Hoping to open a clothing boutique in her hometown, Kate Aarons is ready for the next phase of her life. Before she can set her dreams in motion, she needs a job to get her shop up and running.
Tired of his ex's unpredictable and transient lifestyle, single father, Elliot Peters, wants to give his twin daughters a stable life. Going from sometime dad to full-time dad is harder than he expected. But sweet, sexy Kate could be the answer he needs.
Working for Elliot proves to be the perfect situation. But when sparks fly between them, Kate worries about finding her place in a ready-made family. Can Elliott convince Kate that forever started the second he fell for her?
Falling for Kate offers up some of my most favorite tropes; Single Daddy, with the Nanny and at Christmas, what more can you ask for, I have to say this is a book that left me pretty happy.
My one gripe, and it’s actually nothing to do with the story. Is the cover, for me when you slap the naked chest/abs combo on the front of a book, as a reader I have certain expectations that the story I am going to be reading is going to be sexy, hot, maybe a little dirty and probably containing erotically described sexy-times. Falling for Kate is sweet, cute, and totally closed door when it comes to the sexy-times. Not a problem for me because I loved it anyway, but this cover does not offer the correct interpretation of the story its advertising, in my humble opinion.
There had to be something in the water in Angel’s Lake because it was home to some seriously fine looking men...
This was my first read from Jody Holford, and she ticked all of my reading boxes with Kate and Elliot’s story, I loved the premise, the addition of Elliot’s twin girls Grace and Beth, and the fact that the author kept the drama relevant, but it wasn’t overplayed. This is one of those Christmas stories I can see myself going back to read again year after year, because it gave plenty of feels, lots of Christmas sparkle, all wrapped up in a really great and easy-going story line.
"You’re in my bed. And it feels like it’s exactly where you belong."
I am definitely going to look to read more from this author in the future, and I hope she makes a Christmas release something of a regular occurrence, as I would love to see her give a few more of the favorite tropes a Christmas spin.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
You may not always end up where you thought you were going. But you will always end up where you are meant to be. –Unknown-
This is a sweet read filled with Christmas spirit and the joy of the more important things in life. About finding out what you really want and going for it.
Kate is moving back to Angel Lake from New York she is homesick and misses her life and her family. There is a problem with her flight so her sister Lucy manages to hook Kate up with a ride home from Wisconsin enter Elliott the hot Dad of adorable twins.
Elliott has once again had to drive to Wisconsin at the drop of a hat to pick his kids as their Mum just up and left with them. He can’t keep on doing this to his kids and has some tough choices to make.
His bright light at the moment is Kate, the woman that he has always been attracted to and vice versa. But over the years it was always wrong place, wrong time until now.
Kate has always found Elliott attractive but is unsure about how things are running for her at the moment. She needs a job and a place to stay, he needs a nanny so they have the perfect solution that is if they weren’t so attracted to one another that is.
Turns out the worst choice is actually the best choice for both of them.
When I requested this book I didn’t actually see that it was a Christmas romance. I read Nanny and single father and clicked it so fast I didn’t read the rest.
Turns out as I mentioned above that this is a Christmas read and it is a sweet and adorable read. It’s not overly sickening like most books with this particularly season. So I can only recommend this book to all of you.
Proof that I can read a super sweet holiday novella without gagging.
This is clearly part of a series but it was easy to read as a standalone novel.
Kate Aarons is on her way home, feeling like a failure because she didn't like living in New York, after giving up her first career to venture into fashion. When she misses her flight her sister suggests a family friend could drive her the rest of the way as he is close by collecting his twin daughters from his flaky ex-girlfriend.
Kate has always had a crush on Eliot Peters, a cop who works for her brother in law, and adores his seven year old daughters. Eliot needs help looking after his daughters after his ex decided she couldn't take them for the holidays after all, Kate needs somewhere to live and some money to fund her dream of a fashion store in her home town. Yes, Eliot asks Kate to be his live-in Nanny until he can make other arrangements.
This was cute and fun and festive. I will definitely look out for the previous books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This seemed like it would be a my kind of read right away. Especially with some of my favorite tropes. Single Dad, Nanny and Christmas setting I was sold. It definitely left me grinning after. A feel good kind of story holiday novella.
I've not read any book by Jody Halford before but this sets a good precedent and would definitely read more of her previous work. I get the impression the other characters are part of other books so that must be remedied. She is spot on with Christmas vibe and I feel the cheer and spirit. An annual holiday novella or story from Angel's Lake would be wonderful.
