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The Challenge: A Single Dad Romance
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From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE contemporary romance performed in DUET…
Nothing says welcome home like accidentally moving in with your first heartbreak…and his little girl.
Coming back to my small Wyoming hometown was supposed to be temporary. I only planned to stay long enough to help my ailing mother and sort through the mess of my family’s old belongings. Instead, I somehow ended up living in Evan Ricci’s house. The single dad now owned a bunch of properties and one of them was the place I’d rented. He’d taken it off the market and moved in before I got there. I just never got the memo. Unfortunately, there was no other place in town available, so Evan let me stay.
Evan—the guy my parents took in years ago after his mother died.
The same Evan who used to dare me into ridiculous challenges that somehow always made me stronger—a game we’d dubbed The Challenge. The same guy who ultimately rejected me before I left for college after I’d finally garnered the courage to shoot my shot.
Now Evan was a rugged single dad with an eight-year-old daughter, a cocky attitude, and a dangerous ability to make me forget every reason I should still hate him.
Sharing a house with him should’ve been unbearable. Instead, it felt dangerously familiar, nearly making me forget that I had a life and a job to get back to in Chicago. I realized the biggest challenge wasn’t surviving living with Evan Ricci.
It was not falling in love with him all over again.
Nothing says welcome home like accidentally moving in with your first heartbreak…and his little girl.
Coming back to my small Wyoming hometown was supposed to be temporary. I only planned to stay long enough to help my ailing mother and sort through the mess of my family’s old belongings. Instead, I somehow ended up living in Evan Ricci’s house. The single dad now owned a bunch of properties and one of them was the place I’d rented. He’d taken it off the market and moved in before I got there. I just never got the memo. Unfortunately, there was no other place in town available, so Evan let me stay.
Evan—the guy my parents took in years ago after his mother died.
The same Evan who used to dare me into ridiculous challenges that somehow always made me stronger—a game we’d dubbed The Challenge. The same guy who ultimately rejected me before I left for college after I’d finally garnered the courage to shoot my shot.
Now Evan was a rugged single dad with an eight-year-old daughter, a cocky attitude, and a dangerous ability to make me forget every reason I should still hate him.
Sharing a house with him should’ve been unbearable. Instead, it felt dangerously familiar, nearly making me forget that I had a life and a job to get back to in Chicago. I realized the biggest challenge wasn’t surviving living with Evan Ricci.
It was not falling in love with him all over again.
Audible Audio
Expected publication August 30, 2026
About the author
Penelope Ward
107 books26.1k followersPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 21, 2026
Loved it! RTC
August 21, 2026
When Chloe came home to spend time with her ill mom she didn’t expect to be renting a place from her former ex Evan Ricci. Her other surprise…apparently he is living there too with his daughter!!! How will she live under the same roof as him and survive!? Oh this is such a cute and sweet slow burn romance. Chloe always had a crush on Evan but it was not fully reciprocated. Maybe now as adults and close quarters misunderstandings can turn into what they really wanted. I loved Evan’s little girl Effie and her interactions with Chloe. Don’t worry there is some emotional moments and a little OM/OW drama too. Get ready for all the feels! Told in first person and dual POV.
August 23, 2026
4.75 ! Love me a single dad romance! Really enjoyed the audio version and the narrators. This is my second Penelope Ward read and I loved both of them! Looking forward to more!
August 26, 2026
Main trope: This is a contemporary romance.
Additional tropes:
✅Friends to lovers
✅Close proximity
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: The FMC is Chloe. She arrives to her hometown to settle some family affairs and be close to her mom, who is in the end stages of dementia. She intends to rent a place temporarily only when she arrives, she finds it is already occupied. And to her biggest surprise it’s someone she knows very well.
Evan lost his mom as a teenager and came to live with the FMC and her family. Chloe’s mom and Evan’s mom were best friends since childhood so the main characters knew each other their whole lives. Evan was a few years older than Chloe but that didn’t stop her from having a big crush on him and when she turned 18, attempting to let him know how she felt only for him to reject her.
She went off to college and whenever she came home, avoided him. He went on to marry and have a daughter whom he now is the primary parent for. To say the FMC is surprised to see Evan is an understatement. Realizing there must have been a mix-up with the rental, the FMC tries to find other arrangements to no avail, leaving her no choice but to stay with the MMC and his daughter. It actually turns out good as the FMC begins to get close to Evan’s daughter while learning to let go of some of the hurt she had felt all those years ago. The MMC had a good reason to reject her which he explains and she understands.
The couple grow closer with the MMC being a loving and supportive person for the FMC as she copes with what is happening in her life right now. At some point, the couple must address the fact that Chloe doesn’t live here anymore and she will need to leave and return back to work, but like the first time she left, it’s not easy to leave a piece of your heart behind.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
🌶️:2/5
Final thoughts: What can I say, I loved this book. The main characters were amazing. The character development was unmatched. That’s one of the things I love most about her writing and what makes Penelope my favorite author.
The MMC’s daughter was such a joy in this story. And color me surprised, and dare I say ecstatic, to see some other woman type drama (technically came from the person the MMC was dating but that’s neither here nor there). I loved it for my little angsty heart. The tension from the close proximity was top tier as well. And the epilogue had me crying which is usually the way in her books. I truly cannot say enough about this book other than it is a must read and if you can listen to it, that’s even better.
Additional tropes:
✅Friends to lovers
✅Close proximity
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: The FMC is Chloe. She arrives to her hometown to settle some family affairs and be close to her mom, who is in the end stages of dementia. She intends to rent a place temporarily only when she arrives, she finds it is already occupied. And to her biggest surprise it’s someone she knows very well.
Evan lost his mom as a teenager and came to live with the FMC and her family. Chloe’s mom and Evan’s mom were best friends since childhood so the main characters knew each other their whole lives. Evan was a few years older than Chloe but that didn’t stop her from having a big crush on him and when she turned 18, attempting to let him know how she felt only for him to reject her.
She went off to college and whenever she came home, avoided him. He went on to marry and have a daughter whom he now is the primary parent for. To say the FMC is surprised to see Evan is an understatement. Realizing there must have been a mix-up with the rental, the FMC tries to find other arrangements to no avail, leaving her no choice but to stay with the MMC and his daughter. It actually turns out good as the FMC begins to get close to Evan’s daughter while learning to let go of some of the hurt she had felt all those years ago. The MMC had a good reason to reject her which he explains and she understands.
The couple grow closer with the MMC being a loving and supportive person for the FMC as she copes with what is happening in her life right now. At some point, the couple must address the fact that Chloe doesn’t live here anymore and she will need to leave and return back to work, but like the first time she left, it’s not easy to leave a piece of your heart behind.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
🌶️:2/5
Final thoughts: What can I say, I loved this book. The main characters were amazing. The character development was unmatched. That’s one of the things I love most about her writing and what makes Penelope my favorite author.
The MMC’s daughter was such a joy in this story. And color me surprised, and dare I say ecstatic, to see some other woman type drama (technically came from the person the MMC was dating but that’s neither here nor there). I loved it for my little angsty heart. The tension from the close proximity was top tier as well. And the epilogue had me crying which is usually the way in her books. I truly cannot say enough about this book other than it is a must read and if you can listen to it, that’s even better.
August 25, 2026
Well Penelope has done it again. She has topped her previous book, and I now have a new favorite. This book was amazing on its own, but when you add in the fantastic duet narration by Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais, it just blew me away. And that this is one of my favorite tropes ever...single dad, I was just done for. There is a reason Penelope is my favorite author and it's because of books like this.
Chloe has come back to town because her mother's condition is worsening and she needs to take care of some things that have been pushed aside for too long. She believes that she has a home to rent while she is in town, only to find when she arrives that not only is it occupied but it's occupied by none other than the guy who pretty much shattered her young heart years ago. Who is staying there with his daughter. Chloe was smitten with Evan years ago when he was a young man, but now he's a grown man and a single dad. Basically, he's off the charts hot. And Chloe has absolutely nowhere else to stay in this small town. So, Evan offers her his guest room.
Evan was never expecting Chloe to show up on his doorstep, and he definitely wasn't expecting to be sharing his home with her. But here he is, sharing his space with his daughter and the woman he can never quite get out of his mind or heart. It doesn't take long for his daughter to become just as entranced with Chloe as he is. He tries to keep some boundaries in place, but with Chloe that is just impossible.
I truly loved seeing these two navigate living in close quarters and fighting against their desires. Chloe was so good with Evan's daughter and was the perfect mother figure for her, even when she wasn't really trying to be that for her. I loved their Challenges that they made each other do...even when they were a little difficult or intense, they were worth it in the end. I also love how Penelope can continue to surprise me with every single book she writes.
I just loved everything about this story and didn't want it to end.
Chloe has come back to town because her mother's condition is worsening and she needs to take care of some things that have been pushed aside for too long. She believes that she has a home to rent while she is in town, only to find when she arrives that not only is it occupied but it's occupied by none other than the guy who pretty much shattered her young heart years ago. Who is staying there with his daughter. Chloe was smitten with Evan years ago when he was a young man, but now he's a grown man and a single dad. Basically, he's off the charts hot. And Chloe has absolutely nowhere else to stay in this small town. So, Evan offers her his guest room.
Evan was never expecting Chloe to show up on his doorstep, and he definitely wasn't expecting to be sharing his home with her. But here he is, sharing his space with his daughter and the woman he can never quite get out of his mind or heart. It doesn't take long for his daughter to become just as entranced with Chloe as he is. He tries to keep some boundaries in place, but with Chloe that is just impossible.
I truly loved seeing these two navigate living in close quarters and fighting against their desires. Chloe was so good with Evan's daughter and was the perfect mother figure for her, even when she wasn't really trying to be that for her. I loved their Challenges that they made each other do...even when they were a little difficult or intense, they were worth it in the end. I also love how Penelope can continue to surprise me with every single book she writes.
I just loved everything about this story and didn't want it to end.
August 23, 2026
What an amazing read!! Which Penelope never disappoints!! This book kept me on an emotional roller coaster!! With Evan being a single dad and raising his little girl! Who was absolutely adorable and reminded me so much of my granddaughter!! She was so energetic and ask so many questions! Then there was Chloe and her and Evan had a past!! And some of the past they shared was so sweet and funny. And some was hysterical and wrong on Chloe’s part but still funny. The reason Chloe is back home is not funny at all! Her mother is suffering from dementia and she’s had to put her in a home. And her dad had remarried and sold their childhood home and she’s having to go through the belongings to see what to keep and what to get rid of all alone. So Chloe is taking on a lot all by herself. And she’s reconnecting with Evan but not getting her hopes up. And Evan is scared that it might be someone who might walk out on Effie again so he doesn’t know what to do. This is definitely a beautiful story of love, life, loss, and the ability to trust again and give second chances and forgiveness. And I wish I could reread it all over again for the first time!! This will also be in my top 3 books of the year!! I might have to extend my top 3 to a top 5 because I am reading some amazingly good books!! I wish I could give this one a lot more than 6 stars ⭐️!!! I can’t recommend this book enough!! If there is one book that you read this year read this one!!!
August 26, 2026
Okay I started off the audio of this book and was really enjoying both narrators. They felt natural and conversational. I could tell variations when other characters like Effie joined the scene. I was looking forward to my commute to jump back into this book! Well I enjoyed it too much and ended up finishing reading it within a day. I legitimately could not put this book down nor did I want to!
Chloe was so enjoyable for me. I appreciated she had a maturity in some important scenarios but still felt fun and spunky. She gives Evan a run for his money and tempts him to break out of his safe box. Evan is a single dad who has sacrificed his own happiness for everyone else over the years but seeing Chloe again brings back a much needed spark for him. He's an incredible dad and clearly has his priorities straight.
I initially thought the challenge aspect was a bit corny but it worked so well. I love the history and significance it had for this couple. And I enjoyed it prompted both to step outside their comfort zones for important growth or healing moments then others were just fun and light. The plot of this was still emotional and the tension is palpable. I cheered so hard for these two. This is a Penelope book I would be happy to reread in the future over and over
Chloe was so enjoyable for me. I appreciated she had a maturity in some important scenarios but still felt fun and spunky. She gives Evan a run for his money and tempts him to break out of his safe box. Evan is a single dad who has sacrificed his own happiness for everyone else over the years but seeing Chloe again brings back a much needed spark for him. He's an incredible dad and clearly has his priorities straight.
I initially thought the challenge aspect was a bit corny but it worked so well. I love the history and significance it had for this couple. And I enjoyed it prompted both to step outside their comfort zones for important growth or healing moments then others were just fun and light. The plot of this was still emotional and the tension is palpable. I cheered so hard for these two. This is a Penelope book I would be happy to reread in the future over and over
August 23, 2026
Give me a single dad romance any day of the week! 🥰🔥
Penelope Ward has a way of pulling you into her books with stories that I just can’t stop reading, and The Challenge was no different! There was SO much going on in this book—banter, spice, romance, emotion, and everything in between. This book had it all! 💕🌶️
Chloe was never supposed to stay in her small hometown. She was only there to help her mom, who was battling dementia, and she definitely wasn’t supposed to end up living with Evan—the man her parents had taken in years ago after his mom passed away.
But being back together brings all those old feelings and unresolved emotions right back to the surface. There was so much depth to Chloe and Evan’s history, and I loved watching everything between them get put to the test. ❤️
I really loved this ALC! The narration by Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais was fantastic and brought all of the characters, chemistry, and emotions to life. 🎧💕
Thank you to Penelope Ward for the ALC/ARC! ❤️
The Challenge releases August 30th! 📚✨
August 24, 2026
I absolutely loved this one! ❤️ Chloe and Evan’s second-chance romance had me hooked from the start. Forced proximity, unresolved feelings, amazing chemistry, a little girl who completely stole my heart, and the spice? YES! 🙌🏼 🔥
I loved watching Chloe and Evan find their way back to each other, especially after everything that happened between them years ago. Their chemistry was SO good, and the tension between them had me completely invested. And Effie? She absolutely stole my heart. 🥹❤️ She brought such a sweet, heartwarming element to the story and made Chloe and Evan’s journey even more special.
The audiobook narration was fantastic! Connor Crais and Desireé Ketchum did such a wonderful job bringing Chloe and Evan to life. Their performances made an already great story even better.
Sweet, emotional, spicy, and swoony with ALL the second-chance feels. Definitely a five-star listen/read for me! ❤️🔥
I loved watching Chloe and Evan find their way back to each other, especially after everything that happened between them years ago. Their chemistry was SO good, and the tension between them had me completely invested. And Effie? She absolutely stole my heart. 🥹❤️ She brought such a sweet, heartwarming element to the story and made Chloe and Evan’s journey even more special.
The audiobook narration was fantastic! Connor Crais and Desireé Ketchum did such a wonderful job bringing Chloe and Evan to life. Their performances made an already great story even better.
Sweet, emotional, spicy, and swoony with ALL the second-chance feels. Definitely a five-star listen/read for me! ❤️🔥
August 26, 2026
Why yes, yes I did smash this book. I was here for it! You get a bit of second chance, complicated past, complicated present, tension, bad timing, single dad, yearning, chemistry, family drama, small town, banter filled story. So basically PERFECTION.
