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The funeral business is burying me. Entrusted with Morris Funeral Home and Crematorium, the company that has been in my family for four generations, I fear it’s going to go belly up under the growing pile of bills. But the troubles haunting me don’t end there. My son’s teachers don't seem to understand how to work with a kid like Eddie, leaving me zero time for myself.
Then there’s Ambrose Jennings. The quirky baker is catering Delia Dennis' wake, and I can't seem to get him out of my head.
The last thing I need right now is any kind of romantic complications in my life. Still, Ambrose is boisterous fun and chaos wrapped up in a sexy, tempting package. Maybe one little taste of the baker's goods wouldn’t be the end of the world..?
When Ambrose gives me a sample of the sweet treats he has on offer, both of us ache for this to become more than a taste test. I don't know if it's enough to let go of my reservations, or if circumstances close the coffin in their chances for any future together.
Leo is a single-dad romance in the shared world of Gaynor Beach. It's low-angst, opposites attract with the grumpy one soft for the sunshiney one featuring goth teen dance parties with way more glitter than expected, adorable kids who think piracy is a perfectly legitimate life goal, adults who need a reminder that life isn't all about work, and steamy Grumpy and Sunshiney scenes.
Then there’s Ambrose Jennings. The quirky baker is catering Delia Dennis' wake, and I can't seem to get him out of my head.
The last thing I need right now is any kind of romantic complications in my life. Still, Ambrose is boisterous fun and chaos wrapped up in a sexy, tempting package. Maybe one little taste of the baker's goods wouldn’t be the end of the world..?
When Ambrose gives me a sample of the sweet treats he has on offer, both of us ache for this to become more than a taste test. I don't know if it's enough to let go of my reservations, or if circumstances close the coffin in their chances for any future together.
Leo is a single-dad romance in the shared world of Gaynor Beach. It's low-angst, opposites attract with the grumpy one soft for the sunshiney one featuring goth teen dance parties with way more glitter than expected, adorable kids who think piracy is a perfectly legitimate life goal, adults who need a reminder that life isn't all about work, and steamy Grumpy and Sunshiney scenes.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2022
6 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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November 15, 2022Another DNF… Apparently I can’t get out if this bad streak lately..
This one annoyed the fuck out of me with all that martyr syndrome Leo had. You have a child for fuck’s sake, that doesn’t mean you have to lay down and die . “Oh, my child had a bad day at school and I’m such a selfish and mean parent because I’m going on my first date in 8 years (even though my child is happily playing with his cousin at his aunt’s house). I feel so guilty that I’m thinking of the cute baker. Oh, maybe I should cancel. Oh, such a bad parent because I wanna get my rocks off for the first time in a really really long time. I gave up men to raise my son and look at me!! Thinking that guy is hot. Such a bad bad father!”
🙄🙄🙄🙄Just shoot me and be done with it . No rating .
This one annoyed the fuck out of me with all that martyr syndrome Leo had. You have a child for fuck’s sake, that doesn’t mean you have to lay down and die . “Oh, my child had a bad day at school and I’m such a selfish and mean parent because I’m going on my first date in 8 years (even though my child is happily playing with his cousin at his aunt’s house). I feel so guilty that I’m thinking of the cute baker. Oh, maybe I should cancel. Oh, such a bad parent because I wanna get my rocks off for the first time in a really really long time. I gave up men to raise my son and look at me!! Thinking that guy is hot. Such a bad bad father!”
🙄🙄🙄🙄Just shoot me and be done with it . No rating .
September 4, 2023
For a romance, this book feels VERY busy - alongside self-concern and martyrdom, there's issue with a child, a teenager, and a chamber of commerce. I know that being in a relationship doesn't mean that the world outside doesn't pay a part in it. However in this book, at times, the problems outside are closing in too much of the relationship development.
November 21, 2022
This is a sweet single dad's romance with strong characters in Leo and his son and Ambrose and his baby sister. It's a story of two opposites who have an instant attraction but have some obstacles along the way. The author brings a steamy story along with family love. It's well written with perfectly painted scenes, moves fluidly and is a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 3, 2022
This book touched on so many issues that many people deal with on an every day basis (bullying, autism, self-esteem issues, raising your siblings and more...).
Ambrose and Leo may have had some huddles to work through, but they made it work. The story flowed nicely and the characters were great. I especially loves Edward, that little dude really made me smile.
Wonderful book that will occasionally tug on your heart-strings, but will leave you smiling till the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ambrose and Leo may have had some huddles to work through, but they made it work. The story flowed nicely and the characters were great. I especially loves Edward, that little dude really made me smile.
Wonderful book that will occasionally tug on your heart-strings, but will leave you smiling till the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2024
The Gaynor Beach single-dads multi-author series continues with charming and heartwarming Leo by Meredith Spies. Please read the sales copy for a plot summary.
Overall this is a low-angst, delightful read. Single dad Leo is a funeral home owner/director, and when he receives a mysterious cupcake delivery featuring extremely…rude! inappropriate!...frosting decorations from local bakery owner Ambrose’s café, he’s indignant and determined to return the goods. What he finds is a man whose good humor and delicious baked goods counters Leo’s stressed, grumpy self and an irresistible change to get to know Ambrose.
While Leo is raising his neurodivergent young son Edward, Ambrose is also a single dad of sorts, having custody of his younger teen sister, Bethany, after their parents’ tragic death. But the two men are in different places in life, Leo believing he must devote all his spare time to Edward and making sure he has every opportunity to develop to the fullest, and Ambrose having a much more calm and laissez-faire approach to making sure his sister is safe but not feeling the need to hover every moment. Lucky for Ambrose, Leo’s son quickly bonds with Bethany over a shared love of beetles, leaving Leo unable to resist getting to know Ambrose better, despite his reservations over dating anyone, ever. Ha ha, famous last words!
Their romance is adorable and sweet, and while Leo’s character motivations have some inconsistencies and a flip-flopping feel at times and the pace is a little slow in the second half, overall, seeing these two become part of each other’s lives in the lovely small town of Gaynor Beach and enjoying their determination to do the best for their kids under some trying circumstances made for a heartwarming read. Like cozying up in front of a fire with a hot drink on a rainy day. (Oh, wait…that’s me, writing this review!)
HEA, no cheating or emotional cheating, single dads, a bit grumpy-sunshine, a little steam, and all around a darling story. Recommended.
My thanks to Booksprout for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Overall this is a low-angst, delightful read. Single dad Leo is a funeral home owner/director, and when he receives a mysterious cupcake delivery featuring extremely…rude! inappropriate!...frosting decorations from local bakery owner Ambrose’s café, he’s indignant and determined to return the goods. What he finds is a man whose good humor and delicious baked goods counters Leo’s stressed, grumpy self and an irresistible change to get to know Ambrose.
While Leo is raising his neurodivergent young son Edward, Ambrose is also a single dad of sorts, having custody of his younger teen sister, Bethany, after their parents’ tragic death. But the two men are in different places in life, Leo believing he must devote all his spare time to Edward and making sure he has every opportunity to develop to the fullest, and Ambrose having a much more calm and laissez-faire approach to making sure his sister is safe but not feeling the need to hover every moment. Lucky for Ambrose, Leo’s son quickly bonds with Bethany over a shared love of beetles, leaving Leo unable to resist getting to know Ambrose better, despite his reservations over dating anyone, ever. Ha ha, famous last words!
Their romance is adorable and sweet, and while Leo’s character motivations have some inconsistencies and a flip-flopping feel at times and the pace is a little slow in the second half, overall, seeing these two become part of each other’s lives in the lovely small town of Gaynor Beach and enjoying their determination to do the best for their kids under some trying circumstances made for a heartwarming read. Like cozying up in front of a fire with a hot drink on a rainy day. (Oh, wait…that’s me, writing this review!)
HEA, no cheating or emotional cheating, single dads, a bit grumpy-sunshine, a little steam, and all around a darling story. Recommended.
My thanks to Booksprout for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
November 22, 2022
This is another wonderful story in the “Single Dads of Gaynor Beach” series which I’ve been enjoying very much. This one was a very sweet reading with wonderful minor characters such as an adorable son and a quirky younger sister. Throw in some laughing scenes such as inappropriate cakes, fixating of some yucky bugs and sassy talking by the boy and the sister, you got an enjoyable book to read! I’d give it more than 5 possible stars!
The story starts with Leo, the owner of a funeral home and crematorium who had to reckon with the delivery of a cake for a funeral service. The thing was the lady who the funeral service was for had explicitly made it clear that she did not want any catering at all. Someone had ordered a cake with that basically got in your face statement imprinted on it. The delivery person basically told him to contact the bakery. He called and got the young sister of the owner of the bakery who basically told him to get over it but would pass the message. That didn’t sit too well with him. He went over to the bakery and met Ambrose, the baker/owner. That was the beginning of something between Leo and Ambrose. At the same time, Leo had to reckon with that horrible teacher of his son, Eddie who was a special child with some special needs in which the teacher apparently choose to ignore the needs outlined in Eddie’s IEP. Such a wonderful reading! Love the banter between Eddie and Ambrose’s baby sister over their love for these creepy bugs! I’ll stop right there and encourage you to pick up the book and read to find out what all happens to the two families!
The story starts with Leo, the owner of a funeral home and crematorium who had to reckon with the delivery of a cake for a funeral service. The thing was the lady who the funeral service was for had explicitly made it clear that she did not want any catering at all. Someone had ordered a cake with that basically got in your face statement imprinted on it. The delivery person basically told him to contact the bakery. He called and got the young sister of the owner of the bakery who basically told him to get over it but would pass the message. That didn’t sit too well with him. He went over to the bakery and met Ambrose, the baker/owner. That was the beginning of something between Leo and Ambrose. At the same time, Leo had to reckon with that horrible teacher of his son, Eddie who was a special child with some special needs in which the teacher apparently choose to ignore the needs outlined in Eddie’s IEP. Such a wonderful reading! Love the banter between Eddie and Ambrose’s baby sister over their love for these creepy bugs! I’ll stop right there and encourage you to pick up the book and read to find out what all happens to the two families!
November 15, 2022
Leo is a single dad with an adorable precocious 6year old son who has problems getting the school to follow his son’s IEP. Leo owns the town funeral home. He meets Ambrose, the owner of the local bakery, when there is a mix-up about cupcakes delivered for a funeral. There is an instant attraction which Ambrose would like to follow up on, but Leo is too wrapped up in his son Edward and all the stress of dealing with the school. Over time, Leo and Ambrose share their frustrations with issues with their children (Ambrose is guardian for his 15 year old sister Bethany) while the 2 kids bond pretty quickly. Eventually the men do get together.
There are a lot of giggles as you read, especially with the comments from 6 year old Edward. He is so much smarter, beyond his years, and he sure keeps Leo on his toes. This is a really fun, well-written read about two sweet guys, two great kids, and the growing relationship toward a HEA. Be ready to giggle—You will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are a lot of giggles as you read, especially with the comments from 6 year old Edward. He is so much smarter, beyond his years, and he sure keeps Leo on his toes. This is a really fun, well-written read about two sweet guys, two great kids, and the growing relationship toward a HEA. Be ready to giggle—You will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2022
I wanted to review Leo (Single Dads of Gaynor Beach) by Meredith Spies due to the author, whose writing I enjoy regardless of genre. I’m not a big fan of books with children as central characters, but the author made me change my mind. Both the main characters, Leo and Ambrose, have children. Leo has his six-year-old son and Ambrose is guardian to his fifteen-year-old sister. Both children are realistically portrayed, neither being a little angel. It was interesting to see how the situations the kids got into actually brought the men closer together. Interwoven around the family dynamics are issues with schools and each man running his own business. I got caught up in the tale and would have read it in one sitting if I didn’t have other obligations. I’ve not read any other books in this series, but Leo sets a high bar. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2022
The thing with Leo and Ambrose is that they are both good caring men each with his own business to try to keep afloat and grow and dependent to take care of. Leo has inherited the family funeral business and crematorium and he is trying to hard to keep it going while caring for Edward, his beloved child who has some learning challenges and is on the spectrum. Ambrose has his baby sister who is a challenging teen and he is a baker and owner of Nice Buns. They meet when Ambrose sends over an order of risque' cupcakes to the funeral as repast for a funeral. When they meet there is an instant spark but each of these guys have a lot on their plates. Despite those challenges as they get to know one another, their children and the children get to know one another these very different men find themselves on their way to a good blended family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2022
There are lots of moving pieces and plot lines in this story, which is as much a chronicle of parenthood and daily experiences and job stresses as it is a romance (realistic, in a way, since so is real life). Leo has, to put it bluntly, a strong (and arguably unhealthy) sense of parenting-as-martyrdom: he’s reluctant to take any time at all for himself, and there’s quite a bit of “am I a bad human being if I’m a person as well as a parent.” His six year old is an interesting character in his own right and, at times, more emotionally aware and adept than his parent. While Leo at times tried my patience, Ambrose thankfully is made of sterner stuff, and his more laid back, balanced and irreverent approach to life is a breath of fresh air and a good influence for Leo. All in all, an interesting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2022
I know some parents just like Leo. They have a wonderful child who needs things at school and Leo has to keep an eagle eye on things to see his son gets them. Also, his business has fallen on hard times and he's wondering if he can keep it afloat and make a living for himself and his son. Those kind of worries can become all consuming and they have for Leo who no longer remembers what a term like "self-care" means and he sure isn't taking time for any or a life of his own. Not that is, until Ambrose enters his life and reminds him that being a good parent also means being a happy one who takes care of his own needs too. If felt for Leo at the beginning of this story and was so happy to see Leo, Ambrose, Edward and Bethany get a life together full of love and sharing. I loved Bethany - a young woman to be reckoned with.
November 8, 2022
Leo and Ambrose are the sweetest couple and they are great together. Leo is a funeral home director, uptight, and raising his son, Edward. Ambrose is a baker, outspoken and takes care of his baby sister, Eleanor. The two meet after some raunchy cupcakes were delivered to the funeral home for an elderly woman. Leo thinks it's a mistake and is forced to confront Ambrose at his bakery. These two are instantly attracted to each other. They are opposite as night but make it work with the help of their friends and family. The book is funny, romantic, sweet, and has low angst, their sexy times are hot and the two kids make the book even better. Overall, it's a great series and I read it in one sitting.
November 20, 2022
Sweet, the kids are all right. Leo, is drowing in his job running Morris Funeral Home. The Home is a legacy business, so expectations are high while revenue is low. Leo, is overwhelmed by the drama with his son's school. He meets Ambrose, the baker, when there is a problem with the cupcake catering during a funeral. Leo, feels he doesn't have time for one more element like romance in his life. Ambrose is guardian to his sister, so there is a bit of empathy being responsible for a young person. Will he let Ambrose in? Will Leo, make room in his life? The author does a great job with the work life, family balance. Good flow, excellent characters. Well done! Nice cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2022
This is a good book to Read! A real pager turner. Hard to put down. Leo is a single dad to a very active 6 year old. Leo is the Funeral Director for the Morris Family Funeral home and Crematorium. Leo does not have time to date because he is spending all his time at work or raising his son. Ambrose runs the Nice Buns Bakery and is Guardian of his sister. Ambrose has been raising his sister sice their parents died several years before. When Ambrose and Leo meet they hit it off and agree to go on a date. Will Leo be able to put his feeling into a relationship????? Will Ambrose be willing to help raise Leo's son???.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2022
This is a worthy addition to this book series, I've enjoyed all the ones I have read so far. Ambrose and Leo are both very realistic and likable characters wh balance each other well. Bethany the teenage sister and Edward the autistic 6 year old son were particularly well written. Such a shame both children were bullied, it's hard enough being different but then having no school adult support makes it a lot worse. It's really good that things became easier for them and they were able to form a loving family together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2022
Leo certainly was so awkward and stilted when it came to a possible relationship situation!! His son Edward is so bubbly, happy and adorable! When the Butt Cookie incident happens, it was hilarious to watch Leo and Edward interact because Edward loved the cupcakes, but Leo was horrified that they were dirty adult cupcakes! Enter Ambrose the maker of said cookies! You have to love Ambrose he is so creative, sweet and happy. His flirting ways catch Leo off guard. Very pleasant romance showing that opposites do attract but when two people are very different they have to find that happy medium!
November 7, 2022
Lots to process in this story, in the best way. My heart went out to the children. Bullies are not ever acceptable and it hurt my heart. The love story began with a bit of a laugh with the cupcakes but it quickly grew into a lovely romance. Some bumps but still what relationship is always smooth? I enjoyed watching it progress especially as the kids approved, that was sweet. The happy ending with all four of the m/c’s was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2022
I think I was drawn to both Leo and Ambrose, not only for their characters, but for their ongoing struggles to deal with a less than friendly school environment for their kids... as the mom of kids with both neurodivergent and learning issues, I know the struggle of trying to get teachers to actually follow the IEP and learning plans we work hard to create...
Beyond that jolt of reality, Leo is a truly sweet, steamy love story about taking time for yourselves as adults and still having good family balance. It was well paced, well written and truly heartwarming!
Beyond that jolt of reality, Leo is a truly sweet, steamy love story about taking time for yourselves as adults and still having good family balance. It was well paced, well written and truly heartwarming!
November 19, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It was a sweet, slow burn romance between two likeable men. Leo is a funeral director who spends whatever free time he can get raising his autistic young son Edward. Ambrose is a baker and raising his teenage sister after their parents died. They met when Leo received a large order of inappropriate cupcakes for a funeral for a woman who had prepaid her own service and no one liked. It certainly was an interesting way to meet! I also really liked Bethany and Edward. This is the first book I've read by this author and I would read more. 4 stars.
November 19, 2022
Another amazing Gaynor Beach book, I truly love this series, a different author for each story. Leo's was great, he owns the local Funeral home and shares his life with his son Edward. After a so-called mix up with naughty cupcakes at a funeral Leo meets Ambrose who owns the bakery "Nice Buns" and is raising his sister. Leo just needed to let go and enjoy the company that Ambrose offers , but with so many set backs for them both, things slowly can mend their hearts.
I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to more Single Dads of Gaynor beach.
I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to more Single Dads of Gaynor beach.
November 20, 2022
This is another one book in 'The Single dads of Gaynor Beach'.
I liked that this was not a mm romance, but we also see more of the children, Lao his son and Ambtose his sister, and their struggles and thriumphs.
At some point I wanted to have a talking to with Leo, but he got his head straight on and kept it there.
All the characters where realistic and had personal growth which added to that. Ambrose and Leo find their hea with the children who are luckily not cookie cutter like.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked that this was not a mm romance, but we also see more of the children, Lao his son and Ambtose his sister, and their struggles and thriumphs.
At some point I wanted to have a talking to with Leo, but he got his head straight on and kept it there.
All the characters where realistic and had personal growth which added to that. Ambrose and Leo find their hea with the children who are luckily not cookie cutter like.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2022
Leo is a single dad and he puts his son first. He doesn't have time for romance. Ambrose is raising his sister and he is looking for a fling. Leo owns a funeral home and Ambrose owns a bakery. They meet when Leo brings back cupcakes that weren't ordered for a funeral. They start to date but Leo feels guilty because he feels he putting Ambrose first. He tries to put distance between him and Ambrose but realizes that Ambrose is already apart of his and his son's life. Ambrose realizes that that Leo is more than a fling and that they belong together. I really enjoyed this book.
November 18, 2022
Leo meets Ambrose when there are some raunchy cupcakes delivered to the funeral home. Leo heads to the bakery to discover why and the spark between them is instant. Their relationship is filled with bumps but with the help of their friends and family, they soon get back on track. Will Leo and Ambrose find their forever in each other?
November 15, 2022
Leo is book ten in the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series. This was a beautiful read. I loved how the children somehow brought their parents together. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2025
2,5⭐️
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