Member Reviews

Just another generic romance nothing new. The writing isn't interesting the characters are one dimensional.

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A refreshing change! Was alot kore realistic than other love stories I've read! And also made a change james being a red head rather than the usual tall dark and handsome.
I found it was quite slow paced. But I did enjoy it non the less!

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Maggie Wells' A Ring for Rosie is an adorable book about friends that become lovers. This book is my favorite book in the Play Dates series.

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A cute romance involving two people who may not believe in love anymore but may just get there anyway.

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I think one of the hardest parts of this story is that it is a little too real.  You have to feel for Rosie because she's been in love with James for years but he's either clueless or actively ignoring it (or a little of both).  While it's understandable, it doesn't do her any favors to have her pining away for him.  When things finally came to a head, I found myself cheering for her as she moves on ... and a bit hoping that things might work out with one of her new beaus.  And her growing friendship with the wives is one of the brightest parts of the book  

James is doing the best he can as a single father.  Dealing with his flighty ex and an attraction to his office manager, who is very much off limits, is just a little too much.  I think that James gets the worst of it when it comes to the realism of the book negatively impacting some readers.  He's pretty clueless and not the take-charge type we're used to in a hero.  He caves to his business partners' demands about dating Rosie, as well as their crazy (and somewhat ill-thought out) plan to get rid of his ex.  I could maybe see something like this happen in real life, where people do stupid things all the time, but in a romance you expect better behavior from your characters :) 

With a hero that has a lot of moments where he tries to make everyone else happy, and fails spectacularly, and a heroine that holds out hope for love a little too long for comfort, A Ring for Rosie isn't the smoothest of romances but it is real and has satisfying moments, characters that appeal, and some of the cutest kids on the face of the planet.

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James and Rosie had it all. It was a quick read but really enjoyed this. Didn't read they other books in the series but didn't really need to. Read good

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Oooh, James was so frustrating! Rosie put up with a lot (in my opinion too much), but literally everyone else in the story knew she liked him except for him. C'mon, man. James was such a good dad and Rosie was the perfect mate for him, once he opened his eyes wide enough to see it.

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My oh my how to start on this one. First and most importantly I really enjoyed this book. A lot! The writing is excellent and the characters - well they are definitely memorable. Now the frustrating
part - James! Come on guy - Man Up! Trying to make everyone but yourself happy is no way to live and that's exactly what his character was doing. Rosie is the company's all around go to person and she's had a huge crush on James from day one. He's attracted to her as well but has never acted on it, not wanting to upset the work dynamics. Plus he promised his partners he'd stay away (Why???) Now she's looking to move on but when she starts dating James can't stand it. Will he finally step up or will his people pleasing ways keep him from a good thing?

This is a fun, well done book and one I would definitely recommend.

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Let me start off by saying that, yet again, I picked a book to read that is part of a series but not the first in the series. I really try so hard not to do that, but it happens. In this case, I don’t think there was any huge chunk I was missing out on by reading this as a standalone. I’m certain I would have gotten more out of the story if I had known the other characters on a deeper level.

I read this story in one day, so it definitely hooked me early. It helped that I didn’t have to work the day I started reading, but still…I wanted to know what was going to happen next. There’s no slow build to the main idea of this story. Bam, it starts. A couple of chapters in, it slows down to give that build that wasn’t present at the beginning. I have to say, the way this author wrote this story was a bit different from I’m used to, but I liked it.

The character of Rose spoke to me. She’s so strong and so much of a pushover all at the same time. Her heart is way too soft, but she knows this about herself. Rosie just doesn’t seem to know what to do about her softness. Everyone loves Rosie, but that also means that most people also take her for granted.

James is just trying to do the right thing where it comes to his kids and their mom. And boy oh boy, his baby mama is a piece of work! I really hated her and she made me want to do bad things to her. Yet, James is stuck with her in his life forever (no matter their personal relationship) because of their boys. That doesn’t mean I forgive how he handled some things. But I can still sympathize with him.

When Rosie and James finally give in to the inevitable, it’s really touching. Hot and sexy, but also touching. Rosie finally gets to see that she is not alone in her feelings, which is amazing. There’s still some things they have to work through, but that night is beautiful.

I’m looking forward to going back and finding the first two books of this series so I can read about the other friends and their HEA stories.

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the third installment of the play dates series, a ring for rosie, is one of those books i was really excited to read and then while reading wasn't sure how to stop the painful groaning.

i think the basic fact that james and rosie seemed to be hopeless at communicating was just too much for me. they spend most of the novel avoiding each other and talking to others about their lack of relationship. well, no kidding they lacked a relationship, we barely saw them on the page together.

most of the novel things between them are very, very bad. she thinks he isn't interested. he's got his awful baby mama and his business partners think he should put the moves on her to drive her away. they made him promise to stay away from rosie as if she weren't a fully functioning human who could make her own decisions. meanwhile, their significant others convince rosie that she needs to date others and i'm not sure if it's to make him jealous or to get him out of her mind. maybe both? and like that does kind of work, but she's really not into these guys and everyone knows what is happening anyway, so like what's the point?

rosie and james need to stop talking to everyone else and talk to each other. they're total crap at that too, but at least that way you can try to see why these two characters are hard up for each other. sigh.

**a ring for rosie will publish on august 7, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical press) in exchange for my honest review.

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The Good, The Bad, and Everything In Between

The Good
Series is based on single dad romances and I love the idea of this. It's what drew me in (that and the Latina heroine). The strength of this story is in the struggles of a single father, and there are moments, when it’s focused on the James’ struggle to balance his love life and his responsibilities as a single father, where it shines brightest and the writing is the strongest. I also love that it’s not treated as something to be marveled over but rather, a parent doing what needs doing, regardless of their gender. The twins, Jeff and Jamie, are adorable and I would have loved to see more of them and their relationship with Rosie and James. But more on that later.

Latinx heroine in Rosie. I did enjoy that Rosie's Latina, and that there are moments throughout where her heritage is referenced subtly, so it is woven into her narrative, it just needed a bit more definition. Overall, I liked her as a character and thought she got the fuzzy end of the lollipop when it comes to romance, because….

The Bad
There’s not alot of romance in this romance. My main struggle is in the fact that James is pretty TSTL when it comes to his interactions with Rosie, and it’s treated as if it’s ok. I honestly thought I was missing scenes from the earlier books where their relationship is established, because it felt like we were just plopped in the middle of their story, and that's a real shame. Whatever went on before them was off page and sorely missed, at least by me.

I think it would have made a huge difference to have more scenes with Rosie and James spending time together, really developing their Unresolved Sexual Tension, and also around the boys, to show how they could be together. In general, I just wanted more time focused on them, and less on other characters who had their own time in the sun, as well as the evil ex.

I would love to have been shown their relationship, rather than being told about it and developing this resentment for James in the way he takes Rosie’s love for him for granted while he deals with the messes in his life. And I really got annoyed that there are things that James does that, if the situation was reversed, Rosie would get excoriated for, while he's given a pass, by her and their friends. James is portrayed as this hapless, clueless hero who is worried about taking care of everyone, and ends up pleasing no one. My desire to smack him upside the head, especially when he was dealing with his twins’ mother, Megan, was pretty damn strong and really dampened any good feelings I had over the premise.

Rosie and James spend the majority of the book apart and worrying about the evil ex, or on Rosie trying to move on and date other men (more than one, though nothing serious happens on those dates because she’s so in love with James).

Frankly, I knew I was in trouble when I was actively rooting for her to hook up with her dates. I really didn’t like that everyone and their mama knew that Rosie loved James, even James, but her feelings were completely disregarded when it came to whether anything happened between them. James lives his life with casual relationships, while Rosie is a classic heroine on ice for the hero. When things really hit a low point, there’s nary a grovel before it moves directly onto the next relationship level. The story was so slanted in favor of James, that even the final obstacle is treated as Rosie’s “fault.” I kept waiting for something more than essentially two scenes where they get to delve into their love/attraction. It just rubbed me the wrong way.

The evil ex trope is tired and overdone. Also, I really need to avoid books where the ex is just a stereotype for convenience’s sake. Unless they’re dead, they’re the horrible person who walked away from the glorious hero/heroine and/or their kids, and it’s just easy. I appreciate that it’s probably not as easy delving into a failed relationship between two decent people who don’t belong together, than the automatic villifying of the ex. But it’s a tired plot device that does nothing for me.

Everything in Between
The scenes between Rosie and James, and the heroes/heroines from the earlier books were more plentiful than any romantic scenes. They are part and parcel of this romance and while I didn’t think the romance was strong, I do think the friendships do play their part in grounding the story and it felt realistic. Perhaps that’s the problem? I’d like to be swept off my feet in a romance, and my feet were firmly planted on the ground, even if I was tapping my foot in irritation, while reading this.


The Bottom Line
It’s just an ok read, that falls down when it comes to making the romance be romantic. But if you’re a big fan of single parent romances, you may enjoy this more than I did.



**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

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Rosie and James have been friends for awhile now. James has twins and the mother of his children. He's always been attracted to Rosie, but doesn't want to rock the friendship. Rosie has always been in love with James. But its unrequited so she thinks. The ex was too much. I love drama, she is ridiculous. The supporting characters were great, funny, and I loved reading their banter and friendship conversations. I enjoyed Rosie and James' story very much.

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What I liked:
The writing style
Most of the characters
Part of a series: Plat Dates
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author.

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This story is about a single father wanting the best life for his children. James Harper and his twin sons have been abandoned. Now he is guarded, often behind in the social interactions with people, and is determined and hardworking to provide a stable life for his sons. He is quite protective after their mother, who happens to be his best friend's, who he also co-owns a business with, sister, abandoned them at six weeks. Rosie Herra has been the glue that holds together three struggling single fathers and their company. She is hardworking, organized, but withdrawn and quite. She is often confused and wants to live a life that is easily laid out and not filled with chaos.

This story is told in the third person. The plot line is evenly paced out with a good amount of drama, tension and light moments. The characters show lots of growth throughout and are easy to connect with, as is the setting and events that unfold. The most refreshing aspect of the entire story is how realistic it all is, the story is actually one that you could hear a friend telling you about.

Yes, I would recommend this book. The story is all about finding love and incorporating it into your life. It's about believing in things that you didn't think were possible. It's perfect for single parents or anyone who is considering dating a single parent.

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Rosie Herrera has got it bad for one of her bosses, James Harper who is the perfect dad to his twin boys abandoned by their mother. However his two business partners have warned him off Rosie as they wouldn’t be able to manage without her super efficient office skills. She has got to the point when she knows that it is never going to work with James so gives in to her friends urging to get out there and find another man making James realise what he is about to lose.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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oh my GOD, James-

Ok I seriously need to create a new GR shelf for Heroes Who Tried Their Best--I read quite a number of books with this kind of hero--because that's what James Harper is. He is Trying His Best. I was annoyed at him and pitied him at the same time throughout the story because, James, get a grip on yourself, man (!!!).

*shakes head*

A Ring for Rosie is the third book in the Play Dates series but don't worry, it works well as a standalone. All three heroes of Play Dates are single dads (which made Lisa Radar go cray because what??? HOW did I not know this?) and this time it's James' turn to find HEA (or just get his head out of his ass and DO something about the HEA right under his nose). Our heroine is Rosie Herrera, office manager, Wonder Woman, and who unfortunately has been in love with her boss, hopeless hero James Who Tried His Best, for...like, ever.

OK to be fair James seems competent in raising his kids but I'm still calling him He Who Tried His Best because OH, JAMES.

This book was Chaotic from the start, and I LOVE IT. So in the beginning of the story, James accidentally gave Rosie a Not-Kiss (because it really was not; it was more of a Grateful Peck because Rosie did him a huge favour, and yes, *accidentally*, because he's hopeless that way). I love Rosie; she's the type to Act, Act, ACT, and she had been giving out signs that she had feelings for James for basically a long time, and after The Not-Kiss (and James pretending it never happened), girl was DONE.

Then, things started going downhill from there.

There are all kinds of drama and I enjoyed them all: ex drama (James), workplace drama (James vs Rosie vs the other bosses), suddenly-juggling-all-these-men drama (go, Rosie!), all served with penis-shaped baked goods (I love Georgie). I love Rosie's support sisters, Georgie and Monica. I love that this story didn't involve a makeover (though it was suggested by one of the girls; I screamed HELL NO), just Rosie putting herself out there and actually going out with men instead of pining for James. Her dates were not terrible; I actually liked 2/3 of the men she went out with, and I liked that Rosie dating had James realizing that he needed to wake up and do something about his feelings for her.

Oh, and I also love Mike and Colm, although their plan to get rid of James' ex and mother of his children was SO NONSENSICAL I CAN'T BELIEVE JAMES ACTUALLY WENT THROUGH WITH IT???? MEN; and I can't wait to read their books next.

All in all, it was a rollercoaster ride with this one, and I love it. It was fun seeing H/h figuring stuff out. Rosie is my MVP in this story, I really love that she just took charge of her life and said enough, and made James work for it, LOL.

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This is a wonderful unrequited love story. The Hero, James has an adorable set of twins boys with his terrible ex Megan, who happens to be the sister of his business partner Mike. Megan walked out on James when the twins were six weeks old and only returns when she needs something. Can he work through his feelings and prove to Rosie, the heroine, they would be right for each other?

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This was a fast and light read with a red-haired, freckled hero, a single dad with twin boys, in a story about unrequited love. I loved the contrast between the hero’s smooth milky shade skin and the heroine’s gorgeous darker complexion – it seems a superficial issue, but it creates a sort of sensuality throughout the book.
A good part of the story takes place at the office, involving the hero’s partners, and they spend a lot of work time discussing their romantic lives instead of working; I found that a bit odd.
The evil ex-wife was too predictable; the plot to remove her from James life too convoluted.

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I'm with you there, buddy.

Someone's acting weird...

How long is she going to wait for him to get his head out of his butt?

So this woman was just sitting in his bathroom with the shower on? Ok. Cuckoo.

Ha! Handy to be able to speak another language really fast.

Geez, Megan becomes more of a twat as days go on.

Charlie was the best date.

Oh, she is good!

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I kept thinking how cute throughout the whole book. Then Rosie goes and eats a cookie penis, then I loose it. There was never a dull moment in, A Ring for Rosie.

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