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Magnolia Falls #1
Loving Romeo
Demi Crawford was Magnolia Falls royalty.
I was the boxer from the wrong side of the tracks.
She was the epitome of everything good, while I was broody and rebellious.
We couldn’t be more different.
Her family was enemy number one which made her guilty by association.
I despised her before I even knew her.
It was easier that way.
But now she’d moved in next door to me, and she was everywhere I turned.
I couldn’t avoid her no matter how hard I tried.
She was beautiful and honest and sweet.
Everything I knew I shouldn’t want.
Shouldn’t need.
They say there’s a fine line between love and hate—and I don’t know when I crossed over.
I was so wrapped up in this girl I couldn’t see straight.
She was the right hook I never saw coming.
Hating her was supposed to be my end game.
Loving her… well, that was just the beginning.
But the secrets that lived between us threatened to tear us apart.
Lucky for her—I was a born fighter.
And she was definitely worth the fight.
I was the boxer from the wrong side of the tracks.
She was the epitome of everything good, while I was broody and rebellious.
We couldn’t be more different.
Her family was enemy number one which made her guilty by association.
I despised her before I even knew her.
It was easier that way.
But now she’d moved in next door to me, and she was everywhere I turned.
I couldn’t avoid her no matter how hard I tried.
She was beautiful and honest and sweet.
Everything I knew I shouldn’t want.
Shouldn’t need.
They say there’s a fine line between love and hate—and I don’t know when I crossed over.
I was so wrapped up in this girl I couldn’t see straight.
She was the right hook I never saw coming.
Hating her was supposed to be my end game.
Loving her… well, that was just the beginning.
But the secrets that lived between us threatened to tear us apart.
Lucky for her—I was a born fighter.
And she was definitely worth the fight.
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2024
7306 people are currently reading
36039 people want to read
About the author
Laura Pavlov
61 books10.9k followersLaura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,554 reviews
April 3, 2024
4 stars
they said that the third time’s a charm. it turned out to be true. i have previously read only a couple of books by Laura Pavlov and to say that i did not enjoy them is an euphemism. for a few years now, she held a special spot on my redhibitory-authors-list. but i wanted to give her one last chance with this one because i have seen one too many raving reviews. I'm pleased that I did it because the author's writing has drastically improved. compared to her previous writing style, the scenes were more throughly described and explored in greater detail. i loved how the protagonists were maculated with complex flaws and how their personalities layered with various colors that played a role in building their epic relationship. even the suspense aspect of the narrative was enhanced by brilliantly woven subplots and endearing side personages.
P.S. : love me a good fighter as a mmc🤭
“he kissed me like I was the air he needed to breathe.
he kissed me like this was forever.”
they said that the third time’s a charm. it turned out to be true. i have previously read only a couple of books by Laura Pavlov and to say that i did not enjoy them is an euphemism. for a few years now, she held a special spot on my redhibitory-authors-list. but i wanted to give her one last chance with this one because i have seen one too many raving reviews. I'm pleased that I did it because the author's writing has drastically improved. compared to her previous writing style, the scenes were more throughly described and explored in greater detail. i loved how the protagonists were maculated with complex flaws and how their personalities layered with various colors that played a role in building their epic relationship. even the suspense aspect of the narrative was enhanced by brilliantly woven subplots and endearing side personages.
P.S. : love me a good fighter as a mmc🤭
”hope was a risky emotion when you were dealing with addiction.”
Read
January 18, 2024Available now!
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https://geni.us/lovingromeo
Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited
https://geni.us/lovingromeo
December 28, 2024
I listened to the entirety of this on audio in one day and I loved it SO MUCH! Laura created the best family/found family moments and I always love the group chats the main characters have with their people. This was no different! It’s hate to love, has all of the fun small town antics, and centers around a boxer hero training for a big fight!
The hero and heroine definitely had a lot of things going on in their lives and I really enjoyed seeing how they grappled with that and how that affected their relationship with each other. I was a bit wary having a heroine who came from money and complained people judged her for it, but the story really delved into how her family had so many problems and she really had to take a step back and look at what her family meant to her. The hero also had to confront things from his past while falling for someone he was so adamant he hated from the start. I was nervous about the 3rd act conflict and it if it was going to lead to a break up, but I was pleasantly surprised with how that played out! And I loved the finally fight and how everything played out in the end.
This had a fantastic cast of characters and I just couldn’t put it down! You HAVE to pick this up when it releases!!!!
The hero and heroine definitely had a lot of things going on in their lives and I really enjoyed seeing how they grappled with that and how that affected their relationship with each other. I was a bit wary having a heroine who came from money and complained people judged her for it, but the story really delved into how her family had so many problems and she really had to take a step back and look at what her family meant to her. The hero also had to confront things from his past while falling for someone he was so adamant he hated from the start. I was nervous about the 3rd act conflict and it if it was going to lead to a break up, but I was pleasantly surprised with how that played out! And I loved the finally fight and how everything played out in the end.
This had a fantastic cast of characters and I just couldn’t put it down! You HAVE to pick this up when it releases!!!!
