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Lake Spark Inn
Should Have Run
Holden is older and a single dad. And due to a favor owed from his hockey days, he's the man I just moved in with…
The moment I walked into the office as the new interior designer for the man my dad used to coach, I knew trouble loomed. Holden is a retired hockey player who now owns a hotel. He’s also trying to balance his single-dad life. Against all better judgment, when he has a crisis with his kids, I end up moving my suitcase into his guest room due to an old favor I owe. I didn't expect to be adding nanny to my resume, but it leads me and Holden into our own secret little world.
Where we give in, and we can’t seem to stop.
Lust takes over, and the bond between us grows stronger. Holden might be conflicted by his allegiance to his old team rules and devotion to his kids, but a glimpse of something special nearly tears him apart. Now we’re stuck at a crossroads. Because Holden is looking at me with a realization that a future for us may be too big of a jump. I see it on his face that he thinks we're in too deep, and if he could go back in time before the lines were crossed between us, that’s probably when he should have run…
Holden and Lexi bring the feels and steam in this age-gap, forced-proximity, single-dad love story. Should Have Run is the second standalone book in the small-town Lake Spark Inn series, which is part of the Lake Spark world.
The moment I walked into the office as the new interior designer for the man my dad used to coach, I knew trouble loomed. Holden is a retired hockey player who now owns a hotel. He’s also trying to balance his single-dad life. Against all better judgment, when he has a crisis with his kids, I end up moving my suitcase into his guest room due to an old favor I owe. I didn't expect to be adding nanny to my resume, but it leads me and Holden into our own secret little world.
Where we give in, and we can’t seem to stop.
Lust takes over, and the bond between us grows stronger. Holden might be conflicted by his allegiance to his old team rules and devotion to his kids, but a glimpse of something special nearly tears him apart. Now we’re stuck at a crossroads. Because Holden is looking at me with a realization that a future for us may be too big of a jump. I see it on his face that he thinks we're in too deep, and if he could go back in time before the lines were crossed between us, that’s probably when he should have run…
Holden and Lexi bring the feels and steam in this age-gap, forced-proximity, single-dad love story. Should Have Run is the second standalone book in the small-town Lake Spark Inn series, which is part of the Lake Spark world.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 4, 2024
About the author
Evey Lyon
28 books314 followersEvey writes heartwarming romances with steamy moments, often in small-town settings with an element of sports. An American from the Midwest, she now lives in a tiny country in Europe where it rains a lot. That is probably why she occupies her days typing away on her laptop with music on repeat and slow-roast coffee nearby. Oh, and she vows to never break up with cake.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 17, 2024
Holden is a captivating character—a retired hockey player who has transitioned into owning a hotel. Now older and a single dad, he’s caught in a delicate balancing act, trying to manage his business while being a devoted father. His life takes a dramatic turn when the new interior designer, owing a favor from the past, moves into his guest room.
Lexi, the new interior designer, is a dynamic character whose life intertwines with Holden’s in the most unforeseen ways. Initially stepping into Holden’s world to redesign his hotel, she ends up filling a much more personal role due to an old favor her dad owed Holden. Her presence in Holden’s home introduces a whirlwind of change, not just in the physical space but also in the emotional landscape.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/5
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Hook:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/5
Length:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫 {DUAL}
📚 Genre: Romance
✨ Tropes: Age-gap, single dad, forced proximity, insta-attraction
⚠️ Warning: Should Have Run is a spicy romance!!!!!!!!!
🗂️ Type: Should Have Run by Evey Leon is book 2 in the , but it can be read as a standalone.
Having just finished the book, I’m struck by the intense, emotional journey of Holden and the new interior designer who moves into his life. Holden, an older, single dad and a retired hockey player turned hotel owner, finds his world upended when she steps in. She ends up moving into his guest room, due to an old favor from her dad who coached Holden, and suddenly, she's not just redesigning his hotel but also taking care of his kids. Their relationship blossoms in the most unexpected ways, fueled by a magnetic attraction that neither can resist. The author beautifully captures Holden’s internal struggle—torn between his deepening feelings for her and his commitment to his children and his past. The story is a heartfelt exploration of love, responsibility, and the challenges of starting over. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey is both tumultuous and tender, making for a compelling read that kept me hooked until the very last page.
