by Natasha Anders
She was supposed to be his one-night distraction. But their attraction is undeniable.
Introverted Daisy McGregor is used to being a wallflower, but what she lacks in style, she makes up for with an acerbic wit, a passion for life, and a deep devotion to her family. So sheβll suffer through her sister Dahliaβs bachelorette party and accept the cloud of pity for going stag to the wedding.
Out at the pub, sexy bad boy Mason Carlisle is a reluctant wingman tasked with entertaining Daisy while his brother flirts with her oldest sister, Daffodil. When the plan fails and Masonβs true intent is revealed, he feels intense guiltβand a sensual spark of desire for the unlikeliest of women.
Daisy decides to use this unfortunate encounter to her advantage: to make it up to her, Mason will be another kind of wingman, playing the role of her boyfriend and wedding date. Will their ruse unravel completelyβor will Mason and Daisyβs undeniable attraction ignite a scorching love affair that knows no rules?
I enjoyed this story so, so much.Β Daisy and Mason are a ton of fun together.Β She touches a part of him that heβs left out of his β¦ um, romantic (ha!) entanglements.Β Sheβs smart and funny, a good match for him, but sheβs also a victim of low self-esteem.Β Which he doesnβt appreciate π Β He starting to uncover the sexy woman sheβs got in hiding and wants to make sure that she sees her too.Β But sheβs had a lot of years of feeling poorly about herself so it isnβt an easy journey and they both suffer a little for it (although it does make for such a delicious epilogue).
I donβt think Iβve ever read anything by Anders before but she has a delightfully entertaining writing style.Β Her characters are bright and real, playing off each other in hilarious and touching ways.Β It isnβt just the romance between Mason and Daisy, but the familial interactions as well.Β There is so much complexity in Daisyβs family that gets uncovered a little as Mason helps her find her mojo.Β Thereβs a lot going on there that we didnβt see in detail but with two more sisters (and Masonβs brother) Iβll definitely be keeping my eye out for what comes next!
