Eileen Aberman-Wells
The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman, book two in her Mile High Firefighters series, had me laughing-out loud, tears rolling down your face, while reading the first two chapters. Lexi is a hardworking, kind, big-hearted woman who runs the local youth center. She always has too much on her plate but in the long run, she doesn't mind because she loves the kids that she helps so much. It's her birthday and when she learns that a hot firefighter is at her office she automatically assumes that he is a Strip-O-Gram Fireman. Yes, she may be talking dirty to him and asking for him to take his clothes off and yes she is absolutely embarrassed. But it sure makes for one amusing meet-cute. Dyson is a hunky fireman sent to inspect safety codes at the youth center. He is strong, loyal, wants to help others, and good to look at. When he meets Lexi, he can't help but feel a connection. She is beautiful, quirky, and has s good sense of humor. When Dyson offers to fix up some failing safety codes and since he needs a fake girlfriend to get his sisters off his back, Lexi finds herself in an interesting situation. She's supposed to be taking a break from dating to focus on herself. But Dyson isn't looking for a real relationship either, so nothing could go wrong; right? Not even when their fake relationship shifts to one with benefits; it's totally under control. Lexi and Dyson have sizzling chemistry and it was fun watching them interact with his sisters, colleagues, the kids at the youth center, and her best friend. Ms. Ankenman wrote a laugh-out-loud, wonderful and endearing fake relationship story that I could not put down and should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, attraction, chemistry, clever banter, good intentions, and a cast of secondary characters assisting Lexi and Dyson admit their feelings and love for one another. I highly recommend The Dating Dilemma to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Mary Jo Toth
I want to be Lexi’s friend. She is passionate about her work at the youth center no matter how far she has to stretch a dollar. From the moment she meets Dyson, well, Lexi demonstrates that she has several funny quirks that are endearing and a joy to be around. Dyson is sent to perform the fire safety inspection for the center but he is surprised by Lexi and her dedication to the kids at the center. He has sworn off relationships but finds that Lexi is a breath of fresh air and someone he enjoys being around. When his sister’s ramp up the tactics to set him up on blind dates, he enlists Lexi to pretend to be his girlfriend as a favor since he is going to fix all the issues at the center to ensure they pass their next inspection. Lexi struggles with giving too much of herself and never asking for what she wants so her roommate has her on a dating moratorium. But when Dyson needs help, well, she can’t say no since being around Dyson is so much fun. Now, both of these characters are avoiding dating but now find themselves pretending to date, can they really keep feelings out of it? I had fun with Lexi and Dyson. There are so many fun and unexpected moments between them and the wonderful family and friends that kept me glued to my Kindle.
Nicole's Book Musings
4.5 Stars This was a good book. It's one I couldn't put down. I could tell from Lexi and Dyson's first meeting this was going to be an hilarious fun read. I was right because this book had me chuckling and laughing through out. Lexi and Dyson were so adorable together. Neither are looking for a relationship so pretend is perfect or it would until all too real feelings come into play. I really loved their journey. It's full of heart and feels, but also moments that hit me right in the heart. Oh my gosh the epilogue made this cat lover jealous! Dyson had me swooning big time! This is a book you make sure you have time to dive in or be prepared to stay up all night reading. Lexi and Dyson are so going to suck you right into the story. I really loved Dyson's relationship with his sisters. they're so close and have each other's backs no matter what. Great story with great engaging characters.