaving her job as a doctor in New York, Claire agrees to be the camp doctor for the summer. But when her accommodations fall through, she ends up staying in her widowed boss’s spare bedroom alongside his adorable five-year-old daughter, and things get a little complicated.

This was a fun “we’ll just keep this casual” romance that slowly develops into something more, all set at a summer camp on a beautiful lake. Claire and Asher are both strong characters with well-developed backgrounds. Bea was the cutest little kid, and I loved all of her interactions with Claire, which was definitely a highlight for me!

The romance was built up naturally and felt believable, though there were a few moments and bits of dialogue that just weren’t my cup of tea. While those moments occasionally pulled me out of the story, they didn’t significantly impact my overall enjoyment and mostly came down to personal preference.

I also loved the portrayal of grief and the single-parent-learning-to-love-again storyline, which led to both funny and tender moments. The balance between humor and emotion worked really well.

Overall, this was a fun single-dad, forced-proximity romance with equal parts heart and humor, perfect summer read or those looking for a summer camp themed story!

Thank you to Katie Van Brunt and LoveNotes PR for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Meg.RecsBooks.
510 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2026
digital / 5* / arc & ku

Stop right now. I’ve found a new book boyfriend and you’re going to want to ride that moustache.
ASHER GREER. What! Katie outdid herself with this character. A single dad, still grieving

and CLAIRE?! A girls, girl through and through. Following her dreams while fulfilling Asher’s dreams and fantasies, both in and outside of the bedroom.

The chemistry? Through the charts.

You don’t want to miss this one!

(More thoughts to follow along with quotes)

Thank you to Katie Van Brunt and her amazing team for the advanced copy. I’m so proud to be part of your street peen!
Profile Image for Emily Knaus.
581 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2026
Summer Vibes = For the Win!

Asher is a widowed single dad and owner of Daisy Lake Retreat & Camp. He’s doing everything he can to build a good life for his daughter, Bea. Claire arrives as the new on‑call doctor after leaving a job that drained her, hoping this summer will give her space to breathe again. Their connection is immediate, it’s warm, funny, and threaded with the kind of emotional honesty neither of them expected.

A housing mix‑up turns them into unexpected roommates, and what starts as a practical arrangement slowly shifts into a roommates‑with‑benefits situation. They frame it as a win‑win: comfort, clarity, and no expectations. But the more time they spend together with shared routines, late‑night conversations, and Bea’s wholehearted attachment to Claire, the more impossible it becomes to pretend it’s only physical. Their emotional shift is beautifully paced and deeply satisfying.

The spice in this book is unapologetically bold. It’s absolutely wild, energetic, and full of chaotic fun. It feels like the kind of intimacy that comes from two people who trust each other enough to let go, laugh, experiment, and enjoy the moment. Their dynamic has a playful, explorative edge that fits perfectly with their personalities and their “this is just for now” agreement… right up until it becomes very clear it’s not just for now at all.

Bea remains the shining center of the book. She’s sassy, sweet, and instantly attached to Claire, and watching Asher see Claire through his daughter’s eyes is one of the most moving parts of the story.

The supporting cast adds richness and grounding. Asher’s close-knit group of widower friends brings humor, honesty, and a sense of community that feels lived‑in. Both Claire and Asher’s siblings are in on everything. Offering laughs, supports and encouragement when needed. And his first wife’s parents are written with such grace, they are loving, supportive, and quietly rooting for Asher to find joy again.

For The Win is a beautiful blend of healing, found family, and romantic connection, this summer romance is heartfelt, funny, and full of hope. A perfect read for anyone who loves stories where love grows in the soft spaces between grief, renewal, and second chances.

A huge thank you to Katie Van Brunt & Love Notes PR for the early copy!
Profile Image for Jordan.
Author 1 book20 followers
May 10, 2026
this is such a good summer read! This serious remains underhyped and deserve so much more praise! I absolutely loved the chemistry between Claire and Asher! I loved the extra layer of sweetness that came from Dolly. She was such a sweet character and the questions that came up and the honest and raw conversations between all the characters was truly so beautiful.

For the Win brings heart & heat - and definitely doesn't lack in either department! I really enjoyed the fact that the story felt lighthearted but also still had a lot of underlying themes of grief and healing while also just having a fun 'friends with bennies' vibe that brought alllll the spice & good time.

I was punching my air at the beginning of this when Claire stood up for herself and didn't let the doctor and his son walk all over her and the immediate support she got from her brother and sister in law was right onnnn!

Katie's writing is so bingable and enjoyable. I was engaged and locked into the story from start to finish! She excels in show, don't tell details and I never found myself being brought out of the story for writing issues!

Def recommend and tbh go start from book 1 because the entire series is delicioussssss.

The vibes:
-Doctor x Camp/Resort Owner
-Single Dad & Window MMC
-Best Friend's Brother
-Workplace Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Friends with 'bennies'
-grief representations
Profile Image for Macie ✨.
165 reviews19 followers
May 5, 2026
The answer to my problems may not be found between her thighs, but I think I should check just in case.


THIS BOOK. OMGGGG it was so freaking good!!! I fell in love with Asher and Claire straight from the very beginning. I am 100% completely and absolutely obsessed with everything that Katie Van Brunt writes.

Katie is one helluva writer & anything that she creates I can promise you that I will be reading it. I am and will always be a mega fan of this lovely, talented author! 💜

Asher gives Claire the best mustache rides and he is sooooo down bad for his girl. And he is a DADDY! 😩

And lemme tell you Ash's daughter, Bea, really stole the show. I just wanna hug and squeeze that little girl with all my might. She is the cutest, most sweetest kid I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Honestly, you need to read this entire series guys, because the plot, the characters, and THE SPICE—top fucking tier & I'll stand ten toes down on that! 👏🏼👏🏼

“You’re my Kintsugi, Claire. I was the broken vase, and you’re the gold that brought me back to life.”
Profile Image for Janalee Lance.
73 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2026
4.5 stars

The moment I saw the first book series, these covers spoke to me and I immediately added the series to my TBR knowing it was going to be something special (I love when I'm right).
So when this book was announced, I jumped at the chance to read it and I am so glad I did.

This story was tender, emotional, hot, and full of the found family vibes I absolutely love.

Honestly, I'm mad at myself for not reading this series sooner because Katie officially has a fangirl for life now. I will absolutely be reading everything she writes.

This story follows Asher, a single dad living with grief, and Claire, a badass doctor who has convinced herself she doesn't have room to let anyone in.

There are heavier topics woven throughout this story, but they're handled with so much care and heart. Both Asher and Claire have spent so much time surviving and putting everyone else first that they've forgotten what it means to truly live for themselves.

Maybe that changes at camp this summer.... You'll have to read to find out, but I promise you'll love the ride!
Profile Image for M..
76 reviews
May 15, 2026
For the win is a winner! The MMC's (Claire and Asher) are the breath of fresh air my reading list needed. The FMC's transition from a high-stakes Manhattan career to the rustic charm of upstate New York feels grounded and real, making her the perfect match for a man like Asher.
​Asher stole my heart immediately. He isn't just a "grumpy single dad"; he’s a man carrying a heavy weight of guilt and grief, and seeing him slowly realize he’s worthy of a second act is beautiful. Their chemistry is effortless—the kind of "summer fling" that you just know is going to blow up their lives in the best way possible. Between the witty banter and the high-heat spice, there’s a deep, hopeful core to this story that reminds you how much beauty can be found in the broken pieces. If you’re looking for a book that delivers both big laughs and big feelings, this is absolutely the one to pick up. Highly recommend

- ARC Review
Profile Image for kerry .
178 reviews12 followers
April 24, 2026

Thank you to LoveNotes PR and Katie Van Brunt for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

This is the third in a series of interconnected stories that are not necessary to read first but they were fun to read!

This was a very fun, funny and sweet book about two “roomies with bennies” who end up falling hard for each other! I found both Claire and Asher to be super relatable and I enjoyed reading about them finally putting themselves first for once. I also thought Bea was super cute and thought it was so sweet that it seemed Claire fell for her first. I really enjoyed the grief representation, not only from Asher and Bea but also from his in laws that were a still a huge part of their lives.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a spicy and fun read that also packs an emotional punch!
Profile Image for Kristen.
758 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2026
“But we’ve only just started, and I’m here for the win.”

This is book 3 in the All for Love series and I think it is my favorite one! Single dad, Asher Greer is certainly one of the “good guys” and watching him grieve his first wife but grow in the relationship with Claire was so fun!

Claire Connelly has just had a sudden need for a new job. Getting out of a bad situation was important but with no real plan she ends up as the doctor for Asher’s camp and one summer changes everything she thought her life would be.

“With one look at those dimples, I’m sold. Hook, line, and sinker.”

This was such a great addition to the series and I loved every second of it!

🔥: “Oh, baby. What I’m about to do to you is anything but polite.”
Profile Image for Kelsey Seltzer.
47 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2026
This is a great summertime romance book! Third book in the series but the first that I’ve read. Be sure to check the trigger warnings.

I loved watching Claire & Asher’s relationship develop. It started off so innocent but quickly grew into something deeper than either of them could have thought. Asher’s relationship with Bea is absolutely adorable.

Open-door, workplace romance, single dad, found family & loooots of spice!



*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Dyer.
69 reviews
May 5, 2026
ARC Review 💫

What did this book do to me?

It made me laugh.
It made me cry.
It made me wet.

That’s a triple crown if I’ve ever seen one!

Claire and Asher are equally strong MCs who were doing their best not to get attached and told themselves, the old “friends with bennies” would be how they spent their summer.

Sounds like a dream summer to me until you add in Asher FINALLY grieving his wife after 5 years while his 5-year old daughter, Bea, shows him that there’s plenty of love and space in the world for them to let Claire into their lives. This is all happening while Claire is telling herself she can’t start her new life with them even though they fit into perfectly.

This was my first book of Katie’s and I can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Marcie.
997 reviews25 followers
May 11, 2026
2.5⭐️ rounded up.

I read the first half, skipped entire sections, read the end, and still couldn’t understand why people are loving this series. Each and every one has been kind of mediocre for me. Very high spice but not enough plot and emotional depth for me to love them.
15 reviews
May 8, 2026
18+ romance, aka NOT for kids.

Oh my goodness I loved this book sooooo much!
Plot? Developing! Wholesome!
Characters? Growing!
My Heart? Melting! Squeezing!
🌶️ Doors? OPEN! 🤤
🐝? ADORABLE!!
Depictions of Grief? Fairly realistic tbh


FEMALE DOCTOR X SINGLE DAD
Forced proximity
FWB to something more
Cutie patootie 5yr old
Moving past fear of loss
Girlie with ✨ boundaries and self respect ✨
Competitive Golden Retriever with Trauma + Dimples ML
(NO ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY TROPE 🫶)
She does NOT give up her career to be with him, he is supportive and far from intimidated or made insecure by her.


In this outdoor camp (adult) romance between a single dad, Asher👨🏼👧🏼,and a primary care physician, Claire👩‍⚕️, I experienced a range of emotions. I related to the characters on a spiritual soul deep level. From Asher’s who doesn’t want to stay single for the rest of his life, but also doesn’t know if he could survive letting someone in and losing them again. To Claire, a doctor who 1) knows what’s up with folded chips 2) doesn’t let negative past experiences control her 3) adores kids 4) strong driven woman.
I loved every moment of it and I definitely cried at some parts and… locked my doors at others.


Trigger Warnings/PSA
-Sexual Harrassment (nothing too crazy tho)
-Nepotism
-Spousal death (not depicted) and associated grief
-Open door (not literally… he has a kid and they’re not dumb) romance 🌶️ (kinkiest thing would probs be bedroom bondage and even that isn’t hard core BDSM vibes)
-3rd act not quite breakup


Favorite quotes:
❤️ “You’re my kintsugi, Claire. I was the broken vase, and you’re the gold that brought me back to life.” (And tbh that whole blurb)

🌶️ “Where are we going?” she asks. “To my room. I’m going to dry you off, then fuck you till you see stars so bright they’re no match for the ones in the sky.”


Rant incoming:
Can I just say how much I appreciate the representation of a FEMALE DOCTOR in a romance novel!!!! As a woman pursuing her medical degree, I love stories where one of the characters is in the medical field, even better if they’re a doctor or a woman. I have HUNTED for a book JUST LIKE THIS for soooooo long only to be frequently disappointed. If there is a romance where one of the characters is a doctor, it’s almost always a guy + if the woman is in the medical field, 9/10 she’s a nurse. While I understand that statistically speaking this is more likely, and I’ll eat it up everytime, this book was refreshing and satisfying and hit all the cravings in rich delicious ways (including some that I didn’t even know that I wanted). THANK YOU SO MUCH DEAR AUTHOR!! BLESS YOUR SOUL!! Time to hunt down and read everything that you have ever written because I LOVED THAT!!


Plot description blurb/Synopsis:
Asher is the head of a camp by a lake (gives luxury-ish/glamping) with the CUTEST (still realistic) 5 year old daughter. His wife passed 5 years ago and he’s struggled to let anyone in since.
Clair is excited to welcome her bosses son in as a new hire at the clinic… only to find out that it’s the guy who made sexual, creepy advances (sexually harassed) on her in medical school. She brings it to her boss the next day, but nepotism for the win so she quits. Kismet, because one of her best friend’s brother happens to be looking for a new camp doctor. It seems like a good opportunity, but just until she can get her next moves sorted out/get a new job.
When Claire is hired, the housing/cabin designated for the camp doctor to stay on is damaged in a storm, and the occupants of the cabin she was planning on borrowing end up staying for the summer…. Asher offers the spare bedroom in his home (man desperately needs her to stay and doesn’t want to go headhunting again).

