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Pine Falls #3
Dating for Keeps
Unlucky in love Lily Baker is ready to get back in the dating game. But her first night out ends with the guy ditching her-in the middle of a dance floor. Wonderful. Public humiliation on top of rejection. And worse, Caleb Willmett, the sexy local contractor with an unfortunate desire to remain single, witnessed the whole thing. But where Lily sees disaster, Caleb finds opportunity. The only long-term relationship Caleb wants is a business partnership with Lily's father, but the man won't give him the time of day. If Lily can arrange a meeting for him, Caleb promises to help her find a guy worth dating. Perfect trade. And this should be easy-just look for someone completely opposite of himself, someone who's willing to settle down. But when Lily unexpectedly captures his heart, playing matchmaker for her becomes the most difficult job he's ever done.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2018
About the author
Coleen Kwan
31 books159 followersColeen Kwan writes contemporary and steampunk romance for Carina Press and Entangled Publishing.
Coleen has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.
Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.
Coleen has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.
Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 30, 2018
Hands down, I loved this story. Lily Baker is a little quirky young woman whose co worker signed her up on a dating site. Lily's dating history has seen better days. Oh she's tried a couple dates here and there and taking this risk is a big leap. You have to read Lily's backstory which is so well written and woven into the story so that you get a much larger view of Lily's life and where she's at now. Meeting a date from the dating site, she runs into Caleb literally, trying to squeeze her compact car into a tight spot when Caleb opens his truck door. Lily already nervous kind of freaks and Caleb talks her down right off her perch. They have met before, at her fathers office. Her dad is a very well known builder in their town and Caleb owns his own contracting business but it entails travel and since his father's stroke he's trying to get closer to home. Rumor has it that Bill Baker is looking for a partner and Caleb can't even get an appointment. Lily is his way in to meet her Dad. Lily's date is a major flop and Caleb saves her from public humiliation that night, dancing her across the floor and right into the night. The two talk and come to a deal of sorts, Caleb will help her find the right dates and "coach" her and in return Lily will help get ready to meet her Dad and put that good word in that Caleb needs.
From there we see these two develop a great friendship that borders on something more. Caleb is a sworn non commitment thanks to his mother leaving them when he was young. Despite his Dad's remarriage and his older sister, Caleb is stuck in that place and unable to move past it. After several not so great dates and a reunion that Lily didn't want to go to but gets railroaded by her best friend in college looms ever closer, Lily is getting nervous.
Caleb decides that he can find someone better than the dating service and so he does and the two hit it off nicely. Caleb's reaction to his own handiwork was less than stellar and pretty obvious he had a problem with Lily's new friend, the one he set her up with. The nice guy, the guy who fit everything on Lily's list. What Lily really wanted was Caleb and as time went on and the two grew closer they became attached and there was some nice moments of some well written steam. Big thumbs up there.
Meanwhile Lily's dad offers him a chance to prove himself to be consider as a partner by finishing a house that needs a months worth of work in two weeks. The new owners are anxious. Meanwhile Dad also expresses his interest in Caleb and Lily's friendship. Caleb is on overload, between trying to finish the house, helping Lily, a piece of his past showing up, Caleb reacts poorly and takes it out on that last person who deserves it. Lily. Lily is devastated. Caleb takes it out on those around him, until his friends call him out on his behavior. Caleb gets a wake up call. When he goes to find Lily, she's gone. Caleb has to make some decisions which will effect his future dramatically. Lots of big questions here and what about Lily?
I hung on every last word in this book. I laughed a lot, these two had some great moments that were so rich and well written. It could not have been better. Coleen Kwan writes a great story always. I loved Lily and Caleb together and of course Noodles. Read the book!!!
4.5 Stars
**advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From there we see these two develop a great friendship that borders on something more. Caleb is a sworn non commitment thanks to his mother leaving them when he was young. Despite his Dad's remarriage and his older sister, Caleb is stuck in that place and unable to move past it. After several not so great dates and a reunion that Lily didn't want to go to but gets railroaded by her best friend in college looms ever closer, Lily is getting nervous.
Caleb decides that he can find someone better than the dating service and so he does and the two hit it off nicely. Caleb's reaction to his own handiwork was less than stellar and pretty obvious he had a problem with Lily's new friend, the one he set her up with. The nice guy, the guy who fit everything on Lily's list. What Lily really wanted was Caleb and as time went on and the two grew closer they became attached and there was some nice moments of some well written steam. Big thumbs up there.
Meanwhile Lily's dad offers him a chance to prove himself to be consider as a partner by finishing a house that needs a months worth of work in two weeks. The new owners are anxious. Meanwhile Dad also expresses his interest in Caleb and Lily's friendship. Caleb is on overload, between trying to finish the house, helping Lily, a piece of his past showing up, Caleb reacts poorly and takes it out on that last person who deserves it. Lily. Lily is devastated. Caleb takes it out on those around him, until his friends call him out on his behavior. Caleb gets a wake up call. When he goes to find Lily, she's gone. Caleb has to make some decisions which will effect his future dramatically. Lots of big questions here and what about Lily?
I hung on every last word in this book. I laughed a lot, these two had some great moments that were so rich and well written. It could not have been better. Coleen Kwan writes a great story always. I loved Lily and Caleb together and of course Noodles. Read the book!!!
4.5 Stars
**advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2018
Lily doesn't have much luck when it comes to dating. She doesn't stop trying though and has signed up for a dating website. Her first date makes her feel terrible about herself, but fortunately that day she also meets a handsome contractor, who's now coming to the rescue. Caleb makes sure Lily is all right. There's something between them, but Caleb isn't interested in relationships, so friendship is a better idea if they want to keep in touch.
Lily's father is looking for a partner. Caleb thinks he's the ideal candidate, but can't get an interview. In exchange for dating advice Lily promises to arrange this for him. Caleb will help Lily to find the ideal partner and she will help him with a solid plan to impress her father. This seems like a great deal. However, Caleb secretly doesn't want Lily to date anyone else and Lily dreams about her new friend a lot more than she does about the men she's going out with. Will their arrangement be a success or will it end in heartbreak?
Dating for Keeps is a wonderful romantic story. It's clear from the start that Lily and Caleb are a great match. Lily is smart, quirky and creative and Caleb is kind, hardworking, loyal and stubborn. They have a fabulous click on many levels and seem to really get each other. That made the story incredibly fun. I like it a lot when the love between two people feels inevitable because the main characters truly belong together. Caleb and Lily have many obstacles to overcome though and I couldn't wait to find out if they'd find happiness with each other.
Coleen Kwan has a lovely warm writing style. Dating for Keeps captivated me straight away and I read the story in one sitting. The settings for Lily's dates are terrific, they work really well and I loved their originality and versatility. The result is a dynamic love story with two sweet main characters. I'm a big fan of endearing feelgood stories and Dating for Keeps definitely falls into that category. It's an amazing heartwarming book.
Lily's father is looking for a partner. Caleb thinks he's the ideal candidate, but can't get an interview. In exchange for dating advice Lily promises to arrange this for him. Caleb will help Lily to find the ideal partner and she will help him with a solid plan to impress her father. This seems like a great deal. However, Caleb secretly doesn't want Lily to date anyone else and Lily dreams about her new friend a lot more than she does about the men she's going out with. Will their arrangement be a success or will it end in heartbreak?
Dating for Keeps is a wonderful romantic story. It's clear from the start that Lily and Caleb are a great match. Lily is smart, quirky and creative and Caleb is kind, hardworking, loyal and stubborn. They have a fabulous click on many levels and seem to really get each other. That made the story incredibly fun. I like it a lot when the love between two people feels inevitable because the main characters truly belong together. Caleb and Lily have many obstacles to overcome though and I couldn't wait to find out if they'd find happiness with each other.
Coleen Kwan has a lovely warm writing style. Dating for Keeps captivated me straight away and I read the story in one sitting. The settings for Lily's dates are terrific, they work really well and I loved their originality and versatility. The result is a dynamic love story with two sweet main characters. I'm a big fan of endearing feelgood stories and Dating for Keeps definitely falls into that category. It's an amazing heartwarming book.
June 6, 2018
Lily Baker is the original odd-ball. Bullied at school, then home-schooled, pet bearded dragon, interested in crocheting, eclectic clothing tastes (think a top made of men's ties and clashing patterns/ colours), and a tendency to say whatever comes into her head when she gets nervous. She's always wanted a sterotypical hallmark movie life: husband, kids, dog, white picket fence and has been pushed into using a dating app by a co-worker and is on her way to meet her date when her car is hit by a truck door opening unexpectedly in the car park. The guy who owns the truck, Caleb Willmett, is a contractor who visited her father's business a few weeks back looking to see if he wanted to enter into a partnership. Caleb is everything she isn't, extremely good looking, confident, known as a player, and no interest in ever settling down (and male, obvs).
When Lily's date goes all wrong Caleb is there to witness it, but rather than mock her he's kind and sympathetic. So she comes up with a kooky plan, Caleb should give her dating advice and in return she will put in a good word for him with her father.
Inevitably as Caleb and Lily spend more time together they feel an attraction, but with diametrically opposed views on marriage it can't go any further, can it? Then a drunken pity-party leads Lily to make up a boyfriend to take to her college reunion ...
I only wish I understood what each of the Entangled imprints mean't - then I would know what to expect. This is a very sweet romance. Nothing more than steamy kisses and a hand on a bare knee and as a consequence it has a slightly unrealistic feel. Also, and this shows how truly shallow I am, I found Lily's clothing choices to be so weird that I couldn't get over it. A grown woman who dresses like an eccentric child - just odd.
I am a fan of Colleen Kwan's novels but this one missed the mark for me - mainly because I'm not a fan of sweet, clean romances and my ambivalence towards Lily rather than an issue with the novel itself.
Recommended for fans of sweet romances.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
When Lily's date goes all wrong Caleb is there to witness it, but rather than mock her he's kind and sympathetic. So she comes up with a kooky plan, Caleb should give her dating advice and in return she will put in a good word for him with her father.
Inevitably as Caleb and Lily spend more time together they feel an attraction, but with diametrically opposed views on marriage it can't go any further, can it? Then a drunken pity-party leads Lily to make up a boyfriend to take to her college reunion ...
I only wish I understood what each of the Entangled imprints mean't - then I would know what to expect. This is a very sweet romance. Nothing more than steamy kisses and a hand on a bare knee and as a consequence it has a slightly unrealistic feel. Also, and this shows how truly shallow I am, I found Lily's clothing choices to be so weird that I couldn't get over it. A grown woman who dresses like an eccentric child - just odd.
I am a fan of Colleen Kwan's novels but this one missed the mark for me - mainly because I'm not a fan of sweet, clean romances and my ambivalence towards Lily rather than an issue with the novel itself.
Recommended for fans of sweet romances.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 22, 2018
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Lily was very unconventional in how she dressed and saw life. She was quirky and fun. Smart and kind. ONly no one really saw her this way when it came to guys. Even when in high school she wasn’t seen in any way but different and strange. so upon meeting Caleb and seeing he liked her for her she freaked out. It was a meet cute and continued to be one long meet cute as Caleb helped Lily find her way and see that it was okay to be herself. How did he do this?
He became her dating coach. In return she helped him with getting a meeting with her dad for a shot at being his partner. Only for Caleb it meant more. It meant a chance to be there more for his dad and family. Something he truly wanted.
Caleb was hard working, kind and caring. He saw Lily for the gem she was and respected her. He liked her for her and not what she can do for him. ONly he didn’t want to be with a woman seriously. His mom kind of has him feeling damaged and he doesn’t want to hurt someone like his dad was. You see the growing attraction and love happening between him and Lily as he helps her get ready for one disastrous date after another. We even see a jealous streak occur in him but he keeps his distance. Not because he wants to but because of fear.
Things to come to a head and we do see mistakes but they are rectified with a grand gesture. ONe that has you laugh and swoon at the same time.
A sweet fun story of love, friendship and wanting more. Of family and hard work and earning your success. Where the characters have you love them and the story has you endeared to them and rooting for a HEA.
Lily was very unconventional in how she dressed and saw life. She was quirky and fun. Smart and kind. ONly no one really saw her this way when it came to guys. Even when in high school she wasn’t seen in any way but different and strange. so upon meeting Caleb and seeing he liked her for her she freaked out. It was a meet cute and continued to be one long meet cute as Caleb helped Lily find her way and see that it was okay to be herself. How did he do this?
