By Sloane Howell
This is a stand alone story.
My son is my life. Nothing on earth matters but him.
Soon, I’ll have to send him out into society. The cruel machine that gnashes innocence and spits out the hollowed remains of a child’s imagination. It’s a place I know all too well, considering my past. I’ve worked hard to separate myself from it, but it looms in the back of my mind—waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
My son, Logan, wants to have birthday parties, make friends, play at the park—all the normal things that seven-year olds want to do. All the things I want to do with him.
I’ve put up walls around our life to shield us from danger. Giant barriers to ward off possible threats.
Cora Chapman crashes through them like a wrecking ball. She’s intelligent and hilarious with soft curves and a spark that ignites a flame deep inside of me.
There’s only one problem—she’s Logan’s teacher.
When my past wraps its tentacles around my throat and threatens to strangle the breath from my lungs, I’m given an option—fight for my family’s freedom, or die as they’re stripped away from me.
I can’t lose. I won’t lose.
My name is Landon Lane and I am a warrior.
Synopsis:
Landon Lane is a mysterious hot guy alpha male single father. He’s a sparring partner for the current MMA champion, so of course he’s got muscles made of stone. His son Logan is a respectful and well-behaved seven-year old.
Cora Chapman is elementary school teacher in the small town of Desire, Montana. Desire is where she grew up, and at the time she couldn’t wait to leave. As soon as possible she moved to New York for college.
Landon and Cora don’t meet under the best circumstances. After an incident on the playground, parents are called into school and Cora finds herself acting as a referee. Sparks fly between Landon and Cora but to be together they will have to navigate some sticky social situations and deal with a mysterious past that won’t stay history.
April’s Book Review:
I’ve been a fan of Howell’s since he was a woman. I’ve read everything he’s published. This is some of his best work yet.
Howell has a lot of fun with references to the indie book community, movies, music, etc. It totally reminds me of a scene in Wayne’s World that’s meant to be commentary on product placement. I’m one of those people who love to quote movies or has entire text conversations using GIFs. To me it’s like a fun inside joke that everyone whose seen that move or knows that book is in on.
I’ve fallen in love with Howell’s character’s before. I still feel physical pain when I think about Tommy and CC. Landon and Cora are most definitely swoon worthy. Who wouldn’t fall in love with little Logan? He’s more adult and better behaved than I am. I fell in love with Joe. He and I may be on the same level in terms of our ability to interpret and communicate our emotions. Most of his interpersonal communication comes in the form of movies quotes. If you’re not sure how much I love that, please see above paragraph.
One of the things that really impressed me was the Cora’s relationship with her mother. The way that moms and daughters interact and specifically argue is a world apart from the way conflict arises between men, or sons and their mothers, proving Howell to be a true student of the human condition.
I was lucky enough to get an early ARC of Bad Dad. I was so excited to read this one! I even updated my progress on Goodreads (I’ve never done that before). The downside to this is, I didn’t have anyone to talk to, and this story needs some good group discussion. So, I created a Facebook spoiler group, Bad Dad Support Group. It’s a safe place where you can go and talk about the book. However, don’t go there if you haven’t finished the book, because…spoilers.
I highly recommend Bad Dad. It is such an enjoyable read, and a refreshing departure from the current indie romance trends.
Why did we choose this book:
Sloane Howell is a one click author for us. Also, how can you go wrong with an alpha former military/MMA hero, single dad? The answer is you don’t.
Who should read this book:
If you like your romance to have just a little bit more, this is an awesome read for you.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
Guest review contributed by Reading After Dark. Reading After Dark is a book blog featuring stories about the messy interactions of the human condition, books that are best read after dark.
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