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Dirty Martini Running Club #4
Flirting With Forever
He’ll break all her rules
Nora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants.
Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door.
Tattoo artist Dex St. James has enough trouble on his hands without the distractingly beautiful woman next door. Being a single dad to a teenage girl is no joke. The last thing he needs is a flirtatious new neighbor who makes his blood run hot.
He’ll just avoid her. She’s not his type anyway.
But Nora and Dex can’t seem to stay out of each other’s way. Between a pesky nocturnal visitor, Nora’s blossoming friendship with Dex’s daughter, and their undeniable chemistry, that up-against-the-wall, brain-melting kiss was probably inevitable.
Nora has rules when it comes to men, and she has her reasons. Dex threatens to break every last one of them. She doesn’t want forever. He won’t settle for anything less. But when these two collide, the result is fire.
And maybe even forever.
Author’s Note: opposites attract in this fun, swoony, single dad romcom. A smart, sassy woman meets a rough-around-the-edges tattoo artist with a heart of gold. Daddy/daughter moments, all the banter, neighborly shenanigans, a meddling family, badass lady friendships, and a hero who’s determined to fight the heat between them—until he falls first.
Flirting with Forever can be read as a stand-alone.
Nora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants.
Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door.
Tattoo artist Dex St. James has enough trouble on his hands without the distractingly beautiful woman next door. Being a single dad to a teenage girl is no joke. The last thing he needs is a flirtatious new neighbor who makes his blood run hot.
He’ll just avoid her. She’s not his type anyway.
But Nora and Dex can’t seem to stay out of each other’s way. Between a pesky nocturnal visitor, Nora’s blossoming friendship with Dex’s daughter, and their undeniable chemistry, that up-against-the-wall, brain-melting kiss was probably inevitable.
Nora has rules when it comes to men, and she has her reasons. Dex threatens to break every last one of them. She doesn’t want forever. He won’t settle for anything less. But when these two collide, the result is fire.
And maybe even forever.
Author’s Note: opposites attract in this fun, swoony, single dad romcom. A smart, sassy woman meets a rough-around-the-edges tattoo artist with a heart of gold. Daddy/daughter moments, all the banter, neighborly shenanigans, a meddling family, badass lady friendships, and a hero who’s determined to fight the heat between them—until he falls first.
Flirting with Forever can be read as a stand-alone.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2023
About the author
Claire Kingsley
53 books10.9k followersClaire Kingsley is a #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 865 reviews
September 22, 2024
This felt like conservative propaganda disguised as romcom. There was a tone. *side eyeing book*
This book was wrong in so many, many ways. Firstly, the story did not fit Nora’s character in past books and felt really judgey. Like it had to prove how wrong women like Nora are for not wanting the white picket fence, suburban life with babies. They must have daddy issues, they must not have met the right guy, they must be scarred by a past relationship etc etc.
Couple that with the cringe-worthy, objectification of her body when we are in the hero’s pov, I just did not enjoy myself here. And it was sooo long, there’s two third act break ups, fucking two .
And lastly, this gave me the ick:
I’ve noticed this before, but this book made it very obvious that Ms. Kingsley is not for me anymore. She’s dated and ‘traditional’ and her sensibilities don’t align with my own. She needs to watch the Barbie movie on repeat and join us in 2023.
My highlights are crazy and speak for themselves. I don’t want to invest anymore time with this.
This book was wrong in so many, many ways. Firstly, the story did not fit Nora’s character in past books and felt really judgey. Like it had to prove how wrong women like Nora are for not wanting the white picket fence, suburban life with babies. They must have daddy issues, they must not have met the right guy, they must be scarred by a past relationship etc etc.
Couple that with the cringe-worthy, objectification of her body when we are in the hero’s pov, I just did not enjoy myself here. And it was sooo long, there’s two third act break ups, fucking two .
And lastly, this gave me the ick:
I’ve noticed this before, but this book made it very obvious that Ms. Kingsley is not for me anymore. She’s dated and ‘traditional’ and her sensibilities don’t align with my own. She needs to watch the Barbie movie on repeat and join us in 2023.
My highlights are crazy and speak for themselves. I don’t want to invest anymore time with this.
March 18, 2024
Review edited on March 17, 2024:
Downgraded from 4 stars to 1 star. I don't support people that glorify the IOF. See this review.
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Finallyyyy, our girl Nora's story 😍 Nora may be a perpetual bachelorette, but she's now a brand new homeowner. It just so happens that she's moved in next door to a gruff single dad and his teenage daughter.
Dex is the opposite of Nora's type, but that's partly what makes him her perfect match. He's a man who breaks all of her dating rules. He tries hard to ignore his attraction to her, but Nora knows how to subtly tease him. It's so deliciously fun.
Dex is so sexy with his tattoos and his protective daddy vibes. Nora's friendship with his daughter is so sweet. She fits in with both Dex and his daughter in such a natural way. Their small family of three is so adorable.
Dex and Nora have 🔥 chemistry together. I like that they start off as friends and their romance is more of a medium burn. The tension builds and builds and the payoff is worth the wait.
I only have a few criticisms. There were some repetitions, especially when the characters are monologuing internally. For example, the same information about Nora's job was given to us like 3 times in just the first 20% of the story. I also thought it was weird that the two conflicts in the story had to do with Nora's articles. I understand the significance of both conflicts, but maybe some variation would have been better?
Other than that, I had a fun time reading this book and it was such a great finale to this enjoyable series. As always, I listened to the audiobook and man, the narrators for this series are top notch 👌🏽
Downgraded from 4 stars to 1 star. I don't support people that glorify the IOF. See this review.
------------------------------------------------
Finallyyyy, our girl Nora's story 😍 Nora may be a perpetual bachelorette, but she's now a brand new homeowner. It just so happens that she's moved in next door to a gruff single dad and his teenage daughter.
Dex is the opposite of Nora's type, but that's partly what makes him her perfect match. He's a man who breaks all of her dating rules. He tries hard to ignore his attraction to her, but Nora knows how to subtly tease him. It's so deliciously fun.
Dex is so sexy with his tattoos and his protective daddy vibes. Nora's friendship with his daughter is so sweet. She fits in with both Dex and his daughter in such a natural way. Their small family of three is so adorable.
Dex and Nora have 🔥 chemistry together. I like that they start off as friends and their romance is more of a medium burn. The tension builds and builds and the payoff is worth the wait.
I only have a few criticisms. There were some repetitions, especially when the characters are monologuing internally. For example, the same information about Nora's job was given to us like 3 times in just the first 20% of the story. I also thought it was weird that the two conflicts in the story had to do with Nora's articles. I understand the significance of both conflicts, but maybe some variation would have been better?
Other than that, I had a fun time reading this book and it was such a great finale to this enjoyable series. As always, I listened to the audiobook and man, the narrators for this series are top notch 👌🏽
March 16, 2023
Flirting with Forever solidified the fact that Nora Lakes is my girl crush and my imaginary BFF. I didn’t want the book to end! In order for me to rate a book five stars, I really need to admire the heroine and Nora was everything I was hoping for and more. Please note that even though this is book four in the Dirty Martini Running Club series, it can be an absolute standalone so start right here if you love strong, smart, independent female leads who empower other women and find the love of their life when they least expect it.
Dex St. James is raising his 13-year-old daughter Riley alone in a traditional house in the suburbs of Seattle. He’s life is pretty much on repeat working at the tattoo parlor he owns and taking care of his daughter, when he’s blindsided by the beauty moving in next door. He’s on high alert as he knows she’ll be nothing but a distraction but the author cleverly weaves in the opportunities for their paths to cross while building their sexual tension and curiosity.
This book has so many funny moments and you'll be laughing and swooning in no time!
Nora is a successful writer of a column but not professionally fulfilled as she’s not able to publish articles that are more meaningful to her. It’s all about the revenue and sex sells. I loved her journey career wise as she worked through her situation and made the ultimate decision to put herself first. While I loved the friendship and relationship that was building with her and Dex, I equally loved her reflecting on her career goals, her relationship with her three best friends who were like family to her, and her relationship with Riley.
Riley needed a mother figure and Nora was so warm, honest, and approachable. Her advice to her was spot on giving her the confidence and direction that every young girl needs. I loved Dex’s family and how close he was to them, and how easily Nora blended into his life.
Dex didn’t trust himself in the love department as it didn’t work out well in the past, and he was such a catch– down-to-earth and so darn likeable with a big squishy heart! He was guarded but not broken, just very aware that any woman he brings into his life has the potential to hurt his daughter. I loved that fact that this strong, sexy man was so humble and protective. And it’s no surprise that his bedroom skills trumped his artistic skills and have Nora seriously impressed and thoroughly sated.
Nora was sophisticated, fashionable and level headed, yet was never stuck-up or judgmental. She was always willing to help others to make them look and feel their best which made me like her even more. She never thought she’d be attracted to tattooed, ripped jean wearing bad boy, but their explosive chemistry and banter made her realize he wasn’t a bad boy at all. I admired his career path and that he followed his passion which made others feel beautiful. He and Nora shared the same core values and were the perfect match.
Nora had been burned badly in the past and was very guarded, and little by little she let him in and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It's obvious that every detail was well-thought out by the author, as it just builds and builds and will draw you in. The character development of Dex, Nora and Riley was really emotional and the ending was just perfect.
I have read Claire’s backlist which made me enjoy Flirting with Forever that much more! Loved the updates on Hazel and Corbin, Everly and Sheppard, and Cox and Sophie and their expanding families and how the “Husband Club” made appearances (LOL). I missed them!
Loved all the little Easter Eggs dropped in such as the wine they drank, the wedding planner, and the plastic surgeon! Be still my heart! I was smiling so big I must have looked like a loon waiting at an appointment for my name to be called and hoping I would be delayed so I could keep reading. Once you finish this gem, start with Everly Ever After, a free prequel, to start the series and you will be so glad you did.
Dex St. James is raising his 13-year-old daughter Riley alone in a traditional house in the suburbs of Seattle. He’s life is pretty much on repeat working at the tattoo parlor he owns and taking care of his daughter, when he’s blindsided by the beauty moving in next door. He’s on high alert as he knows she’ll be nothing but a distraction but the author cleverly weaves in the opportunities for their paths to cross while building their sexual tension and curiosity.
This book has so many funny moments and you'll be laughing and swooning in no time!
Nora is a successful writer of a column but not professionally fulfilled as she’s not able to publish articles that are more meaningful to her. It’s all about the revenue and sex sells. I loved her journey career wise as she worked through her situation and made the ultimate decision to put herself first. While I loved the friendship and relationship that was building with her and Dex, I equally loved her reflecting on her career goals, her relationship with her three best friends who were like family to her, and her relationship with Riley.
Riley needed a mother figure and Nora was so warm, honest, and approachable. Her advice to her was spot on giving her the confidence and direction that every young girl needs. I loved Dex’s family and how close he was to them, and how easily Nora blended into his life.
Dex didn’t trust himself in the love department as it didn’t work out well in the past, and he was such a catch– down-to-earth and so darn likeable with a big squishy heart! He was guarded but not broken, just very aware that any woman he brings into his life has the potential to hurt his daughter. I loved that fact that this strong, sexy man was so humble and protective. And it’s no surprise that his bedroom skills trumped his artistic skills and have Nora seriously impressed and thoroughly sated.
Nora was sophisticated, fashionable and level headed, yet was never stuck-up or judgmental. She was always willing to help others to make them look and feel their best which made me like her even more. She never thought she’d be attracted to tattooed, ripped jean wearing bad boy, but their explosive chemistry and banter made her realize he wasn’t a bad boy at all. I admired his career path and that he followed his passion which made others feel beautiful. He and Nora shared the same core values and were the perfect match.
Nora had been burned badly in the past and was very guarded, and little by little she let him in and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It's obvious that every detail was well-thought out by the author, as it just builds and builds and will draw you in. The character development of Dex, Nora and Riley was really emotional and the ending was just perfect.
I have read Claire’s backlist which made me enjoy Flirting with Forever that much more! Loved the updates on Hazel and Corbin, Everly and Sheppard, and Cox and Sophie and their expanding families and how the “Husband Club” made appearances (LOL). I missed them!
Loved all the little Easter Eggs dropped in such as the wine they drank, the wedding planner, and the plastic surgeon! Be still my heart! I was smiling so big I must have looked like a loon waiting at an appointment for my name to be called and hoping I would be delayed so I could keep reading. Once you finish this gem, start with Everly Ever After, a free prequel, to start the series and you will be so glad you did.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
March 26, 2023DNF at 24%. It’s just not working for me.
April 15, 2023
4.25 stars
March 19, 2023
Mixed feelings
It's tough to develop an emotional connection to a couple when their entire relationship is physical, and that's where I struggled with this one. While I've been a fan of the series, this particular installment didn't strike the same chord with me. Nora is known as being a man-eater and an overtly sexual woman, which was front and center in this book. One look at her new neighbor, and she was ready to eat him up. I loved her connection with his daughter and all of the neighborly interactions, but I struggled to connect with either character. Shifting things into a friends with benefits relationship where feelings are pushed to the background certainly didn't help, so I had a tough time rooting for these two. It's the kind of book that I really WANTED to like, but it simply didn't play out that way.
The story follows Nora, the last single woman among her group of friends. She just purchased a new home for a change of pace, and it doesn't take long before Nora realizes that her new neighbor is a super sexy single dad. Not at all Nora's usual type, but appealing all the same. But Dex is anything but friendly with Nora, and he seems to be immune to her charms - or at least more resistant than the men Nora has met in the past. As Nora bonds with Dex's adorable daughter, he realizes that there is a softer side to Nora. She might seem like a vixen on the outside, but those quieter moments draw him closer. Starting up something with your neighbor is risky, but neither Dex nor Nora can seem to keep away.
I was really excited to read this, and I dove in on release day. But it quickly became apparent that something wasn't clicking for me, and I found myself continually putting it down so that I could read other things. I was convinced that I would like it more as I got further in, and there was a point along the way when that was true. However, I had to push myself to keep reading on several occasions, and that's how I knew this wasn't going to be a successful read for me. That's disappointing, because I truly loved Faking Ms. Right and the series as a whole has been fun and sexy. This was also sexy, for sure. It's got several spicy scenes that showcased the sexual chemistry between Dex and Nora, though I honestly didn't feel much chemistry between them when their clothes were on. There's SO much potential in a neighbors to lovers/single dad romance, and there was a lot about Dex's personality that I loved. So this was filled with potential, and it simply didn't live up to that for me. Not a bad read, and I'm sure many will love it, but pretty forgettable for this reader.
Audio note: The audio is excellent, no complaints there! The audio is well done and easy to listen to, with two skilled narrators. I'm a fan of Vanessa Edwin, and she does a great job with Nora. I also like Stephen Dexter, whose voice is easygoing and enjoyable. The runtime (9 hours) is perfect for bingeing, and the story is light enough - though not overly fun - for a lighthearted listen. There really isn't a whole lot of humor in this, so it's got a more serious tone than others in the series. But it never gets too heavy either, which was good. In terms of the spice, it's a slowish burn that heats up in the back half. More descriptive than some of Kingsley's recent work, but quick and sexy. So a good audiobook for sure, but perhaps not one that you'll want to listen to at work. If you're going to dive in, I do recommend the format.
It's tough to develop an emotional connection to a couple when their entire relationship is physical, and that's where I struggled with this one. While I've been a fan of the series, this particular installment didn't strike the same chord with me. Nora is known as being a man-eater and an overtly sexual woman, which was front and center in this book. One look at her new neighbor, and she was ready to eat him up. I loved her connection with his daughter and all of the neighborly interactions, but I struggled to connect with either character. Shifting things into a friends with benefits relationship where feelings are pushed to the background certainly didn't help, so I had a tough time rooting for these two. It's the kind of book that I really WANTED to like, but it simply didn't play out that way.
The story follows Nora, the last single woman among her group of friends. She just purchased a new home for a change of pace, and it doesn't take long before Nora realizes that her new neighbor is a super sexy single dad. Not at all Nora's usual type, but appealing all the same. But Dex is anything but friendly with Nora, and he seems to be immune to her charms - or at least more resistant than the men Nora has met in the past. As Nora bonds with Dex's adorable daughter, he realizes that there is a softer side to Nora. She might seem like a vixen on the outside, but those quieter moments draw him closer. Starting up something with your neighbor is risky, but neither Dex nor Nora can seem to keep away.
I was really excited to read this, and I dove in on release day. But it quickly became apparent that something wasn't clicking for me, and I found myself continually putting it down so that I could read other things. I was convinced that I would like it more as I got further in, and there was a point along the way when that was true. However, I had to push myself to keep reading on several occasions, and that's how I knew this wasn't going to be a successful read for me. That's disappointing, because I truly loved Faking Ms. Right and the series as a whole has been fun and sexy. This was also sexy, for sure. It's got several spicy scenes that showcased the sexual chemistry between Dex and Nora, though I honestly didn't feel much chemistry between them when their clothes were on. There's SO much potential in a neighbors to lovers/single dad romance, and there was a lot about Dex's personality that I loved. So this was filled with potential, and it simply didn't live up to that for me. Not a bad read, and I'm sure many will love it, but pretty forgettable for this reader.
Audio note: The audio is excellent, no complaints there! The audio is well done and easy to listen to, with two skilled narrators. I'm a fan of Vanessa Edwin, and she does a great job with Nora. I also like Stephen Dexter, whose voice is easygoing and enjoyable. The runtime (9 hours) is perfect for bingeing, and the story is light enough - though not overly fun - for a lighthearted listen. There really isn't a whole lot of humor in this, so it's got a more serious tone than others in the series. But it never gets too heavy either, which was good. In terms of the spice, it's a slowish burn that heats up in the back half. More descriptive than some of Kingsley's recent work, but quick and sexy. So a good audiobook for sure, but perhaps not one that you'll want to listen to at work. If you're going to dive in, I do recommend the format.
March 16, 2023
Nora Lakes is a confident single woman who has just purchased her first home. She’s gorgeous and fashionable, but a little scared of commitment (for good reason). I enjoyed Nora as a side character in her friends’ books (the rest of the Dirty Martini Running Club series) and was looking forward to getting in her head.
Dex is a tattoo artist, single dad to a thirteen year old named Riley, and Nora’s new next-door neighbor. (If you’ve read Claire’s Book Boyfriend series, you’ve met him before.) He spends a good part of the beginning of the book fighting his attraction for Nora. After all, she’s become a positive influence in his daughter’s life, and he wouldn’t want to mess that up. And he hasn’t had the best luck with relationships in the past.
Nora’s interactions with Riley were some of my favorite parts of the book. Their first conversation actually made me a little teary-eyed. It made me wish I had had a Nora in my life at Riley’s age (minus the dating her dad part) while simultaneously making me so glad that my middle school years are long behind me.
Claire is amazing at writing enjoyable characters. The rest of the Dirty Martini ladies and their husband gang, Dex’s parents and siblings, even the lawn-obsessed neighbor and ferret-obsessed coworker are just some of the fun people you’ll meet reading this book.
And we can’t forget the steam. Nora and Dex have some fantastic chemistry. There must be something in those martinis because all of the DM ladies have had some really *ahem* creative encounters.
It all culminates in an amazingly cheesy happily-ever-after worthy of your favorite romcom. All in all, another fantastic read by Claire Kingsley. So what are you waiting for? Scroll on up and hit that button! Oh, but if you haven’t yet, read the rest of the Dirty Martini series first. While this book can be a standalone, it’s more enjoyable as a series. Start with the prequel, Everly Dalton’s Dating Disasters. You��ll be glad you did!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and am also purchasing a copy.
Dex is a tattoo artist, single dad to a thirteen year old named Riley, and Nora’s new next-door neighbor. (If you’ve read Claire’s Book Boyfriend series, you’ve met him before.) He spends a good part of the beginning of the book fighting his attraction for Nora. After all, she’s become a positive influence in his daughter’s life, and he wouldn’t want to mess that up. And he hasn’t had the best luck with relationships in the past.
Nora’s interactions with Riley were some of my favorite parts of the book. Their first conversation actually made me a little teary-eyed. It made me wish I had had a Nora in my life at Riley’s age (minus the dating her dad part) while simultaneously making me so glad that my middle school years are long behind me.
Claire is amazing at writing enjoyable characters. The rest of the Dirty Martini ladies and their husband gang, Dex’s parents and siblings, even the lawn-obsessed neighbor and ferret-obsessed coworker are just some of the fun people you’ll meet reading this book.
And we can’t forget the steam. Nora and Dex have some fantastic chemistry. There must be something in those martinis because all of the DM ladies have had some really *ahem* creative encounters.
It all culminates in an amazingly cheesy happily-ever-after worthy of your favorite romcom. All in all, another fantastic read by Claire Kingsley. So what are you waiting for? Scroll on up and hit that button! Oh, but if you haven’t yet, read the rest of the Dirty Martini series first. While this book can be a standalone, it’s more enjoyable as a series. Start with the prequel, Everly Dalton’s Dating Disasters. You��ll be glad you did!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and am also purchasing a copy.
April 6, 2023
Spoilers included!
2.5 stars rounded up for Nora's generally awesomeness. I was looking forward to this because I love Nora as a character. And I loved that she had different priorities than her friends, but was still an engaged and supportive friend. So you can imagine my surprise when the book ended with Nora married and pregnant. Which is not to say it's not a HEA because it definitely is. But I don't understand setting up Nora across the books to march to her own drum and want different things out of life, just for her to follow almost exactly the same path as others. It's almost like the author couldn't fathom a world where Nora could remain part of the Dirty Martini Running Club without following the script of marriage and family. And I think that's what upset me most, because I dislike the narrative that female friendships can't survive the divergence of life choices like this. Nora could have found fulfillment being the cool aunt and having lazy weekend with her tattoo artist. I even liked the idea of her having a step-daughter and providing a different role as a strong role model for her. But Nora repeatedly says she's not made for marriage and babies...and then that's exactly what happens. So it's a bit of a bummer.
It doesn't help that the third act crisis was much more dramatic than it needed to be. Dex flies off the handle and goes wild with assumptions before even asking Nora a single question. It's frustrating to watch.
I will say that a reoccurring joy across these books is watching the other husbands try to protect Nora. And I loved the scene where they talked sense in Dex while owning up to their own past mistakes.
Overall, this wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm pretty sure people less cranky than I will enjoy it. It's light and fun.
2.5 stars rounded up for Nora's generally awesomeness. I was looking forward to this because I love Nora as a character. And I loved that she had different priorities than her friends, but was still an engaged and supportive friend. So you can imagine my surprise when the book ended with Nora married and pregnant. Which is not to say it's not a HEA because it definitely is. But I don't understand setting up Nora across the books to march to her own drum and want different things out of life, just for her to follow almost exactly the same path as others. It's almost like the author couldn't fathom a world where Nora could remain part of the Dirty Martini Running Club without following the script of marriage and family. And I think that's what upset me most, because I dislike the narrative that female friendships can't survive the divergence of life choices like this. Nora could have found fulfillment being the cool aunt and having lazy weekend with her tattoo artist. I even liked the idea of her having a step-daughter and providing a different role as a strong role model for her. But Nora repeatedly says she's not made for marriage and babies...and then that's exactly what happens. So it's a bit of a bummer.
It doesn't help that the third act crisis was much more dramatic than it needed to be. Dex flies off the handle and goes wild with assumptions before even asking Nora a single question. It's frustrating to watch.
I will say that a reoccurring joy across these books is watching the other husbands try to protect Nora. And I loved the scene where they talked sense in Dex while owning up to their own past mistakes.
Overall, this wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm pretty sure people less cranky than I will enjoy it. It's light and fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
Flirting With Forever
For starters I was lucky enough to be granted an advanced copy of this to read, that does not have any bearing on my review.
Nora and Dex are definitely an example of opposites attract. Nora from a small, broken and very disconnected family, Dex with a large loving family that’s always butting into everyone else’s business to the point of meddling and over sharing at times.
She’s got walls up from a past that still shames her, while his walls are in the form of protection for his 13 year old daughter. As a single father he doesn’t want any distractions while raising Riley; relationships taking a backseat till she’s out of the house and on her own in college.
But as mentioned Dex’s family likes to meddle, and with Riley becoming enamored with her new neighbor as they become friends, Dex’s mom Gillian St. James takes advantage to invite Nora to family events. Not realizing that after playing hero to Nora twice now since she moved in a short while ago that he literally is running away from her as soon as he can once he sees she doesn’t need his assistance any more.
But seeing as Dex has never been a teenage girl in middle school, when Nora is able to make his daughter smile again after bouts of sullenness he has a hard time overlooking the benefits of his daughter having confidence in her eyes after taking some of Nora’s advise to heart. Even if he learns a little to late what that advice was, and the reason why it was needed.
But while Dex is still questioning his beautiful neighbor, Nora is in awe of his family dynamic, so very different from her own. She loves the way they all work together to wrangle the plethora of young cousins and take care of one another. She’s shocked to see unconditional love and support for Dex despite his choice to drop out of law school to open his own tattoo parlor. While she’s here fighting her mom (currently on hubby number 4) that she’s not looking to get married just for a hefty alimony after the assumed divorce. And also fighting with the editors of her article to allow her articles the freedoms they once had over the non stop recycling of the same things over and over again… and even then her words get mangled and changed by editors just to get more clicks while leaving her name on the byline.
When they finally do succumb to temptation the sparks are more then either of them knew and the strings both fought so hard to keep away seem to be getting stronger. They both try and deny it but in the end Dex takes the leap and after fighting it then talking to her besties she agrees and goes to Dex to admit yes they have feelings and are in a relationship. But the bliss is short lived when her boss approved an article that is insulting at best conniving and heartless at worst to be published without Nora seeing the finished article that was published days earlier than expected. Unfortunately Dex’s sister read it first, then mentioned it to another sister who told him. His waiting for the other shoe to drop feelings flood over him as he take the words at face value and the byline of Nora Lakes as true, he rages at a very confused Nora and leaves before she even knows what happened. Ignoring her calls when she discovers the truth she’s left upset that he didn’t have the faith in her to listen to her side before playing judge, jury and executioner.
But Riley knows Nora better and Nora knows Riley. So when Dex is called to Riley’s school regarding her behavior he’s shocked to see Nora pull up next to him. In the office while Riley is being read the riot act Nora is the voice of reason and asks Riley why… something none of the other adults did. After they leave Riley asks her dad why Nora was upset and now it’s Riley’s turn to be the voice of reason. When she asks her dad what Nora said about what was published he just mumbles about he ‘claiming not to know and that it was published before she thought it would be’ Riley seeing what happened reminded him about all the times she complained about the editors changing her words to being something she never wrote and his sham at not listening to her or giving her the benefit of the doubt is overwhelming.
She despite her objections to grand gestures Dex decides one is needed in this case. The rain making a wonderful backdrop for the happy reunion.
During this wonderful story Claire Kingsley is able to sneak in a few friends from other series, the name Weston Ried has a tender mention for one of Dex’s clients and then Everly gives Zoe Miles info so Salishan Cellars can cement itself into the last of the four friends lives. Great job Claire, from Start to finish wonderful as always.
For starters I was lucky enough to be granted an advanced copy of this to read, that does not have any bearing on my review.
Nora and Dex are definitely an example of opposites attract. Nora from a small, broken and very disconnected family, Dex with a large loving family that’s always butting into everyone else’s business to the point of meddling and over sharing at times.
She’s got walls up from a past that still shames her, while his walls are in the form of protection for his 13 year old daughter. As a single father he doesn’t want any distractions while raising Riley; relationships taking a backseat till she’s out of the house and on her own in college.
But as mentioned Dex’s family likes to meddle, and with Riley becoming enamored with her new neighbor as they become friends, Dex’s mom Gillian St. James takes advantage to invite Nora to family events. Not realizing that after playing hero to Nora twice now since she moved in a short while ago that he literally is running away from her as soon as he can once he sees she doesn’t need his assistance any more.
But seeing as Dex has never been a teenage girl in middle school, when Nora is able to make his daughter smile again after bouts of sullenness he has a hard time overlooking the benefits of his daughter having confidence in her eyes after taking some of Nora’s advise to heart. Even if he learns a little to late what that advice was, and the reason why it was needed.
But while Dex is still questioning his beautiful neighbor, Nora is in awe of his family dynamic, so very different from her own. She loves the way they all work together to wrangle the plethora of young cousins and take care of one another. She’s shocked to see unconditional love and support for Dex despite his choice to drop out of law school to open his own tattoo parlor. While she’s here fighting her mom (currently on hubby number 4) that she’s not looking to get married just for a hefty alimony after the assumed divorce. And also fighting with the editors of her article to allow her articles the freedoms they once had over the non stop recycling of the same things over and over again… and even then her words get mangled and changed by editors just to get more clicks while leaving her name on the byline.
When they finally do succumb to temptation the sparks are more then either of them knew and the strings both fought so hard to keep away seem to be getting stronger. They both try and deny it but in the end Dex takes the leap and after fighting it then talking to her besties she agrees and goes to Dex to admit yes they have feelings and are in a relationship. But the bliss is short lived when her boss approved an article that is insulting at best conniving and heartless at worst to be published without Nora seeing the finished article that was published days earlier than expected. Unfortunately Dex’s sister read it first, then mentioned it to another sister who told him. His waiting for the other shoe to drop feelings flood over him as he take the words at face value and the byline of Nora Lakes as true, he rages at a very confused Nora and leaves before she even knows what happened. Ignoring her calls when she discovers the truth she’s left upset that he didn’t have the faith in her to listen to her side before playing judge, jury and executioner.
But Riley knows Nora better and Nora knows Riley. So when Dex is called to Riley’s school regarding her behavior he’s shocked to see Nora pull up next to him. In the office while Riley is being read the riot act Nora is the voice of reason and asks Riley why… something none of the other adults did. After they leave Riley asks her dad why Nora was upset and now it’s Riley’s turn to be the voice of reason. When she asks her dad what Nora said about what was published he just mumbles about he ‘claiming not to know and that it was published before she thought it would be’ Riley seeing what happened reminded him about all the times she complained about the editors changing her words to being something she never wrote and his sham at not listening to her or giving her the benefit of the doubt is overwhelming.
She despite her objections to grand gestures Dex decides one is needed in this case. The rain making a wonderful backdrop for the happy reunion.
During this wonderful story Claire Kingsley is able to sneak in a few friends from other series, the name Weston Ried has a tender mention for one of Dex’s clients and then Everly gives Zoe Miles info so Salishan Cellars can cement itself into the last of the four friends lives. Great job Claire, from Start to finish wonderful as always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2023
I’ve just recently caught up with this series and was patiently waiting for this to come out today. And as soon as it did, I ran to KU and devoured it. I’m not sure if this is the end of the series or not but it was a good fourth book, allowing us to see the final girl in this group find her love. And I do love a single parent romance. Nora was great. She was fiercely confident and herself and loyal and a good friend to Riley. Dex was also okay, but he’s not my favourite man in this series either. I didn’t like how he handled the conflict, I thought his gesture was cute but cringe and he probably could have grovelled a little bit more, and I liked that he wasn’t the one running or doubting the relationship because of commitment issues. Riley was cool but I think I’d have preferred her to be younger. I just find younger kids a little cuter to read about to be honest. Once again, we have the “husband gang” as Dex called them - I personally haven’t liked this when it has cropped up in the other books. I don’t find it cute or funny. The third act conflict was so predictable and boring to be honest, I saw it coming a mile away. The rest of the story was just ok. Not a lot happened. Overall it was just good. I just personally didn’t think it was particularly great but it wasn’t bad at all either. It was just a nice, solid, book. Just like the rest of the series.
April 10, 2023
2.5 stars
Mainly? Disappointing. This was more of the same and not in a good way 😴
Look, I was waiting for Nora's story since book 1 of this series, she was the most interesting character here but it seems the author is keen on giving the exact same HEA to every female character she writes.
So what didn't work exactly?
☛ I just didn't like subtle undertones of this story, starting with the whole thing about Dex not even being Nora's usual type - because she usually goes for manicured, slick, suit types and Dex is just such a "men's man" 🙄 (maybe I'm overreaching, but it's similar how to she wrote Cox as the suit type but made sure we knew he also knows how to use a toolbox so that he could also qualify as a "real" man bleh)
☛ subtle (or not so subtle) women-on-women hate - it's just funny to me how author puts words like "we women have enough shit to deal with without hating on each other. do better" into heroine's mouth, but then also writes a side character who is a "horny divorced mom" who cannot take a clue when trying to seduce Dex and is described multiple times as "trashy" or with "trashy vibes" and is only serving the story insofar as to make Nora look amazing and to hammer the point home about how Nora is just so SEXY but in A CLASSY WAY;
and I don't know, maybe I'm wired wrong or sth, but all it makes me feel is want to throw Nora's story against the wall and read a story about how the trashy horny divorced mom screws her way through neighbourhood and gets her man (or girl) in the end
☛ the whole vibe of Nora - independent, careed-focused city girl - suddenly moving out of the city into the suburbs and getting the same exact HEA as the other three protagonists of this series - rubbed me the wrong way? Again, nothing wrong with a typical HEA of marriage, babies, white picket fence if that's what someone wants, but not every single woman on this planet wants the exact same thing? I guess I'm just growing tired of the "marriage & babies" kind of epilogue being served to me every single time, even when it's not what makes sense for a certain character. I know it's incomprehensible @(some) romance authors, but happiness comes in all kinds of forms, not just this one standard one.
Anyway, me and Claire Kingsley probably need to take a break. Or I need to read something bloody given my mood, I don't know xD
Mainly? Disappointing. This was more of the same and not in a good way 😴
Look, I was waiting for Nora's story since book 1 of this series, she was the most interesting character here but it seems the author is keen on giving the exact same HEA to every female character she writes.
So what didn't work exactly?
☛ I just didn't like subtle undertones of this story, starting with the whole thing about Dex not even being Nora's usual type - because she usually goes for manicured, slick, suit types and Dex is just such a "men's man" 🙄 (maybe I'm overreaching, but it's similar how to she wrote Cox as the suit type but made sure we knew he also knows how to use a toolbox so that he could also qualify as a "real" man bleh)
☛ subtle (or not so subtle) women-on-women hate - it's just funny to me how author puts words like "we women have enough shit to deal with without hating on each other. do better" into heroine's mouth, but then also writes a side character who is a "horny divorced mom" who cannot take a clue when trying to seduce Dex and is described multiple times as "trashy" or with "trashy vibes" and is only serving the story insofar as to make Nora look amazing and to hammer the point home about how Nora is just so SEXY but in A CLASSY WAY;
and I don't know, maybe I'm wired wrong or sth, but all it makes me feel is want to throw Nora's story against the wall and read a story about how the trashy horny divorced mom screws her way through neighbourhood and gets her man (or girl) in the end
☛ the whole vibe of Nora - independent, careed-focused city girl - suddenly moving out of the city into the suburbs and getting the same exact HEA as the other three protagonists of this series - rubbed me the wrong way? Again, nothing wrong with a typical HEA of marriage, babies, white picket fence if that's what someone wants, but not every single woman on this planet wants the exact same thing? I guess I'm just growing tired of the "marriage & babies" kind of epilogue being served to me every single time, even when it's not what makes sense for a certain character. I know it's incomprehensible @(some) romance authors, but happiness comes in all kinds of forms, not just this one standard one.
Anyway, me and Claire Kingsley probably need to take a break. Or I need to read something bloody given my mood, I don't know xD
March 17, 2023
You automatically lose a star when you have people hook up at a kid event/school. It’s so gross and you’re goddamn adults, like… control yourselves.
Also, I would just really love more books that represent people who want to be kid free and STAY that way! Obviously Riley is a whole different situation (just like having a newborn vs a teenager is)— but they could have been happy with only her! “Ohhh she only didn’t want them bc she hadn’t found the one.” Uhhhh, you can find the one and still not be interested in birthing a child. I feel like most authors, esp who are writing about people in their 20s and 30s, are under the impression that a couple can’t have an HEA unless a baby is involved.
Also, I would just really love more books that represent people who want to be kid free and STAY that way! Obviously Riley is a whole different situation (just like having a newborn vs a teenager is)— but they could have been happy with only her! “Ohhh she only didn’t want them bc she hadn’t found the one.” Uhhhh, you can find the one and still not be interested in birthing a child. I feel like most authors, esp who are writing about people in their 20s and 30s, are under the impression that a couple can’t have an HEA unless a baby is involved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
i honestly dont understand how this has such good ratings, i found it to be poorly written and superficial but oh well, to each their own
![Profile Image for Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1521418447i/78060090._UY200_CR25,0,200,200_.jpg)
March 18, 2023
When I saw there was a new release in this series I was surprised because the last book came out over two years ago so I forgot there was another book coming. Also although I really liked book 1, books 2 and 3 were just okay for me so I wasn’t sure if I would care about this release especially since I had to remind myself about who the characters were and everything, but as soon as I read the blurb I was in.
Dex is a single dad to a 13 year old girl and owns his own tattoo shop. Nora is a chronically single sex column writer who enjoys her life alone, casual flings and has no intentions to ever settle down. She’s very sex and the city vibes, attracted typically to the polished suit wearing bros that are only interested in arm candy so she wasn’t expecting to fall for the tattooed single dad next door who isn’t her type at all.
Obviously books 1-3 were all about Nora’s best friends finding their partners and settling down so now Nora is the last man standing and decided living the city life by herself was getting old so she bought her first house and is adjusting to suburban life. It was honestly really cute seeing her meet her neighbors and develop a friendship with Riley, Dex’s daughter, who was desperately in need of some more female friendship/guidance. Nora definitely tricked herself into thinking she wasn’t as deeply enmeshed in Dex and Riley’s lives as she thought she was trying to have the best of both worlds: casual sex with Dex and a fulfilling friendship with them both without the commitment of an actual relationship. It was a nice spin to have the woman be the more commitment-phobe of the two although Dex had his reservations as well he was definitely quicker to come around. Also I liked that the drama (it was pretty low angst) was all focused on them and their issues/relationship rather than conniving exes or family members etc stirring up insane unnecessary drama.
I flew through this when recently (for quite a long time, honestly) getting lost in a book is a struggle so I’m calling that a win and I really enjoyed this one. I’m not super surprised because this hit a ton of my favorite tropes: single dad, cute kid, tattoo artist, etc. so I’m glad it delivered. Also it kind of seems like the author might have been setting up the possibility of a book for Nora’s player step brother Jensen? I could be down to read about him. Overall though I was pleasantly surprised by this and I think I’ll check out some more books by this author that have been languishing in my TBR.
Dex is a single dad to a 13 year old girl and owns his own tattoo shop. Nora is a chronically single sex column writer who enjoys her life alone, casual flings and has no intentions to ever settle down. She’s very sex and the city vibes, attracted typically to the polished suit wearing bros that are only interested in arm candy so she wasn’t expecting to fall for the tattooed single dad next door who isn’t her type at all.
Obviously books 1-3 were all about Nora’s best friends finding their partners and settling down so now Nora is the last man standing and decided living the city life by herself was getting old so she bought her first house and is adjusting to suburban life. It was honestly really cute seeing her meet her neighbors and develop a friendship with Riley, Dex’s daughter, who was desperately in need of some more female friendship/guidance. Nora definitely tricked herself into thinking she wasn’t as deeply enmeshed in Dex and Riley’s lives as she thought she was trying to have the best of both worlds: casual sex with Dex and a fulfilling friendship with them both without the commitment of an actual relationship. It was a nice spin to have the woman be the more commitment-phobe of the two although Dex had his reservations as well he was definitely quicker to come around. Also I liked that the drama (it was pretty low angst) was all focused on them and their issues/relationship rather than conniving exes or family members etc stirring up insane unnecessary drama.
I flew through this when recently (for quite a long time, honestly) getting lost in a book is a struggle so I’m calling that a win and I really enjoyed this one. I’m not super surprised because this hit a ton of my favorite tropes: single dad, cute kid, tattoo artist, etc. so I’m glad it delivered. Also it kind of seems like the author might have been setting up the possibility of a book for Nora’s player step brother Jensen? I could be down to read about him. Overall though I was pleasantly surprised by this and I think I’ll check out some more books by this author that have been languishing in my TBR.
May 2, 2023
While I enjoyed Nora and Dex, the first third or so of the book dragged for me. Still is a good finale to the series tho. I loved watching Nora bond with Riley, it was so sweet and made my heart smile.
Read this if you like:
✓ Single Dad
✓ Opposites Attract
✓ The Guy Next Door
✓ Smart and Sassy Heroine
✓ Meddling Fun Family
Read this if you like:
✓ Single Dad
✓ Opposites Attract
✓ The Guy Next Door
✓ Smart and Sassy Heroine
✓ Meddling Fun Family
March 15, 2023
DEX AND NORAAAAAA 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I've been wanting to read about Dex since we met him back in Hot Single Dad, and honestly, waiting for him to be paired with Nora was worth it.
Dex is raising his daughter on his own. Nora is living her best life but something is missing. When these two cross paths, magic happens.
This book was everything we love about a CK story, and there was no shortage of all the heart, heat, swoon, or humor. It was just perfect.
I've been wanting to read about Dex since we met him back in Hot Single Dad, and honestly, waiting for him to be paired with Nora was worth it.
Dex is raising his daughter on his own. Nora is living her best life but something is missing. When these two cross paths, magic happens.
This book was everything we love about a CK story, and there was no shortage of all the heart, heat, swoon, or humor. It was just perfect.
March 14, 2023
FLOVE this story!! The Dirty Martini Running Club comes
full circle with Nora & Dex! It couldn’t be more perfect! All the feels!!!! Humor, swooning, the right amount of hotness, all the girls and their guys return! The husband gang 🤣🤣
full circle with Nora & Dex! It couldn’t be more perfect! All the feels!!!! Humor, swooning, the right amount of hotness, all the girls and their guys return! The husband gang 🤣🤣
March 16, 2023
Absolutely loved Dex for Nora, this was such a great easy read that kept you immersed, was great catching up with the rest of the girls from the martini running club but especially loved the husband gang
March 13, 2023
Wow, another book fantastic from Claire Kingsley that you just can't put down. I loved Nora and Dex. What a great couple.
March 16, 2023
Nora’s book has been something I’ve looked forward to since the beginning of the series and Claire Kingsley saved the best for last. A big burly tattooed single dad…yes please!! The relationship that Nora developed with Dex’s teenage daughter was extra special. Fun, flirty and full of heart….I highly recommend this one!
December 3, 2023
La coqueta e independiente Nora y el cauteloso y confiable Dex son la definición de opuestos que se atraen. Nora es una mujer independiente que nunca se vio ni quiso estar en el departamento de relaciones comprometidas y mucho menos casada. Es el tipo de amiga que te dará buenos consejos, pero cuando se trata de ella misma, es escéptica porque no quiere salir lastimada. Dex es el padre soltero y atractivo de al lado. Está dedicado a su trabajo y a su familia, especialmente a su hija.
Leer la historia de Nora y finalmente verla enamorarse profundamente de Dex fue maravilloso. Él es su pareja perfecta y la adición de Riley contribuyó a la historia de muchas maneras. Dex y Riley pasaron por debajo de las defensas de Nora y rompieron todas sus reglas cuidadosamente planificadas. Sus amigos le brindaron apoyo y la ayudaron a darse cuenta de que Dex no es como los otros hombres en su vida que le habían fallado.
Los tres son una unidad familiar desde el principio y aprecio cómo la relación se fortalece a lo largo del libro. Nora es muy diferente desde el principio hasta el final y me encantó leer su crecimiento: desde su relación con Riley hasta sus propios descubrimientos a medida que se enamora lentamente de Dex. Se sintió muy madura en la forma en que abordaba sus sentimientos.
Me encantó la relación de Nora y Riley y la facilidad con la que pudo darle consejos y convertirse en su amiga fuera de la relación que tenía con Dex. Ella siempre fue valiente y me alegro de que haya encontrado a la persona con la que podría ser vulnerable.
Leer la historia de Nora y finalmente verla enamorarse profundamente de Dex fue maravilloso. Él es su pareja perfecta y la adición de Riley contribuyó a la historia de muchas maneras. Dex y Riley pasaron por debajo de las defensas de Nora y rompieron todas sus reglas cuidadosamente planificadas. Sus amigos le brindaron apoyo y la ayudaron a darse cuenta de que Dex no es como los otros hombres en su vida que le habían fallado.
Los tres son una unidad familiar desde el principio y aprecio cómo la relación se fortalece a lo largo del libro. Nora es muy diferente desde el principio hasta el final y me encantó leer su crecimiento: desde su relación con Riley hasta sus propios descubrimientos a medida que se enamora lentamente de Dex. Se sintió muy madura en la forma en que abordaba sus sentimientos.
Me encantó la relación de Nora y Riley y la facilidad con la que pudo darle consejos y convertirse en su amiga fuera de la relación que tenía con Dex. Ella siempre fue valiente y me alegro de que haya encontrado a la persona con la que podría ser vulnerable.
March 22, 2023
Claire Kingsley is always a solid read. I mean I’ve read her entire backlist for a reason, right?
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Flirting With Forever, the fourth and final book of the Dirty Martini Running Club character series.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Opposites attract, single parent.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Nora moves into her new home, but what she doesn’t anticipate is her hot neighbor. Def is a single dad, a tattoo artist, and wears the same jeans several times in a row. He’s the opposite of everything Nora finds attractive, but she can’t help herself when it comes to finding out more.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I think I’ve said this before, but Claire Kingsley is the queen of the character series. The Dirty Martini Running Club series was four great female leads, featuring all of the best tropes and some impressive happily-ever-afters.
As fans, we’ve been waiting on Nora’s book with bated breathe. And I couldn’t believe when CK decided Nora would end up with and single dad. But she completely pulled it off.
Flirting with Forever had a torturous slow burn, some super hot moments, and some times I felt like crying. Like any good single parent romance, the kid has to play a great part in the plot, and Riley was just that - a hilarious addition to the couple’s already fiery relationship. I loved every part of this book, and I’m marking it down as yet another feel-good romance I can revisit in the future.
📝 𝗔 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲… This series can be read as stand alones, but the women featured in the books have such an incredible friendship. I’d highly recommend starting at the beginning.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Flirting With Forever, the fourth and final book of the Dirty Martini Running Club character series.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Opposites attract, single parent.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Nora moves into her new home, but what she doesn’t anticipate is her hot neighbor. Def is a single dad, a tattoo artist, and wears the same jeans several times in a row. He’s the opposite of everything Nora finds attractive, but she can’t help herself when it comes to finding out more.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I think I’ve said this before, but Claire Kingsley is the queen of the character series. The Dirty Martini Running Club series was four great female leads, featuring all of the best tropes and some impressive happily-ever-afters.
As fans, we’ve been waiting on Nora’s book with bated breathe. And I couldn’t believe when CK decided Nora would end up with and single dad. But she completely pulled it off.
Flirting with Forever had a torturous slow burn, some super hot moments, and some times I felt like crying. Like any good single parent romance, the kid has to play a great part in the plot, and Riley was just that - a hilarious addition to the couple’s already fiery relationship. I loved every part of this book, and I’m marking it down as yet another feel-good romance I can revisit in the future.
📝 𝗔 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲… This series can be read as stand alones, but the women featured in the books have such an incredible friendship. I’d highly recommend starting at the beginning.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
September 1, 2023
It's a wonder how my heart didn't burst with how adorable the scenes are with Nora, Riley and Dex.
I love tropey-fiction and this fit the bill for me. Although some of the plot was predictable, I didn't mind it much and liked that I could turn my brain off and simply enjoy their story. The 2nd conflict arc was a little anticlimactic in my opinion, but the husband gang coming in was a funny— albeit expected— scene.
I love how they didn't shy away from Nora's commitment issues and "owned it", as Nora would say. She's such an empowering character that gives women and girls the confidence to be comfortable in their skin and sexuality. I was scared her character would be just one dimensial at that, but this book didn't disappoint.
Dex, gentle yet rough around the edges, caught me swooning a handful of times, with how sweet, loving and caring he was of Riley, and especially of Nora. Though the 2nd conflict arc felt a little antique, in the sense that it's a common-misunderstanding-communication issue; and I felt like Dex was a bit OOC given how his character was developed since the start— the reconciliation was nothing short of cute and cliche, which was perfect for the two who's not all that for big romantic gestures.
Overall a solid read. Single dad romance. Commitment issues. Heartfelt Family moments and found family growing. It's all that and more wrapped up in a toast to the Dirty Martini Running Club 🥂🍸cheers
I love tropey-fiction and this fit the bill for me. Although some of the plot was predictable, I didn't mind it much and liked that I could turn my brain off and simply enjoy their story. The 2nd conflict arc was a little anticlimactic in my opinion, but the husband gang coming in was a funny— albeit expected— scene.
I love how they didn't shy away from Nora's commitment issues and "owned it", as Nora would say. She's such an empowering character that gives women and girls the confidence to be comfortable in their skin and sexuality. I was scared her character would be just one dimensial at that, but this book didn't disappoint.
Dex, gentle yet rough around the edges, caught me swooning a handful of times, with how sweet, loving and caring he was of Riley, and especially of Nora. Though the 2nd conflict arc felt a little antique, in the sense that it's a common-misunderstanding-communication issue; and I felt like Dex was a bit OOC given how his character was developed since the start— the reconciliation was nothing short of cute and cliche, which was perfect for the two who's not all that for big romantic gestures.
Overall a solid read. Single dad romance. Commitment issues. Heartfelt Family moments and found family growing. It's all that and more wrapped up in a toast to the Dirty Martini Running Club 🥂🍸cheers
April 2, 2023
⭐️ 3/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
🎵 If Father Time Had a Daughter by Walker Hayes
Tropes
- Single Dad
- Forced Proximity (neighbor)
- Friends With Benefits
Notes:
This book was good, but it wasn't great. I didn't have the urge to never put the book down, but when I was reading it, it fulfilled it's entertainment value.
I loved how empowering Nora's character was, but I think by trying to make her empowering, it actually took away from her a little bit. They focused a lot on the physical aspect of Nora (most of the compliments were there) that it kinda took away from her personality... but I guess that's just the way the world works most of the time.
I am personally getting a little bored of the forced third act breakups fueled by miscommunication and that pretty much happened in every book in this series. It was getting a little old with the "husband club" coming to clean things up, especially because it literally happened in every book.
🌶️ 3.5/5
🎵 If Father Time Had a Daughter by Walker Hayes
Tropes
- Single Dad
- Forced Proximity (neighbor)
- Friends With Benefits
Notes:
This book was good, but it wasn't great. I didn't have the urge to never put the book down, but when I was reading it, it fulfilled it's entertainment value.
I loved how empowering Nora's character was, but I think by trying to make her empowering, it actually took away from her a little bit. They focused a lot on the physical aspect of Nora (most of the compliments were there) that it kinda took away from her personality... but I guess that's just the way the world works most of the time.
I am personally getting a little bored of the forced third act breakups fueled by miscommunication and that pretty much happened in every book in this series. It was getting a little old with the "husband club" coming to clean things up, especially because it literally happened in every book.
March 11, 2023
I was very nervous for Nora's book, I mean who would be the man to change her mind about remaining single, was there going to be someone to unlock her heavily guarded heart? Not only did Claire find the perfect man, she also gave Nora the perfect kid to fall in love with as well! And to top off the perfect trio of people, we also get a quirky neighborhood, a loud family, a tattoo shop, and the hottest romance story of the year. These two burn the sheets when they are together, and the daughter's storyline was a beautiful bonus. It was nice to see the all the ladies again, and even the husbands! Just a great book from start to finish!
March 19, 2023
Finally!! Nora’s book!!
I’ve been waiting for Nora’s story from the very beginning. She was always my favorite character and I feel like Claire saved the best for last. This book had all of my favorite tropes—grumpy/sunshine, single dad, small town, opposites attract. It was SO good—and I don’t say that lightly (I’ve dnf’d a lot of books lately).
These two had such incredible chemistry and tension. The build up of their relationship was perfectly paced and suspenseful. I read this in one day because I couldn’t get enough of these two together. I loved the ending and especially the extended epilogue. This book is definitely my favorite in this series!
I’ve been waiting for Nora’s story from the very beginning. She was always my favorite character and I feel like Claire saved the best for last. This book had all of my favorite tropes—grumpy/sunshine, single dad, small town, opposites attract. It was SO good—and I don’t say that lightly (I’ve dnf’d a lot of books lately).
These two had such incredible chemistry and tension. The build up of their relationship was perfectly paced and suspenseful. I read this in one day because I couldn’t get enough of these two together. I loved the ending and especially the extended epilogue. This book is definitely my favorite in this series!
July 27, 2023
Terminé la serie y tengo mi corazón encantado, amé leer a estas 4 locas mujeres.
La historia de Nora me gustó pero podría haber tenido un final más épico...
La historia de Nora me gustó pero podría haber tenido un final más épico...
March 11, 2023
Loved this one!
I devoured Nora & Dex’s masterpiece in a day! I went back & forth between reading and listening to Stephen Dexter and Vanessa Edwin absolutely kill it as Dex & Nora!
I devoured Nora & Dex’s masterpiece in a day! I went back & forth between reading and listening to Stephen Dexter and Vanessa Edwin absolutely kill it as Dex & Nora!
March 13, 2023
Love love love! What a great ending to this series! Claire really did Nora justice. I loved her relationship with Riley. The steam between her and Dex.
It made me laugh, made my heart ache, I didn’t want it to end!
It made me laugh, made my heart ache, I didn’t want it to end!
March 17, 2023
disappointing
I love love the first 3 books in the dirty martini series. But I feel like this book lacked Claire’s depth of character and developed story line. So many opportunities for more depth more character and it was just glossed over.
I love love the first 3 books in the dirty martini series. But I feel like this book lacked Claire’s depth of character and developed story line. So many opportunities for more depth more character and it was just glossed over.
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