Single Dad Dilemma

The Kings

De: Karla Sorensen

Narrado por: Aiden Snow, CJ Bloom

A gruff, divorced NFL coach meets his match in an equally grumpy, commitment-phobic neighbor in this warm-hearted and witty romance about family, second chances, and overcoming the past.

You’d think it was the perfect setup: living next door to the grumpy single dad who needs my help with his troublemaking kids—just until football season is over. Swoony stuff, right?

You know who’s not swooning? Me.

I’m as grumpy as he is, and I’m fairly certain that for NFL Coach Barrett King, it was hate at first sight. It’s nothing I’ll lose sleep over because 1) the feeling is mutual, and 2) I’m not a people person. Just me and my dog, Larry, moving around when the mood strikes, is what I prefer.

Except I start getting attached. First to the kids. Then to their father. I don’t know why. He’s overbearing. His attempts at flirting are just growls and glares. But if I ever see that man smile…well, I might tear all his clothes off.

I don’t do forever. And Barrett—serious, thoughtful, sexier than he has any right to be—doesn’t do short term. We’re headed straight for disaster.

But if we're willing to take a risk, maybe this story won't end in heartbreak. Maybe what started as the perfect setup for two imperfect people just might end in love.

©2025 by Karla Sorensen. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Love

Love this story. Love the characters and the dog. Cried and laughed. So worth it.

I love them both so much

Story: 12/10
Spice:1/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
Narration: 5/5, dual

Lily is a loner and never sets down roots. Rather she housesits by bouncing from friends of friends without settling. Barrett is a single dad of two middle kids while also being a head coach for an NFL team. Barrett and Lily strike an agreement that she will watch his kids after school until he gets home. The more time Barrett and Lily spend together the more their friendship grows.

How did Karla write both main characters to be grumpy even with a grumpy dog and still have me immediately falling in love? I’m still not sure, but she did. I may also never forgive her for making my black heart cry with this story. I liked this approach to the single dad trope. Lily isn’t the nanny, she’s the short-term neighbor that checks in on older kids to make sure they are safe and monitored. I didn’t think I was going to like Barrett when I was reading his brother Griffin’s story. But once Barrett made a true appearance with his kids in Lessons in Heartbreak, I knew I wanted Barrett to tell his story too. The Wards and Wolves have a special place in my heart, this is probably my favorite Karla story.

great book

This was a really good book! I liked this author, I'll definitely have to read more!

A Charming and Playful Romance

Single Dad Dilemma was an absolute joy to read. Lily immediately won me over with her bold personality and quick wit. She speaks her mind with confidence, yet she shows so much warmth and patience when she interacts with Maggie and Bryce. Watching her connect with them felt incredibly natural and sweet.

Barrett became even more compelling once Lily entered his world. She softened his seriousness in the best way and highlighted the quiet strength he carries. Their conversations were full of humor, and the spark between them was impossible to miss.

Maggie and Bryce added so much fun to the story. Their clever little plans made me laugh, and they brought an extra layer of heart to every scene they were in.

This book is light, funny, and full of genuine emotion. I enjoyed every minute of it.

TWO GRUMPS & PLENTY OF BANTER

When two grumps come together, you know you're in for a good time. I couldn't get enough of the banter between Barrett and Lily. There was something extra special about the way they went toe-to-toe with each other. Karla always hooks me with how she expertly blends moments of humor with heartfelt ones, and Single Dad Dilemma was no exception.

The depth of both Barrett and Lily kept me engaged as their layers were peeled. Barrett came off as a grumpy old man, but underneath that was a kind-hearted man struggling with the sense of failing as a single parent. His rudimentary schedule kept him on task, but he really needed someone to come shake things up. Enter Lily. She was feisty, guarded, and who would've thought, even grumpier than Barrett. Her past was heartbreaking and it was beautiful to see her walls come down as she opened up to Barrett's children, Maggie and Bryce.

Single Dad Dilemma was a delicious slow burn and every encounter between Barrett and Lily was an intense foreplay for their undeniable chemistry.

Aiden Snow and CJ Bloom delivered a compelling and profound performance as Barrett and Lily. Their stylings made the emotions that much more powerful and captivating. No one does grumpy and gruff like Aiden and he was perfect as Barrett. CJ Bloom did wonders with all the snark and feistiness that was Lily. Definitely recommend!