This is a classic example of the fact that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover…or its name! When I was asked to read and review this book by the author, the name of the book threw me off a bit. However, I read the synopsis and found myself intrigued. Once I began to read it, I found myself completely pulled into the story and found a delightful bit of a twist I didn’t see coming. And so I read on and once I finished the book, I found myself looking forward to reading more books in this series (although I believe, given the ending of this one, they will probably be stand-alones).
Dick has been a dick to many women, hopping in and out of their beds, never getting attached. He shows them a good time and then heads home, alone. He’s a successful entrepreneur and although he loves what he does, his business partner makes going into the office or business meetings a chore. He’s going through the motions of life with one exception – his kids.
This man completely adores his two kids he had with his ex-wife. He spends as much time as he can with them and although I honestly expected him to be a father who isn’t very involved in their lives, I am happy to say I was dead-wrong!
And our heroine, Eden, well she’s an elementary school (kindergarten) teacher at the same school where Dick’s kids attend. And Eden has heard all about Dick’s conquests – both with the mothers as well as their nannies. He has a very naughty reputation with the women around the school as a very talented partner, and of course, Eden has heard the stories too. But lucky girl, Dick’s son and Eden’s son suddenly develop into a solid friendship, basically forcing Dick and Eden to interact. Which would be fine except for the seriously huge sparks bouncing back and forth between the two of them (for those of you who have issues with cheating, I would still recommend this book, by the way).
But then Eden gets to see the part of him he doesn’t show anybody. She sees him being a dad, and this, for a woman married to a man who is as cold as a fish to not only her, but also to her son. It’s such a black and white difference, that Eden can’t help but see it and wish desperately that her son had the same. Not only does Dick turn out to be an amazing dad, when the chips are down and Eden needs a true friend, she is shocked to discover Dick steps into those shoes and is happy to be the one to do it…
“Eden, what’s going on?” He stalks toward us with a worried tone. When he takes in my cheek, his face scrunches and his jaw begins to tick. “What’s going on?” “I’m sorry to involve you. I didn’t know who else to ask. You know. . .someone that isn’t related or has ties to Blythe [her husband]. . .” I begin to explain. He pauses and his hand runs gently over my cheek. “We should get you ice,” he says then his attention switches to Grant [her son.] “Hey, buddy. How are you? I don’t have Jaden [his son] today. He’s getting dropped off with his sister tomorrow afternoon.” He crouches down to Grant’s level. Grant doesn’t answer. He tightens his hold on my leg. Dick remains at Grant’s level and looks back up at me. “Eden?” he asks questioningly. He can tell my son looks traumatized. I can’t hold on anymore. One stray tear falls down my cheek, followed by another, followed by a stream of tears I must have been holding on to. …”I’m sorry, I’m such a mess.” “Don’t apologize. I’m gathering you left. . .”…”Yes.” I smile through the tears. “It’s probably about time. You guys are not staying in a hotel. You are coming with me,” Dick says, still holding on to Grant…”Dick, wait. I can’t. . .I need to stay here. . .until my attorney works everything out,” I begin to explain, but he walks through the front doors and passes the valet his ticket. “Eden, I have three empty rooms in my house.”…”Dick, please, I have my car here. I can’t possibly stay with you,” I plead…”…”We’re friends, right?...so what’s the big deal?...”
Of course, what happens when you put two people together under one roof who are not only strongly attracted to one another, but also have reason to truly trust one another? Well, this is a romance novel, after all!
I honestly found myself loving this book! I found myself being pulled in to Eden’s world and found myself wanting to see her find happiness. I also found myself really liking Dick. He was like an onion; there were many, many layers to peel to get to the center but it was worth peeling them back to see the true man he was inside, the man he hit from most of the people in the world.
This is one of those books that knocked me off my feet in surprise, it was not the book I thought I was going to be reading and I admit it, I judged it by its cover and its name and I was very wrong to do so. I have read another book by this same author, Wild Cards, and gave that one 4.5 stars. R.C. Stephens is quickly becoming a new go-to author for me! Check it out!