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Single Dad's Bride
I have one month to find a bride or I lose my daughter.
They say a tattoo artist with a dirty mouth can’t be a kickass father.
Bullsh*t. But my lawyer says I need a wholesome bride to convince the judge.
I know just the perfect girl—hell—I think she might even be a virgin.
Only problem? She’s my sister’s best friend, and she hates my guts.
When my best friend's brother asks me to marry him, I nearly slap him in the face. I’m pretty sure he’s teasing me—just like he always has—but marriage isn’t something to joke about. Not when I’m pushing thirty with no hope in sight. And not when I’ve always had a huge, stupid crush on him.
Then he tells me he’s serious. He needs me to do it so he can keep his daughter.
I have to refuse. He’s always treated me like crap, which makes my feelings toward him even more sad and pathetic.
How can I not have a crush on him though? He’s always wearing a thin, tight undershirt that shows off his cut abs and broad shoulders, and despite what some people say about his chops as a father, he’s as sweet to his daughter as he is mean to me.
Maybe I can say “yes.” I’d be doing it for his daughter, not for him. And I certainly wouldn’t be doing it with the sad hope that he’d look at me as anything other than his sister’s dorky friend—that he’d touch me and make me—no, definitely not that.
**This is a full-length, standalone fake marriage romance. No cheating or cliffhangers, and a Happily Ever After is guaranteed!**
They say a tattoo artist with a dirty mouth can’t be a kickass father.
Bullsh*t. But my lawyer says I need a wholesome bride to convince the judge.
I know just the perfect girl—hell—I think she might even be a virgin.
Only problem? She’s my sister’s best friend, and she hates my guts.
When my best friend's brother asks me to marry him, I nearly slap him in the face. I’m pretty sure he’s teasing me—just like he always has—but marriage isn’t something to joke about. Not when I’m pushing thirty with no hope in sight. And not when I’ve always had a huge, stupid crush on him.
Then he tells me he’s serious. He needs me to do it so he can keep his daughter.
I have to refuse. He’s always treated me like crap, which makes my feelings toward him even more sad and pathetic.
How can I not have a crush on him though? He’s always wearing a thin, tight undershirt that shows off his cut abs and broad shoulders, and despite what some people say about his chops as a father, he’s as sweet to his daughter as he is mean to me.
Maybe I can say “yes.” I’d be doing it for his daughter, not for him. And I certainly wouldn’t be doing it with the sad hope that he’d look at me as anything other than his sister’s dorky friend—that he’d touch me and make me—no, definitely not that.
**This is a full-length, standalone fake marriage romance. No cheating or cliffhangers, and a Happily Ever After is guaranteed!**
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2017
1632 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Minx
28 books214 followersMelinda Minx lives in Seattle with her loyal Corgi. She writes late into the night with a hot cup of Earl Grey. She likes to write romantic comedies, the cuter the better!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
March 14, 2017
Deacon is six foot five of hot sexy tattooed muscle he's also father to six year old Elsie and since his wife Stacy died three years ago Elsie is his whole world but his world is being threatened by his in-laws.
Deacon needs to find a wife, a good wholesome wife that looks the part, since Stacy's death Deacon has drowned himself in women but they've been a means to an end and his heart was never even remotely involved and none of them are even remotely suitable for exposition. Elsie is his world and if he needs a fake wedding to a fake wife in order to keep her then that's what he'll do but first he needs to find a bride.
Rita is deeply religious and while she's currently jobless and soon to be homeless she can't stand Deacon her best friend Anna's brother so when he asks her to become his fake wife she refuses, at first.
Ok so we all know where this is going but it's a nice journey. Deacon is incredibly sexy as the single father and Rita is soon won over by his body (who wouldn't be?) and .....I can't not say it....I found Rita annoying at times. There I've said it. Elsie is cute as a button
It's an enjoyable read but if I'm being picky I felt it would have benefitted from a bit more, it felt a little rushed and some of the characters felt almost like caricatures at times (the parents, both Rita's and Stacy's) the extended epilogue is a bonus since I do love a good epilogue.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
December 9, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story about a big tattoo artist. Who will do anything to keep his daughter after loosing his wife. Even marrying church going best friend of his sister.
This was a nice story with good humour.
This was a nice story with good humour.
Read
December 11, 2025DNF.
May 26, 2019
Not so fake marriage 💑👨👧
This story was very cute. Deacon is a single father who is trying to work and take care of his daughter at the same time. Rita is just trying to get her life in order. I like the fact that their relationship, yes was fake at first, but started to grow deeper. I think it is because that they knew each other before this arrangement happened so it wasn't such a huge leap for them to fall in love. Deacon's in-laws were nuts. They were doing some suspect things that I never would have expected. I love a book who has kids with n as main characters because I love seeing kids interact with adults.
The only issue that I had with this book is the fact that a lot of the characters we were introduced to we don't know what happened to them. Like the couple that Rita and Deacon meet on the cruise we don't know what ended up happening to them and if Deacon can help them. Also with Deacon sister, Anna, what happens with her what is going on with her life? These are questions that I want to know about but this book just does not give you any of those information.
