Anything But Love, California Hearts Book 2

by Dalia Dupris

Known as the anything but love girl, Morgan Hart has two passions, traveling and having fun. After convincing her French lover, Marcel, that their relationship will resume unchanged when she returns, she’s ready to begin her Cape Town adventure. But, realizing that her friend Amber is a no-show at the airport, Morgan decides to travel solo until she falls into the lap of widowed single father Dakar Ngosi, whose good looks and charm have her questioning her resolve to live life unattached and carefree.

Dr. Ngosi is beyond annoyed when a seemingly inebriated Morgan slumps down beside him in the airport lounge, where he’s waiting with his sister for their flight. When his sister volunteers him to show the lovely American the sites of their country, his irritation grows. Still, he soon discovers that Morgan is as enticing as she is beautiful. He must decide if he'll stick to his vow to never love again or pursue the American woman who has captured his heart.

Genres: Romance

323 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2022

About the author

I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing and grew up surrounded by a wide variety of books, from westerns to romance novels. I love stories—watching them, listening to them, reading them, and writing them. My contemporary novels include complex and diverse characters that grapple with family legacy, love, loss, and laughter as they face the challenges of life. When I’m not working on my next manuscript, you can find me bike riding along the beach with my husband or exploring the mysteries of the universe with my daughter.

Reviews

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Anything But Love" by Dalia Dupris, the second book in the California Hearts series, earns a three-star rating for its blend of romance and travel but falls short in terms of depth and character development.

The novel follows Morgan Hart, known for her commitment to avoiding love, as she embarks on a solo adventure in Cape Town. The premise is promising, with the potential for an engaging exploration of self-discovery and romance. However, the execution leaves something to be desired.

Morgan's character is established as the 'anything but love' girl with a passion for travel and fun. While the intention is clear, Morgan's depth as a character feels somewhat lacking. The reasons behind her commitment to an unattached and carefree life are not thoroughly explored, leaving readers with a somewhat superficial understanding of her motivations.

The introduction of Dakar Ngosi, a widowed single father, adds an interesting dynamic to the story. The clash between Morgan's free-spirited nature and Dakar's more serious demeanor has the potential for engaging conflict and character growth. However, the character development feels rushed, and the emotional depth required for readers to truly connect with the characters is lacking.

The plot is predictable, following a standard romance novel trajectory. The initial annoyance turning into attraction between Morgan and Dakar is a familiar trope, and the resolution of their romantic tension is foreseeable. While some readers may appreciate the familiarity of the genre, others seeking a more nuanced or original storyline may find it lacking.

On the positive side, Dupris does succeed in creating a vivid setting, bringing Cape Town to life through descriptions of its sights and sounds. The travel aspect of the novel adds a refreshing element, offering readers a virtual escape to a new and exciting location.

This book falls into the middle ground with a three-star rating. While the novel delivers on the promise of a romantic adventure, it falls short in terms of character depth and plot originality. Fans of light-hearted romance with a travel backdrop may find it enjoyable, but those seeking more substance in their novels may be left wanting.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the “California Hearts Series”. Morgan loves travelling and having fun. This is an awesome read I so loved Morgan in her adventures. Not sure if I would be brave enough to travel to another country alone. That’s exactly when Morgan did when her friend Amber is a no show at the airport for their trip. Dr. Dakar Ngosi and Morgan meet at the airport lounge and Morgan has had a little bit to much to drink and sits beside Dakar. Dakar is a widow and a single father. Dakar finds Morgan annoying but that’s the alcohol that’s annoying. Morgan is very attractive and single. Morgan and Dakar are not looking for love but somehow when love is not on your radar it finds you. The two make for an awesome couple.

This is a must read if like reading about a very independent beautiful females finding love.

I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan is on her way to South AFrica with her friend Amber, but When Amber abandons her and decides not to show up, She is forced to go along. While Traveling, She ends up meeting Dakar and his sister on the flight over. She and Dakar start to develop feelings for each other

Although it shows that it is a book 2, I didn't read the first book, but This read as a stand alone. This was a good and enjoyable story. There was such good chemistry between the characters, and I loved the supporting characters, especially the children. I could not put it down, and I can't wait for the next book from this author.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan was a great strong female lead that really had her ups and downs and her story will draw in the reader and have them feeling for her along the way. She's stuck with a choice and Dalia Dupris does a great job of making the reader feel the depth of her choice along with her.
The writing and the way the author is able to bring the character's thoughts and motives into our minds and have us understand was so well done.
Plenty of emotions and deep romance without the extra.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter on, I was drawn into the lives of the main characters. Like any romance novel, I was waiting for that "moment" when everything changed and came together. I had developed a vested interest in the outcome.

This book was peppered with compelling moments. You don't know what to expect and you are right there with Morgan as she discovers what she wants and who she wants it with.
Fun, fast read that had all the right touches of love, drama, and real-life issues.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a solid book. The plot was enjoyable. The characters were amazingly well fleshed out and developed.
I really liked how reading this felt like it was a unique experience, I couldn’t stop reading it.
I think that the romance was so very well done, I felt like I was right there with Morgan trying to decide what to do.
It was easy to start but oh so hard to put down. A very enjoyable read!

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything but love is a beautifully written powerful story that is full with wonderful characters, drama, and love.

UNEXPECTED and Incredibly HEARTFELT.

This will be the one book you will not be able to put down – and you will need Kleenex or a glass of wine or both.

[Germaine Brown- Corbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story. I love the visual of the places in the story. Morgan and Dakar aren't looking for love, but love finds them. This book will keep you turning the pages.

[Wanda Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Romance

Loved all the characters. Love was displayed in relationships with several couples - As well as in families both by blood and by choice.