I didn’t choose the role of single dad...it chose me. I’ve been picking up the broken pieces my wife left when she walked out on my daughter and me. The last thing I’m looking for is a relationship.
Then a spunky blonde with a career filled with instability starts making rounds, making me question if I can trust another woman. My daughter isn’t the only one curious about the country star. I’m not a blind man despite how scarred my heart is. She’s gorgeous, kind, and loves my child. What more can a man ask for?
As I get to know her, she adds sunshine into my grey life, and being with her reminds me of the man I once was. Our lives are destined to take different paths, though, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my daughter from the spotlight, even if it means giving up my second chance.
I am an indie author who writes contemporary romance and women's fiction. You'll often find southern gentleman in my books and a love for country music. Coffee fiend and star gazer.
This is by far my favorite story from the Love in Everton series. I couldn't help but love this single dad falling for the up and coming country music star small town romance. Gavin and Sutton have a connection that shows that they are building a strong foundation, then add in Gavin's cutie of a daughter, Penny and it's oh, so sweet. Then I Met You by Fabiola Francisco is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
I’m not usually the biggest fan of single parent romances. I feel like children can easily make or break a novel. A lot of times authors write books with children that are annoying or not unique enough to make them interesting. Those books usually end up on my DNF list, sadly. I’m just really picky about kids! This book did NOT disappoint in that department. Penny was absolutely adorable and totally likable. Although she is definitely still a child, she has a sweet maturity about her that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the romance. I finished this book and immediately downloaded all of the other books in this series!
This is a small town meets single dad romance and it DELIVERS. The chemistry between Gavin and Sutton is so hot it melts off the page. I love that we get to experience the multiple sides of Gavin as we get to know him throughout this novel. We see him as the sweet and loving father, the hardworking cowboy, and the sexy romantic. He has so much to offer the world, it’s heartbreaking to see him denying himself so much when our story first begins. Gavin’s ex-wife left him and his infant child five years prior to our story. He was devastated by the betrayal and has kept his heart locked down since then. He does his work on the farm and takes care of his daughter. Until Sutton makes an appearance in his life. She sets his world on fire and ignites something inside of him that has been dormant for so long. She makes him want to open up his heart and start living again. This story is about the growth of their relationship and overcoming the obstacles of life. Sutton is on her way to becoming a famous country music singer. She has a fanbase and is already going on tours. When she makes the decision to pursue things with Gavin, she knows all that she’s asking of him. Will their love be enough? Read this book to find out!
Fabiola Francisco reached out to me about reading and reviewing this book for her and of course I said yes! I had heard about her through the grapevine and was thrilled that she reached out to me. This novel had me laughing and crying and left me with a happy heart. What a great story!! I cannot wait to dive into the other books in this series! 4 stars!!
There are no words I have to express the goodness I felt reading Gavin and Sutton story. Every page I turned I had this notion of "this is where the plot twist happen". I physically dreamed of different scenarios when I went to bed of what could happen after the part I left off at. Crazy? Yeah maybe but guess what, I was wrong every darn time.
That is when you know a story will stick with you. It follows you even in your dreams and makes for restless nights. Gavin was dealt a doozy of a hand but guess what, it defined him until.
Until he got bumped into. Until he anticipated seeing her again. Until she took his options away.
There are so many defining moments in the small town of Everton that you really just have to experience the hype. This is not us blowing smoke on Fabiola creation. This is us enjoying a laugh with friends, a milestone with friends, a tear with friends, and supporting and pushing our friends out of their comfort zone.
Fabiola Francisco did it again - I completely fell in love!! Single father Gavin has had only his daughter as a priority since his wife up and left them both when Penny was six months old. Not allowing any woman get close enough, Gavin finds himself at a loss when he instantly feels an attraction towards the up and coming Country music sensation Sutton. But Sutton's stardom will take her away from Everton and away from him and Penny. Can he open up his heart and his life and let the little spitfire in? Can you really find your second chance at love so quickly? Beautifully written from the opening paragraph to the very last line. Every chapter just dripped emotion and a heart warming storyline. Once you start on the Everton Series you will not be able to stop reading!!
This story pulled me in the moment I started reading it. I wanted to know if Gavin and Sutton realized what they had...I wasn't disappointed at all. The connection they have is so strong I felt as if I was right next to them. Their love story is very true and so inspirational.
