Scouting the Single Dad is a small-town single dad romance with a super-cute kid – lovely fun!

Layla Monroe’s life is settled in Star Lake, Washington, where she is running the annual Fall Festival. NFL player Hayes Fielder comes along as the star attraction, bringing his daughter Benny who is seriously busy matchmaking Hayes as she wants a mother-figure in her life. Layla is gorgeous and fun and she and Hayes have great chemistry – and she gets along so well with Benny. Their text messages are delicious and it’s steamy and fun, even with a meddling nine-year-old getting in the way. But Hayes and Benny live in Arizona and it feels like too far away for busy people to do long distance when they don’t know each other well – even with all the attraction.

I love how adult they both are. Hayes has commitments and hasn’t been dating much as he wants to prioritize his daughter. Layla has had a few dodgy partners but she’s game to give it a go, even if the distance is daunting. Some miscommunication and Hayes’ cold feet make it difficult, but they get there.

Shout out to Grady – I hope he gets a book!

Thank you Sara Ney and Montlake for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Laura Black is a romance editor, reader and reviewer based in Queensland, Australia. You can visit me on Instagram @laura_black_reads