With mutual attraction, respect, and strong sexual chemistry, one thing leads to another and they agree to FWB, but with an expiration date, because Claire only intends on staying for the summer at which point she’ll move back into the city. It sounds like a great plan… right? Except…





POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOLLOWING 🚨




**Don’t keep reading if you hate things that even hint at being a spoiler**






Claire is gorgeous, gets along perfectly with Asher’s daughter, Bea, slowly and unconsciously sliding into a mother like role as they all live together. She also helps him with and makes space for his grief and is pretty much the perfect woman to him from her looks, drive, compassion, etc.
Asher isn’t intimidated by her success, is sweet, incredibly supportive, a great dad, a little dorky, is sexy AF, makes and sometimes brings her coffee in bed, AND does her laundry for her (although the dryer seems to have a personal vendetta against her bikini top pads). (Like how is a girl supposed to NOT fall for a guy like that??)
Can they really keep things purely as FWB, call it off, and go their separate ways at the end of the summer?
Conversely, can Asher work through his grief and guilt over letting another woman into his life in that capacity after losing his wife?
Profile Image for Daniela Hernandez.
111 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
May 8, 2026
For the Win by Katie Van Brunt 5⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
Thanks to Love Notes PR and the author for the ARC!
• Single dad x Doctor.
• Only One Cabin.
• Forced Proximity.
• Workplace Romance.
• Friends with Benefits.

Give me a single dad romance…AND I'LL READ IT EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. 🥰

Just when I thought that Ezra and Millie were going to be my favorites FOREVER AND EVER, here it comes Claire and Asher (and Bea, that little girl was so adorable!).

I was so excited when Katie announced that Asher and Claire were the next characters for the third book in the series, and even better when the trope was “single dad”. But to be honest, I was a bit nervous (if that makes sense), when it was revealed that Asher was a widower, and listen, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I’ve had experiences with some other books where they managed that aspect very poorly…but I’m so happy this was not the case. So let’s begin…!

Now, Claire. Since we met her during the first book, I knew she was gonna be such a sweetheart. I felt terrible for her when I read what happened with that asshole. I absolutely identify with her. When I was in university, one of my teacher had a disgusting behavior with me and when I try to reported him, it was worse for me, at the end I changed my degree. Being a victim of SA is such a rubbish thing and it’s even worse when you know that it’s probably the best to not say anything because no one is going to listen. Society has made us so afraid of speaking aloud.
But Claire showed that even when the memories came back and she felt like things were coming down, she found the strength and the determination to keep going and find something different and maybe better for her! And oh, she did.

Asher, our single daddy 😏, God, that man! He was like the standard for the perfect single dad. He would beyond everything to make Bea happy. The dedication he put and all the effort to keep the camp as a wonderful place, not just for him, his family and the guests, but for Daisy’s memory. He gave me all the feelings, from giggling and kicking my feet during all his interactions with Claire, to cry a river when he explained his feeling about starting a new life with someone that wasn’t the mother of his little girl.

Grief is such a complex and difficult thing to explain. And not because this is impossible or because it doesn’t have an answer, but because every single individual has their own way to deal with it. People cannot dictate how someone else gets to live through it. What it matters in these kind of situations, it’s to have a nice net of support. I was happy when I read how Asher admitted the progress and the possible evolution he had after Daisy’s death. It was also nice to read that in any moment he excused his behavior, he knew that the thing he was doing were not the best, but I’ll say he learnt from it, and eventually found more people who could relate to him.

I loved the dynamic between Claire and Asher, the chemistry was so obvious from the very beginning. Also, I think there was such a difference from the start because contrary to what other single dad romance books present, Claire and Asher are both adults, there’s not an age gap (and look, I love a good age gap) but in this case, I liked it better that both of them were in an age where there was not a misbalance. And the spice…THEY ABSOLUTELY DELIVERED!

I loved to see characters from previous books, Millie and Joey are the best, so were Ezra and Cam. I liked to see how Daisy’s parents were so supportive with Asher, not just helping with Bea (who by the way was the SWEETEST, CUTEST girl ever, I loved her relationship and she bonded with Claire, it was such a natural way to happen!), but with the idea of Asher starting again. The guys from the grief group were amazing, just as I mentioned before, people deal with their grief in a very particular and personal way, but for Asher a group and a friendship like that one, was a chance to see the situation from a different perspective.

