Mack Daddy

by Penelope Ward

Single Dad. Second Chances. Meet Mack in the newest STANDALONE novel from New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward.   They called him Mack Daddy. No, seriously, his name was Mack. Short for Mackenzie. Thus, the nickname. Perfect, right?  So was perfect. The perfect physical male specimen. At the private school where I taught, Mack Morrison was the only man around in a sea of women. Everyone wanted a piece of the hot, single father of the sweet little boy.  I became a woman I didn't recognize, someone riddled with jealousy, because they didn't know that--to me--he was much more.  They didn't know about our past.  He'd chosen my school for his son on purpose, because Mack and I, we had unfinished business.  As my friend, Lorelai, so eloquently put "Unfinished business between two people who are clearly attracted to each other is like an eternal case of blue balls." And I was suffering in pain from my case. I was still intensely attracted to Mack. I tried to resist him, immersing myself further into a relationship with someone else just to protect my heart.  Not to mention, getting involved with a parent was strictly against school rules. But seeing Mack day in and day out was breaking me down. And soon I might be breaking all the rules. Author's note - Told in alternating points of view, Mack Daddy is a full-length standalone novel.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Audiobook

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2017

About the author

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.

In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).

Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Mack Daddy (stand-alone). Father of her student is determined to win her heart, but first they must sort through their past!

“…stroked a few dicks in my life but honestly could say I never felt one quite like that one. It felt like an arm for Christ’s sake.”

Mack Daddy (stand-alone) opens up to elementary school teacher Francesca O’Hara, Frankie aka Frankie Four Eyes meeting her class and discovering that the father of one of her students is Mackenzie Morrison, Mack aka Mack Daddy. Judging by their encounter it is clear they have a past.

The story goes on to follow them as Mack relentlessly pursues Frankie while their past unravels in flashbacks. Hilariously funny situations and at times painful moments mars their journey driven by Mack’s wit and Frankie’s awkwardness, complicated by her boyfriend and his ex.

“Let’s have a do-over, one that doesn’t involve you grabbing my cock or suffering a nervous breakdown.”

Though Mackenzie Morrison, Mack aka Mack Daddy is not a ruthless alpha, he gets 5 stars for his larger-than-life persona. Seven words to describe Mack: charismatic, blunt, entertaining, private, creative, honorable, mature and unforgettable.



Seven words to describe Francesca O’Hara, Frankie aka Frankie Four Eyes: reflective, introvert, loyal, nurturing, smart, shy and indecisive.

Mack Daddy, told from alternating POVs, is a second chance, at times impossible, romance depicting a lost love and the havoc it wrecked on their hearts. But it’s also about a once-in-a-lifetime friendship, mistakes, regrets, forgiveness and tough choices.

Mmm Mack melted my heart!

“No, I mean are you alright in the head? Do you always grab onto people’s junk like that?”
“No? No it’s dark and I’m nearly blind without my glasses. I can’t see you.”
“That sounds like a cockamamie excuse to me. No pun intended.”

***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
**********************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | HIGH FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | LOW FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |

ARC provided to me by author Penelope Ward in exchange for an honest review.

[Aestas Book Blog]

::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::

"I lost all those years, only to end up in the same place, wanting you and wishing I hadn't ever let you go."

I absolutely loved this angsty second chance romance! I devoured it in one sitting and connected so strongly to the story which was about a sexy single dad reunited with the only woman who he'd ever truly loved when his son got enrolled in her elementary school class and he realized this was his only chance to show her how much he used to love her, how deeply he still loved her, and how strongly he was willing to fight to win back her heart. OH MY GOSH, there were SO MANY FEELS!!!! My heart honestly never stopped racing. I felt their PAIN, DESIRE, LONGING, and NEED for each other in a way that just made my chest ache. I cried, I laughed, I swooned, but more than anything, I genuinely FELT this story. It was perfectly paced and so well written! SEXY, ROMANTIC, ANGSTY PERFECTION!!

He was the perfect physical male specimen.

At the private school where I taught, Mack Morrison was the only man around in a sea of women.

Everyone wanted a piece of the hot single father of the sweet little boy.

I was riddled with jealousy, because they didn’t know that—to me—he was much more.

They didn’t know about our past.

He’d chosen my school for his son on purpose, because Mack and I, we had unfinished business.

As my friend, Lorelai, so eloquently put it: “Unfinished business between two people who are clearly attracted to each other is like an eternal case of blue balls.” And I was suffering in pain from my case.

I was still intensely attracted to Mack. I tried to resist him, immersing myself further into a relationship with another man just to protect my heart.

Not to mention, getting involved with a parent was strictly against school rules. But seeing Mack day in and day out was breaking me down.

And soon I might be breaking all the rules.

From the first time that Mack and Frankie met (again) in his son's school, my heart was fluttering. It was painfully clear that they had a deep history between them and I couldn't wait to find out what exactly it entailed.

His tone was demanding. “Look at me, Frankie.” When I didn’t listen, he repeated, “Look at me.”
I lifted my head. To look him in the face was truly painful, triggering an onslaught of memories I preferred to keep at bay. One thing was for certain: the grown man standing before me was far more confident than the guy whom I’d last seen with tears in his eyes.
“I don’t understand. How is this possible? What are you doing here at my school?”
He slowly approached me, causing my skin to heat. “We live here now — in Massachusetts.”
...
My eyes returned to meet his when I asked, “How did your son end up in my class?”
“If I told you it was a coincidence, would you believe me?”
“No.”
“Well, it’s not,” he was quick to admit.
“Why? Why are you doing this? Why didn’t you warn me?”
“Would it have made it any easier?”
“No,” I whispered.
...
“You’re the only one I trust with him... I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, in general. I know it may seem like eons ago that we were close, and I know you’re confused right now. I know I fucked everything up between us, but I’ve never forgotten you. Not a single day.”

Told in first person alternating POVs, we find out more pieces of their past with each new development in the story. I felt so strongly for both of them. Even though Mack was the one who had left her in the past, he was so broken up over it that there was no doubt that some outside influence had forced his hand and even though it had shattered her heart, it had also left him deeply damaged. The only question was whether there was a chance in hell that she'd allow him to show her the changed man he'd become over the years and how much he still loved her.

Her being so formal with me was weird. It was irking me a little. She was acting like we didn’t know everything there was to know about each other at one time. I just wanted to virtually shake her and say, ‘Hey, remember that time we got drunk and you begged me to fuck you?’

I've said this in other reviews, but there's just a certain 'spark' that separates my favorite books from all the others I read. I don't know how else to explain it and I think that ultimately every reader experiences that spark differently and for different books, but for me this book had exactly the spark that I was searching for. Everything about the story just really worked for me.

And seriously, single dad's who are devoted to their kids are just freaking HOT!!!

“He’ll be okay. We’ll take care of him. Even when he’s having a bad day, we’ll do our best to make him feel safe.”
“Thank you, Frankie. I knew you would. That’s why I’m here.”
For him.
And for me.
For you.
I’m here for you.
I want you in my life again.
Even if all you’ll give me is your friendship.
Fuck that. That will never be enough for me.
Not with you.
There was so much I wanted to tell her but couldn’t.

One of my favorite things about this book was that their relationship didn't start with lust. Without spoiling anything, I can say that it's like they fell in love without even knowing it. Or rather, they each fell in love with who the other person was before anything seriously physical grew between them. It's like they were drawn to each other -- simply as people -- long before they each realized that they'd fallen in love with each other without even being in a romantic relationship. I loved the progression of their story! It made my heart twist and turn in the best ways!

“What exactly do you plan to try?”
… “I have to go wherever [my son] is. So, this is a window of opportunity that I can’t waste. You asked what I plan to try? Everything. Every goddamn thing, Frankie — until you tell me to stop. Until you look me in the eyes and tell me there’s no point in continuing.”

Over the last several years, I've read a lot of second romances. They're one of my favorite types of love stories to read but admittedly, most of them have a similar formula. Don't get me wrong, I adore the formula. When a second chance romance is well written, I don't even care if I've read a similar story before, I fall in love with the heartbreak and healing all over again. However, it is really special when you find one -- like this book -- that does things a little bit differently and puts its own twist on the storytelling.

I absolutely loved the way Mack and Frankie kept being pulled back together. I felt that pull -- their longing, desire, pain, and love. It was true love, not just lust. Even though there was undoubted attraction between them, what they had went much deeper than that and I think that's why I felt so strongly for their story. Seriously, I just connected with them -- I was right there with what they were going through. I was even brought to tears a few times and you all know I adore books that can make me cry.

“We all have that one person. It’s not necessarily someone we end up with. But it’s that person who, for whatever reason, gets under your skin and stays there. You can move on, but parts of them are always with you. Sometimes, if things never had a chance to develop, if feelings are still unresolved, that person becomes an even more powerful force in your life, even in absentia.”

This story is romantic, a little tragic, intensely angsty, and yet so beautifully healing. And I have to say I was incredibly proud of the way Mack and Frankie handled the twists life threw at them -- especially the second time around when they had a chance to salvage everything they'd lost so many years ago.

“I never stopped thinking about you. All of these years, they feel like a blur. I look at you sitting in front of me right now, and I’m feeling all of the same things I did when we were together.”

Now, I'm going to be honest with you. This book was borderline 'rule-breaking' for me in a few ways. But Penelope Ward is one of the few authors who I've come to trust with this kind of angst. This has happened a few times with books of hers that I've read -- she pushes right to the very line of what I'm comfortable with but doesn't cross it. And, as a reader, that is just so special to find. She's an author whose books I will blindly purchase whenever she releases new ones because I genuinely not only love the stories she tells, but I love the way she tells them. I love that she'll push me as a reader to the edge of my comfort zone, but never take me outside it. She writes the kind of angst I love -- it's painful, intense, and it'll twist you up inside, but you'll love the characters, you'll hurt for them because you care so much, you'll feel their longing and desire, and ultimately you can trust the author to take their story to the right place. It's a really wonderful trust to have in an author and I eager look forward to each of her new books for this very reason.

Also, random confession, I had just come back from watching Fifty Shades Darker when I read this and I literally listened to The Scientist by Corinne Bailey Rae on repeat while I was reading it. Something about the mood of that song perfectly captured the emotions I was feeling while I read. By the end of the book, I had listened to it 48 times!

Oh and actually a second confession... I actually disliked the title of this book when I first heard it. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely wanted to read this book no matter what -- but that was because of who wrote it. However, by the end of the book, I totally loved the title and even cried over it, so kudos to the author in that regard!

A few people have asked me if there's a love triangle in this book and so, without giving away too much, I'll just say that it's not in the way you're probably thinking. I hate triangles but I loved this book. The author writes it in such a way where it's crystal clear that the hero and heroine only ever love each other. And there is no cheating. There are pretty serious extenuating circumstances affecting their lives and relationship which I don't want to spoil but bottom line, I'd say just trust this author and dive right in!

“Your happiness is all that matters. You’re holding all the cards, Frankie — every single, last one of them. But just be aware that I have no issue with showing you exactly how much I want you right now.” He moved in closer, to the point where I could feel the heat from his body.“ The next time you ask me to kiss you, I’m going to fucking kiss you… I’m not gonna lie to you about my feelings. I’m not going to hide the fact that I want to make love to you more than anything.”

This is my favorite Penelope Ward book to date! And that's saying a lot considering that her last several books have all been on my top favorites lists. But this one just really hit home for me -- I loved the emotions, the angst, the romance, and I couldn't put it down. If you're looking for a well-written, addictive second chance love story and you're a fan of single dad heroes, then you absolutely have to read this book!!!

Rating: 4.5 + STARS!! Standalone Adult Romance.


Buy MACK DADDY (Kindle)


__________________________

For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
✦ Subscribe by email

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

➳A second chance towards love and a delay of time that brings drama to the scene, is exactly what Penelope Ward has done in this poignant story…



➳As a first grade teacher at a Catholic private school Francesca encounters upon the presence of the one true man she let her emotions open towards, but broke down after their parted ways due to unchangeable circumstances. Seeing Mackenzie (also known as Mack) again stirs feelings in her that she has been keeping away in a capsule for a long time. As those feelings arise, so do the memories of their past history. How they first met, how their friendship evolved from friends, to having a strong physical attraction for each other. Something that did not start off that way. Their encounter as friends in the beginning was purely emotional. Keeping everything sane and thoughts of lust not at one end. Slowly throughout time, and the encounter of a strange feeling of jealousy, they both come to terms that they need each other;

“I’d never had feelings for someone that didn’t start out as sure physical attraction. With Frankie, it was the opposite. I was extremely attracted to her brain, to her heart, to just being with her, to how she made me feel…”

➳As feelings and the honesty aroused, drama and obstacles in their path way did as well. After not seeing each other for eight years, Mack and Frankie finally encounter the moment to live and not waste time. Frankie though is in a pickle, trying to figure out her feelings towards a man that broke her heart with the devastating news that he gave her eight years ago and still follows him around with his little tiny shoes, to following the feelings of another man that as come towards her life and shown her that she is safe with him.

➳Overall, this story took a turn that I was no expecting. I am not referring to the story plot, but how Penelope wrote the story in general. I found it rather slow and rapid at the same time. When it came down to the story itself, how Mack and Frankie rekindled, it all went beyond slow. However when it came down to the dialogue, and all their conversations, everything just went absolutely fast. I wished there were a balance in the way she wrote her dialogue because that would have helped me a little bit in comprehending how these two characters actually feel, without the wording of descriptions coming from the inner thoughts of the individual characters. I do not recommend this book for those who are looking for a safe story. This book has everything that is NOT safe, and will make you cringe for sure hahaha! However I did enjoy it, but I hope in the future with Pen’s writing that she elaborates a little bit more on her way of writing.

➳Hero rating: 4.0
➳Heroine rating: 4.0
➳Sexual tension rating: 4.0
➳Sex scenes rating: 4.0
➳Sex scenes frequency: 4.0
➳Plot rating: 4.5
➳Dialogue rating: 3.0
➳Storytelling rating: 3.5
➳Story ending rating: 4.0

➳Order Link:
iBooks

➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter

[Alex ♈ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unpopular but honest opinion based on my personal moral compass.