Lexi, the new interior designer, is a dynamic character whose life intertwines with Holden’s in the most unforeseen ways. Initially stepping into Holden’s world to redesign his hotel, she ends up filling a much more personal role due to an old favor her dad owed Holden. Her presence in Holden’s home introduces a whirlwind of change, not just in the physical space but also in the emotional landscape.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/5
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Hook:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/5
Length:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫 {DUAL}
📚 Genre: Romance
✨ Tropes: Age-gap, single dad, forced proximity, insta-attraction
⚠️ Warning: Should Have Run is a spicy romance!!!!!!!!!
🗂️ Type: Should Have Run by Evey Leon is book 2 in the , but it can be read as a standalone.
Having just finished the book, I’m struck by the intense, emotional journey of Holden and the new interior designer who moves into his life. Holden, an older, single dad and a retired hockey player turned hotel owner, finds his world upended when she steps in. She ends up moving into his guest room, due to an old favor from her dad who coached Holden, and suddenly, she's not just redesigning his hotel but also taking care of his kids. Their relationship blossoms in the most unexpected ways, fueled by a magnetic attraction that neither can resist. The author beautifully captures Holden’s internal struggle—torn between his deepening feelings for her and his commitment to his children and his past. The story is a heartfelt exploration of love, responsibility, and the challenges of starting over. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey is both tumultuous and tender, making for a compelling read that kept me hooked until the very last page.
May 13, 2024
This small town, age gap, single dad romance has lots of spice, low angst and a touch of hockey. Holden is a single dad, a former hockey player and the part owner of The Dizzy Duck Inn. He’s hired Lexi to be the interior designer of the inns upgrade, but he also is in desperate need of a nanny for his kids. Sparks fly for both of them at the initial meeting but he knows she’s off limits because not only is he older than her, she’s the daughter of his old hockey coach.
The banter between Holden and Lexi is top tier from the very beginning, and it’s what helps them both fall for one another. The relationship between them flows easily, and even with the drama, it all flows smoothly. The chemistry is of the charts for both of them, and the storyline flows easily as well.
Lori and Harry, Holden’s children are great characters, and seeing them grow in the book adds depth to this easy to read book.
This is the second book in the Lakeshore Spark Inn series, and can be read as a standalone but you’ll benefit from reading the previous book in the series. The next book looks wonderful too.
Thank you @eveylyonbooks and @wordsmithpublicity for the opportunity to read the e-ARC of this book. An easy and effortless read.
3.75 stars
The banter between Holden and Lexi is top tier from the very beginning, and it’s what helps them both fall for one another. The relationship between them flows easily, and even with the drama, it all flows smoothly. The chemistry is of the charts for both of them, and the storyline flows easily as well.
Lori and Harry, Holden’s children are great characters, and seeing them grow in the book adds depth to this easy to read book.
This is the second book in the Lakeshore Spark Inn series, and can be read as a standalone but you’ll benefit from reading the previous book in the series. The next book looks wonderful too.
Thank you @eveylyonbooks and @wordsmithpublicity for the opportunity to read the e-ARC of this book. An easy and effortless read.
3.75 stars
May 15, 2024
*She's the game changer*
My favorite part of any single dad romance. The moment he realizes the nanny, or NOT nanny but 'houseguest in Holden & Lexi's case, is the one person who fits and makes the family better & whole.
Holden, retired hockey star, single dad and new owner of the Dizzy Duck Inn, hires Lexi to be his interior designer for renovations & upgrades. Interior design then gets turned into 'blackmail' and calling in a I-O-U from the past. He needs a nanny for his kids.
The 'coach's daughter is off limits' lifelong rule, goes out the window. The banter & chemistry between these two is off the charts and one thing leads to another. Sneaking around and stolen glances turns into falling, and falling HARD.
Holden's kids-Lori & Harry-made things even more fun. Written just as every preteen should be with hormonal messes and shenanigans.
Should Have Run us the second book of the Lake Spark Inn world, and I didn't know until I received a copy. That being said-it CAN definitely be read as a standalone and not miss any backstory from book 1.
Thank you to@eveylyonbooks and Word Smith Publicity for this advanced copy. It was a fun read that had me giggling and of course cursing when the 'dumbass' believes happily ever afters aren't for everyone.
Releases May 30ᵗʰ then hits KU on June 4th!
My favorite part of any single dad romance. The moment he realizes the nanny, or NOT nanny but 'houseguest in Holden & Lexi's case, is the one person who fits and makes the family better & whole.
Holden, retired hockey star, single dad and new owner of the Dizzy Duck Inn, hires Lexi to be his interior designer for renovations & upgrades. Interior design then gets turned into 'blackmail' and calling in a I-O-U from the past. He needs a nanny for his kids.
The 'coach's daughter is off limits' lifelong rule, goes out the window. The banter & chemistry between these two is off the charts and one thing leads to another. Sneaking around and stolen glances turns into falling, and falling HARD.
Holden's kids-Lori & Harry-made things even more fun. Written just as every preteen should be with hormonal messes and shenanigans.
Should Have Run us the second book of the Lake Spark Inn world, and I didn't know until I received a copy. That being said-it CAN definitely be read as a standalone and not miss any backstory from book 1.
Thank you to@eveylyonbooks and Word Smith Publicity for this advanced copy. It was a fun read that had me giggling and of course cursing when the 'dumbass' believes happily ever afters aren't for everyone.
Releases May 30ᵗʰ then hits KU on June 4th!
May 19, 2024
I dived into the read as soon as it landed in my Kindle as I have been eagerly waiting for Holden's book, especially after the glimpse of what's to expect that we got in Stone's book. This book was everything I expected and more. Like always, I was mesmerized by Evey's writing and lost myself in this marvelous world she has created. Lexi is perfect for not just Holden but Lori and Harry as well. Lexi was the one who completed their family. All four of them captivated my heart, and I was in awe of the bond that they formed. I loved Lori and Harry's shenanigans. And the escapades Holden, Lexi had at Dizzy duck Inn were my favorite. One of my favorite thing was how each of their relationship developed and how Lexi did not run away when things got tough. The spice was off the charts and their chemistry sizzling hot enough to melt my Kindle. I just wished we got more of Stone. The epilogue brought a huge smile to my face, and I am now excited for Summer's book next. Thanks to Evey and Wordsmith Publicist for the advanced copy of this enchanting read.
May 9, 2024
Should Have Run by E. Lyon is the second book in the Lark Spark Inn Series. The previous book is Should Have Known, Stone and Harlow's story.
Every book can easily be read as stand alone. But there are a few cross overs, I recommend to read the books in order.
Holden is an ex-hockey player. A single dad of two teenagers and co-owner of Lark Spark Inn. He has his hands full with work and kiddos, has a revolving door of nannies and needs help asap.
Bring Lexi in the mix. The interior designer is his former coach's daughter, strictly off limits, and becomes his saving grace when she nannies and accepts emploment at his hotel.
Their chemistry is rwarrr - but see above - strictly off limits.
A romantic age gap, small town, single dad romance that gives all the feels and deserves all the stars. Next is Should Have Been coming this fall.
Every book can easily be read as stand alone. But there are a few cross overs, I recommend to read the books in order.
Holden is an ex-hockey player. A single dad of two teenagers and co-owner of Lark Spark Inn. He has his hands full with work and kiddos, has a revolving door of nannies and needs help asap.
Bring Lexi in the mix. The interior designer is his former coach's daughter, strictly off limits, and becomes his saving grace when she nannies and accepts emploment at his hotel.
Their chemistry is rwarrr - but see above - strictly off limits.
A romantic age gap, small town, single dad romance that gives all the feels and deserves all the stars. Next is Should Have Been coming this fall.
May 15, 2024
Holden and lexi were very well written characters with a great story. This book was a fabulous read
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews