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The DADcademy #1
Help Wanted
"Will you start a DADcademy with me?"
Eric Buchanan just wants to do right by his daughter, but when she expresses an interest in all things glamorous--something his nerdy, dad jeans wearing self knows nothing about--he's absolutely lost. The solution? Find an adorably fashionable hairdresser who can show him the ropes.
Julian Rossi has spent his life helping other people become the best version of themselves, but when it comes to raising a son on his own--especially feeding that son--he's making it up as he goes along. When a big teddy bear of a man comes in looking for help, Julian can't resist. And when he learns that man also knows how to cook, he decides to strike a deal.
The plan: Swap essential dad-skills to support each other, one single dad to another. But attraction grows with every lesson, and Eric and Julian soon find themselves eager for a little one-on-one teaching. When old insecurities and crazy exes threaten to ruin what they've built, they'll have to learn to truly trust one another--with their family, and their heart.
The DADcademy is now in session! Follow a group of well-meaning, lovable, but ultimately clueless single dads as they band together to support one another in raising their kids and finding their Happily Ever After. Every book in The DADcademy series can be read as a standalone, but reading them in order is strongly recommended.
Eric Buchanan just wants to do right by his daughter, but when she expresses an interest in all things glamorous--something his nerdy, dad jeans wearing self knows nothing about--he's absolutely lost. The solution? Find an adorably fashionable hairdresser who can show him the ropes.
Julian Rossi has spent his life helping other people become the best version of themselves, but when it comes to raising a son on his own--especially feeding that son--he's making it up as he goes along. When a big teddy bear of a man comes in looking for help, Julian can't resist. And when he learns that man also knows how to cook, he decides to strike a deal.
The plan: Swap essential dad-skills to support each other, one single dad to another. But attraction grows with every lesson, and Eric and Julian soon find themselves eager for a little one-on-one teaching. When old insecurities and crazy exes threaten to ruin what they've built, they'll have to learn to truly trust one another--with their family, and their heart.
The DADcademy is now in session! Follow a group of well-meaning, lovable, but ultimately clueless single dads as they band together to support one another in raising their kids and finding their Happily Ever After. Every book in The DADcademy series can be read as a standalone, but reading them in order is strongly recommended.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2019
108 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 19, 2019
~2.5~
I keep trying with Alison Hendricks because I liked the first Eastshore Tigers book, but I keep striking out.
Help Wanted had a promising beginning, but the story fizzled out as it progressed.
The MCs didn't spend much time together on page. Their interactions were summarized, so it was impossible to get a feel for them as a couple; the chemistry was sorely lacking.
I probably would have rated this one 3 stars, since I liked the two kids and the idea of a Dadcademy, but then Eric decided to be a complete dickwad toward the end. Eric's reaction to Julian's ex's "warning" wasn't believable, and it seemed super random that the ex just showed up. It was like he was stalking Julian, except that was never mentioned.
There is one sexy scene in the last chapter and a lukewarm, tentative HEA ending. This is a cute enough story, but it barely skims the surface of relationship and character development.
It might be time to cut ties with this author.
I keep trying with Alison Hendricks because I liked the first Eastshore Tigers book, but I keep striking out.
Help Wanted had a promising beginning, but the story fizzled out as it progressed.
The MCs didn't spend much time together on page. Their interactions were summarized, so it was impossible to get a feel for them as a couple; the chemistry was sorely lacking.
I probably would have rated this one 3 stars, since I liked the two kids and the idea of a Dadcademy, but then Eric decided to be a complete dickwad toward the end. Eric's reaction to Julian's ex's "warning" wasn't believable, and it seemed super random that the ex just showed up. It was like he was stalking Julian, except that was never mentioned.
There is one sexy scene in the last chapter and a lukewarm, tentative HEA ending. This is a cute enough story, but it barely skims the surface of relationship and character development.
It might be time to cut ties with this author.
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dnf
September 25, 2019Dnf@26%.
I thought I was in the right mood for a cute single dads story, but I quickly found it too fluffy for my personal taste.
I thought I was in the right mood for a cute single dads story, but I quickly found it too fluffy for my personal taste.
January 26, 2019
3 stars
Short and sweet with low angst. Perfect for a cosy day indoors or a lazy Sunday. Very fluffy romance with 20 sided die cake! 😍
Short and sweet with low angst. Perfect for a cosy day indoors or a lazy Sunday. Very fluffy romance with 20 sided die cake! 😍
March 27, 2019
As much as I adored Julian and the kids but I thought what Eric did near the end were stupid, and cowardly, and I would see him GROVEL a LOT more *grumbles*. Julian forgive him way too easily.
That conflict was stupid, in my opinion. It was like the author forgot that she had to add conflict because everything went cute and lovely beforehand. I mean, what was the point of bringing back for one scene?!? There wasn't any continuation with that particular plot afterwards
That conflict was stupid, in my opinion. It was like the author forgot that she had to add conflict because everything went cute and lovely beforehand. I mean, what was the point of bringing back for one scene?!? There wasn't any continuation with that particular plot afterwards
October 6, 2021
This was sweet but totally predictable. I could literally plot it out in my head before that very same event happened in the book. Could've done with a little less of the crazy exes and a little more talking. but you know, then it would've just been two people falling in love. Not much to write a book about.
March 6, 2019
Had potential, and started out well enough, but I felt like it skipped a few steps in the relationship building. They had a break up, but they’d only really been on one freaking date,wtf? A hair cut and a cooking lesson do not a relationship make, especially one that deserved that kind of emotion. I just felt it needed more in the middle, the ex showed up VERY out of the blue, and then disappeared again just as quickly, and the grovel scene at the end was cheesy as hell.
I was hoping for more focus on the actual relationship, and I was excited by the D&D talk at the start, and that turned out to not be a thing, either.
I was hoping for more focus on the actual relationship, and I was excited by the D&D talk at the start, and that turned out to not be a thing, either.
February 22, 2019
Why, why does this keep happening in MM books, or maybe it's all romance, I don't know because all I read is MM, anyway why don't people TALK TO EACH OTHER. This book started off fine, running right along, it had it's issues, the romance build up was not very good, the MC's didn't spend much time together but it was OK up until the infamous ex comes back to cause the relationship ending "miscommunication" or like in this case no communication at all. I mean come on that shit is so played out and makes the story really unbelievable for me. Grown ups just don't take other people's word and then that's it. No end of relationship talk nothing just "oh ok got it person I've never met, I'll break up with my boyfriend because you say so". COME ON AUTHOR'S, STOP WRITING THIS SCENARIO.
Killed it for me all the way coupled with the other issues I'm being generous with the two stars.
Killed it for me all the way coupled with the other issues I'm being generous with the two stars.
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February 4, 2019
2.5 stars
I wanted to love it, I usually like short, fluffy, feel good stories. But this felt like the relationship was just starting, then apparently angst was called for... the end. Would have preferred some actual day-to-day interactions, the kids playing, meeting the families etc before the second-guessing started.
I wanted to love it, I usually like short, fluffy, feel good stories. But this felt like the relationship was just starting, then apparently angst was called for... the end. Would have preferred some actual day-to-day interactions, the kids playing, meeting the families etc before the second-guessing started.
March 15, 2021
Nem egy eget rengető történet, de nagyon aranyos volt. Eric a mackós cukrász és Julian a stylist tényleg aranyosak voltak együtt. Persze kellett némi kis dráma bele, de az elég erőltetettre sikeredett. Ennek ellenére biztos, hogy el fogom majd olvasni a folytatásokat is, mert a DADcademy ötlete nagyon jó.
Borongós, kuckózós napokra tökéletes történet.
Borongós, kuckózós napokra tökéletes történet.
February 10, 2019
Good start to a new series. Good characters, wonderful supporting cast. I'm a bit annoyed with the cover -- I'm sure that's supposed to be Eric, but he's just not right...too slim, not enough curls, just...wrong. Oh well.
January 18, 2020
This was definitely a re-read. .. although I obviously forgot to write a review.
Loved the characters and the story. Although I think it would have been better, especially with the troubles part if it would have been longer.