This is a novella that packs a lot into it to my surprise, a complete one at that. I wasn't expecting sweet story, based on the cover. Yes it is attractive and eye catching but I wasn't thinking I would get the awww and feels. No problem though still fab, full of heart and humor. Gotta love movie references in books! Especially when you get them.
The premise worked for me add in some emotions and feels. Kate and Elliott is a couple you can fall in love with easily. The two girls are lovable too. Their journey to their happy ending was not overly dramatic for me but just right and relevant. A wonderful gift to open up during the upcoming holiday season.
*** ARC kindly provided by Netgalley and Victory Editing and was a joy to review ***
If you're looking for a quick, sweet, pull at your heartstrings in the best kind of way read, then Falling For Kate is the story for you.
Two years after moving to NYC to pursue a career in fashion, and a failed relationship, Kate Aarons decides to catch a flight and return to her hometown of Angel's Lake. As fate would have it, all flights are cancelled and her only option of getting home is in the car of the man she's crushed on for years, but never acted on it.
Elliott Peter's life is in shambles, with an unpredictable ex, he's determined to give his twin daughters a loving, stable life. On his way to retrieve them from an unexpected road trip with their mother, he finds himself picking up an additional passenger. Kate's always been on his radar, but has always been the 'forbidden fruit.'
Fate throws the pair another curveball, when they arrive home and Kate finds herself temporarily homeless. Since she has nowhere to live, and she's jobless, Elliott offers her a job as a live-in nanny. It's a win-win situation, since he knows how hard it will be to take care of the girls by himself.
Kate loves the twins, so she accepts.
There's not a whole lot of drama in this, it's a quick and light read, but there are a few ups and downs. And there was this one moment (Jody, you know what I'm talking about) when I wished I could go through my kindle and kick Elliott in the balls. Hey, don't judge me! He really would've totally deserved it.
Other than that one incident, I couldn't help myself. I fell in love with him too.
How does their story play out? Yes, of course they get their happily-ever-after, but you'll have to read it to see exactly how they get there.
Falling For Kate is about Kate Aarons, a fashion designer who has decided to go home after two years in New York's fashion industry, and Elliot Peters, a single dad of twin girls and a cop in Kate's home town of Angel's Lake.
Kate's flight home was diverted and her sister arranges a ride home with Elliot and his girls, Grace and Beth, who had gone with their mother, Gina, for the Christmas holidays but were not wanted at Gina's sister's home.
Both Kate and Elliot have had feelings for each other for years, but both were afraid of acting on them. This drive home gets them both thinking about it. When Kate tells Elliot her fears about going home with no job and no where to stay, he asks her to be their live-in nanny.
Will she accept? Will they get together? I don't give spoilers, so you'll have to read and find out! This was a cute, quick, sweet read. And the girls were super cute - love them!
Okay so I finished this book in one sitting and I totally love it. It shows how tight the bond between the sisters are (which reminds me of my own). It also shows the love and support of the family. That family will always be there no matter what. It's a light read that tugs your heart. A swoon worthy charming hero matching the independent, lovable, carefree heroine. Elliot and Kate's selflessness toward the twins stands out and how they show how much they care for each other is priceless. I love books having single parents and since the setting in this book is Christmas, this will be a great read for the Holidays. It's about second chances, having the courage to take the leap, owning your mistakes, hope and forgiveness. I have so many highlights in my kindle. My favorite one is on the very first page. "You may not always end up where you thought you were going. But you will always end up where you are meant to be." - unknown
This hit the spot for me. It was a perfect blend of what I needed at the moment. You've got friends to lovers, sexy cop who's also a dad of twin girls (swoon) and just a little bit of side drama with the girls mom. It wasn't over-the-top drama but it also wasn't so low angst that it was boring. I don't know what it is about a father but reading about a man who adores his little girls just makes me want to sigh with happiness. This was a short, sweet and sexy read. I enjoyed the writing and will seek out other books this author has written. ARC provided by NetGalley.
A cute Christmas story about two people who have known each other for years, feel the strong attraction towards one another, and come together in trying times at Christmas. They help another out. She falls in love with him and his two little girls. He falls in love with her and wants to keep her. They get their happy ending. This is a good story. It is a quick read, so I read it in one sitting. A good book for the new season. I voluntarily reviewed the ARC of this book.
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one else's*
3.5 stars
Kate and Elliot's story was sweet and I enjoyed it. Kate's character was developed really well as opposed to, Elliot's. The characters were realistic and their emotions/insecurities were captured beautifully.
