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Single Dads Gone Wild #1
Breaking Dad
Amy
Opening a yoga studio was supposed to be an inspiring 'I am woman, hear me roar' second act, but instead I'm having a midlife meltdown.
My baby was accepted to college the same day my business was evicted. Worse, my only hope for saving my studio is convincing the world’s most impossible CEO to approve my corporate wellness program.
I'm granola and namaste, he's spreadsheets and bottom lines and thinks this is all kumbaya woo. I've got two months to get him on board, or I’ll be a forty-something divorcee living in my parents’ basement.
At least I have Henry, a dad online. We’ve never met, but he's been my rock. We have a bond forged in worrying about first crushes, bullying, and college entrance exams. Why can't the CEO be more like him? Helpful, understanding, open to my advice?
Hudson
My personal motto is work hard, play hard, and parent harder.
It works for me, or it did, until my business partners hired a certain redheaded yoga instructor to put together an employee wellness program.
The problem is, Amy doesn't know we’ve spent the past five years slowly falling in love…
Opening a yoga studio was supposed to be an inspiring 'I am woman, hear me roar' second act, but instead I'm having a midlife meltdown.
My baby was accepted to college the same day my business was evicted. Worse, my only hope for saving my studio is convincing the world’s most impossible CEO to approve my corporate wellness program.
I'm granola and namaste, he's spreadsheets and bottom lines and thinks this is all kumbaya woo. I've got two months to get him on board, or I’ll be a forty-something divorcee living in my parents’ basement.
At least I have Henry, a dad online. We’ve never met, but he's been my rock. We have a bond forged in worrying about first crushes, bullying, and college entrance exams. Why can't the CEO be more like him? Helpful, understanding, open to my advice?
Hudson
My personal motto is work hard, play hard, and parent harder.
It works for me, or it did, until my business partners hired a certain redheaded yoga instructor to put together an employee wellness program.
The problem is, Amy doesn't know we’ve spent the past five years slowly falling in love…
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2022
300 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn M. Hearst
43 books290 followersKathryn M. Hearst is a southern girl with a love of the dark and strange. She has been a story teller her entire life, as a child she took people watching to new heights by creating back stories of complete strangers. Kate lives in North Carolina with her chocolate lab, Jolene; and two rescue pups, Jagger and Roxanne. She is a self-proclaimed nerd, raising a nerdling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 15, 2022
This book is part of the Single Dads Gone Wild series and the man characters are Amy (Amaryllis) Flowers, who has opened a yoga studio and has a teenage son Jason (17), and Hudson Stewart, who owns a movie studio in San Sera and has a teenage daughter Zarah. Amy is divorced, whilst Hudson lost his wife five years ago and had to rethink his career and move out of LA, for his daughter’s sake. Amy’s son has been accepted at college, but on the same day the rented space where she has her studio, gives her an eviction notice, as well as all the other businesses in the building! She has a month to find another space, a space she will never be able to afford! She reckons she will have to follow her son to his college town to move in with her parents and work in her former role, not the one she loves! The only thing keeping her going is being able to chat with Henry on an online parenting support group for the last five years, but he has been using false details to hide who he is, so no one would recognise him. Hudson works hard and has to fill in even more when his two business partners have to take time out, one with a heart attack!
Luckily, Amy has two best friends Merilee, who works for the Hudson as his personal assistant, and Nat (Natalie), who does catering gigs, who she can rely on for support. Merilee suggests that Amy apply for a position as a wellness coach, for a new program the company are going to provide for all their employees, to counter some bad press. She has a couple of weeks to come up with a complete plan and program of classes she could provide. It could mean everyone can stay in the current building and keep their businesses open for another six months or even longer. Henry has suggested that Amy get her son Jason some male role models, so she tries to get the local single dads group to allow her and Jason to join! He has had Amaryllis help with his daughter’s struggle after her mother’s death and the problems with bullying at school. They meet in the local diner where the Single Dads Gone Wild were holding their latest get together, while Amy and her friends were also meeting. Amy doesn’t really recognise Hudson, but is attracted to him, thinking he is similar to a man called Charlie that she slept with in a tent some three years ago, when he rescued her on a wet night when she was lost in the woods! He does recognise her and knows her as Amy from that night, but she had given him the wrong contact details. It was too soon after his wife’s death and he was in a downward spiral at the time. It is only later that she realises he was actually Charlie as well.