Nevertheless I really enjoyed it
Loved the characters and the story. Although I think it would have been better, especially with the troubles part if it would have been longer.
Nevertheless I really enjoyed it
January 14, 2020
It was just ok. I really wanted more from this story. Both characters seemed like they could have been fleshed out much more. I also found that the relationship seemed to grow pretty quickly.
June 30, 2021
This was a quick, sweet romance involving two single dads, cupcakes and finding your person. 3.5 Stars!
March 6, 2019
2,5 stars
It's a short read about a baker (Eric) and a stylist (Julian), both of them are dads of young children. Julian sucks at cooking, but he would like to feed his son properly, so he's asking Eric for cooking lessons in exchange for hair-styling tips and tricks for Eric's daughter.
Every time they meet each other, something happens and one of them just leaves hastily and most of the time even without saying good-bye. This was really weird and awkward. Why aren't they communicating better? They don't even spend all too much time together and their interactions are just summarized most of the time. I can't feel their chemistry at all. And then there's Julian's ex, who appears out of the blue and talks shit about Julian. And the worst thing is that Eric does believe it, yada yada...something about his insecurities and hiding behind his daughter, who doesn't even life full-time with him but also with her mother which makes it impossible for him to have a relationship, because it could traumatize the kid. I call bullshit.
Julian's ex is also really creepy and kinda stalker-ish and that's apparently okay. I don't know.
Well, in the end, both characters make up and have their HEA, which is fine, but the story didn't spark all too much joy for me.
The kids were cute and the idea of a "dadcademy" to help other dads with all kinds of things is a nice idea, but it was just like an afterthought of this story.
It was my first try reading this author and I'm not sure if I'm going to read one of her stories again.
It's a short read about a baker (Eric) and a stylist (Julian), both of them are dads of young children. Julian sucks at cooking, but he would like to feed his son properly, so he's asking Eric for cooking lessons in exchange for hair-styling tips and tricks for Eric's daughter.
Every time they meet each other, something happens and one of them just leaves hastily and most of the time even without saying good-bye. This was really weird and awkward. Why aren't they communicating better? They don't even spend all too much time together and their interactions are just summarized most of the time. I can't feel their chemistry at all. And then there's Julian's ex, who appears out of the blue and talks shit about Julian. And the worst thing is that Eric does believe it, yada yada...something about his insecurities and hiding behind his daughter, who doesn't even life full-time with him but also with her mother which makes it impossible for him to have a relationship, because it could traumatize the kid. I call bullshit.
Julian's ex is also really creepy and kinda stalker-ish and that's apparently okay. I don't know.
Well, in the end, both characters make up and have their HEA, which is fine, but the story didn't spark all too much joy for me.
The kids were cute and the idea of a "dadcademy" to help other dads with all kinds of things is a nice idea, but it was just like an afterthought of this story.
It was my first try reading this author and I'm not sure if I'm going to read one of her stories again.
August 7, 2021
I'm a sucker for a single father romance so I jumped on reading HELP WANTED as soon as I saw Alison Hendricks had a new book out. I adored this super cute and fluffy romance that had my heart sighing every chapter.
Julian and Eric might be opposites when it comes to appearance but they both have the sweetest hearts. Julian is fashionable and confident and outgoing while Eric is more of a reserved and gentle giant. But together they find a friendship and eventual relationship that they've both been craving. They're also great parents who would do anything for their children. I just wanted to sweep these two into a hug every time they doubted themselves. While the drama and angst is very low key there is still some tension as Julian's ex recently abandoned him and their son and Eric hasn't had a relationship since his divorce.
I also really loved the idea of a DADCADEMY that brings single men together to seek advice, help, and friendship. I can't wait to read more in this series because I devoured this one and Alison Hendricks is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Julian and Eric might be opposites when it comes to appearance but they both have the sweetest hearts. Julian is fashionable and confident and outgoing while Eric is more of a reserved and gentle giant. But together they find a friendship and eventual relationship that they've both been craving. They're also great parents who would do anything for their children. I just wanted to sweep these two into a hug every time they doubted themselves. While the drama and angst is very low key there is still some tension as Julian's ex recently abandoned him and their son and Eric hasn't had a relationship since his divorce.
I also really loved the idea of a DADCADEMY that brings single men together to seek advice, help, and friendship. I can't wait to read more in this series because I devoured this one and Alison Hendricks is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
February 26, 2019
Cute story, a little bit surface feeling, not a lot of character development and the conflict seemed over way too quickly and easily, but it was sweet. I'd be interested to see a second book in the series and see if it gets better.
April 28, 2019
Overdramatized conflict after one date had me confused. The random appearance of an ex seemed like a halfass attempt to create conflict and Julian’s devastated reaction to the “breakup” was overwrought and didn’t make sense for the stage of the relationship. I just wasn’t a fan of this one.
February 1, 2019
Enjoyable, relatively short story. I liked it, didn't love it. Nice to entertain you for a rainy afternoon or something.
August 27, 2022
I'm so glad I picked up this book. It was so good. Eric and Julian are so cute together and I love the premis of Dadcademy.
August 26, 2020
Sweet but predictable. I might have liked it better if I hadn’t just finished a 5 star read.
February 4, 2019
Well Alison Hendricks had me at the words "Single Dads". I didn't need to hear anymore. The main characters were well developed. Their commonalities, differences, and insecurities were right there. Both had strong women behind them and friends who cared about them. And then there were their children, who were not small adults, but actual kids who misbehave appropriate to their ages. One three temper tantrums while the other wanted a puppy. But neither ever craved their Dad's attention. Both Eric the red headed baker and the hair stylist Julian were great Fathers, but not perfect parents.
You won't get your heart broken if you never put it out there. But what if you're the opposite & are so free hearted you feel the pain of a crushed heart more than anyone should. How could two such men even meet in the middle? By just having a friendship, concentrating on careers they love, children they cherish, and friends that had their backs. But in their fanciful idea of a "DADcademy" planning, and helping each other out with their children. Feelings and desires sneak in, courage, cowardice, vindictiveness, fears, tears, lack of trust, and groveling.
Should a second chance be given? How can you know you won't experience the crushing disappointment again? But what is life, except a series of choices. What if he had not taken the chance and welcomed his child into his life? All the circumstances weren't great or remained wonderful, but never would either have given up the opportunity that led to that wonderful moment when his child was placed in his arms?
Sweet, a bit angsty, but most importantly the beginnings of a HEA, as they move toward blending their family, friends, and children into their shared love story.
You won't get your heart broken if you never put it out there. But what if you're the opposite & are so free hearted you feel the pain of a crushed heart more than anyone should. How could two such men even meet in the middle? By just having a friendship, concentrating on careers they love, children they cherish, and friends that had their backs. But in their fanciful idea of a "DADcademy" planning, and helping each other out with their children. Feelings and desires sneak in, courage, cowardice, vindictiveness, fears, tears, lack of trust, and groveling.
Should a second chance be given? How can you know you won't experience the crushing disappointment again? But what is life, except a series of choices. What if he had not taken the chance and welcomed his child into his life? All the circumstances weren't great or remained wonderful, but never would either have given up the opportunity that led to that wonderful moment when his child was placed in his arms?
Sweet, a bit angsty, but most importantly the beginnings of a HEA, as they move toward blending their family, friends, and children into their shared love story.
February 6, 2019
Alison Hendrick's Help Wanted is the start of a new series, The DADcademy.
Any tale with single dads is of definite interest to me. Eric and Julien are two lovable men, each raising their child. The each decide to help one another with their kids, since each have their own talents. This is super sweet and they are great together.
Of course, things won't be easy for them. They face some meddling, doubts, and fears. And with kids being kids, they also have their share of issues with their kids.
In the end, Help Wanted is a fun, short romance. It's a nice relationship that grows as the men spend time together.
Any tale with single dads is of definite interest to me. Eric and Julien are two lovable men, each raising their child. The each decide to help one another with their kids, since each have their own talents. This is super sweet and they are great together.
Of course, things won't be easy for them. They face some meddling, doubts, and fears. And with kids being kids, they also have their share of issues with their kids.
In the end, Help Wanted is a fun, short romance. It's a nice relationship that grows as the men spend time together.
January 30, 2019
Help Wanted
This is a short, quick read. I was really enjoying it and then I wasn’t. Some ridiculous drama happened that was too much. Julien should have said no in the end and found someone worthy of him. Then because of wasted time with the ridiculous drama, the relationship had to happen quickly in the short pages left. The scene with the ex would have been fine and allow for drama. Eric could have been an adult and handled it like an adult and I would have enjoyed the story.
This is a short, quick read. I was really enjoying it and then I wasn’t. Some ridiculous drama happened that was too much. Julien should have said no in the end and found someone worthy of him. Then because of wasted time with the ridiculous drama, the relationship had to happen quickly in the short pages left. The scene with the ex would have been fine and allow for drama. Eric could have been an adult and handled it like an adult and I would have enjoyed the story.
February 21, 2019
This was a cute shorter story to kick off a series. Things I liked: bi-character, gay dads with two adopted queer kids (Julian's dads), awesome relationship with ex-wife/bff (no cliche female villains, YEA!), fierce sibling relationship, cute kids. Things I didn't like: douchebag ex, Eric's ghosting and insecurities, not enough time with MCs together working through the issues.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but I wanted more Eric and Julian than I got here. I hope we see more of them in the subsequent books. I think that can make a formidable team :)
Overall, I enjoyed the story but I wanted more Eric and Julian than I got here. I hope we see more of them in the subsequent books. I think that can make a formidable team :)
April 18, 2019
How not to apologize
This started pretty good but the second half of the book fell apart and really forced the whole 'Dadcademy' thing. It was a good start of a relationship and then it gets broken off in a sea of angst and hurt and fear. A big gesture needs to be made to try to apologize and I felt that the gesture was paltry and didn't much make sense, just forced the concept to try this series together. Maybe future books wouldn't have that forced part but it makes it hard to be interested in the series.
This started pretty good but the second half of the book fell apart and really forced the whole 'Dadcademy' thing. It was a good start of a relationship and then it gets broken off in a sea of angst and hurt and fear. A big gesture needs to be made to try to apologize and I felt that the gesture was paltry and didn't much make sense, just forced the concept to try this series together. Maybe future books wouldn't have that forced part but it makes it hard to be interested in the series.
March 25, 2019
Sweet story
This was a short and sweet story. I love that it's about single dads just doing the best they can, till they either meet another single dad, whom not only helps out but could also be their missing piece. Eric and Julian start the Dadacademy after finding their happy ending and realizing other single father's might need help. This was their story and I look forward to the rest of the single dad's needing help.
This was a short and sweet story. I love that it's about single dads just doing the best they can, till they either meet another single dad, whom not only helps out but could also be their missing piece. Eric and Julian start the Dadacademy after finding their happy ending and realizing other single father's might need help. This was their story and I look forward to the rest of the single dad's needing help.
October 8, 2019
Great start to series
Wasn't sure if i was going to like this, but it surpassed my expectations. I has some confusion in the beginning because it sounded like Eric was calling Nancy his sister when she was in fact Liam's, and then it seemed like Nancy and Liam were dating because we didn't get reconfirmation that they were siblings. Figured it all out by the end but made for a few awkward moments in my brain.
Wasn't sure if i was going to like this, but it surpassed my expectations. I has some confusion in the beginning because it sounded like Eric was calling Nancy his sister when she was in fact Liam's, and then it seemed like Nancy and Liam were dating because we didn't get reconfirmation that they were siblings. Figured it all out by the end but made for a few awkward moments in my brain.
February 28, 2020
This one is a pure comfort read, it's light and sweet with a really adorable idea at the heart of it along with some cute kids. Eric and Julian were great together, they complimented each other wonderfully and I just found them lovely. The trade of cooking and hair styling was great, along with the idea for dadcademy. Only wish it had been longer, to allow more development and exploration of the idea however its a good start to series. Overall a fast paced and light hearted read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews