An amazing story of love and triumph! There was laughter and tears in this spicy, heartfelt romance. An amazing read!

I thought that this was just going to be a cute story about a single dad and a single woman and the trials of starting a new relationship. I realized after I started, once I got past the very spicy start, that there was more to this story. With topics like sexual assault, parental death and abandonment it became a story with heavy topics and maybe even some triggers for some readers.
This is book 5 of a series, although I was not aware of this until I started reading it, and although it could be read as a standalone, a LOT of characters from previous books are included. There would be a benefit to already knowing these characters and maybe more understanding as to why they are in this book.
I found it hard to connect to the main characters, unfortunately, Their relationship seemed to happen without any work. Maybe the steamy parts are what drew them together?
This was just a 3 star read for me (enjoyable but not a standout).

But the spice was spicey!

This is NOT your grandma’s romance! I’ve seen this book at Walmart in what I call “the grandma section.” I definitely misunderstood this section of books! It was VERY spicy!

The Single Dad Project by Naima Simone is the fifth contemporary romance in the author’s Rose Bend series. I hadn’t read any of the others in the series when I picked up this one, but it reads well as a standalone and has me intrigued to read more about this small town and the Dennison family.

Photographer Flo Dennison is licking her wounds back in her hometown of Rose Bend. A two-week work trip to Thailand turned into more than just a disappointment, with harassment from her mentor permanently tainting the trip and her respect for him. A one-night stand with a sexy stranger (her choice) is just what she needs to take back control of her life.

Single Dad and architect Adam Reed has taken a temporary job restoring an old home in Rose Bend, and he goes to a local bar and meets Flo, ending up with her for the hottest night of his life. But as per Flo’s request, he doesn’t tell her anything about himself other than his real name (even though she’d said he could use any name he wanted). With no regrets, they both go their separate ways, only to be shocked to discover that they’re going to be working on the same restoration project. The TV show Vintage Reproductions has hired Adam as the architect for the restoration of the house, while Cole, Flo’s brother and the mayor of Rose Bend, wants her to take photos for a coffee-table-book to capitalize on the TV show choosing to film there.

Having never expected to see each other again, Flo and Adam pretend to meet for the first time at the house. But neither has forgotten their night together. Still, it’s not immediately obvious that anything more will happen between them. Adam’s prime focus besides his job is his five-year-old daughter, Jussy. His ex-wife is not a reliable co-parent, popping in and out of their lives, leaving Adam with the sole responsibility for Jussy’s upbringing, and he’s not looking for a new partner. Besides, he’s thirty-seven, and Flo is twenty-four. Not a problem for a one-night stand but too big an age difference - in Adam’s mind - for a relationship. As they spend time together though, it becomes more difficult to ignore their mutual attraction. With Adam planning to leave when the restoration is done, is there even a chance at something more than just a steamy affair?

I’ve been reading Naima Simone’s books for several years (according to Goodreads, my first was Beauty and The Bachelor in 2015) and pretty much know what to expect, which is what keeps me coming back for more – emotional and sexy stories from start to finish. With this series, the author is focusing more on family relationships but with the same heat and heart as her previous books. Flo has experienced a unique if difficult upbringing, with her birth mother passing away when she was young, and her stepfather at the time being unable to properly care for her due to his grief, and as a result, she was adopted by her stepfather’s brother and his wife. Her new family has treated her with much love and affection and she has a close relationship with all her siblings. But her stepfather has, in recent years, been sending her letters, causing her a lot of emotional conflict as she isn’t sure of his intentions, or what kind of relationship she might want with him as an adult after he abandoned her as a child. This forms a secondary storyline to the main romance.

Adam is naturally protective of his daughter and is torn about what role his ex-wife should have with Jussy as she doesn’t always keep her promises about phone calls. The friendship that Flo develops with Jussy is also an issue, as his daughter is naturally seeking maternal bonds with the women who enter his life and he is afraid of his daughter getting too attached to them. Trying to keep boundaries with Flo becomes impossible the more time they spend together, and the clearer it becomes that Flo really cares for Jussy. Giving Jussy a home with friends her age and people around her who care about her seems like a possibility in Rose Bend, if only Adam can overcome his reservations and see beyond Flo’s younger age to the passionate, determined and mature woman that she is.

With a deft hand, the author ties all the various strings together resulting in a heartwarming (and sometimes tearful) story with happy endings all around. If you like emotional depth, family and friend relationships that anchor the story, and sexy times in your romances, this is a good story and series to sink your teeth into.

Another great book by Naima Simone. I adore this series so much. A wonderful summer time romance with a wonderful setting and great characters.

Good book about family, love, and facing the past. The story opens as Flo returns home after a business trip that ended badly. In need of distraction, she has a steamy and mutually anonymous one-night fling with a stranger she believes is passing through. Imagine their shock when they discover they will be working together on a restoration project. Complicating matters, Adam's five-year-old daughter, Jussy, takes an immediate liking to Flo, declaring them "best friends."

Neither Adam nor Flo had any intention of getting involved with each other. Adam is determined to provide stability for Jussy, which does not include getting involved in a relationship with an expiration date. Flo avoids emotional entanglements, preferring to protect her heart. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together.

I enjoyed watching Flo and Adam's relationship develop. A tentative friendship developed once they moved past that awkward first post-fling meeting. Adam started to see Flo as the warm-hearted woman she was and noticed the beneficial impact on Jussy. I liked his sensitivity to the conflicts she experienced within her family, his willingness to listen and comfort, and his support as she worked through her feelings. But he also has his own hangups that keep him from opening his heart to the possibilities of a future with her. Flo's trust issues stem from her childhood and keep her from fully believing that she is loveable enough for Adam to want her in his life.

The more time they spent together, the closer Flo and Adam became. I liked how they started to share their pasts and listen to each other, helping each other move past their fears and doubts. But there are still some niggling insecurities that drive a wedge between them. I liked the unexpected source of Adam's awakening and what he did about it.

Adam's daughter, Jussy, is a huge part of the story. She is the center of Adam's life; giving her stability is his focus. I felt his frustration over his ex-wife's neglect and his worry over its effect on Jussy and her future. Her exuberance leaps off the page, and it is easy to see how it speaks to Flo's heart.

Another big part of the book is Flo's relationship with her family. Though she is close to her adoptive parents and siblings, she has insecurities that cause her to hold part of herself back. Then, a blast from her past returns, and she must decide if she's ready to let go of old hurts and move forward.

In Naima Simone’s The Single Dad Project (Rose Bend #5), Florence Dennison returns to Rose Bend longing for distraction from an upsetting work trip with a scorching fling. When she sees the big, sexy stranger at the bar, she knows he’s the one. They share an intense, fiery encounter. Flo is surprised, however, by an adorable, sweet little girl befriending her and declaring to her father—Flo’s one-night stand—that she’s her BFF, especially since he’s in charge of the restoration project she’s photographing. When his daughter’s nanny suddenly becomes unavailable, Flo cares for Adaline instead. Despite dealing with trust issues and complicated family ties, Flo must choose whether she wants more with Adam.

I was excited to read this because I loved every minute of the Rose Bend novels I’ve read. Simone writes beautiful, poignant, intimate, and sexy stories that thoughtfully and deftly delve into the relationships people form/share and the emotions driving their choices and lives. The book’s focus is family dynamics and relationships, how they shape the characters, how they continue to affect their lives, and how they form emotional attachments. I love Simone’s writing style, specifically her fantastic use of language, turn of phrase, and vivid description that uses the characters’ senses to enrich the details. She drew me in from the opening scenes, investing me in their lives and journeys.

Simone excels at her characterization of resilient, complex, steadfast, but emotionally stuck, messy, frustrating, and all too human protagonists. You can’t help but root for them. By putting Flo, Adam, and the secondary characters in emotional, funny, tense, unfamiliar, unexpected, and uncomfortable situations and interactions with each other, she develops and evolves their characters and relationships while also contributing to the plot’s progression. The interactions between Adam and Flo and the people in their lives are essential in Simone’s books, as they help reveal who Adam and Flo are and develop and evolve them into who they become at the novel’s end.

While Flo gets the one-night stand she’s looking for, Adam makes her work for it. But he gives her the escape she wants and a passion that touches her deeper than she’s experienced. It leaves them both shaken and wanting more. Simone develops their relationship through steamy, emotional, sexy, and intimate conversations and interactions that draw them closer, revealing their hidden desires and flaws. I love how Flo and Adam grow closer once they get past the awkwardness and become friends.

Overwhelmed with feelings of anger, bitterness, and grief that go back farther and deeper than Flo is comfortable admitting, Flo avoids her close-knit adoptive family when she first gets home. She avoids deep emotional entanglements and hates feeling weak. Though she doesn’t want a relationship, sometimes she wonders how it feels to be loved deeply like her siblings, who are settling down. After a lifetime of feeling overlooked, it scares her how easily Adam makes her feel and how he sees her. An architect and single dad, Adam is a devoted father who focuses on ensuring that his daughter is safe and protected and her life is stable. While he has his share of trust issues stemming from his childhood and his marriage, he’s a genuine, honest, supportive, kind, encouraging, and caring man who treats Flo like a Queen. Adam and Flo share traumatic pasts that contribute to their connection. But being in each other’s lives, sharing with and listening to one another helps them to face and make peace with it and learn to move forward.

I love Adam’s irresistibly cute daughter. How she’s drawn to Flo and chooses her as a BFF is interesting. Perhaps she senses a kindred spirit. Adeline is energetic, fearless, and interested in photography, but it’s clear what she’s missing from her life and seems to find in Flo. Her scenes with Flo are so sweet.

The scenes with the Dennison family are always entertaining. I love how supportive and loving they are. The Dennison’s adoption of her is at the heart of Flo’s story and evolution. I will avoid spoilers here because I think reading for yourself is best. It’s an emotional and beautifully written exploration of family, what it means, and how deeply those beginning years of life can affect who you become and your concept of self later in life, likewise with Adam’s childhood.

One of the things I like about Simone’s books is how she explores issues affecting Black and underrepresented communities. She does so in a nuanced, informative, entertaining way tied to the novel’s narrative. Simone also can go from stomping on your heart and trying to hold back tears to making you laugh effortlessly, always deftly balancing the romance, humor, and angst to keep the story moving.

The Single Dad Project is an intensely emotional, sexy, funny, and steamy single-parent romance that explores divorce, single parenting, self-esteem, mother/daughter relationships, father/daughter relationships, family, parental abandonment, parental emotional abuse, and sexual harassment.

Content warnings: on-the-job sexual harassment, parental abandonment, parental emotional abuse.

Canary Street Press provided an advanced review copy via Netgalley for review.

I am new to this author and I loved this book. I will be reading more from Naima Simone. Florence comes back home and sees this hot guy in a bar. She decides that he will be her one night stand and then she can't get him out of her mind after their night together. When she shows up for a job, she is shocked to see that he is in charge of it. His daughter instantly connects to Flo and they become friends. Adam is not very nice to her when he sees her and is nervous about his daughter being friends with her. Adam is dealing with his unreliable ex-wife and trying to navigate this single dad job. You will love his character and how he wants the best for his daughter. Flo has had her own problems and understands his concerns. This was an amazing story and I absolutely loved the way it ended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to review this book! I will be recommending this to my patrons at work!

I’m happy to return to the Rose Bend series, although somehow I missed two books. Rose Bend is a wonderfully diverse small town in the Berkshire mountains a few hours from Boston. The main family of the series is diverse as well with biological children mixed with adopted of differing races. This story is about 24 year old Florence “Flo” Dennison. Returning to her home town from being out of the country. She restlessly hooks up with a man she meets at a local bar. It turns out that her one night stand is the architect Adam Reed. He is in town for several months to oversee a restoration of a home that coincidentally she has been hired to photograph.

Flo was adopted into the wonderful Dennison family and grew up in a loving and supportive home. But she has insecurities and abandonment issues because after her mother died the man she knew as her dad left her with his brother. Her feelings are complex and deep. Adam has his own issues. He is a divorced father and primary caregiver of an adorable and gregarious five year old. He has father issues of his own. When Flo offers to help with child care it is one more connection between the two.

This is smartly written and not a light romance. There is passion, sweetness and a 13 year age gap. The characters have to change and evolve to have a chance to be together. I enjoyed the interactions with the other family members I remember from the first books in the series. And now I will have to seek out the books that I missed so I can be caught up. My digital copy included a novella, The Husband Situation, which is #4.5 in the series. It is a sweet, steamy, story and can be read as a stand alone as the main characters aren’t part of the Dennison family.

It's a good thing I got my gym workout in before I started reading an ARC of Naima Simone's The Single Dad Project because by the 8% mark I was totally hooked. Figured I might as well toss my Monday to-do list to the side because not a single thing was going to be accomplished until I finished this book.

Much like the other books in the Rose Bend series, once I was immersed in their lives, these characters refused to let me put their book down until I turned the final page. Even then, the characters continued to live in my mind. Simone filled their journey with steam, humor, endearing moments, emotional turmoil, complicated family dynamics, unexpected friendships, heart-tugging romance, and a whole lot of "yes, please, may I have more?"

I loved the family dynamics in this book that played out alongside the romance between Flo and Adam. It added texture, conflict, and unexpected layers to their journey as a couple as well as their individual evolution. And I absolutely adored Adam's young daughter, Jussy who pretty much steals every scene she's in, along with hearts.

If you haven't yet visited Simone's Rose Bend, The Single Dad Project is a great place to jump in. Then go back and read the rest of the published books - and novellas - in the series because, yes, they are all that good.

After a failed work trip, Flo returns to Rose Bend seeking a distraction in a passionate fling with a stranger—only to discover he’s leading the restoration project she’s photographing. Adam, a single father and architect, wants stability for his daughter and assumes younger woman Flo can’t provide it. However, when his nanny leaves unexpectedly and Flo steps in to help, their connection deepens. Amid complex family dynamics and her own insecurities, Flo must decide if a fleeting encounter can become something more.

I love this series. Adam and Flo are smokin’ hot together, both of them kind and determined people. But I especially loved the bond the develops between Flo and Adam’s daughter. This is a beautiful, heartfelt novel that gave me all the feels.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

THE SINGLE DAD PROJECT is the fifth in the incredible Naima Simone’s stellar Rose Bend series. It stands alone well, although it does feel as if each new book outdoes the previous, so readers will surely benefit from reading them all!

Photographer Flo Dennison and single dad and architect Adam Reed have a relatively anonymous but unforgettable one-night stand. When they end up facing each other again as coworkers on a restoration project, they can see that their chemistry has abated not in the slightest.

Naima Simone is a writer of the first class. She creates characters that will make you laugh, cry, cringe, soar with joy… I sometimes have to stop while reading just to catch my breath and to savor how much her words move me. Her creations are so memorable. Flo in particular is smart and articulate. Though she’s been wounded, she’s bold and brave, and when she isn’t, her family and her friends and Adam help give her comfort and strength and support. Adam too bears scars, and it takes time and some determined people who love him to point him in the right direction and to begin healing. And his delightful daughter Justine? What a scene-stealer!

The Single Dad Project is a keeper, and I’ll be rereading it and the rest of the series as I eagerly await more from the talented Ms Simone.

THE SINGLE DAD PROJECT – Naima Simone
Rose Bend, Book 6
Canary Street Press
ISBN: 978-1-335-44802-6
February 20, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Rose Bend, Massachusetts – Present Day

Florence “Flo” Dennison returns home after a disappointing trip to Thailand where her boss hit on her. All she wants is a drink and a man to warm her bed that night, so she heads to a local bar. She gets the drink and spots a stranger. She makes sure that he doesn’t plan on staying in Rose Bend and is soon getting her wish of a man in her bed. The next day, Flo is offered a job as a photographer for a vintage house restoration show and she will work closely with the project manager. She is introduced to him and learns to her horror that he is her one-night stand.

Single dad and architect Adam Reed wants stability for his little girl and when he realizes that Flo was his one-night stand, he doesn’t want to get further involved with her. But they must work closely together, which leads to a sexual attraction that neither can ignore. After his nanny has issues, it is Flo who steps in to help with his daughter. Watching them grow closer and realizing that Flo is a caring person, he begins to wonder if he can stay in Rose Bend beyond the few months he has planned.

An unlikely couple finds love in the sizzling and emotional THE SINGLE DAD PROJECT. Flo was adopted by the Dennison family after her mother died and her stepfather couldn’t handle fatherhood. She adores them and prefers to ignore her stepfather, who happens to be her adopted father’s brother. But the abandonment continues to haunt her. Is she not loveable? She hasn’t been in a relationship in years and prefers one-night stands, which is why she needed a stranger after her disastrous trip. Adam is handsome and nice, which is a good combination if you’re looking for a relationship. However, he has a daughter who is his first priority. His ex is barely part of their lives, and he doesn’t want to add further harm to his daughter’s life by introducing a woman who will soon slip out of their lives. But Adam and Flo can’t avoid the fact that they’re attracted to each other.

THE SINGLE DAD PROJECT is filled with fiery passion as Flo and Adam fall for each other. Yet there is a lack of trust between them because neither wants to commit to the other. Add in the fact that he will soon be leaving, it’s like there is a timestamp on their relationship and they shouldn’t fall in love. But Cupid strikes and threatens to upend their plans. Will Flo and Adam find their way to love and happiness together? Of course, there will be obstacles to overcome before we learn what happens. Find out the answer by grabbing a copy of THE SINGLE DAD PROJECT.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Flo, Adam and young Jussy navigate their pasts to their shared future in this emotional and at times steamy novel. A one night stand between Flo and Adam makes things awkward when they realize they're going to be working together but five year old Jussy pulls Flo into a somewhat reluctant Adam's orbit. We all know what's going to happen but this touches on some tough issues that make the journey deeper. I'd only read one of the preceding books but that wasn't a problem because Simone made me feel like I knew not only the characters but also the town. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. It's a good read and the bonus novella is a treat!

A story.that will keep you immersed from beginning to end.
Some will make you cry and some will make you laugh.
This story offers hope, truth, secrets and forgiveness. I loved all of this because they gave me a feel good feeling.
I loved Flo instantly. She's a brave young lady and knows how to face down what's coming at her. I loved and admired her for it.

Where to begin?

When Flo Dennison encountered the sexy stranger in the bar, her only thought was one night. No strings. No baggage. But when she encounters him later and realizes they will be working together, things become a little awkward. Especially since that night never strayed far from her thoughts.

Adam Reed spent his entire life trying to be the best father possible for his daughter, doing his best to not let his past demons and baggage drag him down. But when he meets Flo, he knows that she is not someone he can easily forget.

Naima Simone did an outstanding job of pulling the reader into the emotions and wounds of both characters. We have the brooding but loving single dad whose biggest fear is not providing a strong stable environment for his daughter, and the strong seemingly confident woman striking out on her own who harbors her own fears of becoming too close to someone.

Within the pages of this story, we get a strong sense of family and of healing from past wounds and tension. Each character has work they need to do on themselves before they can truly be a solid partner for anyone else.

Naima has definitely mastered the art of 'one step forward, two steps back' in writing relationships. I am not ashamed to admit there were several scenes where I had to put the story down for a minute and come back when I cooled off. LOL. Did it kind of drive me crazy? Yes, but in a good way! I experienced every one of the characters ups and downs as though I was there with them. And although there were several times I wanted to reach out and pop Adam in the head, I understood.

This book had me caught up in my emotions for the past two days. I always love a trip to Rose Bend and this one was no exception.

In "The Single Dad Project," Naima Simone crafts a heartfelt and steamy romance that unfolds in the charming backdrop of Rose Bend. Florence "Flo" Dennison's return to her hometown takes an unexpected turn when a scorching one-night stand turns out to be none other than Adam Reed, the single dad leading the restoration project she's been hired to photograph.
Simone's signature touch is evident in the sizzling chemistry between Flo and Adam, creating a narrative that seamlessly blends passion, emotion, and personal growth. The characters evolve beautifully throughout the story, and Simone's knack for crafting compelling relationships shines through. Adam's determination for stability and Flo's youthful ambition create a dynamic tension that adds depth to the plot.
The real show-stealer, however, is Adam's sweet daughter, whose presence injects a wholesome energy into the narrative. As Flo becomes an unexpected friend to the little girl, family ties and trust issues come into play, adding layers to the story.
Simone navigates the complexities of single parenthood, romance, and personal development with finesse. The interactions between the characters are not only entertaining but also heartwarming. The seamless flow of the plot, coupled with Simone's skillful storytelling, makes "The Single Dad Project" an engaging and enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of Naima Simone's previous works or enjoy a romance that balances steamy scenes with genuine character growth, "The Single Dad Project" is a delightful addition to your reading list.

Thank you Canary Street Press for providing me with an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The book opens with Flo having a one night stand with Adam, who is a stranger in her small town and she expects to never have to see him again. Turns out, surprise surprise, he's in town for a job for the next several months and they end up working together. Their insta-attraction takes a few turns but eventually they fall for one another, and she also bonds with is five year old daughter. Along the way there's a lot of family and childhood trauma regarding parental neglect and abandonment that both characters have to work through. I commend the author for tackling big issues in a short romance novel, it's hard to pull off and ultimately I felt that much of it fell flat since the issues had to be wrapped up too quickly and neatly in order to obtain the necessary HEA. I realized after I started it that this is book five of a series, and although it can be read independently there were a TON of side characters that felt unnecessary but were presumably added to give series readers a glimpse of couples they'd previously read about. Overall I wouldn't put this at the top of your list, but it's a good addition to romance collections looking to add more titles with diverse characters that tackle big topics in addition to delivering some spice and love.

The Rose Bend series by Naima Simone is one of my faves. It is right up there with Catalina Cove by Brenda Jackson or the Blessing Series by Bev Jenkins. The only difference is the racial diversity of the cast of characters. But the same type of heart and feeling are there.

I will say this story didnt grip me as much as the others but it was still pretty good. Flo and Adam are perfection

I wish I had realized this was book 5 before I got too far into it because I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more having read the family background stories more.
That said. There was a lot happening in this story with Flo and Adam and his little girl Jussy.
There is a lot of backstop to digest with both main characters and at times I felt myself jumbling up specifics.

Overall I enjoyed the story and may go back and read the rest of the series.