He is the first to figure out that the two have actually been in touch with each other for five years already! Far too many coincidences have hit home, as it seems fate is consistently bringing them together. Maybe this time they won’t ignore what fate is trying to do! It seems they show different sides of themselves in different circumstances and wish the person was more like another part of their unknown persona. Amy is struggling with her son being badly bullied at school and refusing to tell her who is responsible, knowing it will only make it worse. He is actually tutoring Zarah in maths and has been for a while, so the two teens decide to set up a parent trap and even a bit of false relationship news of their own. It backfires spectacularly and ends up with one of them taking a trip in a boot (trunk)! There is lots of fun along the way for each group of friends, both adult and teens, as well as wondering when Amy and Hudson will finally realise what they have together and how special it is. The story covers lots of sensitive areas, such as divorce, single parent household issues, death of a parent, depression, bullying, but also wellness and support groups, stress and so much more. A fun read as you watch the online chats, as well as the personal mixing and influences of their children’s lives on how they react to matters. A nice romance with lots of background details and glad to see they get together at the end! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Luckily, Amy has two best friends Merilee, who works for the Hudson as his personal assistant, and Nat (Natalie), who does catering gigs, who she can rely on for support. Merilee suggests that Amy apply for a position as a wellness coach, for a new program the company are going to provide for all their employees, to counter some bad press. She has a couple of weeks to come up with a complete plan and program of classes she could provide. It could mean everyone can stay in the current building and keep their businesses open for another six months or even longer. Henry has suggested that Amy get her son Jason some male role models, so she tries to get the local single dads group to allow her and Jason to join! He has had Amaryllis help with his daughter’s struggle after her mother’s death and the problems with bullying at school. They meet in the local diner where the Single Dads Gone Wild were holding their latest get together, while Amy and her friends were also meeting. Amy doesn’t really recognise Hudson, but is attracted to him, thinking he is similar to a man called Charlie that she slept with in a tent some three years ago, when he rescued her on a wet night when she was lost in the woods! He does recognise her and knows her as Amy from that night, but she had given him the wrong contact details. It was too soon after his wife’s death and he was in a downward spiral at the time. It is only later that she realises he was actually Charlie as well.
He is the first to figure out that the two have actually been in touch with each other for five years already! Far too many coincidences have hit home, as it seems fate is consistently bringing them together. Maybe this time they won’t ignore what fate is trying to do! It seems they show different sides of themselves in different circumstances and wish the person was more like another part of their unknown persona. Amy is struggling with her son being badly bullied at school and refusing to tell her who is responsible, knowing it will only make it worse. He is actually tutoring Zarah in maths and has been for a while, so the two teens decide to set up a parent trap and even a bit of false relationship news of their own. It backfires spectacularly and ends up with one of them taking a trip in a boot (trunk)! There is lots of fun along the way for each group of friends, both adult and teens, as well as wondering when Amy and Hudson will finally realise what they have together and how special it is. The story covers lots of sensitive areas, such as divorce, single parent household issues, death of a parent, depression, bullying, but also wellness and support groups, stress and so much more. A fun read as you watch the online chats, as well as the personal mixing and influences of their children’s lives on how they react to matters. A nice romance with lots of background details and glad to see they get together at the end! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
July 6, 2022
I liked it but didn't love it
Since watching a TikTok about the appropriation of yoga, a closed practice Eastern religious ritual, where white women have turned it into an ablist, fatphobic, dangerous workout routine. I can't unsee it. I like Amy, but have serious problems with her lifestyle and her forcing it on others. And Hudson is forced. He's painted to be a stressed out, carnivore whose a dude-bro at the gym. They are supposed to be these total opposites that balance out. But when it's not blatantly pushed is when the relationship sings. I like that develop special relationships with the other's child. The first half of the book is dedicated to showing how opposite they are. When if it has been written from the kid's perspective you would have gotten a much more interesting and relevant story. Jason and Zarah have better struggles than a optimist turning into a scaredy cat, and a midlife health moment for a man. Learning that life kicks the crap out of you by the time you reach midlife is the norm. Most people even those bound and determined to be a pollyanna are wary of it happening again. So you dream smaller and take less risks or you suck it up. And honey, I'm fat my doctor's always want to put me on cholesterol and sugar meds. My sugar, bp, cholesterol, and even Vitamin D are fine so, when I ask why they want me to take meds I don't need. They always give me the to lose weight speech. And nope I'm not making myself unhealthy and inviting side effects to satisfy a number created by the diet industry. So, that being said the idea that meditation, diet, and yoga can replace medication is ridiculous. Cholesterol is a factor of genetics and lifestyle. You can't change your DNA. Hypertension is your heart working harder than it has to. Now, changing lifestyle can decrease the number of times you push your heart to doing even more work, but medication and reduction of body mass is probably his best bet. Moving from anarobic to arobic exercise might help. Switching to walking/running from weightlifting would probably be a better idea than yoga. I'm fat--I look this way because food tastes good and exercise sucks. But if I ever want to change my body permanently I know how. No exercise in the world feels better than relaxing on the couch eating a bag of chips.
