You scream. I scream. We all scream during … well, you get the point.After a failed eight-year relationship and a cross-country move, the last thing I’m looking for as a single mom is a new flame. In fact, diapers, walls marked in crayon, and daycare pickup are the only things on my to-do list.Enter Jake Brady, your friendly neighborhood food truck owner whose dimples and delicacies won’t seem to … delicacies won’t seem to leave well enough alone. With more popularity than the president, his wine-infused sweet treats have our nation’s capital hooked. He’s spontaneous, smug and all-American gorgeous; a dangerous combination considering he has no interest in taking on the responsibilities that rule my life.
But when we can’t seem to sample enough of each other’s … desserts, things start to get complicated. Jake is biting off more than he can chew, and when I watch him with my daughter, I can’t seem to freeze my melting heart.
Maybe it’s his waffle cone. Maybe it’s his … banana split. Either way, I think I’m in trouble with a cherry on top.
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4.5 Hearts
Melt is a new standalone by Carrie Aarons. I just know when I open one of her books that I am in for a treat full of laughter, sexiness, and heart. I also know that the storyline will have a unique twist and hook me in.
One food truck owning bachelor. One newly single mom. One adorable three year old girl. The first two were not looking for a relationship. The other wasn’t looking for a new daddy. But fate brings them together in most delicious way. With ice cream. And wine.
Samantha just moved back home to D.C. after leaving her boyfriend of eight years in Seattle. She had her dream job, her daughter, and her mom. That’s all she needed. Yes. A hot night with a man would be wonderful but her number one priority with always be Lennon. That man does find her but he isn’t looking for the kind of responsibility that he would need to give to Samantha or her little girl in the future. She is happy that he tells her upfront and that apparently is a turn on because she gets her hot night and it was everything and more than she expected.
Jake never met a woman like Samantha even though he saw her around college years ago. He never dated anyone with a kid but for her, he wanted to try. And he did until things get complicated. He knew he was in over his head but Samantha and Lennon melt his heart but can he handle it? Can he handle the mess, cries, and falls that come along with a three year old? Can he handle the most beautiful single mom and her sassy daughter?
I thought this was a cute, funny, and hot read. I love a good single parent book. Just something about second chances at love and having your little love at your side is extra beautiful. I love just seeing that bond between a child and the new one in their lives developing. It’s not always easy, I know that but it’s special. I thought Samantha and Jake did an amazing job with bringing the three of them together.
Overall…it was awesome! The characters are lovable. Their banter is fun. Their appetites make me want to eat some pasta with a side of ice cream. I laughed hard and felt their passion.
Quotes:
Damnnnnn. Would it be inappropriate for me to whistle?
“And you’ll be out here, sleeping with Lennon’s Dora the Explorer blanket. So don’t be a dirty dog, because Boots sees everything.”
“Time is money, baby. And I am a good multi-tasker, especially with my hands. I think you have seen that work in action.”
“God, you’re cheesy.” I lean my seat back a little, impatient on long car rides.
This would make for the perfect beach read. It is light, sweet and steamy and will make you want to sit back and eat ice cream.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Lennon and Jake develop. Just like Samantha, your our heart will melt.
First… holly Tahiti! Do you all see that cover? It’s so bright! So gorgeous! So fun! I just adore a good cover! If I didn’t already read and enjoy all of Carrie Aarons’ books, that cover would make me want to crack this beauty open! Plus, well ice cream is my food! Ice cream is the food I could eat til the end of time and never tire! I love ice cream!! The thought of having my ice cream AND wine together, in one dish, sounds too good to be true! Just like Jake!
I couldn’t help but fall for Samantha and her adorable little girl Lennon. With a name like Lennon, is in any wonder she stole the show? Jake was the complete man package! He’s just absolutely adorable when he cares for Lennon on his own. Those internal monologues can NOT be beat! I laughed out loud several times! This was definitely a lighter book for Aarons… lighter on the angst but she amped up the general sweetness! The light-hearted romance just oozes from these pages!
Every time Carrie Aarons releases another book I think… “Oh, this is it! This is her BEST work! She can’t top this!” But, she always does because I said that same exact think with the last three books! It could be the amazing characters that are so relatable and so fun! It could be the fantastic writing skills Aarons exhibits. Or it could just be because every book really is the best and every book just keeps getting better!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
Melt is an adorable romance that doesn’t have too much drama. It’s easy to read, and the story flows nicely. All the delightful scenes and cute moments put a smile on my face.
The characters are also easy to fall in love with. I’ll definitely pick up more books by Carrie Aarons soon.