You will love Evan and his daughter. He will do ANYTHING for her and it's the sweetest. Now when Chloe is in the picture? That sweet mouth of his? Totally different story! 🫠
I adored Chloe. My heart went out to her and her situation. Even though she was going through a heartbreakingly difficult time, she would do anything to make sure Evan's daughter was not disappointed or sad....and I loved that about her.
The narrators for this are everything. EVERYTHING. So much talent. Especially Evan....and his growl. Lord almighty. Listen to this book my friends.
You will love Evan and his daughter. He will do ANYTHING for her and it's the sweetest. Now when Chloe is in the picture? That sweet mouth of his? Totally different story! 🫠
I adored Chloe. My heart went out to her and her situation. Even though she was going through a heartbreakingly difficult time, she would do anything to make sure Evan's daughter was not disappointed or sad....and I loved that about her.
The narrators for this are everything. EVERYTHING. So much talent. Especially Evan....and his growl. Lord almighty. Listen to this book my friends.
August 24, 2026
Enthralling & Superb➞Story, Characters & Narration🎧
The Challenge
By: Penelope Ward
Narrated by: Connor Crais, Desireé Ketchum
Penelope Ward does it again and pens another fabulous novel, an enthralling single dad romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. Chloe returns to Dry River, Wyoming, her hometown, to visit her mother, who has dementia and is living in a care facility. She also needs to clean out the storage unit where her father moved the belongings from her childhood home to when the house sold. She rented a house from a property management company for an open-ended stay, but when she got into the house it did not look vacant, and sure enough, the last person she expected to see, or even wanted to see, was living there, Evan Freaking Ricci, the boy she had a crush on when she was younger and then again when she was older. It has been a decade since she saw him, and her younger self, who felt rejected then, did something foolish, and he is probably still mad about that, so he was not happy to see her in his home. His daughter Effie, an adorable eight-year-old, was though and after hearing how hard it would be to find another place to rent, invited her to use their spare room. An invitation Evan did not extend, but after having no luck finding another place, he said she could stay in their spare room. I adored Effie, who took to Chloe right away, and Chloe was amazing with her and for her. It was great watching Chloe and Evan, first dance around each other, keeping their distance, then gravitating into each other’s orbits, while learning about each other’s lives, shying away from what really happened when they were younger, how and why he broke her heart. I loved the complexity of the characters, and that there was no simple rebuilding of their relationship, not only because of all the time that passed, but the hurt and pain between them too. Ward made these two work for their happily ever after, but it was a beautiful journey that I enjoyed immensely. I loved all the layers of this story and how everything played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn, but so worth the wait romance. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Penelope Ward, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Penelope Ward cast the perfect narrators, Connor Crais and Desireé Ketchum, to bring her characters to life, and they delivered an incredible performance. Their character voices were fitting, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable in every role. Ketchum’s Chloe was perfection, grasping every facet of her personality, from her strength and determination to her vulnerabilities and caring moments, and all in between, and her Effie was adorable, a scene stealer. Crais was just as amazing as Evan, showcasing his personality, perfectly gruff and swoony, and was a great dad to Effie too. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive delivery conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. These two make a wonderful team, with voices and talent that complement each other and an enthralling performance that not only keeps you entertained but keeps you glued to the story too
The Challenge
By: Penelope Ward
Narrated by: Connor Crais, Desireé Ketchum
Penelope Ward does it again and pens another fabulous novel, an enthralling single dad romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. Chloe returns to Dry River, Wyoming, her hometown, to visit her mother, who has dementia and is living in a care facility. She also needs to clean out the storage unit where her father moved the belongings from her childhood home to when the house sold. She rented a house from a property management company for an open-ended stay, but when she got into the house it did not look vacant, and sure enough, the last person she expected to see, or even wanted to see, was living there, Evan Freaking Ricci, the boy she had a crush on when she was younger and then again when she was older. It has been a decade since she saw him, and her younger self, who felt rejected then, did something foolish, and he is probably still mad about that, so he was not happy to see her in his home. His daughter Effie, an adorable eight-year-old, was though and after hearing how hard it would be to find another place to rent, invited her to use their spare room. An invitation Evan did not extend, but after having no luck finding another place, he said she could stay in their spare room. I adored Effie, who took to Chloe right away, and Chloe was amazing with her and for her. It was great watching Chloe and Evan, first dance around each other, keeping their distance, then gravitating into each other’s orbits, while learning about each other’s lives, shying away from what really happened when they were younger, how and why he broke her heart. I loved the complexity of the characters, and that there was no simple rebuilding of their relationship, not only because of all the time that passed, but the hurt and pain between them too. Ward made these two work for their happily ever after, but it was a beautiful journey that I enjoyed immensely. I loved all the layers of this story and how everything played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn, but so worth the wait romance. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Penelope Ward, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Penelope Ward cast the perfect narrators, Connor Crais and Desireé Ketchum, to bring her characters to life, and they delivered an incredible performance. Their character voices were fitting, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable in every role. Ketchum’s Chloe was perfection, grasping every facet of her personality, from her strength and determination to her vulnerabilities and caring moments, and all in between, and her Effie was adorable, a scene stealer. Crais was just as amazing as Evan, showcasing his personality, perfectly gruff and swoony, and was a great dad to Effie too. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive delivery conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. These two make a wonderful team, with voices and talent that complement each other and an enthralling performance that not only keeps you entertained but keeps you glued to the story too
Review of advance copy received from Author
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First person - dual
Rating:
Chloe Cavanaugh temporarily returned to her hometown in Wyoming to be with her ailing mother. But a mistake by the rental company put her in the same house as her childhood crush, Evan Ricci, and his precocious daughter, Effie. With years of shared history between them, this situation could either mend them or permanently break them.
Chloe was under a lot of pressure from her personal and professional life, but she worked on getting things back under control. Evan put himself second for those he loved, and I understood why he guarded his heart. Effie was a lovable glue that held everything together.
I liked the challenge element in the story, though I would have loved to see more of it. This was an easy read with a cute and heartwarming story.
The Challenge is a story of second chances and learning to prioritize your own happiness. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a single dad romance.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First person - dual
Rating:
Chloe Cavanaugh temporarily returned to her hometown in Wyoming to be with her ailing mother. But a mistake by the rental company put her in the same house as her childhood crush, Evan Ricci, and his precocious daughter, Effie. With years of shared history between them, this situation could either mend them or permanently break them.
Chloe was under a lot of pressure from her personal and professional life, but she worked on getting things back under control. Evan put himself second for those he loved, and I understood why he guarded his heart. Effie was a lovable glue that held everything together.
I liked the challenge element in the story, though I would have loved to see more of it. This was an easy read with a cute and heartwarming story.
The Challenge is a story of second chances and learning to prioritize your own happiness. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a single dad romance.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💫Title: The Challenge 🗣️Narrators: Connor Crais and Desireé Ketchum
✍🏻Author: Penelope Ward 🗒️P. 336
👩❤️👨Main Characters: Evan and Chloe 🗓️Release Date: 08/30/2026
📱🎧Book Type Reviewed: E-Book and Audiobook
🔹Tropes: Romance, Single Dad, Second Chances, Friends to Lovers, Small Town, Forced Proximity, Found Family
🌟Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
There is something about a single dad story that tugs at your heartstrings. Add in some of my favorite tropes and you have a great story.
As a young teen, Chloe had heart eyes for Evan. He had come to live with them after his mom got sick, and Evan and Chloe had a special bond. But Evan was 18 and headed off to the military and in a different phase of life. Years later, Evan returns and he and Chloe maintained their special friendship but nothing ever became of it, as far as a relationship, no matter how much Chloe hoped and wished.
Chloe was returning to her hometown for an extended period as her mom wasn’t doing well. Chloe arrives at her rental and there stands Evan. And with Evan, his daughter Effie. Chloe knew she would probably run into him at some point during her stay but wasn’t prepared for this moment. So many emotions came rushing back and she had to find a way to push them all away. Due to certain circumstances, Chloe ends up staying with Evan and Effie and she finds it more and more difficult to hide how she truly feels. And she might not be the only one hiding their feelings.
I was fortunate to listen to this story, along with reading it, and Connor Crais and Desireé Ketchum did an amazing job narrating. They portray Evan and Chloe perfectly, capitalizing on the chemistry, emotions, and depth of their relationship. You can feel the angst and the passion throughout. I loved little Effie in this. She had such a sweet deposition and loved her relationship with her father and then her connection with Chloe. So sweet. This was a great story! I always look forward to anything Penelope Ward writes, and she did not disappoint!
Thank you to #PenelopeWard and #GiveMeBooksPR for this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.
✍🏻Author: Penelope Ward 🗒️P. 336
👩❤️👨Main Characters: Evan and Chloe 🗓️Release Date: 08/30/2026
📱🎧Book Type Reviewed: E-Book and Audiobook
🔹Tropes: Romance, Single Dad, Second Chances, Friends to Lovers, Small Town, Forced Proximity, Found Family
🌟Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
There is something about a single dad story that tugs at your heartstrings. Add in some of my favorite tropes and you have a great story.
As a young teen, Chloe had heart eyes for Evan. He had come to live with them after his mom got sick, and Evan and Chloe had a special bond. But Evan was 18 and headed off to the military and in a different phase of life. Years later, Evan returns and he and Chloe maintained their special friendship but nothing ever became of it, as far as a relationship, no matter how much Chloe hoped and wished.
Chloe was returning to her hometown for an extended period as her mom wasn’t doing well. Chloe arrives at her rental and there stands Evan. And with Evan, his daughter Effie. Chloe knew she would probably run into him at some point during her stay but wasn’t prepared for this moment. So many emotions came rushing back and she had to find a way to push them all away. Due to certain circumstances, Chloe ends up staying with Evan and Effie and she finds it more and more difficult to hide how she truly feels. And she might not be the only one hiding their feelings.
I was fortunate to listen to this story, along with reading it, and Connor Crais and Desireé Ketchum did an amazing job narrating. They portray Evan and Chloe perfectly, capitalizing on the chemistry, emotions, and depth of their relationship. You can feel the angst and the passion throughout. I loved little Effie in this. She had such a sweet deposition and loved her relationship with her father and then her connection with Chloe. So sweet. This was a great story! I always look forward to anything Penelope Ward writes, and she did not disappoint!
Thank you to #PenelopeWard and #GiveMeBooksPR for this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.
August 23, 2026
Sweet and heartwarming story with lovable characters. Laughter and tears, sweet moments and spicy, Penelope Ward has done it again giving us another single dad to fall in love with. I listened and read this one, and listening was such a pleasure since the narrators are Connor Crais as Evan, and Desiree Ketchum as Chloe. They are both incredible and brought everyone to life making the story even more enjoyable.
Evan Is the total package. It took me no time at all to love him just by the way he interacts with his daughter Effie. She is adorable and steals the scenes she is in. She is always his top priority.
Chloe is great and selfless. She comes back to town to be near her mom who is now in a nursing home due to her declining health and also to clean out the storage unit from her mom’s house.
When she ends up staying with Evan and Effie due to a mix up with the rental property that he owns, old feelings surface starting with their easy friendship, but slowly developing into more.
Evan and Chloe knew each other well and were friends growing up. He even lived at her house for a few years. Chloe had the biggest crush on Evan, but he was older than her, so that was all it ever was despite her challenging him to more. The Challenge is a game they played back then and they bring it back to life now that she is living with them.
Effie really likes Chloe and vice versa. Evan likes having her around too, but she lives in Chicago so anything they start would be temporary and his feelings are anything but. He does not want to disappoint Effie either. Their relationship develops and that brings in complications, but things have a way of working themselves out.
I really enjoyed this one and went through all the emotions on this journey and left with a full heart. This is why I read romance. For that happily ever after despite any road blocks that pop up that our characters have to face and then go around in order to get. The journey is worth it.
Loved it and highly recommend!
Evan Is the total package. It took me no time at all to love him just by the way he interacts with his daughter Effie. She is adorable and steals the scenes she is in. She is always his top priority.
Chloe is great and selfless. She comes back to town to be near her mom who is now in a nursing home due to her declining health and also to clean out the storage unit from her mom’s house.
When she ends up staying with Evan and Effie due to a mix up with the rental property that he owns, old feelings surface starting with their easy friendship, but slowly developing into more.
Evan and Chloe knew each other well and were friends growing up. He even lived at her house for a few years. Chloe had the biggest crush on Evan, but he was older than her, so that was all it ever was despite her challenging him to more. The Challenge is a game they played back then and they bring it back to life now that she is living with them.
Effie really likes Chloe and vice versa. Evan likes having her around too, but she lives in Chicago so anything they start would be temporary and his feelings are anything but. He does not want to disappoint Effie either. Their relationship develops and that brings in complications, but things have a way of working themselves out.
I really enjoyed this one and went through all the emotions on this journey and left with a full heart. This is why I read romance. For that happily ever after despite any road blocks that pop up that our characters have to face and then go around in order to get. The journey is worth it.
Loved it and highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE contemporary romance…
Nothing says welcome home like accidentally moving in with your first heartbreak…and his little girl.
Coming back to my small Wyoming hometown was supposed to be temporary. I only planned to stay long enough to help my ailing mother and sort through the mess of my family’s old belongings.
Instead, I somehow ended up living in Evan Ricci’s house. The single dad now owned a bunch of properties and one of them was the place I’d rented. He’d taken it off the market and moved in before I got there. I just never got the memo. Unfortunately, there was no other place in town available, so Evan let me stay.
Evan—the guy my parents took in years ago after his mother died.
The same Evan who used to dare me into ridiculous challenges that somehow always made me stronger—a game we’d dubbed The Challenge.
The same guy who ultimately rejected me before I left for college after I’d finally garnered the courage to shoot my shot.
Now Evan was a rugged single dad with an eight-year-old daughter, a cocky attitude, and a dangerous ability to make me forget every reason I should still hate him.
Sharing a house with him should’ve been unbearable. Instead, it felt dangerously familiar, nearly making me forget that I had a life and a job to get back to in Chicago. I realized the biggest challenge wasn’t surviving living with Evan Ricci.
It was not falling in love with him all over again.
Loved Evan & Chloe’s story! I was completely hooked within the first few pages and couldn’t put it down. This book had all the feels—second chances, old feelings, family, and plenty of chemistry between Evan and Chloe.
I especially loved the history between them and watching those old feelings slowly resurface. And of course, Chloe was absolutely adorable and added so much heart to the story.
If you love single-dad romances, second chances, forced proximity, and a little small-town charm, this one is definitely for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend!
Nothing says welcome home like accidentally moving in with your first heartbreak…and his little girl.
Coming back to my small Wyoming hometown was supposed to be temporary. I only planned to stay long enough to help my ailing mother and sort through the mess of my family’s old belongings.
Instead, I somehow ended up living in Evan Ricci’s house. The single dad now owned a bunch of properties and one of them was the place I’d rented. He’d taken it off the market and moved in before I got there. I just never got the memo. Unfortunately, there was no other place in town available, so Evan let me stay.
Evan—the guy my parents took in years ago after his mother died.
The same Evan who used to dare me into ridiculous challenges that somehow always made me stronger—a game we’d dubbed The Challenge.
The same guy who ultimately rejected me before I left for college after I’d finally garnered the courage to shoot my shot.
Now Evan was a rugged single dad with an eight-year-old daughter, a cocky attitude, and a dangerous ability to make me forget every reason I should still hate him.
Sharing a house with him should’ve been unbearable. Instead, it felt dangerously familiar, nearly making me forget that I had a life and a job to get back to in Chicago. I realized the biggest challenge wasn’t surviving living with Evan Ricci.
It was not falling in love with him all over again.
Loved Evan & Chloe’s story! I was completely hooked within the first few pages and couldn’t put it down. This book had all the feels—second chances, old feelings, family, and plenty of chemistry between Evan and Chloe.
I especially loved the history between them and watching those old feelings slowly resurface. And of course, Chloe was absolutely adorable and added so much heart to the story.
If you love single-dad romances, second chances, forced proximity, and a little small-town charm, this one is definitely for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend!
August 23, 2026
This was such a sweet & charming single dad romance, & I completely binged this audiobook in a day. There was something so comforting about this story while still having enough emotional depth to keep me completely invested from start to finish.
Chloe & Evan have so much history between them, which made their chemistry feel effortless. There are years of feelings, missed opportunities & things left unsaid simmering beneath the surface, & I loved watching that history slowly turn into something more. The romance itself is definitely more of a slow burn when it comes to the spice, but trust me, the payoff is worth the wait.
But as much as I loved Chloe & Evan together, Chloe’s relationship with Evan’s daughter, Effie, completely stole the show for me. Their bond was so natural & sweet, & I loved watching Chloe become such an important part of their little family. Those moments gave the romance so much heart.
I’ve read quite a few of Penelope Ward’s books over the years, & this might be the most Hallmark movie-like one I’ve read from her, which I mean in the best possible way. It has that cozy, heartfelt feeling while still exploring grief, abandonment, complicated family relationships & the ways we sometimes sacrifice our own happiness because we convince ourselves it’s the right thing to do.
🎧 The audiobook made me love it even more. Connor Crais & Desiree Ketchum narrate this in duet & both were phenomenal. They brought so much personality, warmth & emotion to these characters, & the duet narration made Chloe & Evan’s chemistry even better.
Sweet, emotional, romantic & just incredibly easy to fall into. I really enjoyed this one from beginning to end & excited to see what Penelope brings us next.
❣️ Single Dad
🏡 Small Town
💕 Childhood Friends to Strangers to Lovers
🫶 Found Family
🛌 Forced Proximity
💋 Second Chance
✌🏻 Dual POV in Duet Narration
Chloe & Evan have so much history between them, which made their chemistry feel effortless. There are years of feelings, missed opportunities & things left unsaid simmering beneath the surface, & I loved watching that history slowly turn into something more. The romance itself is definitely more of a slow burn when it comes to the spice, but trust me, the payoff is worth the wait.
But as much as I loved Chloe & Evan together, Chloe’s relationship with Evan’s daughter, Effie, completely stole the show for me. Their bond was so natural & sweet, & I loved watching Chloe become such an important part of their little family. Those moments gave the romance so much heart.
I’ve read quite a few of Penelope Ward’s books over the years, & this might be the most Hallmark movie-like one I’ve read from her, which I mean in the best possible way. It has that cozy, heartfelt feeling while still exploring grief, abandonment, complicated family relationships & the ways we sometimes sacrifice our own happiness because we convince ourselves it’s the right thing to do.
🎧 The audiobook made me love it even more. Connor Crais & Desiree Ketchum narrate this in duet & both were phenomenal. They brought so much personality, warmth & emotion to these characters, & the duet narration made Chloe & Evan’s chemistry even better.
Sweet, emotional, romantic & just incredibly easy to fall into. I really enjoyed this one from beginning to end & excited to see what Penelope brings us next.
❣️ Single Dad
🏡 Small Town
💕 Childhood Friends to Strangers to Lovers
🫶 Found Family
🛌 Forced Proximity
💋 Second Chance
✌🏻 Dual POV in Duet Narration
August 26, 2026
*AUDIOBOOK REVIEW*
Penelope Ward stole my heart in Taylor's Father and she just stole my heart again! Chloe & Evan were Everything I wanted and MORE! This book had me so giddy. I laughed, smiled like crazy, swooned HARD, got emotional and got the most AMAZING ending! I loved being able to read and listen to this book because each version gives you a different perspective.
The narrators were Desiree Ketchum & Connor Crais!! I LOVED these two and they were the perfect duo to tell this duet story! They will pull you in and hold your attention the entire time. They will also make you feel a strong connection with the characters and make you feel like you're part of the story.
Chloe has to go back to her hometown to take care of things for her ailing mom. She thought this would be an easy trip to get in and out but fate had other plans. When she arrives at the rental place the last thing she expects was to find the boy that caused her first heartbreak and his daughter.
Evan ends up taking his rental off the market while he has his new house remodeled so the last thing he expected was Chloe showing up as a renter. Even though he's caught off guard seeing her he's not going to just let her leave either. As these two start spending more time together it becomes clear that they never truly got over one another.
This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride but let me tell you it's worth everything we have to go through. You will fall in love with these characters and Evan's daughter Effy will steal the show! I loved the relationship Chloe and Effy will build as well. This is truly a beautiful story and will make you want to join them with the challenge.
I HIGHLY recommend this book and I can't wait to see what Penelope Ward has in store for us next!
Thank you Penelope Ward for allowing me to read and listen to the ARC/ALC for my honest opinion.
Penelope Ward stole my heart in Taylor's Father and she just stole my heart again! Chloe & Evan were Everything I wanted and MORE! This book had me so giddy. I laughed, smiled like crazy, swooned HARD, got emotional and got the most AMAZING ending! I loved being able to read and listen to this book because each version gives you a different perspective.
The narrators were Desiree Ketchum & Connor Crais!! I LOVED these two and they were the perfect duo to tell this duet story! They will pull you in and hold your attention the entire time. They will also make you feel a strong connection with the characters and make you feel like you're part of the story.
Chloe has to go back to her hometown to take care of things for her ailing mom. She thought this would be an easy trip to get in and out but fate had other plans. When she arrives at the rental place the last thing she expects was to find the boy that caused her first heartbreak and his daughter.
Evan ends up taking his rental off the market while he has his new house remodeled so the last thing he expected was Chloe showing up as a renter. Even though he's caught off guard seeing her he's not going to just let her leave either. As these two start spending more time together it becomes clear that they never truly got over one another.
This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride but let me tell you it's worth everything we have to go through. You will fall in love with these characters and Evan's daughter Effy will steal the show! I loved the relationship Chloe and Effy will build as well. This is truly a beautiful story and will make you want to join them with the challenge.
I HIGHLY recommend this book and I can't wait to see what Penelope Ward has in store for us next!
Thank you Penelope Ward for allowing me to read and listen to the ARC/ALC for my honest opinion.
August 26, 2026
🗒️𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕘𝕖🗒️
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡, 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩.”
📖 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲
✍🏼 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙤, 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚. 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚.”
𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝙳𝙴𝚃𝙰𝙸𝙻𝚂
📃 𝟯𝟭𝟮 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
🔎 𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝘋𝘶𝘢𝘭
🗓️ 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟯𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘵
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿(𝘀): 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦é 𝘒𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘮 + 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴
“𝙄𝙩 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙡𝙮…𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢.”
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
💛ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅᴀᴅ
💛ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
💛ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ
💛ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
💛ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
💛ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
📖 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗙𝗠𝗖: Chloe
𝗠𝗠𝗖: Evan
Awhhhh I loved this story so much! This was a cute second(ish) chance romance. They never really got their first chance as teenagers, but the feelings were there.
Evan fought his feelings so much when Chloe came back into town and stumbled into his house due to a mixup with a property management error. And now Chloe has no choice but to stay with Evan and his daughter Effie.
Evan struggles with this because he’s not only guarding his heart but protecting his daughter at the same time, but maybe closing off a little too much.
I loved watching them finally find their way to each other after all their years of friendship and separation.
And let’s not forget sweet Effie. I love that little girl so much! She was such a bright light to this story, and it was just perfection.
🎧 𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The audio for this is completed in duet narration and I adored Desireè & Connor. They brought this story to life fantastically and I felt like they fit the character profiles perfectly.
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘
📖 ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ
🎧 ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ ✔️
📱 ᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ✔️
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡, 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩.”
📖 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲
✍🏼 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙤, 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚. 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚.”
𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝙳𝙴𝚃𝙰𝙸𝙻𝚂
📃 𝟯𝟭𝟮 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
🔎 𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝘋𝘶𝘢𝘭
🗓️ 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟯𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘵
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿(𝘀): 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦é 𝘒𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘮 + 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴
“𝙄𝙩 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙡𝙮…𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢.”
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
💛ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅᴀᴅ
💛ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
💛ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ
💛ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
💛ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
💛ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
📖 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗙𝗠𝗖: Chloe
𝗠𝗠𝗖: Evan
Awhhhh I loved this story so much! This was a cute second(ish) chance romance. They never really got their first chance as teenagers, but the feelings were there.
Evan fought his feelings so much when Chloe came back into town and stumbled into his house due to a mixup with a property management error. And now Chloe has no choice but to stay with Evan and his daughter Effie.
Evan struggles with this because he’s not only guarding his heart but protecting his daughter at the same time, but maybe closing off a little too much.
I loved watching them finally find their way to each other after all their years of friendship and separation.
And let’s not forget sweet Effie. I love that little girl so much! She was such a bright light to this story, and it was just perfection.
🎧 𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The audio for this is completed in duet narration and I adored Desireè & Connor. They brought this story to life fantastically and I felt like they fit the character profiles perfectly.
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘
📖 ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ
🎧 ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ ✔️
📱 ᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ✔️
August 25, 2026
Who says you can’t go home?
Chloe didn’t think she would ever come back to Dry River, not for any length of time at least. Not until her mom’s dementia worsened. Quite frankly, Dry River hadn’t felt like home since her parents’ divorce years prior.
When she walked into her rental, she found it already occupied by her childhood crush, Evan, and his eight-year-old daughter Effie. Evan was the boy her parents took in when his mother became sick. He was also the same boy who broke Chloe’s heart when she left for college.
Now, years later, Chloe and Evan are forced back into each other’s lives, bringing old memories, unresolved hurt, and a childhood game back with them. As teenagers, they challenged each other to face their fears and struggles through a simple game of leaving sticky notes for one another. Those challenges meant something then—and perhaps they still do now.
Set in the charming small town of Dry River, The Challenge is a sweet, emotional second-chance romance about first loves, forgiveness, family, and figuring out what truly makes a place feel like home. I loved the way the story explores the idea that home isn't necessarily a place you return to—it can be the people who make you feel like you belong.
Chloe, Evan, and Effie make this story especially heartwarming, and the small-town setting adds just the right amount of cozy charm. If you enjoy second-chance romance, childhood friends-to-lovers, single dads, and stories about finding your way back to the people who matter most, The Challenge is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Chloe didn’t think she would ever come back to Dry River, not for any length of time at least. Not until her mom’s dementia worsened. Quite frankly, Dry River hadn’t felt like home since her parents’ divorce years prior.
When she walked into her rental, she found it already occupied by her childhood crush, Evan, and his eight-year-old daughter Effie. Evan was the boy her parents took in when his mother became sick. He was also the same boy who broke Chloe’s heart when she left for college.
Now, years later, Chloe and Evan are forced back into each other’s lives, bringing old memories, unresolved hurt, and a childhood game back with them. As teenagers, they challenged each other to face their fears and struggles through a simple game of leaving sticky notes for one another. Those challenges meant something then—and perhaps they still do now.
Set in the charming small town of Dry River, The Challenge is a sweet, emotional second-chance romance about first loves, forgiveness, family, and figuring out what truly makes a place feel like home. I loved the way the story explores the idea that home isn't necessarily a place you return to—it can be the people who make you feel like you belong.
Chloe, Evan, and Effie make this story especially heartwarming, and the small-town setting adds just the right amount of cozy charm. If you enjoy second-chance romance, childhood friends-to-lovers, single dads, and stories about finding your way back to the people who matter most, The Challenge is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
August 26, 2026
Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narration: 5/5 microphones 🎤 (Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais absolutely blew me away!)
Release Date: August 30, 2026
Thank you so much to Penelope Ward for this ALC.
Vibes:
Forced proximity
Hot single dad
Past found family to lovers
Small town vibes & second chance romance
Deep emotions
Chloe and Evan's second-chance romance captivated me right from the beginning. The combination of forced proximity, lingering emotions, and undeniable chemistry created an ideal backdrop for a tale rich in profound feelings and relatable heart.
The character development in this book is unmatched—which is always one of the things I love most about Penelope Ward’s writing and why she remains an auto-buy, favorite author for me.
Evan is the type of MMC you just can't help but adore, and his daughter completely captured my heart; she brought so much joy to the entire story. Additionally, Chloe’s journey through her mother’s dementia added incredible depth and genuine emotion to her character. I was pleasantly surprised—and dare I say thrilled—to witness a bit of external drama woven into the narrative! My little angsty heart relished every moment of it. The close-proximity tension was exceptional, and that epilogue was perfect.
If you enjoy small-town romances filled with heart, tension, and unforgettable characters, this book is an absolute must-read. And if you have the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, take it!
Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais bring Chloe and Evan to life brilliantly—do not skip it! ❤️
Narration: 5/5 microphones 🎤 (Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais absolutely blew me away!)
Release Date: August 30, 2026
Thank you so much to Penelope Ward for this ALC.
Vibes:
Forced proximity
Hot single dad
Past found family to lovers
Small town vibes & second chance romance
Deep emotions
Chloe and Evan's second-chance romance captivated me right from the beginning. The combination of forced proximity, lingering emotions, and undeniable chemistry created an ideal backdrop for a tale rich in profound feelings and relatable heart.
The character development in this book is unmatched—which is always one of the things I love most about Penelope Ward’s writing and why she remains an auto-buy, favorite author for me.
Evan is the type of MMC you just can't help but adore, and his daughter completely captured my heart; she brought so much joy to the entire story. Additionally, Chloe’s journey through her mother’s dementia added incredible depth and genuine emotion to her character. I was pleasantly surprised—and dare I say thrilled—to witness a bit of external drama woven into the narrative! My little angsty heart relished every moment of it. The close-proximity tension was exceptional, and that epilogue was perfect.
If you enjoy small-town romances filled with heart, tension, and unforgettable characters, this book is an absolute must-read. And if you have the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, take it!
Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais bring Chloe and Evan to life brilliantly—do not skip it! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
5⭐|2🌶️|5%🌶️frequency
Penelope definitely did it again. She never fails.
I finished the last unread books just a few days before I got the ARC for this book, and there wasn't a single book I didn't love. Obviously, I was super excited about this new book. And as I said, Penelope didn't fail.
It's a wonderful book. It doesn't have any drama, but it has past heartbreak. It has so much love. Great gestures. And it's funny.
Evan and Chloe just fit so perfectly together. Their chemistry 💥
Evan was a bit grumpy at the beginning, but I felt that was more because of his surprise and his smexuel frustration 🙈
Evan is a perfect dad. And Effie is such a cutie pie 🥰 She didn't have it easy in life because of her mother. But Evan does such a perfect job that you barely see Effie missing anything.
It's so sad that Chloe's mom has dementia. I think she would have loved Effie, too.
The idea of the challenge game is so cute. OK, the challenges aren't all cute. But especially the new ones had so much more meaning than the ones back then. Even though they already helped back then, too.
It's so funny that Evan has an uncle who is just a few years older than him, but he still calls him uncle 🤣 Love that.
This book is a perfect Hallmark story, plus 🌶️ 😉
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
5⭐|2🌶️|5%🌶️frequency
Penelope definitely did it again. She never fails.
I finished the last unread books just a few days before I got the ARC for this book, and there wasn't a single book I didn't love. Obviously, I was super excited about this new book. And as I said, Penelope didn't fail.
It's a wonderful book. It doesn't have any drama, but it has past heartbreak. It has so much love. Great gestures. And it's funny.
Evan and Chloe just fit so perfectly together. Their chemistry 💥
Evan was a bit grumpy at the beginning, but I felt that was more because of his surprise and his smexuel frustration 🙈
Evan is a perfect dad. And Effie is such a cutie pie 🥰 She didn't have it easy in life because of her mother. But Evan does such a perfect job that you barely see Effie missing anything.
It's so sad that Chloe's mom has dementia. I think she would have loved Effie, too.
The idea of the challenge game is so cute. OK, the challenges aren't all cute. But especially the new ones had so much more meaning than the ones back then. Even though they already helped back then, too.
It's so funny that Evan has an uncle who is just a few years older than him, but he still calls him uncle 🤣 Love that.
This book is a perfect Hallmark story, plus 🌶️ 😉
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
August 24, 2026
What an amazing read!! Which Penelope never disappoints!! This book kept me on an emotional roller coaster!! With Evan being a single dad and raising his little girl! Who was absolutely adorable and reminded me so much of my granddaughter!! She was so energetic and ask so many questions! Then there was Chloe and her and Evan had a past!! And some of the past they shared was so sweet and funny. And some was hysterical and wrong on Chloe’s part but still funny. The reason Chloe is back home is not funny at all! Her mother is suffering from dementia and she’s had to put her in a home. And her dad had remarried and sold their childhood home and she’s having to go through the belongings to see what to keep and what to get rid of all alone. So Chloe is taking on a lot all by herself. And she’s reconnecting with Evan but not getting her hopes up. And Evan is scared that it might be someone who might walk out on Effie again so he doesn’t know what to do. This is definitely a beautiful story of love, life, loss, and the ability to trust again and give second chances and forgiveness. And I wish I could reread it all over again for the first time!! This will also be in my top 3 books of the year!! I might have to extend my top 3 to a top 5 because I am reading some amazingly good books!! I wish I could give this one a lot more than 6 stars ⭐️!!! I can’t recommend this book enough!! If there is one book that you read this year read this one!!! ~ By Tina
August 25, 2026
Evan lived with the Cavanaugh family as a teen when his mother got sick. He and a much-younger Chloe became best friends and played a game where they would challenge each other to do things that might be uncomfortable but helped each other grow. He left for the military but came back four years later and Chloe couldn’t help herself. She bared her soul, he rejected her, and she left for college. Years later she's back in Dry River, WY, because her mother is ill. The first person she runs into? Evan Ricci. And his eight-year-old daughter, Effie.
Because the house Chloe Cavanaugh rented is the only availability in the small town, and because it's also the house owned by Evan where he and his daughter are currently living, this just became a forced -proximity situation. It isn’t long before Chloe’s presence has turned the little house into a home, and they're all three falling fast for each other. But Chloe has a life back in Chicago she'll eventually return to it.
If you’ve read anything from this crafty storyteller, you know things are never simple for her couples on their journey to forever. With unresolved family dynamics, a loved one with dementia, and major baggage surrounding Effie's mother, that would be a lot to deal with. Add in the unresolved romantic feelings and concern about ruining a life-long friendship, and this is an exhilarating, entertaining, bumpy road to the HEA. It's a phenomenal, heartfelt, endearing read you won’t want to miss.
Because the house Chloe Cavanaugh rented is the only availability in the small town, and because it's also the house owned by Evan where he and his daughter are currently living, this just became a forced -proximity situation. It isn’t long before Chloe’s presence has turned the little house into a home, and they're all three falling fast for each other. But Chloe has a life back in Chicago she'll eventually return to it.
If you’ve read anything from this crafty storyteller, you know things are never simple for her couples on their journey to forever. With unresolved family dynamics, a loved one with dementia, and major baggage surrounding Effie's mother, that would be a lot to deal with. Add in the unresolved romantic feelings and concern about ruining a life-long friendship, and this is an exhilarating, entertaining, bumpy road to the HEA. It's a phenomenal, heartfelt, endearing read you won’t want to miss.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Despite every seemingly logical thing I’ve said tonight, if you ever ask me to have Chex again, I’m gonna eat the shit out of it and lick the bowl clean.”
Penelope has gone and done it again!!!!
I started this Friday afternoon and finished it at 2am. I binged it and I'm not even sorry about it. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop. The story sucked me in and I didnt come up for air once. Evan was everything and so much more. A single dad and so darn handsome. His daughter Effie was so sweet and funny. Chloe I loved her and the banter her and Evan had.
Chloe had gone back to her hometown to see her mum who's ill. Shes going to the rented place she's going to be staying at for a while whilst she sees her mum and so she can short through alot of things that are in storage. But when she gets into the house she sees things that should be in the house. Then after 10 minutes she's walking around and then hears footsteps. When she sees who the footsteps belong to she see the it's Evan. She had a huge crush on him when she was younger and after being turned down by him and she felt hurt she hasn't seen in for a very long time...
This story was absolutely beautiful, sweet, funny and emotional. I had alot of laughter, swooning, kicking my legs with excitement, all the hand on the heart moments, sad tears a few times and then all the happy tears.
Penelope has gone and done it again!!!!
I started this Friday afternoon and finished it at 2am. I binged it and I'm not even sorry about it. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop. The story sucked me in and I didnt come up for air once. Evan was everything and so much more. A single dad and so darn handsome. His daughter Effie was so sweet and funny. Chloe I loved her and the banter her and Evan had.
Chloe had gone back to her hometown to see her mum who's ill. Shes going to the rented place she's going to be staying at for a while whilst she sees her mum and so she can short through alot of things that are in storage. But when she gets into the house she sees things that should be in the house. Then after 10 minutes she's walking around and then hears footsteps. When she sees who the footsteps belong to she see the it's Evan. She had a huge crush on him when she was younger and after being turned down by him and she felt hurt she hasn't seen in for a very long time...
This story was absolutely beautiful, sweet, funny and emotional. I had alot of laughter, swooning, kicking my legs with excitement, all the hand on the heart moments, sad tears a few times and then all the happy tears.
August 24, 2026
When I hear that Penelope Ward is releasing a new book I get excited. She has a way with her words and stories. From her characters to her storylines, I just devour them.
When I heard about The Challenge, a single dad story, she was speaking my language. This book was amazing and lived up to everything I hoped it would be and more. It was a 6 star read for me!
The challenge tells the story of Evan, a single dad, and Chloe, his friend from growing up and their reconnection as adults. Chloe ends up renting Evan’s house with them still in it making for some tense initial moments. Chloe has returned as her mom has advanced Alzheimer’s. There are so many sweet moments throughout the story to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. From their post it challenges to waffles to old memories, I could not put it down!
Their reconnection and rekindled feelings and the way they have secretly crushed on each other made me fall in love with them. Evan’s daughter, Effie, is the cutest and the way her and Chloe interact is so sweet.
The challenge has everything I love in a story and my favorite tropes.
I listened to the audio also and Connor Crais and Desiree Ketchum were fabulous. They captured the essence of these characters and brought Penelope Ward’s words to life.
Run don’t walk to read The Challenge! It was fantastic!
When I heard about The Challenge, a single dad story, she was speaking my language. This book was amazing and lived up to everything I hoped it would be and more. It was a 6 star read for me!
The challenge tells the story of Evan, a single dad, and Chloe, his friend from growing up and their reconnection as adults. Chloe ends up renting Evan’s house with them still in it making for some tense initial moments. Chloe has returned as her mom has advanced Alzheimer’s. There are so many sweet moments throughout the story to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. From their post it challenges to waffles to old memories, I could not put it down!
Their reconnection and rekindled feelings and the way they have secretly crushed on each other made me fall in love with them. Evan’s daughter, Effie, is the cutest and the way her and Chloe interact is so sweet.
The challenge has everything I love in a story and my favorite tropes.
I listened to the audio also and Connor Crais and Desiree Ketchum were fabulous. They captured the essence of these characters and brought Penelope Ward’s words to life.
Run don’t walk to read The Challenge! It was fantastic!
August 25, 2026
** Audio Review **
Swoon! The Challenge by Penelope Ward was a heart-melting, feel-good small-town romance that I ate up in one sitting. I couldn’t get enough of Chloe and Evan’s second-chance, “it’s always been you” vibes that tugged at my heartstrings in all the best ways. The yearning in this book made me feral, and I was here for it.
Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais perform this audiobook in duet-style narration, and this pairing never lets me down. Desiree’s soft, decadent voice perfectly captured Chloe’s dedication to her mother and her lingering desires for Evan. Connor’s rich, warm timbre embodied all of Evan’s steadfast charm that made this single dad utterly irresistible. Both narrators created a slow-burning, explosive chemistry between Chloe and Evan that was undeniable.
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a small town romance with a hot hunky single dad, a devoted daughter home to take care of her mother, new housemates, an adorable eight year old daughter, hair braiding lessons, wine chats, secrets about the past, neon pink notes, close spice, Halloween fun, more spicy times, love and loss, childhood home renovations, love declarations, and a HEA that will squeeze your heart, then you will love Chloe and Evan’s (Effie too) story. I always look forward to more from Penelope Ward.
Swoon! The Challenge by Penelope Ward was a heart-melting, feel-good small-town romance that I ate up in one sitting. I couldn’t get enough of Chloe and Evan’s second-chance, “it’s always been you” vibes that tugged at my heartstrings in all the best ways. The yearning in this book made me feral, and I was here for it.
Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais perform this audiobook in duet-style narration, and this pairing never lets me down. Desiree’s soft, decadent voice perfectly captured Chloe’s dedication to her mother and her lingering desires for Evan. Connor’s rich, warm timbre embodied all of Evan’s steadfast charm that made this single dad utterly irresistible. Both narrators created a slow-burning, explosive chemistry between Chloe and Evan that was undeniable.
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a small town romance with a hot hunky single dad, a devoted daughter home to take care of her mother, new housemates, an adorable eight year old daughter, hair braiding lessons, wine chats, secrets about the past, neon pink notes, close spice, Halloween fun, more spicy times, love and loss, childhood home renovations, love declarations, and a HEA that will squeeze your heart, then you will love Chloe and Evan’s (Effie too) story. I always look forward to more from Penelope Ward.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having left town, partly because of a rejection, she returns some tens years later to be there for her ailing mother. Surprise surprise when she runs into the one who rejected her. Not only run into, but also thrust into a 'forced proximity' situation. She's been in love with the guy since she was 12 and he moved in with her family. He was a a fractured boy/man and didn't want to bring her down. Unfortunately, neither really ever got over their own feelings and haven't been successful in finding a long term partner. No one ever really lived up to their expectations or filled the void they had. Even though they were never more than friends, they had a strong bond that no on was able to replace. There are a few laughs, lots of sweet moments (mostly due to his young daughter,) some spice. Lots of emotional turmoil and some death. Their families have had plenty of drama and devastation. These are wonderful characters and while they may have some past hurt and anger, neither do anything to purposely hurt the other. It's a beautifully told story. Alternates between POVs. There is some sexual content that may be more suitable for mature readers.
August 23, 2026
Chloe and Evan have history, so when Chloe comes to town, the last thing she expects is to end up living with him. But thanks to a rental mix-up, that’s exactly what happens.
I absolutely loved Chloe and Evan together. Their chemistry is hot, and you can feel the tension between them from the very beginning. Time and distance definitely didn’t dull their attraction, and I loved watching all those old feelings come rushing back.
I also adored Evan’s relationship with his daughter and how naturally Chloe fits into their lives. Watching the three of them come together and become this perfect little family was definitely one of my favorite parts of the story.
Desireé Ketchum and Connor Crais were phenomenal together. They brought Chloe and Evan’s chemistry, tension, and longing to life so perfectly that I could feel every ounce of it.
If you’re looking for a steamy second chance romance with amazing chemistry and a sweet found family vibe, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you, Penelope Ward and Give Me Books for the ALC/ARC.
I absolutely loved Chloe and Evan together. Their chemistry is hot, and you can feel the tension between them from the very beginning. Time and distance definitely didn’t dull their attraction, and I loved watching all those old feelings come rushing back.
I also adored Evan’s relationship with his daughter and how naturally Chloe fits into their lives. Watching the three of them come together and become this perfect little family was definitely one of my favorite parts of the story.
Desireé Ketchum and Connor Crais were phenomenal together. They brought Chloe and Evan’s chemistry, tension, and longing to life so perfectly that I could feel every ounce of it.
If you’re looking for a steamy second chance romance with amazing chemistry and a sweet found family vibe, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you, Penelope Ward and Give Me Books for the ALC/ARC.
August 25, 2026
Review 📖 🎧
The Challenge
Written by Penelope Ward
I kicked my feet in excitement once I started to learn about Chloe and Evan the past they shared. From that moment on I knew this book would hook me. I could not wait to see how the relationship would unfold for these two.
These two cannot catch a break so many things are always getting in the way! So much of their past and present are colliding and causing a wedge between them that killed me but I still ate it up. With all the things going on around them they both still can help but play games with each other and test boundaries within the strong chemistry. I wonder who will give in first 🤔😏. These two are soulmates!
I cannot get enough of Penelope's writing. I never know what to expect from her stories. What I can expect is that I will enjoy every minute of it. I also loved the moment when I realized why the book is called the challenge 😍. The epilogue 😭
Single Dad
Small Town
Friends To Lovers
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
The Challenge
Written by Penelope Ward
I kicked my feet in excitement once I started to learn about Chloe and Evan the past they shared. From that moment on I knew this book would hook me. I could not wait to see how the relationship would unfold for these two.
These two cannot catch a break so many things are always getting in the way! So much of their past and present are colliding and causing a wedge between them that killed me but I still ate it up. With all the things going on around them they both still can help but play games with each other and test boundaries within the strong chemistry. I wonder who will give in first 🤔😏. These two are soulmates!
I cannot get enough of Penelope's writing. I never know what to expect from her stories. What I can expect is that I will enjoy every minute of it. I also loved the moment when I realized why the book is called the challenge 😍. The epilogue 😭
Single Dad
Small Town
Friends To Lovers
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
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