Her Last First Date

Her Last First... #1

by Brenna Jacobs, Jenny Proctor

When Zoey returns home to California to live with her ailing grandmother, she's less than enthusiastic when Nana tries to set her up with Harry, the handyman who's been helping her out around the house for years. But then she discovers Harry the handyman is actually Harrison Beckford, the handsome host of the hottest home renovation show on television.

To Zoey, Harry seems too good to be true. He's got the job, the house, the dog, even two adorable kids who Zoey quickly falls in love with. But as she gets swept up in Harrison's glamorous life, Zoey starts to let go of things that have always mattered to her in the past. Her career. Her friends. Soon she starts to Will fitting into Harrison's life require too much renovation of her own, or will the two of them be able to merge their worlds into a balanced and level whole?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Clean Romance, Rom Com, Fiction

ebook

First published March 24, 2020

Reviews

[victoria_tonks · Rating 1 out of 5]

RTC - it took me long enough, but here it goes:

I used to be a faithful reader of Brenna Jacobs’s books – this one was my ninth. She was one of my go-to authors when I needed something uplifting and I wish it continued, but alas, HLFD/HaH was a complete miss for me. I do not know whether this review says more about me or about the book, but I feel like I should explain my 1-star rating.

So, what exactly contributed to the rating?

First of all, to paraphrase the famous title, the Unbearable Level of Cuteness. Everything about this story was cute beyond words, from Zoey and Harry’s meet-cute to the cutest kids in the world. And I am a low-angst, fluff-loving kind of reader, so my threshold is pretty high.

Then there was a complete inability to suspend my disbelief. Zoey’s grandma has been Harry’s friend for years, ever since his dark high school time (btw, the ‘darkness’ is never explained), but she has no idea Harry is a host of an extremely successful TV show and a household name. And yes, she does own and watch TV. Harry, being a single father, a host and everything, is super busy and yet he managed to build his house himself. I know it was supposed to be a wish-fulfillment type of story but that was just plain absurd, and unnecessarily so.

And (almost) finally, the ubiquitous feminist propaganda that went far beyond Zoey being a career-oriented woman, which I would not have minded at all. I mean, I get it. Some women really love their jobs. I love my job as well. I do not need to have it hammered into my brain at every turn. But what really, really rubbed me the wrong way was Harry’s ex-wife (and his children’s mother) who walked out on them all to pursue an acting career in NYC, but she’s not really a bad person, she just never wanted this life. Hell. No. If you bring two people into the world, two little people who are totally dependent on you, you don’t get to leave your two toddlers behind and still feel good about yourself. Also, the amount of grovelling Harry had to do to get Zoey back was ridiculous. So, Harry, who hardly ever gets an afernoon/evening off (it is pointed out in the book several times) follows Zoey to Chicago after she left in a huff, but does not talk to her. No, he spends two days instead following her around like some lovesick teenage Romeo, but does not dare confront her. I remember reading it and thinking „Dude, you did virtually nothing wrong! All you said was refuse to uproot your children (who, may I remind you , have already been through a lot) for the sake of the lady’s career. You did the right thing. You don’t need to apologize!”

That’s been a lot of venting on my part, but quite frankly, the book would still have got a 2-star rating from me if it had not been for the ending. When I got there on my Kindle, I was informed that I would not be able to read the epilogue of the book I had paid for unless I signed up for the author’s newsletter. No way. The last straw and all that. I don’t think I will read this author again.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is cute and fun and flirty, although I had a hard time relating to Zoey and her single-mindedness about her career. She falls into a too-good-to-be-true romance with Harry, the celebrity handyman, and his adorable kids. About midway through the book when she starts feeling apprehensive about her conflict of Chicago career or California relationship things get a little deeper as she struggles to figure out how to have both. I appreciated the quote from the self-help book she comes across in the newsroom that helps her gain some perspective, as well as the strong women in her life that support and encourage her. It was interesting to see her character arc as well as Harry's as the obstacles to their relationship make them realize how important they are to each other.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

a sweet nanny romance.

he's famous (he has a constructing tv show -can you tell i don't watch those shows?-), but when he's home he helps the heroine's grandma. the heroine is gonna spend the summer taking care of her grandma, but she also babysits the hero's kids.
loved the kids! the romance was cute, but the conflict was a little bit boring.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was fun and adorable. I enjoyed the characters and plot progression. It also included a perfect epilogue.

While I did receive a complimentary ARC, all opinions are my own and freely given.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe is a morning news anchor living in Chicago. When her station closes she goes to California to help her grandmother who's recovering from a stroke. Little does she know that the handyman grandma hired to put shelves in the closet of the guest bedroom is home renovation TV star Harrison Beckford. Grandma doesn't know he has a show, he's just Harry, the boy who grew up down the street, who helped her with yard work, and things around the house.

I really liked Zoe and Harry. Zoe is smart, ambitious, and knows what she wants to do with her life. And Harry? Who wouldn't adore Harry? Gorgeous, super handy around the house (he built his own house!!), and he's a great dad to Hannah and Oliver (who are adorable).

I loved Zoe's relationship with her grandma, and Harry's relationship with his kids; both are sweet and endearing. Zoe fit into their family so easily, it was as if she was meant to be there, and grandma knew it all along. I also enjoyed Zoe and Harry's flirtatious banter; it was so light and fun.

This is one of my favorites in this series of standalone books. It was a quick read--I started it one afternoon and finished it the next day, and it got my mind off of everything going on right now.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Cindy Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Jenny Proctor's books, but I find myself thinking about this book days after reading it, and not for good reasons. There were plenty of cute parts between the main characters, and I do appreciate that they were straightforward about their feelings toward one another. But at one point, when she is nannying for his kids, he shows up 4 hours late!!! He apologizes, says he was in a meeting that went long, and then says he saw her messages asking where he was, and he said he wasn't worried because he trusted her to take care of the kids. I'm sorry? You had time to read text messages, but not to return them? No matter the gravity of a meeting, you can step out and call, or take 20 seconds to shoot off a text to let your nanny (and potential love interest) know that you'll be (very) late! Would he treat his normal nannies that way? Clearly I am very riled up about these fictitious characters in their fictitious situation. But after that, I lost all respect for him and was actively rooting against him, before the romance even really started. And I kind of hated that she ultimately did exactly what he asked for and gave up her career path to fit her life into his. Maybe if he hadn't originally assumed she would do this, I would feel differently. But she left for a few months, still missed him, and went back on everything she had fought for originally. No compromising on his part. I don't like reading about lop-sided relationships.
-and scene-

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good stand alone book in the ABC's of love series. Well written with very likeable characters and a good storyline. I thought the author dealt with the ongoing problems of juggling career and parenthood well. Clean romance with a HEA. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I was given an ARC, but this review is entirely my own.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read!

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this cute book! Harry is a dreamboat and I loved that Zoey was a strong, independent woman determined to follow her own path to happiness even though it might be different than what others think she should do. And Harry can be my handyman any day! 😉
I received an AR copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I loved this one!! It was well written and so cute. I loved how Zoey had dreams outside of a family but was able to still have them in her life.

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) - "People before things"

Zoey and Harry are attracted to each other. Zoey loves kids & Harry's kids in particular, and Harry's kids love her. They're perfect for each other!

Except for the little detail that Zoey's life is established in Chicago and Harry's is in LA. And things happen so fast & start feeling really complicated, & it all begins to feel confusing & a little overwhelming ...

This is a relationship development romance which is one of my favorite kinds of stories. Even though the plot sounds a bit like a fantasy, it's written believably, like it's real.

The story starts out with such an immediate connection between them & the beginning reads almost like it's at the happily-ever-after already. I found myself beginning to cringe because it's a book, after all, so you know there's some kind of conflict coming, lol.

I generally dislike the I-need-a-career-to-feel-fulfilled flavored themes almost as much as the I-can-do-it-all-and-have-it-all lie, but I liked the way it was handled here. Zoey's mindset was well explained & supported (as was Harry's), and it wasn't that she changed her mind at the end (which wouldn't have been very believable) so much as she revised her view based on the acquisition of new info & experience

The ending does a wonderful job of bringing them back together in a way that was both credible and happy. Two pleased thumbs up!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic comedies are my favorite escape when life gets stressful. I love the way Brenna Jacobs writes her books. I’m always guaranteed to smile, laugh, sigh and fall in love with the characters.

I read this one so fast! I loved the ease of reading and the way the story sucked me in from the first page.

Zoey is the main female lead in this one. She’s a news anchor from Chicago helping out her grandma in California. I loved the sweet relationship Zoey had with her grandma. It was really funny how Zoey met Harry, they met through her grandma.

Harry is really a tv star and her grandma had no idea. To her, he was just Harry. The boy from around the corner who helped her out in her yard and home. But Zoey knows differently. Her grandma suggests that she help with Harry’s kids and Zoey is hooked right away.

I loved reading about Zoey with Harry’s kids. And Harry with his kids. They were both just so cute. I could imagine the four of them as family long before they were even close to becoming that.

The easiness of reading this one, along with the great story line will suck you in. I hope you love it as much as I did.

I was sent an e-copy of this book as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I shared some highlights to illustrate some of the writing i found disappointing. I just read several other Jenny Proctor books and loved them, but this book was rough. The characters were instantly into each other, Zoey's core reason for being in CA (to care for her grandmother) felt like a mere plot device to get her to meet Harry, the grandma having no idea about his show and fame didn't feel believable, he somehow spent 5 years building a home for his family doing all of the work himself amid a busy filming schedule, etc. It felt really insta-love in a lot of mediocre ways and like the problems they needed to overcome were contrived. Didn't read beyond 30% because I didn't care for the characters or how the plot resolved.

[Caleen Pickett · Rating 4 out of 5]

H is for homey.
True rating 4.5
Really enjoyed the dynamics of this story. Not your typical boy meets girl. Harry has two children. Zoey has a career in a different state. Is love enough? Will Zoey have to choose between her career and having a relationship? What does a compromise look like? Can Zoey and Harry make it work? Will Zoey find her true home?
Good writing. Really felt the emotion of the characters and their struggles.
Can’t wait for I!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, clean, contemporary; series, but stand alone read
Zoey and Harry/Harrison's story, was natural, sweet, clever, and oh so swoony! There were so many 'moments' that made this the best of this series so far for me (I think I say this after each book). Truly, Zoey's genuineness, her work ethic, her kindness, and Harrison's sweet children, along with him seeing her (most of the time). The difficulties that came to them, as the worked through them, even while knowing their attraction, budding feelings, eventually love might be tried and tested, just so fun and sweet! This is a fun novel, with some heavy issues, trying to fit two people with complex lives into their HEA. I loved how this came together. Swoony, sweet, moments of sass, fun and spirited, just loved it! All of these genuine moments, issues, and chemistry swirled together to make a fantastic read! Loved it! Can't wait for the next one!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Escape

This story is so sweet! One of my favorites in this series for sure. Zoey and Harry have a great natural chemistry. Their relationship progressed in a normal way that felt true and honest. I loved the kids and grandma. Zoey and Harry are both good, kind people which made them so easy to like. This book was a fun escape.

[Chelsea Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop reading this book! I was invested in how things were going between Harry and Zoey. I enjoyed everything about this book!

[Robin Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I love me a love story that shows great dads, allows women to have the lives they choose, and demonstrated how a family can work together to support everyone’s dreams.

[Soquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

PG

An enjoyable start to a new series. Jenny/Brenna knows chemistry and her romantic couples never disappoint. This book had everything you want in a charming, sweet, and funny love story. I enjoyed listening to the narration of the audiobook by Emma Faye - she does such a good job with all the voices. This story would make a cute movie. Can't wait to read more.

[Eileen Murray Roybal · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s ok. The narrator kind of ruined it for me. I think I would enjoyed it more if I just read it as a book.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is about a successful woman who breathes in through her nose and out her mouth every time she's stressed. Woman meets a celebrity guy who's gorgeous, has basically no faults, and handles his fans with easy grace. Oh, and there's homosexual friends who are awesome and give advice to said woman. Sound familiar? Because it seems like Jenny Proctor used the exact same plot for two books, this one and Love Unexpected.

Proctor, your writing is great and you have plenty of imagination, so why use the plots, mannerisms, and even supporting characters (okay, so Love Unexpected had lesbian friends and Her First Last Date had gay friends) twice?

[Ivy Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and fun romance. Clean!

[Kaytlen Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooking the Handyman is another successful ABC's of Love story. With a hunky handyman and spunky news reporter, this story is a sweet romance. Zoey Williamson, passionate reporter, is between jobs when she goes to care for her grandmother that is recovering from a stroke. As Zoey arrives in town, Harry, the handyman, is putting new shelves in her room for the duration. Harry is no simple handyman. He is the handyman of every woman's dreams- Harrison Beckford: the handyman from Right-on Renovations. Zoey steps in as a nanny for Harry's adorable children the role of boss and nanny becomes sweethearts. When Zoey receives the job of her dreams back in Chicago, can she discover what will make her happy? Can Harry support Zoey in finding self-fulfillment outside of his own home?



This sweet romance has so many swoon-worthy moments. From start to finish with an abrupt introduction where Zoey is awestruck by the celebrity handyman in her bedroom to a sweet reconciliation of differences and home cities, this story made me want more. Each step of the journey I was rooting for Zoey on her path of self-discovery. I wanted to step in and shut up the vultures (gossipy play-group mothers). As Zoey asked herself the questions, "In a world where we are programmed to achieve, achieve, achieve, are we brave enough to acknowledge that what we achieve might not be the thing that makes us happy... Is it satisfying? Do you enjoy it? Does it fill you up and make you feel like you matter? Does it bring you joy?" I had to stop and ask myself those questions. Brenna Jacobs did an impressive job of telling a sweet romance I didn't want to put down at the same time as making me reevaluate my own life choices. I couldn't ask for a better read.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars A good sweet romance overall. I struggled really hard with what to say in this review and how to rate it because I really did enjoy the book and don't want to come off negatively, however; that being said, this book just did not grab me like I had hoped and while I enjoyed the overall story, it didn't quite reach the level I was expecting from this author. I do recommend this story and I did find much of it enjoyable; it just wasn't 5-stars material for me.
There isn't anything really negative about the book other than it felt rushed to me. The story-line covers a few months of time and I think that was important to the main characters to show that their relationship wasn't just instant, but at the same time it kind of was and I felt like the plot moved too fast to really invest me at the level I was hoping for. I really do like Zoey and Harry. I think their connection and the way they flirted with one another was very believable and I particularly loved the card game scene and first kiss(es). I just think it could have gone a bit deeper somehow to invest the reader a bit more or give the plot more depth. The kids were a great aspect to the novel and the conflict for Zoey of an instant family vs her career was a good plot point.
This is a clean contemporary romance that’s positive and upbeat. If you need a quick escape into a happily ever after, this is definitely work checking out.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoey was feeling a little like a loser when her job ended and, as the least busy person in her family, she was designated as the family member most available to assist her grandmother who was recovering from her stroke and needed someone with her at all times in her California home for a while. She loved her grandmother but she was anxious to keep her finger on the career pulse until she found a new job. Her gran hired her handyman, Harry, to come build shelves in Zoey's bedroom to help her have more storage space. Much to Zoey's surprise Harry turned out to be Harrison Beckford, a household name and recognizable television personality with his own home improvement show! You may think you know where this story is going and you'd be right about a wonderful romance with a great guy but there were some twists and turns along the way that made things a bit unpredictable and kept me up late turning the pages. I loved all of the characters--Harrison was a particularly appealing (not perfect but close) leading man and Zoey was a talented, ambitious modern woman who was trying to sort out her priorities. There were romantic kisses and lots of witty banter. All the good stuff! And on top of it all--the book is clean. Highly recommend! I was entrusted a copy of the book by the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kathee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite ABC's of Love story yet!! Zoey is a morning news anchor based in Chicago who is in between jobs who volunteers to help her grandmother in California recover from a stroke. Harry is the handsome handyman grandma is trying to set her up with. Litttle does Zoey know that Harry is actually Harrison, the hot host of the most popular home rennovation show on tv! Sparks fly, but Zoey is only staying in California for a few months to help her grandma, as her entire career has been in Chicago. This was such a fun read! I loved that Zoey is a strong, ambitious character and doesn't just give up on her career for someone she just met. Harry is a swoonworthy mix of handy, handsome, awesome dad who isn't afraid to admit his faults. I was definitely rooting for them to find a way to make it work so they could be happy!!

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, charming, and delightful story! I had such fun reading it and was disappointed when it ended. I wanted more of the story, but the epilogue was a good consolation prize. The characters were wonderfully defined, with great personalities and depth. I couldn't help but fall in love with them. Zoey and Harry were so cute together. They were definitely made for each other. The kids were adorable and I loved Nana's great advice and wisdom. Such a great story that kept me engaged and had me turning the pages and ending with a big, sappy smile on my face. This was my first time reading one of Ms. Jacob's books and I will definitely be looking for more. If you're looking for a sweet, clean, feel-good book then you definitely want to pick this one up!

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Kaitlin Lanham (Read with Kaitlin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet and simple read. It goes fast, but I didn't mind that. With romance books, you generally know that the two main characters are going to end up together, right? Part of the reason we read is to know how. The complicated things in the stories and how they make their messy and imperfect lives and selves, work together. I appreciated that this book shared that. Her problems and her dreams didn't just disappear into his life. They were both individuals and had to make things work to be their best selves together. I really love when I read a story like that. It brings a lot of body and a sense of real life into a book. It isn't a relationship romanticized (although it is a fiction romance book). I love Jenny Proctor for that. Her books have always had that quality. Rating: 3.5

[Christina Simke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoey's Grandma is determined to set her up with Harry, the handsome host of a renovation show. Zoey moves into her Grandma's house to help care for her after a stroke, and finds herself nannying for Harry's children, and falling for her boss.

But Zoey is passionate about her career which is tied up in location. Can she and Harry work past the distance love for their jobs? Brenna Jacobs does it again with another witty, fast paced read. This book will have you looking for your hammer and looking for things to renovate in your own home...as soon as all the pages are turned.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a real struggle, handled really well.

This is actually a 4.5 - 5 star book. I love the kids and the characters, and the situations in the book are all very real as well, right down to the mums vs nannies groups in the park. This struggle of career versus family is such a real one, and I love that the author neither minimizes the struggle nor cops out by just having one or the other give up their careers. I'm docking a star because it's just not absolute love with the protagonists. They're not annoying or anything, but I have to really fall in love with them to give a full 5 stars. But this book is really, really great. And the kids! I love the kids. Highly recommend.