Single Dad Next Door

by Penelope Bloom

My grandfather left me his business with one insane condition:
I need a wife and two kids. Too bad I’m a divorced single dad.
Cue my ex-wife’s best friend moving in next door.
And then mix in a few bad decisions.
What do you get? A complicated, sexy mess.

SANDRA

The list of reasons I should stay away from my neighbor is about as long as his… wrench. He’s a dirty mechanic, he’s a single dad, and he can’t seem to keep his shirt on for more than five minutes.

Did I mention his ex wife is my best friend? Yeah. Reid Riggins is absolutely, one hundred percent, the last person in the world I should get involved with. Even if he is heart-stoppingly gorgeous with strong, powerful hands that could rip my clothes off with ease.

Not that I’ve imagined that, of course.

The point is I don’t want anything to do with him. He can stay in his stupid garage with his stupidly cute son and hit things with wrenches all day. He can keep on wearing those blue jeans that fit him just right for all I care.

Except I may have told a white lie to my eccentric, rich parents. I may have told them I’m engaged to a wealthy businessman, and now they want to meet my fake fiance. Unfortunately, Reid might be the only guy who’s willing to play along.

No problem. It’s just for a few days. Just to get them off my back. What could go wrong?

**This is a full-length, standalone fake marriage romance. No cheating or cliffhangers, and as always, Happily Ever After guaranteed.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, New Adult

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2017

About the author

**My first ever traditionally published book, Anyone But Rich, is going live September 3rd. Don't miss it!!!**

I'm a USA Today Bestselling Author and have written nearly a dozen top 50 amazon bestsellers, including four books that have hit the top 10! Despite all that, I'm still a nervous wreck before I release every new book and I still feel like I have so much more to learn about writing and publishing than I can even wrap my head around.

I'm just beyond honored and humbled that so many readers have embraced me and found enjoyment in my words, because I can't think of any better opportunity than this.

When I'm not writing and stressing about what I'm going to write, I'm trying to wrangle my two little girls who are 2 and a half and 1 and a half. When I'm not wrangling them, I'm trying to keep my husband in line.

Writing and helping run the family aren't easy, but I'd never trade it for anything!

Reviews

[Sabrina]

SEXY SINGLE DAD ALERT!
http://amzn.to/2kC473q

My grandfather left me his business with one insane condition:
I need a wife and two kids. Too bad I’m a divorced single dad.
Cue my ex-wife’s best friend moving in next door.
And then mix in a few bad decisions.
What do you get? A complicated, sexy mess.

[Mojo_Mama · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so ridiculous.
But totally safe.
The h was BFFs with the H's cheating ex-wife. That's the worst bit for you SG Ladies to overcome. The ex was a horrifically spoiled brat if that makes it better.

This was totally a breeder book, and those are NOT for me. The land speed record from meeting to impregnating always makes me wonder how well a relationship will hold up under those extremes.

[Rejane]

I didn't like the blurb. Among other things, it sounds completely immature-ish and old news. I'm way past reading books with anything "fake" in it

[Steffi De Ceuster ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I mean come on what a damn great/awesome/fabulous blurb is that. I needed it as soon as possible.

There where a few things that bothered me (I'm sorry, I'm a nagger)
So there is a scene that they are heavily making out against the fridge while Roman (The little son) is sleeping upstairs, but while they are making out they make the magnets fall to the floor and make noise still he is afraid Roman will wake up from moaning? So is it just me or is that weird, I would be afraid if things fall on the floor. Okay, Okay, Okay magnets aren't heavy so they don't make much noise.

Then some scenes where jumping first Reid dropped Roman with his mom and the next minute he is in his garage.. Or did I read that wrong? It bothered me a bit because I was confused with it because that wasn't the first and only time I had that feeling.

On the bright side this one made me laugh out loud and grinning from ear to ear. And believe me I'm a hard nut to crack ;)

Also this isn't a lengthy novel it seems that way but it's two books in one. It includes Protector: A Second Chance Bad Boy Romance

Thank you so so so very much Cristina hun thanks to you I had a fun and relaxing time!

[Whit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wait! What? This story is way over the top. Tara and Sandra are best friends until Tara moves her boyfriend, Mark, into their home. So Sandra moves out and into a new home next door to Reid, Mark's brother and Tara's ex-husband. You can't make this stuff up. Then Tara and Sandra have lunch together and Tara screams horrible insults at Sandra when Sandra confesses she is now sleeping with Reid and hoping to have his baby. Really? What a ridiculous mess!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

WARNING...WARNING...WARNING‼ I read this book thinking there was going to be a LOT more, only to find out that it was two books (unrelated books), so the first book finished at 47% of the way through. According to Goodreads and Amazon this story was a full-length romance. I definitely felt mislead on this one. I believe there was potential to build this story so much further, but it really fell flat with such a quick read. So sorry to be so negative, I'm just disappointed:(.

[iamGamz · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 Stars

Reading this book was like overindulging on ice cream when you KNOW you're lactose intolerant. It was sweet at first but as you continue, the bellyache hits and off you run!

It's just a trope that has been done and done and overdone. The characters were sweet and it was an ok read, but i just found myself distracted by the silliest things as I tried to read -- like the view of the highway as I rode the bus to work and the ceiling of my apartment.

It took way too long for me to get to the end of this book. Glad they got their HEA, but I wish I had saved myself a couple of wasted hours.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid Riggins is in a bit of a tight spot, his ex-wife's best friend has just moved in next door to him, and he is facing a dilemma. Reid has been a single dad for the past few years and doing the best he can with his son who by the way stole the show in this book as he was such a cutie and the words that came out of his mouth. He was adorable as we all know that kids don't have filters and it was shown in Single Dad Next Door. He has been doing alright with his mechanic business, and now his grandfather has left him the business in his will, but the thing is it comes with strings. To inherit Reid must be married with two kids. The thing is he is a divorced dad of one. Now Reid must find someone to be in a relationship with and hopefully want a baby otherwise the business will be handed over to his brother who wants to demolish the building. Sandra has always had the stigma of being a "rich girl, " but the thing is she never fitted in with that world and decided to make it on her own. She has moved to town as Tara - Reid's ex-wife is shacking up in her house with her new beau and Sandra wants some alone time where she can focus on her bakery. Though Sandra discovers she is in a dilemma too as a developer wants to pull down the businesses including hers and build a strip mall. Unless Sandra can come up with the money, she is stuffed. What starts out as a fake marriage romance between Sandra and Reid will, however, develop into something more as sparks fly, but what will happen when the pair discover it's their family members and friends plotting against them? Can they prove that their love is real and not fake? Will Reid be able to fulfill his inheritance requirements and will Sandra save her sweet bakery? Find out in this Single Dad Romance tale by Penelope Bloom - Single Dad Next Door.

[Ofelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read. Loved Single Dad Next Door I think it was my favorite out of both stories included in this book.

[Phyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single dads reads are my jam, with so many out there not all of them are good. Luckily this one is, great dad, feisty female, cute kid what else do you need.
This is a short read, Protector is the other story

[Heather in FL · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was a cute story, but parts of it were implausible. When Sandra first gets the notice on the door of her bakery, I don't understand why she didn't consult an attorney. That would have been my first call! And the prologue made it sound like Reid was getting back at someone by screwing Sandra, but that wasn't really the case at all. It was a little weird that Reid's ex was Sandra's best friend, especially considering his ex was such a biotch and Sandra was so not. But... fiction I guess. Still, it was a cute story. I loved how Reid was with his son, and I thought it was hilarious that his son was the ones to spill the beans about Reid having an interest in Sandra. I thought the whole charade with Reid trying to be someone he's not for Sandra's parents' benefit was a bit far-fetched, but it was kinda cute that he tried. And I liked that he stood up for her to her parents in such a way that they realized their treatment of her was "less than". It was an entertaining story.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid Riggins has been burned by his ex-wife Tara and raising their little boy Roman on his own. He keeps hoping she'll step up to be a real mother to their son. One thing Reid won't do is trespass on a big relationship no no~dating Tara's best friend Sandra Williams. Sandra Williams may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth but that hasn't stopped her from pursuing her dream of running a bakery. She's worked hard to get her bakery up and running. She's moved into her new home only to discover that Reid Riggins is her new neighbor. Sandra gets a notice that her bakery will be bought out by town government or she can pay a fee to keep its location. Can these neighbors get along? Or will they discover an attraction they didn't expect? Your answers await you in Single Dad Next Door.

This sexy next door romance was the perfect mix of love-hate relationships. The characters and story were complicated, complex, real, raw, rich, bold, honest, passionate, and flawed. Ms. Bloom continues to surprise me with her writing style and characters that I can relate too.

[M.C. Chronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Smokes!!!!

