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Single Dads Club #1
The Falcon and the Foe
Two single dads. One huge grudge. And one tiny tent.
It’s hard enough balancing two jobs with raising my son solo. Forget dating. I barely have time for laundry.
But when my son’s scouting troop The Falcons needed a co-scout leader, I couldn’t say no. There’s just one ginormous problem: the other scout leader Russ.
To all other parents, he’s #DadGoals, Mr. Sexy Widower who lords over the drop off line.
To me? He’s the bane of my picket-fenced existence - stuck up, anal (not in the fun way), and definitely the person who got me booted from the Parent Teacher Association. I can’t let him wrest control of The Falcons and have history repeat itself - no matter how hot he looks in his khaki uniform.
Thing is, the more we work together, the more I glimpse the caring man lurking under the cold exterior. Maybe he isn’t the completely wretched human being I thought.
We’d both sworn off romance to focus on fatherhood, and nothing’s going to change that, not even sharing a too-small tent in the wilderness.
Right?
The Falcon and the Foe is an MM enemies-to-lovers romance containing hot single dads, sizzling snarky banter, pitched tent puns, skinny dipping, and an HEA. It's the first in the Single Dads Club series, but can be read as a standalone.
It’s hard enough balancing two jobs with raising my son solo. Forget dating. I barely have time for laundry.
But when my son’s scouting troop The Falcons needed a co-scout leader, I couldn’t say no. There’s just one ginormous problem: the other scout leader Russ.
To all other parents, he’s #DadGoals, Mr. Sexy Widower who lords over the drop off line.
To me? He’s the bane of my picket-fenced existence - stuck up, anal (not in the fun way), and definitely the person who got me booted from the Parent Teacher Association. I can’t let him wrest control of The Falcons and have history repeat itself - no matter how hot he looks in his khaki uniform.
Thing is, the more we work together, the more I glimpse the caring man lurking under the cold exterior. Maybe he isn’t the completely wretched human being I thought.
We’d both sworn off romance to focus on fatherhood, and nothing’s going to change that, not even sharing a too-small tent in the wilderness.
Right?
The Falcon and the Foe is an MM enemies-to-lovers romance containing hot single dads, sizzling snarky banter, pitched tent puns, skinny dipping, and an HEA. It's the first in the Single Dads Club series, but can be read as a standalone.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2022
416 people are currently reading
2532 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Truman
33 books1,037 followersWelcome! I’m a gay male author who writes MM romance filled with humor, heart, and hot guys. My characters fall into bed and fall in love, usually in that order. Think LOL meets DTF.
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 636 reviews
April 4, 2024
3.5 stars
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it overall, especially the first half of the story.
What I liked the most:
- Russ and Cal as the main characters, I liked how realistic they felt
- the humor and the banter between them
- their relationship with their kids
- the camping
- their group of friends
The only thing that didn't work for me was the way the intimate scenes were written. Maybe it's just me, but I think there were too many and they felt a bit cringey in a story where there are so many scenes with children.
*******
Re-read 4/2024: I re-read this because the audiobook is narrated by Nick J. Russo. I still like the same things I enjoyed the first time around. Russ and Cal are so much fun, especially in the beginning when they can't stand each other, and NJR made their banter sound even better and funnier.
5 stars for the audiobook.
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it overall, especially the first half of the story.
What I liked the most:
- Russ and Cal as the main characters, I liked how realistic they felt
- the humor and the banter between them
- their relationship with their kids
- the camping
- their group of friends
The only thing that didn't work for me was the way the intimate scenes were written. Maybe it's just me, but I think there were too many and they felt a bit cringey in a story where there are so many scenes with children.
*******
Re-read 4/2024: I re-read this because the audiobook is narrated by Nick J. Russo. I still like the same things I enjoyed the first time around. Russ and Cal are so much fun, especially in the beginning when they can't stand each other, and NJR made their banter sound even better and funnier.
5 stars for the audiobook.
August 12, 2023
y'all know that meme that was made of chrissy teigen at the 2015 golden globes?
that was me the whole time reading this
if you're looking for so-called enemies to lovers who say they hate each other but also wanna get in each others pants like a bunch of teenage horny rabbits, absolute cringe, second hand embarrassment, immature fathers who act like children, petty reasons to “hate” each other, ott banter and humor, then look no further!
that was me the whole time reading this
if you're looking for so-called enemies to lovers who say they hate each other but also wanna get in each others pants like a bunch of teenage horny rabbits, absolute cringe, second hand embarrassment, immature fathers who act like children, petty reasons to “hate” each other, ott banter and humor, then look no further!
