Transition (Oakley's Crew Book 3)

Transition - Nicole Dykes 5/5✨🌟 * SPOILERS * I swear, every single one of Nicole’s books, I just fall more in love with her characters. I immediately knew I was going to love this one when we meet Dakota. When Gabe gets a joke at Dakota’s house, I just knew their dynamic was going to be interesting when Dakota opened the door. Dakota only wanted one person at his house and he had every right from being bullied in school. These two were so adorable from how they get to know each other. I loved the scene when Dakota finds out his cat Marvin was actually a Mavis by finding out she was pregnant. I laughed at Dakota’s reaction. Also, their first date together when all that Gabe wanted to do was to make him feel safe because being around too many people was scary for him. When Dakota meets Gabe’s ex and his daughter, I giggled. Amber is the cutest little girl. The way they Nicole writes the younger characters just makes you just swoon for these little humans too. Amber really reminds me of my niece and I was here for it. I don’t want to give too much away but I just loved how both guys find their happily ever after. Perfect ending. I cannot wait for the next installment because I need Jackson’s story. His is going to be everything. I just know it. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

This was really sweet! I adored these two! If you’ve read the other books in the series, we’ve previously gotten a glimpse at Gabe and his little girl Amber. But if you haven’t, no worries you’ll get everything you need to know in this one! Gabe is still trying to wrap his head around the fall out of his marriage and is struggling with the fact that his wife has moved on and remarried. Dakota keeps to himself as much as possible due to a difficult high school experience. The less he has to leave his house, the better. Which is why he thinks having a greenhouse to grow his own food is a great idea. So he hires Oakley’s Crew to have one built. The kicker though? He only wants one person handling the job. I really loved Gabe and Dakota together. Even if Dakota was determined to not act on his feelings due to his trust issues. But the sunshine man that Gabe is, showed up every day with a smile on his face and showed nothing but kindness towards Dakota, and some protectiveness too! And when Gabe realized that he was attracted to Dakota and didn’t even question it or second guess himself and just went for what he wanted? LOVED THAT. I loved seeing Dakota come around and trust Gabe and Oakley’s Crew. And little Miss Amber. Absolutely adorable. Gabe is a wonderful dad. And I really liked that he and Shelly got along so well. And I looooved how Dakota was with Amber as well. It was like that was how everything was supposed to be in the end. If you want a light-hearted, feel good…

I honestly think that this might be my favorite of this series! I am a sucker for a single dad trope, add in the grumpy/sunshine, with a healthy dose of chaotic internal monologue I’m a goner. The fact that they had such a seamless *Transition* wink wink, into a relationship was refreshing. Nicole Dykes is definitely a favorite author of mine for a reason. 5 ⭐️ 3🌶️

I really enjoyed Transition. The characters had great chemistry, and their relationship felt believable and emotional without being over the top. I especially liked the softer moments between them and the way the story focused on growth, healing, and learning to trust. Nicole Dykes has such an easy writing style that makes her books hard to put down, and this one was no different. I finished it way faster than I expected because I got so invested in the characters.

I have loved the Oakley Crew books from the beginning and book 3 did not disappoint. Gabe first marriage ended in divorce. He focuses his time on carrying for his daughter and working for Oakley really doesn't have time for dating and has not found anyone that has spiked his interest, until the day he meets Dakota. Set to do work for Dakota on his property, he meets the elusive owner who only wants one person to do work on his property. One thing leads to another and they strike up a mutual respect. Dakota is skeptical of people - prefers to be a recluse due to traumatic events from his past. When he finds himself drawn to Gabe. The more time they spend together the more their attraction grows. Gabe and Dakota are a slowburn but once it heats up they go all in pretty quick. This book is sweet and short, with the fabulous found family of the Oakley crew