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Name in Lights #3

Troublemaker

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TO: Alex Vega
FROM: Emilia Stiles
SUBJECT: Hello

Dear Mr. Vega,

I felt it necessary to follow up on today’s meeting, since we weren’t able to speak candidly in front of your son.

I was shocked to discover that you are Ryder’s dad. Given that your ex-wife will be out of the country for a while and you are currently his primary caregiver, I’m sure you understand why we need to establish boundaries and etiquette. I think it would be best if we just pretend that we met in person for the first time today.

Your son is a very bright (flirtatious and talkative) student and since his education is a top priority for both of us, I hope I can count on you to respectfully refrain from grinning at me, using that sexy tone of voice, and undressing me with your annoyingly beautiful brown eyes if we should happen to interact with each other again in the future.

Thanks so much,
Miss Stiles


TO: Emilia Stiles
FROM: Alex Vega
SUBJECT: Re: Well, hello again…

Dear Miss Stiles,

Great to hear from you. My son’s education is indeed a top priority. As such, I respectfully agree to refrain from doing all of the aforementioned things.

However, I can’t promise to stop thinking about that kiss at the bar this summer. I’ve been thinking about it for the past month. It’s interesting how humorless and uptight you are about my son’s totally awesome personality, given that I have personally witnessed just how flirtatious and talkative you yourself can be when mildly intoxicated.

You’re so welcome,
Alex

P.S. I volunteered to be a chaperone for your next field trip. See you then.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2020

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 462 reviews
Profile Image for Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf).
351 reviews161 followers
June 23, 2021
"Every kiss is the first of a million."
I feel like I shouldn't write a review and just give you all my quotes and highlights, because I think the words are so awesome on their own that nothing I say will be enough. So yeah, take a look at my highlights (if you want to, of course).

"You dance together beautifully. I know you always will."
This is the third book in this series, and while I was madly in love with Nico from the second book, let me tell you: I am in love with these two, together. I can't stop myself from seeing them as a two-in-one. I can't picture Alex without Emilia.

"We are all made of stardust, as we have learned today, and my body seems to have some kind of cosmic connection to Alex Vega’s."
There's no other way to say it, Alex is hot. I mean, again, I'm not one to swoon over single dads, but even though he and his kid Ryder are amazing, he is so damn hot in everything he does it was annoying. Seriously. He's a big-time director, divorced, with a kid. He thought he'd found the right person when he married, but not really, so maybe he doesn't really believe in love finding him again, but he's kind of ready for it at the same time.

"The fresh-baked cookie smell of Main Street mingles with the scent of her shampoo, and I think I’m inhaling what I want my home to smell like for the rest of my life."
Emilia is just awesome. She's a teacher who loves books and loves her job and the kids she teaches. She's dorky. She's just so lovable you want to hug her. And she's just broken up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, because she finally understood they were comfortable together but there was no passion. No fire. And, honestly, he was a dick who didn't care about her anyway. So, paraphrasing Emilia, Fuck you, Brent.

"I would have stayed. I would have made sure you found your friend. I would have asked you to go somewhere else with me. I would have kept kissing you for as long as I could have."
Alex and Emilia meet at a club. He's there because he's been invited to a party. She's there because her best friend is trying to get her out of the house. None of them wants to be there. They're both so out of their element it's not even funny. But when they gravitate towards each other, their chemistry and their connection are apparent in that first conversation. And then they kiss. And then life happens and they part ways not even knowing each other's names right.

"The eternal build-up has been the most exquisite torture I have ever known."
When they meet again, they realize they're in an awkward position. She's his son's teacher. She's working at a new job, in a new school and wants to be taken seriously. But Alex is not making this easy, poor Emilia.
Their e-mails are hilarious, just like their personal journals. Their banter over text message had me laughing out loud, and kind of flushed. Because Alex is hot, have I mentioned that? But Emilia gives as good as she gets. If you're thinking this primary school teacher is the innocent type, think again.
Plus, that scene in the laundry room... damn.

"And the face above me is the most beautiful, vulnerable, masculine thing I’ve ever seen. He’s lost inside me. I’m not just on the receiving end of all of this. He’s feeling it too. And it’s empowering."
I love that they become closer bit by bit, and that they both give in to what's going on. The dual POV helps you understand their thoughts about each other. And I really love that Emilia totally embraces what she wants and her sexuality - there's no script to being sexy! The right person will think you're sexy all the time.

"And then you meet one woman and suddenly you recognize her in every sentence. She becomes the best translator of all the words that were strung together as an ode to a woman."
This book is kind of slow-burn, and equal parts sweet, funny, and scorching hot, which is what I love in Kayley's books. It's also adorably cheesy at times. And Ryder is such a wonderful kid you can't help but fall in love a bit with him too.

"We’re silent for many seconds, just smiling at each other. I want to fill the silence with I love you, and it seems like he does too. But it’s there. The feeling’s there, even if the words aren’t yet."
These two together are probably one of the sexiest couples in Kayley's books. They complete each other in ways I don't think they were expecting themselves to. And they deserve to start a new journal, on a blank page, dedicated to both of them, together.
Profile Image for ❤️ Nanda ❤️.
674 reviews305 followers
August 13, 2020
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It was a funny and cheesy reading.
Again, this is a new author to me, so I didn't know what to expect. (I'm in a sequence of new authors, and I love it).

Emilia is a second grade's teacher starting her new life in LA, living with her gay best friend, after she break up with her on again/off again long term boyfriend.
Alex is a movie/TV/theatre divorced hot and lonely director, who's just a really sweet donut and a great father.

Their first encounter is amazing, hot, unexpected and funny, but ends too fast and leaves both of them wanting so much more.

Ryder is Alex's son and my dream baby! He's smart, cute and the absolutely definition of cool kid.

When they find out that she's Ryder's teacher, they try to maintain some kind of distance, but they're both to much attracted to each other to stay away.

This book doesn't have dramas.
They exchange a loooot of text messages, and both of them maintain a personal journal, that sometimes were funny and sometimes, too much.
A lot of movies and old songs references, specially in the first half of the book, that honestly to God, I didn't catch.

But it was a good and light reading.

ARC Reviewer

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Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,543 reviews1,410 followers
February 23, 2021
Before reading this one, I had read 3 books from this writer and they were all mediocre or below (3, 2 and 2 stars) so I would normally not read from her again but look at that cover - see how gorgeous he is! He looked at me with his “Come-hither” eyes and I followed… I can’t be found guilty, right? Pleaseeee... look at him - wouldn't you follow? 😊

Sadly, the sexy the man on the cover didn’t help me to like the book, at all. This has been another 2-star read and I think I have read enough books from Ms Loring to decide that this was the last book I have read from her. No more. Now, it is safe to say she is not my kind of writer.



Let me talk about this book.

First of all, it was too silly and too boring for me. It sounded childish most of the time and I could not connect with the characters. Maybe this book might appeal to teenagers more, I don’t know, but I am sure nothing or no one in the book was my cuppa.

*********************************************

Secondly, the heroine, Emilia, is the kind of woman I dislike very much. She is a dork. She is silly. She often embarrasses herself with her clumsiness or awkwardness. And as if that’s not enough for me to dislike her, she is a mess of raging hormones. It’s as if she can’t think of anything else but sex after she meets the hero, Alex. She always thinks how much she wants to climb Alex or how much she wants to lick him, blah bla.

Emilia also writes lists - lists about this and that - such as why she should not go back to her ex-boyfriend etc. I think they are supposed to be funny... but not for me. The book is written from dual point of view and I am sure Emilia's voice is intended to be funny - with all her clumsiness, silliness or dorkiness etc. but it had the opposite effect on me. I never had fun. She got on my nerves and annoyed me.



Thirdly, the hero is something else, too. He is the hottest bachelor in LA. He is a famous director and a single dad. And he WRITES journals like a 14-year old girl! He is so cheesy you can’t believe!

Oh my, the cover model on the front of the book is so wasted by being there. He should have been on the cover of an awesome book, instead ☹

As a dad, Alex is nice and as a boyfriend, he is good but his journals and his over-the-top romantic comments that he wrote in it prevented me from connecting with him as well.

*********************************************

As for Ryder, the kid, well, he was OK, I guess, but I can’t say I loved him, either.

Most probably, the gay friend of Emilia is the only person I liked in the book.

*********************************************

The plot line is simple, boring and annoying.

Emilia meets Alex in a club and they hit it off. After they kiss while dancing, things go wrong for unexpected reasons and they never see each other for a while. Then, they discover that he is the father of one of her students.

They try to stay away because the principal suggests that teachers had better not be in a romantic relationship with the parents. There is only this problem between the couple until it is resolved. No more angst or anything else.

*********************************************

As I said, the book is supposed to be fun but I never found it funny or enjoyable.

And maybe, it is also supposed to be hot and it indeed has one or two hot scenes but I didn’t like them either, most probably because I never felt their connection, chemistry or passion. It was pure raging hormones on her side and him finding her clumsiness cute and her salivating for him hot; that’s all. I never understood how a man like him would be interested in a woman like her although he wasn’t the ideal guy, himself.

By the way, I HATE phone sex scenes. I find them stupid and risky. They are all the same - all cliché: Do this for me, do that for me...blah bla. There were more than enough sexting in the book, more than I was able to bear so I skipped them all.



Oh and in the middle of sexting, she sometimes misspells words or says embarrassing things and it is all supposed to be funny, I guess... It was NOT!

*********************************************

As for safety, neither of them is with another person after they meet. There are exes in the picture every now and then but one of them is an angel who helps Emilia to be with Alex and the other is a cartoon character who is there to say what he has to say. He has never come alive for me.

*********************************************

Last word:

Although most blurbs for this writer's books sound good, the actual book is never good enough and that's why, she is sadly not a writer I would recommend to you. However, maybe it is me, not her or her books so feel free to try anyways :)


* You can follow my instagram page from here
Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,460 reviews174 followers
August 13, 2020
I'm really struggling right now on how to rate this book. I enjoyed it when I could get caught up in it, but I really struggled to get into it. And for a book I thought I would read in a day or two it ended up taking me nearly four days to read it. But I think a lit of that is just the fact that life's been a little busy and I have been easily distracted.

Emilia was a character that I instantly liked. I enjoyed her honesty in regard to her earlier relationship and her life before she moved to LA. She wasn't whiny or self-doubting, she just acknowledged her mistakes and set about not making them again. Plus, she loved her dog, and that's always a win for me.

Alex was great. He knew what he wanted and went for it. But when it didn't go as he wanted, he was really understanding and mature. He put his son first but not in a way that was selfless or martyrish.

The chemistry between these two was steaming and yet it didn't eclipse an actual relationship and connection between them. I loved the secondary characters and their relationships with each other. But Ryder really made the book, he was so cute and age appropriate and I enjoyed his role in the story.
Profile Image for Izzy ♡ boom, boom, fucking boom.
279 reviews61 followers
September 2, 2020
4.5

I think this is the most book-satisfied I’ve felt for a while!
Not really in the mood for paragraphs so I'll just dot point this review

Things I liked:
• The hero and heroine (Alex and Emilia), both individually and as a couple
• The hero's child, Ryder, and how involved he was- seriously, loved this little matchmaker
• The interactions between Alex, Emilia and Ryder (!!!!)
• IT WAS FUNNY! The dialogue, especially, had me smiling and laughing. I'm pretty sure Kayley has a thing for comedy because even though I've been at 30% with the first book Sleeper for probably a year (don't look at me like that) I do remember how funny it was too
• Little drama- the drama that was there was unavoidable, I think, but it was also solved fairly quickly (and nicely)
• The friendship between the guys!!! We need more of this 'dads taking their children out together' kind of friendship. Also, the lazy wingmen thing had me laughing. I love them.
• Alex and Ryder both had pretty good relationships with the ex-wife, and she wasn't portrayed as an evil bad mother either
• THE SECOND EPILOGUE. HOW PRECIOUS WAS THAT?! Maybe I should bump it up to 5 stars for that alone?

Things I didn't like:
• Eh, it's not really something I didn't like but I do wish there was a scene with Alex/Emilia and Shanico

This book has cemented my love for Kayley Loring and I'm so excited to read more :)
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
1,971 reviews942 followers
August 13, 2020
description

description

4.5 STARS

Troublemaker by Kayley Loring was just what we needed. We just couldn’t stop laughing at the hilarious inner musings of both Emilia and Alex, as well as their brilliant banter and quick liners. And let’s not forget the sexual tension and connection which was on point! Kayley Loring nailed the romantic comedy and single dad aspect, so much so we are lining up the next book by her. Her sense of humour is completely in line with ours!

‘I did not hesitate to suck cake frosting off of his thumb – in my classroom. Like some sex starved mouth vacuum. Who does that? School teachers in pornos, that’s who.’

After breaking up with her boyfriend, Emilia fulfils her dream of moving to Los Angeles, working there as a teacher. Before term starts her and her best mate, Franklin go dancing, much to the chagrin of Emilia who would prefer to stay at home in her comfy chair, reading. Well, the stars align and Emilia meets a bloke who ticks every box she didn’t even know needed ticking.

“I was just thinking about you.”
“About me? The Hot Dad from Vomit Night?”


Sadly, a ‘vomming’ incident happened and she never managed to get his details. So, how long can you live on the memories of one night? Well, Emilia doesn’t have to wonder too long, as when she needs to book a meeting with one of her disruptive 2nd grade pupils, Ryder, she makes a happy but awkward discovery! We loved Ryder!!!

‘I can’t wait until my kid is old enough to actually tell me to fuck off, because that’s what his face is saying to me right now.’

We seriously fell in love with the characters in Troublemaker, every single one had that special something we immediately connect with. Emilia was such a quirky and lovable heroine. She was adorable, nerdy, funny, sarcastic and surprising. We felt like she became a friend whilst reading. She’s certainly a match for the gorgeous, dry humoured, Alex Vega. Alex Vega….ALEX BLOODY VEGA!!!!! What a man, what a PERFECT man! Not only is he a great single dad and one of Hollywood’s hottest bachelors, he’s got a wicked sense of humour, he’s swoooooony and yeah…we immediately fell in love with him!!!

“Thank you. Really. I can see fine now.”
‘I don’t know if you can, Miss Stiles. Or you wouldn’t be walking away from me.’


Troublemaker was saucy, it was funny and it was sweet. It also had the perfect amount of cheese and was a spot on romantic comedy with hilarious texts, journal entries and emails. We were completely in the mood for this type of romance. It’s been a while since we’ve laughed out loud as much as we did, whilst reading. Kayley Loring did a stellar job and little Ryder stole every single scene he was in. Our most favourite thing was his relationship with Alex. As far a single dad books go this is definitely one of our favourites! Gah…..Troublemaker made us so happy we cannot recommend it highly enough!!!

‘She’s the big bang. The big picture. The biggest dork we know.’

Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK


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TotallyBookedBlog
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Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,806 reviews2,012 followers
August 14, 2020
description

4.5 feelgood stars!

Troublemaker by Kayley Loring was just what we needed. We just couldn’t stop laughing at the hilarious inner musings of both Emilia and Alex, as well as their brilliant banter and quick liners. And let’s not forget the sexual tension and connection which was on point! Kayley Loring nailed the romantic comedy and single dad aspect, so much so we are lining up the next book by her. Her sense of humour is completely in line with ours!

‘I did not hesitate to suck cake frosting off of his thumb – in my classroom. Like some sex starved mouth vacuum. Who does that? School teachers in pornos, that’s who.’

After breaking up with her boyfriend, Emilia fulfils her dream of moving to Los Angeles, working there as a teacher. Before term starts her and her best mate, Franklin go dancing, much to the chagrin of Emilia who would prefer to stay at home in her comfy chair, reading. Well, the stars align and Emilia meets a bloke who ticks every box she didn’t even know needed ticking.

“I was just thinking about you.”
“About me? The Hot Dad from Vomit Night?”


Sadly, a ‘vomming’ incident happened and she never managed to get his details. So, how long can you live on the memories of one night? Well, Emilia doesn’t have to wonder too long, as when she needs to book a meeting with one of her disruptive 2nd grade pupils, Ryder, she makes a happy but awkward discovery! We loved Ryder!!!

‘I can’t wait until my kid is old enough to actually tell me to fuck off, because that’s what his face is saying to me right now.’

We seriously fell in love with the characters in Troublemaker, every single one had that special something we immediately connect with. Emilia was such a quirky and lovable heroine. She was adorable, nerdy, funny, sarcastic and surprising. We felt like she became a friend whilst reading. She’s certainly a match for the gorgeous, dry humoured, Alex Vega. Alex Vega….ALEX BLOODY VEGA!!!!! What a man, what a PERFECT man! Not only is he a great single dad and one of Hollywood’s hottest bachelors, he’s got a wicked sense of humour, he’s swoooooony and yeah…we immediately fell in love with him!!!

“Thank you. Really. I can see fine now.”
‘I don’t know if you can, Miss Stiles. Or you wouldn’t be walking away from me.’


Troublemaker was saucy, it was funny and it was sweet. It also had the perfect amount of cheese and was a spot on romantic comedy with hilarious texts, journal entries and emails. We were completely in the mood for this type of romance. It’s been a while since we’ve laughed out loud as much as we did, whilst reading. Kayley Loring did a stellar job and little Ryder stole every single scene he was in. Our most favourite thing was his relationship with Alex. As far a single dad books go this is definitely one of our favourites! Gah…..Troublemaker made us so happy we cannot recommend it highly enough!!!

‘She’s the big bang. The big picture. The biggest dork we know.’

Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK


Come and say hi, at:
description
TotallyBookedBlog
TBB on Facebook
TBB on Instagram
TBB on Twitter
TBB on Pinterest

Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,218 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2020
I absolutely LOOOOVED this story. Such a feel good romance that leaves you with a big smile on your face. Alex Vega is MINE ladies!!! 😉 Emilia and Alex meet one night in a club and they are absolutely drawn to each other. The kiss of all kisses to remember, they accidently lose each other that night, and can't stop thinking of that kiss. Not knowing when they would ever encounter each other again, oh but they do. Emilia is Alex's kid's teacher, now, no matter what the chemistry is, its somewhat forbidden/frowned upon. These two and their chemistry is just BOOOM, they were on FIRE!!! You could just feel the anticipation, the kisses, the emotions, the torment of being apart.

Let me just say, Alex is an absolute dream. Being in his head, his thoughts about his son Ryder and his feelings for Emilia, he is such a dreamboat. Shanicolex have the best friendship. I loved seeing these 3 together, their lazy wingmening, their humor and they are just great side characters for Alex's story. This story is not to be missed. This could be read as a standalone, but honestly, it makes it sooooo much more special if you read Sleeper and Charmer. You get the jokes, the special relationship that is Shanico and now Alex. LOVE LOVE LOVE
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,400 reviews498 followers
August 8, 2020
Kayley Loring's books have such PERSONALITY; a completely distinctive writing style that just makes me smile. I always know I'm in for light, playful, sexy reads with her and that's exactly what this is. A touch of the forbidden adds the only angst to this otherwise smile-inducing read; it's the kind of light romance that you can devour in one sitting - and I did. The only problem? Well, now I have to wait until she releases her next book.

The story follows Alex, a single dad raising his son in L.A. Alex isn't completely jaded by his failed marriage, but it's taken him awhile to get back into a place where he's ready for a relationship. Upon meeting the sweet yet sexy Emilia, Alex feels a spark that's been missing for a long time. There's instalust between them and the hint of something more, but Alex and Emilia are clearly not meant to be together - yet. Not only is Emilia just starting out fresh in a new city, but her vivacious new student is also Alex's son. As the lust between them builds into something deeper, it gets more and more difficult to keep things platonic.

It's a sexy, banter-filled slow burn with characters who are easy to like. I loved the texting and email exchanges, the tension, and the overall playfulness of the read. It's SUPER low angst, with a teacher/student's dad relationship that's a catalyst for this relationship developing into more. And despite this being a slow burn, it's one of the sexier reads from Loring. These two just have so much chemistry between them. There is one decision towards the end that had me scratching my head, but no major roadblocks to enjoying this light, sexy read. Can't wait to see what the author writes next, because I'll definitely be reading it! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (then purchased it for my collection) and am voluntarily leaving a review of this light romance.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,490 reviews445 followers
August 17, 2020
A delightful, naughty and sexy romp between Miss Stiles and Mr. Vega. And throw in an adorable and sneaky six year old boy, Ryder, and you're set for some fun and cheesy lines of dialogue between a single dad and his son's teacher.

Loring is a new-to-me-author and I enjoyed the way she incorporated journal entries and text-messaging into the storyline, giving both teacher and parent points of view -- some cute and everyday standard and then there were those x-rated versions that scorched the eyeballs.

There have been plenty of others similar to this rom-com -- so nothing that jumped out and yelled "hello! -- notice me."
Profile Image for AJ.
2,873 reviews932 followers
August 5, 2020
5 hot and hilarious stars!

Oh, I love this book! Funny, sexy and romantic with a beautiful, functional romance and characters that you cannot help but love, I was sucked right into this story and couldn’t put it down.

This book is the third in a series of standalones by Kayley Loring, featuring a trio of friends who starred in TV show as teens, and are now all grown up and finding their HEAs. I have loved each of these books so much! Sleeper and Charmer told the stories of Shane and Nico (respectively), and now it’s Alex’s turn.

Single father, film director and one of Hollywood’s hottest bachelors, Alex Vega is completely devoted to two things – his seven year old son, and his career. Quiet homebody Emilia Stiles has left her old life behind and is starting over with a new teaching job in LA. They are both dragged out by friends to a club where neither of them particularly want to be, but from the moment they lay eyes on each other, sparks fly. They flirt, share some hot moments and a seriously intense kiss before their night comes to an unexpected end, after which they both lament their missed opportunity at something they know could have been more.

So, imagine their surprise when it turns out that Emilia is the teacher of Alex’s son, Ryder! It takes them several snarky teacher/parent email conversations before they actually realise who the other is, and Alex’s blunt sarcasm is a fantastic counter to Emilia’s eager perkiness, and their dynamic is freaking hilarious! Add Ryder to the picture, and it’s pure magic!

The build-up for the big reveal is absolutely fantastic, as is the moment itself, and though they are thrilled to have found each other again, Emilia’s position as Ryder’s teacher puts them in a forbidden-ish situation. But that doesn’t stop Alex from making his play. So, we get pages and pages of flirting, banter and bickering, hot looks and teasing touches, and every moment of it awesome! The sexual tension builds fantastically, and it is a deliciously slow burn as each encounter between them sizzles with chemistry until they finally reach their breaking point. And holy, hot damn, it’s a hot and wildly passionate ride for these two!

Emilia is somehow every boyish fantasy, ever divorced dad practical wish, and every filthy grown man desire that I’ve ever had. She’s brought a weary part of me back to life, and I want to give it all back to her. Every night and day.

I just love Alex and Emilia together. They are open and honest with each other, everything that happens between them is easy and natural, and they’re so damn functional! Their relationship has its challenges, but they communicate well, and their email and text conversations are gold! They know where they stand with each other, they don’t hide anything, they just have this massive hurdle between them that they need to get around. And it’s a wildly entertaining, sexy, sweet, funny and swoonily romantic journey watching them do just that.

I cup her face in my hands. “In case you’re wondering…” I kiss her forehead. “I’m falling in love with you. Hard and fast, and I refuse to stop.”

And God, this book made me laugh so many times! Both Alex and Emilia are so funny, but there is also little Ryder who is freaking hilarious, Emilia’s outrageous best friend, and the fabulousness that is Alex, Shane and Nico together, and there were so many scenes that made me laugh so hard.

“We’re leaving in like five minutes,” Shane says apologetically. “I promised Willa I’d pick up matzo ball soup from Canter’s on the way home.”
“And I promised Kat I wouldn’t stay here past ten because I don’t want to.”
“I knew it.” I shake my head. It’s barely ten o-clock. “I should have come earlier. But I didn’t want to.”
“Par-tayyyy!” Shane flashes the sign of the horns with his hands, and then we all show each other the latest pictures of our kids like total badasses.

This book was all win for me. It’s such a happy read, and just what I needed. I fell in mad love with these characters, and got completely swept up in their love story which is equal parts funny, sweet, filthy, and beautifully romantic.

Such a fantastic read – 5 stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
1,942 reviews
August 14, 2020
I've loved every one of Kayley Loring's books and Troublemaker is no exception. Fun, playful and highly entertaining this slow burn novel had me hooked from beginning to end and I could not stop reading. Emilia and Alex had excellent chemistry between them and I loved their interactions and seeing their relationship develop. I absolutely their banter via text and email as it had me highly amused and I was rooting for these two throughout the story. However it was Ryder, Alex son, who stole the show quite a few times with his antics. This delightfully humorous page-turner was fresh, sexy and so much fun to read. I loved it and would highly recommend it to all lovers of single dad romance.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,091 reviews156 followers
August 10, 2020
Alex has officially made the ranks of my Kayley Book Boyfriend List. The moment I started reading Troublemaker I was swooning over this story.

Alex is a single father, a film director and one of Hollywood’s hottest bachelors. Emilia is newly single and new to LA, she is also a teacher. They meet at a club and share the hottest kiss of their lives. They didn’t know anything else about each other, until Alex finds out that his son’s new teacher is the woman he met in the club. Let the fun begin…..

Not only is Troublemaker swoony, but this story is hilarious and steamy and sweet. Alex and Emilia have an instant connection and I LOVED their banter via e-mail and text. I just couldn’t get enough of them. However, the real scene stealer in this story is Ryder. That boy is sweet, hilarious and I loved his antics. He is a real troublemaker and honestly, I would LOVE to see a future story with Ryder as the hero. Though, because of their relationship and Emilia’s job there is a little drama but you can’t help but root for these two to make it through everything life throws at them together.

Troublemaker is the perfect mix of heat, laughs, and romance. A MUST READ!

Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
2,936 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2020
I have been enjoying this series with the friends and this one was just as good.
Alex Vega only has two things he loves in his life, his seven year old son and his career. He is a film director and one of Hollywood's hottest bachelors.
When he gets dragged out by his friends he meets Emilia Stiles. From the minute they meet they have this instant attraction and after sharing one hot kiss their night comes to an end.
Emilia Stiles left her old life behind and is starting a new teaching job in LA. After her friends forces her out with them she meets Alex Vega and definitely has an instant attraction to him. So when their night comes to an end they dont think they will ever see each other again, but imagine their surprise when they find out Emilia is Alex's son's new teacher.

I loved the amazing build up between Alex and Emilia before they met as Teacher and parent. It was fun for me reading it and couldn't wait for them to actually meet up. This was a cute slow burn hot single dad romance which I freaking loved from start to finish

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Fay's Corner
Profile Image for Victoria L. James.
Author 22 books519 followers
October 30, 2020
Ugh. I think it’s fair to say I’m addicted to this author’s stories. These are exactly what I needed to read right now. With 2020 acting like its on bad steroids, Kayley Lorig’s books somehow make you forget all about this jacked up shit of a year.

Mr Vega and Miss Stiles are everything. Loved it. Love, love, loved it.
Profile Image for Lindsey  Domokur.
1,316 reviews97 followers
August 14, 2020
What a cute book! I know I can always trust Kayley for a great read to make me laugh out loud. Alex's diary entries had me doing just that. I fell in love with him early on. He was such a great guy and you could tell he was just so lost. I am sure being a single dad is hard and finding someone to accept you and love your child like their own would be even harder.
Enter Emmy. As Alex's son's teacher she knows she has to keep things at arms length for right now, but how can she when Alex is determined to be all the places she is and looking so good? Their story was adorable from the start. I enjoyed the banter between Alex and Ryder almost as much as I did between Alex and Emmy. If you are looking for a great quick read with lots of LOL moments, this is your book.
Profile Image for Zen.
1,660 reviews
August 5, 2021
Sweet

When I started this, I was expecting more rom-com . Instead, we got this incredibly sweet story that involved a lot of imagined face licking. And I loved it

Fuck you, Brent.
Profile Image for Jo.
701 reviews76 followers
August 13, 2020
I cannot put into words right now just how much I loved reading this story!

Firstly, let me tell you this can be read as a standalone. You "see" characters from previous books in this one but not knowing their stories (albeit awesome stories they are) won't distract from the AWESOMENESS of Troublemaker.

I loved the chemistry and immediate attraction between Alex and Emilia. Their own love lives both in a pitiful state forgotten as soon as they meet.

Despite immediate circumstances parting them with no way of finding each other, destiny/fate/whatever gets involved and before long we are thrust into their story.

Emilia is quirky and completely lovable with a slight obsession to books, a stubborn streak and a very naughty side to her.

Alex is lonely and lost but soon finds himself and his purpose (aside from his son). He's playful, soulful and sweet when he wants to be but he's also a whole lot of filthy!! And when he turns on the charm and swoon.....?

"She's the big bang. The big picture. The biggest dork we know. And every little magical thing that reminds me we're made of stardust - old as the universe and new as each breath."


They pair so well together and bring out the best (and dirtiest!!) of each other.

Special mention here has to go to Ryder, Alex's son. WHAT A KID! I loved him. He was cheeky, inquisitive, scheming and a whole load of cute. Such a good kid with a huge heart.

For me, this story had it all - humour, heart and heat - and left my soul singing and my smile wide. Thank you, Kayley, for their story. "You."
Profile Image for SCBookAddict.
630 reviews48 followers
August 11, 2020
This story was a good mix between cute, fun and sweet with a big side of hot and heavy to balance it out.

Emilia and Alex meet in a club that neither one really wants to be at. There is this instant connection between them but they end up losing each other by accident.

Fast forward to school year and guess who's child is in Emilia's class? They don't realize this until a bit later so the banter between them via email is hilarious.

Then there is Ryder, Alex's son. He is a handful and steals so many scenes! There is one scene where Ryder asks Emilia to help him create a dating profile for his dad. This was both hilarious and adorable at the same time.

The chemistry between Alex and Emilia was incredible. In public, they had to behave but once they were behind closed doors, it was smoking hot!

I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great contemporary read!
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,211 reviews63 followers
August 17, 2020
Troublemaker was a fabulously funny, sweet, entertaining slow burn !! What happens when the tall handsome stranger you meet and swoon over at the club is now the dad of one of your students. It is trouble in the making! This couple had the best email exchanges ! I was laughing out loud at ther witty banter! Get ready for your next book boyfriend with Alex Vega single dad, producer , and sex on a stick hot bachelor. Emilia our second grade teacher is so refreshing, and I just loved her spunk, sass and personality !! It is game on and I am not sure if Emilia will be able to resist the charms of this dad and his son!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews319 followers
August 18, 2020
description
This was such a fun story. I was completely wrapped up in these characters and their journey. What starts off as chance encounter leads to a surprising connection...and I was hooked! I found the characters to be super endearing. I really liked them individually and as a couple. The tension between them was off the charts! I had to find out how things would play out. The relationships between all the characters were sweet and fun. The drama these two faced felt organic to the storyline and wasn’t over the top which I appreciated. There were times that it grew frustrating but that added to the enjoyment of the story instead of detracting from it. I really love this series. Loring gives us a great mix of tension, humor, excitement, and romance. I’m so excited to see what she delivers next!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,007 reviews135 followers
August 7, 2020
Troublemaker is just another example of what makes Kayley Loring so great. Alex and Emilia are a reminder that there's a silver lining waiting inside every heartache. With humor and heart, Loring delivers wise words that make us think and irresistible characters that are hard not to love. If laughter truly is the best medicine, Troublemaker has what it takes to make the world a brighter place.

Profile Image for M.
1,347 reviews12 followers
September 23, 2020
4.25 Stars!

I love Kayley Loring’s books and this one is no different. Plus that second epilogue gave me allllll the feels!

8/10 would recommend
Profile Image for Flo.
1,742 reviews
August 26, 2020
Great fun filled read from start to finish!
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,459 reviews42 followers
August 5, 2020
Troublemaker is my first book by Ms Loring and I had a constant smile on my face whilst reading!
It’s a heartwarming wonderful story that had such entertaining and flirtatious banter that I just didn’t want it to end.
I loved the characters so much! I felt like they were friends and this story was the perfect second chance single parent romance. It has everything you could want in a book.
There is a certain something about single dad stories that touch my heart. I definitely want to read more of the authors work.
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,163 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2020
Troublemaker by Kayley Loring
“constant smile, 5 stars”

Troublemaker made me smile from start to finish. I loved the chemistry between Alex and Emilia. Ryder was hilarious and just added that much more to the story. Plus, it was awesome catching up with the guys from Sleeper and Charmer. If you want a fun, playful Hollywood love story look no further.
When Emilia and Alex met the attraction was apparent. A chance encounter ends without the exchange of phone numbers. So when Alex walks into his son’s class he had no idea that she was his sons teacher. She had no idea that she had her tongue down one of her student’s parent’s throats a month before. Will this single dad take a chance on the teacher? Only one way to find out.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
Profile Image for Kimberly (a_romance_a_day).
248 reviews33 followers
September 24, 2020
This book deserves more stars than I can give!! Start to finish this was amazing. Witty, steamy, tension-y goodness, sweet and sexy hero, adorable wonderful heroine, and a cute kiddo! It’s well written with so many beautiful passages and the characters are real, authentic, and engaging.

Emilia and Alex meet in a very crowded club, not their usual haunts, and have the most perfect kiss on the dance floor before suddenly going their separate ways. Emilia is on a journey to be a new her in a city she’s always wanted to live in and teaching at a wonderful school. One particular student is not so good at following the rules and she emails his father to come in for a parent teacher conference to discuss ways to help Ryder follow the rules. They instantly realize they’re in big trouble.

What follows is a sweet, hopeful, beautiful story. I love getting glimpses of their personal thoughts (in a different format than the usual) in Emilia’s lists and Alex’s inspiration journal. Alex has so many beautiful moments of vulnerability in there that just make me melt 😍 and they are quite the steamy, sexy pair 🔥🔥

Kayley Loring is one of my favorite authors and I wish I had the perfect words to describe how much I loved this book to do it justice.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,344 reviews92 followers
October 14, 2020
I love books that make me happy. I’m smiling and I am happy.

Didn’t sleep last night because ear ache. Alex Vega and Emilia Stiles made me feel better.

Youngest child being a dick and thinking he’s untouchable and immune, Alex and Emilia still made me smile. I needed the feel good.

Feeling down, read this book.

Feeling like you want to ground your children for the rest of their lives, read this book.

In all life events this book is useful. Read it. Be like Atticus (that’s the dog).

Just in case I forget when I look back at this review, it’s about a bloke who was an actor but is now a producer. He’s divorced with a son, Ryder. Emilia is Ryder’s new teacher so of course, Alex is out of bounds. Mostly! But it’s so much fun when they try to behave themselves but keep failing.
Profile Image for Caroline.
190 reviews39 followers
July 30, 2020
4 Stars
Every love story has a happily ever after if you look for it.


This story was really good and had everything a good book needs.
Hot single dad ✔
Forbidden romance (Not taboo) ✔
A cute nerd who is a naught girl in the bedroom ✔
Swoon-worthy moments ✔
Slow burn ✔

And so much more!

This story was so good. When I think back on it, it is really sweet and has so many swoon moments in it and all the quotes I have highlighted! It is a long time since I have had this many quotes highlighted in a book. But that didn't mean it was a barf kinda sweet.

He squeezes his eyes shut, rubbing his temples like I’ve given him a migraine. “Shut up. Just shut up and be your fun self, I’m begging you.” “This is my fun self. Dude, I just moved to Los Angeles. And I just called you ‘dude.’ That’s like…next level fun.”


Emilia had so many awkward nerd moments I couldn't help but find her funny. (and be a little embarrassed for her). She was such a great heroine who was a sweet young girl who was an amazing teacher. When she finally let's lose one night out with her friend Franklin ( who I really didn't like by the way!) she meets this really hot guy! But of course, the moment is ruined when Emilia has had too much to drink and has to run to the bathroom to barf. When she returns to the dancefloor the guy is gone. ( This moment is way more romantic than what I just described the author is way better at setting a mood than me 😂)

Now after a couple of months and Emilia is still thinking about the random guy she had a moment with. But when that guy turns out to be the annoying parent to one of her students well every naught though is gone... Or they should be.

The sound of Alex Vega exhaling as he presses inside me is what I imagine it sounds like when the gates of Heaven open up for you.

Alex is bookboyfriend material! He is sweet, hot, naughty, and a great dad! He loves his son Ryder more than anything and is so annoyed by the new teacher who wants to talk about Ryder's behavior in class. He goes into the room ready to defend his son and tell the new teacher just how perfect his son is. But when he sees the new teacher is the girl who ran away into the ladies' room that one night he can't forget his mission changes. Now he wants the new teacher, no matter what it takes. But first, he needs to figure out what his son is up too because he is acting weird.

Enter Ryder. The sweetest matchmaker of all time. This little boy had my heart from moment one. How he kept trying to mess with his dads love life was amazing and gave this book an extra boost.

I’ve found someone who’s a good girl in every room and a bad girl in every room. And I already know I want to spend the rest of my life with her in all of them.

The chemistry this couple had was crazy. It made the book so hot but also made the problems the couple had to go through just to be together a little heartbreaking. I was rooting so hard for them and was so sad that they just couldn't be allowed to be together.

So are you up for a sweet, slow burn with a ton of chemistry and hot scenes then this is your book!
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