July 15, 2023
re-listen July 2023
total comfort-audio. ♡
4.25**** stars
Well, this was so much fun! I enjoyed myself a lot while listening! I’m usually not one to go for the single-dad trope but I wanted to try another series by AJ Truman. And Nick J. Russo was narrating, so… here I am.
This is some kind of enemies-to-lovers (yk, the loosely used term) with Russ, the stickler to the rules single dad and super dad and also the scouts’ leader of the Falcons. After he lost his husband in a fatal accident four years ago he’s driven by fear of something else happening, especially to his son, Quintin. So his main goal is to teach his scouts first aid and safety and other stuff that is more on the not-side of the fun spectrum.
Enter Cal. He’s practically the polar opposite of Russ and when he and his son Josh join the scouts their usual head-butting reaches new heights. But slowly, with spending more and more time together there is some kind of understanding for the other man forming.
And when the scouts group with Cal and Russ as their leaders go onto a camping trip there is not only the camp fire burning. I don’t know what was more fun to watch; the spider incident or the skinny dipping debacle *lmfaooo
And *phew I really like the smut AJT is writing!! So hot. Even hotter with NJR moaning in your ears *blushing a little —Cal and Russ had great chemistry! And I loved their love story.
My only niggle with this book was that there was not much about the Single Dads Club. I really would’ve loved to get to know them better and explore their friendship with each other some more as some of these side-characters become main-characters in the following books.
I really come to love this author’s way of light and swoony storytelling with a lot of banter and full of humor in it. His romances really became some kind of happy place for me I so enjoy being in. Each book individually didn't qualify for a five-star rating so far BUT if I could, I would give the author overall all the stars for the mushy feelings his stories pull from me and the great entertainment. ♡
side note: the prequel "Three Nights with the Manny" was a super cute, short read and a great intro to the series.
*************
Single Dads Club Series:
Prequel short - Three Nights with the Manny - 3.5 stars
Book 1 - The Falcon and the Foe - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - The Mayor and the Mystery Man - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - The Barkeep and the Bro - 4.0 stars
total comfort-audio. ♡
“Like I told you, Cal. I don’t have time for bullshit. I see myself being with you for the long haul. We are a family.”
4.25**** stars
Well, this was so much fun! I enjoyed myself a lot while listening! I’m usually not one to go for the single-dad trope but I wanted to try another series by AJ Truman. And Nick J. Russo was narrating, so… here I am.
This is some kind of enemies-to-lovers (yk, the loosely used term) with Russ, the stickler to the rules single dad and super dad and also the scouts’ leader of the Falcons. After he lost his husband in a fatal accident four years ago he’s driven by fear of something else happening, especially to his son, Quintin. So his main goal is to teach his scouts first aid and safety and other stuff that is more on the not-side of the fun spectrum.
Enter Cal. He’s practically the polar opposite of Russ and when he and his son Josh join the scouts their usual head-butting reaches new heights. But slowly, with spending more and more time together there is some kind of understanding for the other man forming.
And when the scouts group with Cal and Russ as their leaders go onto a camping trip there is not only the camp fire burning. I don’t know what was more fun to watch; the spider incident or the skinny dipping debacle *lmfaooo
“So, how was your camping trip with Scoutmaster Asshole?”
“Um. It was fine.”
“What’d you all do?”
“Oh, you know. We built a campfire, made s’mores, went on a hike, Russ and I made out and gave each other handjobs, we went canoeing.”
“Come again?”
“Almost. But then the kids found us.”
And *phew I really like the smut AJT is writing!! So hot. Even hotter with NJR moaning in your ears *blushing a little —Cal and Russ had great chemistry! And I loved their love story.
My only niggle with this book was that there was not much about the Single Dads Club. I really would’ve loved to get to know them better and explore their friendship with each other some more as some of these side-characters become main-characters in the following books.
I really come to love this author’s way of light and swoony storytelling with a lot of banter and full of humor in it. His romances really became some kind of happy place for me I so enjoy being in. Each book individually didn't qualify for a five-star rating so far BUT if I could, I would give the author overall all the stars for the mushy feelings his stories pull from me and the great entertainment. ♡
side note: the prequel "Three Nights with the Manny" was a super cute, short read and a great intro to the series.
*************
Single Dads Club Series:
Prequel short - Three Nights with the Manny - 3.5 stars
Book 1 - The Falcon and the Foe - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - The Mayor and the Mystery Man - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - The Barkeep and the Bro - 4.0 stars
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 9, 2025
The Falcon and the Foe is book one in the Single Dads Club by A.J. Truman. I’ve had this on my Kindle for awhile now. The whole series looks super cute. And I really enjoyed getting to know these two.
First, I’ll introduce you to Cal Hogan, forty years old, single dad. He is a bit of a mess. He is super out going and works two jobs trying to support his nine year old son, Josh. He works in a local high end grocery store and also does voice over work in a home studio in his basement. Organization is not one of Cal’s qualities. He doesn’t see cleaning the house or going through stacks of old mail as a priority. I loved the way he could meet someone and be their best friend in three minutes flat. But the school his son goes to has a lot of people with money, people that live for wearing the perfect clothes, driving the perfect car, and having the perfect children. I felt so bad for the way they looked down on Cal.
Russ Ettinger is forty one years old and is raising his nine year old son, Quentin. Russ was in love once but lost his husband in a terrible accident. Now Russ lives his life terrified of something terrible happening to his son. He is determined to keep him safe at all costs. Russ is the president of the PTA and is the perfect dad. He cooks, he is organized, his clothes are always perfect. He also makes Cal crazy.
When Josh comes home and tells his dad he wants to join the Falcons, a scouting group for boys, Cal is determined that it will be a positive experience for his son, except when he learns that Russ is the scout leader. Of course he is! The man that makes his life miserable. And when he learns that the troop needs a co-leader, Cal might have jumped at the idea, at first just to drive Russ crazy! But a funny thing happens. As these two spend time together, as they get to know one another, they start to realize that they were all wrong about the other. And they actually bring out the best in each other. Russ starts to loosen up a bit. He smiles more, laughs even. He starts to listen to some of Cal’s ideas. And Cal starts to try to do better with his organizational skills.
These two really were cute together and their chemistry was crazy hot! Most of all, though, they were both fantastic dads. And together, they found something they both were missing, family. They balanced each other out which in turn, provided a better rounded out experience for the boys. They might have started out as enemies, but then they became friends, then they became more.
Book two in this series is Leo’s book, The Mayor and the Mystery Man, and sounds like so much fun.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
First, I’ll introduce you to Cal Hogan, forty years old, single dad. He is a bit of a mess. He is super out going and works two jobs trying to support his nine year old son, Josh. He works in a local high end grocery store and also does voice over work in a home studio in his basement. Organization is not one of Cal’s qualities. He doesn’t see cleaning the house or going through stacks of old mail as a priority. I loved the way he could meet someone and be their best friend in three minutes flat. But the school his son goes to has a lot of people with money, people that live for wearing the perfect clothes, driving the perfect car, and having the perfect children. I felt so bad for the way they looked down on Cal.
Russ Ettinger is forty one years old and is raising his nine year old son, Quentin. Russ was in love once but lost his husband in a terrible accident. Now Russ lives his life terrified of something terrible happening to his son. He is determined to keep him safe at all costs. Russ is the president of the PTA and is the perfect dad. He cooks, he is organized, his clothes are always perfect. He also makes Cal crazy.
When Josh comes home and tells his dad he wants to join the Falcons, a scouting group for boys, Cal is determined that it will be a positive experience for his son, except when he learns that Russ is the scout leader. Of course he is! The man that makes his life miserable. And when he learns that the troop needs a co-leader, Cal might have jumped at the idea, at first just to drive Russ crazy! But a funny thing happens. As these two spend time together, as they get to know one another, they start to realize that they were all wrong about the other. And they actually bring out the best in each other. Russ starts to loosen up a bit. He smiles more, laughs even. He starts to listen to some of Cal’s ideas. And Cal starts to try to do better with his organizational skills.
These two really were cute together and their chemistry was crazy hot! Most of all, though, they were both fantastic dads. And together, they found something they both were missing, family. They balanced each other out which in turn, provided a better rounded out experience for the boys. They might have started out as enemies, but then they became friends, then they became more.
Book two in this series is Leo’s book, The Mayor and the Mystery Man, and sounds like so much fun.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 28, 2022
I always have a hard time rating books like this. Because while I didn't hate it, I also didn't love it. There was nothing particularly bad about this book, it was decent. I guess you could say it was average, I really don't have much to say about it.
To end on a positive note, I will say I did love how both of the MCs were in their 40s - they were both mature and communicative (even while being silly at times) which was very refreshing.
To end on a positive note, I will say I did love how both of the MCs were in their 40s - they were both mature and communicative (even while being silly at times) which was very refreshing.
January 27, 2022
Ok, this is officially my favorite book so far this year, and A. J. Truman has become one of my favorite authors. I know, I have a lot of favorite authors but that just gives me more choices.
I love enemies to lovers books. I love a slow burn, and I love stories about middle aged gay men finding happiness and love. This book has it all.
Russ and Cal are incredible main characters. Cal is a messy bear who’s full of personality and good humor. Russ is a good looking uptight perfectionist who always needs to be in control. They hate each other until they don’t.
When Cal showed up at the Spirit Day Celebration with a piece of green construction paper pinned to his chest I cried. It was so perfect and sweet. As a retired teacher it really hit home.
I love enemies to lovers books. I love a slow burn, and I love stories about middle aged gay men finding happiness and love. This book has it all.
Russ and Cal are incredible main characters. Cal is a messy bear who’s full of personality and good humor. Russ is a good looking uptight perfectionist who always needs to be in control. They hate each other until they don’t.
When Cal showed up at the Spirit Day Celebration with a piece of green construction paper pinned to his chest I cried. It was so perfect and sweet. As a retired teacher it really hit home.
May 2, 2024
I know they say don't judge a book by its cover, but the new covers for this series really drew me in and got me to pick up The Falcon and the Foe. I'm glad I did because I had a really good time reading Cal and Russ' romance.
The enemies part of enemies-to-lovers was so fun. I loved their bickering and one-upmanship. And they were enemies for a good chunk of time which was perfect. One of my pet peeves with enemies-to-lovers is then the enemies portion is barely a blip and they're lovers too fast. Cal and Russ' progression from enemies to friendly to lovers was really well done!
Family and friends play a big part in this single dads romance, and I can't wait to read the romances of the other dads in the 'Single Dads Club'.
The enemies part of enemies-to-lovers was so fun. I loved their bickering and one-upmanship. And they were enemies for a good chunk of time which was perfect. One of my pet peeves with enemies-to-lovers is then the enemies portion is barely a blip and they're lovers too fast. Cal and Russ' progression from enemies to friendly to lovers was really well done!
Family and friends play a big part in this single dads romance, and I can't wait to read the romances of the other dads in the 'Single Dads Club'.
January 28, 2022
RTC but man did I enjoy this book, I had so much fun reading this one and it really worked for me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
May 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Really, really enjoyed it. First of all, it's freaking hilarious. I laughed and highlighted, laughed and highlighted and laughed and highlighted some more. Seriously, you shouldn't read this book if you don't like to laugh.
In this book we are meeting Russ and Cal. Russ is the "perfect" dad. Stuck up and always following his self imposed rules to the very end. Cal is more of a free spirit. He's always close to a laugh and is friendly with most everyone. When these two gets together in the beginning they clash and they clash hard. Which leads to some utterly ridiculous scenes. Seriously, I loved the banter in the beginning of this book.
As much as I enjoyed the enemies part of this enemies to lovers story when these two guys finally gets together it's hot and sweet and it gave me all the feels. I was rooting for them so hard and I couldn't help smiling from ear to ear.
The whole single dads club thing is fun, they are more like found family than friends and I can't wait to read the other guys stories. The kids, Josh and Quentin where awesome. Kids in romance stories can totally be written for the wrong reason (keeping the MC's) apart but in this one they added another layer to the story. It was great, really.
It's been a while since I last picked up this author's work and right now I can't remember why. This series is going straight to my insta buy list.
In this book we are meeting Russ and Cal. Russ is the "perfect" dad. Stuck up and always following his self imposed rules to the very end. Cal is more of a free spirit. He's always close to a laugh and is friendly with most everyone. When these two gets together in the beginning they clash and they clash hard. Which leads to some utterly ridiculous scenes. Seriously, I loved the banter in the beginning of this book.
As much as I enjoyed the enemies part of this enemies to lovers story when these two guys finally gets together it's hot and sweet and it gave me all the feels. I was rooting for them so hard and I couldn't help smiling from ear to ear.
The whole single dads club thing is fun, they are more like found family than friends and I can't wait to read the other guys stories. The kids, Josh and Quentin where awesome. Kids in romance stories can totally be written for the wrong reason (keeping the MC's) apart but in this one they added another layer to the story. It was great, really.
It's been a while since I last picked up this author's work and right now I can't remember why. This series is going straight to my insta buy list.
November 7, 2022
4 stars
This was an unexpected win! Haha I loved this dynamic Cal and Russ had. They went from enemies to friends/lovers to full lovers.
Loved how they were both single Dad’s but Cal was a little more chaotic while Russ was more meticulous!
I do wish we had more in-depth conversations rather than glossing over the past since it impacted both MCs life. But even with that said the writing and the characters made me love the book!
There were definite times I laughed out loud haha this is definitely not going to be my last AJ Truman book!
Nick J Russo also narrated the book and I loved every minute of it, thought he fit for these two characters.
This was an unexpected win! Haha I loved this dynamic Cal and Russ had. They went from enemies to friends/lovers to full lovers.
Loved how they were both single Dad’s but Cal was a little more chaotic while Russ was more meticulous!
I do wish we had more in-depth conversations rather than glossing over the past since it impacted both MCs life. But even with that said the writing and the characters made me love the book!
There were definite times I laughed out loud haha this is definitely not going to be my last AJ Truman book!
Nick J Russo also narrated the book and I loved every minute of it, thought he fit for these two characters.
March 25, 2024
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance about two single dads who haven’t had a relationship in a long time, who have to co-lead their sons scout troop and includes the tropes: rivals-to-lovers, opposites attract, and “only one tent” trope… look no further!
The Falcon and The Foe was hilarious, fun, enjoyable, endearing, spicy and just a joy to read. I found myself chuckling often, especially at the beginning. The progression of this story was so digestible and it makes it easy when you can enjoy and like both main characters. Both main characters have LAYERS, and are holding onto some trauma from their pasts (terrible advantage taking exes and dealing with grief).
The fact that I sprinted through this in 5 days is always a good sign (y’all I’m such a slow reader but not when it comes to books I vibe well with), which meant that it was hard to put down!
[Minor high-level spoiler just below - but is it really if it's Rivals-to-Lovers?]
When it comes to rivals-to-lovers in any story, I'm skeptical each time because it can be challenging to convince the reader to believe the main characters’ feelings have done a 180 on each other. However, A.J. has achieved this in a believable way! They continue to interact as they did when they were rivals, but in a more bickering, poking-fun-at way, than serious. Bcause Cal and Russ stayed true to their characters thoughts about each other (but evolving into a positive light), I was convinced.
I think some of the humour that I truly enjoyed and loved was missing in the third quarter and I was happy to find more laughs in the fourth. The writing is strong and it’s such a fun time and pleasure to read… not to mention, the spice is spicing! I loved seeing the characters remain in character even during those spicy moments.
I really liked this book! And whilst, there were a few things that kind of just irked me - I can’t quite put my finger on why, there’s not really anything bad I can say about this book. Overall, it’s something I think most people will enjoy.
The Falcon and The Foe was hilarious, fun, enjoyable, endearing, spicy and just a joy to read. I found myself chuckling often, especially at the beginning. The progression of this story was so digestible and it makes it easy when you can enjoy and like both main characters. Both main characters have LAYERS, and are holding onto some trauma from their pasts (terrible advantage taking exes and dealing with grief).
The fact that I sprinted through this in 5 days is always a good sign (y’all I’m such a slow reader but not when it comes to books I vibe well with), which meant that it was hard to put down!
[Minor high-level spoiler just below - but is it really if it's Rivals-to-Lovers?]
When it comes to rivals-to-lovers in any story, I'm skeptical each time because it can be challenging to convince the reader to believe the main characters’ feelings have done a 180 on each other. However, A.J. has achieved this in a believable way! They continue to interact as they did when they were rivals, but in a more bickering, poking-fun-at way, than serious. Bcause Cal and Russ stayed true to their characters thoughts about each other (but evolving into a positive light), I was convinced.
I think some of the humour that I truly enjoyed and loved was missing in the third quarter and I was happy to find more laughs in the fourth. The writing is strong and it’s such a fun time and pleasure to read… not to mention, the spice is spicing! I loved seeing the characters remain in character even during those spicy moments.
I really liked this book! And whilst, there were a few things that kind of just irked me - I can’t quite put my finger on why, there’s not really anything bad I can say about this book. Overall, it’s something I think most people will enjoy.
January 28, 2022
4.5 stars ⭐️
This was lovely! Lovely read!
✨Enemies to lovers; grump sunshine; slow-burn; single dads with cute kids ✨-- this book hit all the spots!
Brief summary:
This book is about MCs: Cal and Russ, two single day dads raising their boys who constantly butt heads at PTA meetings or school events. Russ is a well-off business man, punctual, serious; member of the PTA who is well liked by the other parents. Cal is more of a free spirit, a bit forgetful, messy, balancing two job and the parent who brings chips in a bag to school events (instead of homemade healthy snacks, the horror!!). Forced to co-lead their sons Scout troop, they butt heads and then slowly form a friendship that leads to love.
My thoughts
In the beginning, Cal and Russ were insufferable in different ways. They were imperfect characters and I understood why they they disliked one another lol they were both kinda mean and annoying and judgy!! ( As a messy-always-perpetually-late person, I was team Cal at the beginning and found Russ so mean and uptight haha ) BUT the more I kept reading, slowly their actions made sense and it was hard not to love and empathize with them.
I really enjoyed their friendship development and their slow burn romance. The writing was great, the characters felt real and multifaceted. HIGHLIGHT: Realistic bodies for 40 yr dads! Hairy, big bellies, beards and dadbods that weren't just tolerated but appreciated by each other.
This is my first AJ Truman book and after this read, I'm really excited to read the rest of the series.
This was lovely! Lovely read!
✨Enemies to lovers; grump sunshine; slow-burn; single dads with cute kids ✨-- this book hit all the spots!
Brief summary:
This book is about MCs: Cal and Russ, two single day dads raising their boys who constantly butt heads at PTA meetings or school events. Russ is a well-off business man, punctual, serious; member of the PTA who is well liked by the other parents. Cal is more of a free spirit, a bit forgetful, messy, balancing two job and the parent who brings chips in a bag to school events (instead of homemade healthy snacks, the horror!!). Forced to co-lead their sons Scout troop, they butt heads and then slowly form a friendship that leads to love.
My thoughts
In the beginning, Cal and Russ were insufferable in different ways. They were imperfect characters and I understood why they they disliked one another lol they were both kinda mean and annoying and judgy!! ( As a messy-always-perpetually-late person, I was team Cal at the beginning and found Russ so mean and uptight haha ) BUT the more I kept reading, slowly their actions made sense and it was hard not to love and empathize with them.
I really enjoyed their friendship development and their slow burn romance. The writing was great, the characters felt real and multifaceted. HIGHLIGHT: Realistic bodies for 40 yr dads! Hairy, big bellies, beards and dadbods that weren't just tolerated but appreciated by each other.
This is my first AJ Truman book and after this read, I'm really excited to read the rest of the series.
December 24, 2022
Adorable love story between two men in their prime
Both are single father to two 9 year old boys, and they can’t stand each other. Russ is uptight, the perfect, shiny gay widower, and leads a group of Falcons. Josh, Cal’s son, wants to join said Falcons, and Cal (the exact opposite of Josh, messy, chaotic and always ready to laugh) isn’t overly fond of the idea of having to deal with all the super-mums and dads. To Russ’ dismay, Cal volunteers to co-lead the Falcons because he loves ruffling Russ’ feathers.
Their story is low on angst, high of 🔥 and overall adorable. It’s not quite 4 stars, but I’m feeling generously because it made me smile. Not bad for a first book of a series - looking forward to the next ones now 😊
Both are single father to two 9 year old boys, and they can’t stand each other. Russ is uptight, the perfect, shiny gay widower, and leads a group of Falcons. Josh, Cal’s son, wants to join said Falcons, and Cal (the exact opposite of Josh, messy, chaotic and always ready to laugh) isn’t overly fond of the idea of having to deal with all the super-mums and dads. To Russ’ dismay, Cal volunteers to co-lead the Falcons because he loves ruffling Russ’ feathers.
Their story is low on angst, high of 🔥 and overall adorable. It’s not quite 4 stars, but I’m feeling generously because it made me smile. Not bad for a first book of a series - looking forward to the next ones now 😊
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February 1, 2022DNF @ 70%. No rating.
Well loves I’m honoring my 2022 promise to myself to not read books that no longer spark joy (thank you, Marie Kondo 😌), so I’m putting this one out to pasture. I don’t want to be a hater so I’ll just leave my thoughts on this book as no comment.
Well loves I’m honoring my 2022 promise to myself to not read books that no longer spark joy (thank you, Marie Kondo 😌), so I’m putting this one out to pasture. I don’t want to be a hater so I’ll just leave my thoughts on this book as no comment.
July 10, 2023
Such a great enemies to lovers story! I loved getting to know Cal and Russ and seeing them fall for each other. They were both hot and hilarious! Really well written and Nick J Russo's narration brought out to the next level, loved it!
October 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
cute story, fun couple, nice banter. the “enemies” plotline was weak at best, and there were way too many spicy scenes that kids were walking in on. but it was overall an enjoyable read, and a great audiobook.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
cute story, fun couple, nice banter. the “enemies” plotline was weak at best, and there were way too many spicy scenes that kids were walking in on. but it was overall an enjoyable read, and a great audiobook.
January 6, 2025
Seemingly unpopular opinion on this - I actually preferred Russ to Cal. Not because of his winning personality (heh) but because his character arc was just more intriguing to me.
Cal's pretty much the same jokey happy go lucky guy from the jump. Which isn't bad, it was just constant.
Russ, though? Grump. Frump. Closed off. Annoyed for no reason. Fun police. All that to the loving guy he ended up being? The one initiating everything? The one challenging his beliefs once he opened his mind to seeing Cal? Yeahhhhh that was a character evolution I enjoyed.
And maybe a lot of it was due to Cal's influence but still.
I did not hate this. That's as high as my praise can go for a story that heavily features and revolves around children on account of both MCs being single dads.
Nick J. Russo was great on the narration. I have all the other audiobooks in this series and I may listen to them.
Cal's pretty much the same jokey happy go lucky guy from the jump. Which isn't bad, it was just constant.
Russ, though? Grump. Frump. Closed off. Annoyed for no reason. Fun police. All that to the loving guy he ended up being? The one initiating everything? The one challenging his beliefs once he opened his mind to seeing Cal? Yeahhhhh that was a character evolution I enjoyed.
And maybe a lot of it was due to Cal's influence but still.
I did not hate this. That's as high as my praise can go for a story that heavily features and revolves around children on account of both MCs being single dads.
Nick J. Russo was great on the narration. I have all the other audiobooks in this series and I may listen to them.
August 1, 2023
Edit: Forgot to mention. Great narration from Nick J. Russo, by the way! The reason I use audiobooks/podcasts to induce sleep is because 90% of the time, I tune words out and it transforms into background noise in my head. However, not only did I get hooked, the narrator succeeded in delivering A.J. Truman's goal. That is to give the feels and occasionally, piss readers off. 😅😂 Kudos! My favorite parts were Cal's VO samples on ads. Reminded me of Inka Magnaye who's a VO actress and famous for her PAL voice over. The only thing, I can't get used to, just like any other audiobooks I've read, was the smexy scenes. It's strange to hear it and yes, I know, it's a 'me' problem. 🤣
__________
3.5 falcon badges rounded up for Quinton and Josh who were both adorable, kind, and perceptive kids. 🤭❤️
Cal was easy to like because he's funny and chill but I can't believe Russ won me over! I almost DNF this at10% and just tried to get past my initial annoyance. I wanted to fall asleep fast yesterday and so I put on this audio but I lost any chances of sleeping because Russ pissed me off. 🤣 He's such a snob! Ugh. I swear I felt like punching his nonexistent face.
Anyway, glad I calmed myself down and tried to continue. This was entertaining and sweet. Their relationship with their kids and the struggles they had while raising them singlehandedly melted me. Extra points for Russ standing up for Cal against bully mothers. 🙄
__________
3.5 falcon badges rounded up for Quinton and Josh who were both adorable, kind, and perceptive kids. 🤭❤️
Cal was easy to like because he's funny and chill but I can't believe Russ won me over! I almost DNF this at10% and just tried to get past my initial annoyance. I wanted to fall asleep fast yesterday and so I put on this audio but I lost any chances of sleeping because Russ pissed me off. 🤣 He's such a snob! Ugh. I swear I felt like punching his nonexistent face.
Anyway, glad I calmed myself down and tried to continue. This was entertaining and sweet. Their relationship with their kids and the struggles they had while raising them singlehandedly melted me. Extra points for Russ standing up for Cal against bully mothers. 🙄
February 12, 2022
Two single dads, each other's polar opposites who cannot stand each other, end up leading the same troop of boy scouts.
The book is described as being full of snark and banter, and at first I liked the over-the-top humour, but after a while it just felt silly and forced. The characters had little depth and were more like caricatures. At this point I was still sort of enjoying the book, though.
Then the scout group goes on an overnight camping trip, and the MCs basically fall onto each other's dicks. I found this super inappropriate and had to stop reading there. I don't mean that adults need to hide their relationships from children, or that children shouldn't see same-sex relationships. But a relationship is one thing, whereas having sex in the woods and then going skinny-dipping with your co-leader, in a situation when you're supposed to be one of two trusted adults for a bunch of nine-year-olds, is just so completely wrong and not the least bit hot. The kids actually come across the MCs while they're skinny dipping, and it's presented as a funny situation as they try to hide their nakedness and scramble to get away. How the hell can anyone find this funny, I have no idea.
The book is described as being full of snark and banter, and at first I liked the over-the-top humour, but after a while it just felt silly and forced. The characters had little depth and were more like caricatures. At this point I was still sort of enjoying the book, though.
Then the scout group goes on an overnight camping trip, and the MCs basically fall onto each other's dicks. I found this super inappropriate and had to stop reading there. I don't mean that adults need to hide their relationships from children, or that children shouldn't see same-sex relationships. But a relationship is one thing, whereas having sex in the woods and then going skinny-dipping with your co-leader, in a situation when you're supposed to be one of two trusted adults for a bunch of nine-year-olds, is just so completely wrong and not the least bit hot. The kids actually come across the MCs while they're skinny dipping, and it's presented as a funny situation as they try to hide their nakedness and scramble to get away. How the hell can anyone find this funny, I have no idea.
November 10, 2022
Enemies to lover con dos padres, tiene sus puntos graciosos y sus puntos tiernos, está bastante bien y afortunadamente los niños son niños, no hombres de 50 años en cuerpos de 10 años.
December 24, 2024
This was an unexpected surprise! 🙌🏻 It was my first book by AJ Truman, and it certainly won't be my last. His writing style totally worked for me. The story was well-paced, funny, and I didn't find myself bored at any point, which I loved. It's always refreshing to read about older MCs with children too. I'm such a sucker for the single dad trope, so it looks like I'm going to have fun with this series. So far, it's a total win for me! 🥰
The audio was great too. I think it's time to admit that Nick J. Russo has really grown on me. I still don't feel like he has a lot of variety when it comes to his character voices, but he more than makes up for it in enthusiasm where it counts 🔥
The audio was great too. I think it's time to admit that Nick J. Russo has really grown on me. I still don't feel like he has a lot of variety when it comes to his character voices, but he more than makes up for it in enthusiasm where it counts 🔥
August 10, 2024
Funny and cute!
April 1, 2024
I was hoping for so much more with The Falcon and the Foe—quite literally, as I think half of my issues with it come down to it being too short.
It’s a high spice, “enemies” to lovers, MM romcom/dramedy featuring a fat MC (we love) and two older (40+) single dads. On paper, these are great premises for a book. In execution, I think it falls flat.
Cal, the main character (although it is multi-POV), is meant to be a lovable chaos goblin who contrasts with the love interest, Russ, who is a type A neurotic. But I found Cal grating and annoying and too often inconsiderate of other people to be charming.
The “enemies” to lovers plot line is quite thin and resolves in about 50 pages. And there’s really no central “problem” of the plot, nothing that Cal and Russ are jointly confronted with other than their own somewhat incompatible personalities. This is odd given that the main conceit is that Cal and Russ are co-leading a Boy Scouts-esque troop and there could have been any number of challenges that they could have been preparing for.
If the tropes and rep are interesting to you, you might want to check this one out, especially considering it’s fast pace and short length.
It’s a high spice, “enemies” to lovers, MM romcom/dramedy featuring a fat MC (we love) and two older (40+) single dads. On paper, these are great premises for a book. In execution, I think it falls flat.
Cal, the main character (although it is multi-POV), is meant to be a lovable chaos goblin who contrasts with the love interest, Russ, who is a type A neurotic. But I found Cal grating and annoying and too often inconsiderate of other people to be charming.
The “enemies” to lovers plot line is quite thin and resolves in about 50 pages. And there’s really no central “problem” of the plot, nothing that Cal and Russ are jointly confronted with other than their own somewhat incompatible personalities. This is odd given that the main conceit is that Cal and Russ are co-leading a Boy Scouts-esque troop and there could have been any number of challenges that they could have been preparing for.
If the tropes and rep are interesting to you, you might want to check this one out, especially considering it’s fast pace and short length.
January 24, 2022
ADORABLE! This book was simply adorable. It was sweet and funny with good writing…and the frenemies trope was delicious and well done. I enjoyed their animosity and the fact that they were forty something years old men made it even better. And the sex scenes were funny and hot! Loved it! Can’t wait for Leo’s and Mitch’s stories.
April 1, 2022
That was funny 🤣
January 28, 2025
I loved this—the suburban setting and the single dad characters really worked for me. Bonus: my favorite audiobook narrator, Nick J Russo is always perfect. Looking forward to book 2.
October 14, 2025
This was cute! I was wanting a rom com but with some fall vibes and this delivered. Single dads(not really enemies to lovers lol) who end up falling in love! Cute!
August 6, 2025
As much as I advocate for realistic mcs and love interests in romance books, I just couldn't get into the story after one of the mcs is described to be a slob, in detail... multiple times.
January 28, 2022
The hate is real. These two couldn't stand each other. Of course there's the usual "oh I'd bone him, if he didn't open his mouth" kind of acknowledgment.
Cal is more laid-back, not as stuck-up as Russ. Opposites attract.
I enjoyed the banter and the humor, it's a bit deliberately over-the-top.
Surprisingly the story went more smoothly than I expected. Not much drama. That was nice too.
I had an issue with the writing. Maybe I just need more guidance, but sometimes I couldn't track the characters movements, and that happened during sex scenes as well. Like... how can you kiss him, when your mouth is nowhere near his mouth at the moment, khg if you catch my meaning.
Overall I enjoyed it.
Cal is more laid-back, not as stuck-up as Russ. Opposites attract.
I enjoyed the banter and the humor, it's a bit deliberately over-the-top.
Surprisingly the story went more smoothly than I expected. Not much drama. That was nice too.
I had an issue with the writing. Maybe I just need more guidance, but sometimes I couldn't track the characters movements, and that happened during sex scenes as well. Like... how can you kiss him, when your mouth is nowhere near his mouth at the moment, khg if you catch my meaning.
Overall I enjoyed it.
June 29, 2024
me and this book were the enemies to lovers all along
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