Don’t You Dare Marry Me is the second Adrian J Smith book I’ve read after Nanny in The Middle, and I’m wandering how she has flown under my radar for so long. The bonus is knowing there are a few in her back catalogue for me to catch up on because quite simply, I love her writing. The style, the complex characters, and the engaging plot lines. I can't wait to see what I’ve missed.
For those who have read Nanny in the Middle (if you haven’t, go and do that right now!) you would have met Aunt Abagail. The hard, no-nonsense woman who Nicola ends up returning her engagement ring to.
After her deadbeat fiancé bails, Nicola is left struggling to cover her sister’s medical bills. She won’t ask for help, but is willing to work for it, no matter the task. When her ex’s aunt, Abigail, offers her a place to stay, she accepts. The revenge sex they ended up having was mind-blowing, and having a place to stay means she can focus on finding work.
The problem is, Abigail, as guarded as she is, might just be exactly what Nicola needs.
Abigail, as she tries desperately to keep some semblance of decorum, still needs to be the head of her family. And her family keeps pissing her off. And it doesn’t help that Nicola can’t seem to get her shit together. When Abilgail learns why Nicola is struggling, though, her world shifts. Helping Nicola isn’t just a kindness; it’s a need.
Let’s talk about chemistry. It has always been there, even back in Nanny in the Middle where they were only side characters. But in Don’t You Dare Marry Me; it’s turned up to eleven. The sex is scorching—do not read this on public transport unless you’re ready to blush furiously.
Abagail and Nicola are both incredibly strong characters but are in different points of their lives. Abilgail is settled, successful, and confident. Nicola has been in survival mode for so long, she’s forgotten how to do anything else. But together, they peel back each other’s layers, confront their fears, and build something real. It’s not perfect—but it works for them.
And that’s what I’m starting to love most about Adrian J. Smith’s books. Every couple is different. Every love story feels unique. The relationships don’t follow a formula, but they make sense—and they give you all the feels.
Don’t miss this one.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a