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What Love Looks Like

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Hudson

Since I lost my wife, my life has consisted of being a single dad to two crazy kids 
and playing professional football, leaving me with no room for anything or anyone else.

Until the moment I met Sawyer. 
Something about her feels right, and I know it’s more than just chemistry. 
She’s a game changer. My second chance at love.

I want all of her days, her nights, and everything in between. 
But our time together is limited, and come Saturday, she’s going to leave, taking my heart right along with her.


Sawyer

I wasn’t looking for love, but that didn’t stop it from finding me. 
All it took was six days to fall head over heels for a complete stranger and his adorable children.

Nothing has ever felt so right. 
But as a single mom, it’s not just about what I want. 
We live over a thousand miles apart, and I know all too well that long-distance love always ends in heartache.

Hudson’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man, and I know it would be easy to create a life with him and our kids. Which is why it’s going to be so hard to say goodbye.

*This story is currently only available in the Summer Love anthology*

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2021

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About the author

Nikki Ash

80 books4,364 followers
Nikki Ash resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher and mom by day and a writer by night. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children to Wuthering Heights to the latest Single Parent Romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book.

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out. - Pam Allyn

While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!

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5 stars
811 (45%)
4 stars
596 (33%)
3 stars
291 (16%)
2 stars
56 (3%)
1 star
19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,325 reviews765 followers
January 1, 2022
3 💘💘🤔⭐️s

A nice romance read with two single parents and three adorable kids!
It was an easy read with lovely characters, had neither angst nor drama, insta love, dual pov.
Profile Image for Nerdy.Scientist.Reads || NERDY.
Author 6 books122 followers
October 5, 2023
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️ 5/5🎧
Nikki Ash is fast becoming an auto-read/buy author! This is my second book by her, and she hit it out of the park again. I’m not usually a fan of instalove, but the way What Love Looks Like played out wasn’t overly obsessive and unrealistic. I loved the easy flow of the romance in the story and the way two completely different world collided. I also enjoyed the blended family aspect. It was such a beautiful story! And the narrators, Lexi Evans and Michael Gallagher, performed their character so well and with such passion. Amazing job 👏
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
December 16, 2021
This book was so much fun. It was fun, cute, sweet with the perfect amount of spice. For how short this novel was we really got to know the characters and see them connect and fall. And the kids were so cute and lovable. I adored this book. This would be a perfect summer beach read.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
592 reviews1,102 followers
February 13, 2022
Single dad and single mom romance. Not my go to but this just was so cute i cant stand it. Novella and 2.75 on spice
Profile Image for anna. ׂׂૢ.
655 reviews19 followers
March 2, 2023
I will always be drawn to the single parent trope because I adore it so much. In this instance, I adored both the kids and the entire vacation plot. Although many people disagree with the love of children, I thought these youngsters were wonderful. I simply adored how long it took to find a solution to the issue. In this instance, Hudson and Sawyer were two different people living separate lives and unsure of how to go with their relationship. Finally, a solution was found, and I thought it was good. But the chemistry was there, and I really, truly liked it.

4✨!
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
3,028 reviews979 followers
December 18, 2021
What Love Looks Like is everything I love about Nikki Ash- a heartfelt story sparking with sincerity, lovable characters, and all of the swoony feels! Nikki effortlessly captures the magic of summer vacation and unexpected connections

Even better, she plays on all my favorite tropes. Fling-turned-soulmates, single parents, age gap, unexpected identities, and best of all, a TN gal. Our meet cute happens in a beachside bar, as our young heroine Sawyer celebrates her graduation from college and new positions in her dream role- a teacher. An accomplishment that has had her own set of unique challenges thanks to life's unexpected turns. And in an delightful unexpected turn, she finds herself staring at the beautiful eyes of Hudson, uncover NFLer whose on vacation to try to figure out his life. Their connection is sizzling- and the more the talked, the more I fell in love as we see these two have more in common than meets the surface, and a beautiful and authentic connection is formed. Not to mention one oozing sexual tension and heat. But their life paths do not align- can a vacation fling stick?

I just loved these two - like two puzzle pieces coming together, even though they are from two very different life experiences. Watching their families fall together is even more rewarding- just like they were meant to be. Sawyer is a heroine you easily root for- a survivor of adversity, mature for her age, witty and kind, empathetic and quietly strong. And Hudson is just a dreamboat- a loving father, a generous lover, and so darn earnest. I love Nikki Ash heroes more than anything- she's never scared to let her men demonstrate their strength in their vulnerability and emotional availability- and like SWOON!

While this is a shorter novel (really more of a longer novella length), Nikki gives the story ample emotion and development. Both of these characters have baggage that we touch on, but the angst and drama stays mostly low, and her characteristic charm is so substantive that you can't help but fall in love with this story. I wish we could even more time with them, got to see their connection evolve even more in the interim, but the HEA is so cute and satisfying. And sometimes you just need a short, quick, feel good story- and in that, Nikki delivers and then some. Giddy for this sweet story about leaning in to love and taking a risk.
Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,739 reviews24 followers
December 30, 2021
Quick adorable love story. Sawyer and Hudson met while on vacation. He approached her and was much more intrigued when she didn’t recognize him. It was a breath of fresh air for Hudson to be in the company of a beautiful woman who didn’t know that he was a famous NFL quarterback. When he told Sawyer who he was her reaction was priceless and that made him fall more. The following day they discovered their kids had became friends and the adventure began. It was so adorable to see how they all bonded. The only issue was that they lived in different States. Also Sawyer had a rule of not dating famous people because of her ex. But Hudson proved he’s different. He also suffered heartbreak and Sawyer was the only woman that made him want to have more. Distance was an obstacle but Hudson made things happen. He put his happiness and the people he love first. Such a beautiful story of how two single parents came together and formed a beautiful family. The kids absolutely adored each other and also Sawyer and Hudson.
Profile Image for Grace.
598 reviews363 followers
March 28, 2022
It's short, sweet and perfect.

A vacation getaway where two single parents find each other and fall in love rapidly and without boundaries.

No drama at all, they have a problem each want to do the solution until he does the ultimate act for her. Their kids are the sweetest, Lucas, Presley and Amy.

And Hudson, the sexy five-time Super-Bowl QB and Sawyer the young beautiful teacher. It was everything I needed, they were. highly recommend as a quick short escape from the world, because it truly does provide that.

Tropes
💌 single parent (he has a son & a daughter and she has a daughter)
💌 he's an nfl player
💌 vacation romance
Profile Image for Nikki Ash.
Author 80 books4,364 followers
Read
August 24, 2025
What Love Looks Like: a double single parent romance is LIVE and FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

One-click: amzn.to/3k72wo3
Add to your TBR: bit.ly/3o0mDFG
bit.ly/3o0mDFG
Signed copies: https://bit.ly/3ubkcBr

Hudson

Since I lost my wife, my life has consisted of being a single dad to two crazy kids and playing professional football, leaving me with no room for anything or anyone else.

Until the moment I met Sawyer. 
Something about her feels right, and I know it’s more than just chemistry. She’s a game changer. My second chance at love.

I want all of her days, her nights, and everything in between. But our time together is limited, and come Saturday, she’s going to leave, taking my heart right along with her.

Sawyer

I wasn’t looking for love, but that didn’t stop it from finding me. All it took was six days to fall head over heels for a complete stranger and his adorable children.

Nothing has ever felt so right. But as a single mom, it’s not just about what I want. We live over a thousand miles apart, and I know all too well that long-distance love always ends in heartache.

Hudson’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man, and I know it would be easy to create a life with him and our kids. Which is why it’s going to be so hard to say goodbye.

**Please note: If you have grabbed the Summer Love newsletter anthology, this story is in there and is the same.**
Profile Image for HappyKT.
1,102 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2022
A single mom takes a vacation to celebrate her job and meets a single dad who is going to be just what she needs.

Sawyer just graduated from grad school and is about to begin her dream job as a teacher. Her and her daughter have decided to take a fun vacation to the beach for the first time ever.

Hudson is coming to the end of his football career. After losing his wife 5 years earlier, he has been living in survival mode with his two kids. The three take a much needed vacation to relax as a family while Hudson tries to decide what he should do next.

They meet in a bar and end up sleeping under the stars. What they thought would be one night turns into a week where everything feels perfect. Returning to real life brings reality in big doses as Hudson and Sawyer try to decide if they can have a future together or not.

This is a quick, fun beach read. Light and fun insta-love. The conflict is easily solved with a sweet ending. Nice HEA and epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Court.
973 reviews47 followers
December 29, 2021
Wow, l loved What Love Looks Like! Hudson and Sawyer will give you all the feels!!!! Sawyer is on vacation with her daughter enjoying the time off before her job starts and wasn’t looking for anything. Then a chance encounter meeting Hudson opens up of the feels and enjoys the moment. Then shock comes when he is picking up his kids from the same camp. The two hit it off and enjoy their time while they have it, but what happens when just have fun turns into the special kind of love you dream of? Hudson and Sawyer both have their families and jobs in separate cities and long distance seems like a nightmare, but will they figure it out or will they be doomed before they give themselves a chance? Take a chance on Hudson and Sawyer because they definitely will have you hooked until you find out what happens between them!
Profile Image for E-Reader Addict.
1,392 reviews47 followers
September 28, 2024
This one started out cute - I loved how the hero and heroine met, then discovered they had an additional connection they didn’t know about.

But things went sliding off the rails when the heroine stopped acting/thinking like the adult she is. I love romances where the couple have actual, real life obstacles to being together (living in different parts of the country was the obstacle here), and are willing to be patient and work hard to be together. And it was pretty simple here, too - the hero was a professional athlete with a boatload of money. Would it be hard to maintain a relationship during the season? Of course. But could they make it work? Yes. Instead, the heroine was willing to just let it all go because things would be hard for eight months. 🙄

This was my first Nikki Ash story, but I’m willing to give her another try.
Profile Image for Andréa.
813 reviews
April 15, 2022
Relationship Goals !

What an intense, addicting read.

The chemistry between Sawyer and Hudson was palpable and so enticing. I had a great time with those characters.

So much happens in just a week and still it didn’t feel rushed. It just seemed meant to be and that says a lot about Nikki Ash’s talent as a writer that she made me believe it all.

The kids were adorable and I really enjoyed the strong bond they developed. That they could also get what they needed emotionally from both Sawyer and Hudson who icing on the cake.

I devoured this book in one sitting and I just want more of those characters. This book left me with a smile on my face and contentment in my heart !
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,224 reviews110 followers
September 22, 2023
What Love Looks Like by Nikki Ash is a single parent vacation romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Lexi Evans and Michael Gallagher.

I absolutely love Nikki's books! She always gives me all the feels with each of her books. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Hudson and Sawyer. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

Michael and Lexi did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like contemporary romances, single parent romances, or vacation romances.


The Flock Team
Profile Image for Chrissy Lear.
827 reviews46 followers
December 17, 2021
If you are looking for a fun, yet heartfelt summer romance look no further. Fan of of single parent romances? This one has two single parents for you.

Hudson and Sawyer's story will melt your heart. It is like finding your other half at what feels like the wrong time. The way their kids connect makes this story even better. Their two partial families fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. They just have to figure out how to make it work.

I loved reading this story. It gave me so many feels. A great feel good quick read.
326 reviews
December 29, 2021
One think I love about Nikki Ash's books is the feels she writes in them. Just like the others she wrote, this story will wrap around your heart with its words and take you on a never ending read. This book is a pleasing read you need to sink your eyes into. Just make sure you are ready for falling fo a new favorite author.
Profile Image for Sally Mieske.
297 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2022
What Love Looks Like is the perfect book to curl up and spend the afternoon with.

Sawyer and Hudson gave me all the feels and I adored the kids-Lucas, Presley and Abby. Even though this a fast read, Nikki Ash did a great job portraying the trials and tribulations of single parents.

If you love single parent romance, both Sawyer and Hudson are single parents, with a side of sports romance (NFL)-This book is for you! I think you will love them as much as I do!
Profile Image for Mandy Robitaille .
2,400 reviews27 followers
February 3, 2024
This was so sweet. I couldn't put it down!

Two single parents meet on vacation and fall in love. Their kids become fast friends! At first its a struggle because they live states apart, but Sawyer and Hudson find a way to make things work. So steamy too! Left me feeling all warm & fuzzy inside.

Tropes:
- Single Mom
- Single Dad
- Vacation Romance
- Sports (Football)
- Blended Family
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,420 reviews38 followers
September 1, 2021
This is the 1st book I read by Nikki Ash. I enjoyed this book's storyline. I really liked the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I really liked Sawyer's character. I really liked Hudson's character. I loved ❤ Abby, Presley, & Lucas. I really liked the ending.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,216 reviews562 followers
January 5, 2022


Short and sweet with some detailed steamy sexual scenes. He's a five-time Super Bowl winning quarterback and she's a country gal from Tennessee. Both are single parents. It's a beach vacation meet/greet that turns into much more -- but not before overcoming some obstacles.

3,239 reviews79 followers
October 21, 2023
Ate this up

I will expire on the Hill that instlove romances have their place in this world. Because from the first page of this I was hooked and its been hard to keep my attention this year but this single parent vacation romance grabbed me and didn't let go.
Profile Image for Melissa Harechmak.
146 reviews
April 9, 2025
Cute, quick story. Started to be very unrealistic how quickly everything happened but still liked the story line
Profile Image for Sammie Bow.
875 reviews44 followers
April 7, 2023
3.5⭐️

A super sweet read. It was a bit tame for me but overall a nice novella.

POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: Standalone.
TROPES: M/F adult, age gap, single parents, slight sports vibe (NFL), sort of small town, vacation romance.
SIZE: 140 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Hudson (36) & Sawyer (24).

PLOT: 📚📚📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶🌶/5
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: N/A

⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
Profile Image for Fran.
643 reviews63 followers
November 16, 2024
This was a cute and quick read.

Two people meet on vacation and have the most amazing chemistry. It turns out they have more in common than they think, and what turns into time alone turns into a bunch more.

Fast, steamy and swoony all at once.
Profile Image for bookspaced.
874 reviews15 followers
December 29, 2021
What Love Looks Like was a really really enjoyable short novel.

Sawyer and Hudson were amazing! They‘re both single parents with amazing and cute children.

This story is perfect for inbetween or if you need something short and sweet.

4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Leah Dynes.
1,044 reviews11 followers
December 30, 2021
I loved this book! The storyline, the characters, everything was perfect. I’d definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Juli.
1,611 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2022
KU*

This is a great short read with all the good feels. Hudson and Sawyer are two single parents who love their children and the lives they have, but they do seem to be a little lonely. However, things take a nice turn when these two lovely people meet on vacation and they have that instant special spark.

I absolutely adored Hudson and the way he pursued Sawyer, he didn’t give up and kept trying for his women; even though he felt some guilt about his deceased wife. Sawyer, did get on my nerves a lot even though she had valid points, but it also felt like she would rather lose Hudson and his kids then try to find a way to make it work. The children were my favorite part of the book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews