The Darlings #2
ARC provided by NetGalley
Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills
Former model Jane Darling is trying to get her matchmaking business off the ground. She works at the family’s bookstore in NYC, but she wants something of her own. She’s the proud mom of Londyn, and adorable four-year-old and though she’s in the business of finding love, she’s not looking for it herself.
She finds herself wearing a cupid costume in a bar, trying to promote her business and when a potential customer becomes a little handsy, Jasper Jannich, her “frenemy” comes to the rescue. He also tries to convince her to go on a date, but ends up becoming her client. Having a professional football player as a client could really launch her business… But Jasper realizes that Jane is the one he really wants. No one she matches him with will be good enough for him.
Second book in The Darlings series, this can definitely be read as a standalone.
Jane is a feisty, dedicated, single mom and you root for her from the beginning. Pretty soon were figure out that their banter and all the bickering is hiding an intense attraction that is pretty much present on both sides. Jasper is top tier book boyfriend material and he will make you swoon! Gotta love a boy obsessed!
There are two subplots (Londyn’s dad’s and Jasper’s biological mom’s reappearances) that I wish were a little more developed. but their romance is adorable.
A sweet and spicy “he falls first” romance for people who love determined single moms, cocky and charming football players, beautiful bookstores, a NYC backdrop, true found family, twin niece shenanigans and sweet surprises at the end.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.
Content notes: child abandonment, trauma related to child abandonment, mentions of living in foster care, mentions of living in a cult