In general, I loved the book, it was such a rollercoaster of emotions, one minute I was laughing and then a minute after, I was crying nonstop. But there’s nothing better than reading a happily ever after. Also, Kate…that bonus scene! Wow! 🤭😏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aliyah Sims (bookish.blasian).
563 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 28, 2026
This just might be my favorite book of the series?!?! I would really need to reread For the Show, but WOW. I was hooked on this book immediately. This book managed to be the perfect blend of sweet, steamy, emotional, funny, etc. I don’t think there’s a single thing I disliked about it.

I absolutely loved Claire! I have book amnesia, so I remembered very little about her from the other books. I loved how passionate she was about her job. I loved her relationship with Joey and Millie, and then of course Ezra and her brother Cam. I loved how good she was with Bea and how natural she was with her. I loved how she pushed Asher’s buttons and how she also made him feel safe enough to just be with her. Most importantly, I loved how Claire approached all things Daisy. I don’t know that I’ve read many if any love after loss books. I didn’t know how I would feel about the whole thing. But the way Claire handled Daisy? Her daughter? Her husband? Her legacy? Just everything about it was BEAUTIFUL.

Asher is EVERYTHING. I remember loving Asher tidbits from the other books. I love how much he loves the camp and his family. I love how good of a dad he is. I love how smitten he was with Claire and how he manages to be so sweet and yet so filthy. I’m really more of a beard girl, but the mustache does it for me here. I loved his friendship with the grief guys and with Ezra and Cam.

Katie writes the smuttiest, spiciest, wildest steamy scenes and this book is no exception. This book is HOT. And a slow burn it is not. The steam in this book was the perfect blend of emotional and sweet, while also being downright filthy. And SO KINKY. We love to see it. These two were comfortable enough to do just about anything together. And Asher is a consent king!! Bare minimum, but so hot lol. Also dirty Jenga?! That whole chapter will live rent free in my brain. As will the bonus scene…

I’m obsessed with this series so of course the found family is amazing. I loved getting to revisit Joey, Cam, Ezra, and Millie. I loved all of their friendships and how the siblings / cousins / friends all looked out for each other. I LOVED the grief guys and I feel like they were so important to Asher’s growth and healing. I thought the in laws were going to be a problem tbh, but I’m glad they’re just as amazing as everyone else in this book. Children can be hit or miss in romance books, but I adored Bea!! She kept her dad humble lol and I loved watching her interact with Claire.

Overall, if it isn’t clear, I ADORED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It might even be my favorite of the series (pending a reread). Asher and Claire’s love story is a beautiful one. It starts off as steamy, summer fun, but ends up being a complex, emotional, very real, and very honest relationship. I loved how this book managed to be so funny at times, then sweet, then steamy, and then so emotional that it moved me to actual tears. I don’t think there’s a single thing that I disliked about this book. Thanks so much to the author and Love Notes PR for the ARC!
Profile Image for Dimitra.
545 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 1, 2026
For The Win 🧳
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Katie Van Brunt for trusting me with this ARC!🩺
Being a family physician in Manhattan and having an ambitious character was her way of having life on track.However,Claire Connelly will find self jobless and in immediate need of one.
Thankfully,life will drive her up to a proposition that she cannot refuse,& when a summer fling appears ,Claire will think that luck smiled at her once again.Just,maybe just this time is for forever.✨

This book was literally so,so good,while being the perfect summertime read as the season slowly approaches.We follow an amazing woman,that I personally instantly liked and in real life would love to have a best friend!I was obsessed with the fact that it was shown to us,through her,how spontaneous and bizarre life can be.Literally in one moment you are thinking that you leaving the dream and the next you are a camp doctor falling in love with a man that I can only describe as dreamy!

These two had a chemistry that is worth being jealous of,while navigating this new life that they both had.Claire,has to re adjust in basically everything while Asher has to learn and most importantly let himself live & fall in love again.Behind his story,we saw a grief portrayal ,and how hard it is to move on after situation(s) like this one.Yet,Van Brunt took great care of him,and gave him the best woman that he can have by his side.

An other aspect ,that I loved ,apart from the perfect vibes which by the way reminded me a lot of Wildfire (to this moment I am not 100% sure why,maybe it is the camp?),was that while reading the epilogue you get that full circle moment feeling to the fullest.Like I have not felt it so strong in ages,nor in books,nor in real life.So,yes I really appreciate these writing skills when I find them.

Lastly,I want us all to appreciate the HudCon🤏🏻 reference in the credits,because why not,and I know that all of us got mad when we read about it (take this as your reminder to always read the credits💗 ).Long story short,For The Win is one of the stories you can easily digest,fall in love with,and keep you the best company,leaving me with the only thing to say is why not read it?
Out On May 8th🥂
5⭐
Profile Image for onlyhereforthehea.
64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 29, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

For the Win by Katie VanBrunt is a single dad, forced proximity, best friend’s sister romance that’s just as spicy as it is sweet.

This story follows Claire, a New York City doctor who, after quitting her job, takes a position at a summer camp run by single dad Asher. The two already have history, he’s her best friend’s brother and her brother’s best friend, so there’s already that built-in familiarity and tension from the start.

When the cabin Claire is supposed to stay in falls through, she ends up living with Asher and his daughter, Bea…which means plenty of close quarters, blurred lines, and “maybe this isn’t a good idea” energy.

I really enjoyed this one. It was fun, heartfelt, and yes-definitely spicy.

Asher is a widower still navigating his grief, and I thought VanBrunt handled that really well. His love for his late wife is still very present, but it never takes away from what he’s building with Claire. It felt respectful and realistic, and I never questioned his feelings or the emotional progression of their relationship.

Claire was such a standout for me. She was compassionate without being overbearing, and the way she embraced Asher’s past (rather than competing with it) added so much depth to their connection. She showed up for him in a way that felt genuine and steady, and I loved how naturally she fit into his world, especially with Bea.

At its core, this is very much a “we can keep this casual” situation that predictably (and enjoyably) spirals into something more. Watching that shift from convenience to something real, was one of my favorite parts. The emotional build felt organic, and the mix of humor, tension, and softer family moments kept it engaging throughout.

The spice is definitely there, but it never overshadows the story. The emotional beats, the grief, the found-family elements, it all felt really well balanced without anything tipping too far in one direction.

If you love single dad romances with forced proximity, a strong emotional core, and a solid mix of heat and heart, this is definitely one to check out.

🌟Thank you to Katie Van Brunt and Love Notes PR for the Opportunity to read this ARC and provide my honest review
Profile Image for Danielle Russell.
52 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
May 19, 2026
ARC review for For the Win (4 ⭐ & 3 - 3.5 🌶️)

For the Win is an interconnected standalone that is part of the All for Love series and it was fantastic to be pulled into the love story of Claire and Asher!! The story was beautifully done and showed us what love looks like after loss and how finding your place in the world is both scary and rewarding.

When Claire discovers that the scum of a man who will soon be her coworker and future boss, she makes the brave decision to leave her clinic and search for a new opportunity. Through unfortunate (but kismet) circumstances, in comes best friend Joey with a killer opportunity to take on the role of primary physician at a camp in upstate New York for the summer. What starts out as an innocent flirtation between Claire and Asher quickly becomes a friends with benefits situation, and their chemistry is off the charts! Claire very easily falls into a groove with Asher and his daughter Bea, and it reads so effortlessly you almost forget the circumstances which led them to be in each other's lives. Throughout the story, I was really touched by Claire's patience and understanding with everything that Asher was going through and the selfless way she approached their romance. She never set out to replace Daisy and was always careful not to overstep any boundaries Asher may have had.

Asher is a sexy single dad with very understandable commitment issues that fundamentally conflict with his growing feelings for Claire. From their very first meeting you can feel their chemistry and you just know things are going to get messy, if only he could get out of his own way and accept a second chance at happiness. What really made his story hit harder for me was how honestly the book handled his grief and the guilt he carried surrounding the idea of moving forward. His fear of opening himself up again never felt frustrating because you could genuinely understand where it was coming from. Even though that’s not something I’ve personally experienced, his thoughts and emotions felt incredibly real and made it easy to empathize with everything he was carrying. But beyond all of that, Asher still manages to be warm, funny, devoted, and the kind of person who shows up for the people he loves without hesitation. He is also an excellent dad to Bea and puts her first in every way, which only made me love him more.

Asher's friends from his support group were top notch! If I was ever in a position to need this level of support, these guys would be who I called. They had the right balance of humor and wisdom and were an integral part of Asher's emotional growth. What really endeared them to me more was how much they cared for Asher and Bea - they really wanted the best for them and weren't just some faceless people who gave advice without having an emotional stake in the outcome.

This was such an emotional and satisfying romance with layered characters and relationships that felt incredibly genuine. The story pulled me in immediately and made it dangerously easy to keep saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly I had stayed up way too late finishing it. I am definitely ready to dive into more characters from this series and more books from Katie.
Profile Image for Fernanda Dzib.
513 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2026
4.5⭐️

This book was very closed to my heart because almost five years ago I lost my boyfriend and the grief, some days it’s easy, just remembering him with happy thoughts and then other days it’s like I couldn’t breath, so I could relate to Asher and how he had to deal with his grief but also raising his little girl Bea, after losing his wife Daisy on the same day Bea was born 🥺❤️‍🩹 my heart broke for him every time he felt like he didn’t deserve to have a second chance to love because that would make his love for Daisy less true, and because sometimes a new partner could feel threatened by the memory of the the past, but thankfully Claire was not even for a second trying to make Asher forget about Daisy 🥹 on the contrary, she support him and she’s always there for him every time he talk about Daisy not in a romantic “I can’t soot loving her and won’t love anyone else” way, but in a way of honor her and her legacy and as the mother of Bea ❤️‍🩹✨

I found really beautiful and special the way the author portrayed grief, how Asher was able to make amends with his past and how he managed to keep moving forward without even realizing, because his relationship with Claire started like roomies-with-bennies (iykyk 🙂‍↔️) and it was supposed to last just for the summer, but then, when Claire didn’t have a place to live as the camp’s new doctor, she had to stay with Asher and Bea, and they slowly realized how good she fits in their lives even when that scared the two of them

I loved the bond between Claire and Bea, it was such a special thing to read, how Bea trusted Claire and how they became friends first and then much more, Claire became a safe space for Bea and Bea became one of the lights in Claire’s life 🥹❤️

Shoutout to Asher’s buddies, Ray, Benji and Zion, Oh my god I love them!! If they have their own books please let me know because I need to read them too!! Of course I’ve been reading the two previous books because now I’m invested and I need more of this characters ✨

Overall, this was such a perfect book and I loved it from the very first page to the last and for no one’s surprise, I was crying reading the last chapters and the epilogue 😩❤️
Profile Image for Julie Harrison.
87 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 7, 2026
This book was enjoyable and had several themes going at once – it was emotional, spicy, fun and at times humorous. I always enjoy a single widowed dad story and throw in some forced proximity to make it even better! This is the third book in the All for Love Series and it can be read as a stand-alone.

Claire Connelly is a family physician in Manhattan who loves her job but works long hours. She ends up leaving her job unexpectedly and suddenly doesn’t know what to do. Claire has wealth through a trust fund because her parents own a hotel chain. However, being a doctor is an important calling to her because she was six when her mother lost her 2-week-old sister. Claire remembers a previous job offer to be a live-in doctor at a camp called Daisy Lake in upstate New York. The hiring manager is connected via a family friend, and the position is still open.

The camp manager is Asher Greer – he lost his wife Daisy five years ago when she was in childbirth and he is a single dad to 5-year-old Bea, nicknamed Dolly. The camp is owned by Asher’s in-laws who live on the property near his house, and they help run the place. Daisy Lake is a summer camp but also a year-round retreat.

When Claire agrees to take the job and live at the camp, she is ready to move into her own cabin, but a tree falls on it and no other cabin is available. Instead, she moves in with Asher and Bea. Asher and Claire have incredible sexual chemistry, but Asher is still grieving over the loss of his wife. Claire has her own issues from a sexual assault in college. The story of how they move from physical attraction to trust and love is wonderful. Bea is adorable and falls in love with Claire too. Some of the best texts on page and humor comes from Asher’s grief support group of widowed men, The Grief Guys.

Profile Image for Sam Dawson .
128 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 18, 2026
Review

For The Win @katievanbruntauthor
Available 8th May

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Omg, I ate the up! I love all of Katie's books but this one is my favourite, I could not put it down.
This is the third book in the All for Love series, it can be read as a standalone but recommend reading the two books previous as the books are Interconnected.

For The Win centres around widower Asher with a sexy mustache, Millie's brother, who lives and runs an all round camp in upstate New York with his cute daughter 5 year old Bra but known as Dolly to all those close to her. Asher does everything for his daughter and family. Claire, a doctor is Cam's sister who was happy in her job until a blast from the past turns her world upside down. She ends up leaving her job and becoming the camp doctor, unfortunately or fortunately whichever way you look at it she has to move in with Asher and Dolly for the summer.

The attraction is there from the start, she was the band aid that Asher and Bea needed, their chemistry was amazing. I absolutely adored the relationship that we saw develop between Claire and Bea whilst being considerate of still including Daisy her mum in her life.

Also I need to say I loved the widowed group chat! Feel we need them to have their own books.

Katie's books alway include everything and I love how she covers topics like mental health, lgbt, trauma, but they are wrote in a way that is perfect. Add in comedy and the spice it's just takes Katie's books to another level.

Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your team and to read your writing, this one is my favourite so far.
Profile Image for Jacque.
30 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2026
Make time in your schedule to finish this in one setting. I was getting upset I had to go to sleep to function the next day instead of finishing this book. You will not want to put it down!

If you like a green flag Main Characters (MC) this book is for you. Just when I thought she couldn't write a cuter couple we get these two! 😍 3/5🌶️, feet kicking and giggling banter and LOL dialogue.

Asher is more then a golden retriever boyfriend. He gives the vibe of Jude Law's character in the movie Holiday but is less promiscuous, has a mustache and runs a year round summer camp.

Claire is character that I think most women can relate to she is hard working, make a plans and follows them and is late 9 times out of 10. Maybe not so much her being an heirist to hotel empire she like many women have put her career above her romantic life. Sometimes life slows you down at the right time.



Each of these books in this series can be read as a standalone but they get better and better every book. This book came to me at the right time in my life. Thank you for giving voice, heart and story to these characters. I want to go to an adult summer camp now.

Tropes:

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katherine.
51 reviews
May 14, 2026
I should have DNFed. The only good thing about this book was Asher's declaration of love.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book.

I wanted to like this book, but I found most of it cringe. For example, “His ’stache is giving “I’m here to eat your kitty” vibes,” and “I was just thinking that it was almost like my pussy was talking to your dick. Like they were having their own conversation.” The author tends to use modern language, which I personally don't like because it dates the book and comes off a little too casual. For example, she calls the parents yappers. You can just call them chatty or talkative. Also, things get unnecessarily sexual early on. For example, in chapter 11 "Her tongue darts out to lick away the salt from her lips, and my brain falls straight into the gutter, wondering if she’d do the same with my cum on them,” and “The way he calls himself “Daddy” in third person makes my core clench”. As much as I agree that consent is necessary, here are more subtle ways to write about it than “do I have your consent”.

Asher and Claire have barely had any moments together, yet he already likes her and sees her in a sexual way. Please think with your head or heart and not your dick. I'd also like to believe a straight man knows what a blowout is especially given the context of playing hair salon.

I love a good single parent romance. An author can develop the main characters' romantic relationship, but also the relationship between the child and non-parent. I don't think Claire and Bea's relationship was developed to its full potential.

Overall, this was a disappointing read for me and I would skip.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 3, 2026
**Thank you to the author and LoveNotes PR for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.**

Let me preface this review by admitting that I read the first two books in the series and was thrilled when I got approved for an advance copy of this one! I read For the Win in a day! I didn’t want to put it down. I’ve loved all the books in this series so far.

In this 3rd installment of the All for Love Series by Katie Van Brunt, Claire is a doctor who has left her job because she didn’t want to work with the practice's new doctor who sexually harassed her in med school. Asher owns a camp and it just so happens that the staff doctor is retiring.

These two. WHEW. The emotions run high in this book because Asher is a single dad whose wife passed right around the time their daughter was born, and Claire doesn’t want anything serious. Ever. Enter roomies-with-bennies. Great for both parties, right? Sure, until the summer is over and Claire “has” to go back to the city for a (nonexistent, because she hasn’t looked for one) new job. She wants to stay. Asher wants her to stay. Neither has the courage to admit it until their families (including the characters from the other two books in the series, and Asher’s in-laws, who live next door) do a bit of good, old-fashioned meddling.

The seamless way that Claire integrated into Asher’s and Bea’s lives was surprising to everyone, I think, but not in a phony way. She endeared herself to everyone because that’s who she is as a person, not because she tried to “fit in” to a family who knew loss.

This book was emotional and heartfelt, and the spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ — THAT MUSTACHE. It was my kind of book for sure!

Tropes:
❤️single dad
💔widower/love after loss
🩺doctor FMC
🤷🏻‍♀️idiots in love
💕Found family
👀forced proximity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emmi (bookish_redpanda).
911 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 6, 2026
Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

You know a book is beyond amazing when I don't even pause to leave commentary in the buddy reads thread @Emily.the.story.seeker and I have going - I was so hooked on the story, so needing to know what happens and unable to put the book down when I was able to read.

I don't know what Katie puts into these books, but it's addictive, and I am not above begging for more, always. How the hell she manages to balance the sweet with the spicy (and I stg, every book she writes, she amps up that spice to new levels!), the heartfelt and the emotional (yup, she got my eyes stinging a few times) with the humour, and the overall good feels that come with a beautifully written romance where you fall in love with the characters as they're falling in love.

So many fantastic highlights from this book - which will likely get a feature post over on instagram in a week or two's time - and just... gah. Such an amazing book. I love Katie's universe. I love the throwbacks we get each time to previous characters and their hijinks in the current story (and some references that make me giggle each time), and honestly, I just want more.

More of Claire and Asher and Bea. More of this camp and the chaos of the friendships within the AfL world. More of the swoony men and heartfelt stories and mental health rep that Katie is just PERFECT at (can you tell I love Katie and her writing?).

(Im)patiently waiting for more from Katie, because I will eat up anything she dares offer to us.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
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