Acquired Book By: I received a complimentary copy of “Single Dad to the Rescue” direct from the author Cari Lynn Webb in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

This is an emotionally intensive novel - from both Brooke and Dan; Webb takes us closer to both of their struggles as they both have found this methodology of surviving which works for them. They don't want to alter the routines that have given them a false sense of normalcy in case they discover that the fragile confidence they've held inside that routine proved to be a shadow of their fears to where everything they were afraid of happening might suddenly begin to unravel the very last nerve they have left. Webb writes with an intuitive layer of understanding - of what happens when your trying to rise above your circumstances and how hard it is to work through the emotional upheavals you cannot prepare for in life.

Although Webb doesn't fully come out and claim that her characters (as well as the dogs and cats themselves) have been suffering through PTSD, you can gather the fact that they have been. Their scars are not visible on the outside except for when their exhausted and bits of their truths are revealled. Webb explores the limitations and the challenges of people who are caught inside their own situation to where they cannot see past it. They hug close to the complacency of not wanting to construct change in their lives because change could bring factors they cannot control and this is definitely a story about how the harder you try to control your life the more angst you will give yourself because life cannot be controlled. You can only control your own actions but not the sequencing of events that evolve outside them. Nor in the behaviour of others or the sense of morality and ethics others choose outside of your own convictions. That is the hardest bit really. In accepting that out of our own human condition that there are limitations towards what we can personally accept to handle when life throws us a situation we are unprepared to transition through such as how Dan and Brooke find themselves now.

At the same time of course, is the unexpected ex who wants to make her presence known and her needs to be demanded. This re-brought up the memory I had of Oliver of how self-centered his ex had been and how sometimes, in the mix of living, others who are outside your experience or have chosen to distance themselves from your life truly do not fully understand where you are currently on your path. Valarie wants to sweep back into her son's life but at what cost? To the son and to the father? How can her narrow-minded view of motherhood fail to see that the needs of her son should outweigh the impulsive choices she wants to make on his behalf?

The most guttingly realistic emotional arc was centred on Brooke - Webb anchoured us intrinsically into her psychological spiral. We felt what she bleed out of her heart - she was beyond the point where she could process what was emotionally overwhelming her as she had suffered a loss beyond words. How do you process seeing your home incinerated? How do you prepare yourself for rebuilding when you can barely breathe and choke past your emotional response to what has just happened? Webb takes you into her internal world - of where she second-guesses her ability to find strength out of hopelessness and how courage was on holiday because she didn't feel an ounce of it whilst trying to believe in the goodness of those who are coming to her aide.

Throughout the trials facing them, Brooke is the calming voice next to Dan's rock of strength. They fit together because they each benefited from the other; where they could re-shape the path they were walking into a relationship built not only on trust and grace but one where each of them could still have their own voice. They were injured through past relationships where they weren't given the chance to breathe long enough to understand the reasons why their lives took several left turns. Although Dan's ex was living life elsewhere from him, it was how this left an ambiguous sense of closure that rankled the most for him. On the flip-side, for Brooke, her past was harder to reconcile as it meant letting go of the things she couldn't control - in effect, the things that none of us can control and have to accept just as they are.

This is a multi-layered story about the intersection of lives and the curious ways in which the heart leads us forward into a tomorrow that has more hope of promise than the past we're trying to outrun. I loved the way Ms Webb composed this story, how she tucks us so dearly close to her characters and their internal battles; whilst providing us with a firm understanding about life, love, loss and the second chances we must choose to embrace if we hope to aspire towards a future filled with the hopefulness of a renewed sense of purpose.

// This is a quotation of my full review originally shared via jorielovesastory.com

After Ava’s Prize, I was excited to revisit Cari Lynn Webb’s City by the Bay Stories. In Single Dad to the Rescue, she brings Brooke Ellis and Dan Sawyer together (along with a little boy and a few furry friends) in the aftermath of a wildfire. Both have pain and hardship in their pasts and keep themselves well-guarded as a result. Yet, as attraction gives way to unexpected feelings, the romance between Brooke and Dan proves to one of growth and healing, courage and taking chances.

Though not without its complications, Single Dad to the Rescue is a sweet addition to Webb’s series. Any reader in need of a heartwarming contemporary romance could be delighted with this book—I know I was.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

Cari Lynn Webb returns to San Francisco and her patchwork family of friends in Single Dad to the Rescue. And if that’s not enough, she also throws a sweet boy and his friends and some rescue pups and kitties in there too (the awwww factor in this book is high!)

Brooke has experienced more tragedy in her life than most and shields herself by hiding away. Dan has his own pain, but his son and support system keep him firmly connected. When a fire brings Brooke into Dan’s life, neither expect the mutual respect to take root and bud into attraction.

Webb gives readers a story of healing, of finding the courage to live life to the fullest after living through the worst kind of pain, and of the blessings (and yes, sometimes challenges) of living in a community that cares.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )