As Needed: A Romantic Comedy for the Holidays

Haven Bay #1

by Thea Dawson

A sexy single dad, an irreverent receptionist, and one very special baby

When Rachel shows up for an interview at a law office, she doesn't expect to be handed … a baby. But she embraces her new job—and her pint-sized sidekick—because if there's one thing Rachel's good at, it's having adventures. (Plus her new boss? Totally hot.)

Bryce didn't even know he was a father until last week. Now he's behind on sleep and his organized office is sliding into chaos. Ordinarily, he'd hold out for an assistant with more experience and less attitude, but he needs help, and he needs it now.

It's not long before Bryce begins to realize that his new assistant is not only competent but distractingly attractive. And in between feedings and filings, Rachel can't help notice that her handsome boss has a soft spot under all the grouchiness. But Bryce's plans for his daughter might pull him and Rachel apart just as they're starting to fall for each other.

Genres: Holiday Romance

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2019

About the author

World traveler, vegetarian, salsa dancer, film fanatic, lover of happy endings. In an alternate steampunk universe, Thea travels by dirigible and gets in sword fights with dashing villains.

In this one, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband/salsa partner, three antic children, and an agenda-driven cat. She writes at the intersection of sweet and steamy, and hopes her stories will melt your heart and brighten your day.

Reviews

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute light hearted read about a bachelor lawyer whose indiscretions come back to bite him in the butt. After a brief affair Bryce finds out almost a year later he has a daughter. After the baby’s mom passes away Bryce’s easy going lifestyle is shaken to the core. He meets the heroine when she comes to interview for a position at his law firm. Within moments of meeting he hires her and literally shoves her out of the door with the baby so he could get work done. Bryce is clearly not easy to like and his gruff playboy workaholic life is not accustomed for a baby. At least that’s what he keeps telling himself. Bryce struggles a lot with adjusting to parenthood. Like many men Bryce does not do feelings well, denial however is is extremely good at. For so long he is adamant that adoption is the answer and this is a point of contention between him and the heroine especially as she herself was adopted. While I often really disliked Bryce and I think this was a very sensitive topic, I think it was handled well and it’s clear Rachel came into his life at just the right time helping him to open his eyes and his heart. Cute-short and sweet holiday romance.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needed: A Holiday Romance (Haven Bay Book 1) By: Thea Dawson
He'll DO "As Needed" In The END...
He NEEDS an Assistant who's Versatile...
SomeOne who can look at the scene, think ON their feet, adjust "As Needed!"
Why!?! Cuz let's face it, it's Chaos ON this Scene with a Baby ON board,
Especially, as He didn't have time to prepare,
But rather He became a Father, As He found out the News of ParentHood...
Talk about a Trial by Fire!
There's hardly time to make adjustments "As Needed,"
As His life gets Turned Upside down!
But suddenly there She IS...
Dealing with His kid...
And Not only that... She's mak'n Him see about doing "As Needed" for His BABY,
And doing what is RIGHT for EveryOne!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Thea Dawson's "As Needed: A Holiday Romance (Haven Bay Book 1)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
My Rating Sytem:
4🌟: I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice short holiday read. Rachel shows up for job interview with Bryce. He ends up hiring her to help him with his daughter Nora. While spending time together they fall for each other.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I floved this book, there are plenty of emotions to go through as you see Rachel and Bryce's relationship and them evolve you get how both feel about Nora and your heart also melts with how adorable Nora is and you want whats best for her. Being adopted I felt really connected to this book and get how hard a decision like that must be so I was rooting for Rachel to make Bryce see the light and for them to fall in love as they are the perfect match. This is definitely a book I would read again!

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

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun holiday read. No real angst or dramas. As usual Ms Dawson’s writing style is relaxed and easy to read. There is also an introduction to other characters who I’m guessing will get their own stories.
While trying to figure out what to do with her life Rachel takes a temping job at a law firm... however when her first task is babysitting her boss’ daughter Nora, it soon becomes clear that this job may be a lot different to what she expected.
Bryce is a successful lawyer, enjoying the bachelor lifestyle. Everything goes pear shaped when he is presented with a very young daughter that he didn’t know anything about.
As Bryce plans Nora’s adoption Rachel is doing her best to convince him that the place Nora should be is with her Dad.
Rachel is a happy go lucky character and I enjoyed reading about her, Bryce is quite guarded but has a good heart and they make a great couple.
I received an arc from the author and I am choosing to leave a review

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel goes in for an interview as a receptionist at a law firm. She is surprised to find out she’s hired and the “ other duties” include taking care of baby Nora.
Bryce hires Rachel quickly to restore some semblance of his life. He has found out his is now a single father. He never knew he was a father until the death of the baby momma who was a hookup.
Rachel embraces her roles and Nora. She sees so much in Bryce. When he lets it known his plan is to have Nora adopted who will get the results they want or will they get the best life has.
Great characters. Well written by the author. She handled the subject of adoption so well. Wonderful start to a series. These characters were real, flawed, vulnerable and lovable.

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

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Bryce meet when she goes for a job interview to be his new receptionist. Bryce has recently become a single father, which came as a big surprise because he didn’t know he was a father, at all. Rachel is hired and her first task is to take baby Nora out of the office, so Bryce can meet with his important client. Will baby Nora bring these two together or will they only be employer and employee? Grab your copy and get ready to enjoy this new series from Thea Dawson. I’m already looking forward to reading book two, lol.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun easy read about a sensitive subject, adoption and the decision of putting a baby up for it.
Bruce gets a call to pick up a baby daughter he never knew about. Her mother a short add air at a out of town work event, has died and her parents in their 70's are not able to raise her.
Rachel Bryce's new receptionist brings lots of adventure to his life and makes him feel.
You will laugh a lot in reading this story. It's well written plot draws you in and holds your attention.

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

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really sweet story about a lawyer who suddenly finds himself a father to a baby he never knew existed after the baby's mother passes away as well as in need of a new secretary when his own abruptly resigns. When Bryce hires Rachel on the spot as both secretary and fill in nanny out of desperation a really sweet story unfolds that leads him and her down roads neither of them ever expected.. great read!

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. I thought the narration was good. The narrator kept the story light hearted and fun, even when some of the subject matter was a bit more serious. I mean, that although there were a couple of sad moments, the book was not overburdened with sadness and angst.

I was cheering for Bryce to fall in love with Nora and want to keep her. I liked Bryce and Rachel together. She added some fun to his seriousness.

A sweet, romantic, holiday romance. I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this audiobook received from the author.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a funny, adorable and also touching story about two individuals that come to each others aid . Each complementing the other.
Rachel has just returned from traveling the world and working as a temp. When she goes to her temp job nterview, she meets Bryce. A lawyer who has a baby in his office. A daughter he knew nothing about, and is now in his care. But not for long, if things goes his way.
But Rachel brings not only joy, but also a new light into Bryce’s life.
A delightful story for an afternoon of leisure.

[Sue Wolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. It is truly inspirational. I cried once or twice but loved every minute. The characters were all very loveable and realistic that I could imagine being a real part of the family. I have nothing but high praise for Thea Dawson and As Needed. I recommend you read it also.

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

[Sue Wolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. It is truly inspirational. I cried once or twice but loved every minute. The characters were all very loveable and realistic that I could imagine being a real part of the family. I have nothing but high praise for Thea Dawson and As Needed. I recommend you read it also.

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

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel is hired by Bryce to be his receptionist. However, he has a more pressing need, his baby daughter, Nora. He intends to have her adopted but as he gets to care for Nora and gets to know Rachel, he is torn about whether that is the right decision. Rachel tries to make Bryce see that ha may have other options. She also arranges a visit with Nora's mother's grandparents which Bryce is uncomfortable with. Read an ARC for an honest review.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great romantic story. This is the first book in the series and it is about Bryce and Rachel. I loved these two together. The chemistry was hot and the story line was amazing. There was just something about this book that tugged at my heart strings. I am really looking forward to seeing what comes next.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actions have consequences

And Bryce, a lawyer is not taking any sort of consequences for having a fling with a stranger and getting her pregnant, when said baby Nora shows up, he foists her off on Rachel, the young girl who was supposed to interview for his office manager job. Bryce is set to put Nora up for adoption. He is in the mode of having no responsibility for her until almost the last chapter.

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

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made laugh so much and smile. From their first meeting when a shirtless Bryce hands Rachel a crying Nora to take care of as part of her temporary administrative duties I was a sucker for these characters. He was a stuffy lawyer who didn’t want the complications of a child. She was a fun loving world traveling free spirit who smiled a lot and still didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. It was an opposites attract romance with that adorable baby in the middle.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable book one in the Haven Bay series! It is beautifully written, well-developed and heartwarming! The story line is amazing, drama-filled, funny, witty, and fast pace; the writing is fluid and the story flows smoothly. Likeable characters with off the charts chemistry between them! Looking forward to reading book two. Definitely recommended!

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

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Needed: A Holiday Romance (Haven Bay Book One) was a great read by Thea Dawson. Rachel has a job interview at a law office that doesn't end as she has expected. At the end of it her new boss, Bryce, hands her a baby. Bryce didn't know he was a father until the week before and needs an assistant to help him. I really enjoyed reading Rachel and Bryce's story and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Celicia Fowlkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

She clearly was needed to help him see that he was messing up when he came to his daughter. He was very unclear about what he wanted. It helped that she showed him that he is deserving of his daughter and her if he allowed her in his life. Good book that shows that you can have what you did not know you wanted.

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

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short sweet read. Rachel and Bryce meet when Rachel applies for a job as Bryce’s receptionist. She very quickly becomes much more and before long they are finding that they are meant to be together. Rachel challenges Bryce and he needs someone who won’t let him be stiff and unbending. Together with baby Nora they make the perfect family.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a "clean" read, but still sweet and heartwarming.
She's a free spirit and he's... well, he's grouchy, but maybe that's the lack of sleep talking....
He hired her in desperation, but she's more than up to the task.

It's a short story so everything happens quickly, but the time "in story" is paced nicely.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the start of a series. Bryce has just learned that he is a new father. Rachel shows up for a job interview and gets handed the baby. Will they get together or will Bryces decision on the baby drive them apart?

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Thea Dawson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raveen Vann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story about Bryce and Rachel. These two were so cute together. Shes got hired as his assistant but mainly takes care of his baby. They can not help but be drawn to each other. Just amazing!!!

[NanaX8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes things happen that we don't think we need, only to learn that we usually do need exactly what happened. This was an emotionally charged, sexy romance about learning what is really important in life...family, hope and love. 💞💞

[Kim Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this romantic easy read. Well written with relatable characters. Bryce a single dad, Rachel a young women that loves adventure and is looking for her place in the world. Great way to start a new series. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Lady M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this story was adorable. Although I don't recall any swearing, there is a pretty tame sex scene so it's not completely clean. Bryce and Rachel are a good example of Opposites Attract. It's funny, sweet, sad - all rolled into one. The ending was just so sweet, I had a smile on my face the whole time

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Short review. A cute sweet heartwarming holiday romance. This wasn't my favorite book by Thea Dawson but it's enjoyable read from start to finish. It's a good book if you are looking for something light and heartwarming to read.

[Seeshel kettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachels job interview turns into more than she expected. Love and a family. Very cute and well written. Humor and so bits of real emotion. This has some extra character that’s would make a good story too