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Sterling Falls #1
Sterling Heat
Love wasn’t the daily special when a grumpy small-town baker delivers a baby in his bakery. Now, all he can think about is that sweet bundle and her tempting single mother.
Having a baby in a bakery gives new meaning to taking the bun out of the oven.
I’d been in Curmudgeon Bakery for one of those lemon baby-Bundt cakes I’d been craving since I found out I was pregnant.
The draw had nothing to do with the baker himself. Tall, tatted, and edgy, looking more like a biker than a man who makes baked goods. I hardly knew him other than taking a tumble in a rainstorm in front of his shop . . . and then tossing myself at him after he rescued me.
We shared a moment but it’s not what you’d think.
Months later, he delivered my baby among his cookies and cakes. Talk about a second chance encounter.
Then he whips up a plan to pretend to be my baby’s father, and everything heats up from there.
My body.
My heart.
My willingness to accept a perfect stranger’s kindness despite him telling me over and over he isn’t who I think he is.
I beg to differ.
He’s that sugary drizzle on a citrus-flavored, guilty pleasure that’s bad for the hips, but together—him, and me, and baby—we’re the perfect blend of ingredients that might do all our hearts some good.
Having a baby in a bakery gives new meaning to taking the bun out of the oven.
I’d been in Curmudgeon Bakery for one of those lemon baby-Bundt cakes I’d been craving since I found out I was pregnant.
The draw had nothing to do with the baker himself. Tall, tatted, and edgy, looking more like a biker than a man who makes baked goods. I hardly knew him other than taking a tumble in a rainstorm in front of his shop . . . and then tossing myself at him after he rescued me.
We shared a moment but it’s not what you’d think.
Months later, he delivered my baby among his cookies and cakes. Talk about a second chance encounter.
Then he whips up a plan to pretend to be my baby’s father, and everything heats up from there.
My body.
My heart.
My willingness to accept a perfect stranger’s kindness despite him telling me over and over he isn’t who I think he is.
I beg to differ.
He’s that sugary drizzle on a citrus-flavored, guilty pleasure that’s bad for the hips, but together—him, and me, and baby—we’re the perfect blend of ingredients that might do all our hearts some good.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2023
1234 people are currently reading
3073 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
92 books3,289 followersL.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 Sterling Falls, 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 weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
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 weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
September 22, 2023
Wonderfully endearing story ❤
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: protector
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
This was really just a wonderful story. I'm not usually a fan of super angsty reads, but this author will definitely be my pick when the mood strikes me. This is my first book by her and I wasn't sure what to expect past the fact that the heroine met the hero while pregnant (which I love), but ill definitely be coming back for more. The story was interesting, paced well, and had some great twists along with a heavy dose of redemption. Just perfect!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: protector
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
This was really just a wonderful story. I'm not usually a fan of super angsty reads, but this author will definitely be my pick when the mood strikes me. This is my first book by her and I wasn't sure what to expect past the fact that the heroine met the hero while pregnant (which I love), but ill definitely be coming back for more. The story was interesting, paced well, and had some great twists along with a heavy dose of redemption. Just perfect!
October 9, 2023
Started well
I liked the way this book started, the way Enya and Sebastian met, and it progressed along nicely for a few chapters, but Sebastian just lost me after awhile with his constant self doubts and waffling back and forth about his feelings. And she sticks with a guy for eleven years with absolutely no indication of commitment, then falls immediately for another commitment phobe. I'm not a fan of "love solves it all", sometimes you need therapy.
I liked the way this book started, the way Enya and Sebastian met, and it progressed along nicely for a few chapters, but Sebastian just lost me after awhile with his constant self doubts and waffling back and forth about his feelings. And she sticks with a guy for eleven years with absolutely no indication of commitment, then falls immediately for another commitment phobe. I'm not a fan of "love solves it all", sometimes you need therapy.
September 29, 2023
Found family win
The best part about this was the look on my husband’s face when I told him that he’s older than the hero in this silver fox romance, lol. Kidding. But he was aghast, and it was hysterical. I’ve been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, and the blurb drew me right in. There’s just something about a man who keeps denying that he’s a good guy when his actions show the exact opposite to be true. I loved watching him step up and be a father to a baby that he knew was not his, and there were plenty of quiet, super swoony moments. Though there were moments when the writing was a little odd, I sincerely enjoyed the first half of this slow-burning romance. It’s got great small town vibes, a definite found family quality, and a “broken” hero who was very compelling. He’s overcome a lot of obstacles in his life, and watching him find his HEA was fulfilling. The back half wasn’t as strong for me because the story just got repetitive, but it was a solid series starter and an engaging read.
The story follows Sebastian (35), a man who found his happy place running a bakery in his hometown. Though everyone in town is well aware of his troubled past, Sebastian finds quiet contentment in the life he leads. When a woman takes a tumble in front of his bakery, Sebastian finds himself strangely compelled towards the sexy stranger… at least until she reveals she’s pregnant. Sebastian does not consider himself to be worthy of love or a family, so he pushes Enya (38) away, never planning to see her again. It’s a shock to them both when Enya shows up months later and Sebastian ends up delivering her baby. Though he knows it’s for the best if he stays away, Sebastian can’t seem to help himself when it comes to Enya or her baby girl. Try as he might to keep his distance, everything about Enya pulls Sebastian closer.
