Reaching Roland

Honey-Do Daddies #1

by Sammi Cee

Roland

Kenny’s outgoing and fun, and he makes me want to do more than my normal rinse, repeat.

I know Kenny’s only teasing me when he calls me Daddy, since I’m obviously too old, too straight, and my wife was my one true love. But there’s something about him that pulls out all of my protective instincts and makes me want to take care of him. As brightly as he shines, there’s a loneliness lurking under the surface that I long to… What? I’m not even sure, but I’m positive that I can’t walk away from my new…friend.

Kenny

Being the focus of Roland’s attention makes those stupid butterflies flutter around in my stomach.

My attraction for the absolute wrong men is why I’ve given up on dating. Roland’s straight and lonely, but for whatever reason, he enjoys my company. He’s also a caretaker, and it’s nice to feel so special. His life is changing and exciting things are on his horizon, so he won’t have time for me for long, but in the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the fact that I seem to be Reaching Roland.

Welcome to the Honey-Do Daddies in the Takoda Universe. Reaching Roland is an age-gap, bi-awakening story where there’s an abundance of family—by blood and found—love, and three Daddies ready to make some big changes and transform their lives.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Found Family, BDSM, LGBT

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

About the author

Sammi Cee was raised in a family of readers. Summer vacations consisted of a good book while sitting lakeside from as far back as she could remember. After growing up and having her own children, her appreciation of how the written word could transport you on an adventure, bring you to tears, or give you hope, took on a whole new meaning.

These days Sammi is watching her children develop into fine young ladies while doing the things she enjoys most: drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and writing her own stories.

Reviews

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

Christ on a stick. This one started out cute and even pulled on my heartstrings a little, but boy did that change quickly. I don’t know how but it turned into a bit of a snoozefest.

The ‘old’ MC is 51, not 90 like he would have you believe by the way he talks and thinks. You’d think he had one foot in the grave.

There’s so many side characters that you can’t possibly keep up, even if you’ve actually read the other books. I’ve read all but one of the main series this is connected to, and I was more lost than a drunk sailor.

I’m all for ‘love after loss’ stories. I actually love them. But in this one, it felt like the new guy would never measure up to the dead wife, and that she would always be ‘the one’.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Love after loss
Widower
Age gap
Daddy kink
Low angst
Friend’s dad
Silver fox
Hairdresser MC
Size difference
Single father (adult child)
Bisexual awakening

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Grief
Explicit sexual content
Recounting story of gay student committing suicide due to bullying and homophobic family (past, some details)
Side character with homophobic family (mostly past)

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 35 and 51
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 257
Happy ending: Yes




You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hairstylist Kenny has a crush on his client Roland, who has a standing appointment with him every Thursday. Seeing Roland is the highlight of his week, and as the two form a tentative friendship outside of the salon, his feelings deepen for Roland deepen. Only problem is that Roland is straight, but Kenny is prepared to have his heart broken just as long as else keeps getting to spend time with Roland.

Roland has spent the last six months coming to see Kenny and enjoys the conversations he has with the much younger man. Something about Kenny brings out a protective and caring side to him that he hasn’t seen since his wife passed, and the more he gets to know Kenny the more he starts seeing him as more than a friend.

Roland and Kenny’s story was the cutest thing I’ve read in a really long time. I instantly fell in love with both of their characters and loved seeing their sweet friendship turn into more. Roland absolutely doted on Kenny, who deserved to have someone see him as their entire world. & it was just heart eyes all around for me.

[Carrie Dozier · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️Meh I finished it but not really for me…yes Roland was so sweet and this could have been great but it has the dreaded dead spouse trope and it was too much!! I read MM romances when I’m needing a brake from OW drama etc….so this book didn’t work for me

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaching Roland is the first book in the new Honey-Do Daddies series by Sammi Cee. This is Roland and Kenny’s story. I couldn't put this book down once I started it yesterday because it was just so good. Kenny is a sweet happy hairstylist who has given up on men. Roland is a straight silver fox, or is he. These two are just perfect together. I love Sammi Cee's writing style and all the feelings she brings out. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little bummed

It’s started out so well then I don’t know what happened. I’m a little bummed at the out come of this book. I was so excited for Roland. And the way him and Kenny were together was amazing. The problem? Too many other people.
I love a good found family book. It’s one of my favorite troupes, but this one, I was over it quickly. I feel like this was more Indie’s book than it was Roland and Kenny’s book. Which Indie already had a book. If he was going to take up that much real estate why not give him a second book instead. We didn’t get to smexy time between the two until the end because Indie hogged most of the book and it was disappointing. The I love yous were rush and then we are back again talking about Indie. This book could have been so much more than what it was unfortunately. The writing was good though. This is the first book of the series so I’m hoping there will be diversity. I thought Kenny was a person of color until he was described as not another let down. We’ll see where this series goes.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenny’s outgoing and fun, and he makes Roland want to do more than my normal rinse, repeat.He knows Kenny’s only teasing him when he calls him Daddy, since he's obviously too old, too straight, and his late wife was his one true love. But there’s something about him that pulls out all of Roland's protective instincts and makes him want to take care of him. Kenny has given up on dating. Roland’s straight and lonely, but for whatever reason, he enjoys Kenny's company. He’s also a caretaker, and it’s nice to feel so special.

I enjoyed this story set in the Takoda.universe with all.of the familiar faces and personalities. Roland and Kenny suited each other and their relationship was just beautiful to experience with then. This story had lots of thoughts and.emotions as there were multiple people involved. Easy to read, feel and undervhm. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

[Mia Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book which unfortunately just wasn’t for me.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars
Reaching Roland is the first book in the Honey-Do Daddies series by Sammi Cee. It's the story of Kenny and Roland. I've been hoping for Roland's story and I was so excited when the author announced it. And it didn't disappoint. I loved Kenny and Roland's story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An age gap romance for Kenny and Roland, but there's more to it, and it's a deeper connection. The Tap Tavern is a Daddy/boy hang out with some great people.
Kenny, 35, teal hair and green eyes,

is a stylist in a hair salon, who is lonely, but sunny, and he teases his customer, Roland, for months about being a silver fox Daddy. Kenny has come from a homophobic home town.
Roland, 51, on cover, is a tall, silver haired

father of Daddy Cameron and his boy, Indie. His wife died and he is lonely, plus he's a caretaker person who likes to do for others.

The men begin a friendship and camaraderie that gets them out and about, with dinners, talks, and fun.

They have many conversations and their time is rewarding. Roland is straight, but is now reevaluating his feelings, until one day it leads to a kiss... and a slow burn romance simmers from there.

Now, our two men, Roland and Kenny, aren't lonely, because the friendship and slowly building relationship fits them so well. Taking it slow is wonderful, and each appreciates the new experience. Their sexy times are firsts for Roland with a man, and scorching hot and exciting. The banter fits well, and we see them in many situations. Deep conversations are made with friends and family.

This is a lovely tale with terrific characters, some we've met in previous books.
It's just wonderful.

ENJOY !

======

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful romance from Sammi Cee! I know that I am always guaranteed to enjoy the romance and the characters in her books, though this one does come with a content/trigger warning for grief for the death of a spouse/parent, as well as suicide in the past**
Reaching Roland is an age-gap, slow burn, low angst romance between Kenny and Roland, the silver fox whose hair he has been cutting for several months and he knows of in the vicinity of some friends. However, Kenny does have the tiniest crush on the older man, and just for fun, because it annoys Cameron, Roland's son, calls him Daddy. Who knew that it might actually turn into a thing?
This story is a lot of fun to read! Kenny is full of sass and has no qualms of using it on Roland, knowing he's straight and still in love with his wife who passed away fifteen years ago. However, Kenny breathes life into Roland's as the two start spending time together at farmer's markets and sharing evening meals. It's sweet to read Roland find joy in things again and also spending time with Cameron and Indy, a much loved couple from Takoda. Their slow burn romance is very low angst and an easy read which everyone needs now and then. It was also entertaining to read Kenny being brought into the fold of the boys group, full of giggles and gossip whilst making sure everyone is safe, happy and in love.
Another great read in the Takoda Universe and I'm looking forward to more from this series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although some serious topics are addressed, this is a light, heartwarming story. It has amazing characters that are fun and funny. Kenny is adorable. He is one of those characters you just want to hang out with and cuddle. He is genuine, with a cheeky side. It was beautiful to see Kenny reach Roland, and to celebrate Roland letting go and living fun and free.

The plot calls for a slow burn, but it does not feel like it because Kenny and Roland’s relationship is dynamic and constantly developing. The development itself is beautiful, portraying how these two provide what the other needs.

Kenny and Roland are surrounded by outstanding and supportive secondary characters - family, found family, and friends. Another bonus for me was a scene where there was a bit of comeuppance. I so appreciate when an author incorporates this in a story. It added an extra sprinkling of spice to a well-rounded, well-written story. And speaking of spice, this story might have been a bit of a slow burn, but it was not lacking in spice because Kenny and Roland were spicy.

I am looking forward to catching up with these guys again when the next honey-do daddy story unfolds. I can’t wait!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Kenny and Roland and their natural move from acquaintances to friends to lovers, it flowed so smoothly and evolved over time in a very realistic way. Roland behaved as a natural Daddy, even though he wasn’t really aware of it, and Kenny needed that caring Roland provided to have him feeling wanted, safe, and cherished, even though he didn’t identify as a boy or realize that was the type of relationship they were building together, even with all the Daddy/boy relationships in their friend circle as examples. I could picture Kenny and his personality so clearly in my mind’s eye and giggled at his antics, and could also visualize all the little things Roland did to show his care for Kenny. The rest of Roland’s found family, and the way Kenny was accepted filled a need in him he hadn’t realized. Scott’s story was heart-breaking, and Roland’s continuing love for his lost wife spoke to me as a five-year widow who misses my man every day. Overall, a very satisfying, feel good read, with side characters interesting enough to have me delve further into the series. Highly recommend.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping out of your box and finding your prize! Roland, is just toddling along in his life complacent in his belief that he is a vanilla straight widowed single Dad. Kenny, is like a labrador sniffing around Roland, always teasing, callling him 'Daddy' during their weekly salon appointments. Roland thinks his age makes him old and done, but his good nature allows him to indulge in Kenny's rambunctious nature. Roland, naturally gravitates to taking care of Kenny because he sees something in him telegraphing a need for comfort. It was nice to read of friends from other series and continue on in the Takota community with new characters. Ms Cee builds an environment that is totally including the characters from series that connect through the most amazing family, friends and found family. The characters are well formed and not perfect. The imperfection and how Ms Cee flows the story to iintroduce, assess, expand on and improve the characters is absolutely riveting and delightful. This author delivers a story and community that pulls you in, engages you and won't let you go. Totally hot cover art! Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Reaching Roland is the first book in a new series by Sammi Cee, but it is clearly connected to another series in the author’s Takoda Universe. I haven’t read it, and I will say that was a bit of a detriment to this story. There are a lot of side characters, and while most of them play an integral role in the plot, they are also presented in such a way that the reader is assumed to know them. This works against the story a little bit, as there are too many people to keep track of and not enough information about them. For those who have read this author’s other books in the Takoda Universe (and there appear to be several series), then you’ll see a lot of familiar faces. For someone like me who hasn’t, you may find parts of this book a little confusing.

That being said, I really enjoyed the MCs. Roland is a caretaker, a sweetheart, and a nurturer. I love the way he looks after everyone in his life, but especially Kenny.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Reaching Roland is a super adorable and touching story.

Roland is an all-around amazing human being—an incredible father, devoted to caring for others, consistent and trustworthy. Seriously someone figure out how to clone him.

Such a natural daddy.

The friendship he develops with Kenny, his hairstylist, might just be the sweetest thing ever. He might not be able to explain why he’s drawn to spending time with Kenny, but it’s exactly what he needs to bring him back to life.

Kenny is a fun-loving guy. I love his devoted friend group and how committed he is to the people in his life. The way he teases Roland, without making things awkward or uncomfortable is super sweet.

I'm glad they have so many amazing friends and family to make them see the truth and be so accepting of them.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story, the author does a great job telling a cute story sprinkling in a little moments of smexy time and give us a HEA. Roland is a widower who felt he experienced his one great love and was fulfilled by his son Cameron and his boy Indie. Then thanks to a chance appointment with a fun stylist, Kenny, Roland begins to live again though he doesn't realize it just yet. Kenny has been crushing on his standing appointment, the hot silver fox named Roland but by his own admission was and still is very much in love with his wife. When Kenny is rushing around and doesn't eat must of the day it sets off a series of events that leads both men to realize how much their friendship means to the other and more importantly that they care deeply for the other well beyond friendship. There are awakenings of all sorts and a fun cast of characters to support and love this new couple. This story can be read as a standalone but I think it is more fun to read some of the other series to meet all the daddies and their boys and how they fit into this world.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
What a wonderful start to this new series, Roland and Kenny are crazy charming together. I love friend’s father romances, and this one stands out in a few ways. I liked that Roland is circumspect about his growing feelings for his son’s friend, he proceeds with purpose and care. I also LOVED his son’s role in this, Cameron is an absolute rockstar for his dad. He may have made me cry in chapter eleven. I loved the father son relationship. It’s beautifully written and the author really captures how consuming grief is and how hard it can be to give yourself permission to move on. Kenny is an absolute delight of a human being, just so full of life, which thankfully proves irresistible for Roland. I’m not generally a fan of slow burn, which I think this is - but I loved it here. It made sense and in that time Roland and Kenny built a really lovely connection. These two made me smile, I really enjoyed their story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After starting so many "Daddy" books lately and being disappointed I was thrilled to get an arc copy. I absolutely loved this book! We are back to the Takoda outreach centre with such an amazing array of characters who pop up again in this book. The word building skills were exceptional as was the character development which enabled me to fully bond to both Rolly and Kenny. I loved both of them equally "Daddy" who is just such a kind hearted caring person who after loosing his wife "the love of his life" feels that he doesn't deserve a second chance so just becomes friends with Kenny his hairdresser. However Kenny and his loveable, quirky and sassy character soon worms his way into his heart which of course makes Kenny so happy as he didn't expect "more". I cannot express in words how fulfilling I found this book it was such a pleasure to read. I cannot wait for more from Sammi. I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read previous Takoda books please do you it's so worth it!
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaching Roland is the captivating first book in Sammi Cee's new Honey-Do Daddies series, focusing on the enchanting story of Roland and Kenny. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked and couldn't put it down.

Kenny is an endearing and cheerful hairstylist who has given up on finding love. His heart has been bruised too many times, leaving him wary of men. Enter Roland, a seemingly straight silver fox who might not be as straight as he appears. Their chemistry is undeniable, and together, they are simply perfect.

The story is filled with tender moments and deep connections that make it a standout romance. Kenny’s optimism and Roland’s unexpected self-discovery create a compelling dynamic that keeps you turning the pages. Their journey is one of self-discovery, acceptance, and ultimately, love.

I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series and would highly recommend Reaching Roland to anyone looking for a beautifully written romance that tugs at your heartstrings. Sammi Cee has crafted a delightful beginning to what promises to be an excellent series.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

Spinning off from Sammi Cee's other series and featuring cameos from several of the boys and a few daddies from the Love on Tap and other Takoda universe stories, we get to see Roland, Cameron's father and long time widower find a chance for happiness with his favourite hair stylist! I love that this book is a slow build, letting the characters get to know each other and build bonds before considering moving their relationship forward...

I love how oblivious both men are in this relationship for so long and how their family and found family are supportive and guiding... I especially love seeing Indie come out of his shell and into his own in this book... as a force for sweetness and good, of course!

While you can start with this book as the start to a new series, it will make you want to go back and find out all of the Takoda universe secrets... so fair warning... potential binge read ahead...

[Anna Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Age Gap tropes and when characters such as Roland and Kenny are created, this trope becomes so much more.

Roland is a widower who has been booking a weekly appointment with Kenny, his hairstylist. The appointment is really more of a fun time for them both because they do like to spend time together but I guess both cannot see themselves spending time outside of Kenny's workplace, just yet.

Kenny is lovable and beautiful, but he has given up on finding the one for him. He is at an age where he has seen and felt heartache and would really love to have someone of his own but he knows how hard it is to look for that one special someone. That is why keeping the appointment with the silver fox is the highlight of his week.

This is a light love story, low angst, but yet full of sweetness and fun. Roland and Kenny are sweet and lovable, they do care a lot for each other and it is lovely to see the friendship blossom into so much more.

[Mary Forster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Roland & Kenny and I really wish we got more out of the two in this story. I do feel like there were others in the story that could have had a small part it in but not throughout the whole book that takes away the two MC's in the story.

Kenny is a quirky funny hair stylist who loves teasing Roland by calling him Daddy. Roland hates his regular job but likes being a handyman for others. He doesn't mind the teasing that Kenny does and he decides to give Kenny his own nickname as well. These two just fit together and Roland does have some eye awakening moments while Kenny swore he wouldn't fall down the same rabbit hole that he always does.

I love how the connection builds between the two of them but really do wish you got to read more of the romance between them with less distractions. I do hope that the author comes out with another story for these two.

#I received an ARC through GRR and this is my honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the book starts off, you learn about the silver fox Kenny, the stylist, has a crush on after they met six months before at a charity Christmas function. And starting in January, Roland has a standing appointment to get his hair cut and a shave every Thursday, which Kenny can't help but feel excited about.

He knows the man is straight, and lost his wife years before, calling her the love of his life, but he can't feel the excitement as he and Roland get to know each other. The romance that develops between the two is sweet and slow, but it's more impactful when they do admit feelings for each other.

The secondary characters are great and although this is the first book I've read by Sammi Cee, it immersed me enough in the world without getting lost on what I didn't know.

A great read!

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Sammi Cee and her Daddy stories. She is able to tell sweet, usually low-angst stories of men who find their forever love. I was so excited to see a new series set in the Takoda universe. This one focuses on Roland and Kenny.

However, I did struggle with this one for one reason: the perfect dead wife trope. Roland, Cameron’s father, has stated many times that he lost the love of his life and that there will never be another. It made me feel really sad because he said it so many times to Kenny himself. It made it really hard for me to believe in this forever love. The whole tattoo thing at the end just really sort of pushed me over the edge.

I will be reading the next one because I do enjoy Sammi Cee’s stories and I feel like this one was just not a good fit for me.

I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review

[Himom90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed Kenny and Roland’s book. It’s sweet with angsty undertones as both MCs bring some baggage into the relationship. Kenny is secure in himself and his sexuality, but has a history of falling for the wrong type of men (i.e., straight or unavailable). He’s satisfied with his career and he has good friends and a supportive family, but he’s lonely. Roland is just getting by. He married his childhood sweetheart, who tragically passed 15 years ago, and he doesn’t expect to have another great love in his lifetime. It also never occurred to consider his sexual orientation. He’s feeling his age (51), is dissatisfied with his job, and as much as he loves his sons, he’s lonely. This is a bit of a slow burn as the two develop their relationship, but they receive lots of help from the Tap Tavern crew to get to their well deserved HEA

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited for this new series!!!

This was absolutely adorable and I am beyond excited for this new series! Roland and Kenny were so freaking cute! I really enjoyed the slow burn on this one because it wasn’t teasing, it was genuine and allowed so much love to build between them. I don’t think their story would have worked with anything faster because they both needed that time and emotional ramping up to get to where they both felt comfortable and could trust what was happening. I do admit that I kind of wanted to smack Cameron once or twice (go Indy for doing that for me lol) but I was really happy to see that he sorted himself out and then provided such care and support to his dad. Plus the whole Indy element of the story was amazing - I’m so happy for him and proud of the amazing life he’s creating. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenny has had a crush on Roland since he first laid eyes on him. Too bad he is one of his friends' dad as well as straight. Roland has been drawn to Kenny from their first meeting. He thinks it's just for companionship with a new friend. When they become closer, Roland learns it's okay to move on after the death of his first love. Kenny never deters from knowing Roland will always love his late wife. He embraces it. He makes Roland understand it's okay to still love her and move on with his life. This is just a sweet story of two men falling in love and the daddy boy dynamics without realizing its happening until some loved ones help see their ways. A fun low angst story of moving on and falling in love in a carefree, easy way.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this and recommend definitely reading if you enjoyed reading the Wanted series prior. So many past characters make cameos which made this first book very entertaining. Cameron's dad Roland is featured and he was wonderful. His lovely friendship with Kenny his hair stylist (which eventually turn into more) was so sweet. Kenny was such a good match for him. I tells ya from start to finish they kept me smiling and gave me all the feels. I loved their communication...no game playing...so refreshing which kept this from being too angsty (which I love). So much love and care...I hated to see this end but Kenny and Roland had very nice HEA and I can't wait to read more in this Honey-Do series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet slow-burn romance book with a slight Daddy/boy dynamic. Although it is the first in a series there seem to be some interconnected series and we see a lot of cameos of the MCs from these. Since I hadn't read them I felt that was a little overwhelming and unnecessarily took the focus off the main couple in this book. I'm sure that if you've read the other series the space the other people occupy would be more of a treat.
The romance in itself was very sweet and emotional and I enjoyed seeing their love unfold. The story is very low angst and there is not a lot of relationship drama between the MCs. I enjoyed the slow burn but felt like the end was a little rushed and felt cut off prematurely.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolly Rancher, LBB, my shortcake, peacock, Blow Pop addict, Benny, glittery-silver boxer briefs

This, Book 4, is an excellent addition to the "Love on Tap 2" series. It takes place in the Takoda universe. It features silver fox Roland and animated, vivacious Kenny. Also, characters from the "Love on Tap 1" series and the three previous books in this series make appearances in this story. Side character, Indie, plays a prominent role that shouldn't be missed. Well, so does Indie's Daddy, Cameron, Roland's son. Oh, Blow Pops, too.

It's low angst and delightfully upbeat. There is one sad and heartbreaking side story mentioned. I totally enjoyed reading this book and encourage you to do so too.