Jeff Sexton
Written on Jun 28, 2018
New York Times bestselling author Julia London proves that there's no insurance against falling in love.
Single mother Kyra Kokinos spends her days waiting tables, her nights working on her real estate license, and every spare moment with her precocious six-year-old daughter, Ruby—especially when Ruby won't stop pestering their grumpy next-door neighbor. At first glance, Dax Bishop seems like the kind of gruff, solitary guy who'd be unlikely to offer a cup of sugar, let alone a marriage proposal. But that's exactly what happens when Ruby needs life-saving surgery.
Dax showed up in East Beach a year ago, fresh from a painful divorce and looking for a place where he could make furniture and avoid people. Suddenly his life is invaded by an inquisitive munchkin in sparkly cowboy boots—and her frazzled, too-tempting mother. So he presents a practical plan: his insurance will help Ruby, and then they can divorce—zero strings attached.
But soon Kyra and Dax find their engagement of convenience is simple in name only. As their attraction deepens, a figure from the past reappears, offering a way out. Can Kyra and Dax let go so easily, or has their sudden engagement become something more?
- ISBN10 1477848614
- ISBN13 9781477848616
- Publish Date 25 July 2017
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Montlake Romance
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 332
- Language English
Reviews
EBookObsessed
Written on Dec 9, 2017
Kyra had it all. She landed a job at a magazine and took her first steps into the world of publishing. She could see all her dreams coming true. Until a little too much alcohol at a destination wedding lead to some unprotected sex and a scary little oops. That’s bad enough, but when she calls the man responsible, he wants her to get rid of the baby since he is getting married in a few months to his long-time girlfriend.
Seven years later, Kyra’s a single mother and her dreams have all changed quite a bit. She dreams of being able to go to the bathroom by herself, enough time to make a decent meal for her daughter and maybe enough money at the end of the month to take some of the strain off her life.
Kyra and Ruby have just moved into a quiet little cabin on a lake in the much cheaper, and infinitely nicer neighborhood in Lake Haven, NY. The summer crowd is jumping and Kyra has a chance to make some decent tips but until school starts again, Kyra is going to have to find a babysitter who will accept what little she can pay. Especially since Ruby seems to have a fondness for their cranky new neighbor, a man who has holds nothing back in his desire to have Ruby remain on her own side of the fence.
It is Dax, a former paramedic, who notices Ruby’s medical problem and who jumped in to help Kyra get the medical coverage Ruby needed by offering to marry her. Dax and Kyra had just started enjoying their close proximity, so being forced to jump into a quicky marriage throws this blossoming relations off-kilter, but it is Dax who recovers first and gets excited at the prospect of their new family.
While the story is supposed to be the romance between Kyra and Dax, I think I enjoyed reading Dax and Ruby’s interactions more. I thought Robert Downey Jr would be perfect for Dax as he always has the same dry humor in almost any part he plays. Ruby would come find Dax. She would ask if he wants her tell him about her day. He would tell her no, thanks but then sit and listen to the girl talk. Dax wasn’t interested in getting to know the family next door and while he was rude to her, Ruby was never put off by him and Dax was never vicious or angry in his desire to not be bothered by the neighbor’s kid.
This was a very enjoyable story and I did pick up one of the earlier stories after finishing because it had gone on sale. This was the third story in the series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. So this definitely can be read as a stand alone.
This was my second Julia London story and I had a lot of issues with the last one so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this one. I guess it does pay to give an author a second chance.
Lynn
Written on Jul 23, 2017
Suddenly engaged is the third book in the Lake Haven series and a standalone novel.
Kyra Kokinos' life changed forever seven years ago when she becomes pregnant after spending a weekend attending her friend's wedding in Mexico. Now, with her six-year-old daughter, they've moved to Lake Haven to improve their standard of life. When her daughter Ruby irks their new neighbour with her behaviour, she has to deal with another unnecessary struggle until the grumpy man comes to her aid in more than one way.
Dax Bishop thought he'd have it all; wife, house, kids. The reality is he's living alone and making furniture for a living after leaving his career after his divorce. He wants a quiet life, but when the new neighbour's daughter keeps sneaking under the fence between their homes and makes friends with his hapless dog Otto, his desire for peace and quiet is shattered. However, he rethinks his plan about his future happiness when he meets Ruby's Mom.
Suddenly Engaged is a heart-warming narrative between protagonists dealing with very everyday issues. Dax, with the unusual circumstances surrounding his relationship with his ex-wife and her new partner and Kyra, juggling her life as a single parent who attracts criticism when she's only trying to do the best for her child. Compassion comes from an unlikely source. All are complemented with a fascinating collection of secondary characters who enhance the proceedings.
A special call out for Ruby 'Coconuts', who is a breath of fresh air. I'm not a fan of child characters in romance novels, however, her inclusion gels everything together. She's the catalyst for Kyra and Dax getting to know each other.
Overall an enjoyable read from a new to me author. Despite some tough scenes, the writing is light and littered with humour, keeping me engaged the whole time.
***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***