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Highland Hills #2
Matchmaking a Single Dad
They’re all wrong for each other…but sometimes two wrongs do make a right.
Cole
The only woman I need in my life is my eight-year-old daughter, Jane. As a widowed brewery owner, I don’t have the time or inclination for anything more serious than a one night stand. Running the brewery is a big job, and being a parent is a bigger one, especially since my in-laws keep trying to prove I’m an unfit guardian.
But there’s no denying Holly Mayberry drives me crazy with her sassy mouth and attitude. I’ve known her most of my life, but I’ve always done a good job of evading her. Until now. She’s teaching Jane’s after-school computer program, and fate keeps throwing us together.
Holly and I are like oil and water, no good for each other. I need to stop thinking about her, so I agree to beta test a new dating app—one that Holly designed, although she’s the last person I’d tell.
My match and I can only DM each other for thirty days. No photos. No real names. No personal information until the end.
If I wanted more with a woman, Cherry Bomb checks all the boxes…so why can’t I stop thinking about Holly?
* * *
Holly
Cole Garrison is a jerk. Or so I’ve told myself for years. The truth is, he’s a DILF and a half, and bickering with him is better than kissing someone else.
Hopefully, the guy I’m chatting up on my dating app will help me forget him…and take his place in my dirty daydreams.
Cole
The only woman I need in my life is my eight-year-old daughter, Jane. As a widowed brewery owner, I don’t have the time or inclination for anything more serious than a one night stand. Running the brewery is a big job, and being a parent is a bigger one, especially since my in-laws keep trying to prove I’m an unfit guardian.
But there’s no denying Holly Mayberry drives me crazy with her sassy mouth and attitude. I’ve known her most of my life, but I’ve always done a good job of evading her. Until now. She’s teaching Jane’s after-school computer program, and fate keeps throwing us together.
Holly and I are like oil and water, no good for each other. I need to stop thinking about her, so I agree to beta test a new dating app—one that Holly designed, although she’s the last person I’d tell.
My match and I can only DM each other for thirty days. No photos. No real names. No personal information until the end.
If I wanted more with a woman, Cherry Bomb checks all the boxes…so why can’t I stop thinking about Holly?
* * *
Holly
Cole Garrison is a jerk. Or so I’ve told myself for years. The truth is, he’s a DILF and a half, and bickering with him is better than kissing someone else.
Hopefully, the guy I’m chatting up on my dating app will help me forget him…and take his place in my dirty daydreams.
354 pages, ebook
First published August 4, 2022
445 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
August 18, 2022
Not my favorite of the series, but it did have a lot of good stuff going for it. There's a small town feel that ties the series together, with a fun cast of characters. I also love a swoony single dad with a precocious daughter, and pairing him with the woman who makes him feel alive is never a bad thing. Did I need to be reminded - constantly - that he only hooks up with tourists? Uh, no. Was this more of a second chance romance than I expected? Definitely. Did I wish that they would communicate better? For sure. But I liked the foundation of the book, and the frenemies to lovers sparks were pretty great. I never became emotionally invested in the relationship at the heart of this single dad romance, but I'm looking forward to the next installment in this light and sexy series.
The story follows Cole, a man who closed his heart when the mother of his child died. He spends most of his time being the best dad he can be, and that means he doesn't have room in his life for anyone else. So when Cole discovers that the woman who has been infuriating him since high school is his daughter's new computer instructor, he's not sure what to think. Cole and Holly shared a steamy kiss over a year ago, but it was just one more instance that showed how much they rub each other the wrong way. Spending time with Holly could prove to be a complication, but Cole is more interested in getting to know the mystery woman he matched with on a dating app. As he navigates his interactions with two not-so-different women, Cole wonders if he might be ready to start up something with a local after all.
There's a lot that I liked about this, from the playful frenemies to lovers vibes, the small town setting, and the addition of Cole's daughter. It's a low drama romance with a little more angst than anticipated - mostly in the tension that Cole and Holly's history brings to their present-day relationship. I think it would've been a solid 4-star read for me if we hadn't been reminded of Cole's hookups and mess-ups a MILLION times throughout the story. Like... I don't need to hear it a dozen times to get the point. Their miscommunication was also extremely frustrating, and I could see why both of them had been hurt by past interactions - particularly Holly. There wasn't enough romance in present-day to balance it out; they're resistant to moving forward for much of the story. That being said, much of this is good - and I'm still eagerly anticipating future books in the series.
The story follows Cole, a man who closed his heart when the mother of his child died. He spends most of his time being the best dad he can be, and that means he doesn't have room in his life for anyone else. So when Cole discovers that the woman who has been infuriating him since high school is his daughter's new computer instructor, he's not sure what to think. Cole and Holly shared a steamy kiss over a year ago, but it was just one more instance that showed how much they rub each other the wrong way. Spending time with Holly could prove to be a complication, but Cole is more interested in getting to know the mystery woman he matched with on a dating app. As he navigates his interactions with two not-so-different women, Cole wonders if he might be ready to start up something with a local after all.
There's a lot that I liked about this, from the playful frenemies to lovers vibes, the small town setting, and the addition of Cole's daughter. It's a low drama romance with a little more angst than anticipated - mostly in the tension that Cole and Holly's history brings to their present-day relationship. I think it would've been a solid 4-star read for me if we hadn't been reminded of Cole's hookups and mess-ups a MILLION times throughout the story. Like... I don't need to hear it a dozen times to get the point. Their miscommunication was also extremely frustrating, and I could see why both of them had been hurt by past interactions - particularly Holly. There wasn't enough romance in present-day to balance it out; they're resistant to moving forward for much of the story. That being said, much of this is good - and I'm still eagerly anticipating future books in the series.
August 10, 2022
This is the 2nd book in this series, and this is Cole and Holly’s story. These two have known each other most of their lives and avoid each other whenever possible, and they know how to push each other’s buttons. Cole is now a widower and single dad to his 8-year-old daughter Jane and is a brewery owner. Holly is sassy and is teaching an after-school computer program class, which Jane attends, and they have developed a close bond, and Cole agrees to beta test a dating app which Holly designed. This is a well written story which has family, bickering, humor, witty banter, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Social Butterfly PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Social Butterfly PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2022
I haven't read the first book of this fantastic series, but I'm going to go back and do that. I have loved everything I've read by this writing duo. They have superb characterization and their plot development is truly fantastic! I have also become a huge fan of texting in books, and this one has plenty as the two main characters text each other on a matchmaking app without revealing themselves or knowing who it is that they are texting. Of course they know each other and have a not so friendly past. Enemies to lover trope!!!
Cole and Holly were an awesome couple. There's plenty of drama even as they are drawn together and start to wonder if they really hate each other as much as they thought. The app Holly developed adds plenty of humor and of course, there's plenty of heat! This was such a fun read that I really hated for it to end.
Thanks to Social Butterfly PR for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Cole and Holly were an awesome couple. There's plenty of drama even as they are drawn together and start to wonder if they really hate each other as much as they thought. The app Holly developed adds plenty of humor and of course, there's plenty of heat! This was such a fun read that I really hated for it to end.
Thanks to Social Butterfly PR for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 8, 2022
I've read a few books by Angela Casella and Denise Grover Swank individually, and enjoyed them. I read this one, without reading the first in the series, almost on a lark. Just to see how them writing together would go.
This book is adorable. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The banter is witty. The characters are relatable. I enjoyed the small town dynamic and the brewery atmosphere. There is an element of the main couple connecting anonymously on the internet while fighting in real life, which I am a sucker for.
I will read the rest of the series. I recommend it for a weekend read, or a beach read, or just a few pleasant hours spent in bliss. I spent quite a bit of time chuckling over this one. It made me happy, which I see as the prime directive of romance, so I call it a win!
This book is adorable. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The banter is witty. The characters are relatable. I enjoyed the small town dynamic and the brewery atmosphere. There is an element of the main couple connecting anonymously on the internet while fighting in real life, which I am a sucker for.
I will read the rest of the series. I recommend it for a weekend read, or a beach read, or just a few pleasant hours spent in bliss. I spent quite a bit of time chuckling over this one. It made me happy, which I see as the prime directive of romance, so I call it a win!
August 9, 2022
I adore the books from these two authors, they are never boring and never really repeats themselves. I mean, obviously the books are all romances, but each love story feels fresh and new.
Holly and Cole has history from their high school years, history that made an impact on them both though they never really started anything real.
When their paths crosses as beta testers of Holly’s new dating app they are unaware of the connection at first. But they have never been unaware of each other in real life, even though their lives went on different paths.
Their way to common ground is both effortless and really hard, but Cole’s daughter and Holly’s extended family paves the way.
The Thanksgiving dinner and all that comes with it is by far my favourite part of this book, in so many ways, but I can’t go into that any deeper without spoilers, so let me just say that you’re in for a treat.
I’d give it five stars but with the risk of being called a prude I think there are a few to many pages devoted to their sexual encounters. I’m not aversed to sexual content or dirty language, but to me there can actually be too much of such a good thing in a book. I’m sure most don’t agree with me since this is a growing trend in romance fiction. Beside that (and you can always skip a few pages forward) it’s a very good book and I always enjoy visiting the Asheville series and its inhabitants.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holly and Cole has history from their high school years, history that made an impact on them both though they never really started anything real.
When their paths crosses as beta testers of Holly’s new dating app they are unaware of the connection at first. But they have never been unaware of each other in real life, even though their lives went on different paths.
Their way to common ground is both effortless and really hard, but Cole’s daughter and Holly’s extended family paves the way.
The Thanksgiving dinner and all that comes with it is by far my favourite part of this book, in so many ways, but I can’t go into that any deeper without spoilers, so let me just say that you’re in for a treat.
I’d give it five stars but with the risk of being called a prude I think there are a few to many pages devoted to their sexual encounters. I’m not aversed to sexual content or dirty language, but to me there can actually be too much of such a good thing in a book. I’m sure most don’t agree with me since this is a growing trend in romance fiction. Beside that (and you can always skip a few pages forward) it’s a very good book and I always enjoy visiting the Asheville series and its inhabitants.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2022
Are you a fan of enemies to lovers? Do you enjoy family drama when it's not your own? How about sassy heroines? Well then this might be the book for you! Cole and Holly have been enemies since high school and yet they just can't seem to stay away from each other and when they do get together? 🔥🔥🔥
Cole is a widower and a single dad doing his best to raise his smart and witty 8 year old daughter Jane. He's in no way looking for a relationship that will complicate his life more than it already is. But yet he's been roped into signing up as a beta tester for the new Matchmake Me app created by the smart and sassy Holly.
Holly isn't looking for a relationship. She's more into having fun with no commitments. But for whatever reason she is unable to stay away from Cole even though he's a "jerk." Before her new app, Matchmake Me, launches it needs to be beta tested and she's signed up to be one of the testers. Low and behold she gets a high percentage match with someone who she's hoping will take her mind off that jerk Cole.
I think Holly and Cole might just be my new favorite couple. This book made me laugh out loud many times. The heat between Holly and Cole is off the charts and makes this book that much better. I'd love to read more about Holly and Cole in the future!
Cole is a widower and a single dad doing his best to raise his smart and witty 8 year old daughter Jane. He's in no way looking for a relationship that will complicate his life more than it already is. But yet he's been roped into signing up as a beta tester for the new Matchmake Me app created by the smart and sassy Holly.
Holly isn't looking for a relationship. She's more into having fun with no commitments. But for whatever reason she is unable to stay away from Cole even though he's a "jerk." Before her new app, Matchmake Me, launches it needs to be beta tested and she's signed up to be one of the testers. Low and behold she gets a high percentage match with someone who she's hoping will take her mind off that jerk Cole.
I think Holly and Cole might just be my new favorite couple. This book made me laugh out loud many times. The heat between Holly and Cole is off the charts and makes this book that much better. I'd love to read more about Holly and Cole in the future!
November 9, 2022
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Holly and Cole have a...history, of sorts. She's been avoiding him as much as possible for years, but now she's formed a bond with his precocious, seriously smart daughter. It might be that this very bond is the thing that gets Cole to be open to finally admit his feelings for her. Or not. Because Cole doesn't have the time or inclination for a relationship, especially one with the woman he's been running scared from for years. He has other things on his mind than love - his daughter's grandparents have been threating to sue for custody of his daughter, he works his tail off at his bar, and now he's caught up in beta testing a dating app. So no Holly. Right?
Or wrong because the attraction they've had since high school cannot be denied any longer, and he's finding it harder and harder to remember why he was so scared of being with her. Finding it harder and harder to not fall for her. But can this couple who have denied what's between them for years, really make an actual relationship work?
This series is adorable, everyone! Holly is the kind of heroine I love - she's relatable and funny and sassy, with a big brain and an even bigger heart. I love that she formed such a strong bond with Jane, who by the way is a total scene stealer in this story with a stellar cast. And then there's Cole, that poor guy was dealing with so much that I wanted to give him a big hug, and OK, maybe a smack or two near the end when he ran scared again and hurt Holly, but he made up for it in a sweet way. Rory and Bryn are along for the ride and make cameos, and Holly's brother Rowan is very intriguing. I can't wait for his and Kennedy's story next, Matchmaking a Grump.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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November 16, 2022
In the first book in this series, Matchmaking the Billionaire both lead characters in this book Cole Garrison and Holly Mayberry were introduced and the authors made it clear that the two had a very antagonistic relationship without hinting at what the source of why these two otherwise likable people brought out the worst in each other. Knowing their enemies to lovers trope was next in line for the series I wondered how the authors would allow these two to overcome their dislike for each other? They actually did a very clever job to allow Holly Mayberry and Cole Garrison to bridge their more than decades long animosity proving there is a very fine line between love and hate.
As it turns out Cole unknowingly hurt Holly who had a crush on him when they were in high school. So she began being rude to him and he responded in kind. Now both in their mid-thirties this behavior continues. But unknown to both Cole and Holly who are beta testers for Matchmaker, Holly and her sister Brynn’s new dating app, they have been determined by the app, to be a 97% match. The trick being they are not allowed to reveal who they are to the other for the first month as they get to know each other via texts and emails. If that’s not enough of a plot twist to bring these two future lovers together, Jane, Cole’s precocious 8-year-old daughter and Holly develop a close relationship as Holly becomes her teacher in a coding class she’s been convinced to teach to encourage young girls to consider careers in STEM. Jane’s whose mother died when she was only seven months old is struggling with a lack of a mother figure in her life. She has a naturally outspoken personality which is constantly getting her into trouble at school. As much as I enjoyed the Jane character I felt in this book as I had when she was introduced in the last that her personality was far more suited for a tween or teen girl than an 8-year-old third grader. The things she said and the way she expressed herself would have never come out of the mouth of someone so young no matter how bright they were.
Holly Mayberry was a great character. She’s smart as hell. She’s sassy as hell. She’s sexy as hell and she’s fiercely loyal to her siblings. Especially her twin sister Brynn. She also has a mouth like a sailor and can’t seem to finish a sentence without including an F-bomb. Unfortunately, Holly like all of her siblings except Willow struggles with sharing her feelings. She covers up her vulnerability with snark. Because of her parents Holley wants nothing to do with marriage. Like Cole she treats sex as a recreational past time to scratch an itch and she makes no excuses for it. Or maybe its because her heart has always belonged to Cole whether she realized it or not?
Cole Garrison is a good guy. Of course he’s big and strong and handsome as all contemporary romance leading men must be. He and his late wife built a brewery/tavern which was her dream that he still runs and lives above with Jane. He’s a devoted father and brother and a good friend and boss. But like most male contemporary romance leads he too like Holly struggles to express his emotions. He hasn’t dated seriously since his wife passed, satisfied with the occasional hookup with a visiting tourist. He doesn’t date local women because he doesn’t want to have to run into someone he’s hooked up with. There are a handful of reasons Cole tells himself why nearly eight years after his wife died still hasn’t had a real romantic relationship. Guilt over the thought of being disloyal to his late wife’s memory being one of them. Cole is having problems with his late wife’s wealthy parents the Labels who keep threatening to sue for custody of Jane. Jane’s mother hated her cold uncaring parents and wanted nothing to do with them when she was old enough to leave home. Cole also wants Jane to have nothing to do with them but he tries to placate them so they don’t tie him up in a costly custody legal battle that he’d mostly likely win but go broke trying to pay the attorney’s fees for.
Holly knows she’s attracted to Cole and Cole knows he’s attracted to Holly. They can’t deny their chemistry. They just keep sending each other mixed signals. Neither wants to explore their attraction so they try to use the person the app told them was a 97% match for them to forget their attraction. They really enjoy texting or emailing with the other person not knowing they are actually communicating with each other. When Cole enrolls Jane in the coding class (not knowing its Holly who is teaching it) Holly develops a close relationship with the whip smart snarky Jane who reminds Holly of herself. This provides a platform for Holley and Cole to be in forced close proximity. Which leads to Holley deciding she’s going to fuck Cole (her words) and maybe get him out of her system. And she does. Fuck him that is where they both experience the best sex of their lives. Physical intimacy leads to more. Of course just when Holly thinks they’re on their way to happily ever after, Cole finds a way to fuck up their budding relationship as skillfully as he fucked Holly until he finally gets his shit together.
My last comment is the authors did something that drives me crazy at the end of this book. The epilogue is pretty much set up to introduce readers to Matchmaking a Grump, Rowan Mayberry and Kennedy Littlefields love story. I think there were already enough mentions of their story without devoting the epilogue to it. I want my epilogues to be about the couple I’ve devoted the happily ever after of the couple I just spent the past 300 plus pages reading about, not the next book in the series.
As it turns out Cole unknowingly hurt Holly who had a crush on him when they were in high school. So she began being rude to him and he responded in kind. Now both in their mid-thirties this behavior continues. But unknown to both Cole and Holly who are beta testers for Matchmaker, Holly and her sister Brynn’s new dating app, they have been determined by the app, to be a 97% match. The trick being they are not allowed to reveal who they are to the other for the first month as they get to know each other via texts and emails. If that’s not enough of a plot twist to bring these two future lovers together, Jane, Cole’s precocious 8-year-old daughter and Holly develop a close relationship as Holly becomes her teacher in a coding class she’s been convinced to teach to encourage young girls to consider careers in STEM. Jane’s whose mother died when she was only seven months old is struggling with a lack of a mother figure in her life. She has a naturally outspoken personality which is constantly getting her into trouble at school. As much as I enjoyed the Jane character I felt in this book as I had when she was introduced in the last that her personality was far more suited for a tween or teen girl than an 8-year-old third grader. The things she said and the way she expressed herself would have never come out of the mouth of someone so young no matter how bright they were.
Holly Mayberry was a great character. She’s smart as hell. She’s sassy as hell. She’s sexy as hell and she’s fiercely loyal to her siblings. Especially her twin sister Brynn. She also has a mouth like a sailor and can’t seem to finish a sentence without including an F-bomb. Unfortunately, Holly like all of her siblings except Willow struggles with sharing her feelings. She covers up her vulnerability with snark. Because of her parents Holley wants nothing to do with marriage. Like Cole she treats sex as a recreational past time to scratch an itch and she makes no excuses for it. Or maybe its because her heart has always belonged to Cole whether she realized it or not?
Cole Garrison is a good guy. Of course he’s big and strong and handsome as all contemporary romance leading men must be. He and his late wife built a brewery/tavern which was her dream that he still runs and lives above with Jane. He’s a devoted father and brother and a good friend and boss. But like most male contemporary romance leads he too like Holly struggles to express his emotions. He hasn’t dated seriously since his wife passed, satisfied with the occasional hookup with a visiting tourist. He doesn’t date local women because he doesn’t want to have to run into someone he’s hooked up with. There are a handful of reasons Cole tells himself why nearly eight years after his wife died still hasn’t had a real romantic relationship. Guilt over the thought of being disloyal to his late wife’s memory being one of them. Cole is having problems with his late wife’s wealthy parents the Labels who keep threatening to sue for custody of Jane. Jane’s mother hated her cold uncaring parents and wanted nothing to do with them when she was old enough to leave home. Cole also wants Jane to have nothing to do with them but he tries to placate them so they don’t tie him up in a costly custody legal battle that he’d mostly likely win but go broke trying to pay the attorney’s fees for.
Holly knows she’s attracted to Cole and Cole knows he’s attracted to Holly. They can’t deny their chemistry. They just keep sending each other mixed signals. Neither wants to explore their attraction so they try to use the person the app told them was a 97% match for them to forget their attraction. They really enjoy texting or emailing with the other person not knowing they are actually communicating with each other. When Cole enrolls Jane in the coding class (not knowing its Holly who is teaching it) Holly develops a close relationship with the whip smart snarky Jane who reminds Holly of herself. This provides a platform for Holley and Cole to be in forced close proximity. Which leads to Holley deciding she’s going to fuck Cole (her words) and maybe get him out of her system. And she does. Fuck him that is where they both experience the best sex of their lives. Physical intimacy leads to more. Of course just when Holly thinks they’re on their way to happily ever after, Cole finds a way to fuck up their budding relationship as skillfully as he fucked Holly until he finally gets his shit together.
My last comment is the authors did something that drives me crazy at the end of this book. The epilogue is pretty much set up to introduce readers to Matchmaking a Grump, Rowan Mayberry and Kennedy Littlefields love story. I think there were already enough mentions of their story without devoting the epilogue to it. I want my epilogues to be about the couple I’ve devoted the happily ever after of the couple I just spent the past 300 plus pages reading about, not the next book in the series.
August 3, 2022
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
I couldn’t wait for Holly and Cole’s story when we met them in Matchmaking A Billionaire and this book did not disappoint. They have a complicated backstory, by which I mean he made her angry once in high school and she lashed out so they’ve been at one another’s throats ever since. Nobody has ever had the power to infuriate Holly Mayberry like Cole Garrison. He’s a jedi of getting under her skin and Holly’s not even sure why. Except maybe she does know and doesn’t want to admit it to herself.
They’ve shared a couple of hot kisses but it’s never gone further because they can’t stand each other. When Cole’s daughter signs up for the kids coding class Rory sponsors at school, nobody expects her to form an instant bond with the instructor but she does. Holly is more shocked than anyone because she has no experience with kids and no idea how to relate to them.
Luckily for Jane, she’s eight going on thirty-eight and loves coding so she speaks Holly’s language and they become fast friends. Cole is struggling to hold onto his daughter as his late wife’s parents threaten to sue for custody of Jane. He knows Rory has his back and will fund any legal needs but it’s still downright terrifying. The last thing he needs is a distraction in the form of a hot brunette he’s wanted to get his hands on since high school. He tells himself not to touch her, she’s a bad idea. It worked before, after all. But suddenly Holly’s always around and his resolve crumbles more each time she’s within reach.
She doesn’t want to feel an attraction to Cole so strong she can’t ignore it and she certainly doesn’t want to fall in love with him, but she fears that ship sailed years ago. The thought of falling for a single dad is even more daunting than love itself. Holly had awful parents and has never had a relationship so she has no idea how to act with either of them. She’s determined to figure it out though, at least that was plan until Cole goes running scared.
I loved these characters, with their smart mouths and bad attitudes. Especially for those reasons, in fact. We get plenty of Bryn and Tina in this story and also lots of Rowan, which was unexpected but I kind of love him, too. Granny Mayberry’s cringey reality dating show starts soon and we meet the new star, Kennedy, who is also Zack’s sister. I suspect book three will be Rowan and Kennedy but I guess we have to wait and see. This book is hilarious, sweet and super steamy.
August 5, 2022
Funny, with big chemistry and tons of small town charm.
Cole Garrison and Holly Mayberry have history, the kind of history that only growing up in a small town can bring, but it isn't until they are matched during a beta test of a dating app, that Holly has actually helped design, that their lives intersect in a truly big way.
Cole is a widower with a precocious eight year old daughter, Jane. She is an adorable shining star in this story and I love her character; she is truthful and spunky in the way children are and I totally love the way she is with both her father and Holly, but she is just part of these two falling in love.
Cole and Holly fight like cats and dogs. Everyone in town knows that they don't get along, but recognize the underlying current the sizzles between them and that it probably means more...well everyone except the two of them. It's probably why they were matched at 97% on the new dating app, but then again neither of them know it's that other person because it's all anonymous, at least for the first month. Talk about complicated, but that has been their history for as long as they've known each other.
Dating anonymously is just part of this funny, opposites attract book, which that part alone is hilarious. I loved their moments alone together, but I also loved all of the secondary characters that helped make them shine. Matchmaking a Single Dad is adorable, laugh out funny, and full of all the emotions that Angela Denise bring to each story. This can be read as a standalone, but the enjoyment is certainly enhanced when read with the other interconnected books.
Cole Garrison and Holly Mayberry have history, the kind of history that only growing up in a small town can bring, but it isn't until they are matched during a beta test of a dating app, that Holly has actually helped design, that their lives intersect in a truly big way.
Cole is a widower with a precocious eight year old daughter, Jane. She is an adorable shining star in this story and I love her character; she is truthful and spunky in the way children are and I totally love the way she is with both her father and Holly, but she is just part of these two falling in love.
Cole and Holly fight like cats and dogs. Everyone in town knows that they don't get along, but recognize the underlying current the sizzles between them and that it probably means more...well everyone except the two of them. It's probably why they were matched at 97% on the new dating app, but then again neither of them know it's that other person because it's all anonymous, at least for the first month. Talk about complicated, but that has been their history for as long as they've known each other.
Dating anonymously is just part of this funny, opposites attract book, which that part alone is hilarious. I loved their moments alone together, but I also loved all of the secondary characters that helped make them shine. Matchmaking a Single Dad is adorable, laugh out funny, and full of all the emotions that Angela Denise bring to each story. This can be read as a standalone, but the enjoyment is certainly enhanced when read with the other interconnected books.
November 6, 2022
I've been wanting to get a bit more background on Cole and his daughter Jane. Cole is a single father trying his very best to run a bar and raise his daughter all while trying to retain full custody of her. When suddenly, Holly from his past comes storming into his life and he cannot stop thinking of her. Holly is a smart and savvy woman, who knows what she wants. In order for Cole to be truly happy he has to do some deep soul searching. This book was so good. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and there were so many laugh out loud moments. The thanksgiving dinner scene was hilarious and the rescue scene was great! It melted my heart!
August 12, 2022
This is the second book in the series that follows Cole and Holly. It can be read as a stand alone, but reading the first book will give you a more robust understanding of the characters.
Holly has had a crush on Cole since high school, but he broke her heart. Now Holly and Cold are thrust together when Holly takes on teaching a coding class with Cole’s daughter in it. Cole is busy being a single dad, running his bar, and fighting his awful in-laws. Both are beta testing the Matchmaker Me app that Holly co-developed and are hoping their matches will provide a distraction for the chemistry burning between them.
I loved the push and pull Cole and Holly had. It worked well for this story line and I thought it was well done. The chemistry between them was hot! I adored Cole’s little girl, whom, like my own child, os too smart for her own good. It was refreshing to see females in prominent STEM roles and little girls interested in coding. Holly was a fantastic role model for the students!
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and the authors for a copy of the book!
Holly has had a crush on Cole since high school, but he broke her heart. Now Holly and Cold are thrust together when Holly takes on teaching a coding class with Cole’s daughter in it. Cole is busy being a single dad, running his bar, and fighting his awful in-laws. Both are beta testing the Matchmaker Me app that Holly co-developed and are hoping their matches will provide a distraction for the chemistry burning between them.
I loved the push and pull Cole and Holly had. It worked well for this story line and I thought it was well done. The chemistry between them was hot! I adored Cole’s little girl, whom, like my own child, os too smart for her own good. It was refreshing to see females in prominent STEM roles and little girls interested in coding. Holly was a fantastic role model for the students!
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and the authors for a copy of the book!
August 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Matchmaking A Single Dad is book two in the Highland Hills series that’s co-written by Angela Casella & Denise Grover Swank. I honestly haven’t read the first book or others by these authors, but I loved this book and am excited to read the first book and the following ones! Cole is a widower brewery owner with his 8 year old daughter Jane. Holly is a sassy, tech-savvy woman who is helping teach an after school coding class in which Jane attends. Cole and Holly have known each other since their school days and seeing them overcome their obstacles for their HEA is spectacular. 🖤 thank you to the authors and The SMUTHOOD for my ARC copy of this book to read and review!
Matchmaking A Single Dad is book two in the Highland Hills series that’s co-written by Angela Casella & Denise Grover Swank. I honestly haven’t read the first book or others by these authors, but I loved this book and am excited to read the first book and the following ones! Cole is a widower brewery owner with his 8 year old daughter Jane. Holly is a sassy, tech-savvy woman who is helping teach an after school coding class in which Jane attends. Cole and Holly have known each other since their school days and seeing them overcome their obstacles for their HEA is spectacular. 🖤 thank you to the authors and The SMUTHOOD for my ARC copy of this book to read and review!
September 2, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
RomCom
Enemies to lovers
Small town romance
Single Dad
I will start off by saying that I didn't read the first book in the series, and while I feel like I didn't miss too much from the story line I do plan to read the first book to get better acquainted with the supporting characters.
Matchmaking a Single Dad was a delightful read with realistic characters and a relatable story line that I can envision taking place outside of a fictional book.
Holly honestly felt a lot like someone I could be friends with. She was smart, spunky, sarcastic, and independent with a heart of gold for those in her inner circle.
Cole was a little bit of a grumpy/sunshine who loved his daughter fiercely and would do anything to protect her. He also has a itty bitty problem with opening up to people.
Jane was the feisty 8 year old daughter who seriously might be my favorite character in this book. I really just want to be like her when I grow up.
The story will send you off into a small town in NC. Where you will be Holly who is a computer wizard creating a matchmaking app and Cole a single dad of an 8 year old going on 30 daughter and brewery owner. Holly and Cole have a past run in that has left them bickering for over a decade. But things might just change when one app and one daughter get in the mix.
If you are looking for a lighthearted small town romance with a little family drama thrown into the mix and one adorable yet spirited 8 year old then I recommend checking out this book. This book brought the laughter, pulled some heart strings, and even had me tearing up, but ended in the best way.
ARC provided for an honest review.
RomCom
Enemies to lovers
Small town romance
Single Dad
I will start off by saying that I didn't read the first book in the series, and while I feel like I didn't miss too much from the story line I do plan to read the first book to get better acquainted with the supporting characters.
Matchmaking a Single Dad was a delightful read with realistic characters and a relatable story line that I can envision taking place outside of a fictional book.
Holly honestly felt a lot like someone I could be friends with. She was smart, spunky, sarcastic, and independent with a heart of gold for those in her inner circle.
Cole was a little bit of a grumpy/sunshine who loved his daughter fiercely and would do anything to protect her. He also has a itty bitty problem with opening up to people.
Jane was the feisty 8 year old daughter who seriously might be my favorite character in this book. I really just want to be like her when I grow up.
The story will send you off into a small town in NC. Where you will be Holly who is a computer wizard creating a matchmaking app and Cole a single dad of an 8 year old going on 30 daughter and brewery owner. Holly and Cole have a past run in that has left them bickering for over a decade. But things might just change when one app and one daughter get in the mix.
If you are looking for a lighthearted small town romance with a little family drama thrown into the mix and one adorable yet spirited 8 year old then I recommend checking out this book. This book brought the laughter, pulled some heart strings, and even had me tearing up, but ended in the best way.
ARC provided for an honest review.
dnf
October 6, 2022Dnf 35%
I love single dad romances but I'm not sure how I feel about this one. The Hero comforts the heroine when they're teens and then ignores her and falls in love with someone else. The heroine never falls in love and is instead pining after him. It's one of those "hate that i like you" things with her. These people needed to just talk.
I love single dad romances but I'm not sure how I feel about this one. The Hero comforts the heroine when they're teens and then ignores her and falls in love with someone else. The heroine never falls in love and is instead pining after him. It's one of those "hate that i like you" things with her. These people needed to just talk.
June 3, 2023
The couple: Cole and Holly
Romance trope: enemies to lovers
Series: Highland Hills
Length: 354 pages
Plot: Cole and Holly have been enemies since high school, but when she ends up teaching a computer class that his daughter loves, they find themselves thrown together more than once. But when custody of Cole's daughter is in danger, Holly is ready to help. Maybe they're not enemies after all?
Commentary: I read the prequel to this story in an anthology and thought it had potential. While I liked the idea, I felt that there were some missed opportunities. Particularly, it seems that the reason they hated each other could have been explored a little sooner. If I hadn't read the prequel, I would have never figured out what happened to make them enemies until toward the end of the story, and I felt like that was a vital part of the story - otherwise, there's no legitimate reason for them to dislike each other. I did like that he finally thought about what he did and how it might have made her upset. Honestly, they were young and not in love, so I think Holly overreacted, but then for him to never bring it up for over a decade - that would make me mad too! But not mortal enemies mad, I don't think.
I really hated how Cole treated or thought about Holly sometimes, though. When Holly showed up with Jane at the brewery and then he threw a fit about the time frame of them building the computer, he acted like it was all Holly's fault and even thought that he was worried she would disappoint Jane again, as though she was the one who sent Jane to bed early. He also kind of acted like any time she did something different than he would have that she was in the wrong and just should have known.
I did like them chatting on the app - it was funny for us as readers to see the "anonymous" people talking on the app about things that happened to them in their real lives that we knew were taking place with Cole and Holly rather than their dating app counterparts.
I'm not sure how his in-laws ever got as far with him as they did. The whole idea of custody and visitation for grandparents is something that generally baffles me.
Previous book in the series: Matchmaking a Billionaire
Next book in the series: Matchmaking a Grump
Romance trope: enemies to lovers
Series: Highland Hills
Length: 354 pages
Plot: Cole and Holly have been enemies since high school, but when she ends up teaching a computer class that his daughter loves, they find themselves thrown together more than once. But when custody of Cole's daughter is in danger, Holly is ready to help. Maybe they're not enemies after all?
Commentary: I read the prequel to this story in an anthology and thought it had potential. While I liked the idea, I felt that there were some missed opportunities. Particularly, it seems that the reason they hated each other could have been explored a little sooner. If I hadn't read the prequel, I would have never figured out what happened to make them enemies until toward the end of the story, and I felt like that was a vital part of the story - otherwise, there's no legitimate reason for them to dislike each other. I did like that he finally thought about what he did and how it might have made her upset. Honestly, they were young and not in love, so I think Holly overreacted, but then for him to never bring it up for over a decade - that would make me mad too! But not mortal enemies mad, I don't think.
I really hated how Cole treated or thought about Holly sometimes, though. When Holly showed up with Jane at the brewery and then he threw a fit about the time frame of them building the computer, he acted like it was all Holly's fault and even thought that he was worried she would disappoint Jane again, as though she was the one who sent Jane to bed early. He also kind of acted like any time she did something different than he would have that she was in the wrong and just should have known.
I did like them chatting on the app - it was funny for us as readers to see the "anonymous" people talking on the app about things that happened to them in their real lives that we knew were taking place with Cole and Holly rather than their dating app counterparts.
I'm not sure how his in-laws ever got as far with him as they did. The whole idea of custody and visitation for grandparents is something that generally baffles me.
Previous book in the series: Matchmaking a Billionaire
Next book in the series: Matchmaking a Grump
August 14, 2022
As a widower, the only woman Cole has time for is his eight year old daughter Jane. And, lately, that’s been a struggle between running his brewery, dealing with a daughter who may be in the principal’s office a little too often, and his rude and scheming inlaws who keep threatening a custody battle.
Holly doesn’t do relationships. And, she doesn’t like Cole . . .even though she can’t seem to stop thinking about him. They have enough past history to know they mix about as well as fire and ice. But, when Holly finds herself in charge of the tech club that Jane belongs to, all of a sudden, fate has them spending way too much time together.
When left to their own devices, all they do is argue . . . but the spark between them is lightning hot. Will they find a way to finally explore their chemistry or, will they instead find their perfect matches as beta testers for Holly’s new data app . . .where they can only message their match for the next 30 days without sharing any personal information including real names or photos.
Matchmaking a Single Dad was all kinds of fun! I really loved these characters. Holly is one sassy and fierce woman! She speaks what’s on her mind and tells it like it is. She’s also fiercely loyal to those she cares about. Cole gave me all the feels. I adored his relationship with his daughter and his struggles with his self confidence when it comes to being the parent she needs. He’s got so much on his plate with his inlaws and trying to do what’s right has him dazed and confused at times. He and Holly together have a somewhat volatile history - based mainly on missed communications and misunderstandings, and I loved them literally fighting their attraction to one another because giving in isn’t in either of their natures. I also adored Jane! She may only be eight, but she’s brilliant and wise beyond her years and definitely keeps everyone around her on her toes.
The banter and push and pull in this book were phenomenal . . . and I loved that it wasn’t just between Cole and Holly. It’s fun and flirty. It’s sexy as can be. It’s also heartwarming and has just a touch of suspense around the crazy inlaws making this a book that I breezed through in two days because I did not want to put it down! 5 stars!
Holly doesn’t do relationships. And, she doesn’t like Cole . . .even though she can’t seem to stop thinking about him. They have enough past history to know they mix about as well as fire and ice. But, when Holly finds herself in charge of the tech club that Jane belongs to, all of a sudden, fate has them spending way too much time together.
When left to their own devices, all they do is argue . . . but the spark between them is lightning hot. Will they find a way to finally explore their chemistry or, will they instead find their perfect matches as beta testers for Holly’s new data app . . .where they can only message their match for the next 30 days without sharing any personal information including real names or photos.
Matchmaking a Single Dad was all kinds of fun! I really loved these characters. Holly is one sassy and fierce woman! She speaks what’s on her mind and tells it like it is. She’s also fiercely loyal to those she cares about. Cole gave me all the feels. I adored his relationship with his daughter and his struggles with his self confidence when it comes to being the parent she needs. He’s got so much on his plate with his inlaws and trying to do what’s right has him dazed and confused at times. He and Holly together have a somewhat volatile history - based mainly on missed communications and misunderstandings, and I loved them literally fighting their attraction to one another because giving in isn’t in either of their natures. I also adored Jane! She may only be eight, but she’s brilliant and wise beyond her years and definitely keeps everyone around her on her toes.
The banter and push and pull in this book were phenomenal . . . and I loved that it wasn’t just between Cole and Holly. It’s fun and flirty. It’s sexy as can be. It’s also heartwarming and has just a touch of suspense around the crazy inlaws making this a book that I breezed through in two days because I did not want to put it down! 5 stars!
August 16, 2022
Once again Angel Denise aka Denise Grover Swank and Angela R. Casella have written another fabulous romantic comedy. I've absolutely love their Highland Hills series because I love the comedy, the love, and honestly the annoying evil grandmother who doesn't seem to realize that she's not the main character. Matchmaking a Single Dad has some of my favorite tropes that I will never stop loving such as enemies to lovers, single dad, evil in-laws (is that a trope, if not it should be), women in STEM, and more.
Holly Mayberry and Cole Garrison have never gotten along, while they might have had a moment of flirting in high school ever since they've been fighting like cats and dogs. Now that Holly is back in Highland Hills to work for her brother-in-law at their new dating app. As a programer she is one of the beta testers for the app, and she's been matched with Hot Rod, with an astounding 97% match. But the premise of this app is you know nothing personal about who you're talking with, so Holly has absolutely no idea who she's talking to. While flirting with Hot Rod online is stimulating she can't help but enjoy needling Cole whenever they meet, and he's not bad to look at either. Since Holly is teaching the coding class that Cole's daughter Jane is taking they just keep getting thrown together...
Cole has a lot going on in his life, being a single dad, running a brewery, dealing with his in-laws threatening to sue for custody he doesn't have much time for dating. So he is a beta tester for Holly's dating app as well but he won't let her get the satisfaction of knowing he's using it, or that his screen name is Hot Rod. When Cole matches with Cherry Bomb he can't help but think that the 97% compatibility is right when she seems to check all of his boxes. But as much as he likes Cherry Bomb there is something about Holly that he can't say no to, even if all they do is fight with one another...
Holly Mayberry and Cole Garrison have never gotten along, while they might have had a moment of flirting in high school ever since they've been fighting like cats and dogs. Now that Holly is back in Highland Hills to work for her brother-in-law at their new dating app. As a programer she is one of the beta testers for the app, and she's been matched with Hot Rod, with an astounding 97% match. But the premise of this app is you know nothing personal about who you're talking with, so Holly has absolutely no idea who she's talking to. While flirting with Hot Rod online is stimulating she can't help but enjoy needling Cole whenever they meet, and he's not bad to look at either. Since Holly is teaching the coding class that Cole's daughter Jane is taking they just keep getting thrown together...
Cole has a lot going on in his life, being a single dad, running a brewery, dealing with his in-laws threatening to sue for custody he doesn't have much time for dating. So he is a beta tester for Holly's dating app as well but he won't let her get the satisfaction of knowing he's using it, or that his screen name is Hot Rod. When Cole matches with Cherry Bomb he can't help but think that the 97% compatibility is right when she seems to check all of his boxes. But as much as he likes Cherry Bomb there is something about Holly that he can't say no to, even if all they do is fight with one another...
August 15, 2022
Matchmaking a Single Dad is a second-chance romance masquerading as enemies-to-lovers. Cole and Holly have been on the outs since high school, constantly taking pot shots at each other whenever they’re together. Which in a small town is a lot more often than either one would like.
Cole, brewery owner, widower, single dad, is just trying to keep his head above water. While his brewery is doing okay, money is still tight. His daughter Jane is getting into trouble at school and his late wife’s family is looking for any and every reason to get custody of their granddaughter. While he hasn’t been celibate since his wife died shortly after his eight-year-old daughter’s birth, Cole has made a point of not dating and not hooking up with women in town. The last thing he wants to do is help beta test his friend’s new dating app.
Holly is back home and is one of the lead developers of the dating app, along with her twin sister and Bryn’s billionaire boyfriend. She’s perennially single but when her dating app gives her a 97% match she has to try it out…for science.
In a twist of dramatic irony no one could have foreseen *snerk* Cole and Holly find themselves connecting through their online profiles. But that app doesn’t allow for personal information to be shared and no pictures to be sent, focusing on personality rather than appearance. But as their online counterparts are connecting, they find themselves connecting offline as Holly teaches Cole’s daughter Jane in an after-school coding class.
There are a lot of missteps, misunderstandings, and mistakes as Cole and Holly try to end a feud that’s been going on for half their lives. This book was a little heavier on the angsty side and the ending was a lot overdramatic bordering on ridiculous for a few minutes there but overall I loved how everything was handled. The characters had depth and heart and so much chemistry. The whole cast of characters was sweet, funny, and interesting and I’ve already gone back and read book 1: Matchmaking the Millionaire because there were so many references to Bryn’s story in this one I had to know the details.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily read and reviewed.
Cole, brewery owner, widower, single dad, is just trying to keep his head above water. While his brewery is doing okay, money is still tight. His daughter Jane is getting into trouble at school and his late wife’s family is looking for any and every reason to get custody of their granddaughter. While he hasn’t been celibate since his wife died shortly after his eight-year-old daughter’s birth, Cole has made a point of not dating and not hooking up with women in town. The last thing he wants to do is help beta test his friend’s new dating app.
Holly is back home and is one of the lead developers of the dating app, along with her twin sister and Bryn’s billionaire boyfriend. She’s perennially single but when her dating app gives her a 97% match she has to try it out…for science.
In a twist of dramatic irony no one could have foreseen *snerk* Cole and Holly find themselves connecting through their online profiles. But that app doesn’t allow for personal information to be shared and no pictures to be sent, focusing on personality rather than appearance. But as their online counterparts are connecting, they find themselves connecting offline as Holly teaches Cole’s daughter Jane in an after-school coding class.
There are a lot of missteps, misunderstandings, and mistakes as Cole and Holly try to end a feud that’s been going on for half their lives. This book was a little heavier on the angsty side and the ending was a lot overdramatic bordering on ridiculous for a few minutes there but overall I loved how everything was handled. The characters had depth and heart and so much chemistry. The whole cast of characters was sweet, funny, and interesting and I’ve already gone back and read book 1: Matchmaking the Millionaire because there were so many references to Bryn’s story in this one I had to know the details.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily read and reviewed.
August 9, 2022
Book 2 in the Highland Hills series. Cole is a widower, single dad to a highly intelligent 8 yr old girl. He has made his disinterest in a a new relationship loud and clear to everyone. He owns a brewery in a small town and feels obligated to continue the business he started with his late wife.
He resents his former in laws, their repeated intrusions and threats of challenging him for custody. Jane is his life. Making her happy his sole ambition.
Holly is a tech wizard. She and her twin sister have started a matchmaking app. It seems their family has been in the love business for a long time. Their grandmother is launching a new reality dating show in town, which will help boost their app sales and bring the family unwanted additional attention, something they would rather avoid. Holly has had a unrequited crush on Cole since junior high. He has sent her mixed signals, being nice, making her feel seen, then walking away. They fight, bicker and trade barbs with each other at every opportunity. So when the beta testing for the app secretly connects them things become even more complicated.
I liked the characters. Enemies to lovers and second chance romances are always enjoyable. I struggled with this one a lot, it needs a “joined in progress” alert. I felt like I was missing critical pieces of the backstory of the main & supporting characters in order to dive into their current predicament. I just wasn’t invested because I felt lost.
3.5 stars
This is not a standalone, in my opinion. There wasn’t a sufficient recap or reference to the past works to help make the struggles of Holly, Cole & Jane relatable. Perhaps if I read the other series and first book in this one I’d feel differently.
He resents his former in laws, their repeated intrusions and threats of challenging him for custody. Jane is his life. Making her happy his sole ambition.
Holly is a tech wizard. She and her twin sister have started a matchmaking app. It seems their family has been in the love business for a long time. Their grandmother is launching a new reality dating show in town, which will help boost their app sales and bring the family unwanted additional attention, something they would rather avoid. Holly has had a unrequited crush on Cole since junior high. He has sent her mixed signals, being nice, making her feel seen, then walking away. They fight, bicker and trade barbs with each other at every opportunity. So when the beta testing for the app secretly connects them things become even more complicated.
I liked the characters. Enemies to lovers and second chance romances are always enjoyable. I struggled with this one a lot, it needs a “joined in progress” alert. I felt like I was missing critical pieces of the backstory of the main & supporting characters in order to dive into their current predicament. I just wasn’t invested because I felt lost.
3.5 stars
This is not a standalone, in my opinion. There wasn’t a sufficient recap or reference to the past works to help make the struggles of Holly, Cole & Jane relatable. Perhaps if I read the other series and first book in this one I’d feel differently.
March 21, 2023
I have to admit that the author (pair thereof) appealed to me more than the title of the book itself (albeit a good descriptor). Matchmaking books for me are generally 'meh' and the 'single dad' genre definitely not my thing.
Generally speaking, I also really dislike starting a series mid-series and I had not read the first book in this series yet.
So, it's fair to say that this book had 2 strikes against it going in, but I do enjoy the easy and flowing style of the Angela Denise writing duo which made me pick it up and read it anyway.
And I'm glad I did. It was a light, easy and entertaining read. Holly and Cole are a great combo and I enjoyed their interaction both as Holly and Cole, and as 'Hot Rod & Cherrybomb". I also loved that it dipped enough into what was going on in the lives of other characters to make you wonder which of them the next book or even spin off series might be about.
For those who haven't read the first book yet, don't be put off by reading these two out of order. While this book made some small references to the previous story, it was strong enough to stand on its own and didn't require you to have read the previous one to have a whole lot of background knowledge.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - not at all
Would I sit down and read it all over again - I think I could easily go back and read this in context with the series in order
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, I now have to go find the first book in this series and read that one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Generally speaking, I also really dislike starting a series mid-series and I had not read the first book in this series yet.
So, it's fair to say that this book had 2 strikes against it going in, but I do enjoy the easy and flowing style of the Angela Denise writing duo which made me pick it up and read it anyway.
And I'm glad I did. It was a light, easy and entertaining read. Holly and Cole are a great combo and I enjoyed their interaction both as Holly and Cole, and as 'Hot Rod & Cherrybomb". I also loved that it dipped enough into what was going on in the lives of other characters to make you wonder which of them the next book or even spin off series might be about.
For those who haven't read the first book yet, don't be put off by reading these two out of order. While this book made some small references to the previous story, it was strong enough to stand on its own and didn't require you to have read the previous one to have a whole lot of background knowledge.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - not at all
Would I sit down and read it all over again - I think I could easily go back and read this in context with the series in order
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, I now have to go find the first book in this series and read that one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2022
I mean what better way to dip your toes into Angela Denise then with a book that grabs you and keeps you reading until the very end.
Holly and Cole have known each other for years and there is a possible history there, but it went sideways and now they are just better staying away. That is until they both agree to beta test a new matchmaking app that neither knew the other was testing as well. As these two start to meet up they find that the connection that they thought might be there in high school, is still there, but there are more factors no matter how much they have in common. Cole is now a single dad and is dealing with drama surrounding his daughter and nothing is easy. But when Thanksgiving happens, there are too many factors that happen on all sides that force decisions to be made regarding their relationship and Cole’s business.
I truly enjoyed Holly. She has this spark and wants to believe that she doesn’t like Cole, but that sometimes is covering for the true feelings she is trying to bury. Cole is trying the best he can with what he has. He is a protector to his daughter and believes that she has been dealing with way more than any child her age should. The need to keep her safe and away from her grandparents is strong and I appreciate how he does what he needs to with hopes of shielding her.
Holly and Cole have known each other for years and there is a possible history there, but it went sideways and now they are just better staying away. That is until they both agree to beta test a new matchmaking app that neither knew the other was testing as well. As these two start to meet up they find that the connection that they thought might be there in high school, is still there, but there are more factors no matter how much they have in common. Cole is now a single dad and is dealing with drama surrounding his daughter and nothing is easy. But when Thanksgiving happens, there are too many factors that happen on all sides that force decisions to be made regarding their relationship and Cole’s business.
I truly enjoyed Holly. She has this spark and wants to believe that she doesn’t like Cole, but that sometimes is covering for the true feelings she is trying to bury. Cole is trying the best he can with what he has. He is a protector to his daughter and believes that she has been dealing with way more than any child her age should. The need to keep her safe and away from her grandparents is strong and I appreciate how he does what he needs to with hopes of shielding her.
August 7, 2022
Matchmaking a Single dad introduces us to Holly and Cole (our main characters). Cole is a single dad, hence the title, of eight-year old Jane and has not been in a relationship since his wife Millie passed away seven years ago. Holly is a bold and sassy women who has never really been in a stable relationship before.
Holly and Cole have a bit of a history with each other but are ultimately enemies and are constantly at each others throats. Holly begins to get get close to Cole and Jane when she starts teaching a coding class that Jane is in which changes everything.
When I first started reading this book I felt that things were moving so slow until about 50% of the way through the book where things really started to pick up. After reading the entirety of the book I understand why it felt that way. Coles character can be unlikeable at times but it helped me understand him on a different level and understand what he has been through. Hollys character was frustrating at times but that made me be able to understand the struggles she faced in her life that turned her into who she is.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book the banter between Holly and Cole was amazing the relationship Cole and Holly had with Jane was so nice watch, this book just felt easygoing and light-hearted I really enjoyed reading it!
Holly and Cole have a bit of a history with each other but are ultimately enemies and are constantly at each others throats. Holly begins to get get close to Cole and Jane when she starts teaching a coding class that Jane is in which changes everything.
When I first started reading this book I felt that things were moving so slow until about 50% of the way through the book where things really started to pick up. After reading the entirety of the book I understand why it felt that way. Coles character can be unlikeable at times but it helped me understand him on a different level and understand what he has been through. Hollys character was frustrating at times but that made me be able to understand the struggles she faced in her life that turned her into who she is.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book the banter between Holly and Cole was amazing the relationship Cole and Holly had with Jane was so nice watch, this book just felt easygoing and light-hearted I really enjoyed reading it!
August 9, 2022
Matchmaking a Single Dad is a funny and also sweet story about Cole, a hard-working widower who is trying his best to raise his daughter and do right by her. He was asked by a friend to test out a matchmaking app and agreed.
Holly has known Cole since high school and their past is somewhat complicated. Holly is also Cole's daughter's new coding teacher and Holly sees a lot of herself in Jane. Jane is fierce and strong and independent and she says exactly what she thinks. Holly has also agreed to try out this new matchmaking app.
This story had a lot happening in it. There were a lot of characters and it almost seemed kind of like there were subplots within the larger story. I really enjoyed the parts of the story that focused on Holly and Cole or on Cole and his relationship with his daughter, and on Holly and Jane building their relationship. I did feel like sometimes there was maybe a little too much happening and it maybe took away from the overall enjoyment of the story a little. I did find myself skimming here and there as I had difficulty staying completely invested at times.
This was my first book by this author duo and I did enjoy it. It was well written and the main characters were likable and relatable and I was definitely rooting for them and a happily ever after. I would definitely be interested in reading more books in this series in the future.
Holly has known Cole since high school and their past is somewhat complicated. Holly is also Cole's daughter's new coding teacher and Holly sees a lot of herself in Jane. Jane is fierce and strong and independent and she says exactly what she thinks. Holly has also agreed to try out this new matchmaking app.
This story had a lot happening in it. There were a lot of characters and it almost seemed kind of like there were subplots within the larger story. I really enjoyed the parts of the story that focused on Holly and Cole or on Cole and his relationship with his daughter, and on Holly and Jane building their relationship. I did feel like sometimes there was maybe a little too much happening and it maybe took away from the overall enjoyment of the story a little. I did find myself skimming here and there as I had difficulty staying completely invested at times.
This was my first book by this author duo and I did enjoy it. It was well written and the main characters were likable and relatable and I was definitely rooting for them and a happily ever after. I would definitely be interested in reading more books in this series in the future.
August 9, 2022
Widowed brewery owner Cole isn't looking for a new wife or another woman in his life. He has all he needs and can handle with his precocious 3rd grader, Jane. He's just trying to make it through without messing things up and doing his best to keep Jane's nightmare grandparents from taking Jane away from him. There were reasons his dead wife cut ties with them and only let them see Jane once. Cole agrees to help his friend test out a matchmaking app he has financed. At first, Cole doesn't want to do it but once he starts texting with Cherry Bomb, he finds he enjoysntheir communications.
Holly is a coder. She and her sister have created a matchmaking app. Holly knew Cole in school. After he was sweet to her, he acted like he didn't know her and Holly got mad. She vowed to get him back for it and the two have been at each other since. Holly has agreed to test the matchmaking app. She is matched with a potential mate. They are only allowed to communicate by text, through the app, with each for 30 days. The app even redacts potential identifying information from their communications. Her match is nicknamed Hot Rod.
This was a great story. It has some really great characters and some real pieces of work antagonists. When I first heard about this book, I went back and read the first book in the series, Matchmaking a Billionaire. You don't have to read it to enjoy this book.
Holly is a coder. She and her sister have created a matchmaking app. Holly knew Cole in school. After he was sweet to her, he acted like he didn't know her and Holly got mad. She vowed to get him back for it and the two have been at each other since. Holly has agreed to test the matchmaking app. She is matched with a potential mate. They are only allowed to communicate by text, through the app, with each for 30 days. The app even redacts potential identifying information from their communications. Her match is nicknamed Hot Rod.
This was a great story. It has some really great characters and some real pieces of work antagonists. When I first heard about this book, I went back and read the first book in the series, Matchmaking a Billionaire. You don't have to read it to enjoy this book.
August 12, 2022
Cole and Holly have known each other forever. And after an incident happened and Cole started ignoring Holly, she went out of her way to be argumentative. And now that they are grown ups it hasn’t changed.
Holly isn’t looking for relationships, just maybe someone to have fun with. So she is part of the beta testing for her new Matchmaking app. She gets matched with someone and starts a online ‘relationship’ hoping she can forget about the douche Cole…
Cole is a widower and a single dad. His daughter is stubborn and witty and she is only 8years old. He is not looking for a relationship as his focusing on his daughter, who’s grandparents are threatening for full custody. He gets dragged into beta testing the new Matchmake me App. He gets matched and soon looks forward to chatting with his new online friend…
Holly and Cole I never had doubts about them being attracted to each other. Especially when you read about how their ‘fued’ started, lol. They were just too hyped up around each other, lol… Jane was freaking hilarious man, I loved her character. I got totally invested in this romance from the start especially when Holly was like she is not mother material, but her patience with Jane was epic. All in all this romance definitely hit the spot, between comedy and romance and enemies to lovers… 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Holly isn’t looking for relationships, just maybe someone to have fun with. So she is part of the beta testing for her new Matchmaking app. She gets matched with someone and starts a online ‘relationship’ hoping she can forget about the douche Cole…
Cole is a widower and a single dad. His daughter is stubborn and witty and she is only 8years old. He is not looking for a relationship as his focusing on his daughter, who’s grandparents are threatening for full custody. He gets dragged into beta testing the new Matchmake me App. He gets matched and soon looks forward to chatting with his new online friend…
Holly and Cole I never had doubts about them being attracted to each other. Especially when you read about how their ‘fued’ started, lol. They were just too hyped up around each other, lol… Jane was freaking hilarious man, I loved her character. I got totally invested in this romance from the start especially when Holly was like she is not mother material, but her patience with Jane was epic. All in all this romance definitely hit the spot, between comedy and romance and enemies to lovers… 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
August 7, 2022
Single dad Cole only has time for his 8 year old daughter and his brewery but finds himself wanting more. When a friend asks him to beta test their new dating app that keeps users anonymous for the first thirty days, he decides to give it a shot. He soon finds himself drawn to not only his app match “Cherry Bomb” but his daughter’s new computer teacher Holly. Holly has actively avoided Cole since highschool and has to actively stop herself from picking fights with her one-time crush turned enemy. Now that she’s teaching his daughter and regularly interacting with him, Holly has to fight any of her old feelings from coming back.
Matchmaking a Single Dad is an enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance with just the right balance of sweet and spicy. This is the second book in the Highland Hills series and while it could be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading the first book. Many of the characters and some of the plot carries over from the first book, Matchmaking a Billionaire.
Cole and Holly have known each other since highschool and the authors give plenty of their backstory, which gives the important context needed for a good second chance story. The book is fairly fast-paced but the storyline flows smoothly. There is plenty of humorous banter between the MCs and among their friends. I liked the epistolary format of their app messages and their texts. It adds a unique element to break up the chapters.
Overall, Matchmaking a Single Dad was a fun, quick read. I look forward to seeing where the authors take the series next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Matchmaking a Single Dad is an enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance with just the right balance of sweet and spicy. This is the second book in the Highland Hills series and while it could be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading the first book. Many of the characters and some of the plot carries over from the first book, Matchmaking a Billionaire.
Cole and Holly have known each other since highschool and the authors give plenty of their backstory, which gives the important context needed for a good second chance story. The book is fairly fast-paced but the storyline flows smoothly. There is plenty of humorous banter between the MCs and among their friends. I liked the epistolary format of their app messages and their texts. It adds a unique element to break up the chapters.
Overall, Matchmaking a Single Dad was a fun, quick read. I look forward to seeing where the authors take the series next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 5, 2022
ARC
Help!!!!!!!!!!!! This book is amazing, and every other word I could say to you.
The story follows our beloved Cole, whose the widow single dad trying to work on his brewery, be a good father to his 8 going 80 year old in their small town.
And the brightest Holly, who came back to her town to work with her family in their family business using her skills as a programmer.
Their romance started ages ago, like literally, they grew up together and have always loved each other, or just feel a strong attraction for each other.
Now, let me start by saying that this is a typical hate to love relationship. They aren't enemies per se but so much they love to fight with each other.
Their relationship even though started rocky, it started as every good single dad book started.. bonding with the kid!! And what a kid, one of my most fav part of this book was her. She brought so much spark, love and sassiness into the mix.
It's really good , the writing's good and the plot line great as well!
Also, I've read one of Denise's book (The substitute) and I swear is the first romance book I've ever read and I loved this for me LOL
Tropes: Single dad (can't go wrong with that), second change romance, small town, family drama.
Help!!!!!!!!!!!! This book is amazing, and every other word I could say to you.
The story follows our beloved Cole, whose the widow single dad trying to work on his brewery, be a good father to his 8 going 80 year old in their small town.
And the brightest Holly, who came back to her town to work with her family in their family business using her skills as a programmer.
Their romance started ages ago, like literally, they grew up together and have always loved each other, or just feel a strong attraction for each other.
Now, let me start by saying that this is a typical hate to love relationship. They aren't enemies per se but so much they love to fight with each other.
Their relationship even though started rocky, it started as every good single dad book started.. bonding with the kid!! And what a kid, one of my most fav part of this book was her. She brought so much spark, love and sassiness into the mix.
It's really good , the writing's good and the plot line great as well!
Also, I've read one of Denise's book (The substitute) and I swear is the first romance book I've ever read and I loved this for me LOL
Tropes: Single dad (can't go wrong with that), second change romance, small town, family drama.
August 7, 2022
“It’s easier to be open with people when you don’t have to look at them. It’s easier when you can put your feelings into writing rather than say them out loud and listen to your own voice exposing you.”
Tropes:
✔️Enemies to lovers
✔️Second chance
✔️Single Dad
✔️Girl makes the first move
✔️Protective MMC
✔️Spunky no filter FMC
It’s a stand alone.
Triggers:
▪️MMC is a widower
I absolutely LOVED this book. The fact that both main characters were forced to be beta testers for the app, who hated each other (because of misunderstandings) and ended up having 97% comparability was a nice touch.
Holly is the type of girl I want as a friend. I know she’ll have my back as well as telling me what I need to hear not what I want to hear lol.
Cole is a wonderful dad who’s trying his best to raise his daughter while at the same time providing for her although at times he was clueless of how smart his daughter was lol. Jane. Now Jane is the type of daughter I want. Sure she’ll probably give me a few headaches because of how smart she is so I won’t be able to hide anything from her but it’s okay. She is my favorite character and the one that had me laughing the most lol.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this weeks.
August 12, 2022
I highly recommend anything written under the Angela Denise name. The characters are always interesting, things are never boring, and there’s a good mixture of humor and heat. Matchmaking the Single Dad holds true. The daughter is adorable, the heroine is sassy, and the hero is hunky – all combining to make a fun, and funny, read.
Holly and Cole have been picking at each other for years. Of course, we know it’s because they are perfect for each other but misunderstandings and missteps over the years have led them to this point. A place where spending time together because of Cole’s daughter means that they are going to have to address their feelings for each other. It’s definitely not smooth sailing – both of them are stubborn to say the least – but with the help of friends and family maybe they can finally find that HEA they’ve been waiting for.
Witty banter, tender moments, a spunky 7 year old, and a good amount steam kept me turning the pages and coming back for more. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Mayberry siblings :)
(Part of a series but pretty easily stands on its own.)
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Holly and Cole have been picking at each other for years. Of course, we know it’s because they are perfect for each other but misunderstandings and missteps over the years have led them to this point. A place where spending time together because of Cole’s daughter means that they are going to have to address their feelings for each other. It’s definitely not smooth sailing – both of them are stubborn to say the least – but with the help of friends and family maybe they can finally find that HEA they’ve been waiting for.
Witty banter, tender moments, a spunky 7 year old, and a good amount steam kept me turning the pages and coming back for more. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Mayberry siblings :)
(Part of a series but pretty easily stands on its own.)
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
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