Temporary Dad

Lasting Love #1

by Dev Bentham

Bad Valentine Book 4.

Nick Compton owns a small but mighty fashion magazine. He already has enough on his plate, between work and, well, work. There’s no room for a kid in his life but when his sister drops her seven-year-old daughter for an extended stay, he has to figure it out. Just before his niece arrives, Nick meets a blazing hot firefighter. They get on like a house a fire and the sex—scorching. Too bad the he disappeared in the morning. Like smoke. Now Nick’s stuck with a kid he doesn’t know how to manage and without the man he’d love to get his hands on again.
Dylan Gil wishes like hell he hadn’t taken his roommates advice and lied about who he was. He’s finally met someone he really likes and can’t stop thinking about. But now he’s too embarrassed to confess that he’s just a second-grade teacher, not a manly firefighter. Good thing that work gets distracting, particularly when one of his brightest students goes to stay with her uncle and all hell breaks loose. Some people shouldn’t be allowed to have kids.

If the term “dad pants” means anything it’s that taking care of children and fashion aren’t compatible. Does that mean these two doomed? Or is this the beginning of forever?
A contemporary gay romantic comedy by Dev Bentham, Temporary Dad features mistaken identity, opposites attracting, a one night stand and some steamy mm romance.

Temporary Dad is part of the Bad Valentine collection, along with Hidden Hearts by Clare London, Quill Me Now by Jordan Castillo Price and Love Magic by Jesi Lea Ryan

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance, Gay, LGBT, Childrens

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2019

About the author

Dev Bentham believes in the transformative power of true love. She’s the author of many gay romances, including Moving in Rhythm, August Ice and the Tarnished Souls Jewish Holiday series.

Over the years, she’s lived in way too many places and had far too many jobs, but she’s finally settled in frozen northern Wisconsin where she draws on her former lives to write enduring love stories in which wonderful men find each other. Her restless feet take her globetrotting whenever she gets the chance, but most of the time she’s tucked up in her office in the woods dreaming about romance.

Reviews

[Elsa Bravante · Rating 2 out of 5]

Qué pena, pero meh.

[namericanwordcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun during this Valentine's romance even if one of the hero's is pretty dim when it comes to child care. But Dylan is sweet and the romance is lovely and the antics a good time!

Nice quick read.

[Jordan Price]

This utterly charming story had me laughing out loud to the point where I startled the cat. The setup is classic romantic comedy, with a character telling a fib he comes to regret, and then the relationship spins out into an unexpected getting-to-know-you phase with a deeply satisfying conclusion. Dev really gets to show off her comedic chops in this novella!

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. It ended up being my favorite in the series. It had way more depth than the others and the author did a great job of setting up their relationship and showing it unfold on page. Despite the short page count it still felt like a complete story with a complete romance. I'll definitely read more by this author.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final book of the ‘Bad Valentine’ series stars two men who look at Valentine’s Day with a lot of skepticism based on past experience, but they are pleasantly surprised when they meet each other and follow up with a very hot one-night stand. Neither one really expects to see the other again – but Fate has other plans. Dylan’s assumed identity, he figures being a second-grade teacher isn’t exciting enough to generate much interest, and Nick’s position as a temporary dad for his seven-year-old niece, Ruby, are not exactly conducive to romance! But since they can’t avoid each other they have to face the music, and luckily that turns out much better than the “bad Valentine” they were expecting!


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/16/2019)! 🎁

[Skirmish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2019/02/14/...
Rating: 2 Stars – it’s a struggle to finish the damn book

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

This was a sweet, one night stand-to-more story. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama once Nick realized Dylan had lied to him. They connected right off the bat and I'm glad things worked out the way they did.
I didn't understand why Nick's sister wouldn't have been more detailed with him about Ruby- she just kind of threw him in the deep end of the pool without floaties!

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Bentham's books before but I admit that this one isn't one of my favorites. I think the focus of story is a little uneven. When Nick first meets Dylan, he knows Dylan as a firefigher. Their one night stand is HOT. Little does Nick knows, of course, that Dylan is actually his niece's 2nd grade teacher.

I really thought that Nick and Dylan will meet much earlier, after Nick being 'tasked' by his sister to take care of her daughter, Ruby. But Nick has been delegating the task to his assistant, so Nick and Dylan don't actually meet again until a bit later.

