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Rose Bend #3
Onvermijdelijke kus
Plan A gaat het niet worden… maar is er ook een plan B?
Leontyne Dennison heeft even geen relatie. Dat vindt ze wel prima, want dan kan ze zich volledig richten op de Kinsale Inn, het familiebedrijf in de Berkshires. Nu ze vrijwilliger is bij het jaarlijkse lentefestival én ze de Inn als trouwlocatie op de kaart wil zetten, verwacht ze zeker meer klandizie te gaan binnenhalen. Daar kan ze geen gesteggel met een vriendje bij gebruiken. Maar dan loopt ze de sexy Owen Strafford tegen het lijf, met wie ze ooit een geweldige nacht had.
Nadat een auto-ongeluk abrupt een einde maakte aan Owens carrière als professioneel footballspeler, is hij in Rose Bend neergestreken om aan de boze buitenwereld te ontsnappen. Toevalligerwijs treft hij daar de vrouw die sinds een bepaalde wilde nacht niet meer uit zijn gedachten is geweest. Hoewel hij uit zelfbescherming in eerste instantie doet alsof hij Leontyne niet herkent, springt de vonk onvermijdelijk weer over. Hij was alleen nooit van plan om in Rose Bend te blijven…
Leontyne Dennison heeft even geen relatie. Dat vindt ze wel prima, want dan kan ze zich volledig richten op de Kinsale Inn, het familiebedrijf in de Berkshires. Nu ze vrijwilliger is bij het jaarlijkse lentefestival én ze de Inn als trouwlocatie op de kaart wil zetten, verwacht ze zeker meer klandizie te gaan binnenhalen. Daar kan ze geen gesteggel met een vriendje bij gebruiken. Maar dan loopt ze de sexy Owen Strafford tegen het lijf, met wie ze ooit een geweldige nacht had.
Nadat een auto-ongeluk abrupt een einde maakte aan Owens carrière als professioneel footballspeler, is hij in Rose Bend neergestreken om aan de boze buitenwereld te ontsnappen. Toevalligerwijs treft hij daar de vrouw die sinds een bepaalde wilde nacht niet meer uit zijn gedachten is geweest. Hoewel hij uit zelfbescherming in eerste instantie doet alsof hij Leontyne niet herkent, springt de vonk onvermijdelijk weer over. Hij was alleen nooit van plan om in Rose Bend te blijven…
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
20 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
170 books2,182 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 31, 2022
4.5 Rose Bend stars!!
As always it feels so good to be back in Rose Bend. I internally squeal when I “see” some of my favorite characters. Gotta love those Dennisons!! Leontyne Dennison is queen!! I absolutely LOVE her character. Her grit, attitude and her passion for the man she loves, Owen Strafford.
This second chance, small town romance is one of my absolute fave series ever! Naima just has a way of writing these type reads. Not to mention the steam! The way she connects her characters mind, body & soul cannot be beat. Leo loved Owen, scars and all. He might have felt unloveable and unattractive due to the scars the he bore on his body and face due to a bad car accident, but true love always sees through and breaks down the walls pain erects to protect.
I’m invested in this beautiful series and I cannot wait for the next installment.
As always it feels so good to be back in Rose Bend. I internally squeal when I “see” some of my favorite characters. Gotta love those Dennisons!! Leontyne Dennison is queen!! I absolutely LOVE her character. Her grit, attitude and her passion for the man she loves, Owen Strafford.
This second chance, small town romance is one of my absolute fave series ever! Naima just has a way of writing these type reads. Not to mention the steam! The way she connects her characters mind, body & soul cannot be beat. Leo loved Owen, scars and all. He might have felt unloveable and unattractive due to the scars the he bore on his body and face due to a bad car accident, but true love always sees through and breaks down the walls pain erects to protect.
I’m invested in this beautiful series and I cannot wait for the next installment.
April 3, 2022
3.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After going through a traumatic experience alone in college and too brittle to share the pain with her friends and family, Leo Dennison strictly follows her own personal rules. Leo always plans, sticks to the plans, and has put all her focus and energy on working to make her family's Inn the new destination for weddings. This doesn't leave room for love but that's too unpredictable for her. When her mother breaks her ankle, Leo is suddenly in charge of getting the new town hermit to guest judge a chili contest.
When Owen opens his front door a crack and sees the year ago one night stand that left without saying goodbye in the morning, he immediately pretends that he doesn't recognize her. He doesn't want to see pity replace the passion that was once in her eyes when she see's how scarred the side of his face is now. Once a Super Bowl winning QB, Owen has been hiding out in his friend's small hometown to get away from the prying eyes of the press and public and the questions of his return to football after a car accident left him with a torn ACL and numerous injuries.
Leo and Owen have plenty of pain but the feelings from their first meeting still strike a chord.
This was her fault for not following the rules. For letting her guard down.
Third in the Rose Bend series, I thought the author did a great job of bringing in new readers while also revisiting past couples. I was new to Rose Bend and instantly felt welcomed in and a part of the world. If you read Jill Shalvis and Lori Foster, you'll definitely want to give Naima Simone a try. There's a wide cast of characters with the Dennison family members, Leo has 6 siblings, giving us good family feels. I would have liked more descriptions of the town, perhaps done in previous books, but I loved the emotional feel, if not the physical, of the setting.
What if Leo Dennison became a hard habit to break?
The first half gives readers more about Leo and her emotional baggage, we don't get the specifically said reason for her pain and anxiety attacks but it's alluded to enough that you'll know before it is revealed around the 80% mark. Since it's alluded to in the first half, I don't consider it a spoiler but I'm going to put it in tags anyway but also want to state it because it's a content warning . The second half gets into Owen's issues with the fallout of the car accident he was in and the emotional pain from his relationship with his parents. The author gives us very full characters and this lead to a more gradual coming together, the back-end of the book flips the whole not in deed but thought and car hoods get disrespected.
“Focus on me, Leo. Focus. You're not alone. Listen to my heartbeat. Feel it. And breathe with me.”
I thought the Spring Honeybee Festival was a cute additive, especially with this book releasing in late March, A+ planning, but we don't actually get too much of it and I was a little disappointed. We get more of the beauty pageant that Leo gets forced into, which works to bring out her anxiety and gives opportunity for her to deal with it but I still missed some festival vibe. I enjoyed the welcoming in feeling of the gradual paced beginning, thought 50-60% dragged a smidgen, and then the latter second half had too much of a jumping from emotional baggage to emotional baggage between Leo and Owen. With the care, thought, and time going into laying out Leo and Owen's characters, I wanted a little more time to sit with them in their healing.
“Let's be fearless together.”
This was a fairly low angst vibe, that small town setting readers will find reading comfort in with it's calm and loving relationships between the romantic lead couple, family, and friendships. There was a scene between Leo and Owen that had Leo on a tree swing and Owen pushing her with them talking that seemed quiet but had that emotion that will have it lingering in my mind, more tree swing scenes! Family and friend secondary characters filled out the world beautifully and I'm definitely going to go back and see how some couple's came together and looking forward to seeing others get their happily ever after. This was a great coming out of winter thaw to the spring transition heat toned story.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After going through a traumatic experience alone in college and too brittle to share the pain with her friends and family, Leo Dennison strictly follows her own personal rules. Leo always plans, sticks to the plans, and has put all her focus and energy on working to make her family's Inn the new destination for weddings. This doesn't leave room for love but that's too unpredictable for her. When her mother breaks her ankle, Leo is suddenly in charge of getting the new town hermit to guest judge a chili contest.
When Owen opens his front door a crack and sees the year ago one night stand that left without saying goodbye in the morning, he immediately pretends that he doesn't recognize her. He doesn't want to see pity replace the passion that was once in her eyes when she see's how scarred the side of his face is now. Once a Super Bowl winning QB, Owen has been hiding out in his friend's small hometown to get away from the prying eyes of the press and public and the questions of his return to football after a car accident left him with a torn ACL and numerous injuries.
Leo and Owen have plenty of pain but the feelings from their first meeting still strike a chord.
This was her fault for not following the rules. For letting her guard down.
Third in the Rose Bend series, I thought the author did a great job of bringing in new readers while also revisiting past couples. I was new to Rose Bend and instantly felt welcomed in and a part of the world. If you read Jill Shalvis and Lori Foster, you'll definitely want to give Naima Simone a try. There's a wide cast of characters with the Dennison family members, Leo has 6 siblings, giving us good family feels. I would have liked more descriptions of the town, perhaps done in previous books, but I loved the emotional feel, if not the physical, of the setting.
What if Leo Dennison became a hard habit to break?
The first half gives readers more about Leo and her emotional baggage, we don't get the specifically said reason for her pain and anxiety attacks but it's alluded to enough that you'll know before it is revealed around the 80% mark. Since it's alluded to in the first half, I don't consider it a spoiler but I'm going to put it in tags anyway but also want to state it because it's a content warning . The second half gets into Owen's issues with the fallout of the car accident he was in and the emotional pain from his relationship with his parents. The author gives us very full characters and this lead to a more gradual coming together, the back-end of the book flips the whole not in deed but thought and car hoods get disrespected.
“Focus on me, Leo. Focus. You're not alone. Listen to my heartbeat. Feel it. And breathe with me.”
I thought the Spring Honeybee Festival was a cute additive, especially with this book releasing in late March, A+ planning, but we don't actually get too much of it and I was a little disappointed. We get more of the beauty pageant that Leo gets forced into, which works to bring out her anxiety and gives opportunity for her to deal with it but I still missed some festival vibe. I enjoyed the welcoming in feeling of the gradual paced beginning, thought 50-60% dragged a smidgen, and then the latter second half had too much of a jumping from emotional baggage to emotional baggage between Leo and Owen. With the care, thought, and time going into laying out Leo and Owen's characters, I wanted a little more time to sit with them in their healing.
“Let's be fearless together.”
This was a fairly low angst vibe, that small town setting readers will find reading comfort in with it's calm and loving relationships between the romantic lead couple, family, and friendships. There was a scene between Leo and Owen that had Leo on a tree swing and Owen pushing her with them talking that seemed quiet but had that emotion that will have it lingering in my mind, more tree swing scenes! Family and friend secondary characters filled out the world beautifully and I'm definitely going to go back and see how some couple's came together and looking forward to seeing others get their happily ever after. This was a great coming out of winter thaw to the spring transition heat toned story.
November 22, 2022
I love reading the Rose Bend series and I was overjoyed winning a copy of With Love From Rose Bend.
I have read Christmas in Rose Bend, and The Road to Rose Bend. Now I have enjoyed reading, With Love From Rose Bend so much, I’m wondering what will the author write about in the next book of the Rose Bend series, or will there be another book in the series? I absolutely hope so. I just love reading about all the characters the author adds, and how two people meet and fall in love.
The Rose Bend series is one of my top series that I absolutely adore. I simply cannot get enough of the Rose Bend series.
I have read Christmas in Rose Bend, and The Road to Rose Bend. Now I have enjoyed reading, With Love From Rose Bend so much, I’m wondering what will the author write about in the next book of the Rose Bend series, or will there be another book in the series? I absolutely hope so. I just love reading about all the characters the author adds, and how two people meet and fall in love.
The Rose Bend series is one of my top series that I absolutely adore. I simply cannot get enough of the Rose Bend series.
February 14, 2023
Review to follow soon.
August 9, 2024
The whole Rose Bend series is cute and comforting. Very romantic and fairytale like. I enjoyed it!
March 13, 2022
*I received a free copy of With Love From Rose Bend. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
As always, taking a trip to Rose Bend was such a pleasure. I love this fictional town so much, and I loved the main characters even more. Especially Leo, who always thought she had to keep people at arm's length, because she really didn't need anyone to look after her. Owen had all but retreated to his house, not seeing anyone after an accident that left his face scarred, and his career in tatters.
Full review to come.
As always, taking a trip to Rose Bend was such a pleasure. I love this fictional town so much, and I loved the main characters even more. Especially Leo, who always thought she had to keep people at arm's length, because she really didn't need anyone to look after her. Owen had all but retreated to his house, not seeing anyone after an accident that left his face scarred, and his career in tatters.
Full review to come.
March 31, 2022
Loved, loved! Rtc
March 22, 2022
Naima Simone has a gift. And that’s creating stories that will stick with you long after you’ve read them. I loved her earlier books as much as I enjoy these new ones.
With love from Rose Bend is the third book in her Dennison family.
Her characters are reliable to a T and their insecurities and vulnerability are always shown throughout the book. But they also grow so much.
Nothing is overdone in this story. Perfect balance of angst, making mistakes and learning from those actions, finding one’s way in life for dreams and daily life mundane scenes, and above all, love. Taking the risk to jump on an opportunity for the well deserved happily ever after.
I loved Leo so much, and, I’m not sure if I would’ve given up on what she had with him, just so he can be happy. That part made me sad but also hopeful because I knew I was reading a romance, so a HEA was to come my way soon.
Always sizzling with great banter, chemistry and love, her stories are a must read for anyone that enjoys romance or not. I recommend it if you want to spend a few wonderful hours lost in a great fictional world.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
4.5 stars
With love from Rose Bend is the third book in her Dennison family.
Her characters are reliable to a T and their insecurities and vulnerability are always shown throughout the book. But they also grow so much.
Nothing is overdone in this story. Perfect balance of angst, making mistakes and learning from those actions, finding one’s way in life for dreams and daily life mundane scenes, and above all, love. Taking the risk to jump on an opportunity for the well deserved happily ever after.
I loved Leo so much, and, I’m not sure if I would’ve given up on what she had with him, just so he can be happy. That part made me sad but also hopeful because I knew I was reading a romance, so a HEA was to come my way soon.
Always sizzling with great banter, chemistry and love, her stories are a must read for anyone that enjoys romance or not. I recommend it if you want to spend a few wonderful hours lost in a great fictional world.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
4.5 stars
February 19, 2022
Naima Simone has us returning to Rose Bend for another epic story.
I couldn't put this addition to the Dennison family story down.
Naima creates such real characters in her stories, that she has you gasping, cheering, crying and laughing along with the book.
Leo has her own definition and rules about how she sees her life laying out in front of her.
Helping her mom after an accident wasn't exactly in those plans, although she jumped into the role of helping out.
But coming face to face with proof that she hasn't always followed her own rules shakes not only her staid, helpful, monotonous existence, it forces her out of her comfort zone and into the path of making the same rule breaking occurrence happen again.
Cole just wants to stay hidden away in what he's basically turned into his own personal Bell Tower, but when fate throws a monkey wrench into his peaceful secluded hideaway, he is thrown off kilter. Seeing the woman who sent him for a loop before his circumstances sent him fumbling truth life is a set back of major proportion.
Looking toward a goal brings him out of hiding and playing the game of his life.
I couldn't put this addition to the Dennison family story down.
Naima creates such real characters in her stories, that she has you gasping, cheering, crying and laughing along with the book.
Leo has her own definition and rules about how she sees her life laying out in front of her.
Helping her mom after an accident wasn't exactly in those plans, although she jumped into the role of helping out.
But coming face to face with proof that she hasn't always followed her own rules shakes not only her staid, helpful, monotonous existence, it forces her out of her comfort zone and into the path of making the same rule breaking occurrence happen again.
Cole just wants to stay hidden away in what he's basically turned into his own personal Bell Tower, but when fate throws a monkey wrench into his peaceful secluded hideaway, he is thrown off kilter. Seeing the woman who sent him for a loop before his circumstances sent him fumbling truth life is a set back of major proportion.
Looking toward a goal brings him out of hiding and playing the game of his life.
April 1, 2022
Unbeknownst to Leontyne Dennison, her mysterious one night stand from a year ago turns out to be the reclusive retired football star, Owen Strafford that’s been staying in Rose Bend while recovering from a tragic accident. We get to revisit the boisterous Dennison clan again as well as meet Owen’s best friend and his wife all while preparing for a small town festival.
While I enjoyed reading the next installment of the Rose Bend series, I feel With Love From Rose Bend needs to come with a trigger warning as the heroine and other characters have emotional trauma from a miscarriage. The author dealt with the situation with a delicate hand and conveyed the emotional aspects extremely well.
I received a free copy of this book via Book sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While I enjoyed reading the next installment of the Rose Bend series, I feel With Love From Rose Bend needs to come with a trigger warning as the heroine and other characters have emotional trauma from a miscarriage. The author dealt with the situation with a delicate hand and conveyed the emotional aspects extremely well.
I received a free copy of this book via Book sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2022
Wow, Leo had a lot on going on under those still waters of hers! Not all of it was bad, but that woman definitely had things locked up tight. Owen’s issues are out there for everyone to know, and that is his biggest problem. But Leo and Owen have a past, one no-one knows about, and they deny it for a while. That heat though, those things that brought them together initially, that is still right there between them. It won’t be denied, and things grow from there. As they spend time together, because they can’t stay apart, they start to see each other through the others’ eyes. They start to heal, and grow, and fall in love. They find that strength that they suppressed, and they draw it out and make it front and centre. Leo and Owen were meant to be, it just took them a little longer to figure out what was so apparent to us all <3
March 9, 2022
With Love from Rose Bend by Naima Simone is the third book in her Rose Bend Series and can be read as a stand-alone book. This steamy, small town, sports romance is an emotional journey that I found delightful.
Leontyne Dennison (Leo) is dedicated to her family’s inn, situated in the quaint small town of Rose Bend. She works hard and keeps to herself and her family. She gave up on love years ago, and now she just wants to help her family. She decides to volunteer for the Rose Bend annual spring festival to boost visibility for the inn, and she needs a celebrity to judge the wildly popular chili contest.
Owen Strafford retired from the NFL after a car accident caused him to stop playing football. His scarring makes him a hermit and the last thing he wants to do is to make a public appearance, even in a small town.
Leo and Owen also have a history. Over a year ago, they had a one-night stand in Boston and Leo can’t believe her bad luck that Owen is now living in her town.
I liked the characters in this story. Leo, has shut herself off, and she’s a bit difficult to get to know, but eventually, we know her story and I felt for her and was rooting for her to find her way. Owen is also a bit deeper than I expected and although broody at the beginning of the story, once he started to move out of his shell, I found him delightful.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a steamy romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Leontyne Dennison (Leo) is dedicated to her family’s inn, situated in the quaint small town of Rose Bend. She works hard and keeps to herself and her family. She gave up on love years ago, and now she just wants to help her family. She decides to volunteer for the Rose Bend annual spring festival to boost visibility for the inn, and she needs a celebrity to judge the wildly popular chili contest.
Owen Strafford retired from the NFL after a car accident caused him to stop playing football. His scarring makes him a hermit and the last thing he wants to do is to make a public appearance, even in a small town.
Leo and Owen also have a history. Over a year ago, they had a one-night stand in Boston and Leo can’t believe her bad luck that Owen is now living in her town.
I liked the characters in this story. Leo, has shut herself off, and she’s a bit difficult to get to know, but eventually, we know her story and I felt for her and was rooting for her to find her way. Owen is also a bit deeper than I expected and although broody at the beginning of the story, once he started to move out of his shell, I found him delightful.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a steamy romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 13, 2022
With Love from Rose Bend was a solid, middle-of-the-road romance read for me. It was a nice, small town romance between Owen and Leontyne. Owen is a retired professional football player who is hiding out in Rose Bend. He retired after a serious car accident left him with facial scarring, and he is afraid to be in the public eye again. Leo's family runs an inn in Rose Bend, and she is sent to recruit Owen to help with a town festival. When she sees Owen, she realizes he is the man with whom she shared one passionate night of anonymous, uncharacteristic-for-her, sex about a year ago! They shared a magical night unlike either of them had ever had, and yet there are (of course) obstacles that keep them from immediately jumping back in where they left off.
This book is rather like a Hallmark movie with open door sex scenes, and there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not my preferred romance style. It's very straight and heteronormative, although there is a same sex couple briefly mentioned (two women in a committed relationship.)
CW for past unplanned pregnancy and miscarriage from multiple characters. Planned pregnancy/miscarriage in another case. These were the most tender, emotional moments to me -- when the impact of those miscarriages was discussed.
I could tell that there were references to events that happened in previous books in the series, even though I have not read those. I do not think it negatively impacted my reading experience to have read this one first.
I received a free ARC of this book from the Bonkers Romance book club. It was delivered via NetGalley. Thank you to Bonkers Romance, NetGalley, and the publisher for the advanced copy.
P.S. I don't think there was anything bonkers about this story.
This book is rather like a Hallmark movie with open door sex scenes, and there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not my preferred romance style. It's very straight and heteronormative, although there is a same sex couple briefly mentioned (two women in a committed relationship.)
CW for past unplanned pregnancy and miscarriage from multiple characters. Planned pregnancy/miscarriage in another case. These were the most tender, emotional moments to me -- when the impact of those miscarriages was discussed.
I could tell that there were references to events that happened in previous books in the series, even though I have not read those. I do not think it negatively impacted my reading experience to have read this one first.
I received a free ARC of this book from the Bonkers Romance book club. It was delivered via NetGalley. Thank you to Bonkers Romance, NetGalley, and the publisher for the advanced copy.
P.S. I don't think there was anything bonkers about this story.
April 3, 2022
As a favor for her injured mother, Leontyne Dennison accepted to ask a celebrity currently living as a recluse in town to be the judge for the chili contest during their annual spring festival.
"The hermit football player turned out to be the unforgettable one-night stand she'd foolishly indulged in a year ago."
Of course, Owen Stafford says no. He's hiding from the consequences of the car accident who put his career on hold indefinitively. Scars that are both physical and emotional.
"Because fascination threatened the isolated construct he'd erected here in Rose Bend. The numb existence he'd carefully built for himself in the past few months, just to survive."
But even if he play the grump at first and pretend not to recognize her, Owen is nice and since he can't really help her that way, he still find a solution to her problem, asking one of his famous coworker/friend to take the judge's spot. There will be other opportunities for Leo and Owen to spend time together anyway.
"I have to wonder, what is a person who needs to be impeccable on the outside trying to keep other people from seeing on the inside?"
It felt good to be back with the Dennison family! They're fast becoming a favorite of mine. Naima Simone knows how to touch the heart of the readers with the heart of her characters. In this book, she touch on the subject of anxiety and also on family's expectations, the ones that are imposed on us and the ones we imposed on ourselves.
Last but not least, I can't help but shout again how beautiful the covers for this series are!!!
"The hermit football player turned out to be the unforgettable one-night stand she'd foolishly indulged in a year ago."
Of course, Owen Stafford says no. He's hiding from the consequences of the car accident who put his career on hold indefinitively. Scars that are both physical and emotional.
"Because fascination threatened the isolated construct he'd erected here in Rose Bend. The numb existence he'd carefully built for himself in the past few months, just to survive."
But even if he play the grump at first and pretend not to recognize her, Owen is nice and since he can't really help her that way, he still find a solution to her problem, asking one of his famous coworker/friend to take the judge's spot. There will be other opportunities for Leo and Owen to spend time together anyway.
"I have to wonder, what is a person who needs to be impeccable on the outside trying to keep other people from seeing on the inside?"
It felt good to be back with the Dennison family! They're fast becoming a favorite of mine. Naima Simone knows how to touch the heart of the readers with the heart of her characters. In this book, she touch on the subject of anxiety and also on family's expectations, the ones that are imposed on us and the ones we imposed on ourselves.
Last but not least, I can't help but shout again how beautiful the covers for this series are!!!
April 20, 2022
My favorite Rose Bend book so far! Leo and Owen are effing everything!!!
February 21, 2022
received from Netgalley
Leonthyda runs the family inn and likes to keep extra busy. Some might call her a bit of a control freak. She pour all of her into the inn and there is not much left for social life.
One year ago she had a one night stand. It was the best night, but she left before she could say goodbye. When her mother hurts her ankle, she takes over some of her responsibilities. One of them is to convince football players to judge the chilly contest at the spring festival.
When she knocked on the door she is very surprised to see her one night stand, who pretends that he does know her. So she does the same. :)
He is not interested in being a part of any town stuff and is quite rude. But convinces his best friend, also a famous player, to do it instead of him.
Leo gets roped into doing the pageant at the festival. The trouble is that she has horrible stage fright. Owen comes to the rescue. His best friend's wife is a former Miss USA and he asks her to coach her.
Owen is an ex-football player, currently retired and hiding from the words in Rose Bend. He had a car accident, that left his face scared and he is too afraid to face people. He is a walking contradiction. On one side he is extremely nice and helpful, on another side he is very rude. :)
Even though the sparks are flying, it takes a lot for them both to get over themselves and find their happily ever after.
My favourite part of the story is Leo. Especially her wicked tongue, I was laughing all throughout the story.
"Dang it, Jenna. I'm sorry. I've looked but I can't seem to find where I left that last fu- "
It's not just a love story, it's about overcoming fears, dealing with trauma and rough childhood.
Leonthyda runs the family inn and likes to keep extra busy. Some might call her a bit of a control freak. She pour all of her into the inn and there is not much left for social life.
One year ago she had a one night stand. It was the best night, but she left before she could say goodbye. When her mother hurts her ankle, she takes over some of her responsibilities. One of them is to convince football players to judge the chilly contest at the spring festival.
When she knocked on the door she is very surprised to see her one night stand, who pretends that he does know her. So she does the same. :)
He is not interested in being a part of any town stuff and is quite rude. But convinces his best friend, also a famous player, to do it instead of him.
Leo gets roped into doing the pageant at the festival. The trouble is that she has horrible stage fright. Owen comes to the rescue. His best friend's wife is a former Miss USA and he asks her to coach her.
Owen is an ex-football player, currently retired and hiding from the words in Rose Bend. He had a car accident, that left his face scared and he is too afraid to face people. He is a walking contradiction. On one side he is extremely nice and helpful, on another side he is very rude. :)
Even though the sparks are flying, it takes a lot for them both to get over themselves and find their happily ever after.
My favourite part of the story is Leo. Especially her wicked tongue, I was laughing all throughout the story.
"Dang it, Jenna. I'm sorry. I've looked but I can't seem to find where I left that last fu- "
It's not just a love story, it's about overcoming fears, dealing with trauma and rough childhood.
February 21, 2022
Oh, Leo and Owen! I loved these two and their friends (and some family) so much! I just wanted to wrap them up in big hugs and shield them from their pain. But, they found ways to be there for each other and themselves, and that’s even better! Another great book in the series!
March 15, 2022
I heard about this book from the Bonkers Romance Podcast and it was described as "the small town romance we all deserve." That is absolutely true! Rose Bend is all of the wonderful things we look for in a small town setting, without the things that we've seen over and over again (and would probably prefer not to see again).
Our heroine, Leo, is a perfect mix of fierce and a vulnerable. Her conflicts and wounds are deeply relatable and it's easy to cheer her on. Owen, the hero, has just enough charm and introspection to make up for his reoccurring foot-in-mouth problem. Alongside a huge list of supporting characters, these two follow a journey of growth, sometimes together and sometimes on their own.
To give you a little insight into how delish this book was, my bookstagram post on the morning I finished reading: "3 hours of sleep, unfolded laundry, dishes in the sink, barely on time for work... and it was worth it! I hung onto every word."
LOVED:
* The Sass - Leo has some sauciness and it's more than endearing
* The Steam - I literally found myself holding my breath through paragraph after paragraph
* The Family - Between Leo's huge family and Owen's friends that were more like family, there were so many beautiful souls to fall in love with (and hope for books about!)
* The Community - It's hard not to address the community when the series is called Rose Bend... Naima Simone lays out such a lovely small town vibe. There are no obnoxious clichés, just wonderful people you meet each step of the way, and you get to know just enough about them to wonder what their story is (or will be!)
* The Suspense - I'm not one to gravitate toward suspense in romance, but Leo's background unravels slowly, and each scene had me wondering "is this when I'll find out her true story?"
QUOTES I LOVED (THERE WERE SO SO MANY, it was hard to choose!)
"As if God hit the half-speed button on some celestial clock, time slowed. Suddenly, every hitch in her breath knocked against her throat like a tiny hammer. Every breeze drifting over the nape of her neck caressed her like a lover's gentle fingers." (Siggghhhh)
"Leo stretched up on her toes, craned her next to the right and left. Giving Jenna an exaggerated wince, she shrugged. "Dang it, Jenna. I'm sorry. I've looked but I can't seem to find where I left that last fu--" (Oh snap!)
"A dark chasm yawned deep inside her, and a flutter of delicate butterfly wings filled it. And underneath? Underneath was a bottomless pool of desire that she could willingly drown in and still never be satisfied." (Gahhhh!!!)
Owen saying "Please, God, let her have this moment, this victory." (Swoooooons all over)
WOULD HAVE LOVED:
There is so much depth to this book... characters, both dipped into and developed. It's hard to think of what more I would have wanted. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the Rose Bend Series to see the other beloved characters from this book.
OVERALL:
I loved. I swooned. I gasped. I giggled. And now I have a new series and new author to add to my favs. Thank you Bonkers Romance and Naima Simone for the Advanced Review Copy. This is my honest review.
Our heroine, Leo, is a perfect mix of fierce and a vulnerable. Her conflicts and wounds are deeply relatable and it's easy to cheer her on. Owen, the hero, has just enough charm and introspection to make up for his reoccurring foot-in-mouth problem. Alongside a huge list of supporting characters, these two follow a journey of growth, sometimes together and sometimes on their own.
To give you a little insight into how delish this book was, my bookstagram post on the morning I finished reading: "3 hours of sleep, unfolded laundry, dishes in the sink, barely on time for work... and it was worth it! I hung onto every word."
LOVED:
* The Sass - Leo has some sauciness and it's more than endearing
* The Steam - I literally found myself holding my breath through paragraph after paragraph
* The Family - Between Leo's huge family and Owen's friends that were more like family, there were so many beautiful souls to fall in love with (and hope for books about!)
* The Community - It's hard not to address the community when the series is called Rose Bend... Naima Simone lays out such a lovely small town vibe. There are no obnoxious clichés, just wonderful people you meet each step of the way, and you get to know just enough about them to wonder what their story is (or will be!)
* The Suspense - I'm not one to gravitate toward suspense in romance, but Leo's background unravels slowly, and each scene had me wondering "is this when I'll find out her true story?"
QUOTES I LOVED (THERE WERE SO SO MANY, it was hard to choose!)
"As if God hit the half-speed button on some celestial clock, time slowed. Suddenly, every hitch in her breath knocked against her throat like a tiny hammer. Every breeze drifting over the nape of her neck caressed her like a lover's gentle fingers." (Siggghhhh)
"Leo stretched up on her toes, craned her next to the right and left. Giving Jenna an exaggerated wince, she shrugged. "Dang it, Jenna. I'm sorry. I've looked but I can't seem to find where I left that last fu--" (Oh snap!)
"A dark chasm yawned deep inside her, and a flutter of delicate butterfly wings filled it. And underneath? Underneath was a bottomless pool of desire that she could willingly drown in and still never be satisfied." (Gahhhh!!!)
Owen saying "Please, God, let her have this moment, this victory." (Swoooooons all over)
WOULD HAVE LOVED:
There is so much depth to this book... characters, both dipped into and developed. It's hard to think of what more I would have wanted. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the Rose Bend Series to see the other beloved characters from this book.
OVERALL:
I loved. I swooned. I gasped. I giggled. And now I have a new series and new author to add to my favs. Thank you Bonkers Romance and Naima Simone for the Advanced Review Copy. This is my honest review.
February 19, 2023
If you like your romances with added spice then this is one for you, it’s not just the chilli competition that’s getting hot let me tell you! In Christmas at Rose Bend we had the mud room scene but I would say that this book is spicier and on more occasions, but if you can be a bit prudish like me don’t let that put you off.
There’s also quite a few emotional moments in this book, first off with Owen coming to terms with the emotional and physical scars left from his recent accident and his childhood to some parts. Leo is also up against it, holding back a secret that she’s held for 8 years while plastering over the cracks to present the perfect and organised front.
The sexual tension between the two of them is off the scales from the very beginning and you can feel it burning through the pages until it reaches its crescendo.
Fire, fear, friendship and a whole lot more come together in this book to create a full on journey that you’ll be wrapped up in
There’s also quite a few emotional moments in this book, first off with Owen coming to terms with the emotional and physical scars left from his recent accident and his childhood to some parts. Leo is also up against it, holding back a secret that she’s held for 8 years while plastering over the cracks to present the perfect and organised front.
The sexual tension between the two of them is off the scales from the very beginning and you can feel it burning through the pages until it reaches its crescendo.
Fire, fear, friendship and a whole lot more come together in this book to create a full on journey that you’ll be wrapped up in
March 30, 2022
When Leontyne invites former pro quarterback Owen to serve as a judge at the upcoming town festival, she's shocked to come face-to-face with the one-night stand she can't forget. In the year since she last saw him, he's suffered a car accident that left him scarred and ended his career. Hiding away from the world, he shuts the door in her face. But Leo is determined. Can she help him learn to live—and love—again?
The author's smooth writing style makes this steamy small-town romance a seamless read. There's tons of sensual tension between Leo and Owen, but their baggage from the past is difficult to escape. Fortunately, their family and friends are there to push them in the right direction. It's a deeply emotional book with poignant moments and a heartwarming HEA.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The author's smooth writing style makes this steamy small-town romance a seamless read. There's tons of sensual tension between Leo and Owen, but their baggage from the past is difficult to escape. Fortunately, their family and friends are there to push them in the right direction. It's a deeply emotional book with poignant moments and a heartwarming HEA.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 25, 2022
If you read my buddy-read review with Julie on Verve Romance, then you already know that I LOVED this book. Seriously, it tore at my heart, and I—a reader who is basically angst-phobic—welcomed each and every moment of pain because it made the ending that much sweeter.
Naima Simone has a gift for making her books come to life. Through her lively descriptions of houses and people and places, Simone makes it impossible not to become wholly immersed in Leo and Owen’s story. Every move they made, every moment they shared, played like a movie inside my head and heart.
One for me, and me alone.
Simone guides her characters toward their well-earned HEA with a balance that allows laughter in the heavier moments and meaning to shine through even when there is banter abounding. Along the way, we get to enjoy one of Rose Bend’s signature festivals, a surprisingly touching and honest scene when you least expect it, and a series of cameos from beloved characters, making it a joy to read.
And speaking of joys, I was overjoyed to discover a Rose Bend novella in the back of WITH LOVE FROM ROSE BEND, and while it’s a quick read, it’s also a damn good one. From their less than auspicious beginning to their excellent grand gesture ending, I loved Korrie and Israel.
Naima Simone has a gift for making her books come to life. Through her lively descriptions of houses and people and places, Simone makes it impossible not to become wholly immersed in Leo and Owen’s story. Every move they made, every moment they shared, played like a movie inside my head and heart.
One for me, and me alone.
Simone guides her characters toward their well-earned HEA with a balance that allows laughter in the heavier moments and meaning to shine through even when there is banter abounding. Along the way, we get to enjoy one of Rose Bend’s signature festivals, a surprisingly touching and honest scene when you least expect it, and a series of cameos from beloved characters, making it a joy to read.
And speaking of joys, I was overjoyed to discover a Rose Bend novella in the back of WITH LOVE FROM ROSE BEND, and while it’s a quick read, it’s also a damn good one. From their less than auspicious beginning to their excellent grand gesture ending, I loved Korrie and Israel.
March 29, 2022
This series keeps getting better and better. I absolutely adored this story. Leo and Owen are going to turn your heart to mush and have you cheering for them both from the first page. The characters are complex, the chemistry sizzles and the emotions tug your heartstrings. It is a sweet and steamy romance that feels angsty and poignant. A perfect combination of charming, realistic, and heartfelt, makes this book a 5+ plus read. This is one story I wanted many epilogues for.
October 5, 2022
*gifted* I think I should have read the other books in the story so that I knew the characters a little more. It took me a good 100 pages to get into it, then I went off a little, then enjoyed it again 🤯
I like the small town vibe and the hints of a spark that both parties are trying to suppress. I didn't like the sport vibes though, I think it was over done a little.
I like the small town vibe and the hints of a spark that both parties are trying to suppress. I didn't like the sport vibes though, I think it was over done a little.
March 15, 2022
A beautiful story of courage and love
Leo and Owen sure have a lot of chemistry, but a lot has changed in the year since their life-changing ONS. Their prickly start in Rose Bend quickly turns into a quiet friendship that gradually turns into so much more. This story is just as much about courage, though, as Leo learns to face her hidden pain while Owen struggles to come out of his self-imposed solitude after a disfiguring accident.
I loved the small town feeling that permeates every relationship, and I enjoyed the way the author contrasted the two families yet showed that anyone can experience self-doubt and painful trauma regardless of how supportive their family is or isn't. As a bit of a side storyline, we get some pertinent backstory on a rather unlikable character from the first book, and I thought that part was exceptionally well done.
Leo and Owen are wonderfully complex, highly relatable characters and it was pure joy to read their journey to their HEA. There's plenty of steam along the way, but not so much that it overshadows the heartfelt emotions at the core of their relationship. It was nice to see the couples from the earlier books and see more of the Dennison family. As a standalone romance or as part of the entire series, this romance is well worth the read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Leo and Owen sure have a lot of chemistry, but a lot has changed in the year since their life-changing ONS. Their prickly start in Rose Bend quickly turns into a quiet friendship that gradually turns into so much more. This story is just as much about courage, though, as Leo learns to face her hidden pain while Owen struggles to come out of his self-imposed solitude after a disfiguring accident.
I loved the small town feeling that permeates every relationship, and I enjoyed the way the author contrasted the two families yet showed that anyone can experience self-doubt and painful trauma regardless of how supportive their family is or isn't. As a bit of a side storyline, we get some pertinent backstory on a rather unlikable character from the first book, and I thought that part was exceptionally well done.
Leo and Owen are wonderfully complex, highly relatable characters and it was pure joy to read their journey to their HEA. There's plenty of steam along the way, but not so much that it overshadows the heartfelt emotions at the core of their relationship. It was nice to see the couples from the earlier books and see more of the Dennison family. As a standalone romance or as part of the entire series, this romance is well worth the read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 24, 2022
Leo and Owen are going to turn your heart to mush and have you swooning. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are complex, the chemistry sizzles and the emotions are lush. It is a sweet and steamy romance that feels angsty and poignant. A perfect combination of charming, realistic and heartfelt, make this a book and a series that simply doesn't disappoint. This is my independent, impartial review.
April 22, 2022
Love the competition between these families and the growing love of these characters
March 29, 2022
I always love revisiting my friends in Rose Bend and this was no exception.
Leontyne (Leo) Dennison is the oldest sister of the Dennison crew and she runs the family inn alongside her mom. She revolves her life around the inn and keeps herself closed off to any close relationships.
Owen Strafford is a NFL player who has become a hermit after a car accident leaves him scarred. He has the option to go back but he hides out at his friend's place in Rose Bend instead.
When Leo and Owen meet in Rose Bend, it's not for the first time. They had a one night stand the year before in Boston. She left without a word because she felt too much for him immediately and he had every intention of chasing her down but then his accident happened and life got in the way.
Even when Owen is rude to Leo at first in order to keep her at arms length, their chemistry is undeniable.
Leo understands him but she refuses to take any shit from him. They push each other out of their comfort zones and are there to catch each other when they stumble a little. When the two of them are together it's like no one else exists. All of the things that plague them fall to the wayside. They heal each other and their journey to find not only each other but rediscover themselves is beautiful.
I also loved seeing Cole, Sydney, Wolf, Nessa, Ivy, Moe, and all the other characters again. My heart is so full whenever I come to Rose Bend. Also, can I just say that I am now here for a Jenna redemption story? I understand her a whole hell of a lot better now and I dare say that I'm actually rooting for her now.
This, along with all the other books in this series, is a must read.
Leontyne (Leo) Dennison is the oldest sister of the Dennison crew and she runs the family inn alongside her mom. She revolves her life around the inn and keeps herself closed off to any close relationships.
Owen Strafford is a NFL player who has become a hermit after a car accident leaves him scarred. He has the option to go back but he hides out at his friend's place in Rose Bend instead.
When Leo and Owen meet in Rose Bend, it's not for the first time. They had a one night stand the year before in Boston. She left without a word because she felt too much for him immediately and he had every intention of chasing her down but then his accident happened and life got in the way.
Even when Owen is rude to Leo at first in order to keep her at arms length, their chemistry is undeniable.
Leo understands him but she refuses to take any shit from him. They push each other out of their comfort zones and are there to catch each other when they stumble a little. When the two of them are together it's like no one else exists. All of the things that plague them fall to the wayside. They heal each other and their journey to find not only each other but rediscover themselves is beautiful.
I also loved seeing Cole, Sydney, Wolf, Nessa, Ivy, Moe, and all the other characters again. My heart is so full whenever I come to Rose Bend. Also, can I just say that I am now here for a Jenna redemption story? I understand her a whole hell of a lot better now and I dare say that I'm actually rooting for her now.
This, along with all the other books in this series, is a must read.
March 13, 2022
Rose Bend continues to enchant the reader in this next book in the series. Heartwarming location, great characters, and a writing style no other than Naima Simone can use to create a story so vivid and unique that you can't stop reading. Her use of metaphors is unique and truly there is no better!
With Love from Rose Bend features Leo and Owen. Leo is one of the Dennison siblings, helping her parents run the inn and generally not making waves, well except for the one night stand a year ago in Boston! And lo and behold, who shows up in Rose Bend to get away from life after an accident that left him scarred? Owen, the one night stand! This is a beautiful love story of two broken people who find healing and love with each other. They are both on a journey to regain their strength and I loved being along for the ride!
With Love from Rose Bend features Leo and Owen. Leo is one of the Dennison siblings, helping her parents run the inn and generally not making waves, well except for the one night stand a year ago in Boston! And lo and behold, who shows up in Rose Bend to get away from life after an accident that left him scarred? Owen, the one night stand! This is a beautiful love story of two broken people who find healing and love with each other. They are both on a journey to regain their strength and I loved being along for the ride!
March 19, 2022
Romance told with heart and humor. With Love From Rose Bend gets right to the heart of the matter. Simone keeps the emotions real with more than a little heartache and a fair share of angst. Leontyne and Owen are a work of art brought to life with a realism that with grab hold of your soul.
March 13, 2022
When Leo is tasked with picking up her injured mom’s duties, she never expected her visit to the hermit’s house to be her one night stand from Boston. Who conveniently acts as if he doesn’t recognize her. Injured pro quarterback, Owen Strafford has holed up in Rose Bend to avoid the press who have hounded him since he was injured in an auto accident.
This story has so many levels of complexity and yet pulls you into the story, waiting for the turning point, when will Owen confess to Leo that he remembers her, when will Leo stop being Ms. Perfect. When will the couple realize they have real feelings for each other and not just pretend feelings conjured up on the spur of the moment to protect Owen from his overbearing father.
This story has so many levels of complexity and yet pulls you into the story, waiting for the turning point, when will Owen confess to Leo that he remembers her, when will Leo stop being Ms. Perfect. When will the couple realize they have real feelings for each other and not just pretend feelings conjured up on the spur of the moment to protect Owen from his overbearing father.
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