Dad Attitude

Single Dads Gone Wild #2

by Kathryn M. Hearst

It was kismet until our kids met.

Natalie
Starting over in my forties was never part of the plan.

Raising a teen and running a catering company keeps me busy…too busy for dating.
But my daughter begs to differ.

When Kayla goes behind my back and sets up an online dating profile, I’m upset. But when she accepts a dinner invitation on my behalf, I’m livid…until I realize I know the man.

Okay, I’m still furious, and she’s definitely grounded for life, but how can I stand a guy up, when I have to see him on a regular basis?

Sucking it up, and meeting Dane turns out to be the best decision I’ve ever made, until Kayla has other ideas.

Dane
My son comes first. Always.

I gave up pro-surfing to raise Ezra. He’s my world.
But lately, my world feels a little small.

When my friends dared me to sign up for an online dating site, I thought it’d be a waste of time. That is, until I found Natalie’s profile.

Dating her is easy and fun and everything I never knew I wanted, until our kids launch an all-out campaign to break us up.
Can our relationship survive their meddling, or will we wipe out?

Genres: Contemporary

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2022

About the author

Kathryn M. Hearst is a southern girl with a love of the dark and strange. She has been a story teller her entire life, as a child she took people watching to new heights by creating back stories of complete strangers. Kate lives in North Carolina with her chocolate lab, Jolene; and two rescue pups, Jagger and Roxanne. She is a self-proclaimed nerd, raising a nerdling.

Reviews

[Charliegirl1 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Idiotic parents

These are the most idiotic parents. I understand putting your child first in matters of physical and emotional health, but to allow a 14 year old who has proven herself untrustworthy to lie, manipulate, and run her mother's life with no consequences Is ridiculous. The scene where she's crying but won't show her mother her phone is especially egregious to me in light of an earlier scene where she set her mother up on an adult dating app and communicated with a grown man behind her mother's back. Yes, she was trying to set her mother up on a date but in the later scene,how does the mom know that she hasn't fallen prey to a predator? Then she allows her daughter to wallow in her puppy love "broken heart" and try, once again, to manipulate her parents lives. The idea of giving up your life for that of your child is a noble one if it's for something real like health or safety,but for her first crush? She's fourteen, what life lessons are you teaching this child? The main male character isn't much better with his teenage son, but at least his kid doesn't seem to be actually malicious with his pranks, until he's also manipulated by the fourteen year old girl into believing lies about her mother. At least he was being protective of his dad, while she was just being selfish. These parents should have had a "Come to Jesus" intervention when they first knew there was lying and snarkiness going on. The daughter, of course, makes up with her own friend and starts dating (at 14?) someone else, and accepts her father's new fiancee almost immediately, but the mother "can't risk" getting back together with the apparent love of her life. This defies logic----I'm miserable and in emotional pain but I won't do the one thing that will make it better. I have no sympathy for either one of them.

[Jenncw · Rating 2 out of 5]

ugh

Too much about kids. Why? As a cute plot device to get a couple together, maybe, but Kayla’s pathetic, selfish behavior took over the whole book. Not a romance, more like a warmup for a parenting book.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Single Dads Gone Wild and the main characters are Natalie Davidson, who runs a catering company called Della’s Delights, and Dane McCormick, who used to be a pro surfer and now owns and runs a hotel and a surf shop. Nat is getting worked up about catering for her best friend Amy’s wedding to a Hollywood superstar, Hudson. She has a teenage daughter Kayla (15) and is dealing with having to take over her mother’s company after her death less than a year ago. It isn’t her dream. Her dream is to one day own her own restaurant. Dane lost his wife Melissa when his son Ezra was eleven and gave up pro surfing to raise him. EZ (17) is now wanting to turn pro at surfing as well, but his dad wants him to finish high school first. Both teens want their parents to start dating again, thinking it is time they thought about more than just work and them. Nat still loves her ex-husband Chris but it is as a friend nothing more. Dane’s men friends from the Single Dads Gone Wild club push him to start dating again, showing how it has worked for all of them. Dane will never forget his wife, but even she told him to be happy and find another love once she was gone!
They make him sign up for a dating app and he is surprised to find Nat on there, so he sends her a message. Only problem is that Nat didn’t put her profile up, Kayla did, to show her mum how many men would want to date her! Kayla has even replied and told Dane she will go out for a meal and she should be there in under an hour! She doesn’t have his number and hates to think he would be sitting there alone and thinking he was stood up. So she quickly heads there and ends up having a great time with Dane. Only problem is that Kayla doesn’t realise it is EZ’s dad she has set her mum up with until after. When she does, she asks EZ to help her separate the two of them. Dane and Nat are finding dating each other to be fantastic and are taking things slowly, but it is definitely serious. It should be something both teens want, but because of who they are with, Kayla and EZ have launched a secret mission to break them up! Things like keys and phones go missing and messages are missed or not replied to. But there is a very different purpose behind Kayla’s actions, which will eventually come out and brings more hurt than originally planned. Kids always come first and difficult decisions have to be made. Whether that will be what makes everyone happy, will clearly show at Amy’s wedding some months later. Life with teens is definitely challenging as this story shows, yet they come good in the end when given enough rope. A very realistic look at raising teens and trying to start over with blended families and the issues they bring. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and enjoyable 2nd book I’m the Single Dads Gone Wild (SDGW) series. I’d recommend reading the first book, but it could be read as a standalone. Do keep in mind this couple meet and become acquaintances in the first book of the series when their friends become a couple.

Natalie is a lonely divorcée and single mom to a teenage daughter. Even though she is lonely, Natalie isn’t confident or comfortable with the idea of dating again. When one of the SDGW notices her and tries to get her to go out with him she doesn’t believe he’s really interested in her.

Dane is a widower raising a teenage son. Dame is a former pro surfer, who left the pro tour when his wife became sick with cancer. Over five years later and he’s just noticed a woman who catches his attention and makes his blood sizzle, but she doesn’t seem
Interested.

These two lonely single parents are perfect for each other. I am really enjoying this series as much for the romances between older characters, but the wonderful friendships and crazy antics within the group of single dads and between the single moms. Their kids add an extra element of crazy any parent of teens will commiserate and understand.

My only issue with this book is Natalie’s daughter, Kayla. Even though Natalie wasn’t aware of Kayla’s actions and manipulations, Natalie did see some of Kayla’s behaviors that needed consequences, but really didn’t do or enforce much. I quickly got fed up with Kayla and her antics.

I enjoy the author including the characters of the next book in the series so the reader can get to know them just a little bit and get excited for the next book in the series. I love this compared to the cliffhanger so many other authors use.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a single parents romantic comedy.

Natalie Davidson owns a catering company. Her best friend Amy is getting married and beside being a bridesmaid she is catering the engagement barbecue for 300 people. Amy's fiance, Hudson, is a former actor and now studio executive so it is a good opportunity for her business. She also has a fifteen year old daughter Kayla and an ex husband Chris who she is still friends with.

Dane McCormick is a widower and former five time world champion pro surfer. He now owns a boutique hotel, surf school and merchandise businesses. He has a seventeen year old son Ezra/EZ who plans to follow in his surfing footsteps. He is Hudson's best man for the wedding, is gorgeous, rich and sweet. Dane along with his friends also operate Single Dads Gone Wild, a cross between a single parent support group and the X Games.

Dane had one date with Natalie a while ago but she ghosted him afterwards. Dane's friends convince him to join a dating app called Second Time Soulmates. Kayla creates a profile for Natalie on the same app and accepts a date with Dane for her mother. After a disastrous beginning the date goes well and they begin to see each other. The kids however freak out when they realize their parents are dating each other and do some really terrible things to try to break them up. There is a lot of teenage drama to get through and a tough breakup, but they finally get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series and I absolute adore it. Its a bit like Parent Trap as each couple has a teenager and they are trying to get them to date but also don't want them to date each other. It was so much fun watching the teens try and get them together and then not want them together as Dane and Nate get closer despite there teens plans.

Dane and Nat are the parents. Dane has a son, Ezra who is older than Nat's daughter, Kayla. They are close friends. Ezra thinks they are best friends while Kayla has a big crush on him. They both have single parents who they want to start dating and so they matchmake on a website for them. But they don't know the parents are talking to each other online. But when they find out they are not so happy about it. And thats when the fun begins....

Nat and Dane know each other. They have friends in common and Dane wants to date her but she keeps ducking his moves. That is until they find each other online and I loved how they are with each other.

This series is such a fun series about older couples who are divorced or widowed who find love for the second time with some help from their kids. It made me laugh, sigh and just love reading this story. I cannot wait for more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie and Dane . . .

Divorcee Natalie Davidson is very busy with her catering business, and widower Dane McCormick, former pro surfer, owns and runs a hotel and a surf shop. Both are quite busy with work. Their teen kids decide that it is time they start dating again. When Natalie won’t sign up on a dating app, Kayla creates a profile for her. Dane is convinced by his buddies that he needs start dating as well, and they point him to the same app that Natalie is signed up on. Of course, Dane and Natalie are paired up, and it happens that they know each other. They are enjoying each other’s company and things are going well.

Then Kayla discovers Dane is the father of her friend Ezra (“EZ”). She has a crush on EZ and doesn’t want their parents getting together! So they plot to break them up. Will their parents figure out what’s going on? Will they stop their teens’ meddling? Or will they give up on a relationship and let this one drift apart?

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie runs a catering company and Dane runs and own a hotel and surf shop. They are both attracted to each other but never actually act on it. At a gathering a friend's having Natalie was about to make her move on Dane when she saw he brought a young woman with him to the gathering. Everyone but him assumed the woman was his date and he was clueless. Natalie's daughter tells her not long after the party that she has signed her up for an online dating app and has been talking to someone and they have a date scheduled. Natalie was going to ignore it until her daughter told her it was with Dane. Will this be their chance to see if they can make something happen together?

This is a great story that will have you captivate from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. This is a book for any book lover to enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never come across this author before, but will be downloading some of her other books immediately after posting this review.

The story straddles the line between realism and fiction so well. I can easily see teenagers causing drama, and then compounding the drama because they’re embarrassed they caused it. I also really loved the author’s way with words.

Some favorite lines: “Dating is like the polar plunge. You just have to hold your nose and jump in” and “Kayla spoke in a dramatic tone only used by teenagers and Shakespearean actors.” If you’re on the fence, get off and download this book!

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Single Dads Gone Wild series and loved it.
Many characters from the first book returned.

This book is about Dane, a widower, and Natalie, a divorcee.
They both have kids. While the kids think at first it's a good idea to match their parents, soon keys and phones disappear and some other stuff happens along the way.

This was written realistic, 40+ people with teenagers not liking their parents getting a new love.

I loved it and can't wait for the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great romcom read. Two single parents have been circling each other until their children get involved. Then the kids change their mind and chaos ensues. I must admit I got really aggravated with the daughter and had to put the book down for a while. Good writing but I wasn’t in the mood for an teenage brat at the time lol. I picked it back up when I was in a better frame of mind and was so glad I did. I breezed through the rest of the book to see how it ended. Lots of humor, tears, angst and steam.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable rom-com about two single parents of teenage children, widower Dane and divorcee Natalie, who although they find each other attractive have never done anything about it. But then their children do something to bring them together only to change their minds later.

This book is part of a series involving single dads who all belong to a friend's group, but don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books because it can be read as a standalone. The story is well-written, full of tears, angst, steam and humour. I enjoyed it very much.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a romance full of humor, friendship, doubts, teenage antics, secrets, single parenting issues, passion and a second chance to discover love in life. I laughed, cringed, rolled my eyes and had several other emotions while reading about Nat and Dane. Their children were typical with all the hormones and the "I do, but I don't" attitude for that age. I thought that it was a really good love story with family front and center.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Dane, Natalie, Ezra and Kayla. Dane's a surfer and a single dad to Ezra since his wife Melissa died. Natalie and Chris divorced recently but Kayla still is suggesting her mom to get out there again. But when they start dating, the kids realize their parents are dating each other and want to put a stop to it. Pranks are flying around. But an accident leaves things up in the air.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MzAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlikable Teens

I didn't like this one as much as Breaking Dad. First, I didn't like Natalie's daughter Kayla. Kayla was a lying, selfish, manipulative little so-and-so. I didn't like Dane's son Ezra, either. He was almost as bad as Kayla.

I liked Dane. He's the usual broken H I fall for. I didn't really care for Natalie. She had the weak, wishy-washy thing going on that I can't stand.

The book itself wasn't bad, but when I don't like the main characters in a book, it's impossible for me to root for their HEA.

Maybe the next book will be more like the first book.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a feel good, rom-com novel with some dramatic twists. The series involves single dads that are part of a friends group. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. This novel is about widower Dane and divorcee Natalie as well as their meddling children. It explores the trials of dating with teenage children without being too “heavy”. I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down!

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This love story will make you believe that just because you have a kid does not mean your life is over. Dane and Natalie are a wonderful couple and their kids are typical teenagers. I can understand the motive on the pranks but also be upset on behalf of the couple. Throughout it all you can feel the love and wish you had it for yourself if you already do not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your kids set you up and then decide that they don't what it to happen. Boy are you in trouble and the things they can think up to try to keep you apart is funny. Kayla is has a crush on her future step brother and don't want her mom dating Dane as he is father of her crush. She try everything to separated them and will it work. What happen when she tell her crush Ezra how she feels?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5***** stars. It reminded me of my days as a single mom. We didn’t go through all the machinations these guys did. Teens are a tribe of their own, full of hormones, their own free will and pull out all the stops to torment their parents. Nicely written and fairly realistic of a new relationship. Very entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Much More Than A Romance

This story is a wonderful romance, but it’s also a story about life, about navigating family dynamics, dealing with a lost partner, and teenage angst (oh, the angst!!!!). I loved how seamlessly Dane and Natalie’s relationship came together - it was a great juxtaposition on how hard it was to keep together and put back together. This series is just phenomenal, so full of emotion and life, each book just brings such an amazing story.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and a little bit crazy, rom com! Teenagers trying to get parents dating as well as one crushing a bit on the other teen. Let the fun begin! this is a well written second chance story that was fun for me to read! I Loved It!!! No spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[George Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back for round 2! Dad Attitude is such an great title and this one might be even better then Breaking Dad was, and that's saying something. I had so much fun reading this, was light and funny with just the right amount of romance to keep you invested, couldn't put it down. I can't wait for book 3 now!!!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series is out and it was just as fun to read as the last. This time it stars Natalie and Dane and their evil children. It was cute, funny, and made me laugh at the antics that their children pulled on these two clueless people who just clicked. But it was work to really get together and made for a fun book to read.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was such a fun book to read. Dane and Natalie are actually so adorable together, but really wanted to ground their kids as they were so meddlesome and just total brats! However, this lead to some pretty fun and funny hi-jinks and made this book quite entertaining.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful second chance at love romance, well-written with wonderful likable characters, Dane and Natalie start dating when Natalie's daughter signs her up to online dating and Dane's friends convince him to start dating again. Their children are best friends and when they realize their parents are dating, they do their best to break them up. Good Story.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun feel-good read!!

Fun, feel-good read. There were times I kept smiling, laughing out loud, had all the feels, enjoyable drama which made me finish in less than a day. Could not put it down. It is such a great, great book. Loved it. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. So grab your copy today. Happy reading everyone

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cute story with single mom Natalie and single dad Dane who get together with the encouragement from their teenage children but her daughter decides it is a bad idea when she realizes her crush (Ezra) is the man her mom is dating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their lives revolve around their children and being there for them but a match on a dating app makes them realize they want more. Their attraction is unexpected and their children's antics too break them even more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Breanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love the series. Dane and Natalie are pitcher perfect for each other. Really could feel they were made for each other right off the bat. The chemistry between them was amazing. I can't wait to read Adam and Jenna's story next! I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It :)
This book was an interesting 1. The characters were interesting & I liked how book 1 simply flowed to this 1. I recommend this book also:) I can't wait to read book 3 & meet more characters. Each book is like it just keeps flowing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.