This story was very cute. Deacon is a single father who is trying to work and take care of his daughter at the same time. Rita is just trying to get her life in order. I like the fact that their relationship, yes was fake at first, but started to grow deeper. I think it is because that they knew each other before this arrangement happened so it wasn't such a huge leap for them to fall in love. Deacon's in-laws were nuts. They were doing some suspect things that I never would have expected. I love a book who has kids with n as main characters because I love seeing kids interact with adults.
The only issue that I had with this book is the fact that a lot of the characters we were introduced to we don't know what happened to them. Like the couple that Rita and Deacon meet on the cruise we don't know what ended up happening to them and if Deacon can help them. Also with Deacon sister, Anna, what happens with her what is going on with her life? These are questions that I want to know about but this book just does not give you any of those information.
April 13, 2017
This was better than the blurb made me expect. It is not great writing and it is not the most imaginative story but still did not descend into the awful range as it so easily could have.
I admit to a fondness for marriage of convenience stories. I like seeing how the couple learn about each other and fall in love. The best part of this book was precisely the parts where they are simply spending time together. The author spent a fair amount of time describing simple events between them. For example a game of pool chicken was described in the same amount of detail as sex scenes normally get.
Plot wise I wondered why some things were included. A holiday run in with some bad guys went nowhere. And I did not buy that Deacon would lose his temper quite so quickly when his custody was at risk. Still I was not unhappy at the end and so it sits in the 2.5 - 3 star range.
I admit to a fondness for marriage of convenience stories. I like seeing how the couple learn about each other and fall in love. The best part of this book was precisely the parts where they are simply spending time together. The author spent a fair amount of time describing simple events between them. For example a game of pool chicken was described in the same amount of detail as sex scenes normally get.
Plot wise I wondered why some things were included. A holiday run in with some bad guys went nowhere. And I did not buy that Deacon would lose his temper quite so quickly when his custody was at risk. Still I was not unhappy at the end and so it sits in the 2.5 - 3 star range.
March 29, 2017
Weird...
Kind of a weird erotic romance book. There was no sex in the first half of the book, a whole lot of religion talk, characters who get in trouble for no reason, and that's where I quit. Bored and pointless. 2 stars.
Kind of a weird erotic romance book. There was no sex in the first half of the book, a whole lot of religion talk, characters who get in trouble for no reason, and that's where I quit. Bored and pointless. 2 stars.
March 16, 2017
Looking around Amazon I saw the description of this book and I was completely hooked on the premises of it. Who doesn't love a tatted up single dad who would do anything for his child!
Deacon was one scary man. Not scary in the sense that you need to watch yourself if you're a woman, but scary in the sense that he don't mess around and we learn that right from the start. I loved it!!!
Rita is your typical goody good and has a heart of gold. she doesn't have a lot of luck in her corner, but you know what they say about luck it always comes when you least expect it. I love Rita's attitude towards things even if it wasn't what she wanted she still did what she had to do.
What you read in the description is pretty much what you getting the story with twists and turns and unbelievable heat. I really like the sisters best friend road that the author took with this also. It was done different but at the same time it was the same if that makes any sense.
I'm really not the type of person that can spot errors when reading a book, but I did notice a lot while reading the story. It was a lot of missed please quotation marks or when someone else was talking it seemed like it was from one of the main characters when it wasn't so that got to be a little annoying, but it didn't take away from the plot.
Overall, being my first book from this author I really enjoyed it. Her heroes are total alphas and her heroines are sassy but sweet. The plot of the story had me hooked from the start and I couldn't stop till I was finished. There was a bit of drama that helped with the flow and by the end I had a goofy smile on my face. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future. 4 stars #2OCCJD
March 17, 2017
A really good and funny book , just read it if you have time ;)
March 19, 2017
Deacon's a widow & the father of a 6 yrs old girl, Elsie whom he adores. Now he gets problem, his late wife, Stacy's parents are seeking custody of Elsie because they say he's unfit because he's an tattoo artist, ride bike & his shop is right next to his house & sometimes there's fight between his customers. Since his wife's death, he could never see himself get involved long term with any woman, so he just used them for one night stands. His lawyer advises him to get a good woman & get married, then he won't have any problems keeping his daughter, but now where will he get a fake wife? Then he immediately thinks of his sister, Anna's best friend, Rita. Rita's almost 30 yrs old & a real goody too shoes, jobless & soon to be homeless. Even though Deacon always rubs her up the wrong way, she's always had a huge crush on him & when he asks her to be his fake wife, she thinks he's joking again, but then he tells her the reason & she decides to help him out...thinking of maybe she can get the real deal...
November 17, 2019
Spoilers
Off the top of my head...
He slept with everything that moved after his wife died. He had biker knife fights in the front yard of his business/home. He only had a bike so his 1st grader rode around on the back of that. Constantly swore around his kid. He told his daughter ‘lying was ok’ if you felt bad about it. He had no filter or commons sense about what should be said around a young child.
Add all of that to there being no explanation as to why his former in-laws acted the way they did or why her parents acted the the way they did. AND the extra, unnecessary stuff with the people they met during the honeymoon there was just no part of the book that didn’t have something that bugging me.
Off the top of my head...
He slept with everything that moved after his wife died. He had biker knife fights in the front yard of his business/home. He only had a bike so his 1st grader rode around on the back of that. Constantly swore around his kid. He told his daughter ‘lying was ok’ if you felt bad about it. He had no filter or commons sense about what should be said around a young child.
