Early Book Review: Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker

Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on January 19 2021. As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker's world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to honor Singles Day. After all, what's better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is. As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, Lucas Croft's life is simple and quiet. It's only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is. But when Paige books a room that Lucas' well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they've both been missing.

Happy Singles Day is a romance that clicks a good number of trope boxes. Single parent, cheated on heroine, animals, small town, stuck together because of a storm, and kind-of enemies to lovers. It is also a closed door, or fade to black romance, so if you prefer more intimate moments to be alluded to rather than spelled out- than aside from some making out and lusty thoughts, here you go. I liked Paige and Lucas as characters, they each have trauma to deal with and are doing the best they can, and I enjoyed watching them find compromise and happiness. Seeing the bad first impression fade while understanding, and attraction, start to take over was nice, and I enjoyed the ride, However, I have to admit that the secondary characters really were my favorite. I want more of Lucas's sister, some of the town residents, and frankly his daughter. I want to know more about Sophie and her bookstore (which I would love to see)  more than I want to know about how Paige and Lucas balance things and move forward, but maybe that's just me. I really did enjoy it while I was reading it, it is only now when I look back that I realize that I want more of and for Sophie.

Happy Singles Day is a sweet romance that has all the feels.