Since watching a TikTok about the appropriation of yoga, a closed practice Eastern religious ritual, where white women have turned it into an ablist, fatphobic, dangerous workout routine. I can't unsee it. I like Amy, but have serious problems with her lifestyle and her forcing it on others. And Hudson is forced. He's painted to be a stressed out, carnivore whose a dude-bro at the gym. They are supposed to be these total opposites that balance out. But when it's not blatantly pushed is when the relationship sings. I like that develop special relationships with the other's child. The first half of the book is dedicated to showing how opposite they are. When if it has been written from the kid's perspective you would have gotten a much more interesting and relevant story. Jason and Zarah have better struggles than a optimist turning into a scaredy cat, and a midlife health moment for a man. Learning that life kicks the crap out of you by the time you reach midlife is the norm. Most people even those bound and determined to be a pollyanna are wary of it happening again. So you dream smaller and take less risks or you suck it up. And honey, I'm fat my doctor's always want to put me on cholesterol and sugar meds. My sugar, bp, cholesterol, and even Vitamin D are fine so, when I ask why they want me to take meds I don't need. They always give me the to lose weight speech. And nope I'm not making myself unhealthy and inviting side effects to satisfy a number created by the diet industry. So, that being said the idea that meditation, diet, and yoga can replace medication is ridiculous. Cholesterol is a factor of genetics and lifestyle. You can't change your DNA. Hypertension is your heart working harder than it has to. Now, changing lifestyle can decrease the number of times you push your heart to doing even more work, but medication and reduction of body mass is probably his best bet. Moving from anarobic to arobic exercise might help. Switching to walking/running from weightlifting would probably be a better idea than yoga. I'm fat--I look this way because food tastes good and exercise sucks. But if I ever want to change my body permanently I know how. No exercise in the world feels better than relaxing on the couch eating a bag of chips.
October 20, 2023
This was way too good. I got it on free kindle day a while ago and thought, single dad love story, of course I’ll read that! I read a few others first which were all flops. I opened this one yesterday and immediately became addicted. It was just so well done. The whole story.
The characters:
I’m a yoga studio owner myself, so I was looking for the mistakes but Amy was perfect. Description, lifestyle, attitude, outlook, it was spot on. And Hudson, an actor and movie exec was swoon in the end. I’m the beginning, like Amy pointed out, he was like three different people, all over the place and mostly rude. But a switch flipped when their truths came out and it was a beautiful transition.
The kids! Oh I loved them both! And their sms throughout was such a cool touch.
The friends! All of them were fun and had purpose.
The partners! Hilarious! The pranks!
The deceased ex- touchy subject and most authors make us readers distance ourselves from the relationship by making us hate the deceased ex. This one did not. She was lovely, and her loss was a tragedy. Unmeasurably sad. But life does go on, and even after grief can come happiness. It was just so well done, this topic, the second chance at love felt fluid and natural and right. It’s okay to have loved before and it’s okay to love after. I love the love!
One thing! The title. It’s just…it’s like his dad jokes. And if it is meant to be a dad joke then okay I get it after I read the book. But before? When we’re choosing books? Breaking Dad sounds just so tacky. And no one broke him. Well, the loss ofc, but the story was more about rebuilding. I think the title will deter some readers who would otherwise really love this. I was impressed. But I also think I set my expectations low due to the title and cover, but wow it was so much better than expected by miles!
I will remember this story. And I want more. More Zarah and more Jason and more Amy and Hudson! Putting the next one on my tbr now!
The characters:
I’m a yoga studio owner myself, so I was looking for the mistakes but Amy was perfect. Description, lifestyle, attitude, outlook, it was spot on. And Hudson, an actor and movie exec was swoon in the end. I’m the beginning, like Amy pointed out, he was like three different people, all over the place and mostly rude. But a switch flipped when their truths came out and it was a beautiful transition.
The kids! Oh I loved them both! And their sms throughout was such a cool touch.
The friends! All of them were fun and had purpose.
The partners! Hilarious! The pranks!
The deceased ex- touchy subject and most authors make us readers distance ourselves from the relationship by making us hate the deceased ex. This one did not. She was lovely, and her loss was a tragedy. Unmeasurably sad. But life does go on, and even after grief can come happiness. It was just so well done, this topic, the second chance at love felt fluid and natural and right. It’s okay to have loved before and it’s okay to love after. I love the love!
One thing! The title. It’s just…it’s like his dad jokes. And if it is meant to be a dad joke then okay I get it after I read the book. But before? When we’re choosing books? Breaking Dad sounds just so tacky. And no one broke him. Well, the loss ofc, but the story was more about rebuilding. I think the title will deter some readers who would otherwise really love this. I was impressed. But I also think I set my expectations low due to the title and cover, but wow it was so much better than expected by miles!
I will remember this story. And I want more. More Zarah and more Jason and more Amy and Hudson! Putting the next one on my tbr now!
October 18, 2022
Smart funny and wildly appealing single parent romance
I loved Amy and Hudson single parents, opposites attract romance with a side of serendipity. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. The text messages integrated into the book were a unique and effective way to advance the story. Amy is a divorced single mom of a teenage son. She’s also a vegan yoga teacher. Hudson is a widower single dad of a teenage daughter. He’s also a former actor and owns a movie studio. They’ve been good friends and each other’s support for five years through an online parent group with all the anonymity user names allow. When Amy’s yoga studio loses her space and she’s offered a job to design an employee wellness program with Hudson’s company, their online relationship smashes into their IRL relationship. The journey to their HEA has all kinds of pitfalls, crevices, and complications professionally, personally, and as parents. I loved that their teenagers, Jason and Zarah, were a wonderful and integral characters to the story rather than a flimsy story props. The story included sweet moments, steamy scenes, chuckles, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, and heart squeezing love. Amy and Hudson were portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best as messy humans. I especially appreciated that when there was a miscommunication between Amy and Hudson they talked it out and resolved it shortly thereafter. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
I loved Amy and Hudson single parents, opposites attract romance with a side of serendipity. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. The text messages integrated into the book were a unique and effective way to advance the story. Amy is a divorced single mom of a teenage son. She’s also a vegan yoga teacher. Hudson is a widower single dad of a teenage daughter. He’s also a former actor and owns a movie studio. They’ve been good friends and each other’s support for five years through an online parent group with all the anonymity user names allow. When Amy’s yoga studio loses her space and she’s offered a job to design an employee wellness program with Hudson’s company, their online relationship smashes into their IRL relationship. The journey to their HEA has all kinds of pitfalls, crevices, and complications professionally, personally, and as parents. I loved that their teenagers, Jason and Zarah, were a wonderful and integral characters to the story rather than a flimsy story props. The story included sweet moments, steamy scenes, chuckles, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, and heart squeezing love. Amy and Hudson were portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best as messy humans. I especially appreciated that when there was a miscommunication between Amy and Hudson they talked it out and resolved it shortly thereafter. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
February 4, 2022
I have never read this author before but I absolutely adored this story so much. In some ways it was silly so you will have suspend reality as there are lots of coincidences but this story was just so much fun I did not care. It sorta was like the Parent Trap as the teens set up their parents in a way. It also had a secret relationship for the parents who have been online buddies and did not know it. Plus there is also a bullying angle to this story. It was so great I laughed so many times and I fell hard for the four main characters in the story.
Amy and Hudson are single and parents to teen kids. She has a son and he has a daughter. The kids end up being friends as the son tutors the daughter. Amy believes that her som meeds a good role model and so she decides she needs to join the singlle father club. Meanwhile Amy is hired to create a fitness program for Hudson's employees. He is against it but agrees to a test run and so these two end up clashing. Added to that Amy and Hudson are online paks but don't realise it yet. Oh and the teens start meddling in their parents lives. This was just a really fun story. Unrealistic but very fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amy and Hudson are single and parents to teen kids. She has a son and he has a daughter. The kids end up being friends as the son tutors the daughter. Amy believes that her som meeds a good role model and so she decides she needs to join the singlle father club. Meanwhile Amy is hired to create a fitness program for Hudson's employees. He is against it but agrees to a test run and so these two end up clashing. Added to that Amy and Hudson are online paks but don't realise it yet. Oh and the teens start meddling in their parents lives. This was just a really fun story. Unrealistic but very fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2022
Amy's Man Trouble . . .
