Mama Didn't Sign Up for This

by Siobhan Smile

He had one rule. Sometimes rules were meant to be broken.

Drake

My life changed on the first day of school. Could this be a midlife crisis? No, that was too easy an explanation. I never crossed the line of dating a mother of one of the students in my school. That was a complication I didn't need. My brain told me I needed to keep my distance, but every time I ran into Sari Hampton, every part of me screamed she was mine. There was no way I was going to be able to resist the pretty single mom.

Sari

I may write romance for a living, but I was just faking it. At thirty-nine, I was not having any success in finding my happily ever after. There was one thing in life I could control—I wanted a family. I'd grown up in foster care. And after years of fostering children like me, I’d given them a place to be safe no matter how briefly they came to me. That was until Reggie arrived, and I knew he was my son. Yet, the first day at his new school, I met Principal Drake Pike. He was too perfect. We weren’t going to be friends, but how long could I remain strong and keep a safe distance between him and my heart?

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2021

About the author

Siobhan Smile is an author of happily ever afters with a twist. They features characters of all sizes, shapes, sexualities, gender identities, and races. Reading a Siobhan Smile book lets you escape for a few hours whether that is to an alien world or a contemporary setting, you'll find something outside the norm. Writing books for Siobhan is more than simply telling a story, it's a way for everyone to see themselves get a HEA.

Reviews

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a nice fluffy, sweet read. Drake and Sari were absolutely great together. I love when this author writes her fluffy pieces occasionally in this pen name. It's sometimes nice to have change. And she does do some great Trans romances that are realistic.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, no angst, lovely read that leaves you all warm and fuzzy

Sigh… this was lovely. I love when you read a book and when you’re finished it feels like you just been given a really comforting hug. I don’t think there was a single prominent character in this I didn’t love. Drake was a total sweetheart. My heart ached for how lonely he felt and how he really did seem to have given up on the idea of finding what his parents and siblings had. He was so patient and understanding but, best of all, he never expected praise for that. He was patient, kind and caring because it was the right thing, not because he felt he would be rewarded and that made it so much better. Sari was beautiful inside and out. She’d gone through so much yet still came across as this bright and warm person. The way she put herself out there even when it was hard (because I would definitely struggle to actually go attend a big BBQ with a bunch of people I didn’t know but who all knew each other really well). She was one of those characters you just know you’d love to meet in person. To be fair though, they all were. Drake’s family was wonderful and you could really see how he’d become the kind of person he was. What I absolutely adore about this author’s work is the emphasis on family and that being yourself is okay even if sometimes it’s a struggle. You don’t have to be okay all the time and being open and true to yourself can be hard and hurt (even though it shouldn’t); I love that honesty whilst also including all the warm, happy, gooeyness of wonderful people. Love this author, love their books and can’t wait for the next one!

[Amos24601 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All smiles after reading this

This book was beautiful. I don't know another way to describe it. Drake and Sari were delightful together. They got off to an auspicious start, to say the least, but neither could resist the other.

Drake was just the *chefs kiss* of non-toxic masculinity and wasn't afraid to flaunt that attribute. He really was an awakened man in this world. Sari was full of snark and sass that hide this layer of vulnerability that was so fragile. Drake was so patient with her and never failed to show her that she was worth every second he waited for her trust. Drake was also a wonderful father to Sari's son, Reggie. Watching those two together was lovely.

This story was about learning to love, even when you're afraid. Finding a family in the most unlikely place, and finding that you actually to have a place that you can call your own. The epilogue was everything I wanted to wrap up this book and left me with a full heart and smile on my face.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Principal and the Trans mom

Well, I don't usually read this style of story - MF - but it love the author's other works and do I decided to give it a try. The was really intrigued by the blurb. I have to admit that the was pleasantly surprised. Sari is a wonderful example of a trans woman. We got to see her insecurities and doubts but also her overwhelming strength and capacity for love. Drake was the perfect match for Sari. He had a few of his own insecurities but the quickly dives in head first to wooing and winning this skittish babygirl. The loved reading about his quirky family and the ending was must perfect. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more NY this author, under this pen name.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is Love

This is a very sweet love story that goes to show that you should never give up on love, no matter who you are or what age you are. Everyone wants to be love for who they are, both inside and out. You should never have to hide the person you are. You should never give up looking for that one person who makes you whole. Sometimes you luck out and find them when you are still a kid, sometimes fate makes you wait a little longer. Never stop looking for your person, they are out there.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stopped reading at 66% which is disappointing. This is one of the best books with a trans character I’ve read. It’s a light read. But I don’t read books with the “daddy” theme. I know this author so I checked multiple times to make sure it wasn’t something in this book. Unfortunately it is and that just ruined any enjoyment I had reading and I just couldn’t continue. But if you don’t mind that’d you should definitely read this.

[Sheryl Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this story. From the beginning with Sari’s snark and Drake’s intimidation I knew I was hooked. I stayed up late reading until I could finish. The hardships, the love, the attitudes, and a little boy beyond his years makes this one hell of a book. Grab it now.

[Jessica Brittain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It was very well written and great storyline! It shows you love is love and everyone deserves to find happiness!! You will wrapped in the story and love the characters!! Definitely a must read!!

[Tatianna Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gonna make you cry

So Siobhan has a way of making all the gooey happy things happen. I loved the book and I love the characters and at the end of it all happy endings are totally worth it!!!

[Grace Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

From the beginning words I was drawn into Sari and Dealers story. I could not keep a smile off my face ad I enjoyed their meet cute to their forever love.

[Siobhan Mulgrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Maxine Higginbotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much sweetness!

I really enjoyed this book. It was full of sweetness and no angst. A slowburn for sure but definitely worth the wait.