Suddenly Engaged by Julia London

Suddenly Engaged (Lake Haven)

by Julia London

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?

Reviewed by Lynn on

4 of 5 stars

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3.5-4 stars

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***

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 23 July, 2017: Finished reading
  • 23 July, 2017: Reviewed