The title itself leads one to believe in a marriage of convenience or not so convenient. The blurb leads you to believe that the proposal was all just a way to give a little girl insurance that was needed. Well, I wont completely dispute all that, but I will say that this romance was so much more than the way it appears from the title and the blurb.

There something about a precocious child that has grit, determination, a bit of mischief and cute as a button to make a person fall in love. Ruby was all that and more. She was the very reason for the perseverance that Kyra put forward to make life better for herself and her daughter. She was wearing herself out with working, studying and caring for Ruby. Oh, let’s not forget and trying to keep Ruby out of the hair of the gruffy yet sexy guy next door that did not look like the type to lend a cup of sugar let lone his insurance coverage when it was needed. Dax was a man that had life hit him hard and knock him down. He just wanted to be alone doing the one thing in the world that he loved. He never anticipated having a pushing little girl brighten his day or have the mother brighten his life.

This was a beautiful read that had me wanting a bit more.

Kyra Kokinos, is a young single mother who has recently relocated to the town of Lake Haven. Working at getting her life in order, with her precocious daughter, full time job and studying for her real estate license, her plate is full. The last thing she needs to deal with is her uptight neighbor and his grumpy attitude.

Dax Bishop just wants some quiet and solitude. Building custom furniture is difficult with the distraction of the new little neighbor girl popping in constantly... and don't get him started on her mother...

I loved this book. Kyra and Dax have a pretty rocky start when they first meet each other as new neighbors. But when they each start to come out of their mutual annoyance of one another, a real friendship starts to form.

This book was sweet, funny and incredibly well written. I loved the Kyra's adorable daughter, and all of the realistic and engaging characters in the town of Lake Haven. This book is a fantastic addition to a wonderful series, and an absolute must read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

I was excited to read this book as I am familiar with this author and enjoyed her previous novels. The first half felt a little slow, and started to gain momentum into the plotline. I realized this was done on purpose so we can enjoy the development of the relationships between Dax, Kyra and Ruby.

Kyra is a single mother to a 6 year old daughter, Ruby. Ruby's father is not in the picture, but this does not deter Ruby from being a very strong willed and determined little girl. Kyra wants a better life for the two of them and while she is waiting tables, she is also studying to get a real estate license so she can make more money and have a better career. They are new neighbors to Dax, who has been hurt through his divorce and would prefer to remain isolated and alone with his work. He works from home building custom furniture and the story begins with the curiosity of a 6 year old girl determined to get to know Dax and his dog, Otto.

Dax wants to be alone and tries the stern approach with Ruby, but she isn't having it. She is not getting the message so he goes straight to her mother who he finds attractive, but this will not put a dent to his steely heart. Ruby defies her mom again and it is a matter of time that she is starting to crack the hard shell around Dax's heart. He starts to care for her and her mom and the three begin a relationship, or a "thing" as they called it. All is good until they are faced with some big decisions that could change everything.

This story took the time to develop and add layers so that when it took a turn, you really appreciated the thought and care to the characters. I enjoyed this and look forward to more stories from this author.

I enjoyed this title overall. I liked Kyra and I thought Ruby, her daughter, was adorable.

Dax, well, he was a little grumpy, but with everything going on in his life with his ex, this was understandable, I think anyone would be little grumpy.

There was a lot going on in this book, with the grumpy neighbor, the things Dax was dealing with, the things Kyra was dealing with, and then Ruby’s illness. In a lot of ways, it made for a full story. Unfortunately, at times this fullness of the story left me feeling like there was just too much going on. I know, life can be like this and things come at you all at once, but for me this took away a little from the story.

Overall, you like the main characters, they are relateable, and even though all sorts of things are happening, they don’t turn into tragic characters, which I did like. The happy ending they reach was well-deserved for all involved, and I did enjoy the journey of this title.

I do recommend this book.

The newest installment in the Lake Haven series by Julia London. This series revolves around the residents around East Beach and the lake. When Dax moved to his cabin on Lake Haven he was looking for peace and quiet. Trying to recover from the demise of his marriage and loss of his career, he is content to make furniture and keep company of only his dog Otto. So when he has a single mom and with a curious young girl move in next to him he knows his days of peace and quiet are over. From the slamming door, to the constant follow of questions from the curious 6 year old he is constantly trying to ignore the little girl and her hot mom.

Kyra is a single mom. She waits tables during the day and students for her real estate license at night. She wants to build a better life for Ruby and herself. She doesn't have time for her distracting and grumpy neighbor. So why does she finds herself thinking of him at the most inappropriate times. And why can't she keep her daughter on her side of the fence. But when he saves her daughter from a dangerous situation, she finds herself looking to him to help her.

As their relationship grows and they become more than neighbors, they each find themselves falling fast. When Ruby ends up sick, Dax immediately steps in and offers help. In order to help Kyra from financial ruin he offers to marry her so Ruby can have the best of care. But when the past comes back to haunt Kyra and Dax they must decide if their fragile love can meet the test.

Great book. I loved the relationship bewteen Ruby and Dax. I could also feel the struggles that Kyra seemed to always have to overcome. Definitely recommend.

Suddenly engaged is the third book in the Lake Haven series and a standalone novel.

Kyra Kokinos' life changed forever seven years ago when she becomes pregnant after spending a weekend attending her friend's wedding in Mexico. Now, with her six-year-old daughter, they've moved to Lake Haven to improve their standard of life. When her daughter Ruby irks their new neighbour with her behaviour, she has to deal with another unnecessary struggle until the grumpy man comes to her aid in more than one way.

Dax Bishop thought he'd have it all; wife, house, kids. The reality is he's living alone and making furniture for a living after leaving his career after his divorce. He wants a quiet life, but when the new neighbour's daughter keeps sneaking under the fence between their homes and makes friends with his hapless dog Otto, his desire for peace and quiet is shattered. However, he rethinks his plan about his future happiness when he meets Ruby's Mom.

Suddenly Engaged is a heart-warming narrative between protagonists dealing with very everyday issues. Dax, with the unusual circumstances surrounding his relationship with his ex-wife and her new partner and Kyra, juggling her life as a single parent who attracts criticism when she's only trying to do the best for her child. Compassion comes from an unlikely source. All are complemented with a fascinating collection of secondary characters who enhance the proceedings.

A special call out for Ruby 'Coconuts', who is a breath of fresh air. I'm not a fan of child characters in romance novels, however, her inclusion gels everything together. She's the catalyst for Kyra and Dax getting to know each other.

Overall an enjoyable read from a new to me author. Despite some tough scenes, the writing is light and littered with humour, keeping me engaged the whole time.

3.5-4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

This was a quick but emotional summer read. I really loved the relationship between Dax and Ruby and how he cares so much about the little girl that irritates him so much early on. Kyra and Dax are both well- developed characters as well and I particularly liked the complexity of Dex being more than just a guy coming in to save the day. It was Kyra and Dax as a couple that fell a little falt for me. I am huge fan of Julia London's other books and the story in this one didn't feel quite as strong as some of the others but was still enjoyable. I just didn't feel the pull between Kyra and Dax. I still very much recommend the book, the story is really well done and better than most in the genre, and fans of London will not be disappointed.

The title and synopsis are definitely misleading, as the marriage proposal and engagement-of-convenience didn't happen until about 3/4 of the book. Don't get me wrong, I actually really loved this book! Just like for Dax, little Ruby Coconuts digs herself deep into your heart without you knowing it. I fell in love with the dynamics Dax, Kyra, Ruby, and Otto had. I wouldn't classify this book as just about that pesky "Suddenly Engaged" nonsense though. I would definitely promote this book about two neighbors falling in love, with a sweet little girl (and dog!) in the mix.

I love me some grumpy, anti-social hero with a heart of gold. Throw in a precocious little girl and a frazzled single mom to the mix and you have a feel-good romance in your hand.

Kyra’s life changed after she came home with an unplanned surprise from a two night stand in Puerta Vallerta. Fast forward six years - Ruby is her darling daughter but life has not been easy for Kyra. She’s recently moved them out of the city to a small beach town where life should be better for her daughter. Ruby loves her new neighbor, Dax and his dog, Otto, and Kyra is attracted to Dax, but he has his own complications going on. Can Dax and Kyra work through their issues to be together and be the family they all deserve?

Suddenly Engaged is an emotionally intense story filled with strong and compelling characters. I was amazed by Kyra's strength and courage. She's a single mother who willing sacrificed her dreams to raise her daughter, Ruby. I liked this little girl. She added humor and joy to the story with her innocence. She's adorable. I was touched by her openness. Dax and Otto, his dog, are their next door neighbors. He's bitter about his divorce. He came to East Beach to get away from the pain and gossip after his wife left him. He wants to be left alone, but his neighbor's little girl won't stay away. I smiled as Ruby wormed her way into Dax's heart as did her mother. The chemistry between Kyra and Dax is both romantic and passionate. Seeing them together made me feel good. Dax is such an honorable man. It took me awhile to warm up to him, but he won me over. Julia London wrote a story that Made me cry. Her characters are unforgettable. She mixed humor and passion with intense emotion. It was impossible for me to put down Suddenly Engaged. This story appealed to both my heart and mind.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

This book starts off with Kyra and how she becomes a single parent. I was a little iffy on reading this book after reading how she became pregnant. But I stuck with it and I am so glad I did! Not only did I end up loving Kyra and Dax but I loved Ruby!! Kyra is a struggling single mother who is trying her hardest to make her and her daughter's life better. She doesn't have time for anything but work, her daughter, and studying. Dax is the grumpy man who lives next to the cottage she moves into. He just wants peace and quiet after everything that happened with his divorce (which shocked me how that happened by the way!!). Now enter Ruby, or as he ends up calling her Coconut. Dax has a dog, and Ruby wanders over all the time to play with Otto. And ends up worming her way into his life as well. And then Dax notices something that doesn't seem quite right with Ruby and then things take a turn that almost brings Kyra to her knees. I really enjoyed how this story progressed. The characters had depth and actually grew into people I not only liked, I loved them. Kyra and Dax made me laugh with some of their antics, along with Ruby's antics! And then when things get intense, as a mother it broke my heart. I'm so glad everything turned out right in the end! Beautiful story!

Suddenly Engaged is one of those stories where you don’t have to stretch your imagination to believe it could be taking place in real life. Those are the types of romance that simply draw me in for the entire journey. Yes, I love fantasy and the unusual, but I also love the down the street kind of romance where everything is perfectly plausible to have happened to a friend or to me.

Dax intended to escape people. His passion these days is building furniture, and if he’s become somewhat of a hermit so be it. People are annoying anyway… well most are. One little girl, cute as a button and with sparkly cowboy boots climbed his fence and wandered right into his heart. Ruby was a person he could let into his world… her mother, well they were a package deal in a way. Yet Kyra sparked quite a different reaction from her daughter. In truth, he wasn’t hero material, at least he didn’t believe so. But one little girl’s desperate need outweighed any of his reluctance to allow the world back in. It really was quite simple – Ruby needed him, and it turns out he needs both Ruby and her mom.

Kyra is a hard working single mom, at times frazzled, overworked and full of life lessons. Right now she’s dealing with work, a grumpy neighbor, learning a new career and a precious, beautiful daughter who wraps everyone around her little finger with ease. Could one pretend engagement, for her daughter’s sake, actually turn out to be a happy ending for them all? Hopefully, if the past doesn’t get in the way.

I adored Ruby, she is the shining star of Suddenly Engaged. I enjoyed this romance very much. It’s not completely light-ish for it does involve some serious situations. Yet it could easily be played out in any neighborhood, maybe even yours. I found Dax and Kyra to be believable, likable and entertaining. I wanted their love to win, and when I can root for a couple it makes the story all the sweeter for me. I’d recommend this one for any romance reader… and now excuse me while I go back and pick up the first two stories. Yeah, I’ve become hooked on another series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This is one of Julia London’s contemporary novels in the small town of Lake Haven. It is a sweet story with a powerful punch. Dax and Kyra had a long road to go down to get to their HEA , but with Ms. London’s ability to write a story you can get emotionally involved in, it worked perfectly for me. I never felt that anything about this book could not happen in real life, and I appreciated that as it made their romance more real. Loved Rudy’s character and of course, Otto the dog. A fun sweet romance. Loved it! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this for an honest review.

I have to agree with a review I saw on Goodreads – the title and blurb are a little misleading to what actually happens in the book. It suggests that the main part of the book is related to their engagmet of convenience but that really doesn’t happen until the last part of the book and the two have already started to develop a relationship. It doesn’t take away from the book but may disappoint some with what they think they are getting. If you go into it with that in mind, though, it is really enjoyable.

Kyra made a mistake in falling quickly for a guy at a destination wedding only to realize he was not who she thought he was. It hasn’t been easy but she’s trying to give a good life to her daughter and working for a better future. Ruby is quite the handful, though, and quickly takes a liking to their new neighbor … whether he wants it or not :)

Dax is hilarious. He wants so badly to be a big ol’ grump but he just can’t help his affection for Ruby. And it shows in a fabulously entertaining way. The two of them together is just too funny and then you quickly realize that while he wants to be that guy the good man underneath can’t help but come thru. He’s got a good reason for being irritable – his wife left him and it’s kinda upended his life. It’s also made him hesitant to date again … then he meets Kyra.

A fun summer read, Suddenly Engaged may be a little different than I expected but it still gave me all the lovely feels that I expected.

Wow!! Single mom after a weekend fling, grumpy neighbor from an unexpected divorce, and a 6 year old named Ruby, Suddenly Engaged by Julia London, the third book in her Lake Haven Novel series, just blew me away. I struggled with having to put down this book. Life is nothing like what Kyra Kokinos expected. Dax Bishop moved to East Beach a year ago after a painful divorce, looking for a place away from people and where he could make furniture. All of a sudden his life becomes full with the inquisitive Ms. Ruby and her over-worked mom. When Ruby needs life-saving surgery, Dax steps up his game offering a marriage proposal and his health insurance.

In this story we see the results of an unexpected friendship and the joy a little girl can bring into other’s lives and falling in love with realistic expectations. I totally enjoyed reading this wonderful book and highly recommend this book to other readers. Ms. London did an outstanding job keeping me interested in this story; as I said earlier, I didn’t want to put this book down. Although part of a series, this is a stand-alone story.

I totally enjoyed reading this wonderful book and highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Great healing love story. Kyra is a hard working single mother living paycheck to paycheck trying to best the best mother to her 6yr old Ruby, contrary to what others around may think. Dax has become somewhat of a hermit since his wife left him for another woman, nursing his wounds and claim fault he turned to making furniture and avoiding people. But when an energetic 6yr old climbed his fence his quiet life went out the door. Neither Kyra nor Dax expected to have feelings for each other but chemistry finds a away. Lovely sweet but emotional story!

I love alpha heroes, but you know what I love just as much? Grumpy, anti-social heroes who just want to be left alone. And that is exactly what I got in this book.

Dax once wanted everything. The house, the wife, the children. When things didn’t quite work out for him in that regard, he took off for East Beach where he can be left alone to build his furniture. Kyra’s wild weekend seven years ago resulted in a little bundle of joy that deserves so much more than she can give her. Working as a waitress while trying to get her real estate license, she’s exhausted and just trying to keep Ruby from driving Mr. Grumpy next door crazy. It’s not working.

While I really enjoyed the relationship between this couple, I absolutely loved the relationship between Dax and Ruby. Oh my gawd! He is so dry witted with her and she’s totally oblivious to his reprimands. Just as she forces herself into his house and yard, she forces herself into his heart. Just as her mother does.

This is such an engaging read and I totally devoured it and resented any time I had to set it aside. I will say that the blurb may be a little misleading in that all the marriage proposal and insurance situation doesn’t arrive until much, much later in the book. So if you’re reading this for a marriage of convenience story, you may be disappointed. If however, you’re reading this for an incredible story of love developing between two people who never thought to find love in the first place, continue on.

ARC provided by NetGalley

Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
Those who sometimes struggle with how children are portrayed in books: IMO, Ruby is spot on for her age. Voice and language is appropriate as well as all her movements and behavior. I am in love with Ruby!