Stalled

Mechanics on Main #5

by Ava Munroe

When Love They Neighbor takes on risky new meaning…

In my defense, I thought he was my blind date. It had been a *long time* for both of us, and a classic case of mistaken identity quickly escalated into something more.

But as soon as I learned Wes Cooper was my new neighbor and my dad’s best friend, I knew what a massive mistake we’d made.

I have a plan for everything, and I was sure there must be some strategy for what to do after an accidental hook up with the wrong guy. I’d just keep to my side of the fence, right?

But then my father had a heart attack, and of course he asked Wes to help me out. Now he’s around all the time, and keeping my distance is off the table.

We might have had an insane spark when we didn’t know who the other was, but I know it’s not smart to fall for the single dad next door. If I give into my crush, I risk a lot more than losing an ally on the HOA board. I’d be putting my dad’s best friendship on the line, too.

Please note: this book is a STANDALONE romance that includes open door romantic scenes coming in at about 3-4 chilies of heat. It also includes occasional incomplete sentences for stylistic effect. Happily ever after is guaranteed, cheating is banished, and swoons are promised. If this sounds like your cup of tea, enjoy!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2022

About the author

Ava Munroe is a former television critic who is currently living in Arizona, but pining away for her dreamy childhood in small town Georgia. When she's not forcing her husband and twin toddlers to travel back to the East coast with her, you can find her chugging Coca-Cola, spoiling her German Shepherd, or binge-watching Yellowjackets (seriously, you have to start watching that show if you're not already). Her sexy small town romances pack in the humor and heart, while also providing a mental escape to Ava's favorite place on earth: the deep south.

Reviews

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Sofia, the female lead, has serious life goals and plans for achieving to prove that her parents being teens when she and her brother were born was not a bad thing. Wes, the male lead, is a single dad whose wife left for another partner. He’s since focused everything on raising his daughters, determined to show the world that he is a sufficient parent on his own.

When their first meeting is a serious case of mistaken identity and significant attraction, they both agree that acting on it doesn’t suit their life goals and may damage their relationships with others but the attraction doesn’t go anywhere…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a great small town romance. I enjoyed both lead characters and empathised with their determination to succeed in their chosen goals. I enjoyed the character development that saw them broaden their focus to include their present and not just the future and the subsequent relationship development. I enjoyed the amusing moments and the sexy intimate scenes that supported their relationship development.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an adorable small town age gap that will make your heart swoon this is the book for you! Wes Cooper is a single dad who is raising his 2 daughters while working as a mechanic and flipping houses in order to make ends meet. He tries to be civil with ex Danielle but she never makes it easy. However, his whole world changes when he meets Sofia outside the community center and mistakes her for the repairwoman who he was suppose to meet to fix the broken gazebo in the center of town. He is taking back immediately by her beauty and the positive aura that is surrounding her. He knows he just met her but he can't stop thinking about her and their kiss by the gazebo. When she rushes off he is taking back again by her but doesn't know if he will ever see her again.

Sofia is heading to help her dad set up his new house in his new neighborhood. She is a mess from driving down from the city when her brother Bash calls her and tells her he has set her up on a blind date for 3:00 that afternoon with an old friend of his. She can't believe what she is hearing and is not presentable to meet anyone but she knows she has to take a chance so she decides to head to the community center to meet Greg. However, when she gets there a man pulls in and ask her to come with him and she automatically assumes he is Greg because she has no idea why he wouldn't be. She is instantly attracted to this man and she is a bit more brazen than she normally is and ends up kissing him by the gazebo. She is getting caught up in the moment until her dad sends a message and she quickly says her goodbyes and heads back to her dad's house. Sofia can't stop thinking about the handsome man from the park and she really wants to see him again but she doesn't know how or if that is even possible.

When her dad tells her his neighbor and his kids are coming over for dinner Sofia is interested in meeting them and is excited that her dad has a best friend to connect with since their mom passed away. When she answers the door she is taking back that the handsome man she kissed at the park is her dad's best friend/neighbor Wes! He wasn't Greg at all and she is smitten that he is here but she knows they can never be because she wouldn't do that to her Dad and the fact that Wes is a lot older than her and she has never wanted or needed to be with an older man. However, when Wes walks in and she see how great he and his daughters are she begins to question everything she thought she knew she wanted.

The heat and passion between them is undeniable and the way he loves her and his daughters is beyond heart warming. You will fall for this sexy and loving single dad at every page of this book. Wes is caring, sweet, funny, sexy, romantic, and downright adorable. Sofia can't believe how fast and hard she is falling for this man but she won't hurt her dad. However, Sofia has to learn to trust her heart even though it throwing her through some major hoops. She knows Wes wants her as much as she wants him but something is holding him back and she doesn't know how to fix it.