- Why not to continue to date his gf while being in lust/love with the h?

- Why not to sleep with his gf while wanting the h?

- Why not to try to scare off potential bfs of the h while having gf himself?

- Why not to cheat on be not quite honest to his gf by jerking off to the thoughts/images of the h?

- Why not to bath the h after she got drunk (and vomited) and get aroused; and after that to sleep in her bed?

- Why not to come back to the h after leaving gf/mother of your child and sign his son to h's class?

- Why not to insult h's bf because of his age?!? (joke about h's bf's genitals and several others later)

- Why not to bring up that the h was with her bf only because of her supposed daddy complex?

- Why not to write dumb stories about h's embarrassing moments and read them to the kids in h's class?

- Why not to play with h's feelings?

- Why not to tell the h tear-jerking stories how he missed her and even once thought he saw her and his heart was beating so fast and his feelings were so strong while continuing to be with his gf and raising their child together?

- Why not to try to make the h fall in love with him again by spending time together while her bf was out of town?

- Why not to write down a list of pros and cons (H versus h's bf) together with the h?

- Why not to try to misinterpret h's bf's intention to give her space and time to decide into his (bf's) weakness?

- Why not to f*ck the h before she officially broke up with her bf???

- Why not to have sex with her without a condom?

Well, why not???
She let him do it to her after all!

To be fair I must admit
- there was no actual cheating/sex in the past: when H was with his gf, but definitely emotional cheating.
- the writing was very good
- 1 very likable character: h's bf Victor (if you wonder about his age: he was 45)
- the H's actions after he found out about his gf's affair with his father and the possibility that his son was his father's child were honorable he didn't want a paternal test but was the real father to his son. Thanks to twin toes the boy was his indeed.

Victor! My heart broke for him! Amazing man! He was the only truly Hero in this book. I hope he will find his happiness with a woman who deserves him!!!

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

She was the one. Our time together seemed to flash before my eyes, all of our many conversations, ranging from our deepest thoughts and hang-ups to the strange and funny. It was her. It had always been her.








I wasn’t sure what to think about this book when I first started it. The very first meeting between the main characters was one of the most embarrassing and funny moments I’ve ever come across in a book, but then we learn that the Hero has been in a relationship with another woman for several years. I’ve never been one to steer clear of stories with cheating or love triangles in them before, but for some reason, it bothered me in this one. HOWEVER, as I proceeded on with the book, it really is a story that contains a couple of my favorite tropes - ”Friends-to-Lovers” and “Second Chance Romance” , and honestly it is nearly impossible not to fall head over heels in love with the H & h! I hope that you, too, will fall in love and root for Mack and Frankie to find their HEA!!



Mack and Frankie meet when they become roommates while attending college. Frankie is working on her bachelor’s degree in child education and Mack is finishing up his last year in Graduate school. Their first encounter ends up being some of Frankie’s most mortifying moments but these two form a fast friendship and soon deep feelings develop between them. They keep things platonic as neither of them condones cheating. But as the time approaches for Mack to move out and head back to D.C., they both can no longer deny their true feelings for each other. So the plan is to clean up loose ends back home and then come back to Frankie as a free man. If only life hadn’t gotten in the way of their plans!!



About seven years later, Frankie is a first-grade teacher and on the first day of the semester, there’s a new student in her class whose father happens to be a blast from the past! This is no happy coincidence. Mack purposely chose the school Frankie works at to enroll his son in hopes of pursuing what he knows was the one true love of his life. Sadly, now it’s Frankie who isn’t free to give their love a second try. She’s in a committed relationship with an older man who gives her love and stability. For once she feels safe and there’s no chance of getting her heart broken again.


Feelings from the past will prove to be hard to get over. As Mack makes his intentions clear to Frankie, she will start to question everything in her life. I had a hard time at first with Frankie’s indecision about the situation but if you are a fan of Penelope Ward, you know that she has a plan and that there will be a twist that will ease all your trepidations about the other people who seem to pose as complications for the main characters.





When Mack and Frankie finally get through all the BS, it’s nearly impossible not to root for these two to finally have their fairy tale ending. It becomes all too clear that they were always meant to be and you’ll end up with a huge smile on your face by the time you reach the end.



MACK DADDY is currently available! Be sure to one-click!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kWzE1S
iBooks: http://apple.co/2iNrIPj
Nook: http://hyperurl.co/aiypfj
Kobo: http://hyperurl.co/r3hv19

[Clumsy Storyteller · Rating 3 out of 5]

i loved the writing style but i couldn't bring myself to enjoy the storyline. Why good guys always get Screwed Over by girls? (Rhetorical question). The whole second chance love wasn't doing it for me.

more like two cheaters found their way back to each other, and one of them had a kid. Oh yeah! just GREAT! and the humour? don't even get me started on the jokes. they were lame and unnecessarily mean as hell. like when he joked about her 45 years old boyfriend's balls! That was low even for the ass Mack.



3 stars for the cover and the writing style.

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 'Believe in my Heart' Stars!

(Yes, I am trying new stuff with Photoshop lol I really want to get better at it! Let me know if you like it!!)

It's been quite some time since my last Penelope Ward book. I do always read her collabs with Vi Keeland but I don't know why I always hesitate to grab her solo books. I have to say when I read this had a hot single dad, I could not wait to get my hands on it! And I really enjoyed it! This is pure Penelope Ward style, a book with great and funny characters, with lots of sexual tension between them and all the emotions in between.

Mack Daddy is a standalone novel and it's a second chance romance. Mackenzie 'Mack' Morrison and Francesca 'Frankie' O'Hara have unfinished business between them when they reunite after eight years apart. They were roommates back in the day, roommates who became best friends and best friends who became so much more than they expected. Mack had to leave all of sudden and now he is back, in the school Frankie works, with a son, and he is ready to fight to get the love of his life back.

I’m here for you.
I want you in my life again.
Even if all you’ll give me is your friendship.
Fuck that. That will never be enough for me.
Not with you.

Penelope Ward is an excellent writer. Her style is so beautiful and I love how she develops the relationship with the main characters. Frankie and Mack have a lot of baggage and this definitely shows in the pages of Mack Daddy. It's an extremely emotional book, even angsty and dramatic sometimes but at the same time, it felt light (thanks to Mack's humor!) and pretty sexy.

“I’ll make a deal with you. I’m an asshole, right?”
“Okay…”
“You’re a scaredy cat—a pussy.”
“I’m a pussy…”
“I’ll rub some of my asshole off on you if you rub some of your pussy off on me.”

I loved Mack to pieces. He is one of the best book boyfriends Penelope has written. He is protective (of Frankie and his son), a great father (I melted with all the moments with Jonah!), hard working, lovable and sexy as heck! I do have to say, Ward always leaves the most emotional and hottest parts towards the end of her books, and while I enjoyed every single bit, I have to admit I always miss having more coupley moments. Frankie is in a relationship for the most part of the book and while I loved how Mack fights so hard to get her back, I did not enjoy as much how she is always afraid to accept she still loves him.

“You asked what I plan to try? Everything. Every goddamn thing, Frankie—until you tell me to stop. Until you look me in the eyes and tell me there’s no point in continuing.”

“Remember all those things you wished I could do to you? I’m about to make all your wishes come true if you let me.”

Obviously, leaving that aspect aside, Frankie and Mack as friends and as a couple were absolutely amazing and when the sex happens.. OH MY GOD, their chemistry is so hot! I could not stop reading, especially towards the end, because it got so emotional that I was at the edge of my sit at all times! And that ending, truly fantastic!

“Sometimes, the more difficult road leads to the greatest destination.”

Therefore, my rating for Mack Daddy is 4.5 STARS because it was a great book that I could not stop reading and that made me love the characters and their relationship from beginning to end! I can't wait to see what is next and I REALLY can't wait for Mister Moneybags (Penelope's next book with Vi Keeland). So, if you like second chance romances (especially if they have a hot single dad in them), I totally recommend reading this!

CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:

[Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

➦This book totally had me invested in it up until about 70% in. I did finish it but I was a bit disappointed with the ending. It sort of didn't go where I thought it would.

➦This is a second chance romance about two people who have been separated by certain life circumstances years ago and now come together again. The hero moves to the same city as the heroine and sends his son to the school she works at. Big surprise is when she ends up being a teacher of said boy, who requires a lot of help because of his anxiety issues.

➦One thing that worked for me was the character development and the switches between the past and the present. That was the enjoyable bit and helped me understand how they got to the point they were at.

➦The ending bummed me out because it revolved around some drama that had little to do with the two main characters relationship and sort of came out of nowhere. Like, hey there.


➦I know this has really nothing to do with anything, but I just thought you'd enjoy this little bit of info.


➦So, as you can tell, even thought I, for the most part, enjoyed this read, I didn't love it. I would still recommend it to those who enjoy second chance storylines with friends to lovers tropes. A good chunk of the book explores the whole transformation from just friends to lovers between the two main characters in the past, while they were both in college. Actually, my fave part of the whole book.

[Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

****4.5 Stars****

“I slowly fell in love with my best friend. You were my first love – my only love.”



Penelope Ward is one of my all-time favourite authors, so it’s no surprise that “Mack Daddy” was a highly anticipated read for me. I just could not wait until I could finally sink my teeth into it. I love her writing style and she always has the ability to draw me in from the very first page. Like all of her previous books, “Mack Daddy” was also funny, sexy, angsty, emotional and an all-round enjoyable story. I have to admit I am a massive sucker for friends-to-lovers, second-chance love stories; so this story was right up my ally. I would like to take a moment to admire the cover. Holy mother of all things sexy, who wouldn’t want to throw themselves at that gorgeous specimen of a DILF?

Mackenzie (Mack) Morrison is a single dad who has just recently moved back to Boston and has enrolled his son in a prestigious catholic school. It is no coincidence that his son’s teacher is his old roommate back when he was in college and the only woman he’s ever truly loved. This reuniting has given Mack the perfect opportunity to prove to her that he has always loved her and always will.

Francesca (Frankie) O’Hara is an elementary school teacher at the afore mentioned catholic school and is Mack’s sons new school teacher. Frankie can’t believe her eyes when she comes face to face with the man that left her and broke her heart in the process. Little does she know during their first encounter that Mack is back for Frankie and will do anything to have her.

“Mack Daddy” is told from the first person dual POV and is told in both the past and present day. I loved reading about their past as it gives the reader an insight to their developing relationship and their desire and longing for each other. I really felt these characters and all their emotions and I put it down to the amazing writing as to why I felt so connected.

Over the years I have seriously grown to love Penelope Ward and trust her books explicitly. She will always remain a one click author for me. I was initially worried about reading this one to begin with, because I don’t really like books with cheating or a love triangle. However, I felt Penelope Ward did it in such a masterful way that to me it didn’t cross the line. Having said that I do understand that everyone is different and some people may feel differently.

I would most definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves their second-chance, friends-to-lovers stories that pack a punch. This story made me laugh, made me cry, made me swoon and everything in between.

[Ramona Popescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no secret how much I admire Penelope and consider her one of my favorite writers. Everything she has is for her readers and I apreciate the effort she puts in every one of her books. She is so talented and a has a secret fountain of inspiration, full of amazing stories and characters that will surely connect with her readers.

So, another book, another adventure. I know that the saying "Don't judge the book by its cover" has to apply all the time, but now, considering the cover that Mack Daddy has, I totally judged it as being amazing. And of course I was right :D

We follow the story of Mackenzie "Mack" and Francesca "Frankie" and we are delighted to see their development from friends to lovers. The story is brought to us both past and present and I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of their relationship in the early stage. Initially roommates, then friends, them friends who developed strong feelings for one another, but because of the circumstance they could not express openly what they wanted. The problem was that Mack has a girlfriend, and wanting to do things right, he didn't confess his feelings for Frankie until settling things first, to be able to love her freely. But of course faith has other things in stored for them, leading Mack to take a decision and leave Frankie brokenhearted. Now, after 8 years, Mack is back in Frankie's life determined to get her back. Only, he is a father now and Frankie is his boy's teacher. I know.. really twisted, but this "coincidence" is what brought them together again.

I loved the way the characters were created. Frankie was adorable and I enjoyed so much both sides of her, the past one in which she was vulnerable, insecure and kind of clumsy and the present one in which she was strong and determined. Although time passed, she was now a fine creation of both her personalities, but one thing didn't changed.. it was her love for Mack. She opened up so much to him, showed him her fears and weaknesses and I was so taken aback on how Mack understood her and made her realise how important she is and how she should consider her more. If I come to think of it, the present Frankie is here due to Mack, because of his support and words that marked her for the better and determined her to follow her dreams.

Mack on the other hand, was extremely funny and confident, but he also had some issues that went way back. His problems with his dad caused him a lot of problems and managed to control his life. He was also a man driven by his word, so when his girlfriend became pregnant with his child, he had no use but to leave Frankie behind and give his boy the family he needed. Now, after all this years he was back for her because he loved her and considered to had lost a lot of time that could be spend together.

Although back then, they didn't even kiss, this connection surpassed the physical needs and that is why I loved it so much. It was passion and lust yes, but not expressed. In this relationship, the feelings were deeper, the connection was intense and you could feel the tension between them. They clicked on every levels and you don't have to be a genius to figure that out.

When a hero fails in doing a certain thing, I expect him to fight and win his beloved back. Mack did it, made it his mission to get Frankie back, even if she had a boyfriend now. There was no cheating involved, and I really felt the struggles and somehow pure despair that Mack felt when he couldn't be around her anymore. They were so good together and Penelope brought us a story about getting to rekindle the connection and love they both once shared. Of course the scenes between them were exactly like I expected, like a volcano that just erupted and will keel on smoking for a long time.

As we all know Penelope, a part of this story will raise awareness about a certain problem a lot of people suffer from, and I admire her courage in talking about it and in a way giving pieces of advice to people that may see themselves in this situation. This mix of love, hope, second chances, betrayal and redemption was the perfect way of getting to read another amazing book from Penelope Ward.

I also enjoyed the drama she also inserted in the story, mostly at the ending chapters, but the thing that I didn't liked was the way the culprits were not punished enough. After all the lies and deception, I have wanted more people to pay for their actions and there is where I think the writer went soft on them.

But, putting all the pieces together, I totally recommend this funny and intense book that will either make you discover Penelope or love her more than you already do.

4 stars!



For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Francesca (Frankie) O’Hara was a first grade teacher at a private school. What she thought was a regular first day turned out into a nightmare when someone from her past came back into her life.

Mackenzie (Mack) Morrison was the talk of the school as the hottest daddy around. Women swarmed him like hungry bees but he only had his eyes on the one he used to hurt. He lost his chance the first time around and now vowed to finally claim her.

“I’m allergic to clothes like you’re allergic to people.”

Mack was easy to love. He was funny, outgoing and made people feel comfortable around him. I like how he was confident, but not afraid to show vulnerability.

"Just like the lotus, you’ve risen above the darkness to become something beautiful— a beautiful human.”

Frankie was equally loveable. She was quirky and a little all over the place. She's also attentive with a kind heart.



The book started really well. Both of them were in many hilarious situations which made for a fun reading. Towards the middle, it became more serious with a light angst. Now the ending is where I had a little problem with. Their issue was resolved too easily/conveniently. I would have like to see it more developed.

"I don’t regret you, Mack. It’s important that you know that. If there was a choice between erasing it or experiencing it all over again, I would choose the latter.”

Mack Daddy is a story of a couple's second chance at happiness. It would appeal to readers looking for a light, fun read.


♢ ⌘ ♢ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ♢ ⌘ ♢




For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t hate the book, I just didn’t SUPER LOVE IT. I one-clicked Mack Daddy because it’s a single parent romance and it’s written by Penelope Ward. That’s an awesome combination.

I think the problem with this book and I should have realized it from the beginning, I never connected with the characters. I really did try to get them. I tried to understand the situation and where both the Hero and Heroine were coming from, but in the end, it just never clicked.

That was the downfall for me.

The stuff I had a problem with:

- Mack’s personality was really strong from the first page. I like a bit of a lead up before I get thrown into his feelings towards Frankie.

- It’s a love triangle book (sort of). There’s another person involved and I hate it when the other person is a good person. I struggled with that one A LOT!


- I wasn’t really understanding the storyline. I know Mack loves Frankie, but other than that I felt like the storyline wasn’t clean. The last 30% of the book was rushed and kind of random. REALLY random. Like, Frankie’s dad being in the mob? Umm… Okay, then Mack’s daddy had sex with his ex-wife? Umm… Okay

- More stuff I had a problem with Frankie’s boyfriend was REALLY nice and didn’t deserve Frankie. And since when did being “Nice” mean it’s a bad thing?!


- ALSO… Frankie always wanted to be a teacher, but then she ended up moving to where Mack was in the end?! Just like that she gives up her hopes and dreams?! In hopes to find another job. I just did not get it

- Also, If Frankie’s mom was running away from Frankie’s father, why did Frankie’s mom put Frankie’s dad on the birth certificate?!!!! It didn’t make sense

The stuff I liked:
- I love a SINGLE daddy book, like REALLY love and you through in a kid with issues, it’s even better.

- I love that the Heroine was a teacher, I love any interaction with kids (see above statement).

- I love the Hero chasing after the Heroine.

A part of me felt like this book was really rushed. I’ve read some of her complex works and even her cute ones, but Mack Daddy just didn’t feel complete. It felt a little messy and not fully put together. I still love her and will still read her books!

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

*LIVE*
Amazon



I'm going to keep this short because I just don't have much to say about this book. Overall it was an okay read but it wasn't anything special for me. I'm not a fan of books going back in time more than once, and that was a big issue for me. I felt like we never got to know the Frankie and Mack in the present time and it was just a bunch of past memories being brought up between them.

I also didn't understand Frankie's relationship and it just didn't fit with the story in my opinion. Maybe is he had been in the story a little more than I would have understood why he was a character at all, but as it was I just didn't fully grasp why Frankie had to have a boyfriend when Mack came back in her life since she rarely mentioned him.

Bottom line, this wasn't the book for me. The ending saved it and kept it at a three star read for me, but I can't say this one will be re-read. I am still a fan of this author and will read her other work, though. And I would still recommend this book for anyone that likes a hot single dad.
Read an excerpt HERE.

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**
I enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming, second-chance novel. It was a very quick read. And I liked the two main characters a lot. If you're a fan of second chance romance stories with a great story-line and interesting characters and plenty of drama, angst, and some steamy moments, then you definitely need to read Mack Daddy. The writing flowed easily and I found myself rooting for Mack and Frankie to get together. Their chemistry was awesome - it was electric and it was real. I did like this story a lot but there are a few reasons I'm not giving it more stars.… Frankie’s older boyfriend was quite passive and very indulgent. I’d like to see him fighting for his relationship and her love. I also felt there were a few things there were being left unresolved and I would have liked those wrapped up. Otherwise, this was a good second chance romance story. I can't wait to read what comes next from Ms. Penelope Ward!!

In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5

[Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog•• · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this I was so very nervous. So many mixed reviews. I love this author and I wanted so badly to love this book too!!!

This book takes you on a journey. It starts in current time and gives you flashbacks of the past. And man does it make you feel, makes you damn near beg to just let these two, Mack & Frankie have the happy ending that they do both deserve. I did not like some of the circumstances that happen throughout the book. Without giving things away, I won't say what exactly those were, but man this author knows how to make you go crazy with want for that happily ever after. Yes this book had me like


In the end, I got exactly what I wanted, well I take that back. I didn't get the model on the cover of this book hand delivered to me, but I did get the ending I wanted, thank god. I didn't love this one like I did the previous ones by this author, but in the end I enjoyed it❤❤

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4.5 stars ****

HOLY ANGST-FEST! First off, I was not expecting this to be the angsty delight that it was. I went into Mack Daddy with the forthought that it was going to be light and sexy and man, WAS I EVER WRONG. Sure, it was DEFINITELY sexy, but it was not light. It was intense on the feels and also, really, really, really full of "tummy tightening, OMG, I can't read this, but I need to know what's going to happen" moments. I think the fact that I was initially expecting low angst, and ended up with heart aching, tummy twirling goodness was more than pleasantly surprising. (Though, all that said, I don't know why I was expecting no angst.... (LOLOLOL) this is, after all, Penelope Ward we are talking about.)

But yeah, rambling aside, Mack Daddy was FANTASTIC. It lured me in right from the opening lines and didn't let me go until the end. I loved the dynamic between the main characters, the slow burn and almost torturous way that their love story unfolded. It was intoxicating and steamy and agonizing (in the very best way) and just decadent. Penelope Ward knows how to write sexiness and chemistry with all the feels. And this was completely fantastic.

Mack Daddy starts with Frankie (who's a first grade teacher) starting a new school year and finding out that Mack's son is in her class. Mack and Frankie go way back and have tons and tons of history and Frankie's completely blindsided by Mack being in her school, in her classroom, on opening day. Mack is the only man who has ever broken Frankie's heart and they haven't spoken in years.

Mack, though, is living with some deep regrets. And when he shows up for Frankie, he's there for two specific things:

1. He believes that Frankie is the only one who can take care of his son. His son Jonah suffers from anxiety, and so does Frankie.
And 2. Mack regrets the choices he made in the past and he is HELL BENT on fixing them and getting Frankie back.

The only problem with that is that Frankie and Mack's friendship ended more poorly and of course, they've spent years apart, so so much has changed with them as people. If Mack wants Frankie back he has a LOT of work to do to even get her in a friend capacity.

And so, we follow along as Mack and Frankie traverse the MANY MANY MANY obstacles in their path. And let me tell you...

ANGSTY.
A. N. G. S. T. Y!

I mean, God. My stomach was hurting. The past and present chapters in Mack Daddy had me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what these two were going to do and I was enthralled by the way the story was told. This book flowed flawlessly and I really fell in love with Mack and his love for Frankie.

Overall, I though this was a fantastic read full of heart and steamy goodness. I LOVED that Penelope wrote a single dad story. It was different for me and it made me LOVE Mack all the more. This was a SOLID read, and certainly one that angst lovers will eat up. Just fantastic.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

FOLLOW ME ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | BLOG

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack Daddy had me twisting and turning.

Just a quickie review. If I was to take a step back from this book I would say that this is not my type of book. Angsty is putting it mildly. We're faced with decisions of commitment, fidelity, loyalty and love. Is a child worth staying in a love-less partnership? Should you hurt a loved one to protect them? Is a safe and stable relationship better that being with your one true love?

All of these questions are asked in Mack Daddy and I can confidently say that I was happy with the results. Yes, there were times I shook my head and tutt-tutted, but I got it. None of the issues faced had easy answers. Sometimes you have to deal with the hard stuff and face confrontation. It's just a matter of living with the decisions you make.

I enjoyed Mack Daddy and the characters introduced. I wouldn't say this was an overly steamy romance as it was definitely a slow burn and took awhile to get there. When the action did take place you could definitely feel the connection.

I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

[Penelope Ward]

Mack Daddy is live and on limited-time release sale for $3.99 (Changing to $4.99 after release. This will be the ONLY sale.) Meet single dad, Mack, in this sexy, STANDALONE second-chance romance.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kgEHgM
iBooks: http://apple.co/2iNrIPj
Nook: http://hyperurl.co/aiypfj
Kobo: http://hyperurl.co/r3hv19

[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I would have never read this based on the title and cover, but I saw a review on GR and the word ANGST. I didn't even finish reading the review and scurried off to amazon to buy it. That's the power of Goodreads.
<3


Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

MACK DADDY: Is a second chance romance, and is spoken in alternating points of view. Flits from Past to Present effortlessly.

This is so very easy to get into. We first meet Frankie O’Hara a first grade teacher who has been warned by her teacher aide that there is a very hot DILF (Daddy I’d like to F#ck) on the school premises with his son the first day at the prestigious catholic school where she teaches so when she realises it’s a man from her past she’s more than shocked speechless.

These two have history that goes way back to when they were roommates years ago when they were both in school, he was a grad student studying political science and she was an undergrad studying teaching. They strike up a unique, hilarious, swoon worthy friendship. The hotty and the nerd. And then he walks away from it all.

Things in Frankie's life were going to get very complicated where Mack is concerned. Is it a coincidence that he's back in town or was it all premeditated? Is he back to win her heart again?

The hurt and feelings she tried to bury in the past slowly start making a reappearance when he makes her take trips down memory lane often.

He was the first guy who’d ever broken through my walls, made me comfortable in my own skin, then broke my heart.

recently single Daddy Mack is a business intelligence analyst whom works from home and has his son on the weekends.

Mack Daddy is a quick fun lighthearted, laugh out loud, swoon till butterflies fly kind of read. It took me a wee while to warm up to Mack and for him to redeem himself in my eyes, he lost his first love once he nearly jeopardised that a second time through peer pressure not once but twice, I thought he would've learned his lesson the first time around but obviously not, but all in all it ended how it should've.

I lost all those years, only to end up in the same place, wanting you and wishing I hadn't ever let you go.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 FINALLY! Stars

You asked what I plan to try? Everything. Every goddamn thing, Frankie—until you tell me to stop. Until you look me in the eyes and tell me there’s no point in continuing.”

I’m a sucker for second chance romance stories so when I saw that Penelope Ward was releasing one with a teacher/parent angle, I 1-clicked the hell out of it. Hook. Me. Up!



Ms. Ward did a fabulous job of building both the backstory and the present day relationship. I’m normally not a fan of switching back and forth between past and present but it works here. We get just enough past info to invest in the characters and feel their disappointment when it never quite works out for Frankie and Mack, the younger years.

Fast forward to present day and SURPRISE! Frankie’s new student just so happens to be Mack’s son. Since nothing is ever coincidental in these situations, Mack lets it be known early on that he wanted a chance to reconnect with Frankie by any means necessary. Luckily for us, he’s also a good father or else that move might’ve seemed a little douchey. No worries on that end, but after the heartache she experienced last time around, Frankie’s more than hesitant to let Mack in again. Oh, and there’s the small matter of her live in boyfriend. What’s a gal to do?



This book did a bang up job of making me give a shit about what happens to these characters. I wanted the happy ending Mack and Frankie worked so hard to get and I found that bumpy road to be an entertaining one. My only real complaint is the amount of time it took to get there. Most of this book is spent in turmoil with one or both characters struggling over one issue or another. After all of the work it took to get there, I would’ve enjoyed spending a little more time on the happy ending stuff and a little less on the wall after wall being thrown up to try and keep these two apart.

[Liv ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✱3 STARS!✱

☾I'm so upset that I didn't enjoy this more! I've been looking forward to this story for a very long time - mostly because of the single father aspect. For whatever reason, a single father with a son just makes a book 10x better for me. However, I didn't really enjoy this story.

☾I've never liked flashbacks, or complete chapters full of past scenes. In this book I don't think those chapters helped, at least when I was reading. I felt like the book kept trudging on and I kept holding on and hoping that one sentence would change my perspective of the book.

☾Truth is, I didn't really enjoy this book. I loved how the story line starts from the first chapter, I loved Jonah and Joy (adorable little ones), I also really loved Mack and Frankie's obvious care for one another, but I just couldn't connect with this one unfortunately. I look forward to Mister Moneybags, though!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope Ward and a single dad, where do I sign up? These are two things I absolutely love. Ward’s sexy, fun books and single dads. I legit couldn’t wait to start Mack Daddy! This story gave me much more than I originally bargained for and I loved all the feels!

The story is told in dual point of view so we get to see both Mack and Frankie’s thoughts. I definitely appreciated that in Mack Daddy because it is somewhat a second chance love story and I always need to feel the buy-in from both characters.

When Mack and Frankie met almost a decade ago they were complete opposites. Mack was finishing school, a partier and looked like a model. Frankie was more introverted and sort of dorky. However, these two hit it off quickly and despite Mack’s long distance relationship, these two became fast friends. Like all good friendships in books their connection eventually leads to them both wanting more. Like I said Mack is in a relationship with a girl back home in DC and Frankie isn’t the kind of girl to ever make a move on a taken man.

I won’t go into the who, what, or why, but fast forward eight years later and Mack is back in Boston and his child is in Frankie’s class. Frankie’s heart stops when she sees him again, but she has so many questions and uncertainty regarding him. The is told with flashbacks so we are able to see the past and what led them to where they are now. I loved how the story moved from the past to present at just the right times and kept me eager to turn the page for answers.

This story was just fantastic! I loved Mack and his dedication to his family and towards Frankie. There were so many super sweet moments that had me smiling from ear to ear. I loved Mack’s stories and how showed Frankie he never forgot about her. I loved how Frankie was thoughtful, genuine and honest. I felt for these two and the circumstances they found themselves in. I went into this story thinking it would super fun, cute, but Ward delivered even more with tons of feels. Absolutely recommend!


ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[JewelsyGoolsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 -70% triangle- Stars

There's a reason I don't usually read triangle tropes. Believe me, I totally get the appeal of 2 hot guys fighting over a girl, or vice versa (for some others), but the main reason I stay away from triangles is because, in every emotionally triangular story, someone is always selfish, wishy-washy and flip-flopping between both love interests to suit their own agendas. In this story's case; it was the h.

Anyway, I was warned to expect a triangle vibe before starting this book, but decided to read this nonetheless because it's Penelope Ward dammit! And so I put on the big girl panties, mentally prepared myself and prayed that the OM in this triangle was an abusive asshole and somehow blackmailing the h to stay with him - just to lessen the triangly impact. He wasn't... He was a just super nice, kind, and a way too patient human being, who treated the h much better than she deserved. Gah!

Unfortunately, this story cemented why I no longer read triangle tropes (see above reasons). On the brighter side; it was still superbly written and still had the same style and pacing that is so unique to this author.

The nookie came in at 70%, which didn't bother me as much as the h putting both men through her wishy-washy, back and forthing for 70% of the book AND justifying her emotional cheating on OM/boyfriend by telling herself at least she wasn't physically cheating on him, THEN goes and physically cheats on him with hero anyway :(

But please take my rant with a grain of salt, especially if you enjoy a good love triangle and especially if you love Penelope Ward. I'm just having a vent about my own personal grudge against triangles. For the safety gals: H in the past had a gf while developing feelings for h. He was going to break things off with OW/gf to be with h, until he found out gf was pregnant. 7 years later, the h has OM/bf and is conflicted about her feelings for both men for 70% of story all this drama, pretty much had the H putting himself out there for the h and giving some good chase.

Told in dual POV and standalone story. The ending felt like OTT problems were thrown in to create a super exciting "last-conflict" thus, showcasing both MC's love for each other in the end, as well as tie up all their problems conveniently. Personally, I didn't love or hate that ending. I would say we got a HEA proposal - to marriage - to baby - and 3 years later.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single dad romances are quickly become more and more popular and Mack Daddy is the perfect example of why!

“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
“You might as well be one,”

My absolute favourite part about Mack is that I never, not once, doubted his feelings for Frankie. The flashbacks were amazing, you can sense his struggle to do what's right, and in the present, his conversations with Mrs. M are a cold dose of real life, man the eff up and humour all rolled into one. When this man goes for something, he really means it!! From the get go, Mack fights tooth and nail for Frankie every step of the way. I can't think that there's a girl out there anywhere who wouldn't fall for his charm and persistence. Plus, his little stories from story time? So freaking cute!! And it was quite clever how these stories could lead into flashbacks of their past time together.

Frankie was a bit harder for me to connect with. I really liked her at the beginning and loved her character during the flashbacks, but then I started to lose some respect for her. In my opinion, she became a little more dull and sort of complacent. She wasn't bad by any means, just no longer captured my attention.

The flashbacks were so incredibly important to this story. It's what really helped to solidify the "second chance romance" feel for me. You can understand that the characters have a connection, but how deeply they connected and why was something really special. They were also pretty damn funny, so that's always a plus!

“I’ll make a deal with you, Frankie.”
What did he just call me?
“Frankie?”
“Yes. You look nothing like a Francesca. You look like a Frankie to me.”
“What were you going to say?”
“I’ll make a deal with you. I’m an asshole, right?” “Okay…”
“You’re a scaredy cat—a pussy.”
“I’m a pussy…”
“I’ll rub some of my asshole off on you if you rub some of your pussy off on me.”
My eyes widened. “You’ll rub your asshole on me?”

My favourite kinds of books are the ones that make you FEEL! I want to feel what the characters are feeling, and Penelope Ward is a queen at that. This story had such a good kind of angst to it, it was addicting to read. My chest hurt with a sweet burn while reading. Not overwhelmingly so, but just enough to feel it. Mix in some unresolved feelings, flashbacks and a swoony hero to make the perfect combination that is known as Mack Daddy.

I moved her hand and placed it over my heart. “You feel that?” I asked. “Feel how it’s beating for you right now. Every time I even allow myself to think about you, it beats like this. And I don’t know how to make it stop.”
“What am I supposed to do with this?” she whispered.
There was only one answer.
“Just believe what it’s telling you.”

You know what's awesome about adult books, as opposed to new adult or sometimes young adult books? The characters say what they mean! They say what they feel! They're honest! They don't play games! Hallelujah, I can hear the angels singing.

So the situation in Mack Daddy (without giving it away) is almost reversed from what you might think you're getting or what you might see in other books and it was so so awesome!! My heart was breaking for Mack and while the pain felt good, in a deliciously angsty kind of way, I still wanted to jump through the pages and just give the poor guy a hug.

He looked up at the sky then over at me. “Am I delusional?”
“What do you mean?”
“Be honest. Am I grasping for something that’s not there anymore?” He turned to me. “I wake up in the morning with hope, that every day I’m somehow closer to being with you. I still feel this bond between us. I feel it so strongly. But tonight is an example of how fucking clueless I apparently am. I just assumed…it would be here, just like I assumed that I could just come back into your life and somehow win you back after eight fucking years. The one chance I get to really be with you—this week—and my life gets in the way, once again demonstrating how I can never make you a priority like you deserve. Fuck, I don’t even think I would choose me if I were you.” He looked up at the sky then back at me. “I don’t have all the time in the world to give you. I couldn’t give you the perfect life even if I wanted to, because I am carrying so much baggage. Some days, I don’t even know who I am anymore…Jonah’s dad, Torrie’s ex, Michael Morrison’s estranged son. But when I’m with you…I’m Mack. I feel like myself. When you look at me, you remind me of who I am, who I want to be. I want to go back to being that man who was once happier than a pig in shit just from being around you every day. But it’s not fair to steal away even an ounce of your happiness just so I can have mine.”

Something that I wasn't expecting but was a nice little surprise element was how the story really comes full circle for Frankie. From the flashbacks to the end of the epilogue, it feels like she found her journey and reward.

The beginning and middle of the story had so many elements that I loved. The angst, the flashbacks, Mack's persistence and fight to be with Frankie, Mrs. M., etc. All of this caused me to have those darn googly heart eyes, but later on it started to falter a little. I found myself getting bored or just not really caring. The conflict seemed to be a big issue in this regard. I just couldn't bring myself to care and therefore feel what the characters were feeling in this moment. It seemed to come out of left field with not the greatest explanation towards it, so I was a little underwhelmed. The concept of how it affects the couple and how they deal with it, I liked, but the conflict itself I found to be a bit of a cop out.

“Evening, Mack.”
“Evening, Mrs. M.”
“You look like shit.”
I started to laugh. “Well, thank you. Tell me how you really feel.”
“You know what the great thing about having me for a neighbor is?”
“What’s that?”
“I double as a bartender.”

Mack Daddy is definitely catchy and Mackenzie more than deserves this nickname among the other parents. However, to add in a few more rhyming cliches, I would also like to throw in how he's like a Mack Attack and will hit you like a Mack Truck! You don't even see this guy coming. I've loved some of Penelope's work and while I enjoyed Mack Daddy, this one isn't my favourite.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!



Francesca O'Hara aka Frankie is a teacher at a catholic private school in Boston named St. Matthew's. She's looking forward to starting the new year until her whole world is turned upside down by a man from her past. Frankie hasn't seen Mack since he broke her heart about eight years ago. They were roommates in college. Best friends who slowly fell in love. He was the first man to ever make her feel special, but the one man she could never have. She longed for & fantasized about Mack for years, but their timing was never right. Life got in the way, and he left Boston, and crushed Frankie in the process.

Mackenzie Morrison aka Mack is an involved father who wants the very best for his son. He feels the best is St. Matthew's & Frankie. He chooses the school & Frankie specifically for Jonah. He also wants to see Frankie again. They gave unfinished business, & he's never been able to get over her. He wants her in his life & is determined to win her back. He's got nothing to lose & he's going for it.



-My physical reaction to him was certainly one thing that hadn't changed a bit. I had no clue how I was going to survive this year.

-Mack still had the ability to take my breath away.

-I'm here for you, Frankie. I'm here to finish what I started years ago.

-I was extremely attracted to her brain, to her heart, to just being with her, to how she made me feel.

-When I'm with you... I'm Mack. I feel like myself. When you look at me, you remind me of who I am, who I want to be.



Mack makes it clear he wants Frankie. She's in a relationship & tries to resist him, but seeing him every day is slowly breaking down her walls. He wants a second chance, but can she risk him breaking her heart all over again. She also has to deal with the fact that getting involved with a parent is against school rules. They share such a history that eventually their intense attraction & connection are too much to deny. We get a lot of angst, a hot single dad all the mom's want, & a beautiful second chance romance.

[Bindi Boo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I wish i loved this more! A sweet'ish read about the one that got away, all due to a sneaky ex and a crazy family member. Single dad, Mackenzie (Mack) tries to reconnect with ex-best friend, Francesca(Frankie) who is also son's new school teacher. For some reason, I did not feel a connection with the main characters. I also felt there were MANY unbelievable things that ran this plot totally off tangent. Yes, this is a love triangle- so if this is a big no-no for you, i suggest you stay away. I believe there was cheating, as Frankie is still with her boyfriend(who was AMAZING btw) while trying to sort her feelings for Mack out and only broke up with him after having a good roll in the hay.
So overall, disappointed as i was totally looking forward to this book.

[Maria... · Rating 3 out of 5]

"3 At least Mack was hot Stars"

Well when I saw this book...

I didn't have words for this blurb and cover...

Ohhh wait... Yes I did actually!



And...



Damn...



That was my reaction waiting for this book...Then the time came and I read it and it wasn't what I was expecting...unfortunately!

I like this author and I read her books! But this book could have been so much more in my opinion! It could have been a sexy, funny, with an adorable kid, hot scenes and a little bit of drama here and there.... But that wasn't the case...

I mean there were some funny and sexy moments and all that jazz but also there were so many things that bothered me that I'll just leave it like that...

For me it was a mehhh kind of reading...

It was a nice book not the best! Too much drama and I think it drugged a little!

Now my favorites parts of the book were when Mack and Frankie were roomates and had a great friendship in the past! And the best part was Mack's fairy-tales. He wrote some fairy-tales to read in Frankie's class based on their past but he made them funny and appropriate for kids.

Overall a nice reading. Mack was HOT though. Sorry if my review doesn't help very much.

P.S. This book has a few similarities with RoomHAte by P. Ward. Or is just me????

Enjoy! xxx

[Lo Bookfrantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★★★★ stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual

"She was the one." It was her. It had always been her."

Francesca (Frankie) O’Hara was living a good life, a new life away from her past. As a first grade teacher for a private school and a perfect boyfriend she thought her life couldn't be better. But when her past comes crashing back to her life she finds herself second guessing herself.


Mackenzie (Mack) Morrison was the hot talk of the school Frankie worked at. All the teachers and parents were all over his good looks. As a single father he was every woman's eye candy. His life had turned sour when he let the love of his life go; he wished for a second chance at life to able to fight for her and win her back. When life gave him that one second chance he was bound to fight hard to claim back what it had always been his.

"I just wanted to steal you away. I don't know where the fuck I'm going, Frankie. Don't know what the fuck I'm doing either. I just needed to see you."

Mack and Frankie were roommates in college and what started as an awkward encounter became so much more. They spent a lot of time together making friendship and memories and over time they developed deep feelings for each other. Timing was not in their hands because neither of them were ready to fight for what they believed in. Deep down they both knew they would never feel the same for anyone else but they couldn't stay and fight back then because they were young and immature both full of insecurities of their own.



They were both different; Mack was always confident while Frankie was insecure and didn't want to be around people however together they completed each other. I truly enjoyed this story. The author brings a super funny read with a combination of angst and emotions. All the characters on this book were awesome except for couple that I prefer not to mention haha. The book grabs your attention from the very beginning; I had butterflies the entire time making me feel jetty inside. Mack really stole my heart. I do however feel like the ending could have been extended a little bit more I wish the problems would have been resolved differently maybe. Readers looking for a book that will make you laugh while feeling the angst and a good ending will truly enjoy this book.

"Mack was the only one for me. There was no way this feeling could ever be replicated…because it had been years in the making."

~~~(F)BR With War~~~



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★'s

"I slowly fell in love with my best friend. You were my first love-my only love."

Mack and Frankie have a history and what a history it was. But it had been put in the past, that is, until Mack shows up at Frankie's school and turns everything on its head.

Frankie doesn't know what to do...her feelings are at odds because naturally she's living with someone else since it's been years since she has seen Mack. And not only that but Mack has a son and she's going to be his teacher. That makes Mack even more off-limits.

But that doesn't stop Mack...he has every intention of doing anything he can to get Frankie back. Things held him back in the past but that's the past and now he's only moving forward.



However, what started out as a fun, carefree contemporary romance takes a left turn into the word world of mobsters and blackmail and corruption.

With some good advice and with a lot of faith, Frankie and Mack come together and make things work.

I really enjoyed both Frankie and Mack. I loved reading about their past and how they were always there for each other. What I didn't like was the left turn and I think it just came down to too many threads being pulled into too many different directions that eventually wrapped up a little too nicely.

Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a good romance and a good story and I love the way it ended.