GRR Reviews Once Upon a Valentine's (PTA Moms) by Holly Jacobs

Once Upon a Valentine's is a fun rom-com where opposites attract, and sharp wit leads to heart-felt chuckles.

Carly Lewis was busy making things meet as a single mom. She did not intend to commit arson, even by accident, but her attempt to burn away her past by burning the couch she caught her cheating husband on (with his secretary) got away from her, and burned down her shed and her neighbor's shed before firefighters could douse it all. The judge threw the book at her by making her do 30 hours community service... This on top of her regular work, her busy taking care of the kids, AND her need to plan Valentine's dance for the school as part of PTA committee. She's too busy... to run into Lt Charles "Chuck" Jefferson, PR officer of local police, and first person on the scene. Chuck is the friendly face for police PR, a charmer, and he's utterly fascinated by this "accidental arsonist". When his mom is forced him to bring a date for dinner, he decided to invite Carly, which gives her a chance to poke fun at the judge (who threw the book at her)... who's his brother-in-law. That plan went quite well, until they fell for each other... hard.

The sass is a LOT of fun in this book, as Carly won't back down, even though the two are about as opposite as they can be, but as they get to know each other, they realized they actually share many similar values. It's definitely above average.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: Police PR guy meets "accidental arsonist", a woman tried to burn the couch she caught her husband on bonking someone else...

Tropes: law enforcement, betrayal, fake engagement, family pressure, opposites attract

Overall Rating: 4/5