This was a cute short story and I really enjoyed it.
First time author for me. Sweet holiday novella. I love single parent stories! This is also friends to lovers and everything just seems to fit with these two. Great HEA!
This is my first in the Angel's Lake series but it easily stands on its own. It looks like Kate's sisters have stories and there are some mention of the events from them in this book, although Holford does a good job of keeping new readers up to speed.
There isn't a lot of drama here, which I appreciate. Kate and Elliot have known each other for a while, with an ignored attraction bubbling just under the surface. They've never been at a point in their lives where it was something they could act on ... until now. It's sweet to be there with them as they finally give in and start exploring their growing feelings. As a couple they are funny and sweet - they click so well and genuinely like & understand each other, as well as throw off a few sparks :)
Of course, it's not all flowers and chocolate. There are some logistic issues involving his kids and their associated friends & family (like the fact that Elliot works for Kate's brother-in-law and also has a drama-filled relationship with his ex). It never gets too angsty, though, just enough to make things believable and have you smiling when they finally get to that HEA moment.
If this is an indication of what Holford's work is like, I'm adding her to my go-to author list. The writing flows really well, the characters are charming & easy to like, and the story is interesting & fun to read. Feel good and entertaining ... my idea of a great book!
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Loved Falling for Home and was thrilled that Kate and Elliott got a story of their own in Falling for Kate.
Kate thought she want the bright lights and big city but soon discovers that home is where her heart is. She is trying to get back and takes a ride with her brother-in-law's deputy and his twin daughters. Elliott and Kate (if you read Falling for Him) had lots of chemistry and tension before this road trip, but now they play family on the drive home and share an amazing time and bond.
Elliott is having to face his own life changing decisions and that means dealing with the mother of his children and her extreme instability and lack of care of their daughters. Elliott needing a nanny and Kate needing a job leads them to lean on one another- which leads to much more. These two were sweet together and I loved how Kate was with Beth and Grace. Great story- recommend!
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review.
Falling for Kate was short but sweet novel about Kate who is heading home from living in New York because while it was a good experience she misses home, and is a little heart broken because the guys she was dating lied to her and forgot to mention he had a wife. Having said all that, none of that really matters, this story is about Kate and Elliot and his sweet twin daughters. Kate and Elliot have been missing their opportunity to be together but now is there time. I enjoyed this story with an overall feel good theme, especially it being around Christmas. I guess my only complaint would be I wish it was longer. I did enjoy the dual POV, and I'm really glad the author didn't make Elliot's ex too much a part of the story.
A short, quaint, sweet Christmas love story with a single dad, a nanny and wonderfully lovable little girls. The book is the type that is not deep, but draws you in quickly through the personalities of the characters. This is the first book by this author I've read and am glad to have been introduced to her writing...an author who rights the type of stories that leave you with a warmth and an over all feeling of well being.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This was a short but sweet story about family, making mistakes, learning from them and growing up. All the characters are likeable and it has a nice small town vibe to it. Would have enjoyed reading an epilogue. Note: Liberal use of "F & S" words. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book gifted by Penner Publishing. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Loved it! Both Kate and Elliot are very likeable characters with definite chemistry. A sweet read with humor and some really well drawn out secondary characters. Grace and Beth are adorable. A fast paced read.
Jody Holford comes through again with a beautiful story in Falling for Kate. Kate's return home is a love story about figuring out life and finding family. Angel's Lake continues to be one of my favorite towns to visit in fiction. Strong women, handsome heroes and a beautifully weaved sequel.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Ms Holford. My only wish was for it to be longer. I felt it ended abruptly and would have benefitted with a few more chapters.
There are books that dig so deep and hit so hard that you feel like they're changing your life. Books where the journey is rough and you come out feeling banged up and bruised - but you know it was all worth it. And then there are books that just feel good. They are light, and sweet, and packed to the gills with swoons and happy feels that by the time you turn the last page - you just feel satisfied. These books feel like a giant bear hug, like cozy winter nights in front of a roaring fire, like the "comfort food" of books. That's what this was. It's not going to change your life, but it's going to make your heart so happy.
Falling for Kate is pretty low angst, but there are plenty of "tug-at-your-heartstrings" moments that help to suck you in and keep you there, a little bit breathless, while Kate and Elliot settle into a nice slow burn. I devoured this novella - I didn't want to put it down (and I kept these characters stuck in my head any time I had to). I laughed, I got a little teary, but mostly I just luxuriated in how good it made me feel. I adored Kate and Elliot and his precious girls. I loved how much Ms. Holford packed into a pretty short book without ever making it feel rushed or like enough attention wasn't being given to certain issues. I also loved the Christmas setting - it added an extra layer of richness and warmth to the story and - against all odds - got me excited for the coming holiday season!
