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Perfectly Independent #3
Damien
Beautiful girls are not hard to find at Columbia River University.
The coeds on campus are great to look at but I was over that scene after graduation three years ago.
These days, outside of being part of the largest civil engineering job on campus, all I’m searching for is a decent meal and some peace and quiet. It’s why I’m happy to have found what I consider a hidden gem in the diner I frequent.
All I need to do is finish this job and move on to the next by year's end.
Should be easy enough. Only when Vanessa walks up with a sexy smile and a mouth full of sass, she does more than take my order. She completely takes my breath away.
Next thing I know, I’m here every morning, making every excuse to dine with this intriguing woman. Not only is she smart and sexy, but she’s laser focused on reaching the goals she’s set for herself.
The more I get to know her, the more I’m convinced she's the one. I just have to find a way to get her to deviate from her perfectly laid plans and take a chance on me.
The coeds on campus are great to look at but I was over that scene after graduation three years ago.
These days, outside of being part of the largest civil engineering job on campus, all I’m searching for is a decent meal and some peace and quiet. It’s why I’m happy to have found what I consider a hidden gem in the diner I frequent.
All I need to do is finish this job and move on to the next by year's end.
Should be easy enough. Only when Vanessa walks up with a sexy smile and a mouth full of sass, she does more than take my order. She completely takes my breath away.
Next thing I know, I’m here every morning, making every excuse to dine with this intriguing woman. Not only is she smart and sexy, but she’s laser focused on reaching the goals she’s set for herself.
The more I get to know her, the more I’m convinced she's the one. I just have to find a way to get her to deviate from her perfectly laid plans and take a chance on me.
- GenresCollege Romance
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2021
45 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Shelley
26 books722 followersAmanda Shelley writes romantic stories you can escape into. Some are steamy, others are sweet but all have strong characters with a little bit of sass.
When not writing, Amanda enjoys time with her family, playing chauffeur, chef and being an enthusiastic fan for her children. Keeping up with them keeps her alert and grounded in reality. She enjoys long car rides, chai lattes and popping her SUV into four-wheel drive for adventures anywhere.
Amanda loves hearing from readers. Be sure sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media. Join her reader’s group Amanda’s Army of Readers to stay up to date on her latest information.
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When not writing, Amanda enjoys time with her family, playing chauffeur, chef and being an enthusiastic fan for her children. Keeping up with them keeps her alert and grounded in reality. She enjoys long car rides, chai lattes and popping her SUV into four-wheel drive for adventures anywhere.
Amanda loves hearing from readers. Be sure sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media. Join her reader’s group Amanda’s Army of Readers to stay up to date on her latest information.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Amand...
https://www.instagram.com/authoramand...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 25, 2021
Amanda Shelley took me on another adventure with Damien. This is the 3rd book in the Perfectly Independent Series. If you haven’t read Drew or Vince, you might want to, as you meet the characters featured in Damien. Also, if you have read Making The Call, you might notice that this Damien is in fact Dani’s brother, so read that too!!
Vanessa, Damien, and Julia had me falling for them from page one! Like always Amanda weaved this book into the independent world perfectly. Just enough mentions of the other characters that make you want to read all the books again just so you can see how amazing she is at weaving the characters into her books!
Watching Strong, Independent Vanessa fall for Damien, and Damien fall for Julia is heartwarming, and exactly what I wanted for Vanessa when I met her in Vince!
I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!
** I’ve heard rumors that some side characters from the three independent series books will be featured in the Anthology Fix Your Crown coming out this fall**. Add it to you TBR! it’ll so be worth it.
I definitely can’t wait!
Vanessa, Damien, and Julia had me falling for them from page one! Like always Amanda weaved this book into the independent world perfectly. Just enough mentions of the other characters that make you want to read all the books again just so you can see how amazing she is at weaving the characters into her books!
Watching Strong, Independent Vanessa fall for Damien, and Damien fall for Julia is heartwarming, and exactly what I wanted for Vanessa when I met her in Vince!
I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!
** I’ve heard rumors that some side characters from the three independent series books will be featured in the Anthology Fix Your Crown coming out this fall**. Add it to you TBR! it’ll so be worth it.
I definitely can’t wait!
May 25, 2021
Damien's job recently transferred him to the area where he is the engineer on a project to build family housing for the local college. He finds himself drawn to Vanessa, the waitress at the diner he frequents, and maybe he frequents it mainly to spend time with Vanessa. Vanessa is a single mom just trying to make her way through college and hasn't been on a date before her daughter was born.
Damien and Vanessa were such bumbling messes that they were so endearing. I loved how much that they wanted to get to know each other but were so scared that it was awkward for them. It was so freaking cute to read that. Damien was absolute swoon worthy perfect. I loved the way he loved Vanessa and her daughter and he really did always say the right things. He had my black heart melting for sure. I will say that there was time line issue that bugged me but it didn't take away from my love of Damien and Vanessa and their story. I loved their love so freaking much.
Damien and Vanessa were such bumbling messes that they were so endearing. I loved how much that they wanted to get to know each other but were so scared that it was awkward for them. It was so freaking cute to read that. Damien was absolute swoon worthy perfect. I loved the way he loved Vanessa and her daughter and he really did always say the right things. He had my black heart melting for sure. I will say that there was time line issue that bugged me but it didn't take away from my love of Damien and Vanessa and their story. I loved their love so freaking much.
May 23, 2021
That Jules is just something else! So much sass and fire in a little 5 year old body fell more in love with her this book. What was even more precious was getting to see Damien fall in love with her little by little! Van and Dame are so made for each other!! I’m so glad that they found each other they have such a beautiful love story. I love how his family accepted her and Jules with open arms. I can not wait for the next book. I loved all the great one liners in the
Book they are so funny. Loved it!!
Book they are so funny. Loved it!!
May 26, 2021
Damien is a sweet, slow burn romance with a little steam about a young, single mom with an adorable daughter and the man that falls in love with them both! It’s also a story of the importance of family and friends that are there for support no matter what.
Vanessa and Damien are just so sweet together! They both have their reservations about relationships but they seem to quickly move past that once they start to date. I love that Damien is past the casual hookup stage in his life and is immediately looking for something serious. Vanessa is strong and brave and I’m so glad that Damien found her so that she could have the love she deserved for both her and her daughter.
Besides some sadness from Vanessa’s past, there isn’t much angst which I can appreciate, but I also felt like the book moved a little too slow at times, as the real “climax” didn’t happen until about 80% in.
This is book 3 in the series, but it is a standalone and although I didn’t feel like I needed to read the rest of the series, it does mention a lot of the characters from the other books so it would probably make this book even more enjoyable to have read them, but definitely not required.
Vanessa and Damien are just so sweet together! They both have their reservations about relationships but they seem to quickly move past that once they start to date. I love that Damien is past the casual hookup stage in his life and is immediately looking for something serious. Vanessa is strong and brave and I’m so glad that Damien found her so that she could have the love she deserved for both her and her daughter.
Besides some sadness from Vanessa’s past, there isn’t much angst which I can appreciate, but I also felt like the book moved a little too slow at times, as the real “climax” didn’t happen until about 80% in.
This is book 3 in the series, but it is a standalone and although I didn’t feel like I needed to read the rest of the series, it does mention a lot of the characters from the other books so it would probably make this book even more enjoyable to have read them, but definitely not required.
May 27, 2021
This book is absolutely awesome. The book was so wonderful and incredible and I loved absolutely every second of it. I don't think I have read anything like it before and some things were surprises along the way that I am not going to spoil. Its a feel good story about a single teen mom who loses her parents tragicly, goes off to college with her twin brother and they bring up her daughter together while attending classes as she studies to be a nurse. Its about friendship, love and family and how the heart always has room for one more person to love. It is a long book so make sure you have plenty of time to read it because you won't be able to put it down.
This book is also part of a series. The first book is Drew, which is a romance between Drew and Abby, both college students at a D-1 school in Washington State. I decided to stop reading this book and go to read Drew first because I wanted to see how it all started. While you can read, Damian as a stand alone, I suggest you start with Drew as it introduces the friends and it really made this book more wonderful, as I felt I got to know all the friends thru their books.
The second book in the series is book 2 and its called Vince and stars Vince and his twin sister Vanessa and his niece, Julia. He is paired with Sydney who is Abby's best friend and roommate. You can start with this book easily and not read Drew but I actually loved Drew's more than I did Vince's. This book follows Vince and Syd's romance but we get to know and love Vanessa and Julia in this book and learn about the hardships they have suffered.
This is book 3 and its about Damian, and before I get into this story I want to mention that the author wrote a book in 2020, Making the Call, that I loved. It was a stand alone and it was a fun story about a romance author finding love with a football coach. And the author is Dani who is Damian's older sister. The whole family and Dani are featured in this book so I suggest you read that book before this one as well because it will also enhance your reading of this story.
This book is part of a 3 story series and this is the last book and we get everyones happily ever after. I loved that the author gives us an epilogue and we get to see their futures, it really enhanced my reading of this story.
Damian is a 26 year old single guy who is in the college town building apartment buildings on campus. He finds the local diner and has a crush on his waitress, Vanessa. He goes there every morning to see and flirt with her.
Vanessa is a 21 year old single mom to a 5 year old daughter. She feels that no guy will want her when her priority is her young daughter and not them. So she is shocked when Damian wants to get to know her.
They were such an awesome couple and I absolutely adored Damian. Vanessa has not had an easy life and she has achieved so much and I loved that Damian got that about her.
I adored this story so much. So many things happen with surprises and the romance and I loved it so much that I am not spoiling anything. Its a very well written story that is fun, flirty, hot and even made me tear up a little.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is also part of a series. The first book is Drew, which is a romance between Drew and Abby, both college students at a D-1 school in Washington State. I decided to stop reading this book and go to read Drew first because I wanted to see how it all started. While you can read, Damian as a stand alone, I suggest you start with Drew as it introduces the friends and it really made this book more wonderful, as I felt I got to know all the friends thru their books.
The second book in the series is book 2 and its called Vince and stars Vince and his twin sister Vanessa and his niece, Julia. He is paired with Sydney who is Abby's best friend and roommate. You can start with this book easily and not read Drew but I actually loved Drew's more than I did Vince's. This book follows Vince and Syd's romance but we get to know and love Vanessa and Julia in this book and learn about the hardships they have suffered.
This is book 3 and its about Damian, and before I get into this story I want to mention that the author wrote a book in 2020, Making the Call, that I loved. It was a stand alone and it was a fun story about a romance author finding love with a football coach. And the author is Dani who is Damian's older sister. The whole family and Dani are featured in this book so I suggest you read that book before this one as well because it will also enhance your reading of this story.
This book is part of a 3 story series and this is the last book and we get everyones happily ever after. I loved that the author gives us an epilogue and we get to see their futures, it really enhanced my reading of this story.
Damian is a 26 year old single guy who is in the college town building apartment buildings on campus. He finds the local diner and has a crush on his waitress, Vanessa. He goes there every morning to see and flirt with her.
Vanessa is a 21 year old single mom to a 5 year old daughter. She feels that no guy will want her when her priority is her young daughter and not them. So she is shocked when Damian wants to get to know her.
They were such an awesome couple and I absolutely adored Damian. Vanessa has not had an easy life and she has achieved so much and I loved that Damian got that about her.
I adored this story so much. So many things happen with surprises and the romance and I loved it so much that I am not spoiling anything. Its a very well written story that is fun, flirty, hot and even made me tear up a little.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2021
This is book three in The Perfectly Independent Series and it is Damien and Vanessa's story and omg this book is a must read. Damien is a civil engineer and he has taken the job as a site manager for The Columbia River University housing project and when he meets Vanessa who is a waitress where he eats he is totally captivated by her beauty and out going personality but he has been burnt in the past and he also doesn't need any distractions at the moment but unfortunately he can't stop thinking about her. Vanessa is studying to be a nurse at The Columbia River University and she is also a single mum and works as a waitress so with everything that she has to do her life is very busy and she doesn't have time to date but she loves it when Damien comes in to eat as he is not only handsome but he is easy to talk and banter with but she has also been through so much loss and heartbreak but will she take a chance on him if he ever asks her out. The more time that Damien and Vanessa spend together the stronger there feelings for each other grows and add in the connection and chemistry between them will they both take a chance on being together or will they remain just friends. I absolutely loved this book so much and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner and so addictive with lots of surprises along the way that I had to keep reading to see what would happen next and you are definitely not disappointed with the outcome. the characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page until the last one and I loved how close, supportive and they were always there and would do anything for there family. Amanda Shelley is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and keep you on your toes while reading her books and I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by her and you will definitely not be disappointed and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this Amazing Book
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this Amazing Book
May 25, 2021
Solid Romance
In the third installment of the Perfectly Independent series, Amanda Shelly dives into the life of Damien, or maybe Vanessa, not too sure really. The is the only book in the series I have read, however Amanda Shelley did a nice job of explaining the characters and supporting characters so it didn't feel like I missed a beat.
Vanessa is a single mom working and going to school to become a registered nurse. She's an old twenty-one, as her daughter is five. The girl had to grow up fast. It is her, her daughter Julia and her twin brother Vince she calls family. With as busy as she is, Vanessa doesn't have much time for a social life, it's all about work, school and home. Until Damien enters the diner.
Actually, Damien is a regular customer at the diner where Vanessa works. They small talk every morning, kind of flirting kind of not. After an emergent situation, they both start to realize there may be something brewing between them.
Damien is a nice, solid guy. He thinks he's old, but at twenty-six he is the perfect age for Vanessa, who again has gone through a lot in her young life and is mature for her age. I liked Damien, he was a patient guy and didn't send the ole creep meter too high with his constant diner visits. Same with Vanessa, she came off as a very regular girl even with a past like hers.
These two kids navigate this thing called love and see if they can make it work out. It's a pretty angst-free romance, however the storyline was good, along with the family members, so I won't hold that against the author.
The book is well written with all kinds of stuff going on. Again, as a third book in a series, it read well as a standalone, with a nice epilogue. If anything, it peaked my interest in the rest of the family. Looks like the Fallon's have a lot of story to tell.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
In the third installment of the Perfectly Independent series, Amanda Shelly dives into the life of Damien, or maybe Vanessa, not too sure really. The is the only book in the series I have read, however Amanda Shelley did a nice job of explaining the characters and supporting characters so it didn't feel like I missed a beat.
Vanessa is a single mom working and going to school to become a registered nurse. She's an old twenty-one, as her daughter is five. The girl had to grow up fast. It is her, her daughter Julia and her twin brother Vince she calls family. With as busy as she is, Vanessa doesn't have much time for a social life, it's all about work, school and home. Until Damien enters the diner.
Actually, Damien is a regular customer at the diner where Vanessa works. They small talk every morning, kind of flirting kind of not. After an emergent situation, they both start to realize there may be something brewing between them.
Damien is a nice, solid guy. He thinks he's old, but at twenty-six he is the perfect age for Vanessa, who again has gone through a lot in her young life and is mature for her age. I liked Damien, he was a patient guy and didn't send the ole creep meter too high with his constant diner visits. Same with Vanessa, she came off as a very regular girl even with a past like hers.
These two kids navigate this thing called love and see if they can make it work out. It's a pretty angst-free romance, however the storyline was good, along with the family members, so I won't hold that against the author.
The book is well written with all kinds of stuff going on. Again, as a third book in a series, it read well as a standalone, with a nice epilogue. If anything, it peaked my interest in the rest of the family. Looks like the Fallon's have a lot of story to tell.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
May 27, 2021
4.5 ★★★★★
~Damien & Vanessa~
Damien is an engineer who is building an apartment complex for university students. Upon his first meet with Vanessa, he finds himself intrigued by her.
Vanessa is Vince's twin sister (read his story in Vince ) who has already been through so much. She is one strong woman and I adore her lots!
The romance build-up between Damien and Vanessa is rather slow. However, their relationship progresses quickly. I love how patient and understanding Damien is. I also love his acceptance over Vanessa being a teen/single mom. His quick bonding with Julia also adds a bonus to his favor. All in all, I love Damien for loving Vanessa and Julia. I'm happy for Vanessa who now has truly found happiness with Damien. She finds someone who truly understands her and accepts her, flaws and all.
Damien is the third book in Perfectly Independent series and I can say that each book is unique on its own. Each couple is perfect, the plotlines are well-written, and thus I enjoy reading every book.
*ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing PR in exchange for an honest review
~Damien & Vanessa~
Damien is an engineer who is building an apartment complex for university students. Upon his first meet with Vanessa, he finds himself intrigued by her.
Vanessa is Vince's twin sister (read his story in Vince ) who has already been through so much. She is one strong woman and I adore her lots!
The romance build-up between Damien and Vanessa is rather slow. However, their relationship progresses quickly. I love how patient and understanding Damien is. I also love his acceptance over Vanessa being a teen/single mom. His quick bonding with Julia also adds a bonus to his favor. All in all, I love Damien for loving Vanessa and Julia. I'm happy for Vanessa who now has truly found happiness with Damien. She finds someone who truly understands her and accepts her, flaws and all.
Damien is the third book in Perfectly Independent series and I can say that each book is unique on its own. Each couple is perfect, the plotlines are well-written, and thus I enjoy reading every book.
*ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing PR in exchange for an honest review
June 2, 2021
Damien was just transferred to a new town to build apartment buildings on a campus. While on campus he finds a nice local diner that he enjoyes going to. At this diner he also finds Vanessa 😊 Who he soon has an attraction to. So this becomes his new hangout for meals and also flirt with the sexy waitress.
Vanessa is a single mom to a 5year old little girl and she hasn’t been on a date in forever. She also feels like she is not someone a guy would want to go out as she already has a child and that child is her number one priority. So when Damien starts paying her attention she is totally caught off guard. Will she decide to make time for someone else in her life or will this be too much to have on her plate right now?
I loved this couple. Vanessa was a superhero. Single mom who didn’t have an easy life and she is doing everything she can to make a better life for her little girl. Damien is just the sweetest guy ever. He is patient, and sexy and he understands Vanessa just wants a good life for her little girl. Everything in this story was such an easy good read. The chemistry the adorable cute little girl, the whole package made this another good story I can add to this new to me author’s list 😊 ♥
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Vanessa is a single mom to a 5year old little girl and she hasn’t been on a date in forever. She also feels like she is not someone a guy would want to go out as she already has a child and that child is her number one priority. So when Damien starts paying her attention she is totally caught off guard. Will she decide to make time for someone else in her life or will this be too much to have on her plate right now?
I loved this couple. Vanessa was a superhero. Single mom who didn’t have an easy life and she is doing everything she can to make a better life for her little girl. Damien is just the sweetest guy ever. He is patient, and sexy and he understands Vanessa just wants a good life for her little girl. Everything in this story was such an easy good read. The chemistry the adorable cute little girl, the whole package made this another good story I can add to this new to me author’s list 😊 ♥
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
May 23, 2021
** I WAS GIVEN AN ADVANCED READERS COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW. **
I love this book! I love the interconnections not only between Vince and Vanessa but the interconnection of Damien and his family!
There was so much sweet and sassy packing in this book in the form of a pint sized leading lady. Well she seems to think that she is.
I love the way Amanda writes her leading ladies to be these strong independent women who know what its like to work hard for everything they have. The men that come into their life do not want to change them but show them that they are partners and there to finally ease life and love them no matter what.
Damien is this hard working man who just happened to develop a crush on the lady that delivered him breakfast every morning for almost a month as he had no working kitchen. He comes from a very different background than Vanessa and her brother. But he uses that to show her that family is not always blood.
Family is what you make of it!
10/10 would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who loves soft slow romance with a few spicy bits!
-Ashton
I love this book! I love the interconnections not only between Vince and Vanessa but the interconnection of Damien and his family!
There was so much sweet and sassy packing in this book in the form of a pint sized leading lady. Well she seems to think that she is.
I love the way Amanda writes her leading ladies to be these strong independent women who know what its like to work hard for everything they have. The men that come into their life do not want to change them but show them that they are partners and there to finally ease life and love them no matter what.
Damien is this hard working man who just happened to develop a crush on the lady that delivered him breakfast every morning for almost a month as he had no working kitchen. He comes from a very different background than Vanessa and her brother. But he uses that to show her that family is not always blood.
Family is what you make of it!
10/10 would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who loves soft slow romance with a few spicy bits!
-Ashton
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May 23, 2021
Vanessa and her daughter, Julia, were first introduced in her twin brother, Vince’s story. I was super excited to find out that she got her own story and it was so well deserved.
Vanessa is a single mother, she works hard at school, at her job and just taking care of her daughter. She also has a great support system around her. Damien is fairly new to the area and quickly became a fixture at Vanessa’s work. There is a connection between the two of them, but Vanessa doesn’t think Damien wants anything to do with a young single mother. Damien isn’t perfect, but he is perfect for Vanessa and the bond he formed with Jules was adorable.
I loved Vanessa and Damien’s relationship. It wasn’t always easy but they worked so well together. Plus the relationship between Damien and Julia was adorable and so sweet.
If you’re read the previous books in the series you’ll recognize some of the secondary characters and if you’ve read Making The Call you’ll recognize Damien’s sister, Dani.
If you’re looking for a sweet, single parent romance this is one to check out.
Vanessa is a single mother, she works hard at school, at her job and just taking care of her daughter. She also has a great support system around her. Damien is fairly new to the area and quickly became a fixture at Vanessa’s work. There is a connection between the two of them, but Vanessa doesn’t think Damien wants anything to do with a young single mother. Damien isn’t perfect, but he is perfect for Vanessa and the bond he formed with Jules was adorable.
I loved Vanessa and Damien’s relationship. It wasn’t always easy but they worked so well together. Plus the relationship between Damien and Julia was adorable and so sweet.
If you’re read the previous books in the series you’ll recognize some of the secondary characters and if you’ve read Making The Call you’ll recognize Damien’s sister, Dani.
If you’re looking for a sweet, single parent romance this is one to check out.
May 27, 2021
Damien was one in a million! From the moment he met Vanessa in the diner where she worked the morning shift, he knew there was something special about her. He kept at it, even when she was completely clueless that he was interested in her. All of Vanessa's worries that he wouldn't want to get involved with a single mom were unnecessary because Damien pretty much fell in love with sweet, precocious Julia before he fell in love with Vanessa!
The epilogue made me cry. I love how full Vanessa and Vince's lives became, after it just being the two of them with little Julia for so many years. They found a large extended family (and friends that were their chosen family), and it made my heart sing.
I am also very intrigued by Damien's family and was happy to see that his sister Dani already has a book of her own and his brothers will be getting books too. I will definitely be checking those out!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
The epilogue made me cry. I love how full Vanessa and Vince's lives became, after it just being the two of them with little Julia for so many years. They found a large extended family (and friends that were their chosen family), and it made my heart sing.
I am also very intrigued by Damien's family and was happy to see that his sister Dani already has a book of her own and his brothers will be getting books too. I will definitely be checking those out!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
May 25, 2021
First of all Julia stole my heart! She was so damn cute & honestly her character stole the show in this book. I loved her relationship with Damien. Her & Vanessa were like two peas in a pod & I love how he fit into the family perfectly.
I was so happy to see Vanessa finally get her happily ever after. She more than deserved it. Like Damien said 100 times in this book she is one strong, fierce, impressive woman who has overcome incredible tragedy & obstacles to make it where has in life. I love how supportive Damien was of her. Basically these two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. They created the perfect little family!
I loved getting to see far into the future at the end too! Plus all the scenes with Vince & Sydney since I’ve missed them since their book ended. A really great read!
I was so happy to see Vanessa finally get her happily ever after. She more than deserved it. Like Damien said 100 times in this book she is one strong, fierce, impressive woman who has overcome incredible tragedy & obstacles to make it where has in life. I love how supportive Damien was of her. Basically these two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. They created the perfect little family!
I loved getting to see far into the future at the end too! Plus all the scenes with Vince & Sydney since I’ve missed them since their book ended. A really great read!
May 26, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. The relationship between Damien and Vanessa is so good. I love how Vanessa isn't afraid to tell Damien the hard things (single parent, loss of parents, etc). Then there's Damien, who isn't afraid to talk about the hard stuff, and he realizes that Vanessa being a parent comes first. He is willing to do anything in his power to make the relationship work. The chemistry between the two is spectacular. The connection between Vanessa and Julia is top notch. The way Julia and Damien interact is impressive. A bond has definitely been formed. I will say I thought the point of conflict would have been greater or drawn out. But I wasn't disappointed in it. I liked how Damien and Vanessa worked through it, and it allowed Damien to share a bit about his past and what he had been through.
Loved the book. I cannot wait to read more of the series, and also check out other works by the author.
Loved the book. I cannot wait to read more of the series, and also check out other works by the author.
May 27, 2021
Damien was a story that was just about two relatable people taking a chance on each other. There wasn't an abundance of angst or drama, but there was quite a bit of sweetness on the journey. He's a civil engineer who is working on a HUGE project, and comes into the diner that Vanessa works at for a meal. Vanessa is an old soul single mother who is trying to achieve her dreams of becoming a nurse while working & taking care of her tiny human, so there isn't much time left for anything else in her life. That doesn't stop Damien from spending a lot of time at the diner trying to get to know Vanessa, and let me tell you, they're adorable together & maybe just maybe perfect for each other at the end of the day. You don't want to miss out on this sweet story that will put a smile on your mouth as it's easy & light. So, you know what to do while I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
May 26, 2021
Read this with a side of bacon! Damien finally brings us Vanessa's story, which if you've read Vince's book (I highly recommend doing this first), you're already enamored with Jules. A slow burn that's worth the wait! I already loved Jules from the previous book in the series, but she's still one of my favorite scene-stealers. The chemistry between Damien and Vanessa shows through their flirting banter, leaving you counting down until one of them owns up to how they feel. Fans of the Perfectly Independent series will enjoy seeing their favorite characters again, not to mention an epilogue for the books! I'm also immediately reading about Damien's sister Dani, who has her own story in Making the Call.
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Blog review - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.c...
June 22, 2021
Damien is book 3 in the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley. I’m not sure about anyone else but I fell in love with Vanessa and Julie in book 2 when reading about Vince and Sydney…especially Jules. She had a way of worming herself into your heart like most children do. She’s feisty, sassy, adorably sweet and loves with her whole heart. There was no way Damien had a fighting chance of not falling in love with her. And don’t even get me started on the hard working young mother Vanessa…she’s an amazing mom, a kind hearted soul and passionate in the most loving way. There was just an instant connection with the two lovers and I knew they were meant to be from page one. Now…if they can just get it together. Sigh. I received a free advanced copy to read and review.
May 22, 2021
Vanessa has had a difficult road to hoe . She is a goal setter and achiever. Then Vanessa meets Damien, he becomes a fixture at work and they slowly get to know one another. Lot's of emotions in this book as Vanessa tries to find time to get to know and then to trust Damien. Damien has a small bit of baggage to work through himself. The time they spend together becomes precious. Love watching them grow together and conquer hurdles. There are some revelations they need to deal with as well. Enjoyed reading this story which is the third book in the Perfectly Independent Series. Looking forward to more!
May 24, 2021
I received this free eARC novel from the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions. This is my honest review.
I adored this book! I loved getting to know Vanessa in her brother, Vince's, novel, but getting her own viewpoint and seeing her find her own happily ever after was wonderful! Damien, Vanessa, and Julia are perfect characters and they will melt your heart.
I think my favorite character would have to be Julia. She is so much wiser than her 5 years and seeing her learn and grow through this novel was so sweet!
I'm glad I got the chance to read this book and I'm looking forward to more by this author!
I adored this book! I loved getting to know Vanessa in her brother, Vince's, novel, but getting her own viewpoint and seeing her find her own happily ever after was wonderful! Damien, Vanessa, and Julia are perfect characters and they will melt your heart.
I think my favorite character would have to be Julia. She is so much wiser than her 5 years and seeing her learn and grow through this novel was so sweet!
I'm glad I got the chance to read this book and I'm looking forward to more by this author!
May 25, 2021
I enjoyed every minute of reading Damien; it is realistic and heartwarming! I loved the likable characters -- strong, resilient, confident Vanessa; patient, understanding Damien; and adorable Jules. Plus, the secondary characters are just as charming.
"If I can't handle your crazy, I don't deserve your calm."
Damien will remind you that there are good men who want to be supportive partners to strong women. With Damien by her side, Vanessa realizes that she is more than just Jules' mom and can live her life to the fullest.
I highly recommend this delightful single mom romance with minimal angst. I'm looking forward to the future books about Damien's brothers!
I received an early copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my honest opinion.
"If I can't handle your crazy, I don't deserve your calm."
Damien will remind you that there are good men who want to be supportive partners to strong women. With Damien by her side, Vanessa realizes that she is more than just Jules' mom and can live her life to the fullest.
I highly recommend this delightful single mom romance with minimal angst. I'm looking forward to the future books about Damien's brothers!
I received an early copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my honest opinion.
May 25, 2021
This book was fantastic and could not put it down. This story goes through ALL of the emotions love, lost, pain, excitement, awe, sadness, pride, and so many more.
Vanessa is a strong independent young single mother who will do all she can for her little girl. She has experienced way more then any person ever should but she never gave up on her dream.
Damien never expected to fall gor this beautiful woman and her child, but right off from the start he knew vanessa was someone special . He instantly fell in lovecwith her and her daughter.
This was such a great book and I highly recommend this book for everyone to read.
Vanessa is a strong independent young single mother who will do all she can for her little girl. She has experienced way more then any person ever should but she never gave up on her dream.
Damien never expected to fall gor this beautiful woman and her child, but right off from the start he knew vanessa was someone special . He instantly fell in lovecwith her and her daughter.
This was such a great book and I highly recommend this book for everyone to read.
May 25, 2021
This is was ana amazing single parent read! I got intrigued from the blurb initially but the first chapter just about sucked me right in.
Damien was such a swooney character, he knew what he wanted and went for it. Sure he was nervous at first and missed a few chances but that just adds to the swoon factor.
Vanessa was a great character. She was strong, resilient and a loving mother. Jules will have you smiling with her little character.
Its hard not love any of this characters together and the story that unfolds with them. Not too much angst but just enough and the right amount of love!
Damien was such a swooney character, he knew what he wanted and went for it. Sure he was nervous at first and missed a few chances but that just adds to the swoon factor.
Vanessa was a great character. She was strong, resilient and a loving mother. Jules will have you smiling with her little character.
Its hard not love any of this characters together and the story that unfolds with them. Not too much angst but just enough and the right amount of love!
May 26, 2021
First, I just want to sit here and swoon 😍 Damien (the man and the book) had my heart from the very first chapter. After reading a little bit about Vanessa’s back ground in Drew, I already knew I was rooting for Damien from the very start, yes Vanessa is goals, smart, driven, an excellent mum, attractive, brilliant, loyal, independent and the list goes on, but she needed some one like Damien in her life to care for her, show her that’s it’s ok to love and that being a single mum, doesn’t make her less worthy for care and attention. Single mums rock, having grown up with one I know firsthand how hard they work and how much they sacrifice. I am super glad Vanessa admitted to herself what she needed and decided to just go for it. Damien was a beautiful story, yes I did cry 😂 but it was totally worth it.
May 23, 2021
Slow burns don’t normally do it for me, but there is something incredibly sweet between Vanessa and Damien.
Vanessa is doing her thing and living her life. She’s strong, independent and single-mom’s the heck out of that roll. She doesn’t need a man, but in Damien, she finds much more than she ever thought she would.
Damien was drawn to Vanessa from the first meal she ever served him. He proves to her that he will always stand beside her, no matter what life throws at them. His unwavering loyalty is what had me rooting for them both.
Any man that loves another man’s child as if she were his own, is a keeper 💕
Vanessa is doing her thing and living her life. She’s strong, independent and single-mom’s the heck out of that roll. She doesn’t need a man, but in Damien, she finds much more than she ever thought she would.
Damien was drawn to Vanessa from the first meal she ever served him. He proves to her that he will always stand beside her, no matter what life throws at them. His unwavering loyalty is what had me rooting for them both.
Any man that loves another man’s child as if she were his own, is a keeper 💕
May 25, 2021
Third book in this series. This is Vanessa's story. Vanessa is the twin of Vince. Single mom who is working hard to make things work. Her daughter Julia or Jules is such an amazing character, even though the book isn't about her you can't help but fall in love with her. Damien is working on a project at the school and just wants to lay low, that is until he meets Vanessa.
Although there are some ups and downs, Vanessa and Damien have a great spark. The story is well written, and all the characters are amazing. It is fun to see characters pulled from different series.
Although there are some ups and downs, Vanessa and Damien have a great spark. The story is well written, and all the characters are amazing. It is fun to see characters pulled from different series.
May 23, 2021
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Low angst, single parent with a side of handsome and sweet. Then you add in an adorable five year old?! Well I'm sold! And THAT epilogue!! 😍
If you're looking for a sweet and thoughtful book boyfriend, look no more. This book was exactly what I needed this weekend! Low angst and nothing overly complicated. A simple love story about family and falling when you least expect it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're looking for a sweet and thoughtful book boyfriend, look no more. This book was exactly what I needed this weekend! Low angst and nothing overly complicated. A simple love story about family and falling when you least expect it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 31, 2021
Damien, Vanessa and Julia had me from the first chapter. Absolutely loved their storyline and the way they got to learn how to fall in love again.
Damien is the 3rd book in the Perfectly Independent series by Amanda Shelley. Although characters from the previous two books make appearances this is still a standalone story with a beautiful, heartfelt ending.
Can't wait to read more books in this series!
Damien is the 3rd book in the Perfectly Independent series by Amanda Shelley. Although characters from the previous two books make appearances this is still a standalone story with a beautiful, heartfelt ending.
Can't wait to read more books in this series!
May 29, 2021
When I met Vanessa and Jules in Vince’s book I knew I needed there story. They had all been through so much and were so strong that they deserved to find their person. Who knew that when Damien walked into the diner that he would be the one?
This story is one of finding someone who adores your crazy and realizes the importance of family. What I love about this series is that every book is a standalone but you get to catch up with the other characters that you fell in love with in previous books.
Another great read!
This story is one of finding someone who adores your crazy and realizes the importance of family. What I love about this series is that every book is a standalone but you get to catch up with the other characters that you fell in love with in previous books.
Another great read!
May 31, 2021
I always love the feels that the single parent trope gives me. I fell in love with Jules from the previous book. So I was really looking forward to reading her in her mom's book. And I did enjoy this book. I loved Damien and Vanessa. Their story was wonderful. This book was exactly what I needed. And the adorable Julia, of course, steals the spotlight!
May 26, 2021
I’ve been waiting for Vanessa’s story since we met her and this did not disappoint. I loved Damien and Vanessa. This story was wonderful and I loved that it was low angst. I also love how present Vanessa’s daughter was. I can’t wait to read what Amanda writes next.
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