January 25, 2024
I think the worst thing from this book wasn’t the horrible dialogue, nor was it how Romeo’s friends make their exit by saying "Ride or die. Brothers till the end. Loyalty always. Forever my friend.", it wasn’t even how he had this apparent hate for her that vanished instantly and he suddenly started to think about undressing her 25% through, it was the fact that Demi was called Beans as her nickname. She willingly chose the nickname BEANS for what people should address her as. BEANS
November 5, 2024
It was cute?! I was expecting more of enemies to lovers, but they never really were enemies in the first place tbh. Said I love you by 50% of the book, like?! Where is the tension?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
how tf do I get to magnolia falls RIGHT NOW?
seems like romeo really is ROMEO (but the grumpy enemies to lovers kind) (also, he‘s a big boy boxer) ya, i‘m melting
seems like romeo really is ROMEO (but the grumpy enemies to lovers kind) (also, he‘s a big boy boxer) ya, i‘m melting
January 9, 2024
4.5 stars
Laura Pavlov does small town romance so well. She was a new to me author last year and I’m loving not only catching up on her backlist, but reading her new releases as well. Loving Romeo was a fantastic start to her new ‘Magnolia Falls’ series.
Demi and Romeo’s story is an opposites attract in a way, as Demi is the good girl that comes from the wealthy family in town and Romeo is a boxer who owns the town gym and has a bit of a past. Things aren’t always what they seem, though. Romeo is a truly good guy and Demi is also a good girl, but her family life isn’t all it seems to be.
I love that these two start out with a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe, but then they turn into friends, and then it’s so much more. The romance between them was beautiful and I loved both of the main characters. I absolutely love a good found family book, and Romeo and his band of brothers was one of my favorite parts of this book. I hope they all get books. Every single one.
Some of the drama at the end was a bit predictable for me, but aside from that this book was wonderful. If you love a good sports romance, pick this one up. On a side note, the narration was amazing. 100% recommend this audiobook!
Laura Pavlov does small town romance so well. She was a new to me author last year and I’m loving not only catching up on her backlist, but reading her new releases as well. Loving Romeo was a fantastic start to her new ‘Magnolia Falls’ series.
Demi and Romeo’s story is an opposites attract in a way, as Demi is the good girl that comes from the wealthy family in town and Romeo is a boxer who owns the town gym and has a bit of a past. Things aren’t always what they seem, though. Romeo is a truly good guy and Demi is also a good girl, but her family life isn’t all it seems to be.
I love that these two start out with a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe, but then they turn into friends, and then it’s so much more. The romance between them was beautiful and I loved both of the main characters. I absolutely love a good found family book, and Romeo and his band of brothers was one of my favorite parts of this book. I hope they all get books. Every single one.
Some of the drama at the end was a bit predictable for me, but aside from that this book was wonderful. If you love a good sports romance, pick this one up. On a side note, the narration was amazing. 100% recommend this audiobook!
Audio book source: Book Funnel (arc)
Story Rating:
Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor & Connor Crais
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length:8h 52m
January 6, 2024
♾️⭐
LAURA, how do you do it every single time.. like you are a small town romance GENIUS. I am convinced.
I legit loved this so much. I can't get over it. I'll probably never get over it.
I laughed so freaking hard in this. Like, let me tell you. Laura knows how to get you hooked from book 1 in a new series. I am obsessed with every character that will be in this series and Laura KILLS it with the text message threads (which we all know)
I will also say the plot in this was top tier and there was even a sprinkle of romantic suspense.
Loving Romeo is tied at first place with Before the Sunset for me (from Cottonwood Cove)
I laughed, I blushed, I cried, I kicked my feet. This was EVERYTHING & more!!
✨enemies to lovers
✨small town romance
✨forbidden
✨sports romance
✨a touch of suspense
🌶️🌶️
LAURA, how do you do it every single time.. like you are a small town romance GENIUS. I am convinced.
I legit loved this so much. I can't get over it. I'll probably never get over it.
I laughed so freaking hard in this. Like, let me tell you. Laura knows how to get you hooked from book 1 in a new series. I am obsessed with every character that will be in this series and Laura KILLS it with the text message threads (which we all know)
I will also say the plot in this was top tier and there was even a sprinkle of romantic suspense.
Loving Romeo is tied at first place with Before the Sunset for me (from Cottonwood Cove)
I laughed, I blushed, I cried, I kicked my feet. This was EVERYTHING & more!!
✨enemies to lovers
✨small town romance
✨forbidden
✨sports romance
✨a touch of suspense
🌶️🌶️
Read
January 17, 2024Loving Romeo is Laura Pavlov at her absolute best! Fiery banter, hilarious found family feels, and epic spice. A must-read for small town romance fans!
January 16, 2024
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of this author crying, swooning, and giving a standing ovation all at once. WOW. What an incredible start to what is sure to be an incredible new series.
Laura Pavlov didn’t just show up for this one, she showed OFF in the best way. The tension, the banter, the protective Hero and sassy, independent heroine… it was the perfect cocktail for a knockout small town romance. Add in the fact that she had me glued to the page with the impending MMA fight and the careful, beautiful way with which she handled the topic of addiction, and this book easily soared to my #1 Laura Pavlov read.
It’s poignant. It’s gorgeously written. And only one book in, I am HOOKED on this new series. Five stars!
Laura Pavlov didn’t just show up for this one, she showed OFF in the best way. The tension, the banter, the protective Hero and sassy, independent heroine… it was the perfect cocktail for a knockout small town romance. Add in the fact that she had me glued to the page with the impending MMA fight and the careful, beautiful way with which she handled the topic of addiction, and this book easily soared to my #1 Laura Pavlov read.
It’s poignant. It’s gorgeously written. And only one book in, I am HOOKED on this new series. Five stars!
April 18, 2024
3 🥊☕️🤔⭐️s
The first chapter discouraged me! Having so many characters disoriented me!!!
But I wouldn’t give up! I have read and enjoyed some of the author's other books.
I believe Demi and Romeo’s I-love-yous came up a little early. It was too insta love.
We were told of the brotherhood’s existence of Romeo and his bffs yet I was wondering how it was created and what was the story behind it. The exploration was absent.
The first chapter discouraged me! Having so many characters disoriented me!!!
But I wouldn’t give up! I have read and enjoyed some of the author's other books.
I believe Demi and Romeo’s I-love-yous came up a little early. It was too insta love.
We were told of the brotherhood’s existence of Romeo and his bffs yet I was wondering how it was created and what was the story behind it. The exploration was absent.
January 24, 2024
The writing is so bad. There is absolutely no descriptions, the inner dialogues of the characters and boring and repetetive. Romeo is constantly extpaining himself to people and repeating how he doesnt wanna fight, hes staying focused and all that. I didnt feel connected to them at all. In some scenes there is straight up just dialogue, which i dont like, but again its just my preference. I didnt feel the characters motivation for what they did at all. Demi just cried too much unexpectedly. Romeo was okay, but also boring. Just skipped through the last few chapters just to finish it. After the characters got together, which was too fast with too little interactions for me, we didnt get any cute moments between them but just a sappy chishe dialogue. It was more TELL than SHOW. I also didnt like how almost every chapter starts with a period of a week later or so after the previous chapter. The book just mentiones they spent time together, were now friends and moves on?? Its so fast paced and i dont like that. All in all, boring for me.
February 26, 2024
🧸
❝He thought I was made for him, but he was made for me. Because we fit in a way I never had with anyone else. In a way that made me feel complete.❞
🧸
➵ 3 stars ✮⋆˙
𐙚 ”you drew stars around my scars” <𝟑
🎀lets start off with the plot.🎀
the book follows romeo and demi. he’s a boxer, she’s a coffee shop owner. this book was portrayed as “grumpy x sunshine” and “enemies to lovers”
i assure you it was none of those things, which is probably what pissed me off. he supposedly “hated” her because in the past her family did something to him and he was holding a grudge which like fair enough.but that hate and grumpy-ness lasted 25% of the book and that’s why i was annoyed. but like i was gonna be in a slump, and this was fast paced so it’ll do for now.
💐 a few tropes 💐
➵ grumpy x sunshine (not really)
➵ enemies-to-lovers (again not really)
➵ insta-love + fast paced
➵ “who did this to you” (🙈🙈)
➵ found family
💝the romancee 💝
honestly at the start the romance was giving everything it needed to give. until it wasn’t. I think it literally was the 50% mark where they randomly said “i love you” that i was like wooahhh wtf. and started to lose interest 🙁 bc before that im not kidding you i thought i was gonna give it five stars.anyways excuse the rant
heavy on the insta-love though. he hated her but on page 28 he was already having sexual thoughts about her 😭 they really said straight to the damn point
but if you ignore that then the romance was actually pretty adorable icl. very swoon worthy
😩 And he kissed me like he’d die if he didn’t.
He kissed me like I was the air he needed to breathe.
He kissed me like this was forever. 😩
aw ☹️ romeo i adore you smdemi im out for your man
romeo was so protective of her it literally had me blushing 24/7. anytime someone hurts or disrespects her he’s ready like this: (ง'̀-'́)ง you’ll see in the quotes section
🥊 romeo 🥊
ROMEO OH ROMEO, WHERE ART THOU BC I NEED ONE RN
he is the epitome of “who hurt you? i’ll beat the shit out of them.” DUHH BC HE’S A BOXER. he was giving me deja vu to johnny (from binding 13, if you didn’t know he’s the loml hehe) but like they’re not that similar he was just a nice mix of tough and dominating but a complete softie for his girl.
🫠 ❝ I’d like to take some self-defense lessons. I wanted to see if you had anyone here at the gym who could train me? ❞
❝ Did someone fucking touch you? ❞ The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them, and River raised a brow as he looked at me. 🫠
🥵🥵🥵 i. am. SAT!
omgomg i need someone protective and kind and amazing like him in my life plzplz
although icl i liked him better when he was an asshole. like i either love a really grumpy moody mmc or the biggest sunshine in the world you can’t be playing mix and match. and him being a boxer just made sense for him to be grumpy. BUT HE WASNTTTTT 😓 whyyyyyyy.
🫘 demi 🫘
ok i loved her up until she started telling people to call her beans. 😃 like that was literally her nickname and it made me wanna cry everytime.
❝Thank you. That means a lot to me. And you can call me Beans now.❞ She smirked.
and people actually did it 😭 they called her BEANS throughout the whole book !! the name demi is so pretty why beans!?!? she thought she ATEEEshe did not same thing with one of the side characters, cutler. he kept insisting people call him beefcake. wtf am i missing it makes no sense.
but apart from that she was cute. SHE’S BEEN THROUGH SOME TOUGH SHIT ✋🏼 she’s so strong and she knows how to carry herself so for that i love her 🤭💅
Her gaze bounced between us, and she did that thing I’d noticed her do every time I was around her. She pushed her shoulders back, lifted her chin up, and locked her gaze with his. Almost like she’d practiced standing up for herself so many times and had to consciously remind herself not to back down.
she’s a queen, she’s a boss. slay 💁🏻♀️
🙈 quotes 🙈
honestly I love this part of reviews sm.
➵ He smirked. The cocky bastard. “Go get dressed. We’re not walking out the door with you in only a T-shirt.” 😍
➵ “Get inside. You shouldn’t be out here alone this late.”
“It’s nine o’clock at night, and we’re in Magnolia Falls. Are you serious?” I laughed. He glared. “Just get the hell inside and lock up.” 😳
➵ He twisted Blane’s arm behind his back as he leaned down and whispered something in his ear, and my ex-boyfriend winced. Before I knew it, Scotty and Brayden were helping Blane off the dance floor. When I turned around, Romeo was gone.😋
➵ And I stayed right there. Taking care of my girl like I always did. Like I always would.🥲
🎁lets wrap this up🎁
anywaysss um im still stuck on the rating 3 just feels a bit low. its giving 3-3.5, it was cute and sweet but nothing special. would i recommend this? maybe. I wouldn’t go out of my way to but if someone asks me “hey is this any good?” I would say yes to an extent. very average. if you’ve read up until here honestly idk how but ilysm 💘
happy reading pookies 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ ᰔᩚ
➵ 3 stars ✮⋆˙
𐙚 ”you drew stars around my scars” <𝟑
🎀lets start off with the plot.🎀
the book follows romeo and demi. he’s a boxer, she’s a coffee shop owner. this book was portrayed as “grumpy x sunshine” and “enemies to lovers”
i assure you it was none of those things, which is probably what pissed me off. he supposedly “hated” her because in the past her family did something to him and he was holding a grudge which like fair enough.but that hate and grumpy-ness lasted 25% of the book and that’s why i was annoyed. but like i was gonna be in a slump, and this was fast paced so it’ll do for now.
💐 a few tropes 💐
➵ grumpy x sunshine (not really)
➵ enemies-to-lovers (again not really)
➵ insta-love + fast paced
➵ “who did this to you” (🙈🙈)
➵ found family
💝the romancee 💝
honestly at the start the romance was giving everything it needed to give. until it wasn’t. I think it literally was the 50% mark where they randomly said “i love you” that i was like wooahhh wtf. and started to lose interest 🙁 bc before that im not kidding you i thought i was gonna give it five stars.
heavy on the insta-love though. he hated her but on page 28 he was already having sexual thoughts about her 😭 they really said straight to the damn point
but if you ignore that then the romance was actually pretty adorable icl. very swoon worthy
😩 And he kissed me like he’d die if he didn’t.
He kissed me like I was the air he needed to breathe.
He kissed me like this was forever. 😩
aw ☹️ romeo i adore you sm
romeo was so protective of her it literally had me blushing 24/7. anytime someone hurts or disrespects her he’s ready like this: (ง'̀-'́)ง you’ll see in the quotes section
🥊 romeo 🥊
ROMEO OH ROMEO, WHERE ART THOU BC I NEED ONE RN
he is the epitome of “who hurt you? i’ll beat the shit out of them.” DUHH BC HE’S A BOXER. he was giving me deja vu to johnny (from binding 13, if you didn’t know he’s the loml hehe) but like they’re not that similar he was just a nice mix of tough and dominating but a complete softie for his girl.
🫠 ❝ I’d like to take some self-defense lessons. I wanted to see if you had anyone here at the gym who could train me? ❞
❝ Did someone fucking touch you? ❞ The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them, and River raised a brow as he looked at me. 🫠
🥵🥵🥵 i. am. SAT!
omgomg i need someone protective and kind and amazing like him in my life plzplz
although icl i liked him better when he was an asshole. like i either love a really grumpy moody mmc or the biggest sunshine in the world you can’t be playing mix and match. and him being a boxer just made sense for him to be grumpy. BUT HE WASNTTTTT 😓 whyyyyyyy.
🫘 demi 🫘
ok i loved her up until she started telling people to call her beans. 😃 like that was literally her nickname and it made me wanna cry everytime.
❝Thank you. That means a lot to me. And you can call me Beans now.❞ She smirked.
and people actually did it 😭 they called her BEANS throughout the whole book !! the name demi is so pretty why beans!?!? she thought she ATEEE
but apart from that she was cute. SHE’S BEEN THROUGH SOME TOUGH SHIT ✋🏼 she’s so strong and she knows how to carry herself so for that i love her 🤭💅
Her gaze bounced between us, and she did that thing I’d noticed her do every time I was around her. She pushed her shoulders back, lifted her chin up, and locked her gaze with his. Almost like she’d practiced standing up for herself so many times and had to consciously remind herself not to back down.
she’s a queen, she’s a boss. slay 💁🏻♀️
🙈 quotes 🙈
honestly I love this part of reviews sm.
➵ He smirked. The cocky bastard. “Go get dressed. We’re not walking out the door with you in only a T-shirt.” 😍
➵ “Get inside. You shouldn’t be out here alone this late.”
“It’s nine o’clock at night, and we’re in Magnolia Falls. Are you serious?” I laughed. He glared. “Just get the hell inside and lock up.” 😳
➵ He twisted Blane’s arm behind his back as he leaned down and whispered something in his ear, and my ex-boyfriend winced. Before I knew it, Scotty and Brayden were helping Blane off the dance floor. When I turned around, Romeo was gone.😋
➵ And I stayed right there. Taking care of my girl like I always did. Like I always would.🥲
🎁lets wrap this up🎁
anywaysss um im still stuck on the rating 3 just feels a bit low. its giving 3-3.5, it was cute and sweet but nothing special. would i recommend this? maybe. I wouldn’t go out of my way to but if someone asks me “hey is this any good?” I would say yes to an extent. very average. if you’ve read up until here honestly idk how but ilysm 💘
happy reading pookies 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ ᰔᩚ
January 28, 2024
should not have pushed through 😭 even for a skim. if I hear ride or die, golden boy, beans, or beefcake again I’m gonna lose it
January 25, 2024
….. *eyes blinking*……
DNF
I mean I tried. I really really tried. I swear by all that is holy that I tried.
Page 200. That’s as far as I was able to read.
How the h*ll did this book get such a high rating?! 🤔
It’s corny, cheesy, cliché, boring, predictable, eye rolling, forehead smashing, kill-me-now vibe, bland, meh, blegh…. and to think that all this time I could have been reading any, and I mean, ANY other book!!!!!
What a waste of time and eye muscles workout.
DNF
I mean I tried. I really really tried. I swear by all that is holy that I tried.
Page 200. That’s as far as I was able to read.
How the h*ll did this book get such a high rating?! 🤔
It’s corny, cheesy, cliché, boring, predictable, eye rolling, forehead smashing, kill-me-now vibe, bland, meh, blegh…. and to think that all this time I could have been reading any, and I mean, ANY other book!!!!!
What a waste of time and eye muscles workout.
February 17, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
something with the writing was so off in this. it felt like a high schooler wrote it instead 😬
too instalovey, romeo and his friends were cringe, and the romance was not really giving.
something with the writing was so off in this. it felt like a high schooler wrote it instead 😬
too instalovey, romeo and his friends were cringe, and the romance was not really giving.
February 2, 2024
i was going to give it two stars before i realized i didn’t enjoy a single thing about this book lol
January 23, 2024
Laura Pavlov does it again 👏🏼
—boxer romance
—dislike to love
—small town
—close proximity
—good spice
—HEA
—boxer romance
—dislike to love
—small town
—close proximity
—good spice
—HEA
April 13, 2024
This book and Wild River were legit NONSTOP on my feed and in my email so I decided to forego finishing the Honey Mountain series (for now) and dive in to see what all of the hype was about. I was not disappointed. I really liked the characters in this- I am SUPER pumped to see all of these guys fall and hopefully fall HARD LOL. I liked the "world building." I liked the added elements of substance abuse and the economic differences described in this one. I think Laura did a great job with both of those heavier topics.
Demi Crawford has moved back home to open up a coffee shop in town. She has worked HARD to get where she is. Yes her family is the town's royalty, but she has been very weary of using that to her advantage. Her new neighbor, Romeo only sees her name. He is extremely rude to her the first few times he sees her. Even though she can't deny how gorgeous he is. She continues to focus on her goal of building up her brand and growing her business. One night though trouble strikes, and Romeo is there to help her. She decides to tell him a truth that could hurt her but she needs him to understand where she is coming from. This is the turning point for them both.
Romeo has led a tough life. He has a group of guys that he considers his brothers that he does life with. They have been with him through thick and thin. He now runs a boxing gym in town and has been targeted by the second-place champ to a match. Romeo decides to take him up on it which means he is going to have a few grueling months to get his body in shape. What he doesn't expect is his growing attraction Demi Crawford next door. The same Crawford name that held him back when he was younger. The same Crawford name that has never treated everyone the same. But maybe Demi is different? Maybe he should give her a chance and see how she reacts to what her family did to him? Maybe she will surprise him and show him what it means to be chosen and loved.
I liked the build up between Demi and Romeo. They were borderline enemies to lovers but she didn't really know why LOL. I liked the added element of her brother going through a substance abuse situation and how real that felt. I liked when Demi and Romeo finally admitted their feelings for each other. I actually liked how much Romeo's buddies called him out for NOT admitting his feelings first. I loved the guys banter together- their text message threads were awesome. I also liked the added element of suspense. I am really looking forward to continuing to read these characters and to meet the women who make them fall :)
Demi Crawford has moved back home to open up a coffee shop in town. She has worked HARD to get where she is. Yes her family is the town's royalty, but she has been very weary of using that to her advantage. Her new neighbor, Romeo only sees her name. He is extremely rude to her the first few times he sees her. Even though she can't deny how gorgeous he is. She continues to focus on her goal of building up her brand and growing her business. One night though trouble strikes, and Romeo is there to help her. She decides to tell him a truth that could hurt her but she needs him to understand where she is coming from. This is the turning point for them both.
Romeo has led a tough life. He has a group of guys that he considers his brothers that he does life with. They have been with him through thick and thin. He now runs a boxing gym in town and has been targeted by the second-place champ to a match. Romeo decides to take him up on it which means he is going to have a few grueling months to get his body in shape. What he doesn't expect is his growing attraction Demi Crawford next door. The same Crawford name that held him back when he was younger. The same Crawford name that has never treated everyone the same. But maybe Demi is different? Maybe he should give her a chance and see how she reacts to what her family did to him? Maybe she will surprise him and show him what it means to be chosen and loved.
I liked the build up between Demi and Romeo. They were borderline enemies to lovers but she didn't really know why LOL. I liked the added element of her brother going through a substance abuse situation and how real that felt. I liked when Demi and Romeo finally admitted their feelings for each other. I actually liked how much Romeo's buddies called him out for NOT admitting his feelings first. I loved the guys banter together- their text message threads were awesome. I also liked the added element of suspense. I am really looking forward to continuing to read these characters and to meet the women who make them fall :)
July 19, 2025
What a silly goofy fun time this book was! I fell in love with the Ride or Die boys, especially little Cutler who was so damn adorable! This was all about not being prejudiced and loving someone despite the challenges you face. Also Romeo is hot. K thanks
January 18, 2024
5/5✨️ 2/5🌶
Happy Release Day to Loving Romeo 💕🥊
This is my very first book by Laura, and I knew from the cover that I was already in love. I never wanted to say goodbye, I wanted to stay in Magnolia Falls forever. However, this book was small-town gold—just chef's kiss—but this story was hilarious, passionate and my goodness, the romance. Laura had me panting till these two got together.
When we meet my babies Romeo & Demi, Demi is fresh out of college and back in Magnolia Falls. She opened her very own coffee shop. Demi just wants to be more than her family name, she's trying to really get her business off the ground and be a part of the community. Her neighbor just happens to be Romeo, but Demi quickly discovers that Romeo has a strong animosity towards her, anything connected to the royalty that is her last name. But as Romeo lets down his guard, these two begin to be champions for one another. Yet, friendship will never be enough for these two, as they soon find themselves in a whirlwind romance, akin to twin flames, as the drama and secrets start to unfold.
Romeo Knight certainly lived up to his name, especially when it came to Demi; despite having a difficult upbringing, he has always been defined in this box. I really enjoyed getting past his gruff exterior and discovering his heart. He ticked all my book boyfriend boxes, from how adorable he was, to his motorcycle and protective demeanor. Seeing Romeo experience real love was exhilarating. Demi is a girl after my own heart, and I found her to be such a refreshing character. She undoubtedly takes great care of everyone around her,she's driven by her emotions, generosity, and abiding love. Don't let prejudices fool you—she's a feisty queen. I really admired her growth, courage, and persistence in navigating to her own happiness.
Since The Edens concluded, I've been craving small-town romance, with some suspense as there were times I was biting my nails to find out what would happen next. But the guys, the ride-or-die crew will have you falling in love.
I'll be headed out to Cottonwood Cove soon, until we get River's story.
Thank you to @laurapavlovauthor and @valentine_pr_ for the arc 💕
Happy Release Day to Loving Romeo 💕🥊
This is my very first book by Laura, and I knew from the cover that I was already in love. I never wanted to say goodbye, I wanted to stay in Magnolia Falls forever. However, this book was small-town gold—just chef's kiss—but this story was hilarious, passionate and my goodness, the romance. Laura had me panting till these two got together.
When we meet my babies Romeo & Demi, Demi is fresh out of college and back in Magnolia Falls. She opened her very own coffee shop. Demi just wants to be more than her family name, she's trying to really get her business off the ground and be a part of the community. Her neighbor just happens to be Romeo, but Demi quickly discovers that Romeo has a strong animosity towards her, anything connected to the royalty that is her last name. But as Romeo lets down his guard, these two begin to be champions for one another. Yet, friendship will never be enough for these two, as they soon find themselves in a whirlwind romance, akin to twin flames, as the drama and secrets start to unfold.
Romeo Knight certainly lived up to his name, especially when it came to Demi; despite having a difficult upbringing, he has always been defined in this box. I really enjoyed getting past his gruff exterior and discovering his heart. He ticked all my book boyfriend boxes, from how adorable he was, to his motorcycle and protective demeanor. Seeing Romeo experience real love was exhilarating. Demi is a girl after my own heart, and I found her to be such a refreshing character. She undoubtedly takes great care of everyone around her,she's driven by her emotions, generosity, and abiding love. Don't let prejudices fool you—she's a feisty queen. I really admired her growth, courage, and persistence in navigating to her own happiness.
Since The Edens concluded, I've been craving small-town romance, with some suspense as there were times I was biting my nails to find out what would happen next. But the guys, the ride-or-die crew will have you falling in love.
I'll be headed out to Cottonwood Cove soon, until we get River's story.
Thank you to @laurapavlovauthor and @valentine_pr_ for the arc 💕
January 19, 2024
Loving Romeo is the first book in the Magnolia Falls series, a new small town series by Laura Pavlov! I loved this hate to love, grumpy sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity/neighbors, boxing/sports romance! If you’re a Rocky fan like me (and apparently Laura too), you’ll love all the references and nods!
Demi Crawford is back in Magnolia Falls and opens a coffee shop right next door to the gym Romeo owns. Demi is from the town’s favorite family, they’re super rich and own most of the real estate in town. When not trying to avoid his new neighbor, Romeo is also dodging another boxer in the press who is trying to taunt and bully him into another fight. When Demi’s business gets broken into one night when Romeo is leaving work, he steps in to make sure she’s okay.
I really liked this start to the new series! I loved Romeo’s friend group and their text chat was so much fun sprinkled throughout, I feel like we already get to know them and I can’t wait for their books now. Romeo has a lot of past and feelings toward Demi’s family and he definitely takes that out on her at first. I did like seeing them work through that and fall for one another. The boxing moments were great! When he agrees to get back into training to prep for the match, she offers to start making protein shakes for him. All the Rocky references are so much fun! Just a super solid start to the series, I binged the audio on release day!
Demi Crawford is back in Magnolia Falls and opens a coffee shop right next door to the gym Romeo owns. Demi is from the town’s favorite family, they’re super rich and own most of the real estate in town. When not trying to avoid his new neighbor, Romeo is also dodging another boxer in the press who is trying to taunt and bully him into another fight. When Demi’s business gets broken into one night when Romeo is leaving work, he steps in to make sure she’s okay.
I really liked this start to the new series! I loved Romeo’s friend group and their text chat was so much fun sprinkled throughout, I feel like we already get to know them and I can’t wait for their books now. Romeo has a lot of past and feelings toward Demi’s family and he definitely takes that out on her at first. I did like seeing them work through that and fall for one another. The boxing moments were great! When he agrees to get back into training to prep for the match, she offers to start making protein shakes for him. All the Rocky references are so much fun! Just a super solid start to the series, I binged the audio on release day!
July 23, 2024
Star rating: ★★★☆☆
Spice rating: 2 🥵🔥
It was a okay read. There was nothing special or that stuck out for me in this book but I will say it was a good time for anyone that is looking for a quick, easy small town read❤️
For more bookish content and discussion please follow me on my bookstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lovinmyshelf
Spice rating: 2 🥵🔥
It was a okay read. There was nothing special or that stuck out for me in this book but I will say it was a good time for anyone that is looking for a quick, easy small town read❤️
For more bookish content and discussion please follow me on my bookstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lovinmyshelf
February 2, 2024
… skimmed after the “I love you..”
They’d been talking for what, a week by then??
I was honestly really bored throughout the whole thing. It was a whole lot of NOTHING.
They’d been talking for what, a week by then??
I was honestly really bored throughout the whole thing. It was a whole lot of NOTHING.
May 31, 2024
3.25-3.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
What to expect:
✨Sports romance (boxing)
✨Small town romance
✨Forced proximity
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Dual POV
If you love romance stories I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one! It aired on the side of “hallmark” a bit too much for my taste but it was still an enjoyable read. Might continue the series, TBD!
2.5/5🌶️
What to expect:
✨Sports romance (boxing)
✨Small town romance
✨Forced proximity
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Dual POV
If you love romance stories I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one! It aired on the side of “hallmark” a bit too much for my taste but it was still an enjoyable read. Might continue the series, TBD!
January 21, 2024
I really wanted to like this - I’ve read Laura’s cottonwood cove series and loved it. Not sure what it was, a little bit insta-love-y and the writing was off? It felt like a LOT of dialogue and all the parts where tension could’ve been built felt rushed.
January 16, 2024
I honestly don't know how to rate/review this. Full disclosure: my moods have been odd lately and no books are making me happy. I forced myself to start this and continue to pick it up each day. Forcing rarely results in my enjoying a book. This is almost 350 pages and took me 10 days to finish. I was not excited each day to pick it up. The story isn't bad, the characters are decent enough. I just wasn't feeling it. The start is slow, we are introduced to a new world of characters, places and it's just a lot.
This series is going to be about a group of friends rather than a group of siblings (which is what I have enjoyed from Laura in the past). Romeo is a former MMA fighter who owns a gym in small town Magnolia Falls. He has a bit of a troubled past, He ends up being targeted by a current MMA fighter that wants to fight Romeo. Romeo embarks on this journey of getting fight ready by working out all day long, etc. Across the street, Demi is opening a coffee shop. She comes from a rich family that has wronged Romeo in the past. This sets up the enemies to lovers plotline for the book. There are so many little things that happen in this book that were so dull. There were two things that kept me from not finishing: 1. I wanted to know why Romeo hated Demi's family and 2. I wanted to know the outcome of the MMA fight. #1 was underwhelming. #2 was worth it.
A lot of time was spent with the side characters yet I don't feel like I really know any of them. There is Nash and his son Cutler aka "Beefcake", Kingston, Hayes, and River. As always, Laura really knows how execute amazing text message threads. I really like the camaraderie in this group of friends and I am looking forward to Nash's book because Beefcake is A CHARACTER.
This book had so many moving parts (Demi's addict brother, unsupportive father, ex friend that attacked her, her new business, her grandparents, and then Romeo's upcoming fight, his past troubles, etc). I think I would have liked the book more if it didn't feel so instalove. He hated her and then he didn't. BAM. He matured in an instant after years of holding a grudge. And the reason for the grudge was just stupid. Own personal opinion. The "I love you" came SO QUICKLY that I literally rolled my eyes and turned my kindle off to go to bed. We didn't get romance, tension, or chemistry. We got a silly grudge and then forgiveness followed quickly by love. The plot was predictable too. I feel like they went from enemies and immediately started talking about being together forever. It was gag inducing. I am now starting to talk myself out of the 3 stars I initially gave the book. It's not a BAD book.... just not what I was expecting. I have enjoyed all of Laura's books so far as audiobooks, so maybe I would have liked this one better on audio. I'll try book 2 when it releases and give this series another shot.
This series is going to be about a group of friends rather than a group of siblings (which is what I have enjoyed from Laura in the past). Romeo is a former MMA fighter who owns a gym in small town Magnolia Falls. He has a bit of a troubled past, He ends up being targeted by a current MMA fighter that wants to fight Romeo. Romeo embarks on this journey of getting fight ready by working out all day long, etc. Across the street, Demi is opening a coffee shop. She comes from a rich family that has wronged Romeo in the past. This sets up the enemies to lovers plotline for the book. There are so many little things that happen in this book that were so dull. There were two things that kept me from not finishing: 1. I wanted to know why Romeo hated Demi's family and 2. I wanted to know the outcome of the MMA fight. #1 was underwhelming. #2 was worth it.
A lot of time was spent with the side characters yet I don't feel like I really know any of them. There is Nash and his son Cutler aka "Beefcake", Kingston, Hayes, and River. As always, Laura really knows how execute amazing text message threads. I really like the camaraderie in this group of friends and I am looking forward to Nash's book because Beefcake is A CHARACTER.
This book had so many moving parts (Demi's addict brother, unsupportive father, ex friend that attacked her, her new business, her grandparents, and then Romeo's upcoming fight, his past troubles, etc). I think I would have liked the book more if it didn't feel so instalove. He hated her and then he didn't. BAM. He matured in an instant after years of holding a grudge. And the reason for the grudge was just stupid. Own personal opinion. The "I love you" came SO QUICKLY that I literally rolled my eyes and turned my kindle off to go to bed. We didn't get romance, tension, or chemistry. We got a silly grudge and then forgiveness followed quickly by love. The plot was predictable too. I feel like they went from enemies and immediately started talking about being together forever. It was gag inducing. I am now starting to talk myself out of the 3 stars I initially gave the book. It's not a BAD book.... just not what I was expecting. I have enjoyed all of Laura's books so far as audiobooks, so maybe I would have liked this one better on audio. I'll try book 2 when it releases and give this series another shot.
January 7, 2024
loving romeo ~ arc review 🥊
4.75⭐️
3.5🌶
Honestly, I didn't think I'd enjoy this as much as I did, having not read Lincoln's story (Cottonwood Cove #3), so therefore not having Romeo's background. But I loved this book! The chemistry between Romeo & Demi was instant and so strong. They worked so well together. Her dad was a piece of work. I sympathised with Slade, though. Jack's actions were disgusting. I loved Demi's relationship with her mom and grandparents. Ronny made me sick, and Leo was irritating. The brotherhood between Romeo & the guys was heartwarming to read. Cutler was just the cutest kid. Can't wait for River's story. Thank you to Laura & Valentine PR for the ARC.
4.75⭐️
3.5🌶
Honestly, I didn't think I'd enjoy this as much as I did, having not read Lincoln's story (Cottonwood Cove #3), so therefore not having Romeo's background. But I loved this book! The chemistry between Romeo & Demi was instant and so strong. They worked so well together. Her dad was a piece of work. I sympathised with Slade, though. Jack's actions were disgusting. I loved Demi's relationship with her mom and grandparents. Ronny made me sick, and Leo was irritating. The brotherhood between Romeo & the guys was heartwarming to read. Cutler was just the cutest kid. Can't wait for River's story. Thank you to Laura & Valentine PR for the ARC.
December 6, 2024
“I’m the lucky one. You gave me what I never thought I’d have.” “What’s that?”“The kind of love that lasts forever. The kind of love you can’t live without once you have it.”
I wanted to read this book for a while and now that I've finally read it, I want more! I loved Demi so much, she was kind, selfless and cute and I liked the way she made amends when she got to know how her father wronged Romeo and his friend. Even tough Romeo was an ass in the begging, I still liked him because he was really a good man and he proved that over and over again throughout the entire span of the book. I loved the way Demi & Romeo's relationship progressed and they were so cute together! And the best part about this book was the found family trope, I really loved how Demi instantly became a part of Romeo's friend circle and they way they respect each other's wishes and supported Romeo was very heartwarming! Overall, it was an enjoyable read but nothing remarkable. You'll like it if you are in the mood to read a lighthearted book with a boxer MMC and a soft and cute but strong fmc who takes no bullshit from anyone.
I wanted to read this book for a while and now that I've finally read it, I want more! I loved Demi so much, she was kind, selfless and cute and I liked the way she made amends when she got to know how her father wronged Romeo and his friend. Even tough Romeo was an ass in the begging, I still liked him because he was really a good man and he proved that over and over again throughout the entire span of the book. I loved the way Demi & Romeo's relationship progressed and they were so cute together! And the best part about this book was the found family trope, I really loved how Demi instantly became a part of Romeo's friend circle and they way they respect each other's wishes and supported Romeo was very heartwarming! Overall, it was an enjoyable read but nothing remarkable. You'll like it if you are in the mood to read a lighthearted book with a boxer MMC and a soft and cute but strong fmc who takes no bullshit from anyone.
April 21, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVE. Might be one of my favorite Laura Pavlov books EVER.
♾️/⭐️
Romeo Knight is one of the dreamiest MMCs ever and I will love this book forever. Demi Crawford was so sweet and wouldn’t take crap from anyone for anything.
I loved how their relationship developed in this and I cannot wait for the rest of the series. SO FREAKING GOOD
♾️/⭐️
Romeo Knight is one of the dreamiest MMCs ever and I will love this book forever. Demi Crawford was so sweet and wouldn’t take crap from anyone for anything.
I loved how their relationship developed in this and I cannot wait for the rest of the series. SO FREAKING GOOD
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