Add all of that to there being no explanation as to why his former in-laws acted the way they did or why her parents acted the the way they did. AND the extra, unnecessary stuff with the people they met during the honeymoon there was just no part of the book that didn’t have something that bugging me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2017
Nice book
4 stars
Honestly this was a great book it wasn't over the top kind of book. The characters I honestly have to say didn't grab me at the first chapter the blurb of the book is what got me.
The author did a great job and I applaud.
The author had a second book attached to this book and I did not read that not because I didn't want to it was because I wanted to read the book that I got.
Happy sexy reading today
4 stars
Honestly this was a great book it wasn't over the top kind of book. The characters I honestly have to say didn't grab me at the first chapter the blurb of the book is what got me.
The author did a great job and I applaud.
The author had a second book attached to this book and I did not read that not because I didn't want to it was because I wanted to read the book that I got.
Happy sexy reading today
December 30, 2017
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book from the author
Wow this was a fantastic read, Deacon and Rita are great characters and they have you hooked from the start
Absolutely loved there happily ever after
Wow this was a fantastic read, Deacon and Rita are great characters and they have you hooked from the start
Absolutely loved there happily ever after
June 19, 2019
I said this several times, I don't mind insta love and with these kind of books I just roll with it BUT it has to be done right and this is unfortunately not that case. Main heroine is just meh and I couldn't stand her. Main hero on the other hand - hell yes.
August 2, 2019
Even though it wasn’t really strong on the fake marriage aspect I really liked it! I loved all the characters except the in-laws. Their actions throughout the story just pissed me off!
August 23, 2023
Cheesy, predictable, steamy, and enjoyable. An easy read overall, although I’d have preferred it to be a little longer.
September 3, 2024
I absolutely loved Deacon and Rita! I’m so glad they had one another! These two were so much fun! 🥰
April 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book, I would have given it more stars but unfortunately it was to short for me. Once I had really gotten interested in the characters it seemed to be at the end of the book.
I have given it 3 stars because even though it was a short story for me it was good, I love the alpha male lead especially when they show a softer side towards their children.
If you are looking for a enjoyable quick read this is the book for you :D
I have given it 3 stars because even though it was a short story for me it was good, I love the alpha male lead especially when they show a softer side towards their children.
If you are looking for a enjoyable quick read this is the book for you :D
March 14, 2017
Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of contemporary romances. I did, however, enjoy this one. The hero is a tattoo artist. He has a little girl and is need of a wife. Our heroine is a young proper The Christian woman. The story is somewhat predictable, however, there are some twists and turns. The bad guys are not all that bad. This is a fun read.
March 22, 2017
2 hot reads in 1
I bought this book cause I loved it. The author great a job writing this story.
I liked the first book cause it had all the elements in it to make it worth reading. I bought a second one for my daughter to read.
The second story in this book was about an ex seal. Now that story had me on the edge of my seat through the whole thing. Again a great read.
I bought this book cause I loved it. The author great a job writing this story.
I liked the first book cause it had all the elements in it to make it worth reading. I bought a second one for my daughter to read.
The second story in this book was about an ex seal. Now that story had me on the edge of my seat through the whole thing. Again a great read.
not-happening
March 16, 2017This sounded good, then I read some reviews and kept seeing the term 'good christian girl', started getting doubtful about it but I gave it a shot anyway, hoping it was just a conclusion being drawn based on the good girl part. Nope. Couldn't even get through the sample, she gets referred to as a 'good christian girl' multiple times, even by herself. That just pissed me the fuck off. These stereotypes are what is wrong with society. Being a christian does not make you a good person by default, especially when you don't actually act on those beliefs but just go to your bible study and refer to yourself as one. Guess what? I can sit in a room and read a fucking book too, but somehow it is interpreted differently. Some of the worst people in history have attached that label to themselves and destroyed lives in the name of their god. There is no such thing as a good christian girl. You are either a decent fucking human being or you are not, as simple as that. Religion has nothing to do with it, most of the time it is just used as an excuse to act on their own fucked up moral code. I understand the good girl theme in books, while it never pleases me, it never thoroughly offends me the way a few chapters of this did. This is a sensitive issue for me, it is like music, religion shouldn't play a part, - I am not saying faith cannot be expressed but organised religion should not be so blatant in books, the whole experience of reading is based around the concept of being able to relate to something in the characters, to fill in those little gaps yourself. If it directly affects the storyline then it may be mentioned but to just throw around the word like that just pushes differences away. This is a very similar problem that has been bothering me in music as of late, the amount of bands you can google and the immediate results say 'christian rock/metal/what-the-fuck-ever band'. Who are they trying to convince? If it matters to them why does it matter enough to be in the first google results? There are plenty of bands I listen to that don't feel the need, that don't talk about their beliefs full stop because they know that it can alienate people. Throwing that word around like it means something is criminal. It is implying that the label makes you a better person? So an atheist is automatically a bad person? It's not fucking relevant to the storyline and it is downright offensive. I do not hurt people, I do not steal, I do not cheat, my morals are fine. Yes, this is a bit of a rant, but it is if someone who is tired of being cast as an outsider without a good reason! Just one more point though, to roughly some up what I am saying. Donald trump claims to be a christian. Does that immediately register him as a good person? Or are his actions what he should be held accountable for?
This is not an attack on religion. This is an attack on the labels that society created, and the people that encourage them. Rant over.
The hero was a stereotypical asshole too, no charming banter just straight up being a dickhead. You do not tell someone they have to marry you even though they don't like you, insult them, laugh in the face of their unfortunate circumstances and expect it to work?
There is a difference between enemies-to-lovers and just being a complete asshole who isn't worth the time of day, he doesn't even talk about his daughter in a way to inspire sympathy, just as something that resulted in the need to get married. If your daughter is on the verge of getting taken away from you, you don't just go and bully the person who may be able to help. And just wanting a fake wife? Is that meant to be helpful to his daughters development? This is just nope.
This is not an attack on religion. This is an attack on the labels that society created, and the people that encourage them. Rant over.
The hero was a stereotypical asshole too, no charming banter just straight up being a dickhead. You do not tell someone they have to marry you even though they don't like you, insult them, laugh in the face of their unfortunate circumstances and expect it to work?
There is a difference between enemies-to-lovers and just being a complete asshole who isn't worth the time of day, he doesn't even talk about his daughter in a way to inspire sympathy, just as something that resulted in the need to get married. If your daughter is on the verge of getting taken away from you, you don't just go and bully the person who may be able to help. And just wanting a fake wife? Is that meant to be helpful to his daughters development? This is just nope.
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July 20, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (7/20/2018)!💝
Blurb:
I have one month to find a bride or I lose my daughter.
They say a tattoo artist with a dirty mouth can’t be a kickass father.
Bullsh*t. But my lawyer says I need a wholesome bride to convince the judge.
I know just the perfect girl—hell—I think she might even be a virgin.
Only problem? She’s my sister’s best friend, and she hates my guts.
When my best friend's brother asks me to marry him, I nearly slap him in the face. I’m pretty sure he’s teasing me—just like he always has—but marriage isn’t something to joke about. Not when I’m pushing thirty with no hope in sight. And not when I’ve always had a huge, stupid crush on him.
Then he tells me he’s serious. He needs me to do it so he can keep his daughter.
I have to refuse. He’s always treated me like crap, which makes my feelings toward him even more sad and pathetic.
How can I not have a crush on him though? He’s always wearing a thin, tight undershirt that shows off his cut abs and broad shoulders, and despite what some people say about his chops as a father, he’s as sweet to his daughter as he is mean to me.
Maybe I can say “yes.” I’d be doing it for his daughter, not for him. And I certainly wouldn’t be doing it with the sad hope that he’d look at me as anything other than his sister’s dorky friend—that he’d touch me and make me—no, definitely not that.
Blurb:
I have one month to find a bride or I lose my daughter.
They say a tattoo artist with a dirty mouth can’t be a kickass father.
Bullsh*t. But my lawyer says I need a wholesome bride to convince the judge.
I know just the perfect girl—hell—I think she might even be a virgin.
Only problem? She’s my sister’s best friend, and she hates my guts.
When my best friend's brother asks me to marry him, I nearly slap him in the face. I’m pretty sure he’s teasing me—just like he always has—but marriage isn’t something to joke about. Not when I’m pushing thirty with no hope in sight. And not when I’ve always had a huge, stupid crush on him.
Then he tells me he’s serious. He needs me to do it so he can keep his daughter.
I have to refuse. He’s always treated me like crap, which makes my feelings toward him even more sad and pathetic.
How can I not have a crush on him though? He’s always wearing a thin, tight undershirt that shows off his cut abs and broad shoulders, and despite what some people say about his chops as a father, he’s as sweet to his daughter as he is mean to me.
Maybe I can say “yes.” I’d be doing it for his daughter, not for him. And I certainly wouldn’t be doing it with the sad hope that he’d look at me as anything other than his sister’s dorky friend—that he’d touch me and make me—no, definitely not that.
March 18, 2017
Single Dad’s Bride was a fast, steady-paced, and entertaining read.
Deacon is being challenged for custody of his six-year-old daughter by his late wife’s parents, who are trying to paint him as an unfit father because he’s a tattoo artist whose shop is right next door to his house, clients have gotten into fights, and he’s covered in ink himself and rides a motorcycle. His lawyer suggests that he find a “wholesome” wife – even if the marriage itself is only pretend – so that the judge will have no reason not to rule in his favor. His sister Anna’s friend Rita, who just recently got fired from selling insurance because she refused to sucker people out of their hard-earned money to buy bad policies, ends up fitting the definition of “wholesome.” Rita isn’t convinced she wants anything to do with the idea. Though Deacon is a hot guy and she’s sort of had a crush on him for years, he’s teased her mercilessly since she was in high school and never really been very nice to her. Jealousy rears its ugly head and Rita backtracks, though, when she introduces him to a “wholesome” girl in her church’s Bible study and she’s obviously interested in becoming Deacon’s token wife and a whole lot more. By this point, Deacon has finally realized that somehow he overlooked Rita’s many virtues and physical assets until now, and is thrilled when she agrees to tie the knot. Will they find that they have feelings for one another when they take a short honeymoon?
Deacon’s daughter, Elsie, is an engaging and likable little girl, and though she plays an integral role, she doesn’t come off as bratty or a scene-stealer. She actually seems pretty genuine for her age and accurately interprets much of what’s happening around her for what it is, specifically her grandparents’ manipulative, selfish, and condescending behavior and her dad’s genuine love and human decency.
The plot device entwining the grandparents and their compulsive actions, child protective services, and the various legal muscle was an original idea, as was the slant to finding a wholesome wife by attending Bible study. This was a well thought-out story with original characters, spunky, humorous, and spirited banter, a down-to-earth and caring dad with authentically sounding dialogue, sweet and natural relationship development, and a romantic, family-driven HEA.
Deacon is being challenged for custody of his six-year-old daughter by his late wife’s parents, who are trying to paint him as an unfit father because he’s a tattoo artist whose shop is right next door to his house, clients have gotten into fights, and he’s covered in ink himself and rides a motorcycle. His lawyer suggests that he find a “wholesome” wife – even if the marriage itself is only pretend – so that the judge will have no reason not to rule in his favor. His sister Anna’s friend Rita, who just recently got fired from selling insurance because she refused to sucker people out of their hard-earned money to buy bad policies, ends up fitting the definition of “wholesome.” Rita isn’t convinced she wants anything to do with the idea. Though Deacon is a hot guy and she’s sort of had a crush on him for years, he’s teased her mercilessly since she was in high school and never really been very nice to her. Jealousy rears its ugly head and Rita backtracks, though, when she introduces him to a “wholesome” girl in her church’s Bible study and she’s obviously interested in becoming Deacon’s token wife and a whole lot more. By this point, Deacon has finally realized that somehow he overlooked Rita’s many virtues and physical assets until now, and is thrilled when she agrees to tie the knot. Will they find that they have feelings for one another when they take a short honeymoon?
Deacon’s daughter, Elsie, is an engaging and likable little girl, and though she plays an integral role, she doesn’t come off as bratty or a scene-stealer. She actually seems pretty genuine for her age and accurately interprets much of what’s happening around her for what it is, specifically her grandparents’ manipulative, selfish, and condescending behavior and her dad’s genuine love and human decency.
The plot device entwining the grandparents and their compulsive actions, child protective services, and the various legal muscle was an original idea, as was the slant to finding a wholesome wife by attending Bible study. This was a well thought-out story with original characters, spunky, humorous, and spirited banter, a down-to-earth and caring dad with authentically sounding dialogue, sweet and natural relationship development, and a romantic, family-driven HEA.
March 17, 2017
"'You always had a crush on me,' he says. 'You must have at least fantasized about it,'" - Deacon
This was an enchanting, utterly delightful, well-written romance that had all the necessary elements for terrific entertainment. I just love the way Melinda Minx combines a great story with laugh out loud situations and pulse pounding action, dirty sweet seduction and blisteringly hot erotica.
Everything starts with our seemingly bad, "bad boy". Deacon (ah such a great name) is a " tatted up", every ab muscled defined ending in that oh so sexy "V", and thick beautiful biceps to hang onto in certain situations. However the sexiest thing about him is how much he loves and cares for his little daughter.
And so begins the trope of his deceased wife's parents out of grief or other, perhaps even, nefarious purposes challenging Deacon for custody of his daughter. Their claim is that his tattoo business attracts unsavory characters and this is an unhealthy influence on the little girl. So, on advice from his attorney, he " fake" marries an acquaintance who is his sister's prudish (or so it seems) friend, Rita, to appear stable and settled before the judge who is deciding the motion before the court.
Well, despite himself and despite beautiful Rita's denial, there is chemistry. Most deliciously written by Ms. Minx is the slow, sweet but definitely dirty, mutual seduction occurring between the both of them. The full on culmination of said seduction is toe-curling, pantingly, and panty-meltingly beautiful erotica.
The story itself becomes dramatically engrossing as the relationship between Deacon and Rita blooms into reality. The writing is superb as the reader finds themselves laughing, smiling and breathless for the excitement.
This edition I purchased came with another story written by the author, "Smoulder". I was equally enthralled with this tale involving another sex on a plate hero bad boy needing a quick "fake" wife. Again the writer blends excellent storytelling with hot, hot...I'm melting or maybe it's just my panties, hot erotica.
So you have it...double the pleasure...double the fun...Seems I heard that somewhere. Now, I am just dating myself. I have to say it is a great fun to get two for one...click
This was an enchanting, utterly delightful, well-written romance that had all the necessary elements for terrific entertainment. I just love the way Melinda Minx combines a great story with laugh out loud situations and pulse pounding action, dirty sweet seduction and blisteringly hot erotica.
Everything starts with our seemingly bad, "bad boy". Deacon (ah such a great name) is a " tatted up", every ab muscled defined ending in that oh so sexy "V", and thick beautiful biceps to hang onto in certain situations. However the sexiest thing about him is how much he loves and cares for his little daughter.
And so begins the trope of his deceased wife's parents out of grief or other, perhaps even, nefarious purposes challenging Deacon for custody of his daughter. Their claim is that his tattoo business attracts unsavory characters and this is an unhealthy influence on the little girl. So, on advice from his attorney, he " fake" marries an acquaintance who is his sister's prudish (or so it seems) friend, Rita, to appear stable and settled before the judge who is deciding the motion before the court.
Well, despite himself and despite beautiful Rita's denial, there is chemistry. Most deliciously written by Ms. Minx is the slow, sweet but definitely dirty, mutual seduction occurring between the both of them. The full on culmination of said seduction is toe-curling, pantingly, and panty-meltingly beautiful erotica.
The story itself becomes dramatically engrossing as the relationship between Deacon and Rita blooms into reality. The writing is superb as the reader finds themselves laughing, smiling and breathless for the excitement.
This edition I purchased came with another story written by the author, "Smoulder". I was equally enthralled with this tale involving another sex on a plate hero bad boy needing a quick "fake" wife. Again the writer blends excellent storytelling with hot, hot...I'm melting or maybe it's just my panties, hot erotica.
So you have it...double the pleasure...double the fun...Seems I heard that somewhere. Now, I am just dating myself. I have to say it is a great fun to get two for one...click
March 17, 2017
Deacon lost his wife and is dealing with her parents who want to take his daughter away from him and raise her as they see fit. But he loves his daughter and wants to be the best dad he can be for her. But his job as a tattoo artist can bring some unsavory characters around – and his workplace is next to his house, posing a possible risk to his daughter’s safety. He has to always make sure not to draw unwanted attention from his in-laws who would use it against him. Then his lawyer called to warn him he had 30 days to find a decent, wholesome wife! It had to look real, a stable marriage to provide a decent home for Elsie. Otherwise, her grandparents would get custody!
While Deacon is facing this impossible task, his sister’s friend, Rita, tries to do the right thing for her insurance buyers. The company pushes cheap but ineffective policies; but her conscience won’t let her cheat them like that. Finally her boss fires her. When she goes home, she sees an eviction notice. Owing 3 months’ back rent, she has to move out. So she goes to see Anna – who lives with her brother, Deacon! Rita and Deacon have not gotten along well, but Anna offers to let her move in with them. She’s not sure yet if she is that desperate!
Deacon asks Anna for help finding a fake wife! They finally realize that Rita would be perfect -- if they can stand each other long enough! As expected, Rita refuses the fake marriage, but offers to take Deacon to Bible study to meet eligible women. But Rita was annoyed at the flirting and finally decided to take Deacon up on his offer. It’s only for Elsie, right? She can do this!
This was a cute story. I was surprised that I like it so much, right from the start. The main characters have good hearts and the reader will cheer for them. Definitely worth the read! I voluntarily read a review copy of this book and my comments reflect my honest opinion.
While Deacon is facing this impossible task, his sister’s friend, Rita, tries to do the right thing for her insurance buyers. The company pushes cheap but ineffective policies; but her conscience won’t let her cheat them like that. Finally her boss fires her. When she goes home, she sees an eviction notice. Owing 3 months’ back rent, she has to move out. So she goes to see Anna – who lives with her brother, Deacon! Rita and Deacon have not gotten along well, but Anna offers to let her move in with them. She’s not sure yet if she is that desperate!
Deacon asks Anna for help finding a fake wife! They finally realize that Rita would be perfect -- if they can stand each other long enough! As expected, Rita refuses the fake marriage, but offers to take Deacon to Bible study to meet eligible women. But Rita was annoyed at the flirting and finally decided to take Deacon up on his offer. It’s only for Elsie, right? She can do this!
This was a cute story. I was surprised that I like it so much, right from the start. The main characters have good hearts and the reader will cheer for them. Definitely worth the read! I voluntarily read a review copy of this book and my comments reflect my honest opinion.
May 9, 2019
This was a surprisingly good short story with a lot of heart and strings that tug at your heart. If you have ever been in the middle of a child custody fight, you can never really know one hundred percent how it feels to have your heart cut out. No matter which party you are in this case the child, the parent, or the grandparent. It is a monster all of its own.
In this case, Deacon Shepard a widower of three years, raising his six-year-old daughter, Elsie. After his wife, Stacy passed his sister, Anna moved in to help him. Being a tattoo artist, he does very well for himself, so he was able to have a shop that was connected to his large home. Which gives him greater time to spend with Elsie. Being it’s just him he can make his own hours and pick and choose his own clients.
Most of all he can provide the best for his daughter as well as a safe environment. But Stacy’s parents weren’t satisfied with the normal grandparent time. They are appalled by the profession, Deacon is in.
They feel that he is raising Elsie like a boy because she wears shorts and tee shirts and not dresses. That they need to have her so they can get her into beauty pageants, so she knows how to be a young lady.
Hence a court battle where they start a ruthless effort to prove him an unfit parent. Where his lawyer tells him to find a wife quick, fake or otherwise. Just not one of his tattooed chicks. After a discussion with his sister, Anna an ER nurse, and she tells him no single friends on the job sorry.
He asks her to think. The only one she can think of is the one woman that hates his guts, Rita Riela, her childhood friend. This is the girl Deacon had always teased and made her feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. But he was desperate, and he was prepared to gravel for the sake of his daughter.
Rita deep down had always secretly crushed on, Deacon. He had not cared about Rita at all. Not even as Anna’s friend. He had always made hurtful digs at her to make her feel less than or uncomfortable. It worked then. Now, not so much. She may appear meek and mild and the good Christian girl, but Deacon has another think coming.
This turned out to be a much better book than I thought it was going to be. The characters were fun and caring. As well as funny. You could also feel their vulnerability and pain.