I loved that Enya was already pregnant when she met Sebastian and there was no father in the picture, because it showcased all of the ways Sebastian stepped up for her. He’s constantly telling himself that he’d be no good for either of them in the long run, but everything he does says the opposite. The moments with him being the sweetest, most smitten man were plentiful and very enjoyable. I thought they made a great team. Though there is a lot of potentially triggering content in both characters' storylines, the overall vibes are light. Where this stumbled was the repetitive nature of the story - both characters are feeling the connection early on, so it got old hearing the same old excuses over and over again. There were glimmers of greatness in the story but also many missed opportunities, and I became frustrated with the constant push/pull. These two communicate well about a lot of things, but they also interpreted conversations and actions very differently, which caused some issues. I do think the first half was stronger, and once I started to disconnect from the story, the writing problems started standing out to me - weird comma usage and some seriously strange descriptions. No one should compare slurping soup to anything in a spicy scene. The first half was a solid 4/low 5-star read for me while the second half dragged closer to a 3, but I enjoyed the book quite a bit and I’d definitely check out another. This one likely has the youngest hero of the series, so at least my husband will be feeling better about the next one, lol!
Audio note: Samantha Brentmoor was fantastic, Lance Greenfield was terrible. I’ve enjoyed Brentmoor in the past, and she does an excellent job here as well. Her voice is relaxing to listen to, and she brings plenty of emotion to the performance. I should’ve looked a little more thoroughly at the narrators though, because the moment I heard Greenfield’s voice, I remembered how much I despise his narration style. It gives me the ick, intensely. He’s got a nice voice, but he overacts so much that it’s just all wrong and smarmy, taking me out of the story. I ended up listening to Brentmoor’s chapters and switching to the ebook (borrowed from KU, thankfully) for all of Greenfield’s chapters. So I can’t wholeheartedly recommend the audio, but that’s just my personal reaction to his voice. The runtime is 11-12 hours and the romance is a slow burn (after one initial moment between them), so it served as a relaxing workday listen for the most part.
The best part about this was the look on my husband’s face when I told him that he’s older than the hero in this silver fox romance, lol. Kidding. But he was aghast, and it was hysterical. I’ve been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, and the blurb drew me right in. There’s just something about a man who keeps denying that he’s a good guy when his actions show the exact opposite to be true. I loved watching him step up and be a father to a baby that he knew was not his, and there were plenty of quiet, super swoony moments. Though there were moments when the writing was a little odd, I sincerely enjoyed the first half of this slow-burning romance. It’s got great small town vibes, a definite found family quality, and a “broken” hero who was very compelling. He’s overcome a lot of obstacles in his life, and watching him find his HEA was fulfilling. The back half wasn’t as strong for me because the story just got repetitive, but it was a solid series starter and an engaging read.
The story follows Sebastian (35), a man who found his happy place running a bakery in his hometown. Though everyone in town is well aware of his troubled past, Sebastian finds quiet contentment in the life he leads. When a woman takes a tumble in front of his bakery, Sebastian finds himself strangely compelled towards the sexy stranger… at least until she reveals she’s pregnant. Sebastian does not consider himself to be worthy of love or a family, so he pushes Enya (38) away, never planning to see her again. It’s a shock to them both when Enya shows up months later and Sebastian ends up delivering her baby. Though he knows it’s for the best if he stays away, Sebastian can’t seem to help himself when it comes to Enya or her baby girl. Try as he might to keep his distance, everything about Enya pulls Sebastian closer.
I loved that Enya was already pregnant when she met Sebastian and there was no father in the picture, because it showcased all of the ways Sebastian stepped up for her. He’s constantly telling himself that he’d be no good for either of them in the long run, but everything he does says the opposite. The moments with him being the sweetest, most smitten man were plentiful and very enjoyable. I thought they made a great team. Though there is a lot of potentially triggering content in both characters' storylines, the overall vibes are light. Where this stumbled was the repetitive nature of the story - both characters are feeling the connection early on, so it got old hearing the same old excuses over and over again. There were glimmers of greatness in the story but also many missed opportunities, and I became frustrated with the constant push/pull. These two communicate well about a lot of things, but they also interpreted conversations and actions very differently, which caused some issues. I do think the first half was stronger, and once I started to disconnect from the story, the writing problems started standing out to me - weird comma usage and some seriously strange descriptions. No one should compare slurping soup to anything in a spicy scene. The first half was a solid 4/low 5-star read for me while the second half dragged closer to a 3, but I enjoyed the book quite a bit and I’d definitely check out another. This one likely has the youngest hero of the series, so at least my husband will be feeling better about the next one, lol!
Audio note: Samantha Brentmoor was fantastic, Lance Greenfield was terrible. I’ve enjoyed Brentmoor in the past, and she does an excellent job here as well. Her voice is relaxing to listen to, and she brings plenty of emotion to the performance. I should’ve looked a little more thoroughly at the narrators though, because the moment I heard Greenfield’s voice, I remembered how much I despise his narration style. It gives me the ick, intensely. He’s got a nice voice, but he overacts so much that it’s just all wrong and smarmy, taking me out of the story. I ended up listening to Brentmoor’s chapters and switching to the ebook (borrowed from KU, thankfully) for all of Greenfield’s chapters. So I can’t wholeheartedly recommend the audio, but that’s just my personal reaction to his voice. The runtime is 11-12 hours and the romance is a slow burn (after one initial moment between them), so it served as a relaxing workday listen for the most part.
September 27, 2023
I really like Dunbar's books but this was a slog to get through. It felt repetitive - to the point where it became boring. But then, it picked up in the last 15%. I would have liked to see the action happen earlier and then have that been drawn out to get a bit more suspense and tension. The last 15-20% was the most interesting.
October 1, 2023
For the first 75% of the book, we have the H lamenting constantly about his past and how he couldn’t possibly be good enough for the h. The pulling her in and pushing her away becomes irritating and eye rolling. The mystery, while adding a little bit of intrigue, seemed out of place and added very little to the overall story. All in all, not my favorite LBD book. 3* Sugar* stars!!!!!!
September 14, 2023
Well. Sebastien Sylver swept in here and stole my heart, and I didn't even get any of his lemon bundt cakes. He was so gruff but underneath that was the most caring, loving man who did not think he deserved love and a family. And sweet Enya, who just wanted to love someone and have them love her back. Add in the addition of baby Adara and I was pulling so hard for them! I really had a moment where I wanted to shake Sebastien, but I knew he'd get out of his head and listen to his heart.
We have a huge Sylver family introduced here. I am anxious to read about them.
We have a huge Sylver family introduced here. I am anxious to read about them.
September 9, 2023
This one is so freaking good and I’m head-over-heels in love with it! The meet cute is charming and unique. Enya Calloway falls in the rain outside the Curmudgeon Bakery and Sebastian Sylver steps outside and rescues her. This leads to a lemon baby Bundt cake, her blurting out that she's pregnant, and Enya's walking away.
Months later, Enya is back in Sterling Falls and stops by the bakery for her biggest pregnancy craving, those lemon Bundt cakes. Before she can partake, she goes into labor, and it’s a quick one. So quick, Sebastian ends up delivering baby Adara. The only problem? He's feeling very protective of both his girls and can’t seem to stay away.
Why would he stay away? Sebastian is the town troublemaker who has spent time in jail. Due to his parents' example, he doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t think he'll ever have a family of his own. Because of his past, he believes he's not worthy of Enya and Adara. But his heart has other ideas and when danger comes, he fears his past has caught up with him, putting his girls at risk.
Holy wow, there is so much to love about this one! The small-town setting is warm and inviting, and the secondary characters are vivid and colorful so you either love them or hate them. Sebastian's siblings are all-around amazing and solidly there for each other.
Seeing this big, tough, closed-off guy be vulnerable and show his marshmallow heart is everything. And him with baby Adara? SWOON!! It's humorous, heartfelt, evocative, tender, smexy, and one of my very favorite reads this year. Nail-biting suspense and jaw-dropping twists combined with a beautiful, enchanting, soul-mate romance makes this a masterful, unforgettable read that you absolutely won’t want to miss!
Months later, Enya is back in Sterling Falls and stops by the bakery for her biggest pregnancy craving, those lemon Bundt cakes. Before she can partake, she goes into labor, and it’s a quick one. So quick, Sebastian ends up delivering baby Adara. The only problem? He's feeling very protective of both his girls and can’t seem to stay away.
Why would he stay away? Sebastian is the town troublemaker who has spent time in jail. Due to his parents' example, he doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t think he'll ever have a family of his own. Because of his past, he believes he's not worthy of Enya and Adara. But his heart has other ideas and when danger comes, he fears his past has caught up with him, putting his girls at risk.
Holy wow, there is so much to love about this one! The small-town setting is warm and inviting, and the secondary characters are vivid and colorful so you either love them or hate them. Sebastian's siblings are all-around amazing and solidly there for each other.
Seeing this big, tough, closed-off guy be vulnerable and show his marshmallow heart is everything. And him with baby Adara? SWOON!! It's humorous, heartfelt, evocative, tender, smexy, and one of my very favorite reads this year. Nail-biting suspense and jaw-dropping twists combined with a beautiful, enchanting, soul-mate romance makes this a masterful, unforgettable read that you absolutely won’t want to miss!
November 3, 2024
This book has the most unreal childbirth scene I’ve ever read and that’s all I’m taking away from the experience because everything else is forgettable. The characters are so damn confusing and yet so damn cliche, I was torn between being angry and bored.
Sometimes I’m reading a book and wondering if could possibly be the same author I’ve read before. And that’s happened here. I cannot believe this author wrote this because it’s so different from her past writing in a way that it almost feel like her first book and she has no clue about cohesion or character’s development.
Sometimes I’m reading a book and wondering if could possibly be the same author I’ve read before. And that’s happened here. I cannot believe this author wrote this because it’s so different from her past writing in a way that it almost feel like her first book and she has no clue about cohesion or character’s development.
March 27, 2024
4 Grumpy, Sexy Stars
L.B. Dunbar always hits the mark for me. She has this way of creating situations that flow, have continual interest, and just enough push/pull between the couples to keep me wanting everything promised.
She delivers more than promised and I get the feels I want.
L.B. Dunbar always hits the mark for me. She has this way of creating situations that flow, have continual interest, and just enough push/pull between the couples to keep me wanting everything promised.
She delivers more than promised and I get the feels I want.
April 18, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - strangers to lovers, single mom, insta-lus baker MMC, recovering addict, incarceration, grey theme, suspense, reverse age-gap, no third act breakup, small town, found family, HEA with kids
Bonus chapter - 1
This was a random pick, and I'm so glad I picked it up. The beginning was a little shaky, but eventually the book found its footing, and there was no going back.
Enya and Sebastian met on a rainy day; the sparks were evident. Fast forward, Enya is pregnant and craving a Bundt cake, but the baby decides it's time to come out. Enya has no choice but to deliver the baby at the baker's shop, the guy she kissed on the day she found out about the pregnancy.
Sebastian, was sweet, fucked up and loving. He had so much love within him, but he just didn't consider himself worthy of it. It pained my heart to see him struggle. But I loved how Enya was so positive and reassuring. Every time Sebastian tried to undermine himself, she proved him wrong with her words and actions. SHE WAS A KEEPER!!
There was a lot of push and pull between the MC's throughout the book. Sebastian had his fears and reasoning, but I loved how he eventually came around. He stepped up for a woman and a girl he didn't even know, and that spoke volumes about his personality.
Each sibling from Knox to Clay to Vale was amazing, but my favourite has to be Stone - he was older, mature, and loving. I loved how he always looked after his 6 siblings.
The suspense was so good, predictable, but good. The ending was a whirlwind of emotions - I was scared, happy and angry at the same time.
The epilogue and bonus chapter were so sweet, after everything these two went through, they deserved all the happiness.
This was an excellent book, though I'm still not sure if I will read the whole series.
Highly recommended.
Overall 4/5.
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - strangers to lovers, single mom, insta-lus baker MMC, recovering addict, incarceration, grey theme, suspense, reverse age-gap, no third act breakup, small town, found family, HEA with kids
Bonus chapter - 1
This was a random pick, and I'm so glad I picked it up. The beginning was a little shaky, but eventually the book found its footing, and there was no going back.
Enya and Sebastian met on a rainy day; the sparks were evident. Fast forward, Enya is pregnant and craving a Bundt cake, but the baby decides it's time to come out. Enya has no choice but to deliver the baby at the baker's shop, the guy she kissed on the day she found out about the pregnancy.
Sebastian, was sweet, fucked up and loving. He had so much love within him, but he just didn't consider himself worthy of it. It pained my heart to see him struggle. But I loved how Enya was so positive and reassuring. Every time Sebastian tried to undermine himself, she proved him wrong with her words and actions. SHE WAS A KEEPER!!
There was a lot of push and pull between the MC's throughout the book. Sebastian had his fears and reasoning, but I loved how he eventually came around. He stepped up for a woman and a girl he didn't even know, and that spoke volumes about his personality.
Each sibling from Knox to Clay to Vale was amazing, but my favourite has to be Stone - he was older, mature, and loving. I loved how he always looked after his 6 siblings.
The suspense was so good, predictable, but good. The ending was a whirlwind of emotions - I was scared, happy and angry at the same time.
The epilogue and bonus chapter were so sweet, after everything these two went through, they deserved all the happiness.
This was an excellent book, though I'm still not sure if I will read the whole series.
Highly recommended.
Overall 4/5.
September 21, 2023
4 Stars
2/5 Spice
This book was super cute! From the meet-cute to the baby to the end of the story, this book sucked me right in. I can appreciate a book where the characters are both in their mid-late thirties because it’s easy to relate to. Both Enya and Sebastian aren’t looking for love, yet sometimes it creeps up on you when it’s least expected.
Enya trips in front of Sebastian’s bakery on her way to her car, and he helps her back into the bakery to get dried off. She explains she was out celebrating her pregnancy and just wanted a lemon Bundt cake. There is a sizzle in the air with how strong their instant connection is, and after they chat for a while it’s time for Enya to leave. Before she leaves, they have the most amazing kiss. They go their separate ways yet can’t get each other out of their heads.
Months later, she stops back at the bakery, now 34 weeks pregnant, and is craving a lemon Bundt cake. Well, she never does get that cake because her baby wants to come, NOW. Sebastian steps up and delivers her baby and immediately knows he’s in trouble where the two of them are concerned.
Sebastian had a tough past. He did some things that landed him in jail for several years, and once he got out, he opened his bakery to keep him sane. He doesn’t think he deserves happiness, yet he can’t seem to stay away from the two girls that make him happy, Enya and Adara. He visits her at the hospital, and since Enya delivered her baby early and has high blood pressure, she can’t see her little girl. Sebastian pretends to be the daddy to go in and facetime Enya so she can see Adara.
Things progress quickly when Sebastian suggests Enya stay with him until her house is ready to move into, and when Adara gets out of the NICU, Enya moves into her own house. Sebastian feels like something is missing after Enya moves out, and he knows he’ll never be able to live without her and Adara.
Sebastian thinks he has a lot to prove when it comes to Enya and being worthy of her. He’s told her about his past, and she never judged him. He doesn’t think he deserves the two of them, but he realizes he can't live without them!
2/5 Spice
This book was super cute! From the meet-cute to the baby to the end of the story, this book sucked me right in. I can appreciate a book where the characters are both in their mid-late thirties because it’s easy to relate to. Both Enya and Sebastian aren’t looking for love, yet sometimes it creeps up on you when it’s least expected.
Enya trips in front of Sebastian’s bakery on her way to her car, and he helps her back into the bakery to get dried off. She explains she was out celebrating her pregnancy and just wanted a lemon Bundt cake. There is a sizzle in the air with how strong their instant connection is, and after they chat for a while it’s time for Enya to leave. Before she leaves, they have the most amazing kiss. They go their separate ways yet can’t get each other out of their heads.
Months later, she stops back at the bakery, now 34 weeks pregnant, and is craving a lemon Bundt cake. Well, she never does get that cake because her baby wants to come, NOW. Sebastian steps up and delivers her baby and immediately knows he’s in trouble where the two of them are concerned.
Sebastian had a tough past. He did some things that landed him in jail for several years, and once he got out, he opened his bakery to keep him sane. He doesn’t think he deserves happiness, yet he can’t seem to stay away from the two girls that make him happy, Enya and Adara. He visits her at the hospital, and since Enya delivered her baby early and has high blood pressure, she can’t see her little girl. Sebastian pretends to be the daddy to go in and facetime Enya so she can see Adara.
Things progress quickly when Sebastian suggests Enya stay with him until her house is ready to move into, and when Adara gets out of the NICU, Enya moves into her own house. Sebastian feels like something is missing after Enya moves out, and he knows he’ll never be able to live without her and Adara.
Sebastian thinks he has a lot to prove when it comes to Enya and being worthy of her. He’s told her about his past, and she never judged him. He doesn’t think he deserves the two of them, but he realizes he can't live without them!
October 3, 2023
*****5 Curmudgeon Stars*****
I loved loved this. Only if Enya met Sebastien before she made her dream come true. Sebastian is knowing as the town troublemaker who has spent time in jail but he has come out on the other side a much better man. Enya trips in front of Sebastian’s bakery on her way to her car, and Sebastian helps her and gets her back into the bakery to get dried off. These two how the hit it off but don’t let go any further than that. Fast-forward a few months later Enya 34 weeks pregnant and is craving a lemon Bundt cake and is not sure how she going to be able to look Sebastian in the eye’s but she does know she need that lemon Bundt cake. But nothing every goes down so easily Enya goes into labor and man the rest goes from there. I’m leaving so much out because this such a great read that I want to read. I can’t wait to read more!!
*****ARC from Wordsmith Publicity*****
I loved loved this. Only if Enya met Sebastien before she made her dream come true. Sebastian is knowing as the town troublemaker who has spent time in jail but he has come out on the other side a much better man. Enya trips in front of Sebastian’s bakery on her way to her car, and Sebastian helps her and gets her back into the bakery to get dried off. These two how the hit it off but don’t let go any further than that. Fast-forward a few months later Enya 34 weeks pregnant and is craving a lemon Bundt cake and is not sure how she going to be able to look Sebastian in the eye’s but she does know she need that lemon Bundt cake. But nothing every goes down so easily Enya goes into labor and man the rest goes from there. I’m leaving so much out because this such a great read that I want to read. I can’t wait to read more!!
*****ARC from Wordsmith Publicity*****
October 14, 2023
Enya meets Sebastian at his bakery when she finds out she’s pregnant and comes to get one of his cakes to celebrate. She falls outside during a storm, and he comes to help her up. They share a cake and a scorching kiss, and she leaves. Then several months later she comes back now 34 weeks pregnant and ends up going into labor in the bakery.
Enya has pre-eclampsia so she can’t see the baby once they get to the hospital, so Sebastian pretends to be the baby’s dad so he can video chat with Enya so she can see her baby. She names the baby Adara.
Over the next few weeks, the couple grows closer. Sebastian starts wanting things he thinks he shouldn’t. Enya starts envisioning a future with Sebastian even though he’s said it over and over (and over and over again) that he isn’t family man material. The constant self doubt got a little old.
Some side stuff happens with her house being broken into and money coming up missing from the bakery. Some of it very predictable but all in all a good book. I loved the bonus scene you can download at the end too that’s set 5 years in the future.
Enya has pre-eclampsia so she can’t see the baby once they get to the hospital, so Sebastian pretends to be the baby’s dad so he can video chat with Enya so she can see her baby. She names the baby Adara.
Over the next few weeks, the couple grows closer. Sebastian starts wanting things he thinks he shouldn’t. Enya starts envisioning a future with Sebastian even though he’s said it over and over (and over and over again) that he isn’t family man material. The constant self doubt got a little old.
Some side stuff happens with her house being broken into and money coming up missing from the bakery. Some of it very predictable but all in all a good book. I loved the bonus scene you can download at the end too that’s set 5 years in the future.
June 24, 2024
Great story! I love the meet cute, the friendship, and the instant dad connection Sebastian has with Adara.
Enya is strong, sweet, and sunshiny. Every revelation Sebastian gives, expecting rejection, she takes in & gives acceptance & love. There are some major things in his past, but she sees the man he IS & helps him to see it, too. She helps him heal - and he helps her, as well, by restoring her ability to trust.
Adara plays a part in Sebastian's transformation, or, rather, realization. It's a transformation of how he sees himself. And this also helps with his relationships with his brothers.
Fun, sweet, steamy story with a bit of suspense/mystery thrown in!
😍😍😍
Enya is strong, sweet, and sunshiny. Every revelation Sebastian gives, expecting rejection, she takes in & gives acceptance & love. There are some major things in his past, but she sees the man he IS & helps him to see it, too. She helps him heal - and he helps her, as well, by restoring her ability to trust.
Adara plays a part in Sebastian's transformation, or, rather, realization. It's a transformation of how he sees himself. And this also helps with his relationships with his brothers.
Fun, sweet, steamy story with a bit of suspense/mystery thrown in!
😍😍😍
January 11, 2024
When the 37 year old main mail character acts like a 16 year old , constantly needs reassurances and can't ( through almost the whole book ) take his head out of his ass and do the right thing - It's a real turn off.
The book was too long , too angsty for nothing really .
The book was too long , too angsty for nothing really .
August 1, 2025
DNF - 30%
The writer’s voice is just not for me. I found the dialogue to be clunky and I don’t understand these characters, so hot and cold very surface level and this should be right up my alley. It’s about a bunch of siblings, but it’s not working.
The writer’s voice is just not for me. I found the dialogue to be clunky and I don’t understand these characters, so hot and cold very surface level and this should be right up my alley. It’s about a bunch of siblings, but it’s not working.
April 11, 2024
Sebastian and Enya have two chance meetings. After the first one, they couldn't get the other off their minds. For all of Sebastian's "I'm not gonna be a Daddy" comments, he sure changed his mind once he saw that baby. Without even realizing it, he became hers and Enya's protector. I do agree with some reviewers that is was a bit slow going, I still really enjoyed their story.
Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield did a fantastic job with the characters.
Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield did a fantastic job with the characters.
January 10, 2025
Brb need to go buy a lemon baby bundt cake
November 20, 2025
si me gustó pero la indecisión de sebstian me molestó un poco, lo entiendo pero es que su forma de actuar y lo que pensaba no calzaba 😖
September 29, 2023
Eh
It started out ok, but it got so repetitive with the whoa is me, and 'their my flames' that I seriously hurt my eyes rolling them so much.
The characters are fleshed out enough either. I guess the cover model was our H, but who was the h other than her hair and eye color?
Honestly, it felt like these two were just desperate to latch on to someone. Especially the h, she basically attached herself to him because as she said, he's her hero.
Another reviewer mentioned the word slog as what it felt like to read this, and I agree 100%.
It started out ok, but it got so repetitive with the whoa is me, and 'their my flames' that I seriously hurt my eyes rolling them so much.
The characters are fleshed out enough either. I guess the cover model was our H, but who was the h other than her hair and eye color?
Honestly, it felt like these two were just desperate to latch on to someone. Especially the h, she basically attached herself to him because as she said, he's her hero.
Another reviewer mentioned the word slog as what it felt like to read this, and I agree 100%.
January 13, 2024
5-star review of Sterling Heat by L B Dunbar
If there is one thing I know, it is that L.B. Dunbar never fails to deliver an entertaining story with characters who are engaging and so easy to relate to; probably because her characters are more mature and closer to my age.
From the first to the last chapter, I was captivated by the story she wove about Enya Calloway and Sebastian Sylver. Set in a small town, I was intrigued when I read the blurb for Sterling Heat. When Sebastian delivers Enya’s baby in his bakery, I just knew we were in for an entertaining story.
This is a beautifully written, witty, and emotional at times story that ticked every box for me. Sebastian and Enya have a connection no ne can break and it was obvious that they were meat to be together, if only Enya can convince him that he is what she and her daughter need.
This was an emotional journey that got to me on numerous levels.
If there is one thing I know, it is that L.B. Dunbar never fails to deliver an entertaining story with characters who are engaging and so easy to relate to; probably because her characters are more mature and closer to my age.
From the first to the last chapter, I was captivated by the story she wove about Enya Calloway and Sebastian Sylver. Set in a small town, I was intrigued when I read the blurb for Sterling Heat. When Sebastian delivers Enya’s baby in his bakery, I just knew we were in for an entertaining story.
This is a beautifully written, witty, and emotional at times story that ticked every box for me. Sebastian and Enya have a connection no ne can break and it was obvious that they were meat to be together, if only Enya can convince him that he is what she and her daughter need.
This was an emotional journey that got to me on numerous levels.
December 17, 2023
just okay
I normally really enjoy LB Dunbar’s books and characters, but the heroine and hero annoyed me to no end in this one. The heroine had zero confidence in anything and constantly second guessed everything. Paired with a hero who didn’t think he deserved anything and it was more frustrating than enjoyable.
I normally really enjoy LB Dunbar’s books and characters, but the heroine and hero annoyed me to no end in this one. The heroine had zero confidence in anything and constantly second guessed everything. Paired with a hero who didn’t think he deserved anything and it was more frustrating than enjoyable.
September 22, 2024
This really didn't do it for me. On multiple levels.
September 15, 2023
An accountant enters the bakery and loses her shoe. Thus begins this fairy tale romance with plenty of frustrating angst and a sweet tooth for lemon bundt cakes, baked by lickable as lemon frosting curmudgeon baker - Sebastian Sylver.
Handsome and awesomely delicious, he seriously can bake my cake any time!!.
Smattering of silver on his temples and giant beating heart that is full of saving grace, Dunbar creates the men I want to marry!!
The accountant in question is a soon to be single mom- Enya Colloway, soon Adara joins her and Sebastian heart and arms spread some more to envelope them.
But he's scared.
"Love isn’t shameful.
Love is beautiful and kind.
Love is just . . . love. Unconditional.
Your past. Your present. Your future.”
Enya is there, but seb isn't yet.
He feels hopelessly inadequate and impractical for her, even though his heart just follows in her footsteps.
She's confused by his mixed signals till she needs to step away for her own sanity.
It's. Alot of tug of war of bodies and hearts that goes on with heartache and tears.
"We are so wrong for each other.
She wants a family. I don’t.
She’s perfect. I’m broken."
It takes him a lot of pitfalls, guilt trips and an unfortunate incident to get there in the end.
Dunbar as usual, keeps the readers on their toes and hearts palpitating. I've been enamoured by her words ever since I picked up her first book and binge read all
4.5 stars for personal knight in shining armor
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Handsome and awesomely delicious, he seriously can bake my cake any time!!.
Smattering of silver on his temples and giant beating heart that is full of saving grace, Dunbar creates the men I want to marry!!
The accountant in question is a soon to be single mom- Enya Colloway, soon Adara joins her and Sebastian heart and arms spread some more to envelope them.
But he's scared.
"Love isn’t shameful.
Love is beautiful and kind.
Love is just . . . love. Unconditional.
Your past. Your present. Your future.”
Enya is there, but seb isn't yet.
He feels hopelessly inadequate and impractical for her, even though his heart just follows in her footsteps.
She's confused by his mixed signals till she needs to step away for her own sanity.
It's. Alot of tug of war of bodies and hearts that goes on with heartache and tears.
"We are so wrong for each other.
She wants a family. I don’t.
She’s perfect. I’m broken."
It takes him a lot of pitfalls, guilt trips and an unfortunate incident to get there in the end.
Dunbar as usual, keeps the readers on their toes and hearts palpitating. I've been enamoured by her words ever since I picked up her first book and binge read all
4.5 stars for personal knight in shining armor
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
September 26, 2023
i got a wee bit left but i had to write a review. i did get this through a Goodreads giveaway. it is not realistic ...in that ...well read it ...but sometimes yes an author writes a book ..now that is what it is ...an author's creation and they have every right to do whatever the heck they want ...no complaints there ... but i can imagine that throughout our lives we have wants ... desire that we have always wanted to bring through or make them happen ...so like "kids" so this lady makes it happen ... i mean why not??! i am not saying that it is something that happens to all men or ladies ...what i mean is there are hell of men that get to play throughout their adult lives ...that most (not all) are adults ...but mostly speaking LADIES are the ones in the relationships that are strong ...and have a plan for their lives. the men are the ones who keep on playing ...the grow up physically but they are still just having men adult toys. i wish ladies could keep young ... (a high 4 star rating for me) i wish if anything i could teach ladies to be easier on other ladies ...we are all in different stages in our lives that doesn't mean that what we each are living through, going through needs to be similar or even just alike ...it is not gonna happen ...so why the heck are we looking at others and having judgment?! i am not like this ...why or how?? because the minute i have it ..i stop myself ... she is awesome because ... if i could ask you ... please do that as well. stop yourself always when you begin to say anything unless it is to lift her up, give her encouragement or cheer her on. u see what i mean??! get a clue folks ... come on ... be the one who cheers her on. root for her. you can do it. i enjoy the MEN of L.B.'s writing ... she has a tendency to do men of a certain age ... i RESPECT that ... being that i am 45 myself ... turned that age on May 23rd of this year 2023. so i love that there are authors who realize that folks don't die when they become 45. life doesn't die then. duh! good read. fun character. i wanna know more of these male brothers ...will there be parts (or books) of other siblings (i tell ya i use t think that i knew the English language ...even at 45 i am still learning. i thought this was an es kind of situation. nope. it is just a "s". i am learning. are you???!) or parts of this family?
May 19, 2025
⭐3.75
🌶️ 3
🥵 Spicy chapters: 21, 23, 24, 26, 29, 32, 35
📚 Tropes/Themes: insta lust, protective mmc, not his baby, Baker MMC, he takes care of her, single mom, small town romantic suspense
👀 Dual POV 1st person
🧠 Triggers: drug use, mentions of CA, death
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 Well if I'm being perfectly honest, I found this book a little bit infuriating 🤣. It wasn't...bad.... just IDK.
Like holy mixed signals Batman. I literally cannot keep up. I usually get annoyed when an FMC is constantly putting herself down and saying there's no way he wants me wah wah wah but in this case it's pretty justified. But also, even though it makes sense it's like she just refuses to believe anything, as if its the miscommunication trope but she's it in purpose in her head
It feels very repetitive in the sense that there's not a whole lot of stuff happening but they are constantly revisiting how he doesn't feel he's good enough for her, he doesn't know why she would be interested in him, he doesn't think he's cut out to be a husband or a father even though that's completely changed after meeting Enya. And she's doing the same thing- she is pushing him away because she thinks he doesn't want her and it's just like I wish something would happen lol. I had to start skimming a little bit because of it.
And finally, this is a little thing but I still feel the need to point it out I kept getting annoyed at the term breast pump. Like they would say "I need to breast pump"... It's not called breast pump, it's just pumping LOL
However I don't want this entire review to be negative because I did still enjoy reading it, but mostly the romantic suspense aspect. I did surprisingly guess all of the twists/whodunnit so yay me 🙌🏼. Also I absolutely love that MCs 35+. It's so hard for me to relate to characters that are younger.
And +100 points for using prone when describing someone lying on their stomach and not supine which is what I usually see.
I also enjoyed Sebastian's family, and how they were able to heal from some things during this book. (And Sebastian's character growth)
So like I said I mostly enjoyed it. It's just that I think whatever trope that is where the MCs are convinced the other is not interested or doesn't want them because they're not good enough or there's something wrong with them or they're too damaged is just not my jam.
🌶️ 3
🥵 Spicy chapters: 21, 23, 24, 26, 29, 32, 35
📚 Tropes/Themes: insta lust, protective mmc, not his baby, Baker MMC, he takes care of her, single mom, small town romantic suspense
👀 Dual POV 1st person
🧠 Triggers: drug use, mentions of CA, death
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 Well if I'm being perfectly honest, I found this book a little bit infuriating 🤣. It wasn't...bad.... just IDK.
Like holy mixed signals Batman. I literally cannot keep up. I usually get annoyed when an FMC is constantly putting herself down and saying there's no way he wants me wah wah wah but in this case it's pretty justified. But also, even though it makes sense it's like she just refuses to believe anything, as if its the miscommunication trope but she's it in purpose in her head
It feels very repetitive in the sense that there's not a whole lot of stuff happening but they are constantly revisiting how he doesn't feel he's good enough for her, he doesn't know why she would be interested in him, he doesn't think he's cut out to be a husband or a father even though that's completely changed after meeting Enya. And she's doing the same thing- she is pushing him away because she thinks he doesn't want her and it's just like I wish something would happen lol. I had to start skimming a little bit because of it.
And finally, this is a little thing but I still feel the need to point it out I kept getting annoyed at the term breast pump. Like they would say "I need to breast pump"... It's not called breast pump, it's just pumping LOL
However I don't want this entire review to be negative because I did still enjoy reading it, but mostly the romantic suspense aspect. I did surprisingly guess all of the twists/whodunnit so yay me 🙌🏼. Also I absolutely love that MCs 35+. It's so hard for me to relate to characters that are younger.
And +100 points for using prone when describing someone lying on their stomach and not supine which is what I usually see.
I also enjoyed Sebastian's family, and how they were able to heal from some things during this book. (And Sebastian's character growth)
So like I said I mostly enjoyed it. It's just that I think whatever trope that is where the MCs are convinced the other is not interested or doesn't want them because they're not good enough or there's something wrong with them or they're too damaged is just not my jam.
January 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sterling Heat was like nothing I have ever read before. Starting with a steamy make out session, after a celebratory baby bundt cake. To Enya delivery her baby in Sebastian's bakery. I was in complete disbelief 😂. And I loved every minute of it. Plus both Sebastian and Enya had a story that I was desperate to read about.
Sebastian is everything, his inner monologues has me laughing and sometimes they were sad. Overall he is shaping up to be my favorite sibling. This man was a super freak, and he loved himself some Enya. Plus he felt protective on her and Adara from the beginning, my heart was so full because of it.
"A visceral desire to protect Enya . . .and Adara . . . fills me. No one will ever lay a hand on either of my girls while I’m around."
Enya trusted and felt safe with Sebastian. Something she so desperately needed, plus he was her found family.
Sterling Heat tackled some trough subject matters, and LB Dundar did a beautiful job writing about them, while highlighting the importance of Sebastian's everyday struggles and the fact that Enya made him feel deserving of a second chance.
"Out of her home, Meredith Mulligan, a sixty- nine- year- old woman, sells a variety of adult toys and lingerie." I want to be just like Meredith when I grow up 🤣
A spicy firework watching scene with aftercare. I was a puddle of fangirl tears 😭.
Enya was so fiercely protective of Sebastian and I loved every minute of it. Despite any of her own personal insecurities she never allowed others nor herself to use his past against him. She truly believed that he deserved a second chance. And importantly deserved to be loved .
The plot twist that connected the two MCs had me sitting in my room questioning everything 🥴. I was like "you have got to be kidding me". Didn't see it coming, I was floored, and had to pause to make sure I didn't miss anything. Genius writing.
LB Dunbar has made me realize that I might have out grown the new adult genre. I'm 28, but I feel more connected to the 30+ characters in her books.
"She’s a candle in a dark house. A fire on a cold night. She’s my blazing beacon. And I’m finally where I belong. With her. And Adara. My flames."
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sterling Heat was like nothing I have ever read before. Starting with a steamy make out session, after a celebratory baby bundt cake. To Enya delivery her baby in Sebastian's bakery. I was in complete disbelief 😂. And I loved every minute of it. Plus both Sebastian and Enya had a story that I was desperate to read about.
Sebastian is everything, his inner monologues has me laughing and sometimes they were sad. Overall he is shaping up to be my favorite sibling. This man was a super freak, and he loved himself some Enya. Plus he felt protective on her and Adara from the beginning, my heart was so full because of it.
"A visceral desire to protect Enya . . .and Adara . . . fills me. No one will ever lay a hand on either of my girls while I’m around."
Enya trusted and felt safe with Sebastian. Something she so desperately needed, plus he was her found family.
Sterling Heat tackled some trough subject matters, and LB Dundar did a beautiful job writing about them, while highlighting the importance of Sebastian's everyday struggles and the fact that Enya made him feel deserving of a second chance.
"Out of her home, Meredith Mulligan, a sixty- nine- year- old woman, sells a variety of adult toys and lingerie." I want to be just like Meredith when I grow up 🤣
A spicy firework watching scene with aftercare. I was a puddle of fangirl tears 😭.
Enya was so fiercely protective of Sebastian and I loved every minute of it. Despite any of her own personal insecurities she never allowed others nor herself to use his past against him. She truly believed that he deserved a second chance. And importantly deserved to be loved .
The plot twist that connected the two MCs had me sitting in my room questioning everything 🥴. I was like "you have got to be kidding me". Didn't see it coming, I was floored, and had to pause to make sure I didn't miss anything. Genius writing.
LB Dunbar has made me realize that I might have out grown the new adult genre. I'm 28, but I feel more connected to the 30+ characters in her books.
"She’s a candle in a dark house. A fire on a cold night. She’s my blazing beacon. And I’m finally where I belong. With her. And Adara. My flames."
September 8, 2024
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
Genre & Tropes : small town romance x romance contempo x single mom x baker hero x small suspense plot
Une romance pleine d'angst mais aussi de patisseries délicieuses
Enorme coup de coeur pour leur deux premières rencontres qui étaient parfaites =D (et tellement surréalistes xD)
Comme le précédent tome, au premier abord, ça ressemble à une romance mignonne de petite ville avec un héros boulanger sexy et grognon et une héroïne enceinte puis mère célibataire ... Mais en réalité ça va plus loin !
J'ai beaucoup aimé que les héros soient plus âgés et qu'ils aient un passé complexe et douloureux qui les a marqué (mention spéciale pour la relation Stone / Sebastian, douloureuse et pleine de malentendus) !
Un seul reproche peut-être : trop de sexe >< On aurait pu enlever la moitié des scènes et ça n'aurait rien changé =)
Bref, une romance sexy mais aussi pleine d'angst que j'ai lu avec plaisir ! Je ne sais pas si je lirais le prochain tome parce que je n'ai pas trop aimé Cadence mais je lirais très probablement le tome d'après avec Clay =D
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A romance full of angst but also delicious pastries
Huge crush on their first two meet-cutes which were perfect =D (and so surreal xD)
Like the previous book, at first glance, it seems like a cute small town romance with a sexy and grumpy baker hero and a pregnant heroine and then a single mother ... But in reality it goes further !
I really liked that the heroes were older and that they had a complex and painful past that marked them (special mention for the Stone / Sebastian relationship, painful and full of misunderstandings) !
A single criticism perhaps : too much sex >< We could have removed half of the scenes and it wouldn't have changed anything =)
In short, a sexy romance but also full of angst that I read with pleasure ! I don't know if I would read the next book because I didn't really like Cadence but I would most likely read the following book with Clay =D
Genre & Tropes : small town romance x romance contempo x single mom x baker hero x small suspense plot
Une romance pleine d'angst mais aussi de patisseries délicieuses
Enorme coup de coeur pour leur deux premières rencontres qui étaient parfaites =D (et tellement surréalistes xD)
Comme le précédent tome, au premier abord, ça ressemble à une romance mignonne de petite ville avec un héros boulanger sexy et grognon et une héroïne enceinte puis mère célibataire ... Mais en réalité ça va plus loin !
J'ai beaucoup aimé que les héros soient plus âgés et qu'ils aient un passé complexe et douloureux qui les a marqué (mention spéciale pour la relation Stone / Sebastian, douloureuse et pleine de malentendus) !
Un seul reproche peut-être : trop de sexe >< On aurait pu enlever la moitié des scènes et ça n'aurait rien changé =)
Bref, une romance sexy mais aussi pleine d'angst que j'ai lu avec plaisir ! Je ne sais pas si je lirais le prochain tome parce que je n'ai pas trop aimé Cadence mais je lirais très probablement le tome d'après avec Clay =D
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A romance full of angst but also delicious pastries
Huge crush on their first two meet-cutes which were perfect =D (and so surreal xD)
Like the previous book, at first glance, it seems like a cute small town romance with a sexy and grumpy baker hero and a pregnant heroine and then a single mother ... But in reality it goes further !
I really liked that the heroes were older and that they had a complex and painful past that marked them (special mention for the Stone / Sebastian relationship, painful and full of misunderstandings) !
A single criticism perhaps : too much sex >< We could have removed half of the scenes and it wouldn't have changed anything =)
In short, a sexy romance but also full of angst that I read with pleasure ! I don't know if I would read the next book because I didn't really like Cadence but I would most likely read the following book with Clay =D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews