This book went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for me. I enjoyed the premise of the book and the author's writing style, but the relationship felt somewhat shallow and based only on the physical. I wish we could have seen more of what made them click than just the attraction.

The premise of Colm misunderstanding and thinking Monica is Emma's mom was cute. It was nice to see a group of single dad's so committed to their kids, and Aiden was adorable! The author also did a great job of writing realistically about what life with a small child is like with the wonderful moments and those when a parent feels like they're doing it all wrong.

Overall, a humorous and fun read, and I liked the introduction of Colm's business partners that will appear in future books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book completely stands alone and *does not* end on a cliffhanger. There is a lot of cursing (including f-bombs) and a lot of sex in this one so if those things bother you, you should skip this one. There is a specific sex act alluded to during their first sex scene that might make some readers uncomfortable, but that act does not actually happen in this book so if that makes you nervous, you don't have to worry about that.

Let me start by saying, I did not like Monica for most of the book. I. Did. Not. Like. Her. She was selfish and petty, and every time she lied to Colm I wanted to smack her. Hard. But when she was taken out at the knees by her lies coming to light, I found myself really impressed by the character growth we saw from her. Although I would have loved for her to have that particular epiphany sooner so that we could see Colm and Monica together without lies between them, I was pleased by their happily ever after.

Colm and Aiden's relationship was the highlight of this book. Every scene that they were in together made me smile – I would happily have read a book that just featured Colm parenting his precocious little boy. Their conversations were so full of humor and love that I couldn't help but adore Colm.

If you enjoy a book that is laced with a ton of humor and a sweet single dad who plays poker for the funniest stakes and who unashamedly loves his adorable little boy, you will probably enjoy this book. Just...give Monica time. She eventually comes around.

I requested and was granted a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under no obligation to write this review.

Play Dates starts out in a very adorable way with single dads at a playground watching their children play. Monica is there with her niece, and taking pictures. She's an independent single woman who's not interested in marriage or having children. She ends up meeting Colm, who mistakenly thinks her niece is her daughter. Monica doesn't correct him because she doesn't think she'll see him again. But Colm is interested in Monica and they do meet again. He wants to take her out on a date. She agrees because she thinks it will be a one time thing, as in a one night stand. But Monica has made a big boo-boo. Colm doesn't want a one night stand, and wants to see her again and again. She really likes Colm, but she fails to tell him she's not a single mother, which makes their relationship over before it begins.

Play Dates is about deception on the part of Monica. She lies and fibs, making Colm believe she's a single mother, which I find disgusting. If she had been honest from the beginning or at the very least before she jumps into bed with him I would be more sympathetic to the reasoning. Because she's liar and fraud, there is no way I can believe in their love or a HEA, even when she comes clean, which is not from her being hones because of the guilt, but because Colm finds out when he goes to his dentist, who happens to Monica's brother-in-law.

Play Dates is a big fail of a romance that could have really shined, but it's full of deceit from the heroine who doesn't deserve Colm. Selfish heroine makes for a bad romance.

Pass on this one.

Monica Rayburn is fulfilling her duties as aunt to her sister’s little girl, Emma, when her attention is riveted by a gorgeous man lounging against a tree. She happily agrees to a ‘no strings’ dinner date with Colm, failing to mention that Emma is in fact her niece. As the casual nature of their dates becomes more intense, Monica’s lies start to spin out of control. I enjoyed this story, and hope to read those of Colms’ work buddies in the future.

Play Dates is my first read by Maggie Wells. I must say I enjoyed it. I love single dad books so that caught my attention right away. This one had a good mix of giggle moments and sexy times. Colm is dreamy single daddy. Monica well she grew on me and I loved the change in her as the book went on. It did leave me for wanting a little more just because I didn't want the story to end. And I love when kids are added into the mix. But over all its a cute effortless read. I really look forward to seeing what other books Maggie has to offer.

I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to read this abuse because the premise sounded different and fun but sadly it did not work for me. It was a quick read but because of that everything felt rushed and there was a lot of telling without showing. Characters decide they are in love without having a real conversation and the resolution did not seem genuine.

Dnf at 36%

I just can't. Monica keeps saying how she doesn't care for kids, how her niece leaves her exhausted after only a few minutes, and I don't see my opinion of her changing because she might 'come around' in the end.
Colm had some moments where he resents his son and it's a really big turn off for me. Plus I've heard a bit too much about his dead ex-wife.
I wanted to at least get to the first sex scene, and I did, but ughh, if I had to hear about Monica's hips swaying one more time or her small breasts..... I give up.

Sexy new series.
I enjoyed Maggie Wells' Worth The Wait series so I was excited to find Play Dates the first book in her new series. As always Maggie Wells did not dissapoint. She writes great characters, dialogue and plots. I loved seeing how Monica and Colm got together in spite of the baggage they both carried. I also appreciate a strong supporting cast and I loved all of the secondary characters. I can hardly wait to read James and Mike's HEA.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.