The author had me all the way until Texas. The road trip idea made no sense whatsoever to me. It was like she ran out of ideas and like throw it in. The epilogue tried to wrap things up just a little to fast with no real lead-in for the reader as to the time lapse. But I did not count off for these things since the rest was so solid of a story. (Side note: Sexually charged read.)
I give this: 5 stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
In this case, Deacon Shepard a widower of three years, raising his six-year-old daughter, Elsie. After his wife, Stacy passed his sister, Anna moved in to help him. Being a tattoo artist, he does very well for himself, so he was able to have a shop that was connected to his large home. Which gives him greater time to spend with Elsie. Being it’s just him he can make his own hours and pick and choose his own clients.
Most of all he can provide the best for his daughter as well as a safe environment. But Stacy’s parents weren’t satisfied with the normal grandparent time. They are appalled by the profession, Deacon is in.
They feel that he is raising Elsie like a boy because she wears shorts and tee shirts and not dresses. That they need to have her so they can get her into beauty pageants, so she knows how to be a young lady.
Hence a court battle where they start a ruthless effort to prove him an unfit parent. Where his lawyer tells him to find a wife quick, fake or otherwise. Just not one of his tattooed chicks. After a discussion with his sister, Anna an ER nurse, and she tells him no single friends on the job sorry.
He asks her to think. The only one she can think of is the one woman that hates his guts, Rita Riela, her childhood friend. This is the girl Deacon had always teased and made her feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. But he was desperate, and he was prepared to gravel for the sake of his daughter.
Rita deep down had always secretly crushed on, Deacon. He had not cared about Rita at all. Not even as Anna’s friend. He had always made hurtful digs at her to make her feel less than or uncomfortable. It worked then. Now, not so much. She may appear meek and mild and the good Christian girl, but Deacon has another think coming.
This turned out to be a much better book than I thought it was going to be. The characters were fun and caring. As well as funny. You could also feel their vulnerability and pain.
The author had me all the way until Texas. The road trip idea made no sense whatsoever to me. It was like she ran out of ideas and like throw it in. The epilogue tried to wrap things up just a little to fast with no real lead-in for the reader as to the time lapse. But I did not count off for these things since the rest was so solid of a story. (Side note: Sexually charged read.)
I give this: 5 stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
March 6, 2025
DNF @ 69%
Both of these characters suck. Deacon is an asshole, he’s always picked on his sister’s best friend and not in a good natured way, in a way that was him being a prick for no reason. But now he’s marrying her he’s “finally seeing her as a woman”.
Rita has the world’s biggest stick up her ass. She has no job, no working car and now she’s being evicted yet she’s judging Deacon for “ruining the sanctity of marriage” so he can keep his daughter. The saying about rocks and glass houses springs to mind. She’s religious and is the type of religious that looks down on other people whose values don’t aline with hers.
She’s always found Deacon attractive but she is very inexperienced and doesn’t like him as a person so she’s awkward and defensive.
For saying this sham is so he can keep his daughter she’s not in it much and she is pawned off on Anna (his sister) a lot of the time. And Elsie (Daughter) is 6 and they tell the 6 year old that the marriage is pretend. Yeah, cause that’s a grand idea.
Both her parents and his late wife’s parents are all misogynistic as fuck. Rita’s parents want her to be a gold digger trophy wife and are just thrilled that her new husband is rich. Whereas his late wife’s parents think helping with homework is a woman’s job and he’s not fit to raise a child alone because he’s a man. Yet they want poor Elsie to be a pageant princess when she hates it. Literally everyone in this book sucks, the only exceptions are Anna and Elsie and that’s because we aren’t given enough of them to get to know them.
There were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes as well which I would usually overlook but in a book that was annoying me as much as this one, it’s just another nail in the coffin.
Both of these characters suck. Deacon is an asshole, he’s always picked on his sister’s best friend and not in a good natured way, in a way that was him being a prick for no reason. But now he’s marrying her he’s “finally seeing her as a woman”.
Rita has the world’s biggest stick up her ass. She has no job, no working car and now she’s being evicted yet she’s judging Deacon for “ruining the sanctity of marriage” so he can keep his daughter. The saying about rocks and glass houses springs to mind. She’s religious and is the type of religious that looks down on other people whose values don’t aline with hers.
She’s always found Deacon attractive but she is very inexperienced and doesn’t like him as a person so she’s awkward and defensive.
For saying this sham is so he can keep his daughter she’s not in it much and she is pawned off on Anna (his sister) a lot of the time. And Elsie (Daughter) is 6 and they tell the 6 year old that the marriage is pretend. Yeah, cause that’s a grand idea.
Both her parents and his late wife’s parents are all misogynistic as fuck. Rita’s parents want her to be a gold digger trophy wife and are just thrilled that her new husband is rich. Whereas his late wife’s parents think helping with homework is a woman’s job and he’s not fit to raise a child alone because he’s a man. Yet they want poor Elsie to be a pageant princess when she hates it. Literally everyone in this book sucks, the only exceptions are Anna and Elsie and that’s because we aren’t given enough of them to get to know them.
There were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes as well which I would usually overlook but in a book that was annoying me as much as this one, it’s just another nail in the coffin.
November 1, 2021
This isn't a favorite of mine, especially when it comes to the single dad troupe. I really dislike when authors have a single parent theme but they don't really add the child character into any of the relationship drama. The children are more of a cure factor then a development. It's just incredibly unrealistic for such a young kid to simple take such big changes with ease. It also means there is no real connection for the new parent and the child to build. No growth or realization of love.
However what this book lacked in relationship development made up for in plot. The custody battle was really good for a plot including all the underhanded methods of trying to get the kid. I also just enjoyed the more simple scenes such as the couple on their honeymoon playing Chicken. These little things were wholesome and made for a cute read.
The last thing i will complain about in this story, is way more personal. So don't be upset when i say i didn't enjoy all the religious talk and bible quotes throughout this read. I understand it was a big part of Rita's character but as an Atheist i just found it to be over the top and made Rita more judgmental than anything. I also didn't enjoy her basically "Virgin" troupe. I don't think it's appropriate to make purity hypersexual. But i understand it's a book and an erotica at best.
Overall this was an okay read to pass the time but it's not something i would recommend or even re-read.
However what this book lacked in relationship development made up for in plot. The custody battle was really good for a plot including all the underhanded methods of trying to get the kid. I also just enjoyed the more simple scenes such as the couple on their honeymoon playing Chicken. These little things were wholesome and made for a cute read.
The last thing i will complain about in this story, is way more personal. So don't be upset when i say i didn't enjoy all the religious talk and bible quotes throughout this read. I understand it was a big part of Rita's character but as an Atheist i just found it to be over the top and made Rita more judgmental than anything. I also didn't enjoy her basically "Virgin" troupe. I don't think it's appropriate to make purity hypersexual. But i understand it's a book and an erotica at best.
Overall this was an okay read to pass the time but it's not something i would recommend or even re-read.
July 25, 2021
This was one of the most poorly edited books I've read in a long time. I try not to demand perfection from anyone, but there are some mistakes that should have been caught with a simple readthrough before publishing.
Behold this gem from chapter 26:
I'll stop there because I'm merciful, but this continues for several more paragraphs. And, no, this isn't a disturbed individual talking to themselves. This is a conversation between the two main characters. In my opinion, the story was not worth the effort, but if you like this sort of puzzle built into your book's dialogue, be happy: the author does it again in the epilogue.
It's a shame because, overall, the book wasn't bad. These errors are just distracting and irritating.
Behold this gem from chapter 26:
I'll stop there because I'm merciful, but this continues for several more paragraphs. And, no, this isn't a disturbed individual talking to themselves. This is a conversation between the two main characters. In my opinion, the story was not worth the effort, but if you like this sort of puzzle built into your book's dialogue, be happy: the author does it again in the epilogue.
It's a shame because, overall, the book wasn't bad. These errors are just distracting and irritating.
July 8, 2017
Wow
Single dad's bride is amazing. I had a good time reading this book. There was some errors,but over all Ms. Minx did her job amazingly. I was so blown away by Deacon. I love him from the very beginning of the book to the end. At times I wanted to slap him for being so mean to Rita, but it turnout amazing in the end. I did want to seriously slap Rita she was so annoying that she kept bugging deacon over and over over some stupid stuff and I want to like say get off your high horse that's in the past but I can understand what she was coming from but at times I wanted to knock her out to his like the beacon alone. Elsie was my favorite she was amazing little girl with really loved her dad and Annie was funny as hell being in Rita's best friend and deacons little sister that was amazing I had a good time reading this book.
Single dad's bride is amazing. I had a good time reading this book. There was some errors,but over all Ms. Minx did her job amazingly. I was so blown away by Deacon. I love him from the very beginning of the book to the end. At times I wanted to slap him for being so mean to Rita, but it turnout amazing in the end. I did want to seriously slap Rita she was so annoying that she kept bugging deacon over and over over some stupid stuff and I want to like say get off your high horse that's in the past but I can understand what she was coming from but at times I wanted to knock her out to his like the beacon alone. Elsie was my favorite she was amazing little girl with really loved her dad and Annie was funny as hell being in Rita's best friend and deacons little sister that was amazing I had a good time reading this book.
June 21, 2017
Book: Single Dad's Bride by Melinda Minx
Published: March 12th, 2017
Pages: 378
Genres: Romance, Erotica, Freebie on Amazon
Format: Kindle
Date Read: March 28, 2017-June 21st, 2017
Rating: 3 Stars
I read this book almost in one sitting and truly enjoyed it. I loved Deacon, I thought Rita was a decent heroine and I absolutely adored little Elsie! My only issue with this book is it was very short and I would have liked to have seen the storyline more fleshed out. I don't like it when there is no build up between the hero and heroine and they fall into insta-love.
That being said, I did enjoy this story and definitely wouldn't mind reading it again!
This review can also be found on my blog The Book Potato
Published: March 12th, 2017
Pages: 378
Genres: Romance, Erotica, Freebie on Amazon
Format: Kindle
Date Read: March 28, 2017-June 21st, 2017
Rating: 3 Stars
I read this book almost in one sitting and truly enjoyed it. I loved Deacon, I thought Rita was a decent heroine and I absolutely adored little Elsie! My only issue with this book is it was very short and I would have liked to have seen the storyline more fleshed out. I don't like it when there is no build up between the hero and heroine and they fall into insta-love.
That being said, I did enjoy this story and definitely wouldn't mind reading it again!
This review can also be found on my blog The Book Potato
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