Then there's problem with Ruby and her ADHD -- and I was quite concerned with how little Nick knew about this and disregards things that his sister has done to help Ruby deals with it (though I couldn't fully blame him, his sister did a bad job of INFORMING Nick about it!). So yes, the romance feels like it's taking a back seat, and then things get really, really rushed approaching the end.

I liked Bentham's writing, but I just didn't feel completely satisfied with this story...




The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may just be me but the first half of this story feel flat for me and I didn't really start giving a damn for any of the people in it till about 55% into it. Thereafter it was perfection and I loved every word, Dylan and Nick and even Ruby becase very real people at that point. Ruby was adorable throughout even when she was acting out. So giving 3 stars for the first half and five for the second averages out to 4 stars over all. Have a feeling my shortcomings at getting into the story immediately may have been more me than the story so give it a chance!

[Achim · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Hm, to a certain degree I was able to enjoy this story. There was this fluffy cuteness between Dylan and Nick that promises a nice afternoon reading session. It maybe has a bit too much insta-love vibe and sparks at casual touches for my taste but for a Valentine story that was somehow okay.

But then there is Ruby and her ADHD ... on one hand that case takes the front seat and move the romance into the background but on the other hand it felt like the poor girl was nothing more than a means to an end. Her mother leaves her with her uncle Nick because the parents have to leave for some weeks for business reasons. That setup felt completely wrong with Nick having not much contact with his niece and didn't even know about her ADHD and his sister never mentioned it, even went so far to wait until the last possible time to ask him to take Ruby while she and her husband are away. It was more like she wanted to have a solution for an issue but forgot that it is her daughter not some problem to be solved. And Nick? First he leaves Ruby more or less in the care of his assistant and then when he is called to school for a teacher-parent talk and recognize that the teacher is the unforgettable one-night stand he met at a Valentine's party he cares more about another date with Dylan than about his niece. Poor Ruby.

[Stephanie GooglyEyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gods did I cringe the first time they thought giving Ruby, the niece, ice cream was a good idea. Especially knowing what we know about her ADHD and the diet to help regulate it. Couldn't totally blame Nick though, he just wanted to be the cool uncle who made it two weeks with his 7 year old niece he barely knew.

Dylan was adorable and kind of hilarious.
The fact that he took his friends advice, lying about what he did for a living, then kind of narrating to himself about what "firefighter Dylan" could and would do, it was cute. A little sad that he didn't think he was good enough as a second grade teacher, but it made him all the more endearing.

I know I've said each of these books were sweet, which is true, but this one was the "hottest" of them all. Nick and Dylan's first exchange was blazing. Then came the domesticity, therefore, the sweetness and a chance for these two to really get to know each other.

It was also a happy ending for Ruby, who got to make new friends more similar to her situation.

All in all this was a great Valentine holiday season.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

*arc given freely with the request for a posted review*

3.5 stars rounded up because I always enjoy Bentham's books.

I was most surprised by this because I'm just not that interested in kids in my romance books, but it was really sweet and possibly the most well-developed of the relationships among the four. I liked how in a short story the author managed to make the relationship develop and grow to the point that there wasn't any sense of instalove. Nick was a little clueless but good hearted. Dylan was just lovely and sweet and everything you'd want a teacher to be.

I really need to read more by Bentham, I'm always happy with the books, but I tend to lose track of them.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3and 1/2 stars. Sweet book with nice guys finding each other. If you’re looking for a light read with a couple of sweet lovable guys, this book is for you.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both MC'S are desperate to escape the boring ruts they are in and agree, separately, to attend a local get together. Here is where they meet and sparks fly.

The writing is rock solid, the supporting characters are awesome! Lol Vince and Jude are priceless. I was miffed with the mom. She left the country without disclosing an issue with her child. That's kinda rude. But yay Nick! Bravo for getting yourself together enough to ask for help.

This is a gentle, well-written romance. I thought for sure something was going on with Vince. Maybe his story will be tackled in a sequel? Hopefully?

* Advanced copy provided for an honest review.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick gets thrown in the deep end taking care of his niece and while it helped the story I couldn’t help but think how irresponsible it was for his sister to not explain anything to him. When Dylan and Nick meet again they are both surprised, for different reasons.

It broke my heart to see Nick realize that he was causing problems for his niece when he had no idea but I loved that Dylan was willing to step up and help, even if he thought he would never be more than a friend. I loved Nick’s surprise at the end for Dylan.

I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.

[IslandRiverScribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Lies Do Not a Whole Truth Make - Usually

Lie #1: Nick’s sister asks him to keep his seven-year-old niece for 3 weeks so that she can accompany her husband to Indonesia on business. Stupidly and selfishly, the sister tells a lie by omission when she chooses not to tell Nick that the child has been diagnosed with ADHD. Nor does she tell him that the condition is being treated using a strict diet. So, thinking that the long list of food restrictions is nothing more than another one of the hundreds of fad diets his sister has experimented with for decades, Nick ignores them completely.

Lie #2: Dylan, a dedicated and effective elementary school teacher, is half-way convinced that his current state of datelessness is at least partially due to his profession. So he lets his roommate convince him that lying about his occupation the next time he meets someone might help him get a hook-up.

Currently single, due in part to working 12-hour days to keep his successful business running, but facing several weeks of being tied down to a child, Nick decides to attend an area Valentine’s Day mixer. And there he immediately notices and hooks up in insta-lust with a hunky firefighter - named Dylan.

However, after the initial burst of sexual energy, Dylan realizes that he cannot maintain the firefighter charade. Feeling that he has spoiled a precious opportunity for an actual relationship with a good man, Dylan slips away in the night leaving only memories and a hand-drawn Valentine.

Nick, in turn, is both disappointed and bewildered by Dylan’s disappearance. But with no last names exchanged, he has no way to find the man.

We already know from the promotional blurb that the child goes off the rails. The sudden influx of sugar, salt and fat have the child flying as high as the proverbial kite, damaging both her social relationships and her grades. We also know from that blurb that her teacher is equally concerned and angry and demands an immediate parent conference with Ruby’s temporary guardian. Meaning, at that point Lie #1 and Lie #2 collide full force when Nick opens the classroom door and comes face to face with Ruby’s teacher.

What happens from this point on comprises the bulk of the story. Billed in the promotional blurb as a contemporary romance, “Temporary Dad” is one of four stories in a series entitled “Bad Valentine,” where each story must begin with the sentence “Nothing good ever came from a Valentine.” However, we know that a Valentine’s Day tale will, in all probability, end in an HEA and that something good will come from that hastily drawn card left in Nick’s kitchen.

Prior to requesting ARCs for the stories in this collection, I had never read Dev Bentham before. Shortly after receiving Bentham’s ARC, I also received an email newsletter containing several flash fiction pieces. Even though each piece was incredibly short, at the end of each I felt a satisfying sense of completion. With those impressions in mind, I felt certain that an 80-page story would be just as well-written and just as satisfying. And I was not disappointed.

But as a caveat to others who wish to read the series, this story contains more sexual content described in significantly more detail than the other three stories combined. These scenes are neither lurid in physical description nor exceptionally profane in verbiage. They are definitely appropriate in placement and are actually part of the progression of the plotline. There are just more of these scenes than I would have normally expected for this length and type of story.

As stated previously, I received an ARC of this story in exchange for a review. That action has, in no way, influenced my opinion of the work.

[AlitaConejita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is about how Nick and Dylan got together. It’s a romance, the focus is meant to be on them. I could NOT focus on them because of Ruby. Ruby is the 7yr old used as the mechanism of getting Nick and Dylan together (Nick is the uncle, Dylan the teacher).

I am a mom with a 7yr old. I’ve worked in 3rd world countries for as little as a weekend as long as a month while my kids continue school back home. The way this mom left her 7yr old was distressing. Just ‘hey bro, I have a great opportunity ... watch my daughter for an indefinite amount of time while I pursue it... I already have my plane ticket set for Monday and I didn’t make any sort of arrangements with her usual babysitters/caretakers.’ This level of sudden change and uncertainty is a big deal for a 7yr old! I’m just flabbergasted.

Now onto Nick, the hapless uncle. ‘I know nothing about taking care of a kid, but let me just ignore all the info my sis gave me (like what to feed her and her daily routine) and feed the child all the junk food her little heart desires.’ If you don’t know what to do, why would you ignore the instructions you were given? Also - you obviously don’t have a lot of respect for your sister if you dismiss her instructions for her own child because you think it’s b.s. parenting. Luckily the diet the uncle ignored was managing ADHD and not diabetes or food allergies/sensitivities.

How can I focus on the “light-hearted romance” when the author’s contrived set-up just makes the siblings look like terribly self-absorbed people that are messing up a poor child?

As for the relationship - it’s a lust-at-first site type of thing. No character or interpersonal development at all.

This is my first time reading this author. Maybe this is a one off and the next book in the series will be set up better.

[Penumbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Temporary Dad is the first book in the 'Lasting Love' series and stars Nick Compton, owner of a men’s fashion magazine, and Dylan Gil, a grade school teacher. This is told in third person through Nick and Dylan’s pov.



I enjoyed this book. The author packed a lot into this short story. The blurb does a good job telling what the plot is about so I won’t rehash it too much.

Nick and Dylan hook-up at a Valentine Day’s party. They both think it’s a one-time thing, but surprise, they meet up again when Nick has to babysit his niece, who happens to have Dylan as her teacher. Nick has no idea to take care of his niece and Dylan has to call a ‘parent-teacher’ meeting. That’s how they meet each other again. The rest of the story is about Dylan helping Nick learn how to take care of his niece because Nick’s sister was negligent and didn’t give Nick the reasons as to why his niece was on a very strict diet.

I kind of felt bad for Nick in that everyone expected him to just magically know how to babysit his niece when he’d never been around kids before and he had his own business to run at the same time. Nick’s sister was rather selfish and lacking in dispersing information about her daughter’s care and why. Dylan was judgmental about Nick caring for the niece but eventually came around once he understood what was happening. The author created interesting characters and they remained consistent in personality throughout the story. I could believe in Dylan and Nick as a couple. The niece acts like a young child but she wasn’t in the story enough to become annoying which I was happy about since I don’t like reading stories focused around kids.

I don’t remember any glaring errors in the story.

Temporary Dad is a cute, fluffy Valentine story. I’d recommend it to others for a quick, easy read. I give this book, 4 Stars

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about a clueless uncle in way over his head, and the teacher who helps him out. Both men were interesting characters, focused on their work, and starting a relationship with a lie is never the way to go. I loved their first meeting, and poor Dylan thinking no one would be interested in the real him, while it was obvious that was exactly what Nick was looking for, and needed. The chemistry between them was instant, and I knew that this wasn’t going to be a one night stand, despite them trying to fool themselves it was.

The two complement each other nicely, and I liked how Dylan stood his ground in regard to Ruby’s needs. It is obvious with the first glimpse of him in his classroom that he’s passionate about his work, and a good teacher who cares about his students.

Nick really is quite clueless about Ruby’s needs, and not just the ADHD. But then parenting takes time and experience, and he’s been thrown in the deep end with neither. I thought his sister should have left him with more information, but then with his memories of her fad diets while they were growing up, I wonder if he would have taken it all on board before seeing the effects of not doing it for himself.

I enjoyed watching them get to know each other as they bonded over Ruby, and had to put acting on their attraction on hold. I enjoyed Ruby’s part in their romance too, and thought she came across very realistically for her age. Vince and Jude rounded out the supporting cast nicely, both adding to the misconceptions Nick and Dylan had about each other at first.

I’d recommend Temporary Dad to readers who enjoy a sweet, light romance with interesting quirky characters, and a satisfying HEA.

[blub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Compton's a fashion magazine owner/creator. His sister dumps her seven year daughter on Nick so she can follow her husband for work to Indonesia for an unknown number of weeks. She asks via a penned letter and Nick accepts this but before he's forced to care for his niece he decides he'll have one last hurrah mingling socially and maybe he'll meet someone.

Dylan Gil is a second grade teacher that is a bit anti-valentine. He's receives an invite to a LGBT valentine party. But he rejects the idea of going until his friend talks him into taking a chance and if he has to tell a small white lie about his profession to pick someone up so be it.

The two spend the night together but agree that would be it until Nick's care for his niece grades drop and the teacher requests a meeting.

Before I started the story I didn't know what to expect since I signed up for the ARC and no summary was provided so I was blindly signing up since the author who newsletter I'm part of offered it and I really like this author's stories. Anyway there was the blurb provided within the book and after i got through the first chapter I've already felt peeved and didn't think I was going to like the story but I'm glad I stuck with it and got to know both Nick and Dylan, the changes they wrought in each other, the help they provided and willingness to change. I also want to give kudos to thee authors for including character with ADHD and the importance of a right diet.

An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted my copy of all four part of the Bad Valentine collection, that I write a review was not required.

Nick is left with his niece, Ruby, when her mum and dad go off to Indonesia, on a mission. But before that, he has one last fling. Dylan pretends to be a bold, brash firefighter. But Dylan is not a fireman, he is a school teacher, Ruby's teacher and when Ruby's school work begins to suffer, Dylan calls her uncle in to talk about it. He did not expect to come face to face with the man who has occupied his every waking thought since that night weeks ago!

I did feel for Nick, I really did. His sister, very literally, dumped her daughter on him and left him with a list of no-go foods and very little else. Ruby's ADHD is tempered by her diet, so sugary foods are off limits but his sister doesn't tell Nick WHY they are. So the poor man is devastated when he realises that HE might have caused her to suffer at school.

Loved that Nick wasn't bothered that Dylan had lied, just like OK! Loved that once he got his head round Ruby's diet, Nick was all in. Loved that Dylan looked forward to seeing Nick, as much as Nick looked forward to seeing Dylan, even if they were only doing it to help Ruby, at first. LOVED that neither one wanted their time to end.

First I've read of this author, I'd love to read more. I like the way they spin a tale!

I've enjoyed these little shorts, so thank you to all four authors for my copies.

4 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad uncles and lying teachers

This was a really good short Valentine's story! Starting off with a steamy one night hookup on Valentine's day, Nick and Dylan have a great connection but are afraid to go any further. But Dylan is taking care of his niece for the first time ever, a job he is not prepared for, and it turns out Nick is Ruby's teacher. When the two meet again the lies told and the problems at the time might make reality too much, or their connection might prevail.

Nick has spent a lot of time choosing to focus on work. He loves his family but thinks his sister is eccentric and isn't good with kids. When he babysits his niece he is terrible at it, but his sister also put him at a big disadvantage. Nick went in knowing nothing about how to take care of a kid and knowing nothing about the particular care of his niece. He wasn't a bad guy and it shows.

Dylan is a good guy and a great teacher. It's just that the 'good guy's thing has worked against him. No other guy seems to want the good guy as an actual relationship. He impulsively lies to seem more interesting for his hookup with Nick which leaves him stuck when he imagines more. Dylan is also angry at the faceless bad uncle when Ruby starts doing poorly in school. Dylan needs to take the time to believe in himself as well as see what Nick can be.

Very sweet story that really works to build up these two guys. Great Valentine's short!

[Melissa Brus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Compton just wanted one night of freedom before he had to face being responsible for his niece while his sister was off saving the world. Dylan Gil just wanted one night of being anybody but a second grade teacher who seems to be attracted to the wrong guys. When they both attend a Valentine’s Day event, they find something a little extra in the other, even if they were only looking for a one night stand.

I really enjoyed this installment in the Bad Valentine series. The miscommunications in this book are external to the main characters. And Cupid comes in the form of a sweet and hyperactive seven year old girl. Watching Nick navigate parenting with no experience and minimal information was like watching a car crash in slow motion. You can see the errors and know the outcome is going to be painful. Dylan’s frustration with seeing a student suffer is what we all hope for in a teacher. These two men are so earnest and refreshing in their desire to do the right thing. Watching them navigate an awkward situation is super entertaining. This is a great book and a perfect Valentine’s gift for the reader.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny the turtle may have moved at a faster pace than this story did, but strangely enough, this really worked for me! I guess having a sister and daughter that are teachers means that I can feel Dylan's pain in regards to the classroom and parent issues... poor thing! ;D

Yes, this was a bit of an upside-down read with the sex coming first then the "getting to know each other" process came later... much later! *headdesk* LOL!!!

Truthfully, I can't imagine being put in the position that Nick was put in by his sister. Talk about weird family dynamics. They only see each other a few times a year... he isn't even aware that Ruby has been diagnosed with ADHD... but still yet she pawns her child off on him like she is the infamous Jenny the turtle or something that doesn't require actual parenting skills... grrr

All things considered, it could have been worse! I liked the way Dylan was there to help guide him through the whole "parenting" issues, but it was up to Nick to figure out how to make it work and provide the stable environment that Ruby needed.

So, the sex came first, then the parenting and then the romance... yep, that's about right! ;p

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is part of a 4-book novella series and each story is written by a different author with the same opening line: "Nothing good ever came of a Valentine."

Nick owns a fashion magazine and is a workaholic. Dylan is a teacher and wishes he had a more sexy occupation like a firefighter! The MC'S are talked into attending a local Valentine's singles dance and lock eyes across a crowded room....

This had potential, but the page count let it down. I didn't feel there was enough story, there didn't seem to be a focus or flow to the story and I struggled to connect with either MC. Nick seemed standoffish and the subplot for his sister was unbelievable - who leaves their child for a month without going through routines and issues?? Dylan seemed sweet, but a little whiny.

Overall, the ending was too "perfect" for the amount of time the MC's spent together and it felt rushed. Sadly, this story wasn't for me.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the Authors in exchange for an honest review.

[George Loveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a warm and fuzzy romance for me, which had me rooting for the guys to finally get it on. I didn’t take to Nick much, although much was said to make him more likeable, I couldn’t believe he was in the same town/city as his sister and had only met his seven year old niece a couple of times. It may be a personal thing, but I wasn’t sure how that could be. However, it did play well into the story when he’s suddenly the guardian for his niece and looks after him. Going for one last night out before he becomes a temporary dad, he meets Dylan and the sparks do fly. This was very quick and more like a hook up as opposed to something more, but the chemistry was there, and days later both guys were still thinking about the other.

I liked how the romance in this one was there slowly brought out as opposed to both guys being in each other’s pockets straight away. We don’t have much time on page for them both, but when we do there is something real there. At the end, I was bowled over by what had happened and was happy to see them together.

[Heather York · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 Stars
After a one night stand where the whole truth wasn't exactly spoken, Nick and Dylan find themselves in the same orbit where the truth is revealed. Temporary Dad is another great Valentine novella by another new author to me and even though I didn't exactly agree with the mother implementing her strict diet plans onto her young daughter what I really didn't like was how she left her daughter with her brother without telling Nick why the diet is followed but I guess it gave Nick and Dylan an interesting "introduction" and starting point. Now that's not to say those thoughts took away from the story because Nick's sister isn't doing it to be malicious its just how she parents and that's okay plus it lets Nick bond with his young niece which was very fun to watch unfold. Dev Bentham has written a lovely holiday novella that will make you smile, laugh, and certainly heat up the cold winter months but if timing isn't allowing for it to grace your eyes now, I highly recommend putting it high on your TBR list.

[Anwen Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick, a fashion business owner, and Dylan, an elementary schoolteacher, meet up on a hookup and then meet up again when Nick has to step in as an unwilling substitute parent for his niece who is in Dylan's class.

I had an ARC of this series of 4 stories from the authors. I think it was a pity this one was the last because it couldn't carry the high expectations that were set up by the earlier stories. I liked it, but more could have been made of Dylan's firefighting story, and Nick was a bit of a jerk, having his intern pick up the little girl from school and feeding her all kinds of crap.

But I guess jerkdom runs in the family. What parents would leave the country for a month for their work (both together) and send their child (a second-grader!) to stay with an uncle who'd obviously never had her stay for even one night before, and had no interest in taking care of her? I mean, who'd even do that with a dog?

[Georgiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One night and then we go our separate ways.”

Dylan Gill, elementary school teacher didn’t hit on complete strangers, but thanks to his friends advice, Dylan Gill, firefighter did.

Nick and Dylan meet at a Valentines party and the two had an instant connection. Nick was honest with who he was, but Dylan lied saying he was a firefighter thinking it would make him more appealing. The two run off into the night and have an amazing evening together. Unfortunately, Dylan leaves before Nick wakes the next morning, leaving both men to think they will never see each other again.

Then Ruby, Nick’s niece has to stay with him for a few weeks and guess who happens to be Ruby’s teacher?

I really enjoyed this story and how there wasn’t a big blowup about Dylan lying. The two men are cute, and the chemistry was there. I liked being able to see it from both points of view. I can’t wait to read more from Dev Bentham.