He became her dating coach. In return she helped him with getting a meeting with her dad for a shot at being his partner. Only for Caleb it meant more. It meant a chance to be there more for his dad and family. Something he truly wanted.
Caleb was hard working, kind and caring. He saw Lily for the gem she was and respected her. He liked her for her and not what she can do for him. ONly he didn’t want to be with a woman seriously. His mom kind of has him feeling damaged and he doesn’t want to hurt someone like his dad was. You see the growing attraction and love happening between him and Lily as he helps her get ready for one disastrous date after another. We even see a jealous streak occur in him but he keeps his distance. Not because he wants to but because of fear.
Things to come to a head and we do see mistakes but they are rectified with a grand gesture. ONe that has you laugh and swoon at the same time.
A sweet fun story of love, friendship and wanting more. Of family and hard work and earning your success. Where the characters have you love them and the story has you endeared to them and rooting for a HEA.
June 8, 2018
#DatingForKeeps #NetGalley
publisher synopsis: Unlucky in love Lily Baker is ready to get back in the dating game. But her first night out ends with the guy ditching her—in the middle of a dance floor. Wonderful. Public humiliation on top of rejection. And worse, Caleb Willmett, the sexy local contractor with an unfortunate desire to remain single, witnessed the whole thing. But where Lily sees disaster, Caleb finds opportunity.
The only long-term relationship Caleb wants is a business partnership with Lily’s father, but the man won’t give him the time of day. If Lily can arrange a meeting for him, Caleb promises to help her find a guy worth dating. Perfect trade. And this should be easy—just look for someone completely opposite of himself, someone who’s willing to settle down.
But when Lily unexpectedly captures his heart, playing matchmaker for her becomes the most difficult job he’s ever done.
I liked that lily was her own person, she didn't try to conform to society for the most point. But she did feel the pressure to fit in and in a weak moment made up a boyfriend. Caleb tries to help her find the right guy while Lily help him win over her father. There is undeniable attraction between the two. I just wish they would figure things out before hurting Ryan. I also felt like the ending was rushed. The reunion that was made a big deal, along with Sheri, were hardly mentioned at all. There were a couple of details at the end that could have been explained and it would have added to the story.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
publisher synopsis: Unlucky in love Lily Baker is ready to get back in the dating game. But her first night out ends with the guy ditching her—in the middle of a dance floor. Wonderful. Public humiliation on top of rejection. And worse, Caleb Willmett, the sexy local contractor with an unfortunate desire to remain single, witnessed the whole thing. But where Lily sees disaster, Caleb finds opportunity.
The only long-term relationship Caleb wants is a business partnership with Lily’s father, but the man won’t give him the time of day. If Lily can arrange a meeting for him, Caleb promises to help her find a guy worth dating. Perfect trade. And this should be easy—just look for someone completely opposite of himself, someone who’s willing to settle down.
But when Lily unexpectedly captures his heart, playing matchmaker for her becomes the most difficult job he’s ever done.
I liked that lily was her own person, she didn't try to conform to society for the most point. But she did feel the pressure to fit in and in a weak moment made up a boyfriend. Caleb tries to help her find the right guy while Lily help him win over her father. There is undeniable attraction between the two. I just wish they would figure things out before hurting Ryan. I also felt like the ending was rushed. The reunion that was made a big deal, along with Sheri, were hardly mentioned at all. There were a couple of details at the end that could have been explained and it would have added to the story.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
May 24, 2018
The heroine of this story, Lily, has had no luck with guys. She was bullied as a youngster and finally came into her own as an adult when she learned to accept her own quirkiness and embrace it instead of trying to blend in with a style that wasn’t her own. She meets up with Caleb, who is a hunky contractor eager to get into a partnership with Lily’s dad. She is attracted to him but figures he’s way out of her league.
They reach an agreement in which she’ll help him prepare a plan to offer her dad in partnership and help him get an interview and he’ll give her dating advice. She has several lousy dates but Caleb keeps helping her. He doesn’t think he’s cut out for begin a long-term partner to a woman, but he grows increasingly fond of Lily and, without his really noticing it, falling for her.
I enjoyed Lily’s quirky style and the slow friendship developing into love. Both Lily and Caleb have loving families. Lily’s mom died when she was young, but she and her father are very close. Caleb’s mom abandoned the family, but he is very close with his dad and sister. I enjoyed those relationships.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
They reach an agreement in which she’ll help him prepare a plan to offer her dad in partnership and help him get an interview and he’ll give her dating advice. She has several lousy dates but Caleb keeps helping her. He doesn’t think he’s cut out for begin a long-term partner to a woman, but he grows increasingly fond of Lily and, without his really noticing it, falling for her.
I enjoyed Lily’s quirky style and the slow friendship developing into love. Both Lily and Caleb have loving families. Lily’s mom died when she was young, but she and her father are very close. Caleb’s mom abandoned the family, but he is very close with his dad and sister. I enjoyed those relationships.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
July 2, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) This is the third book in this series and it was just as sweet as the previous books. We had met Caleb before and loved him, well I atleast did. Caleb is trying to move back home to assist his family, so he is trying to find work and become a junior parter. He meets Lily who is awkward but original and as Caleb states a good kind of weird. Lily has had tragic dates and after her last boyfriend left her wary.. Both Caleb and Lily don't feel that they are the right person to each other. Caleb because he is not long term and Lily wants the HEA. Opposites attract my friends..Enjoy!
May 26, 2018
This book is a perfect summer romance read! I would recommend it to anyone looking for some quirky romance. This book was adorable all the way till the end. You are rooting for Lily, with her home made knitted scarf and earrings to fall in love with Caleb the tall dark and handsome man. They are opposites but even Caleb can't deny he is drawn to Lily in a way like no other woman. He decides to help Lily find love and in return she would help him land a job so he can stay in town and help his dad! This book is a down to earth romance tale. It's something I could picture happening in real life which is a refreshing change.
October 15, 2018
This is a fun romance where the heroine is so frustrated with her love life that she accepts the guidance and help of Caleb Willmett, someone she knows wants to remain single but also someone who wants to form a business partnership with her father. Yes, this is meant to be something of a business deal between the two but get ready as attraction builds and romance makes his matchmaking role difficult as the only person he wants her to match with is himself!