This is a humorous story about Hudson and Amy and their multiple levels of interaction. Hudson Stewart is a single father struggling with a decision made by his business partners when they hired a yoga instructor to set up a wellness program for the employees. He and the instructor have met before and know each other well in several ways.
Amy is a divorced, single mom and yoga instructor who is not doing well with her business right now and faces eviction if she can’t earn some money getting the wellness program set up in this company. But the stubborn CEO Hudson has to approve it. Can she convince him within 2 months that this would be a healthy idea for his employees? Or should she begin moving into her parents’ basement for the rest of her life? Why can’t that stubborn CEO be more like her online pal, Henry? They had never met, nor spoken on the phone, nor swapped photos, but 5 years giving each other parenting advice had forced a bond and they were close. So things get really awkward when Amy decides that Hudson needs to meet her friend Henry. Will he finally confess who he is?
This is a humorous story about Hudson and Amy and their multiple levels of interaction. Hudson Stewart is a single father struggling with a decision made by his business partners when they hired a yoga instructor to set up a wellness program for the employees. He and the instructor have met before and know each other well in several ways.
Amy is a divorced, single mom and yoga instructor who is not doing well with her business right now and faces eviction if she can’t earn some money getting the wellness program set up in this company. But the stubborn CEO Hudson has to approve it. Can she convince him within 2 months that this would be a healthy idea for his employees? Or should she begin moving into her parents’ basement for the rest of her life? Why can’t that stubborn CEO be more like her online pal, Henry? They had never met, nor spoken on the phone, nor swapped photos, but 5 years giving each other parenting advice had forced a bond and they were close. So things get really awkward when Amy decides that Hudson needs to meet her friend Henry. Will he finally confess who he is?
May 23, 2022
Book: Breaking Dad (Single Dads Gone Wild #1)
Author: Kathryn M. Hearst
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
The first story in a new series!!! Hudson and Amy...
Amy is usually very easygoing, has a yoga studio, and enjoys life. However...
Hudson doesn't know the word take it easy...
When he meets Amy oh wait... He met her before? No way...
Five years ago but wow she is even more stunning... Thing is...
He is trying to destroy her life.
I loved the spark, chemistry, and comical banter between these two, and Amy is no pushover. Hudson can not even get a grasp on his teenage daughter haha. Can this single dad slow down and realize that not everything is about money, business, wealth...
Where will things lead these two hmmm...
Great story with a twist.
Kathryn M. Hearst
Author: Kathryn M. Hearst
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
The first story in a new series!!! Hudson and Amy...
Amy is usually very easygoing, has a yoga studio, and enjoys life. However...
Hudson doesn't know the word take it easy...
When he meets Amy oh wait... He met her before? No way...
Five years ago but wow she is even more stunning... Thing is...
He is trying to destroy her life.
I loved the spark, chemistry, and comical banter between these two, and Amy is no pushover. Hudson can not even get a grasp on his teenage daughter haha. Can this single dad slow down and realize that not everything is about money, business, wealth...
Where will things lead these two hmmm...
Great story with a twist.
Kathryn M. Hearst
May 21, 2022
A fun and entertaining book with some emotion to tug on your heartstrings. Amy and Hudson have a lot in common with some distinct differences.
Those similarities have unknowingly brought them together in multiple ways, and when they start putting some pieces together they decide the universe is telling them something. I suspended my disbelief and just enjoyed the banter and encounters between Amy/Amaryllis and Hudson/Henry/Charlie.
The story delves into teen issues with bullying and intolerance for being different. These situations are heartbreaking and the eventual reveal of what’s been going on is impactful to Hudson, Amy, Jason and Zarah.
I enjoyed the supportive friendship between the single dads in the Single Dads Gone Wild group. This should be an enjoyable and entertaining series as the other dads get their shot at a HEA.
Those similarities have unknowingly brought them together in multiple ways, and when they start putting some pieces together they decide the universe is telling them something. I suspended my disbelief and just enjoyed the banter and encounters between Amy/Amaryllis and Hudson/Henry/Charlie.
The story delves into teen issues with bullying and intolerance for being different. These situations are heartbreaking and the eventual reveal of what’s been going on is impactful to Hudson, Amy, Jason and Zarah.
I enjoyed the supportive friendship between the single dads in the Single Dads Gone Wild group. This should be an enjoyable and entertaining series as the other dads get their shot at a HEA.
July 17, 2022
I So Loved This
This is one of those stories that has a little bit of everything: it's funny... it has its sad moments...parts of it will make you angry...and there's a really sweet romance. I've heard that books are supposed to you feel... if that's true, then you have done an awesome job, Miss Hearst.
I loved Hudson. I even loved Amy...and that's rare for me. I especially loved their respective teenagers--Hudson's daughter Zarah and Amy's son Jason. Their separate story and behind-the-scenes matchmaking were awesome.
We don't get a lot of steam or graphically-depicted
steamy stuff. And it works for this book. I think it takes a really talented author to write a really good book and not have to depend on over-the-top s3x scenes to carry it. (Again, kudos to you Miss Hearst!)
I can't wait to read the next SDGW book.
This is one of those stories that has a little bit of everything: it's funny... it has its sad moments...parts of it will make you angry...and there's a really sweet romance. I've heard that books are supposed to you feel... if that's true, then you have done an awesome job, Miss Hearst.
I loved Hudson. I even loved Amy...and that's rare for me. I especially loved their respective teenagers--Hudson's daughter Zarah and Amy's son Jason. Their separate story and behind-the-scenes matchmaking were awesome.
We don't get a lot of steam or graphically-depicted
steamy stuff. And it works for this book. I think it takes a really talented author to write a really good book and not have to depend on over-the-top s3x scenes to carry it. (Again, kudos to you Miss Hearst!)
I can't wait to read the next SDGW book.
May 1, 2023
New Favorite!!
Kathryn M. Hearst, where have you been all my adult life??
Seriously, I’ve found a new favorite author. Her writing is smart, sexy and completely engaging. It’s So refreshing to read a story written So well.
“Breaking Dad” is about two 40 somethings that have unwittingly crossed paths multiple times since becoming single. They have no idea until the last third of the story.
Ms. Hearst weaves the tale intricately without repetition, with humor, great dialogue and a great storyline.
I honestly can’t recommend this book enough. Even if “later in life” tropes aren’t your thing, you’ll still enjoy this opposites attract book. Teenage angst and antics along with a Hollywood side story are immensely entertaining.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Single Dads Gone Wild series!
Kathryn M. Hearst, where have you been all my adult life??
Seriously, I’ve found a new favorite author. Her writing is smart, sexy and completely engaging. It’s So refreshing to read a story written So well.
“Breaking Dad” is about two 40 somethings that have unwittingly crossed paths multiple times since becoming single. They have no idea until the last third of the story.
Ms. Hearst weaves the tale intricately without repetition, with humor, great dialogue and a great storyline.
I honestly can’t recommend this book enough. Even if “later in life” tropes aren’t your thing, you’ll still enjoy this opposites attract book. Teenage angst and antics along with a Hollywood side story are immensely entertaining.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Single Dads Gone Wild series!
October 31, 2022
More angsty
As I often do, I started reading this series in the middle and then came back to start at the beginning. This one and Dad Habits, where I started, as very similar, except that I found this one way more angsty. Both main characters, plus their respective teenagers, had a lot of personal issues to deal with, so it wasn't as enjoyable to read. It employs a similar plot--- the parents know each other anonymously at first, their kids try to "parent trap" them, and there are lots of texting conversations. There was a continuity issue with Hudson's daughter, Zarah, she's old enough to drive her own car to school, and is I think a junior in high school, but when she sneaks off into the woods with a boy, she's only fourteen. Overall an okay read.
As I often do, I started reading this series in the middle and then came back to start at the beginning. This one and Dad Habits, where I started, as very similar, except that I found this one way more angsty. Both main characters, plus their respective teenagers, had a lot of personal issues to deal with, so it wasn't as enjoyable to read. It employs a similar plot--- the parents know each other anonymously at first, their kids try to "parent trap" them, and there are lots of texting conversations. There was a continuity issue with Hudson's daughter, Zarah, she's old enough to drive her own car to school, and is I think a junior in high school, but when she sneaks off into the woods with a boy, she's only fourteen. Overall an okay read.
May 19, 2022
Fall In Love Again and Again and Again
Amaryllis has been chatting with Henry for years, Amy and “Charlie” had a special weekend camping, but now Amy works for Hudson (confused yet? Amy= Amaryllis, Hudson=Henry=Charlie). I loved how Amy and Hudson fell for each other - they loved every facet of each other (all personalities that they encompassed). They weave some very tangled webs at the start, but I thought it was a beautiful explanation of how Hudson’s deceased wife Eva was playing heavenly match-maker, what with the number of times Hudson and Amy met. This story tugged on every single one of my heartstrings (I NEVER wanted to put it down) - what a wonderful story.
May 24, 2022
Hudson and Amy
What a lovely first book in a new series. The premise of a group of men who are single fathers and are trying to raise their children while meeting a woman to date is intriguing; add to that, the characters are mature, so it feels pretty realistic.
Hudson and Amy are the first couple we are introduced to and they have an interesting back story. The universe works in mysterious ways. They keep finding themselves in each other's worlds.
I loved the way Kathryn wrote these two characters and the secondary characters. There was humor, real life issues, and adult coping mechanisms. A very refreshing read.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
What a lovely first book in a new series. The premise of a group of men who are single fathers and are trying to raise their children while meeting a woman to date is intriguing; add to that, the characters are mature, so it feels pretty realistic.
Hudson and Amy are the first couple we are introduced to and they have an interesting back story. The universe works in mysterious ways. They keep finding themselves in each other's worlds.
I loved the way Kathryn wrote these two characters and the secondary characters. There was humor, real life issues, and adult coping mechanisms. A very refreshing read.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
May 29, 2022
This story is about Hudson and Amy, two parents who have both a kid in High School, so they're a bit "older" than in the most romances.
They've met 3 years ago in real life and 5 years ago they met online at a single parents site.
This book gave me "You've got mail" vibes and I had to smole when this actually came up in the book.
Loved reading this! 2 storylines are there: the one of Hudson and Amy and Zarah and Jason, their kids.
Laughed at the "reverse harem" and "camping" scene.
And the ending of this book.... swoon!
If you love romance, not that much spice, you're going to love this one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They've met 3 years ago in real life and 5 years ago they met online at a single parents site.
This book gave me "You've got mail" vibes and I had to smole when this actually came up in the book.
Loved reading this! 2 storylines are there: the one of Hudson and Amy and Zarah and Jason, their kids.
Laughed at the "reverse harem" and "camping" scene.
And the ending of this book.... swoon!
If you love romance, not that much spice, you're going to love this one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2022
This author has recently become a must-read for me! I first read the sequel to this book, Dad Attitude, as part of Booksprout's ARC program and loved it, so was thrilled to see that this was available.
I thought this one was pretty good and worth a read, although I did enjoy Dad Attitude a bit more. I think part of the reason I liked this less is that the ending felt a bit rushed to me.
All of the story lines were concluded, but some, like the story's antagonist felt hurried - almost like a movie that uses text before the credits to wrap things up.
Again, this is definitely worth a read, but if you can only choose one, then I'd suggest the sequel.
I thought this one was pretty good and worth a read, although I did enjoy Dad Attitude a bit more. I think part of the reason I liked this less is that the ending felt a bit rushed to me.
All of the story lines were concluded, but some, like the story's antagonist felt hurried - almost like a movie that uses text before the credits to wrap things up.
Again, this is definitely worth a read, but if you can only choose one, then I'd suggest the sequel.
May 5, 2022
This is a fantastic book! It features a single dad of a teen daughter, Hudson, who’s a former actor now part owner of a movie studio and Amy, a single mom of a teen son and a Yoga instructor. The two meet when she at a restaurant after being set up by their kids and again when she applies to head the Wellness Program for the studio. The two are also members of a single parent online group and have been helping with parenting tips for 5 years but under different names. This is a sweet, funny, emotional story of two people trying to raise their children, live their lives and fall in love.
November 7, 2022
Terrific!
Delightful story of second chance love for 2 forty something’s, each the parent of a teenager. They have had connections over the past 5 years but do not know it yet. Funny, emotional, tearful, moving relationship that encounters many challenges. First in a new series that I anticipate. This is a new author and she is excellent. Her story has depth, real people who interact well, and it deals with serious problems that many teenagers and their parents encounter often!
Delightful story of second chance love for 2 forty something’s, each the parent of a teenager. They have had connections over the past 5 years but do not know it yet. Funny, emotional, tearful, moving relationship that encounters many challenges. First in a new series that I anticipate. This is a new author and she is excellent. Her story has depth, real people who interact well, and it deals with serious problems that many teenagers and their parents encounter often!
February 5, 2022
This is a really sweet romance. Amy and Hudson lives seem to keep crossing over. They are opposites but they are each what the other needs. Their children being friends is an added dimension to their relationship. This story has lots of emotions and deals with some typical teenage angst that parents will recognise.
Read
February 24, 2022I thought this book was quite entertaining. It certainly seems like fate when Amy and Hudson keep crossing paths. Both of them were such likable characters and I loved how their kids featured so highly in this story and the unconditional love shown. It truly was an enjoyable read.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
May 15, 2022
This is my first contemporary story from this author, and I have to say that I feel that this was a good one. I love the way the story evolved. Amy and Hudson had great chemistry and I just Loved this book!!! I will be reading the next one because I enjoyed this one! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2022
I thought this story was very entertaining and fun to read. It started out good an by chapter 2 once I finished snickering I was hooked. The characters were fun and the story interesting as I had to see how it all played out. Typical single parent problems with a fun twist. And good secondary characters to star in the rest of the series.
July 31, 2022
Hudson and Amy are unaware they have a shared secret. Watching them figure things out was well crafted and each discovery like a little sparkling gem. While it is primarily their story there are sensitive issues touched on, sorry no spoilers from me. The issues are dealt with in a way we can all learn from. I especially loved the doctor’s appointment.
September 22, 2022
Solid 4.5 stars
Cute and sexy with lots of twists and meddling by well-meaning teenagers, Amy & Hudson’s story is a fun read about a couple of forty-somethings who keep being thrown in each other’s paths.
This was my first time reading this author, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Cute and sexy with lots of twists and meddling by well-meaning teenagers, Amy & Hudson’s story is a fun read about a couple of forty-somethings who keep being thrown in each other’s paths.
This was my first time reading this author, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 17, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I just happened the stumble on this series and I absolutely Love it! The storyline and characters are fantastic! Amy and Hudson had been falling in love for years before they knew who the other was. I can’t wait to read the next one. Hoping for more Strong women and swoony men! ♥️
I just happened the stumble on this series and I absolutely Love it! The storyline and characters are fantastic! Amy and Hudson had been falling in love for years before they knew who the other was. I can’t wait to read the next one. Hoping for more Strong women and swoony men! ♥️
August 27, 2023
Loved it
This was such a cute story, oh how I loved it!! Between the movie references from The Parent Trap and You've Got Mail and Serendipity... The stars aligned and the perfect love story was formed. Their children's story intermixed was courageous and sad at the same time. I love beautiful love stories like this! Happily ever after, full novel and no cliffhanger.
This was such a cute story, oh how I loved it!! Between the movie references from The Parent Trap and You've Got Mail and Serendipity... The stars aligned and the perfect love story was formed. Their children's story intermixed was courageous and sad at the same time. I love beautiful love stories like this! Happily ever after, full novel and no cliffhanger.
May 21, 2022
So not really a romance fan normally but I might be now lol Breaking Dad was a lot of fun, a perfect mix of humor and emotion that kept me clued started to finish, really fell in love with these characters and I can't wait for book 2!!!
June 18, 2022
An opposites attract romance read with mature characters that are just trying to make do. One is all sunshine while the other is a grump.
The story has a good plot and it gives the characters a good background.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story has a good plot and it gives the characters a good background.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2022
Good read
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters and storyline with a lot of ups and downs in that like that included teenagers You know lot of the book. Looking forward to the next story in this series. This is a scandal on book
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters and storyline with a lot of ups and downs in that like that included teenagers You know lot of the book. Looking forward to the next story in this series. This is a scandal on book
July 6, 2022
Took a chance on reading a new author for me and am definitely not sorry! This book had so many issues going on, but they all worked well together. Great storyline where things turn out the way they are supposed to in the real world. Anxious to read more in this series.
July 14, 2022
I love SDGW
Oh man, so I started a little backwards in this series but I love these dads. I love how they are trying to find love again while parenting their kids and being good men. Just…swoon!
Oh man, so I started a little backwards in this series but I love these dads. I love how they are trying to find love again while parenting their kids and being good men. Just…swoon!
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