SAFEGUARD by Stephanie Rose is a cute, wholesome, and romantic story that is perfect to kick off the Fall season. REASONS YOU SHOULD READ IT: single father Matteo, a 28-year-old, is this wonderful, endearing, charming man who moves to Vermont to work as the bar manager for Speakeasy. He's juggling having to work late hours and being a father to his five-year-old daughter, Lauren. It doesn't help that women are only interested in his looks and never pay attention to the one who demands and needs it. Since his work at a bar, he needs someone he can count on to take care of his daughter. Melanie was poking cracks in the walls I'd built to protect my daughter and me. Hear me out, you guys. There's something about a single father that does something to me and gets me all giddy. It's seeing this huge hunk of a man with muscles turn into a pile of goo for his child. It's seeing how much he cares, how much love he's ready to give and receive, but not at the expense of hurting his child. Seeing him always put his daughter first... I'm telling you, just for this alone, you're going to want to pick up this book. friends to lovers While this started as a boss/employee relationship, it quickly transitioned into a beautiful friendship, to the point where Matteo would trust Melanie with his daughter. The chemistry was brewing from the start, but neither pursued it for the sake of Lauren and their job, so they stayed friends, knowing how much each one wanted this to happen between them. We were doing the time without enjoying the crime. And I'd enjoy Melanie if I had the chance, of that I was certain. community & world I always go back to this world. There's something peaceful and familiar about it. Sometimes, it makes me want to move to Vermont and work at a farm. The community these characters are a part of is unique. I love how tight everyone is and how willing they are to help each other out. adorable daughter I wouldn't forgive myself if I wrote this review and didn't mention Lauren. She is the cutest and smartest 5-year-old! If I ever have kids, I want them to be like Lauren. She's loves sweets and books, a girl after my own heart. "Ice cream comes with the cupcakes. Like when we get a cheeseburger and French fries." This is officially my excuse every time I get more than one dessert. 😂 IT IS SOUND LOGIC! Here is another reason for why I love this cute: "I'm Lauren, and I'm too young to work. I wish I could, I'd spend all my money on more books." Lauren, I can guarantee that when you work, you'll want to set aside some money, exclusively for books. Overall, Safeguard by Stephanie Rose exceeded all of my expectations. I'm now eager to read this author's other books. I keep hearing wonderful things, and if they're as good as this one, count me in! -- FOLLOW ME Blog ❃ Instagram ❃ Twitter ❃ Bloglovin ❃ Goodreads ❃ Pinterest ❃ Etsy Shop