Their journey is bittersweet at times and is quite romantic. You will adore their love for each other and his daughters! Sofia & Wes are an adorable couple and you will fall in love with this entire series. If you haven't read the other "Mechanics on Main" books I would advise to do that as well. They are some phenomenal romances and you will love the characters just as much as you will love Wes & Sofia. Happy Reading!

[Ashleigh Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 Stars (standard rounding rules apply)

I love the Mechanics on Main series; all the characters are so fun, and seeing them interact with each other throughout each book is so fun. Every time I read the newest installment of this series; I know I am in for some fun. This book follows Wes an Sofia.

Wes is a great guy who just doesn't know when to ask for help; while Sofia is student about to apply for medical school and seems to have her life planned out rigidly - or so she thought. Wes is best friends with Sofia's father, and a case of mistaken identity (on both parts) leads these two to have an interesting first encounter... then it flourishes from there, though they both fight it at first.

Some of what happens between the two were realistic in the sense that as a single parent I felt myself nodding my head in agreement that I have been there before. I love that about her stories; knowing that there are many realistic aspects to these stories. It was great seeing Sofia interact with her family, but also with Wes’ children. And Wes when he interacted with his friends, daughters, and even ex-wife. There were some really cute parts, and even parts where you felt bad for what was happening with the characters. Ms. Munroe is great at pulling at your emotions in different ways.

There were many good parts, but at the same time it felt it was lacking in certain areas. Some things just didn't make much sense to me, probably because the backstory wasn't really there - like it was in the other novels in this series. I felt there could be more about Sofia, as in my opinion, she felt lost throughout this whole thing. It also came across as very rushed in certain parts, and even to a point the timeline being slightly off or with no clear distinction of it. Without spoilers it just seemed there could have been more for both where Wes and Sofia were going, and also why they were where they were in life.

Wes's ex was pretty realistic when it comes to ex's in regards to single dads (per those I know personally, though the relationship depicted in the story is not always the case). Wasn't really sure where the dad was with all this, or even the brother. It just seemed like everyone fell in line a little too easy.

Spice would definitely be a 3.4 chilis out of 5 chili peppers in my personal opinion. (Be aware that my spice level may be different than yours, so could be less or could be more per personal preference.) There were definitely some kinkier type aspects to their spicy time, which added a level of hotness. You could feel their chemistry, but it wasn't as predominant as some of the other couples in this series.

Overall, all the characters developed well and as a nice pace considering how quick the book seemed to go. I had a hard time putting it down, because I had to know what was going to happen. I definitely would recommend to a friend who was looking to maybe start getting into the age-gap trope; and of course, those who enjoy it already. To me it was a quick-ish read and while it felt that things were rushed and/or missing it was still a good read.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes and Sofia . . .

Things came together for Wes and Sofia in a jumbled sort of tangle. Sofia was arriving to help her dad organize his home. Her brother texted her that he set up a blind date for her with “Greg”, even though she didn’t even have time to clean up. She headed to the community center and a handsome man asked her to follow him to the park. Wes Cooper had been expecting a helper to fix the gazebo and assumed Sofia was his helper. She assumed he must be Greg since no one else knew her here.

They were very attracted and even moved things along far enough for a kiss. Then she had to hurry to her dad’s because he texted they were expecting company she had to meet. Her dad’s friend and next-door neighbor was a divorced single dad with two wonderful daughters. But Sofia was unprepared to see her blind date show up! Her father subsequently having a heart attack and asking Wes to stay close to help Sofia will make it so much more difficult to avoid him. Would they get the confusion sorted out? And how would they both stop the powerful attraction to each other? Is there a HEA for both of them? Or will her dad object when the situation becomes clear?

I loved the interactions of the characters and the love the reader could feel coming off the pages. This was a good story line, well-paced, that will pull the reader right in as we hope for the best for them. Grab your copy and enjoy this loving and fun mix-up.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There were little bouts of spice in the beginning but it did not prepare me for when they actually got together about halfway through. It was 🤌🤌 everything I love. Breeding. Praise. Age gap. Single dad. The story line was really interesting to me. A short read so we get a few gaps, which I don't consider a bad thing, especially knowing the length of the book. It was an easy read, and I truly liked that. I loved Wes with his daughters, but even more I loved Sofia with his girls. And reading how hard both characters try to work for what they want. They are stubborn to get and work for what they think they need to achieve. Its interesting the things we will reconsider doing when people enter our lives. Not so much for the other person but for a life WE want. And I think the characters here really showed that. Maybe more Sofia, but Wes really had to let go for things too.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series of books, with great characters, fun parts that will make you laugh out aloud, you won’t be disappointed. Sofia’s brother has set her up on a blind date, however it is a case of mistaken identity when she ends up thinking, Wes, her fathers new best friend, was her hot date. After being introduced to Wes by her father, Sofia tries to get over her embarrassment, but she can’t help but feel a connection to him. Wes is a struggling single parent, his focus has been on only his daughters for so long however Sofia now has him distracted! However with Sofia so focused on her future career for so long, she is shocked to find herself thinking of a life with Wes in it, but with her fathers relationship with Wes on the line, she isn’t sure if she can put that in jeopardy. A really great book with fantastic characters. This book will have you laughing in parts but almost in tears at others. A really enjoyable book.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sofia has had her whole life planned since she was a kid and has done nothing but work at getting to where she’s always said she’s going. Wes is working non stop to prove to everyone he can do everything on his own. When they accidentally meet the chemistry is instantaneous. Then they realise the mistake and try to find some normalcy. Needless to say it doesn’t really work and soon they’re giving in. But that means plans have to change … and change isn’t always easy to accept. A roller coaster of feelings and life changing decisions. Full of steamy moments broken up by fun times with cute kids followed by a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a 4.25 for me but rounded down to 4 on here. I took off almost a full star for 3rd Act Breakup. Even though I get the reasoning Wes used, I still LOATHE when it's used.

I normally HATE the dad's best friend trope with a burning passion because I can't stand the older man, younger woman trope (I think I don't like it because it's more common in real life and books are where I go to escape that + I've read some really bad ones) but this book is one that's actually done it right for me. I think the main reason why is the ages of all the main characters introduced.

Herculano aka Herc: Age 42, therefore had his children at 17, making him a former teen parent
Sebastian aka Bash (Herc's son & Sofia's twin brother): Age 25
Sofia (the FMC & Herc's daughter): Age 25
Wes (the MMC): Age 38

Since Sofia is 25 (aka the age where your brain is fully developed & she's going to grad school) and Wes isn't 40+/no weird power dynamic being used between them, I'm okay with this trope here.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes and Sofia meet by mistake when she thinks that he is the blind date her brother set her up with. The sparks are there between them right from the beginning. He is a single father that is trying to prove that he can raise his daughters in spite of the treatment he received from his now ex-wife. Sofia is a med student who after meeting Wes is beginning to rethink her career choices. Will their relationship make it to a happily ever after? This story had me drawn in and connecting with them while cheering for them to get their chance for a happily ever after!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bibliogal14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this small town taboo romance. Sofia comes into town to help her dad get settled into his new place. Her twin brother sets up a blind date for her, but little does she know she mistakenly goes home with her dad’s best friend! Once they realize who they went home with they both try to fight this irresistible chemistry between the two of them… but not for long!

I loved the few spicy scenes in the book! They were hot!

This book was also wholesome and fun to read as well. Wes is a single dad, and there are plenty of scenes with Sofia bonding with his daughters which was super cute!

If you like small town, taboo, single-dad romances, this one is for you!

[BookWorm_Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all… I love Wes and Sofia’s first meet; it had me chuckling, imagining him showing her the things that need fixing while she’s like “that’s weird but ok” thinking they’re going on a date 😂

I enjoyed this book. I liked the writing and storyline. I think it was developed well and kept me interested the whole way through.

The spice was great 🌶🌶🌶.5. Especially that gazebo date!

I love the fact that Wes puts his kids first. Yes he and Sofia are a thing, but his girls are his priority. I also love that Sofia knew this and understood it. This isn’t a book about a single dad who meets someone and the kids are forgotten about in the story.

[Nomad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a sweet little romance with a bit of spice. He's a single father to two adorable little girls, working as a mechanic and trying to prove to the world and his nasty ex-wife that he can make it on his own. She's a med student hopeful that has always played by the rules and feels she has to prove to the world that her parents (who had her at a young age) didn't mess things up. Neither was looking for love, but they found it in each other. Now it's up to them to work through the challenges to try and make it work.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Stalled as an ARC, and as always, I was ecstatic! Every time I start a Mechanics on Main book, I am immediately pulled in by the chemistry and quippy goodness!

This book was no different! The electricity between Sofia and Wes was impossible to deny and so hard to put down! It's always refreshing to read a single dad romance, and this was my first age gap romance as well, and boy did it deliver!

I loved this book and I can't wait for my inevitable re-read of this series!

10/10 would recommend
10/10 would read again

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a quick read this is a good one. I have only read one other book in this series but I am throughly enjoining them. This is an age gap small town romance. I loved getting to know Wes and Sofia. Wes is a single dad who is working hard to provide for his girls and trying to prove to the world he is a great father. Sofia is a student who has always known what she wanted to be when she grew up. Connection and chemistry takes them by surprise and they have to work to realize what they want and need.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stalled: A Small Town Single Dad Age Gap Romance
Ava Munroe

This is a great book. The story line and characters, Sofia and Wes, were so well written. I loved the secondary characters and the push and pull of the book. Only thing I did not like was the abrupt ending. No cliffhanger just ended. Great read other than that though. I do recommend reading for the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. But, I have exactly one issue with it. The first few chapters involve a pretty big miscommunication. That’s typically the one trope I won’t touch. However, I love Ava’s writing and the Mechanics on Main. She’s made me fall in love with small town romance all over again.

Miscommunication aside, Wes and Sofia are so dang cute! And his daughters?! Ugh the most adorable girls everrr!! Once I got into the meat of this book I couldn’t put it down!!

[Krystal Spooner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Have I Ever smiled and laughed to myself at the beginning of a book. The start to their relationship had me literally laughing.l out loud to myself. I enjoyed the 🌶 and the character development and self realization from Wes that he didn’t have to do everything alone. This was a great Monday night read to escape from a hectic day and it was easy to get invested in. This left me with no emotional damage, it had a happy ending, and overall is a great feel good read!

[Tristen]

This is a really cute quick read!!! Wes is a single dad to two little girls and after a funny chance of mistaken identity meets Sofia. He also happens to be her dads best friend but it doesn’t lean heavily into that and he’s also younger than her father so I didn’t really find it taboo! Definitely worth the read :)

[Corrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ‘older’ reader who struggles with the age-gap trope, I was a little nervous about this one - especially with the MC’s father only being a year older than me and being portrayed, at times, as though he was significantly older than that - but I ended up being pleasantly surprised with a sweet, easy read that has inspired me to take a look at the other ‘Mechanics on Main’ books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

[Kat Schumacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC for my honest review

Sofia - has a plan, help her dad move into in, and off to med school that she has dreamed about

Wes - taking care of his 2 girls, and doesn't need anyone's help

When a blind date goes wrong and you pick up the wrong person....

This was a super cute fast read. This is an age gap done, with hea this book is for you!

[Kandace_Bookaholic_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfection! A blind date gone wrong ends up being the best thing that could have happened. I love the chemistry from the two main characters and how there relationship involves throughout the book ! This was a book i started and finished in one sitting i couldn’t put it down! The spice alone was delicious and gives you those tummy flutters!!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall story line was impeccable, I just could not stay hooked 100%. It was me, completely, that just kept drifting while reading. After walking away for a few minutes, I was able to come back and dive into the storyline. Definitely worth the read; however, because in the right hands this novel could/would be amazing.

[Blanca · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one was cute small town goodness

This has just a little bit of everything you want in a small town romance.

It’s got single dad, age gap, dad’s best friend, instalust, with a dash of filthy talk. It’s such a good read and would be a perfect pallet cleanser when you need something sweet and smutty.

[Smuttybooks_geekystuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure I've said it before, but there's just something about single dad's 🥵 especially if they like to talk dirty!

So much of Wes' issues as a single parent are real problems that I have faced myself and I felt connected with him because of this.

I didn't connect so much with Sofia, I felt her a bit lacking.
Her dad is so sweet though.

I've really enjoyed this series ❤️ and the way all the characters interact with each over in all the books.

Overall, a good quick read with some nice spicy scenes ❤️

[Reading4_Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

T I am a sucker for a dad’s best friend usually in a taboo sense. But this was not taboo Which is new for me 😉, but honestly I loved it! I kind of had a Wes crush throughout this book. If you want a small town romance with some spice this is for you. Spice was 3.5/5

[Madison Scarberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was just what I needed to get out of my current reading slump. I can’t scream my love for this loud enough. If you want to fall in love with a book. I highly recommend giving it a read.

[Kat Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. This a good older/younger somewhat forbidden romance. The characters are realistic and very likable. I really enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book.
It was a nice easy read.
Not what I was expecting in terms of it being an age gap/fathers best friend book but still enjoyed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book hooked me from the start! the hero and heroine were both really extremely likeable to me and i honestly felt very connected to both of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can mistaken identity lead to a HEA?

5 stars excellent from start to finish. The storyline and plot held your attention from the 1st line to the last line, looking forward to read more. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good shifter romance.