Happily Ever Alfie by K. Sterling
M/M Contemporary
Released: January 25, 2018
Self Published

Reviewed by Mandi

In Happily Ever After, we have Church, retired from the Army who is fifty, and Alfie, a twenty-nine year old whose mom and step-dad died, so he has stepped in as a father/guardian to several young kids. He supports himself by writing romance books, but is completely overwhelmed with caring for a houseful of kids. Alfie meets Church in a library, and when Alfie’s car won’t start, Church offers to fix it. Church is a handy-man. He can fix cars, plumbing – he loves to keep himself busy. When he sees Alfie exhausted with kids in tow, he not only fixes his car, but helps him back to his house and offers his services…of the handyman variety.

These two fall for each other really fast – as Church happily steps in to take some of the burden off of Alfie’s shoulders. But Church can’t help running things like he is still in the marines. He falls for Alfie’s kids fast, but will his stricter organization methods work for Alfie’s life?

This is a very sweet, fluffy, insta-loveish story. Their age difference is presented well and it worked for me. Alfie has guardianship of several young kids and they are pretty prominent in the story. I know some readers don’t love kids in their romance books – so this would not be for you. The kids are cute, but do take up a lot of page time.

Alfie’s chaotic life is written well. You can feel how exhausted he is – when his youngest asks for juice for the fifth time that day and the thought of getting up to go to the refrigerator feels like the toughest task. Church comes in and not only fixes problems around Alfie’s house but also puts away groceries, and helps feed the kids. It gives Alfie a few seconds of breathing time.

They fall for each other fast – and when Alfie’s stepfather’s parents come to town to give Alfie a few days break, then the sexy times start for Alfie and Church. The sex is plentiful in this one –  and sometimes it felt over-the-top. The descriptions didn’t always work for me..

Like this:

No thank you.  It was a little too much for me at times.

Although they do have maybe an argument or two, everything else is smooth sailing for these two. If you are in the mood for a sweet, insta-love, kids-centric romance, check this one out. I could have used a little more conflict and toned down sex scenes.

Grade: C

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