I’m completely in love with Reid Riggins and his Alpha man ways. This steamy instalove romance was so good. Penelope did a great job at making me love the characters. Other than a few slight spelling and grammatical errors here and there I absolutely loved this book.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story, well written, easy to read and to fall in love with Sandra, Reid and Roman.

[Lu Bielefeld]

DNF! quem sabe outra hora!

[ViolinVixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this single dad romance and little Roman was such a cutie, he almost stole the show.

Reid has a deadline to meet, set out by his grandfather’s will. Be married with 2 kids by the time he’s 35 or forfeit his inheritance (which in this case is a home and the garage Reid runs). It would leave him homeless and unemployed and although it’s a long shot that he meets someone willing to get so serious, so fast, he hasn’t given up hope entirely.

When Sandra, Reid’s ex-wife’s best friend, moves into the house next door, he thinks it’s going to be a nightmare, but instead it could be the answer to his prayers. He starts to see Sandra in a new light and they are wildly attracted to each other, even though they know that any relationship between them would inevitably cause drama.

Between the town wanting to bulldoze Sandra’s bakery, Reid’s brother threatening to contest the will and Reid’s ex basically falling to pieces, how will Reid and Sandra find time to give their relationship a chance? And if they make it that far, how on earth will Reid convince her to marry him and agree to have a baby right away?

Sweet and sexy second chance romance. Reid and his little guy Roman make some pretty funny and adorable moments and during the steamy grown up times, Reid and Sandra have incredible chemistry. Even when Reid and Sandra don’t get along at the beginning, their bickering is rife with hot, sexual tension.

HEA. Standalone. No cliffhanger. Fun, sexy, feel-good romance.

[Genna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. There's not too much that I can say about it with out spoiling but for such a quick read it was fun and sexy. I really liked the main characters and how they dive head first into what they wanted even with the odds against them.

This is pretty much an instalove romance that has plenty of steam and a little bit of drama. I plan on reading more from the author in the future because some time you really need a short and sweet read with plenty of steam.

The title was a little misleading. There really isn't a marriage until like the last few pages. While that didn't take away from the story, to me being a fake marriage romance has both characters getting married during the main parts of the story, and that didn't happen with this story.

I wouldn't mind seeing Tara getting a story in the future. Even though her character was a little horrible, i believe everyone should get a happy ending. 4 stars #2OCCJD

[Erin McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story, steamy sex scenes, yet lacked substance. While I felt the dialogue and descriptions were fairly well done, for the most part, there were many places where we weren't given details or information, such as when the H finds the h in the garage with a wrench in her hand and her pants wet from the knees down. What was she doing? Why does she have a wrench? Why are her pants wet? We never find out. Nothing is mentioned about it again beyond the initial description. The opening scene is also not tied in well with the story, as happens with many flash forward scenes.

I was disappointed at the use of a derogatory slur towards disabled people by one of the characters in this book. It was an unnecessary usage.

The relationship development between the H and h was superficial with little interaction before they started making googly eyes at each other. It felt rushed, perhaps due to the length of the story. The H liked to threaten and punch people; realistically, he should have had assault charges pressed against him more than once.

Overall, the writing felt immature, stilted and did not flow smoothly. Many missing words or misspellings. I enjoy finding new authors to read, but this is not an author I will go seeking more books from. And as another reviewer mentioned, the characters SMIRKED constantly. It was overused, incorrectly used, and downright annoying.

I started to read the second book included with this one. They were smirking on the second page.... and the fourth.... while the premise of the story sounds interesting, I will give up before the end of the first chapter if they keep smirking. (edit: I did go on to read the bonus book, Protector, and it was much better, a 4 star book).

[Kelly BookSmacked · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read that will leave you wondering what will happen next. Reid is a single dad hanging on to his garage by a thread and then his ex wife’s best friend moves in next door. It was a very fast paced story that had you wanting to know what was going to happen next. Reid is a mechanic that spends his time shirtless working on cars but when Sandra moves in and has a hard time keeping her eyes on her side of the road things start to get interesting. Seeing him like that all the time and how he treated his son with such love and affection really got her motor going. Roaman his 5 year old son is such an adorable little guy and just couldn’t keep a secret! Always telling on his Dad to Sandra, making it hard for Reid to conceal how he feels. The things people will do and the lengths they will go to for love. Reid shows Sandra exactly that and before she can protest he’s already signed the papers so she can have her dream even if it means he has to give up his. Overall it was a good read that kept my attention and had my favorite a HEA! This story is great if you like insta-love, HOT single dads, steamy scenes, and drama!! #.5 Stars
I will say that I was a little disappointed in that I thought it was a full length because it states it’s 300 pages but by the time you are done reading it’s a novella and there’s another story at the end of it!

[Vicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5-2 Stars

Maybe this one would have been better as an ebook than as an audio, but I don't think by much. It is billed as a fake marriage trope but that is not the case at all. I didn't care about that so much but I think it is good information for those that chose this because of that trope.

The development is really shallow, the antagonists cartoonish (with contrived, HEA resolutions), and the emotional connection between the main couple never felt at all for this reader. I think the best part of the book was the hero's toddler.

As far as the audio.... the male narrator was okay, but the female narrator was bad and I am not even convinced an actual person. It sounded on the edge of fake, and the performer has slight pauses in places mid-sentence where there wouldn't be one if you were reading (or speaking) naturally, and it was extremely distracting.

I guess this was the equivalent I when I skim a bad ebook, because if I noticed I had missed a sentence or two I didn't bother to rewind, and I ended up speeding up the audio just to get it over with.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

His grandfather's passing was hard enough, but while the will is being read Reid learns that his grandfather really stuck it to him. Yep, he has to be married with 2 kids in order to own the garage. Well, Reid has one son (whom he is over the moon about) and one cheating/lying ex-wife....no chance of Reid making another baby with her let alone remarry her. This is not looking good for Reid. He spots a moving van outside the house next door to his. That place has been vacant for a really long time too. What is this?? He sees his ex-wife's BFF moving into that house. That is it, this is NOT happening. So proceeds Reid across the street storming the whole walk over there....and just as soon as he starts with Sandra she hands it right back. And so this journey begins.

She comes from parents that are wealthy beyond reason, but Sandra has disowned them and really done well on her own. She is not rich by any means but all the money she is spending or using she has worked hard for and earned. She owns a bakery in town, and finally had saved up enough to by this house. She knows that her BFF's ex and son live next door, hell Sandra knows this will not be an easy thing. But this is her house and this is her life. She hears Reid storming from across the street and she braces for impact. When he starts, she starts and then the weird thing of an angry truce (of sorts) happens. Well alrighty then, maybe things can change....

She is getting ready to head into the bakery, her car just so happens to not work. Reid is across the street smirking....well Sandra will show him that she doesn't need him or his help. So looking things up on the internet on how to repair this herself, she sneaks out after dark and tries to repair this herself, only when she starts to put the hood down in defeat good ol' Reid is right there. He TELLS her he is going to fix that car, this is the first in many little tiffs these two start and go through together.

Then Sandra starts to see Reid as a different person, at least he is compared to what she thought she knew about him. There is a little twist in their progress, this is when Reid finds out who the ex-wife is seeing, and even worse that Sandra knew. But that is still small compared to the blow this person deals to both Reid and Sandra. He is going to try to close their businesses and build there. Now things start going up and down like a roller coaster. There is a brief moment where a local fair happens, and ex-wifey and mystery fellow are there, just at the same time Reid and Sandra are. However Reid and Sandra are beginning to have changes of opinion of one another, and they are learning about one another. Then there is a surprise, or maybe a surprise, a surprise with flashbacks - after a drunken night.....but did it or didn't it happen?

Now with the thought that it might have maybe happened comes the thought of maybe he could have half of the equation to own the garage started, although he isn't thinking of that anymore, just her and what they could have together and Reid actually wants it. When Sandra tells him that she will not get rid of what might be maybe happening it seals the deal. They are smitten. Doesn't stop the banter and the giggles and the few more twists from happening. But it sure makes it much MUCH for interesting to see how they weather those events. Let's see an "ex" boyfriend appears, as does her richey parents. An act carried on by Reid and Roman (the son) as well as a telling off, a chasing off, a couple of punches being thrown, a surprise that shocks Sandra, and oh yeah all the while these two are still weathering this together....GOOD STUFF.

[Scrap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

I LOVED Reid and Sandra's story,
Reid knows the stipulations to his grandfathers will, He has to be married and have children to keep the garage. Reid has a child but no wife
not anymore, His ex cheated on him.
Sandra comes from money yet she wants to make it on her own, She worked her way through college and worked hard to start her own business the local bakery.
Sandra just bought a house right next door to Reid Riggins, The Reid Riggins who is her bff's ex. He is arrogant and a smart a$$ and HOT as sin.
This book has everything you want in a good read, Hot sexual tension, secrets, angst, lies and a WONDERFUL HEA.
I think Sandra was absolutely perfect for Reid. I LOVED the part where he played her fiance for her parents I laughed so hard

[Ashante Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Reid & Sandra): Now this book is full of drama. Reid is a divorced single dad taking care of his four/five year old son and running the family auto shop. He does not get along with his ex wife. Sandra just moved in next door and is the owner of a bakery in town. As part of his grandfather's will, Reid has to be married with children by the age of 30. Sandra's bakery is about to be closed down for City restructuring and doesn't want to ask for help from her parents. Both of them need help, they don't get along.. but the chemistry is crazy. It's not an insta romance and there's a strong build up of both characters. The story is hilarious, sexy and dramatic. Sandra and Reid are a perfect match, despite their differences. The sex is 🔥🚒🔥🚒 and the laughter comes at every page. Really enjoyed this one.

[Meetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I had read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved the banter between Sandra and Reid. You can't help but like Reid when 'seeing' him with his son Roman and the things he does for Sandra. I liked Sandra also. She is determined to do things on her own. This book had me laughing right away, which is a good sign for me. The ending did seem a little rushed, but all in all, I found a new author that I will look forward to reading more by.

Also, the copy I purchased did have a second book, Protector, about half way through. It was also a good story with a few twists within. Definitely found myself rooting for Jesse and Makayla to have their HEA. I loved how protective Jesse was of Makayla, but you also wanted to smack him because he was making life changing decisions for her. The sexual tension between the two...wow. I agree with another reviewer, Kennedy needs her story!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mechanic and the baker.

So I was on the fence about this one. The idea of the story was really good but for me something was missing. I don't know what it was but in some spots I felt details were missing or I skipped something. The whole "maybe. Maybe not" after the festival was kind of weird. Neither of them knew what happen but kept talking about it. Adding on her being super worried about something that might not have happened. The relationship between Sandra and Tara was weird too. I did however enjoy the characters. Specially Reid. He was sexy. strong and a great father. Roman was the cutest dang thing. He really made the book is some spots. Book also had a nice ending.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single Dad

Sweet, a little sappy happily ever after book. Fun read but had a hard time getting over the typos and incorrect information.

1. The taking of real estate in the manner the author is writing. It is illegal. Edit please. This is making investors and local government look bad.

2. " Most bakers just set it and pull it after at least a day has passed, or two days, depending on the type of dough. I control it down to the hour, and that’s part of what makes my product so delicious." Read a cookbook. Doesn't take days for bread to rise.

3. These men are in their early thirties. . .. do they REALLY talk like this? " “Yeah,” I say. “I won’t tell Lyla you were checking out another woman if you don’t tell Sandra I like her ."

Other than that fun read.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not really sure how to rate this one. It flip flops between 2 and 3 stars. The story was ok. I liked the characters but the side characters were horrible people and I get wanting to add drama to the story but geez. Between his brother and ex wife it was a little ridiculous. Then there’s the fact that she’s so desperate to get pregnant. I mean she wants to be pregnant after 1 drunken night with a guy she says she can’t stand. That was unsettling. Granted he was way different then she thought but still. She goes on to say her body had known what a good guy he was and that’s why she craved him 🤔I didn’t realize our bodies were so intuitive. I just wasn’t very impressed

[Samm Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy form the author and I voluntarily reviewed this book.

I liked this book. The story is good and the characters are well written (I especially loved Roman). I wouldn't call this a fake marriage story, as there is no fake marriage in it (there is a fake engagement for a short time). The main characters are surprisingly down to earth, hard workers just trying to get by. Throw in a couple of rotten exes and an equally rotten brother and you have a really decent story. The book kept my attention and I enjoyed it, I just wasn't awed by it. Give it a read.

[Madison Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Single Dad Next Door, Reid isn't happy that his ex wife's best friend moved next door to him, but can that work to his advantage? A stipulation of his grandfather's will states to inherit the mechanics' garage he'll need to be married with a child by age thirty-five. Is Sandra the woman that will fit the bill?

Sandra comes from money, but that's not stopping her from setting out on her own and open a bakery. The problem is Reid is the last man she should be drawn to.

Reid's son Roman is a delightful little boy and really enhanced the story.

While Reid was on the pushy side, I enjoyed his character as a single father who has primary custody of his son. Sandra really surprised me and the characters were well developed. The story weighed heavily on romance, but they both have a problem outside of the will's stipulation.