One artist. One attorney. Two single dads.
Meeting at a bachelor auction for charity had trouble written all over it as far as I was concerned, especially when the guy that won the bid for me seemed to be after only one thing…a good time between the sheets.
Refusing Fletcher’s advances was easy the first time round. After all, we weren’t meant to see each other again.
Except I’ve just moved to Stillwater where Fletcher lives.
Except both our kids are in the same class.
Now the kids are fighting and I’m ready to throw my own punches.
If only Fletcher wasn’t as goddamn irresistible as he is irritating.
When the fight moves from the playground to the bedroom, who will come out on top?
Antagonist is book 1 in Ana Ashley’s new series, Dads of Stillwater.
Single dads, sassy kids, Ana’s usual cast of intriguing secondary characters, Stillwater has it all.
Title: Antagonist
Authors: Ana Ashley
Length: 72k
Series: Dads of Stillwater, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Single dads, Small town, Opposites attract.
Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions
Goodreads
If I could get under Harrison’s skin as much as he’s already under mine, we’d have the most explosive sex known to humankind.
That was one of the many Harrison-related thoughts running through my head most of the parent meeting, which Harrison didn’t show for, and it’s been the same over the last two days.
I can’t blame him for leaving. I’m annoyed, but I get it.
When I pulled him into the supply closet, it wasn’t with the intention of kissing him. The way he spoke to Karina was…I don’t even know. I’m sure no one has spoken to her like that ever. Not even her parents, who come from a modest background and tried, even if they failed, to raise her to be a good person.
I guess she was always a law unto herself. Determined to be just like the people she admired, which is basically anyone with money, regardless of who they really are.
So, no, I hadn’t planned on kissing Harrison. At most, I just wanted to hug him and make sure we were on the same page before walking into the meeting.
Of course, as soon as we walked into the dark closet, all my intentions went up in smoke. I didn’t pick the closet on purpose. I thought we were walking into a classroom or office.
So now I can’t stop thinking about Harrison. His lips, his hard body, his long cock straining against his slacks…
Fuck.
I need to apologize.
If the few interactions I’ve had with him have taught me anything, it’s that he’s wound tight. He likes to be in control of a situation, and as much as I would give anything to see him unravel, I don’t want it to be at the detriment of our tenuous relationship.
God, the way he let me take charge of the kiss. That moment he lost the battle against his own conscience and flipped us, pressing me so hard against the door. When my hair tie snapped, I thought I was going to come right there.
Christ. Get yourself under control, Fletch.
As I turn onto the last street to get to Bittersweet, I feel hot, and not just because of the lack of breeze. Walking to George’s school rather than driving was a good idea, in principle. It’s giving me a chance to put my thoughts in order because it’s only a matter of time before I see Harrison again, and my brain needs to be in sync with my mouth.
I’m not sure it’s working though. The more I think about Harrison, the more I think about all the things I shouldn’t be thinking.
Having not read anything by this author, wasn’t really sure what to expect, but figured starting with the first book in a series was a safe bet. There were quite a few side characters that I am guessing are from a different series, since most were in a relationship, but it didn’t really make me feel lost in the story, as it really was quite focused on the two MC’s and dealing with the new world they now lived in, Stillwater…somewhere in New England, not far Boston.
I liked the varied personalities of the MC’s, although, as the reader gets to know Harrison, his personality seems to morph a bit into what is likely his “real” personality, but not one we had seen previously. I actually liked this side of him. As he became more comfortable with the bisexual side of himself, he allowed himself to be more assertive, more open.
Meanwhile, Fletcher was 100% himself from Day 1. Which honestly is my biggest issue with the book. Consent was not given on multiple occasions by Harrison, he said emphatic no’s several times, and not only did Fletcher not accept them, he kissed (and more) Harrison anyway. More than once. And while Harrison could easily stand up for himself, and did. Fletcher was much more aggressive about it than I felt he should have been. One time I can see as that hot “see, you really want me” kiss, but Harrison said no many times, and Fletcher still did it, and was convinced Harrison wanted him.
Above all, though, both men were great fathers, who put their children above all else…I mean how adorable is it that Harrison could French braid his daughter’s hair, and then even Fletcher’s? They spent time helping the school and the community, as they became closer, and both men were close to Harrison’s ex-wife (I do love a story where a previous spouse can be on great terms with their co-parent. This was a fantastic example.)
Overall, I liked the story, and am seriously invested in book 2, wanting to know how Ellis and the sweet baby toting store clerk hit it off. I want to know his story, and see how it unfolds.
3.5 pieces of eye candy 
Ana was born in Portugal but has lived in the United Kingdom for so long, even her friends sometimes doubt if she really is Portuguese.
Ana Ashley writes sweet and steamy gay romance set in America, often in small towns where everyone knows everyone. Coming from a small town herself, she knows all about meddling families, nosy neighbors and that community spirit that comes from knowing people all your life.
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