Defining Dallas

Reason to Ruin #4

by Anna Brooks

I had no clue that the guy who saved me from a terrible blind date was a rock star. Imagine my surprise when I saw him front and center the next night, seducing the crowd the same way he seduced me.

The last thing I wanted was to come face to face with him for the meet and greet, but I worked overtime to be able to afford the tickets, there was no way I was missing a once in a life time opportunity for my son to meet his idol.

That was when Dallas decided seeing me again was more than a coincidence, and it meant that we were supposed to be together because he molded his way into our life faster than I thought possible. My son began to rely on him. I started to trust him. He showed me that he was perfect… until I discovered that he was too good to be true.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

Published March 31, 2020

About the author

Be sure to follow me on Bookbub for sales and new release alerts! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...



The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance.
Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels.
When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering.
She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.

Reviews

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet ending to this series. Words that Shelby is regretting, saying she is a vegetarian when Dallas gets a beautiful prime rib dinner, but he doesn't share! Nice insertion into a relationship, though a teenager, Dallas has to do it as Shelby keeps avoiding him. It takes a lot of convincing and perhaps she wanted to be chased. Lots of sweet moments in this finale and you get to see the other fabulous characters as well, but mostly its all about Dally! Loved the snips of the Ryder brothers and their stories to come. Can't wait.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in the Reason to Ruin series was sweet, heartfelt and full of passion. Dallas aka Mike and Shelby have a chance meeting, one where sparks of chemistry ignite. When fate plays her hand these two have a second chance that Dallas doesn’t plan to let go without a fight. This single mum romance stole my heart and had my heart bursting with how amazing Dallas is with both Shelby and her son Camden. A story that has you swooning and falling in love right alongside the characters. An absolutely beautiful way to finish this series off with an epilogue that adds an extra touch. However it still leaves you with a little heartache knowing it is finally time for the concert to end and you have to say goodbye to a group of characters who stole your heart.

[Sharon Roush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that Anna Brooks did it again, Defining Dallas is a great read, it grabs you from page one and continues till the end. I have loved all the Reason to Ruin series and this one did not disappoint either. I loved how Dallas was with Shelby and her son. It was a great love story and i highly recommend it. I have to say that if you have not read any of this authors books you really need to because she is great.

[Jess Dollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the development of the relationship between Shelby, Cam, and Dallas. It was a short read, but a good one. I am sad to see these characters finished but excited to see glimpses of them throughout her other books. Congrats on another good one Anna.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sighs.  This was such a sweet and fun novella to read. 
The last single member of Reason to Ruin finds his happiness.
It's not often I find myself reading Rockstar romance books with characters so upstanding.  This book is just that.
Dallas, the lead singer of the band Reason to Ruin, meets his match in this addictive, fast reading novella.
This swoon worthy story will give you all the happy feels.
Dallas is one stand up man. I loved this book so much.  It totally pulls at your heartstrings. I could totally read 50 more books from characters in this series. I highly recommend reading all the books in the series. 5stars

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 Stars

What a cute story…. I loved it. It was a no over the top drama, no OW. It was super sweet and sexy and it was read in one go 😊 ♥.
Dallas is the lead singer of Reason to Ruin and now that all his band mates has settled down, he kind of feels like the playboy musician is not him anymore. So when he meets a women at a bar in desperate need of a bail out from an awful blind setup he feels like he met the women of his dreams. After they decide to have dinner together, she sort of brushes him. But to his surprise he sees her the next night at his concert… with her son. And he knows this is his moment to not let her go again 😊

Shelby is a single mom who doesn’t have time for anything else besides her son and supporting him. She has so many extra jobs she does that keeps her busy and helps her provide for him. So when she meets a single playboy Rockstar, she needs to decide if he is the one for her and her and if she can trust him with not just her heart but her son’s too?

This was so cute. I loved that Dallas never gave Shelby a chance to run away from her feelings for him. Even when she wasn’t sure of him he was the one that kept on trying and just reassured her that he was in it for the long haul. This was a easy read and it was not just sweet, with Shelby’s son, Camden, but also hot and steamy. And I loved the epilogue where you saw how the rest of the band was doing 😊 ♥

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas, Shelby, & Cam's Story . . .

Dallas and Shelby were awesome, and I loved their story from the first page to the last! Dallas is an amazing character who is everything you could want in a guy. I melted at the way he acted with Shelby’s son who adored him. Even the way Shelby first met Dallas, he was a hero. She had a blind date she wanted to get rid of. A terrific guy saved her, and she had no idea he was the rock star she would be seeing the next night on stage!

Shelby had gotten tickets by working overtime so she could take her son, Cam, to meet his idol. Dallas was delighted to see her again. Both Shelby and Cam grew closer and closer to him as he was reliable and always there for them. But did she stop and think what life with a rock star would mean? Would she stop what was happening between them? Was it already too late to leave without getting hurt? Or has Dallas already arranged a HEA for new family?

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Rock Romance

Dallas is the lead singer in Reason to Ruin and the rest of his bandmates have settled down so the playboy lifestyle is getting a little old and he’s ready for his turn at happiness. Shelby is a single mom working hard to provide for her son Camden which makes her leery of any dating life. They meet at a bar when it’s Dallas to the rescue when he sees this woman looking for an out of a horrendous blind date. Shelby has no idea who Dallas is until the next night when she and her son go to a Reason to Ruin concert. Two things happen that night with Dallas not willing to let Shelby walk away again and Shelby thinking that a rock star lifestyle isn’t her thing.

This was sweet and steamy at the same time. I loved how Dallas never gave up and finally gets his HEA. I have really like this whole series and recommend the other books as well.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book after reading the previous one in the series, which had been my first read by this author, and which I loved. This one felt really short, it only took me a couple of hours to read from start to finish. The characters were great, it had a good storyline, however, it just felt like the timeline was off. It was like Dallas and Shelby got together about 4 times total during which time he managed to forge a strong relationship with her son, fell in love with her, and decided he wanted to be with her forever. And I just couldn’t wrap my head around how it all happened in such a short period of time. It gave the impression there hadn’t been much character growth, especially after the awesomeness that had been the previous book. I seriously don’t think it even covered a month, then boom, it was epilogue time, and it was all over. I did like the epilogue, and, since I’m assuming this is the end of the series, there was a cute and short conclusion to each couple from the previous books.

[Raelyn Tweedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, loving and sexy. I enjoyed this book and it was a good way to end the series

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

One meeting was enough to have memories for life
But two in as many days is more than a coincidence.
He sees it as a sign and promplty injects his life with theirs. The difference in their lives is evident but the chance is taken. Life seems seamless now until the mask comes off and his nature is revealed. She is in deep their lives are connected, can she walk away, will he let them

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five amazing stars. Grabbed my attention from the first page. Many ups and downs throughout the story to keep it interesting. Author did a great job telling the characters story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Ruin Me Dallas Stars!!! OMG... I loved Dallas's story!!! I was hooked!

Dallas is the lead singer of Reason to Ruin and now that his whole band has settled down for the most part, he's feeling a little lonely. He's ready to maybe settle down too, living the rockstar life isn't the same anymore. Out at a bar one night, he meets Shelby who's on a nightmare blind date and needs an out. Shelby is a single mom, who works a ton of jobs to keep her son's life stable. She has the tendency to run from her feelings and there's no way she's falling for a rockstar! But we all know that isn't going to happen!

I loved Dallas... love isn't a strong enough word really, but it worls for now. Dallas was amazing, he's so sweet and I love that he refuses to let Stella run anytime she has feelings. I've been waiting for Dallas's story and let me tell you it didn't disappoint!!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas & Shelby had an entertaining book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
A very well written story that tugged at my heartstrings. I loved the characters, the storyline and the ending was wonderful. I thought the author crafted a story that had a wonderfully engaging presence on the page.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story and conclusion to this series. Dallas and Shelby’s journey is rocky. Shelby has been hurt before and Dallas has to work hard to get her to take a risk. I love that Shelby did not give in straight away and how Dallas is with her son. A great read!!!

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dallas and Shelby from the start their connection was instant not only between them but also between Dallas and her son.
The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. I would have liked it to be longer. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defining Dallas Was an amazing wonderful interesting beautiful heartwarming romance story with entertaining characters

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story. This is a deal breaker for me. This was a really good story. I read it in one sitting. 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Caprio Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Anna Brooks writes a rockstar love story that is what I have come to anticipate from her. Dallas and Shelby have chemistry that is off the chart and the story is as old as time... boy sees girl, wants girl and spends his time showing her how they belong together. Anna Brooks blows my mind everytime I read her story's and I always look forward to the next book.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has pulled us into the lives of Dallas/Mike and Shelby and never lets go. He has decided that she belongs in his life but she is not willing since she is a single mother. Dallas is going to do whatever he needs to in order to convince her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and sweet story. I loved the characters. I loved the connection and the chemistry. A great story like that pulls at you. It’s a charming and entertaining read.

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️ Dallas, he is a force of nature that is impossible to resist.
Even for Shelby, a single mother who goes out of her way every day to raise her child.
From the moment they meet, when Dallas saves her from a disastrous blind date, he falls for her and the opportunity to show her how much present when she attend one of his concerts.
Although at first Dallas seems to speak more to Camden, Shelby’s son, he quickly make it clear how interested he is in having a relationship with he, although he will have to get Shelby to overcome some of her fears and insecurities.
Although it’s a short story, it’s very romantic, sweet and super🔥🔥.
You are going to ❤️it.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
“You’re right,” he repeats, pulling me out of the trance I’m in. I whip my head up. “Right about what?” “He wouldn’t be able to find your clit… or make you come. I could, though. I could do it right now. Just standing here without even taking your tight-ass jeans off.” He brings his hand around to join the other on my butt and pulls me into him, my hips colliding with his. He rubs his hardness against me, and I gasp at the feel of his large bulge beneath his jeans. “I could do it with my cock. My hand. I could do it with my mouth.” Then he slams his lips to mine, demanding entry and leaving me no choice but to comply, not that I’d say no to him kissing me. “The question is, which one do you want?”
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

“This is the only time I’m gonna say this, so I want you to listen and listen good. I don’t want skank ass groupies, Shelby. I want you. I want your humor and your heart and everything else that makes up who you are. And yeah, I want your pussy. I can only communicate that to you in so many ways, and since what I’ve been doing so far hasn’t worked, it’s time I take another approach and take you.”

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in A Reason To Ruin Series and it is Dallas and Shelby's story. Shelby is a single mum to Camden and while she was on a blind date things took a turn for the worse and it is Dallas that steps in to help her but what Shelby didn't realise until the next day when she took her son Camden to a concert was that Dallas is a famous rock star and she decided to keep her distance from Dallas as she had her son to think about and she wasn't willing to risk getting a broken heart. Dallas is a famous rock star and now all his band mates have settled down and found there happy ending he realised that he wants the same thing as well and when he meets Shelby he knows that he has found the woman that he wants to spend his life with but things don't always go as planned but Dallas is determined to prove and fight for Shelby and he there for her and her son Camden as well but will it all turn out for them or not. I absolutely loved this book so much and I found myself cheering them along so that they could be together as a family. Anna Brooks is a brilliant author and writer and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this novella rounding out the boys from Reason to Ruin! After falling in love with the rest of the band members, I was excited to finally get to know Dallas and Anna did not disappoint! Finding out that her blind date wasn’t who he was portrayed to be, Shelby panics when she is spotted in the restaurant, but thankfully a stranger helps her out and she ends up having dinner with him. That stranger just happens to be Dallas, who she doesn’t recognize and as they get to know each other throughout dinner, the sparks and chemistry fly, but Shelby ends up walking away at the end of the night. The next day at his concert, Dallas sees Shelby and her son, and when her son panics and runs, Dallas helps her find him and exchanges numbers. Thankfully, Shelby’s son plays matchmaker of sorts by not listening to his mom and continuing to contact Dallas, and he doesn’t mind since he reminds him a lot of himself. Inserting himself into Shelby’s life and determined to get a chance with her, Dallas finally wears her down and while they go through a few misunderstandings, they end up with a HEA they both deserve. Loved this series and I hope to hear more from them in the future!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s nice to read a rockstar romance with a lead male character who is really a straight-up good guy. This book is a novella so everything happened on a tight timeline, which I found to be a little disconcerting, but the story is so sweet that as the reader I was able to just go with the flow. This is book four in a series. I had not read the other books, but I was still able to thoroughly enjoy this one.

Dallas, the last single member of a successful band, is feeling like it’s time to start the next phase of his life and move on from his playboy ways. As luck would have it, the opportunity presents itself for him to basically rescue a woman from a terrible blind date. He and Shelby hit it off pretty well, but nothing is planned. Then he sees her and her son at his concert the next night and the rest is history.

Shelby is a super hard working single mom, and she has to figure out if she’s willing to take a chance on Dallas, who certainly wouldn’t seem to be relationship material. This is a quick read, but it’s one that will make you smile as Dallas works to charm Shelby and her son. I’m definitely going to go back and read the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant last book in this series, Dallas (aka Mike) is the last one to settle down and after seeing all of his bandmates happy and in love he realises he wants to as well.

while out one night he sees a woman being harassed by some man and by her body actions he could see she was uncomfortable and when she tells the guy she is with him, Dallas steps up and claims her, she is the most beautiful women he has seen and wants to get to know her better.

Shelby sees the stranger as her means as an out of a blind date with the pervert doctor she is supposed to be seeing, not realising how much the handsome stranger affects her but she cant have him as she has her son to think about.

watch as the love Develops between Dallas and Shelby and her son, and as he steps up to care for them both.

I have loved all of this series, Cant wait till the next series, once again Anna a perfect story!

[Escape to the pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is teeth rottingly sweet in places as well as panty melting hot in others.

A series finale that can be read as a stand-alone (I haven’t read any of the others and thoroughly enjoyed this book) it’s a single mom/rockstar romance that not only has its own storyline, brings in satisfying interactions with band members from the previous books but also sets the scene nicely for the authors new series. Sounds a lot for a novella doesn’t it...yet it all works so well.

Excellent characters that are well developed and brought to life, Camden is super sweet and his interactions with Dallas/Mike are really well written. Their budding relationship is beautiful.

I loved how independent Shelby was and her determination to provide for her son and how she protected them both by holding Dallas away for a while.

A well written story i’d highly recommend

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment Dallas meets Shelby he knows one night will never be enough, she is the kind of woman you hold onto. But she has her rules about relationships and has a son to think about, so love has always been an after thought. But he is determined to make their second chance meeting a lasting thing... no matter how much sweet talking he has to do!

Defining Dallas is a heartfelt little page-turner that will have you smiling throughout, and it's charming characters will completely steal your heart! This pairing brought lots of life to the pages, the push and pull between them stirred up anticipation and feels, and their interactions not only brought heat, but a few laughs too. It was a perfect romance wrapped up a wonderfully penned little package! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby is in bad date hell but a chance happening has Dallas swooping in to save the day, but she has no clue who he truly is and she has other responsibilities so she walks away. Dallas knows from the instant he sees Shelby she is means so much more to him than anyone has ever and he isn’t willing to let her go. Fate throws these two in each other’s paths over and over again and while they create a friendship there is more dying to come out. Dallas was such an amazing character who loves hard, protects those he loves, and is all around perfection. I did love Shelby and her hardworking ways but at times she was a tad harsh to Dallas because of her own insecurities. This was such a sweet read and Cam stole the show along with Dallas.