I was hooked at single dad and a rising country music star then Fabiola sucked me in and ripped out my heart with the prologue. An emotional slow burn as Gavin opens his heart up to love again. This book was everyhing!!!
“Daddy?” Penny’s voice slices through my thoughts. “Yeah?” I turn my head and look at her. “You’re the best Daddy in the whole world.” Her gentle words fill me with peace. “You’re the best daughter in the whole world,” I tell her. Her bright smile tells me she’s more than happy with that response. “I love you.” Her arms wrap around my neck in a hug. Holding her to me, I whisper. “I love you too, sweetheart. More than you’ll ever know.” She’s worth the pain that has settled in my bones and never left since that dreadful day.
I am so excited to share this single dad small town romance with you! If you like cinnamon roll heroes, small town romance, and swoony stories, then you'll love this single dad romance. Then I Met You will tug at your heartstrings and have you believing in second chances.
Here are five words for you: single father, small town romance. Did that pique your interest???!! It totally should.
This is our sixth trip to Everton and this town is my fantasy trip (just behind Hogwarts). The people we have met in this town feel like family and I love the trips Fabiola takes us on with each couple.
We first meet Gavin in Abbie and Finn’s story. Single-father who’s life revolves around raising his amazing daughter, Penny. Sutton we meet in Poppy and Harris’s story as the first act to sign on with their new recording company. Two people that have zero in common, but together they make so much sense.
Gavin and Sutton come together so organically. They knew that a relationship would have its trials as they were on different paths in life, but both were willing to give it a shot. There is low-angst, but lots of yummy cupcakes and a spunky 5 year-old in this story.
This story can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend you read all the books. Everton is a magical place.
I love single dads...and he's a cowboy too. Swoon! Going back to Everton is like going home again. I need to check up on Knox, Ainsley, Poppy, and the rest of the gang. I really wanted to get to know more about country singer Sutton. She seems like she has my taste in men. Hot, quiet, cowboy, single dad...Gavin. I loved their slow burn and that much of their relationship revolved around Gavin's daughter Penny. Penny and Sutton's relationship was so sweet. I love that cupcakes were central to the relationship of these 3 too!
This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-crafted, intriguing, suspenseful, has drama and steam. The characters are defined, and likable with sizzling chemistry. I liked it.
Gavin gave up on romance when his ex-wife broke his heart. He has spent the last five years taking care of his daughter and working hard on the family ranch. When Sutton moves to town he does his best to avoid her. The beautiful blond singer is too tempting but she is a huge risk to his life, his daughter and his heart. Sutton isn't about to let the quiet cowboy get away too easily!
I absolutely loved both of these characters. Gavin was so swoony sweet. Sutton was fantastic too. Kind, considerate, with a huge heart, Gavin never stood a chance! Loved it!!
“I thought there was nothing hotter than a southern gentleman. Until I met a single dad cowboy.”
Swoon.... Gavin and Sutton are everything! Their love story was perfect. Gavin had such a struggle dealing with his past and I was so excited when he finally allowed himself to move on. His love for his daughter Penny was the best and the constant trips for cupcakes is a man after my heart! I loved reading Sutton’s journey through her music career; when she heard herself on the radio I cried because that’s how pulled into the story you are.
Fabiola Francisco writes another 5 star for me and I can’t wait for her next book!
Single dad trope is my jam and Fabi did absolutely fantastic job with this book.
Gavin and Sutton were perfect for each other. I loved their story and slow burn building romance. I loved their connection and attraction. I loved the time they took to get to know each other and overcome their insecurities.
Penny was such adorable little girl. The author did such an amazing job writing this character.
I just fell in love with these characters and their story.
This small town, single dad romance is a must read. I have waited for Gavin and Sutton and it did not disappoint. Penny stole my heart and I know she will take yours as well. I devoured this story and enjoyed their journey while reconnecting with other character favorites. It’s a slow burn that keeps you turning pages wondering if fame will hinder this budding romance. This series is fantastic so if you haven’t started yet make sure to get on it. You don’t want to miss this one.
Take me to Everton! Gah this book was everything I knew it would be. A swoon-worthy single dad small town romance, then I Met You had me smiling the entire time. Gavin is the dreamiest of cowboys and Sutton is the sweetest soul. I loved the banter and undeniable attraction between these two and how they fought for a love they both deserved.
Fabiola delivers another great Everton read. This small town standalone series is always sweet and leave me feeling warm and fuzzy. Sutton and Gavin have great chemistry and I love how she was with Penny. She was genuinely sweet and I adore her character. This feel good, small-town romance is a 5 star read! So enjoyable!
I love stories like this, light with the drama and full on romance. Add some small town, an amazing group of friends and one of my favorite trope, single parent, and you’re in for a treat!
I’ve already met Gavin and his precious five year old daughter, Penny, in the previous book of the series, but here we’ve got to meet them in a deep way. Fabiola managed to break my heart in the prologue when we learned how Hadley, his high school sweetheart wife, managed to leave him and a 6 months-old Penny behind in a blink of an eye.
5 years later, Gavin still has a wall around his heart, but there’s not a better father and friend as him. He is an introvert hot cowboy that I wanted to cuddle with! And then add Penny, gosh she is so adorable and cute and obsessed with cupcake!
But when Sutton, a rising star country singer, moves to Everton, she is in for a rollercoaster of emotions. She wants someone to come home to and (un)fortunately she set her eyes in the most unavailable man in Everton. Sutton is so kind, amazing, fun and selfless that she deserved the world.
Their grown attraction and friendship was so beautiful and I loved to read their slow burn romance. Within every chapter Sutton managed to break a little wall of his heart and an open heart Gavin is just as amazing. Her interactions with Penny was also so amazing, I loved them together.
As I reached the end I was so afraid of a certain someone to return and I was also left with my heart in my hand over their difficulties, specially regarding her fame. But then again, I loved how Fabiola closed the story, it was so romantic, sweet and pure. I couldn’t get enough of Gavin, Sutton and Penny!
Being back in Everton is always a great place to b with wonderful characters so when I knew we would be getting Gavin’s story I was beyond happy to dive in. Gavin has a past that has him stuck thinking he can only live his life for his daughter and that’s exactly what he does. He is an amazing father that provides everything she could ever need and more. Gavin doesn’t seem like he has time nor really wants to step back in the dating scene, so he likes to pretend he is happy with where he is in life and loving his daughter, Penny. Sutton is a new and upcoming country singer that is working with Harris and Axel, so she decides to make Everton her home. She is happy with the direction her career is going but the ever-elusive single dad catches her eye and she wants to find a way to at least become a friend to him. Sutton can see that there is sadness lurking behind Gavin’s eyes and wants to know more about him but is afraid that there may not be room for her and her career in his life. My heart hurt for Gavin because he is such a great guy that he deserves so much more than he thinks and Sutton she deserves all the love because she has a heat of gold. Will they be able to fight their attraction to each other and find a way to make things work? Or will Gavin’s broken heart be too much for her to break down his walls? I love every second of being in Everton and all the couples I have falling in love with. Can’t wait for more!!!
I am a huge sucker for a single dad whose entire world is their child. A man who gives up on love and relationships so he can make sure his child is cared for and loved. If you feel the same way then Then I Met You (Love in Everton #6) is the book for you. Despite Gavin suffering a huge loss when his wife/daughter’s mother just up & left despite being together since they were teens, he has remained this steadfast, loyal and loving father. He’s running scared about relationships and it would take a very special woman to make him willing to crack open his heart again. Cue, Sutton…an up & coming country music star who keeps crossing paths with Gavin & his daughter, Penny, and is immediately smitten with both. However, is Gavin willing to open his heart to another woman who won’t be staying? Can Sutton commit to a relationship when all her dreams are finally taking off?
Write about a single dad and add in a country music star and the result is an amazing book. This book had my heart from page 1 and I was invested in this story. Their love story was real and flawed but also perfect. They knew they had to work to make it work and were willing to put in that work.
This story is low angst, but high laughs, steam & passion. It can be a stand-alone but you are crazy if you don’t go devour this entire series as I absolutely love it so much. This is definitely a 5+ star read for me
I love this story of second chance love with a HEA. The storyline was easy to follow and the characters are wonderful and likeable. I loved that we got to see some of the other members of the Everton crew and got caught up on their lives as well.
This story follows Gavin, who is a single parent, raising his daughter with the help of his family. He has a hard time letting himself find someone, because it's not just his heart that he is looking out for but his daughter's as well. Gavin is an amazing dad and always has best intentions when it comes to his daughter. He is such a fun and loving dad, giving his daughter the attention and love that she deserves. Penny is just the sweetest little girl, I absolutely adore her. The way she interacts with Gavin and Sutton melts my heart. Sutton may not have ever intended on falling for a dad, but she did. These two make such an amazing and adorable couple. Sutton goes into Mama bear mode and it fills my heart with pride that she did. Penny may not be hers, but she loves her as if she was her own.
I am glad that Sutton got her own book. I won't lie, in previous books I wasn't her biggest fan. But after this book and learning about her, my heart opened up. She is such a fun, spunky, sweet, hardworking woman. The perfect woman for Gavin and Penny.
I think the ending of the book was perfect for Gavin and Sutton. It brought tears to my eyes and left me feeling so happy... and craving cupcakes. I would love to read a follow up on these two.
I'm going to be in the minority here, but there was just something about this book that threw me off. Maybe it was the over the top sweetness? I don't even know myself, but I just couldn't connect with these characters, which makes me sad since I was looking forward so reading it.
Gavin is a single dad to a truly precious little girl (she was my favorite part of this book) and is hiding his heart because the woman he always thought as the love of his life left both him and their newborn without so much as blinking an eye. Ever since, he's been through his all into raising his daughter who is his entire world. Then suddenly he starts feeling for a woman who is his complete opposite -- and a woman who is going inevitably leave him behind too.
Sutton is an up and coming country artist who has the biggest crush on Gavin. The confident woman she is turns into much when they are in the same room together, but the more time they spend together the more they realize just how well they fit. But can Gavin move past his insecurities and open his heart? And will Sutton be able to convince him that just because she has to leave she won't really be gone?
I did like some of this book, but it felt all surface level to me. And like I said above, the overabundance of sweet just irritated me. Maybe it was the mood I was in at the time of reading, but I just didn't love this as much as I hoped I would.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
Then I Met You is the 6th book of the Love in Everton Series by Fabiola Francisco and OMG how much I enjoyed this book! It's the story of the single dad cowboy Gavin and the country singer Sutton. Sutton has a crush on Gavin since they first met on Labour Day. But Gavin is such an introvert and also has his gorgeous daughter Penny. Is he ready to fall in love again although the mother of Penny broke his heart so damn hard? Well let me tell you I was SO CURIOUS about them when they met in You Make It Easy! And now Sutton and Gavin have their own book! Yay! I loved their story and the development of it all! It wasn't too dramatic! Such a feel-good-lovestory! The perfect story I needed at the moment! I ABSOLUTELY loved Gavin! Awwww! He's such a quiet and gorgeous single dad! I loved how he takes care of Penny! And Sutton is like the perfect match for him! It was so great to have all the other wonderful characters of Everton in this book as well! They're like a huge family and I would love to be part of it too! So if you wanna find out how the story of Sutton and Gavin continues... READ THE BOOK! ♡
Every book Fabiola writes is my absolute favorite until she writes another!!
The way she writes Gavin, the single dad with the adorable little girl, is so complex, yet so beautiful. Even though he hasn't gotten over the heartbreak he received 5 years ago, Gavin so strong and admirable, an amazing father and role model. Just those qualities make him attractive regardless of how sexy his physical attributes are.
Sutton has been attracted to Gavin from the very first minute that she saw him. She sees the heartache that he carries around and the walls that he has erected around his heart. But she's patient.
With an immediate bond between his daughter and Sutton, Gavin slowly starts to let Sutton and get to know her better. When it seems like they are finally on the path to have it all, paparazzi enters the scene and makes life absolutely miserable for them. Is their growing bond enough to pull them thru or will life with a famous country music singer be enough to end them for good?
A beautiful story about learning how to live after your heart has been broken. Learning how to balance being a dad and being a hot single man. Gavin has this attraction to Sutton a beautiful up and coming country star. He doesn't want these feelings. Yet Sutton feels the attraction to. She gives him a glimpse of what it can be to love him and his child. Gavin is afraid to live his life opening up again. Thinking he will hurt his child's life...... far from it though. Read this beautiful story of how to open your heart to love. Finding yourself not only define by one role. Making it work for everyone on all levels. Gavin gets his life and heart back in these chapters. Sutton gets her chance at it all too. Her new career and for Gavin and his child becoming a family. Can they have it all for a happy HEA for Gavin, Sutton and Penny. Read this tear jerker. A beautiful ending.....or beginning!!!
Gavin is a single father to an adorable tiny human, but he's gun shy when it comes to women since his wife leaving him & their daughter without looking back broke his heart. However, he never saw Sutton coming. Sutton is all kinds of sunshine who could bring a smile to anyone's face, and she's got her eye on Gavin. Oh, and she really loves his tiny human which is a bonus, and yet, Gavin is slowly moving along. I mean I understood it, but that doesn't mean that these two didn't drive me crazy with all the slow burn going on. There's just one problem for them once they get past the slow burn issues, when Sutton has to leave town for her country music career, so she's trying to get him to realize that just because she has to go doesn't mean she's going to be gone forever. Once again the fabulous Fabiolo Francisco has penned another sweet, small town romance that I couldn't get enough of! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Sutton may be a rising country music star, but she is a small town southern girl at heart. She’s genuine and kind. Smart, sexy, sassy and caring. Gavin is a single father who was burned so badly by the woman he loved, he won’t trust his heart to anyone but his daughter. That is until Sutton breaks down those walls meant to keep his heart intact.
When Sutton takes time to build a relationship with both Gavin and the adorably precocious Penny, he doesn’t stand a chance at letting this opportunity at a second chance at love and happiness pass him by. But, when reality bursts into their small town bubble, will their love be enough or are their lives just too different to make things work?
Then I Met You was a very sweet and somewhat angsty slow burn small town romance. With genuine characters that felt like they could be your neighbors, it was easy to fall into the charm of this beautiful story that reminds you love can conquer all. And, that all relationships worth having take work and effort. 5 stars.
Then I Met You is the sixth book in the Love in Everton series and this one just settled into my heart and stayed there. The writing is wonderful, the story-line is nicely plotted and emotional and the characters are well developed and loveable. This story is about Gavin and Sutton and also Gavin's daughter Penny. As a single father Gavin's world revolved around Penny and the rest of his family. So much so that he never tried to find someone special for himself. Sutton is an country music singer who is starting to rise in the music industry. When they meet they are both attracted to each other but neither was looking to become involved with anyone, least of all someone that could be special to them. But over a bit of time, and also with Penny being a bit of a bridge, things develop and it is a swooooonfest.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Ever since Gavin’s wife left him and their daughter behind to pursue the life she wanted he has focused on the ranch and being the best father that he can be. He has surrounded himself with family and a great group of friends, but he is isn’t about to let another woman into his life until Sutton has him wondering what if.
Sutton has dreams of becoming a country music star which has brought her to town to be near her recording label. From their first meeting she was drawn to Gavin and it is only a matter of time before she falls in love with both father and daughter but with their diverging dreams for the future is there any way for this to end other than in heartbreak?
Although Gavin is cautious Sutton has a way of breaking through his walls and showing him the future they could have together if he is willing to open his heart and life to love.
Ms. Francisco is a relatively new author to me; I enjoyed a short she wrote in an anthology, so I jumped at this one. Several tropes I enjoy music, single dad, and small-town drew me in. Gavin and Sutton have an attraction that has them both cautious, he has walls and fears, she has a complicated career. A country star and single dad, she should be writing this song not living it. Add to this dynamic his adorable daughter, who is one smart kiddo. Love the way this was written, quick-moving story. Lots of cupcakes! I plan to go back and catch up with the other couples in Everton, as this is book 6.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
"“I thought there was nothing hotter than a southern gentleman. Until I met a single dad cowboy.”
Swoon.... Gavin and Sutton are everything! Their love story was perfect. Gavin had such a struggle dealing with his past and I was so excited when he finally allowed himself to move on. His love for his daughter Penny was the best and the constant trips for cupcakes is a man after my heart! I loved reading Sutton’s journey through her music career; when she heard herself on the radio I cried because that’s how pulled into the story you are.
Fabiola Francisco writes another 5 star for me and I can’t wait for her next book!"