A Date for the Fair

The Dating Series #8

by Heidi McLaughlin, L.P. Dover

Covered in sweat with a sticky face... the signs of a great county fair.

Years ago, Laura dropped out of college for love. Unfortunately, the perfect life she built with her husband imploded when he decided to plunge into another woman’s dunk tank. Now, eager to rebuilt her shattered life, she’s returned to her dream of becoming an Interior Designer.

As if her life isn’t already a Ferris wheel of emotions, who walks in to teach her first class but Jude, her high school sweetheart. One glance, and the desire between them sizzles hotter than a freshly fried funnel cake.

Reconnecting at a town fair, their night starts with a watermelon eating contest and ends with them sharing more than a corndog. Laura is blissfully embracing a dizzying Tilt-a-Whirl of romance with Jude, when her ex saunters back into her life in search of a second chance. Will she go back to the comfortable life she once treasured? Or aim for the big prize and a shot at true happiness?

Dive in face first and don’t stop until they scream your name, it’s time for The Watermelon Festival!

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers

110 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2020

About the author

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

Reviews

[Michele McMullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Date for the Fair...Second Chances have never felt so good! I loved Laura and Jude.
This couple were the best of friends since grade school. Jude was always hesitant to cross that line not wanting to ruin the relationship they already shared. When Laura's college romance turns into a marriage not only does their friendship end but it douses any hopes that Jude may have had for them.
Now fate is smiling on them when Laura returns to school as a student after her divorce and Jude is filling in for a college in a Philosophy class. Well hello there professor. This couple has great chemistry and I loved watching their friendship take the fast lane to so much more. A few bumps in the road and they may be on their way to happily ever after!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Date for the Fair is book eight in the series. Each book can be read as a standalone. It's a short quick read. This one is a cute second chance romance. Jude and Laura were friends until Laura's ex 'want her to be friends with Jude. Laura is now divorced and restarting her life. I liked her. She's sweet. She goes back to college and Jude happens to be her Professor. Jude is a nice guy. These two just click and I was so rooting for them.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon

Laura's back in school at the age of 32, having started over after finally divorcing her jackass ex husband, when who turns out to be her new professor but her former best friend, Jude, the man she cut ties to when her husband forced her to. She figures he might hate her for having brutally breaking their friendship, via email no less! and wonders if he'll be extra hard on her to get even. Except, Jude turns out to be the same sweetheart he was before, and all he wants is his best friend back, the woman he's always loved. Will Laura give her heart to him this time, or break him again when it appears she's getting back together with her ex?



I've been loving this fun series, and Laura and Joe's second chance is just another reason to love it. I love it when former friends find their way back to each other, especially when they're both such sweethearts like these two. Not a lot of angst, just sweet, fun banter and chemistry for days.

ARC via Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, second chances, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below they are part of this series in case you want to read those books(s) first
A Date for Midnight (The Dating Series, #1)
A Date with an Admirer (The Dating Series, #2)
A Date for Good Luck (The Dating Series, #3)
A Date for the Hunt (The Dating Series #4)
A Date for the Derby (The Dating Series #5)
A Date to Play Fore (The Dating Series #6)
A Date with a Foodie (The Dating Series #7)

This is Laura and Jude’s story. Laura thought she had it all she dropped out of college and had a great life. That is until her husband decided he wanted something else. Now she is trying to rebuild her life. She decides to go back to college and her first class has her face to face with her high school sweetheart. They reconnect and things are looking up for her. But what happens when her ex husband comes back and wants a second chance? Will she stay with Jude or go back to her ex?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this second chance novella. I do wish it had a epilogue though. That’s truly my only complaint with this whole series. I’m guessing the authors want us to make up our own endings...

These two have been best friends since they were five years old. After two years is college, Laura ghosts him for her then boyfriend Shawn. (Later - husband.) Blah!!! Years later, she’s divorced and back in college. Guess who is her professor????

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her marriage came to an end Laura, who is 32, has returned to college to get the degree she always wanted. The last person she expected to see was her best friend Jude, who stopped seeing because of her husband, or that he would be her Professor.

Jude has always loved Laura and although he was hurt when she ended their friendship, he isn’t about to let his second chance slip through his hands. When they reunite it as if they have never been apart but for them to have a future together they must first deal with the past.

Although they have been apart for a while it was fun to see them revisiting all the places that held so many special memories for them as they realize that they have always belonged together.

[Krista Ricchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart felt novella you will want to read over and over. I loved the emotion this book has. Sometimes in love you only get one chance to make it work. Well when the second chance comes along you need to grab on for dear life. This story proves that you need to let fate step in and show you true happiness. I look forward to reading the next book in this novella series. These ladies are so talented.

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Parrish is back home after a failed marriage, ready to start over. When she goes back to college she never thought her old flame, Jude Daniels , would be her professor!! Can they keep their interactions platonic? A sweet, fun, second chance romance with watermelon contests, fairs and hometown comfort. A really enjoyable novella; Told in dual POV

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are one of those who fall in love just reading a love story, this is your book.
Jude and Laura are 2 childhood friends with a very special connection that is broken when Laura gets married and her husband asks her to cut off her friendship with Jude. Now a year after her divorce, Laura returns to college to fulfill her dream without imagining that her old friend is going to be one of her teachers. Jude has always been in love with Laura and now that she has returned to his life, he will not miss the opportunity to tell her.


“I had the best day, Jude.” “Me too, Laura.” I press my lips to her hair and inhale. Oh, how I’ve missed her. I’m not sure how long we stay like that but neither of us are willing to let go. I start to hum her favorite song, “All Summer Long,” Laura looks at me, her green eyes locking on mine. “I’ve missed you.” “I’m sorry. I should’ve never cut you out of my life.” I smile softly and move her hair behind her ear. “You’re here now. Just promise me you won’t ever leave.” “Never again, Jude. I promise.” She keeps her eyes locked on mine. Our bodies are pressed together, swaying to nothing but our own heartbeats. I can’t remember the last time my heart raced like this, but after the dream I had about her, the way I’m feeling with her in my arms, I know if I don’t do something, I may regret it later. “I’m going to try something.” “Yes, please,” she says as she rises up on her tippy toes and presses her lips to mine.

All I can think is that if I pursue a relationship with Laura, I could lose my job. Regardless of her age, she’s a student, and I’m a teacher. It’s forbidden. It’s illicit. And I want it.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

On her first day back in college after a hiatus that lasted for years, Laura’s confronted with the one person she’d never thought she’d see again. And what’s worse? He’s her temporary professor while the regular professor heals from a broken leg. Maybe if she keeps her head down, he won’t notice her.
WRONG!! Jude noticed Laura immediately. When he received the email from her years ago severing their friendship, he was hurt, but not surprised. Laura’s husband Shawn was a douchecanoe of the highest order and had ordered her not to have contact with Jude anymore. Now that Laura’s back in town, and newly divorced, will they be able to be friends again? Or maybe more?
This story was a quick, fun read. There’s a sticky sweet HEA, but only after they get through the drama that comes back for Laura. Following along with the rest of this series has been a blast. I’ve enjoyed all eight books in the Dating Series and can’t wait to see what happens next!
**I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been enjoying this series, and "A Date for the Fair" served up another great romance. Laura is determined to rebuild her life after heartbreak, focusing on her dream career and leaving love in the past. But when Jude, her high school sweetheart, unexpectedly reappears, all those old feelings come rushing back. Their connection is undeniable, and watching them rekindle what they once had made for a fun, heartwarming read.

Between fairground competitions, delicious food, and sizzling chemistry, this story had plenty to love. The plotline with Laura’s ex-husband felt unnecessary, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the novella. Laura and Jude’s relationship had just the right balance of nostalgia and fresh excitement, making their journey feel familiar and new. Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover once again deliver a charming, feel-good romance. A Date with a Foodie is a great addition to your book collection.
Happy reading…enjoy!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been hooked on The Dating Series from the jump, and while I LOVE everyone of them to date, I always crave more the moment I finish each of these novellas. Laura is newly divorced & is finally going back to college to finish her degree, but it's complicated from the jump. See, her professor is none other than Jude, a college friend who she had to sever all ties with because her husband had ordered it so she did his bidding. Now, she's freaking out a bit hoping that he doesn't see her, but he saw her immediately so let the fun begin because it appears that fate is involved. Things are going well when her past comes back to bite her in the behind causing some drama. Will Laura & Jude finally get their shot at a great future together?! Hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick and fun read for this series! One thing that really helps to sell the romances in each novella is the fact that there's already history between the main characters, and the same is true for Jude and Laura. They were best friends from childhood who lost touch with each other after Laura's craptastic ex-husband made sure to sever the ties of their longstanding friendship.

They find themselves back in the same orbit, only things are much different in their personal lives, and I liked seeing them revisit and jumpstart their friendship again, only with adulty feelings mixed in. Of course things progress as they should, but the past comes roaring back and threatens the tenuous new bond and evolving relationship between Laura and Jude. Loved how Jude made his feelings known when it came to dealing with the past that comes back, and how things resolve for the two of them.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who and what is Laura? Where do we find her? When she finishes speaking with a family member and goes to where she needs to be, what happens? Who is Jude? What do we learn about him? I had to laugh at Jude's 3:00 am wakeup. I really do not like Shawn!! What happens when he rears his head and crawls out of his hole like a snake? This was such a fun second chance romance! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Jennifer Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want a FUNNEL CAKE

Can I get a funnel cake please? Lol I love how you get swept up in these stories. This one is all about second chances and seeing what was right in front of your face to start with. Oh it also doesn't help that it happens in my favorite town here in North Carolina. I love being in Boone during the fall and winter months. Such a fun read, and it brings back so many memories of being at a small town festival. I can't wait for the rest of these stories to come out. Great jobs ladies.

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura decides to go back to college after her marriage has ended. When she gets there she never expected that the temporary professor is none other than Jude. A man she severed her friendship and all ties with along time ago. She is hoping he won't remember her and she can just get through the class. However, Jude does notice her and has always loved her. These two really pick things up as if nothing ever after. They are so good together and have amazing chemistry. I thought this story was sweet and so enjoyable. A good second chance friends to lover story!

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the signature on the divorce papers dry and with her future in need of a spark, Laura finds herself in a precarious position when her old high school flame ends up being a fill in professor on her first day back in college. When Jude sees her in the class old feelings come to the surface and a taboo relationship is in the works. But can you fall in love again - with your student? Or will policy and perfection play a bigger role in their connection? Completely enjoyable from start to finish!!

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura and Jude have a second chance at romance when she goes back to college and he turns out to be her professor. They were the best of friends until her ex-husband, Shawn, made her drop him as a friend. Now that she's divorced, Laura realizes that she never should have let Jude go. Jude, for his part, also realizes what she meant to him. Although things are not exactly smooth sailing, these 2 have to find it in their hearts to move on with each other. I did think that Jude should have been more honest with how badly she hurt his feelings, I gave him credit for moving on. It was a quick, easy read and I really did enjoy it.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in this series. It was adorable. It’s a fast mover so I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll be very vague. Laura and Jude had never taken their friendship to the next level. They have however not seen each other in many years. But this time when they do finally step into each other’s orbits again, it is very clear there is chemistry and now maybe opportunity. Cute story, nice satisfying happily ever after.

[Chrissy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances and a date at the fair

One of the things I have always loved is the food at the fair...who better than to share fair food with other than the one who got away? Sometimes we don't always make the right decisions the first time, but second chances are possible. I loved the instant chemistry that was still there even after years of being a part. You have to read this one to meet Laura and Jude.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Professor

Jude, my man.... Never doubt yourself and knoq that you are worthy because she see YOU. Lauren had a misstep in life but her falling her dream led her to her hearts desire as well.

It was fun to reminisce with them and watch the cards fall in their favor. Forever a giddy celebration and watermelon at the fair.

[Christina Concus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a quick, fun read.

Jude and Lauren were best of friends and then a misstep happened.

Lauren is now making a new life for herself and runs into her past. She is now making amends for what happened. However, will more come of making amends? Will Jude get the one he always wanted?

Loving this series and can't wait to read the next one.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to have a bond of a great friendship but as time goes by the feelings change. Neither Jude or Laura were willing to tell the other.  Years have passed and their lives  went in different directions. Now they cross paths again can a once close friendship turn into some more something worth fighting for.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Date for the Fair was a great quick read. It's about Jude and Laura who were best friends since they were 5. They had a falling out due to Laura's ex husband. Now that she's divorced and back in college again she runs into professor Jude. They rekindle their friendship and it turns into something more.

[one_more_chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang onto your heart, this is the most emotional book of The Dating Series! Jude and Laura are beyond sweet in this, better late than never, reunion of two friends. Easy to get all caught up in, this romance will have you cheering these characters on as you devour each and every chapter.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers!!

I just love these quick reads! The storyline is always amazing and the characters are great. I love a good friends to lovers and this hit all the marks with a hint of second chances.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Cute quick read. My favorite of the dating series so far. You can’t help but to fall for Jude. He’s such a food guy.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a second chance, friends to lovers story then you will love Jude & Laura’s story. I really love this series and each book gets better and better. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends since they were five. Laura and Jude. Laura gets married and her husband dosen't like the friendship do they lose touch until her first day back at college.

[Linda Morey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but second chance between a woman retiring to college at 30 and her professor . I liked the getting reacquainted where they visited where they used to go