Book review: FALL LOVE, by L.B. Dunbar

Lovewell Landing #1

Neve & Tate

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had a good plot and genuinely interesting characters, but I struggled with the pacing. It moved so slowly that I kept putting it down, even though the small‑town setting and surprise‑pregnancy trope are favorites of mine. It could have been such a strong story with a little more momentum.

Neve Snowe doesn’t do relationships — just one‑night stands. Her New Year’s Eve hookup was fun, anonymous, and unforgettable… and it left her pregnant. With only nicknames exchanged, she had no way to find the father, but she chose to keep the baby and move forward on her own.

She works in her late father’s garage, a place she loves deeply, even though it’s losing money fast. Her sisters want to sell, and they already have a buyer lined up, but Neve can’t let go. The garage is her history, her comfort, and the only future she can imagine.

Enter Tate Love, who arrives in town to finalize the sale — and discovers Neve is the woman from that one‑night stand. He never expected the baby to be his, but once he learns the truth, he’s all in. He wants to support Neve, be involved in every appointment, and step into the role he’s always dreamed of: a father. What complicates things is the secret behind the property’s real purpose, something Neve definitely won’t like.

I loved how Neve let Tate be part of everything baby‑related. He was gentle, excited, and genuinely committed. Their nickname for the unborn baby — Little Wrench — was adorable. And as the story went on, I realized Neve wasn’t just stubborn; she was a woman with deep feelings who didn’t believe she was lovable. Tate saw her differently. He loved her quirks, her fire, and her loyalty. His easygoing nature softened her edges, and his protectiveness gave her the stability to be herself..

Once I accepted the slooooow pace, the story itself was sweet and heartfelt. But I did get bored and distracted at times. Still, Neve and Tate’s journey — especially the way they grew into a family — made it worth finishing.

Purchase links

Amazon Worldwide: https://a.co/d/05v6Si1M

About the author

L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.

Connect with L.B. Dunbar:

https://linktr.ee/lbdunbarwrites 

Book review: SAVAGE TRUCE, by Michelle Heard

Heart of Crime #1

Rodian & Anastasia

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely! Even with all the brutal moments that come with Michelle Heard’s mafia world, this story still manages to feel tender, romantic, and full of hope. She truly killed it again.

Rodian and Anastasia share a sweet, unforgettable connection early on—one of those moments that stays with you even when life turns dark. Years later, their worlds collide again under harsh circumstances, and what follows is a powerful journey of healing, protection, and rebuilding trust. Anastasia has endured deep trauma and cruelty, and Rodian becomes the one person determined to help her reclaim her strength, her voice, and her future.

Their relationship grows slowly and beautifully. Rodian’s patience, loyalty, and fierce devotion contrast with Anastasia’s fear, resilience, and quiet courage. Watching her learn to feel safe, to accept love, and to open her heart again was incredibly moving. The romance is full of tenderness, passion, and emotional growth.

One of my favorite parts was the presence of the wider mafia family. Seeing familiar faces—especially Rosie, now recovered and vibrant—added warmth and humor to the story. Rodian’s cousin Artem, with his anxiety and gentle nature, forms an instant sibling bond with Anastasia that melted me. And Rodian’s guards, Andrei and Sergei, become her protectors and family in a way that felt so comforting.

Despite the gritty violence, this book is overflowing with love, loyalty, friendship, and found family. Anastasia’s misgivings about Rodian’s role in the Bratva make their path rocky, but the romance that blooms is heartfelt and unforgettable.

A beautiful, emotional love story. Loved it!

Purchase links

Amazon: https://geni.us/jq7ag

About the author

Michelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author. She writes emotional, heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of angst and romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book shows the strength of the characters who will burn down the world for each other.

Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend. 

Connect w/Michelle:

Website: https://michelleheardauthor.com

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Book review: RIVER & RUE, by L.M. Halloran

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The magical realism in this book felt like stepping into a world I already knew. The psychics, the premonitions, it reminded me of the stories I grew up with, the same way The House of Spirits always felt like a perfectly normal portrayal of my culture. I loved that.

Rue’s connection with animals is a beautiful part of the story. She doesn’t just love them; she understands them, and they understand her back. River has his own kind of magic — he knows the weather like it’s a language only he can hear. Their gifts clash and cling in a way that makes their love story feel enchanted.

Both carry scars from their past. River’s loneliness, shaped by parents who weren’t there when he needed them most. Rue’s tragic childhood, the loss she can’t outrun, the storm she carries inside. For ten years, her only anchor has been Ivy, River’s sister. So from the very beginning, I felt that River and Rue had something between them — something old, something denied, something waiting.

The PAC brings them close again, and that nearness unravels every wall they built. River sees the truth first, and he practically drags Rue toward it, kicking and screaming, and it’s such a fun, wild, emotional ride.

The story balances chaos with humor, magic with heartbreak. Their conversations about their pasts are tender and painful. Their art makes their feelings feel more colorful, more intense. And the side characters — the PAC crew, the possessed golf cart, Lenny the stray who watches over Rue — all add so much color and charm.

A beautiful, emotional, magical romance that left me smiling, and completely in love with these characters.

Purchase link

https://a.co/d/0foI2wh6

About the author 

When not writing or reading, the author can be found gardening barefoot or chasing her spirited daughter. Some of her favorite things are puzzles, podcasts, and small dogs that resemble Ewoks. Home is Portland, Oregon.

Connect with L.M. Halloran:

https://www.lmhalloran.com/links/

Book review: SCORED, by Aleatha Romig

The Coopers #4

Maeve & Fin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The first three books in this series had me completely hooked, and this installment kept that momentum going.  I’ve loved following Maeve and Fin’s journey—how they fought for their second‑chance romance, how they rebuilt trust, and how they’ve grown into a true power couple. Now living together, each thriving in their own field, they feel solid, mature, and beautifully aligned. Maeve especially shines here. She’s stepping fully into her authority, directing operations for The Coopers with increasing confidence and finesse. Working side‑by‑side with her Aunt Rachel, the team’s CEO, they’ve become a formidable duo.

This book also moves forward several long‑running threads: Maeve’s role within the organization, the lingering tensions with certain family members, and the ongoing investigation that has shadowed her life. One major issue finally gets resolved in a way that gives Maeve clarity and control, allowing her to focus on honoring her father’s biggest dream—bringing home a championship. The behind‑the‑scenes football details are impressively written, full of strategy, coordination, and the sheer effort required to build a winning team. It’s immersive and genuinely fascinating.

There’s also plenty of interpersonal drama—family dynamics, shifting loyalties, and secrets that complicate relationships. The author keeps the tension simmering throughout, especially around one character whose private life becomes a quiet mystery in the background. Also, the amber-colored roses that appeared everywhere had me really spooked!

Where the book didn’t fully land for me was the ending. After all the buildup and suspense, the final reveal arrives in a way that felt less dramatic than I hoped. We learned all about it second hand, from Maeve and Aunt Rachel, after it all happened! The emotional punch I expected didn’t quite hit, and I missed the intensity that had been building through the series. It’s still a solid conclusion to this chapter of Maeve’s journey, just not the explosive finish I was waiting for.

Even so, the writing remains strong, the football world is vividly portrayed, and Maeve and Fin end this book in a place of peace and possibility. It’s a well‑told story with compelling characters—just shy of the dramatic payoff I wanted.

Four stars, because the journey was excellent even if the ending didn’t deliver the full thrill.

Purchase links

https://books2read.com/u/mVpnEr

About the author

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams! 

 

Keep up with Aleatha Romig and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.aleatharomig.com/contact

 

 

To learn more about Aleatha Romig & her books, visit here!

 

Connect with Aleatha Romig:

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Book review: THE WILD CARD, by Kendall Ryan

A tender, beautiful romance that I loved, this story follows Crew, a man who lives inside strict routines to manage his anxiety and OCD, and Emmie, a bright, messy, charming cookbook author who walks into his ordered world and quietly turns the lights on. Their dynamic is soft, funny, and full of tiny moments that show how two opposite personalities can fit together in a most perfect way.

I loved watching Crew slowly open up as Emmie brings warmth into his life — especially through food. He goes from eating the same sad meals in rotation, to trying new dishes, new flavors, and new experiences, all because she makes him feel safe enough to try. And Emmie, who starts off a little lost in her own creative process, finds inspiration in cooking for the grumpy man who doesn’t know how to relax but learns to appreciate every bite she gives him.

Their relationship grows through everyday closeness, gentle respect, and a subtle humor that made me smile so many times. Crew’s “short‑circuiting” whenever Emmie looks particularly beautiful is priceless. And Emmie’s ability to balance his structure with her chaos makes them feel imperfect in the best way — two people who complement each other without ever trying to change who the other is.

Crew’s emotional journey is the heart of the book. He begins as someone who pushes love away before it can reject him, convinced he doesn’t deserve anything good. Watching him slowly realize he does deserve joy, connection, and a future was beautiful. His growth is steady, believable, and deeply touching.

The story has warmth, humor, and a lovely sense of belonging. It dragged a little in the middle, but the author quickly picked up the pace and delivered a romance that feels both comforting and hopeful. By the end, Crew’s transformation — from a man who fears love to a man who finally lets himself have it — made the whole journey worth it.

A wonderful, heartfelt love story about finding home in another person.

Purchase links

https://amzn.to/4xLFoP8

About the author

Kendall Ryan writes contemporary romance. Her books have been featured on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists a combined total of more than 100 times. 

Connect with Kendall:

➜ WEBSITE www.kendallryanbooks.com

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Book review: JULIAN, by Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan

New York Vipers #2

Julian & Harper

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Warm and emotional, this story felt tender and full of life, carried almost entirely by Harper’s strength and hopefulness. She’s juggling two jobs, rent, groceries, and the full responsibility of raising her teenage brother Dylan — and even with all that weight, she still finds a way to dream. Her voice is warm, observant, and deeply human, and that made the whole book feel grounded in real emotion.

Harper lost her father young, then got dragged into her mother’s new husband’s “artist community” — a place built on delusion more than talent — which made her fight to protect Dylan from slipping through the cracks. Bringing him back to live with her was difficult, but she made it work, and watching him thrive under her care was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their bond is beautiful, joyful, and full of that fierce sibling devotion that makes you root for them instantly.

Her customer service job wasn’t glamorous, but she treated it like a stepping stone, studying every complaint and every solution, hoping one day to build something of her own. So when she was fired — not for performance, but because her employer wanted to save money — it stung. You feel her frustration, her fear, and her determination all at once.

Her second job, chauffeuring, is where everything shifts. Driving Julian Langley, owner of the New York Vipers, puts her right in the path of a man who sees her clearly from the start. Their first real spark comes from a conversation about a ticketing fiasco — and Harper’s solution is so sharp, so perfectly thought out, that Julian immediately recognizes her talent. He acts on it, too, implementing her idea and watching customer satisfaction rebound within hours.

From there, their connection grows in those quiet, intimate moments inside the car. Julian is captivated by her intelligence, her charm, her ability to read people. He hires her as his exclusive chauffeur, gives her a salary that finally lets her breathe, and keeps asking for her insight — because she’s brilliant, and he knows it.

I loved the contrast between them: different worlds, different bank accounts, different social circles — yet intellectually, they’re equals. Harper didn’t go to college, but her instincts and her observational skills make her a natural in marketing and customer relations. Julian doesn’t just admire her; he champions her. He does the same for Dylan, recognizing the boy’s extraordinary talent for hockey statistics and giving him a chance to shine. Those scenes were heartwarming.

Their romance is sweet, slow-building, and full of mutual respect. But when Julian’s past trauma resurfaces, he pulls away. Harper, who finally let herself trust him, refuses to accept being pushed aside. Her anger, her hurt, her decision to walk away — all of it felt honest.

Julian’s journey back to her, with a nudge from Griff and the gentle wisdom of Percy — the closest thing he ever had to a father — was emotional and satisfying. The reveal of his tragic loss adds depth to his character without overwhelming the romance. And when he finally lays his heart bare, it feels earned.

Harper and Dylan were the stars of this story for me — bright, dedicated, and full of life. Julian was generous, attentive, and deeply aware of the power of connection. Together, they made a beautiful match.

My only complaint is that I wanted a bonus scene showing them a few years down the road, thriving as a family.

Purchase links

https://geni.us/NYV_Julian

About the authors

Meet Sawyer Bennett:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:

https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

Meet Bill Keenan:

Bill Keenan played hockey at Harvard University from 2005 to 2008 and professionally in Europe from 2009 to 2012. After completing his MBA at Columbia Business School, he worked for two years in Deutsche Bank's investment banking division. He currently serves as COO of Graydon Carter's Air Mail.

Connect with Bill Keenan:

https://www.instagram.com/billkeenanwrites/