The Dasher

Tennent Surf #2

by Cindy Kehagiaras

Lisa—My business is failing, my father disappeared, my brother is lazy, and my uncle just mansplained me—again. Ben is nothing I want right now, but he might be everything I need."

Ben—My new brother-in-law, the legendary "Zen Shredder," is making me launder my karma which is bullshit and interesting. The coolest man on the planet just married my spreadsheet-loving sister and is about to save Tennent Surf Company, making him Lisa Tennent's hero.
I'm the one who should be her hero, yeah, me, a tattooed ex-con with anger issues. I'll show her my friendship and loyalty and return her magic.

"The Dasher" is a friends-to-lovers, single father, over 40 romance sequel to "The Perpetual"- with GenX pop culture references and lessons in self-love as we age.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2023

About the author

My writing journey began after my 50th birthday, and the pandemic lockdown provided the opportunity to write. Some of my stories have haunted my dreams for decades. When the characters shouted day and night, I knew I had to write about them.

My previous lives have been in advertising, fashion, and a small business owner. I've made it my life’s ambition to push through challenges of a dyslexia diagnosis to consume novels, poetry, articles, and tell fun, swoony, romantic stories.

A proud GenX woman and native Californian, I live in Hermosa Beach, CA, with my husband aka "The Greek", two beautiful kids, and two spunky-rescue kitties.

Reviews

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really hoped that I would love The Dasher as much as I loved the cover of the book. Unfortunately, I didn’t.

I have read several books where the FMC is a grump, and while Lisa does have a lot of reason for her disposition and stress levels, I just didn’t like her very much.

She is left holding the bag in trying to change the legacy of her father’s surf wear company and pull it out of impending bankruptcy. Ben is the brother-in-law of the biggest star of Lisa’s company and he (Jason) is going to try and help save the company with Ben along as his assistant when they meet.

The story didn’t really hold my interest, and it made me sad because I wanted to like this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved following Ben and Lisa’s relationship growth from friends to lovers! I loved that the author wrote these characters as Gen X-ers, since I’m one myself. 😉 Loved being able to relate to their struggles, triumphs, and individual growth.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I feel about Ben and Lisa would fill the entire Pacific Ocean where he spends his time surfing but to keep it simple, they are one hot and passionate couple! I am a huge fan of “The Perpetual” also by Ms. Kehagiaras, which is the prequel to this book and where we first met Ben. He has somewhat of a checkered past and is the exact opposite of the men Lisa had always dated, but maybe it was time for her to take a walk on the wild side and give Ben a chance. His colorful tattoos drive her wild and his devil may care attitude had her reconsidering her boring and rigid lifestyle. They joined forces to resurrect her family's company and she was in awe of his designs and the vision he had for the new line of clothing. Ben was like a breath of fresh air who accepted Lisa for who she was, and never tried to change her or tell her what to do. Ben thought he was way out of her league but he soon realized they were two lonely souls who fate brought together so they could both finally be happy!

A life with Ben includes his precious daughter, Chloe, the light of his life who keeps him grounded and thankful that God had given him another chance. Lisa’s goal right now was to successfully re-introduce Tennent Surf to the public with on-trend designs that would bring the magic back to the surfing community. She also had to deal with family issues, her own insecurities, and how Ben and Chloe would fit into her life. Lisa has faced many challenges in her life, but on a sunny day at the beach, she faced her biggest test of all. She surprised herself with how centered and calm she felt as her fears were swept away by the possibility of everlasting love.

[Kat Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has created wonderful characters in this book. The emotions depicted for each character are great and true to the characterization. It was a nice read.

[Cindy Kehagiaras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a romance where the FMC is not only OVER 40, but is a total boss-babe is hard. But Lisa Tennent is fierce!

Ben is unlikely cinnamon roll with his tattoos, motorcycle, cursing and police record. But he’s a doting single father and makes it his mission to help Lisa by giving her what she needs—even if she doesn’t know it.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a friends to lovers book. It is a good book. “The Perpetual” also by Ms. Kehagiaras, which is the prequel to this book and where we first met Ben. He has somewhat of a checkered past and is the exact opposite of the men Lisa had always dated, but maybe it was time for her to take a walk on the wild side and give Ben a chance. His colorful tattoos drive her wild and his devil may care attitude had her reconsidering her boring and rigid lifestyle. They joined forces to resurrect her family's company and she was in awe of his designs and the vision he had for the new line of clothing. Ben was like a breath of fresh air who accepted Lisa for who she was, and never tried to change her or tell her what to do. Ben thought he was way out of her league but he soon realized they were two lonely souls who fate brought together so they could both finally be happy! Ben has a daughter. This is a good book, goes on to show how their relationship develops and that people do really have a happily ever after.- Kristina

[Cindy Kehagiaras · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Beth & Rip on “Yellowstone”, Jen on “Dead To Me” or had a connection to “Amanda” on “Melrose Place”? Do you any more SHE-GRUMP in your “Grumpy/Sunshine” romances?? THIS IS THE BOOK!!!