I fell pretty hard for the Aarons family when I first read Falling for Home -- and I was thrilled to get a chance to re-visit them in Falling for Kate. They're just as charming as they ever were - making me feel all warm and happy. I sort of don't want to let them go. I loved Lucy and Alex and now -- Kate and Elliot just set up camp in their very own corner of my heart. If you're looking for something quick, light, and guaranteed to make you smile, Falling for Kate is the perfect feel-good book. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
“You don’t get to be the person you’re meant to become without some bumps in that proverbial road.”
She walked up to him and put her hands on his chest, lowering her lashes in a way he knew she thought was seductive. “What would it take for us to try again? What would I have to do to make you want me? Love me?” Elliot gripped her shoulders and set her back from him. “You’d have to be Kate. I’m sorry if that hurts you. She has nothing to do with why I need you to step up and be better for Beth and Grace, but if you’re asking what it would take for me to love you the way a man is supposed to love a woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with? Then you’d have to be Kate Aarons.”
Dreams can come true. They also change. When Kate Aarons comes home to Angels Lake for Christmas, she doesn’t know how to tell her family that the dream she chased all the way to New York isn’t what she wants anymore. Single dad, Elliot Peters is determined to give his twin daughters a stable, secure life but juggling his job as a police officer and being a full-time dad is proving tricky. Kate loves her large family but she doesn’t want to move back into her childhood bedroom, even temporarily. When super sexy Elliot Peters offers her a job as a nanny, along with a place to stay, it seems like the perfect solution for both of them. Living in close quarters makes it difficult to ignore the chemistry igniting between the two of them. As Kate works toward her new dream-opening a dress shop in her hometown, she falls for Elliot and his precious girls, but she isn’t sure there’s a place for her in this small, ready-made family.
Single dad, a nanny, friends to lovers, small town, Christmas vibes, close family, closed door. The chemistry and the banter between Elliot and Kate was sweet, cute, heartfelt and fun to read. I’m enjoying my time reading this series. 4.75 stars.
Kate is returning home after a short stint in New York as an assistant fashion designer. She was so excited to get out of her small town and adventure into the big city. Turns out it wasn’t what she thought it would be.
She gets stranded in the airport, still a ways away from home, due to airplane mechanical issues. Her sister gets her a ride home with a long time friend and crush.
Elliott is dealing with issues of his own. His ex-girlfriend took off with their twins and he had to go get them. He was happy to take Kate home, as he had always liked her as well. Elliott is a police officer whose boss just happens to be Kate’s brother-in-law.
Kate arrives home to discover her sister’s family is living with her parents while their house is being renovated, so there‘s no room for her there. Elliott needs a nanny for his girls and offers Kate the job. Sparks ignite, but there are still issues to be dealt with.
I loved Kate’s family. Big huggers, my favorite! Her relationship with her sisters is typical, teasing and supportive.
This is a small town romance. There is a lot packed into this short story. Things move quickly, but these two have known each other a long time. I haven’t read Kate’s sisters’ stories, and read this easily as a standalone.
This is a great, quick, sweet, feel good read. This is my second book by this author and I will definitely be looking for more!
This was a sweet, feel-good romance. With a Christmassy theme, it has a cosy, warm story line that just had me wanting to snuggle up next to a fire and shut out the bad weather. It made me smile and I couldn't ask for more.
While only a novella, this book was still filled with plenty of goodness. The romance was cute with a little heat, the relationships were sweet, and the girls adorable. The plot stayed simple and enjoyable, and I believed in the bonds between characters.
Overall this was just a great read to get lost in. It was fun and light-hearted, and I'd definitely recommend.
I liked this book. I liked how these two people, who've known each other for years, finally give into their feelings for each other. It's a novella but it didn't feel incomplete or too short.
All roads leads to where you are meant to be. And the book certainly centers around that theme.
Finished it in a few hours because I didn't want to rush it. Now I'm curious about the Kate's sisters' stories.
These two people have known each other for a few years. He was in a relationship with someone who have birth to his daughters. But never married her. She went off to college then fashion apprentice for a few years. Now she is back and planning to stay. He needs help with his girls. She needs a place to stay. Will they ever figure out that their future is together? What about his daughters mother?