With so many laugh out loud moments, this is a hilarious read that is brilliant to lighten even the darkest times. With challenges galore, surprises from the past, bizarre clothing choices, resilience to keep on trying and friends to help set Caleb straight, this is a delightful, very entertaining read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
With so many laugh out loud moments, this is a hilarious read that is brilliant to lighten even the darkest times. With challenges galore, surprises from the past, bizarre clothing choices, resilience to keep on trying and friends to help set Caleb straight, this is a delightful, very entertaining read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
June 5, 2018
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars.
Coleen Kwan is a new-to-me author, and I picked this book up on a whim after the blurb hooked me. This is the third installment in the series, and there was zero confusion to reading it out of series order. However, I do plan on eventually going back to read the first two installments.
Contemporary romance isn't my usual genre, but I've been warming up to it lately- branching out, if you will. I found Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre, giving out plenty of feels.
Lily is positively a disaster when it comes to dating. Adorkable. Some of her past failures are over-the-top, but not shown on-scene, so it didn't drag the novel down into eye-roll territory. The dates the reader experiences alongside Lily are realistic, something no doubt countless ladies and gents have experienced in their quest for finding 'the one'.
As a lover of angst and the gut-punch sensation, the first date had my heart clenching in sympathy for Lily. Overall, the vibe of the novel was lighthearted warmth, with realistic humor, and real-to-life emotion.
Our brooding Caleb works with his hands and has momma issues, which is a recipe to drop panties and fan themselves. He's a ladies man, but not in the present. Caleb is goal-oriented, looking to become a partner in a construction company... which also happens to be the company Lily's dad own.
Without giving a book report, Caleb wants the opportunity to speak to an introverted dad to become partner, and Lily needs a date to her college reunion. The ladies man obviously knows all there is to know about dating, so Lily and Caleb strike a deal.
Love gun-shy Caleb and dating shy Lily have sparks flying as they ignore their feelings for one another. Slow-burn, sweet, and warm and fuzzy, Dating for Keeps has an emotional realistic edge that captured me from the start.
The novel read like candy- once I was finished, it left me wanting more and more of the warm feels it provided. I look forward to more in this series, as well as going back and starting at the beginning. I highly recommend to contemporary romance fans, finding Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre.
4 Stars.
Coleen Kwan is a new-to-me author, and I picked this book up on a whim after the blurb hooked me. This is the third installment in the series, and there was zero confusion to reading it out of series order. However, I do plan on eventually going back to read the first two installments.
Contemporary romance isn't my usual genre, but I've been warming up to it lately- branching out, if you will. I found Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre, giving out plenty of feels.
Lily is positively a disaster when it comes to dating. Adorkable. Some of her past failures are over-the-top, but not shown on-scene, so it didn't drag the novel down into eye-roll territory. The dates the reader experiences alongside Lily are realistic, something no doubt countless ladies and gents have experienced in their quest for finding 'the one'.
As a lover of angst and the gut-punch sensation, the first date had my heart clenching in sympathy for Lily. Overall, the vibe of the novel was lighthearted warmth, with realistic humor, and real-to-life emotion.
Our brooding Caleb works with his hands and has momma issues, which is a recipe to drop panties and fan themselves. He's a ladies man, but not in the present. Caleb is goal-oriented, looking to become a partner in a construction company... which also happens to be the company Lily's dad own.
Without giving a book report, Caleb wants the opportunity to speak to an introverted dad to become partner, and Lily needs a date to her college reunion. The ladies man obviously knows all there is to know about dating, so Lily and Caleb strike a deal.
Love gun-shy Caleb and dating shy Lily have sparks flying as they ignore their feelings for one another. Slow-burn, sweet, and warm and fuzzy, Dating for Keeps has an emotional realistic edge that captured me from the start.
The novel read like candy- once I was finished, it left me wanting more and more of the warm feels it provided. I look forward to more in this series, as well as going back and starting at the beginning. I highly recommend to contemporary romance fans, finding Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre.
June 4, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
A cute book about two completely different people falling for each other. Lily is quirky, doesn't fit the norm and she knows it. She's been bullied most of her life for not being what others considered normal and it was so bad in high school that she was home schooled by her father.
Caleb has his own issues and those stem from being abandoned by his mother when he was eleven. He doesn't trust women not to walk away, even when you love someone.
Lily wants to be in a relationship but she's a social nightmare. She falls, spills things and says the wrong things and the wrong times. The only man she feels comfortable around is Caleb and she really doesn't know why. I guess its because she believes that he'd never want a woman like her.
Caleb likes Lily. Likes her quirky ways, of saying what she thinks, of her off-beat ways of doing things. He agrees to help her with her search to find a nice guy but doesn't understand why he's so upset when she hits it off with the guy he sets up with.
Turns out that Caleb and Lily each want the same thing - each other. Only they are afraid of messing of a friendship in order have more. The characters in this book are easy to relate to and we've all had our share of similar first dates. To see Caleb and Lily work their way through the awkwardness and to each other is amazing.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
A cute book about two completely different people falling for each other. Lily is quirky, doesn't fit the norm and she knows it. She's been bullied most of her life for not being what others considered normal and it was so bad in high school that she was home schooled by her father.
Caleb has his own issues and those stem from being abandoned by his mother when he was eleven. He doesn't trust women not to walk away, even when you love someone.
Lily wants to be in a relationship but she's a social nightmare. She falls, spills things and says the wrong things and the wrong times. The only man she feels comfortable around is Caleb and she really doesn't know why. I guess its because she believes that he'd never want a woman like her.
Caleb likes Lily. Likes her quirky ways, of saying what she thinks, of her off-beat ways of doing things. He agrees to help her with her search to find a nice guy but doesn't understand why he's so upset when she hits it off with the guy he sets up with.
Turns out that Caleb and Lily each want the same thing - each other. Only they are afraid of messing of a friendship in order have more. The characters in this book are easy to relate to and we've all had our share of similar first dates. To see Caleb and Lily work their way through the awkwardness and to each other is amazing.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
June 16, 2018
Dating for Keeps by Coleen Kwan is the 3rd book in the Pine Falls series, and a cute romance. Lily Baker is always unlucky in love, and Caleb Willmett agrees to help her get a long term boyfriend. I enjoyed this book, it is perfect for a quick read while relaxing.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 11, 2018
I've read the previous books in the Pine Falls series, and while I liked them, I found them a bit predictable. I couldn't help but pick up this one, though, when I saw that the hero was Caleb, one of my favorite side characters, and a confirmed bachelor. This is the third in the series, though it can be read as a standalone. Like the rest of the series, this is a sweet and emotion-filled read.
Lily's dating life sucks. To start off with, she's a quirky woman with an eclectic fashion sense (she wears crocheted flamingo earrings to on elf her dates), and one of her favorite conversation topics is her pet bearded dragon, Noodles. She's saved from another disastrous date by Caleb, who literally steps in when she's left on the dance floor. They've met previously at her dad's office - Lily's father manages a construction company, and Caleb is a contractor who's looking to do business with him - and their conversation takes a turn for the weird when Lily confesses her dating woes and Caleb offers to be her dating coach. Lily wants the stereotypical husband, 2.5 kids, and the picket fence, and Caleb is a commitment-phobic ladies' man, so he's the perfect person to help her weed out the guys she doesn't want to date, right? As the dates go on, they discover that the spark between them is something that can't be replicated with just any person from an internet dating site.
I like the friends-to-lovers trope, and Lily and Caleb are just plain adorable together. While I worried Lily could fall into the trap of being socially awkward and quirky just for the sake of laughs, I think Ms. Kwan balanced it well. This isn't a Cinderella story where she turns into some glamourous bombshell, instead Lily becomes more confident and comfortable in her own skin. I especially liked watching the friendship between Lily and Caleb blossom, from Caleb helping Lily feed crickets to Noodles to becoming the person she calls when a date goes wrong (again). The chemistry between them was excellent, and this was pretty steamy for a closed-door romance. And, oh, how can I forget Noodles? I honestly think that Lily's pet was the breakout star of this book! I loved how much Lily, and eventually Caleb, cared for that lizard! Of the other side characters, I loved seeing Lily's relationship with her dad. Most of the other Pine Falls books have dealt with rocky parent relationships (and Caleb does as well) so it was nice seeing a father who obviously wanted to care for and protect his daughter while still realizing she's a grown woman.
On the cons side, while I enjoyed the "Caleb matchmaking for Lily" angle, I think this may bother people who have issues with "other women" or "other men." For my part, I didn't like how things were left between Lily, Caleb and Ryan. There's also a whole "need a boyfriend for college reunion" subplot that was a big deal through most of the book, but then really fizzled out at the end.
Overall, I honestly liked this one better than the first two in the series, and I'm hoping that the next book is about Ryan, poor guy. I'd definitely recommend this as a fun, sweet summer read!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lily's dating life sucks. To start off with, she's a quirky woman with an eclectic fashion sense (she wears crocheted flamingo earrings to on elf her dates), and one of her favorite conversation topics is her pet bearded dragon, Noodles. She's saved from another disastrous date by Caleb, who literally steps in when she's left on the dance floor. They've met previously at her dad's office - Lily's father manages a construction company, and Caleb is a contractor who's looking to do business with him - and their conversation takes a turn for the weird when Lily confesses her dating woes and Caleb offers to be her dating coach. Lily wants the stereotypical husband, 2.5 kids, and the picket fence, and Caleb is a commitment-phobic ladies' man, so he's the perfect person to help her weed out the guys she doesn't want to date, right? As the dates go on, they discover that the spark between them is something that can't be replicated with just any person from an internet dating site.
I like the friends-to-lovers trope, and Lily and Caleb are just plain adorable together. While I worried Lily could fall into the trap of being socially awkward and quirky just for the sake of laughs, I think Ms. Kwan balanced it well. This isn't a Cinderella story where she turns into some glamourous bombshell, instead Lily becomes more confident and comfortable in her own skin. I especially liked watching the friendship between Lily and Caleb blossom, from Caleb helping Lily feed crickets to Noodles to becoming the person she calls when a date goes wrong (again). The chemistry between them was excellent, and this was pretty steamy for a closed-door romance. And, oh, how can I forget Noodles? I honestly think that Lily's pet was the breakout star of this book! I loved how much Lily, and eventually Caleb, cared for that lizard! Of the other side characters, I loved seeing Lily's relationship with her dad. Most of the other Pine Falls books have dealt with rocky parent relationships (and Caleb does as well) so it was nice seeing a father who obviously wanted to care for and protect his daughter while still realizing she's a grown woman.
On the cons side, while I enjoyed the "Caleb matchmaking for Lily" angle, I think this may bother people who have issues with "other women" or "other men." For my part, I didn't like how things were left between Lily, Caleb and Ryan. There's also a whole "need a boyfriend for college reunion" subplot that was a big deal through most of the book, but then really fizzled out at the end.
Overall, I honestly liked this one better than the first two in the series, and I'm hoping that the next book is about Ryan, poor guy. I'd definitely recommend this as a fun, sweet summer read!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 16, 2018
Dating is an absolute nightmare for Lily Baker, especially when her date decides he's had enough and walks out on her in a very public setting. Embarrassed by the experience, Lily asks Caleb Willmett to be her dating coach. However, the more time she spends with Caleb, the more she finds herself falling for a man that doesn't want anything to do with relationships. Will Caleb break her heart or will Lily be able to win his heart and show him that happy ever after is a good thing?
This is such a heartwarming and captivating series and this book is a wonderful addition to Ms. Kwan's Pine Falls series where the main characters show that opposites do attract; the cynical hero shows the quirky heroine that dating isn't all bad, as he coaches her while the pair fall in love; and the dialogue entertained me from start to finish because of the obstacles these two faced to be together. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the heroine, as dating is hard and what happens to her would definitely be a setback and make her not want to go out with another guy anytime soon. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time where I was completely drawn into this story, as there's plenty of chemistry between them, and yet, it's palpable he just wants to be someone determined to protect her and be her friend.
With the dialogue, it was a wonderful combination of intense moments due to the main characters back stories and moments that amused because of the dates the heroine goes on. Talk about awkward and sometimes downright disastrous. Furthermore, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the heroine because of everything she's suffered in her past. People can be mean and it's understandable why she's so shy and quirky. However, in saying that, I liked that she owned her individuality. Who cares what other people think as long as she's happy the way she is? While the hero, he's cynical, very protective of those he cares about and I liked the tight bond he shares with his sister. He's also hard-working and I liked how determined he was to impress someone that could give him the chance of a lifetime when it came to his career. Will he win Lily's heart and get the dream he's pursuing in order to help him stay in Pine Falls?
Overall, Ms. Kwan has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance was on the sweet side; and the ending had me loving what the hero does for the heroine. Talk about a good surprise and a good way to stick it to the people who were ever mean to her. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as the heroine is good for the hero and I liked the surprise he had for her. I would recommend Dating for Keeps by Coleen Kwan, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, the fake relationship trope, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Karen Foley, Allison B. Hanson, Victoria James and Jennifer Shirk.
May 29, 2018
**I received a copy of Dating for Keeps from Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
Dating for Keeps by Coleen Kwan is the third book ion her Pine Falls series. I haven't read the previous two books but this was very easy to read as a stand alone. The story is a short quick read and I'd give the story a solid 4 stars plus it was a very good even though predictable.
Lily Baker is trying hard to find the perfect man but because of her quirkiness in not only clothing and jewelry but she does tend to say what she's thinking. But after a disaster of being left on the dance floor after her current date left her, Caleb Willmett comes to her rescue. Caleb would love to become her father's junior partner in his construction company but he knows that their are many carpenters wanting for the same job. When Lily asks for dating help because of a upcoming college reunion she accepts from Caleb little do they both know that it will lead to them falling in love. Oh did I mention Lily has a rather cute Australian bearded dragon named Noodle? He really steals the show and will be the deal breaker that Caleb loves both of them.
Caleb Willmett wants his construction business to be more local so that he can see his little niece and give him a steady income. But he knows that Lily's dad Bill has decided to have a competition to see who will finish a house in time from the owners to move in. But when he sees Lily alone on the dance floor he steps in without hesitation and agrees to be her date coach maybe it will give him the edge he needs with her dad. Neither of them realize that they are growing closer to each other makes him want to be the one she loves.
Dating for Keeps by Coleen Kwan is the third book ion her Pine Falls series. I haven't read the previous two books but this was very easy to read as a stand alone. The story is a short quick read and I'd give the story a solid 4 stars plus it was a very good even though predictable.
Lily Baker is trying hard to find the perfect man but because of her quirkiness in not only clothing and jewelry but she does tend to say what she's thinking. But after a disaster of being left on the dance floor after her current date left her, Caleb Willmett comes to her rescue. Caleb would love to become her father's junior partner in his construction company but he knows that their are many carpenters wanting for the same job. When Lily asks for dating help because of a upcoming college reunion she accepts from Caleb little do they both know that it will lead to them falling in love. Oh did I mention Lily has a rather cute Australian bearded dragon named Noodle? He really steals the show and will be the deal breaker that Caleb loves both of them.
Caleb Willmett wants his construction business to be more local so that he can see his little niece and give him a steady income. But he knows that Lily's dad Bill has decided to have a competition to see who will finish a house in time from the owners to move in. But when he sees Lily alone on the dance floor he steps in without hesitation and agrees to be her date coach maybe it will give him the edge he needs with her dad. Neither of them realize that they are growing closer to each other makes him want to be the one she loves.
June 18, 2018
Though Lily has only had bad luck in regards to love and relationships, she decided to try again. Of course, that ended with humiliation after being abandoned on the dance floor. That's pretty bad in the grand scheme of things, but it was only made worse when Caleb, Mr. I Plan on Staying Single, witnessed the whole episode. But Caleb doesn't see it as Lily did. Caleb sees opportunity.
Caleb isn't looking for any personal relationship, but a professional one is his dream. Of course, the person he wants to partner with, Lily's dad, but he can't schedule a meeting with him. Lily could put in a good word for him though and make that happen. Now he just needs to figure out his bargaining chip...and it's literally almost handed to him.
As Caleb and Lily being working toward finding the perfect guy for her, the unexpected happens. Caleb had been looking for someone his exact opposite, knowing he wasn't the man for her, and yet, now he wants to be, needs to be. Lily burrowed her way into his heart without even trying.
Now, how does he continue his matchmaking attempt while knowing he wants to be that man Lily turns to, that she calls her own? But will Lily believe his feelings are real? What happens when Caleb's past returns? Will they take the risk and explore what could be? Or will it be over before they even get the chance? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as a business arrangement becomes so much more.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Caleb isn't looking for any personal relationship, but a professional one is his dream. Of course, the person he wants to partner with, Lily's dad, but he can't schedule a meeting with him. Lily could put in a good word for him though and make that happen. Now he just needs to figure out his bargaining chip...and it's literally almost handed to him.
As Caleb and Lily being working toward finding the perfect guy for her, the unexpected happens. Caleb had been looking for someone his exact opposite, knowing he wasn't the man for her, and yet, now he wants to be, needs to be. Lily burrowed her way into his heart without even trying.
Now, how does he continue his matchmaking attempt while knowing he wants to be that man Lily turns to, that she calls her own? But will Lily believe his feelings are real? What happens when Caleb's past returns? Will they take the risk and explore what could be? Or will it be over before they even get the chance? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as a business arrangement becomes so much more.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
June 10, 2018
It's a great read, I loved the story as well as the characters. Especially, Lilly's character. She has a very unique personality and it is not easy for people to accept her for who she is. An artists at heart and finance expert at profession, she is a mixture of sweet and sassy. For now, she is trying very hard to find her soulmate, someone she will spend the rest of her life with.
Caleb, on the other hand, doesn't believe in happily-ever-afters, he isn't looking for any long-term relationship so he knows that Lilly is not for him. However, he can't help feeling attracted to the quirky and artsy woman. What more, she somehow wakes up his protective instincts. He wants her to find her happiness and stop being rejected by men who don't even deserve her to begin with.
The two strike an unlikely bargain, they both want something the other can help with so it seems right to help each other and get what they hope to achieve... but things do have a tendency to get complicated when opposites are involved. Soon they will want more than they bargained for...
It's a very well-written story. I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend to all romance lovers.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Caleb, on the other hand, doesn't believe in happily-ever-afters, he isn't looking for any long-term relationship so he knows that Lilly is not for him. However, he can't help feeling attracted to the quirky and artsy woman. What more, she somehow wakes up his protective instincts. He wants her to find her happiness and stop being rejected by men who don't even deserve her to begin with.
The two strike an unlikely bargain, they both want something the other can help with so it seems right to help each other and get what they hope to achieve... but things do have a tendency to get complicated when opposites are involved. Soon they will want more than they bargained for...
It's a very well-written story. I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend to all romance lovers.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
June 14, 2018
Dating for Keeps is an enjoyable read about a fun, quirky young woman named Lily trying to find that significant other. She isn't having any luck & has decided to use an online dating program. She is attracted to a young contractor but doesn't think he'd ever be interested in her.
Caleb thinks Lily is adorable. Her father is looking for a partner so he offers to help her with her dating if she helps him talk to her dad. He just didn't expect the way she'd grow on him. Will Caleb realize that Lily is the one for him? Can he forgive the past?
Caleb has to learn that love is real & he can trust in it. He has to forgive his mother for what she's done. Lily just needs to gain some confidence & not be so nervous. She also needs to learn how to deal with the bullies from school & realize they can't hurt he anymore if she doesn't let them.
This was a sweet enjoyable read & a treat to read.
Caleb thinks Lily is adorable. Her father is looking for a partner so he offers to help her with her dating if she helps him talk to her dad. He just didn't expect the way she'd grow on him. Will Caleb realize that Lily is the one for him? Can he forgive the past?
Caleb has to learn that love is real & he can trust in it. He has to forgive his mother for what she's done. Lily just needs to gain some confidence & not be so nervous. She also needs to learn how to deal with the bullies from school & realize they can't hurt he anymore if she doesn't let them.
This was a sweet enjoyable read & a treat to read.
June 10, 2018
This is the first book that I’ve read from Coleen Kwan and I really enjoyed reading Dating for Keeps. Lily might be a little sheltered with the way she grew up, what with being bullied through school and ending up being homeschooled and with her unique way she dresses she can appear to be a bit quirky. Lily might have trouble dating but when she drunkenly tells her friends that she will bring her boyfriend to her school reunion she has no other choice but to ask Caleb for help. Caleb agrees to help Lily out with the agreement that she will arrange a meeting with her father. The more time Lily and Caleb spend together the more their attraction grows. Dating for Keeps is a cute romance and it was fun to read.
***Received this ARC by NetGalley as an exchange for an honest review.
***Received this ARC by NetGalley as an exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2018
After seeing Lily on a disastrous date, Caleb offers to be her dating coach. She, in turn, offers to help him with a business plan so he can try to become a partner in her father's construction firm. It seems like the perfect idea for both of them, but they didn't count on having feelings for each other.
This was a quick read with some cute parts. I really liked that Lily was not your usual romance lead and that she was so unique. The plot moves at a pretty fast pace, too. I did wish there was a little more build up to their attraction to each other, but overall I enjoyed the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick read with some cute parts. I really liked that Lily was not your usual romance lead and that she was so unique. The plot moves at a pretty fast pace, too. I did wish there was a little more build up to their attraction to each other, but overall I enjoyed the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I loved this book. We met Caleb in previous books and he a sweet man trying to move home and help his family. Lily is an awkward and shy woman. She dresses quirky and loves crafts. Lily has had tragic dates and after her last boyfriend left her wary. She enlists the help of Caleb to help her socially and to try to help her find a boyfriend. It backfires on both of them as they begin to develop feelings for each other, but don't want the other to know in case it ruins what they have together.
Its a sweet story. if you like books with HEA, then this is a great choice.
I loved this book. We met Caleb in previous books and he a sweet man trying to move home and help his family. Lily is an awkward and shy woman. She dresses quirky and loves crafts. Lily has had tragic dates and after her last boyfriend left her wary. She enlists the help of Caleb to help her socially and to try to help her find a boyfriend. It backfires on both of them as they begin to develop feelings for each other, but don't want the other to know in case it ruins what they have together.
Its a sweet story. if you like books with HEA, then this is a great choice.
August 20, 2018
This was a really sweet romance this is Caleb and Lily's story I really liked Lily she was a great character. after years of no luck with men and dating, she signs up to a dating website. Going on her first date she bumps into Caleb in the car park and he helps her when she starts freaking out these two have met before as he is a contractor like her dad he is also trying to get an interview with him but so far has not been able to. When her date goes bad he rescues her and they come to an agreement she will get him in to see her dad if he will help her find a decent guy. This was really a good book and I loved the friendship that developed between these two.
June 3, 2018
Fun and Flirty.
Lily is kooky, has a bearded dragon as a pet and has had numerous bad dates. All she wants is to be in a committed relationship but it just isn’t working out for her. Caleb Willmett rescues her, when her date stands her up on the dance floor, and later agrees to be her dating coach. He doesn’t ‘do’ relationships but his attraction to Lily, whilst he is fixing her up with other men, has him tied up in knots.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lily is kooky, has a bearded dragon as a pet and has had numerous bad dates. All she wants is to be in a committed relationship but it just isn’t working out for her. Caleb Willmett rescues her, when her date stands her up on the dance floor, and later agrees to be her dating coach. He doesn’t ‘do’ relationships but his attraction to Lily, whilst he is fixing her up with other men, has him tied up in knots.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2018
This fun sweet read is excellently written with great character development and a fun storyline. Lily in all her quirkiness (that's a word, right?) is so much fun and I loved how Caleb accepted her just as she is. Lilly's ready to get back in the dating game and Caleb agrees to be her dating coach. Sounds like a great plan until Caleb starts getting jealous of the guys he's setting her up with. Can he get beyond his past and go after what he wants or will he stand by and watch the girl get snatched up by some other guy?
I definitely recommend this fun relaxing read.
I definitely recommend this fun relaxing read.
June 11, 2018
"He's got to stop helping her date other men." From the moment I read that statement I couldn't wait to read this book. I fell in love with Lily and Caleb from the beginning. Lily is quirky and awkward and looking for love. Caleb is a good guy but he isn't looking for a relationship. When the opportunity arises to help each other they begin to realize they have real chemistry. This is a sweet story and a quick, fun read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 2, 2018
Cute
This is my first book by Coleen Kwan.
What I liked:
The writing style
Part of a series: Pine Falls
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
This is my first book by Coleen Kwan.
What I liked:
The writing style
Part of a series: Pine Falls
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
July 30, 2018
I so loved this book. Lilly and Caleb are so perfect for each other. Lilly needed that extra help to get out of her head and realize that she is amazing just being herself. And Caleb needed to know he can be loved and love back. Without worry of being left.
September 4, 2021
2.5 stars. Didn't love it but didn't hate it. Probably a bit too clean for me and just didn't really feel the connection between the mc's.
June 25, 2018
This book is the perfect example of always taking a look beneath the cover. Getting to know and discover the real person inside. I truly loved Lily in all her quirkiness. She just shone brightly in this book. She was smart, unique, and finally proud to be who she was. And I loved that Caleb saw the real Lily. Watching him come to the conclusion that he felt more for her was a little heartbreaking until he got it. But together they were amazing. Definitely a heartwarming story for all us nerdy girls.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
July 7, 2018
Check out our
Dating for Keeps
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
A cute book about two completely different people falling for each other. Lily is quirky, doesn't fit the norm and she knows it. She's been bullied most of her life for not being what others considered normal and it was so bad in high school that she was home schooled by her father.
Caleb has his own issues and those stemmed from being abandoned by his mother when he was eleven. He doesn't trust women not to walk away, even when you love someone.
Lily wants to be in a relationship but she's a social nightmare. She falls, spills things, and says the wrong things at the wrong times. The only man she feels comfortable around is Caleb and she really doesn't know why. I guess it’s because she believes that he'd never want a woman like her.
Caleb likes Lily. Likes her quirky ways, of saying what she thinks, of her off-beat ways of doing things. He agrees to help her with her search to find a nice guy but doesn't understand why he's so upset when she hits it off with the guy he sets her up with.
Turns out that Caleb and Lily each want the same thing – each other. Only, they are afraid of messing of a friendship in order have more. The characters in this book are easy to relate to and we've all had our share of similar first dates. To see Caleb and Lily work their way through the awkwardness and to each other is amazing.
Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Coleen Kwan is a new-to-me author, and I picked this book up on a whim after the blurb hooked me. This is the third installment in the series, and there was zero confusion to reading it out of series order. However, I do plan on eventually going back to read the first two installments.
Contemporary romance isn't my usual genre, but I've been warming up to it lately – branching out, if you will. I found Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre, giving out plenty of feels.
Lily is positively a disaster when it comes to dating. Adorkable. Some of her past failures are over-the-top, but not shown on-scene, so it didn't drag the novel down into eye-roll territory. The dates the reader experiences alongside Lily are realistic, something no doubt countless ladies and gents have experienced in their quest for finding 'the one.'
As a lover of angst and the gut-punch sensation, the first date had my heart clenching in sympathy for Lily. Overall, the vibe of the novel was lighthearted warmth, with realistic humor, and real-to-life emotion.
Our brooding Caleb works with his hands and has momma issues, which is a recipe to drop panties and fan themselves. He's a ladies’ man, but not in the present. Caleb is goal-oriented, looking to become a partner in a construction company... which also happens to be the company Lily's dad own.
Without giving a book report, Caleb wants the opportunity to speak to an introverted dad to become partner, and Lily needs a date to her college reunion. The ladies’ man obviously knows all there is to know about dating, so Lily and Caleb strike a deal.
Love gun-shy Caleb and dating shy Lily have sparks flying as they ignore their feelings for one another. Slow-burn, sweet, and warm and fuzzy, Dating for Keeps has an emotional realistic edge that captured me from the start.
The novel read like candy – once I was finished, it left me wanting more and more of the warm feels it provided. I look forward to more in this series, as well as going back and starting at the beginning. I highly recommend to contemporary romance fans, finding Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Dating for Keeps (Pine Falls #3) by Coleen Kwan to read and review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
A cute book about two completely different people falling for each other. Lily is quirky, doesn't fit the norm and she knows it. She's been bullied most of her life for not being what others considered normal and it was so bad in high school that she was home schooled by her father.
Caleb has his own issues and those stemmed from being abandoned by his mother when he was eleven. He doesn't trust women not to walk away, even when you love someone.
Lily wants to be in a relationship but she's a social nightmare. She falls, spills things, and says the wrong things at the wrong times. The only man she feels comfortable around is Caleb and she really doesn't know why. I guess it’s because she believes that he'd never want a woman like her.
Caleb likes Lily. Likes her quirky ways, of saying what she thinks, of her off-beat ways of doing things. He agrees to help her with her search to find a nice guy but doesn't understand why he's so upset when she hits it off with the guy he sets her up with.
Turns out that Caleb and Lily each want the same thing – each other. Only, they are afraid of messing of a friendship in order have more. The characters in this book are easy to relate to and we've all had our share of similar first dates. To see Caleb and Lily work their way through the awkwardness and to each other is amazing.
Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Coleen Kwan is a new-to-me author, and I picked this book up on a whim after the blurb hooked me. This is the third installment in the series, and there was zero confusion to reading it out of series order. However, I do plan on eventually going back to read the first two installments.
Contemporary romance isn't my usual genre, but I've been warming up to it lately – branching out, if you will. I found Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre, giving out plenty of feels.
Lily is positively a disaster when it comes to dating. Adorkable. Some of her past failures are over-the-top, but not shown on-scene, so it didn't drag the novel down into eye-roll territory. The dates the reader experiences alongside Lily are realistic, something no doubt countless ladies and gents have experienced in their quest for finding 'the one.'
As a lover of angst and the gut-punch sensation, the first date had my heart clenching in sympathy for Lily. Overall, the vibe of the novel was lighthearted warmth, with realistic humor, and real-to-life emotion.
Our brooding Caleb works with his hands and has momma issues, which is a recipe to drop panties and fan themselves. He's a ladies’ man, but not in the present. Caleb is goal-oriented, looking to become a partner in a construction company... which also happens to be the company Lily's dad own.
Without giving a book report, Caleb wants the opportunity to speak to an introverted dad to become partner, and Lily needs a date to her college reunion. The ladies’ man obviously knows all there is to know about dating, so Lily and Caleb strike a deal.
Love gun-shy Caleb and dating shy Lily have sparks flying as they ignore their feelings for one another. Slow-burn, sweet, and warm and fuzzy, Dating for Keeps has an emotional realistic edge that captured me from the start.
The novel read like candy – once I was finished, it left me wanting more and more of the warm feels it provided. I look forward to more in this series, as well as going back and starting at the beginning. I highly recommend to contemporary romance fans, finding Dating for Keeps a solid addition to the genre.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Dating for Keeps (Pine Falls #3) by Coleen Kwan to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews