Title: Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker
Hashtag Holidays Series Book One
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 244 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Author Ann Marie Walker brings you a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’ll warm your heart for Singles Day (the true anti-Valentine’s Day!) and every day after!
Single and proud of it! Oh, oops…
As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker’s world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to celebrate Singles Day. After all, what’s better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is.
As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, single dad Lucas Croft finally has some peace and quiet. It’s only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is.
But when Paige books a room that Lucas’ well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they’ve both been missing.
Review:
Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker is a fun romance set in the Outer Banks.
Paige Parker is a very successful business owner who works too hard. After a discussion with her assistant/hilarious friend Samuel Lee, she impulsively books a beach vacation at a B&B. Her arrival reveals many surprises and when she finds herself stranded by a storm, Paige decides to make the best of things. She is shocked by her unexpected attraction to her curmudgeonly host, B&B owner Lucas Croft. Will Paige continue to resist giving in and enjoying a vacation fling?
Lucas is a very reluctant host so he is gruff and rude to his unwanted guest. But not wanting to completely ruin his business, he does finally change his attitude toward Paige (whom he thinks is a little too tightly wound). Lucas is still grieving the death of his beloved wife and he has dedicated himself to raising their precocious, adorable four year old daughter Maddie. Lucas is also not exactly pleased to discover he is attracted to Paige but he does realize he might just be ready to move on from his devastating loss. But should he give in to his desire for Paige?
The relationship between Lucas and Paige goes from contentious to friendship in a realistic manner. Their simmering attraction underlies their interactions as they gradually get to know each other. Paige has been deeply hurt in the past so she has no desire to risk her heart again. Until meeting Paige, Lucas has been unable to come to terms with his wife’s death. With both of them aware a relationship would have a definite shelf life, they decide to indulge their passion for each other. But when Paige returns to Chicago, will either of them be able to forget their burgeoning feelings for each other?
Happy Singles Day is a heartwarming novel of healing and love. Lucas and Paige are well-drawn characters who evolve and grow after getting to know one another. Their romance is understated but their desire and emotions ring true. The beach setting springs vividly to life and serves as the perfect backdrop for Lucas and Paige’s relationship. Ann Marie Walker brings this charming romance to a sweet conclusion. A wonderful beginning to the Hashtag Holidays series that readers of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy.
