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Heart's Cove Hotties #2
Dirty Little Midlife Mess
Laugh-out-loud funny, with cover-to-cover banter and red-hot heat. Dirty Little Midlife Mess is not your typical fake relationship romance. It’s better.
Simone owes handsome, broody Wesley Byron a favor, and he’s calling it in.
He needs a maid.
Yes, like the type that cleans a house. Black and white uniform not included (she asked).
Except on Simone’s first day, she finds herself wrapped up in Wes’s muscular arms as he introduces her to his family using the word “girlfriend” instead of “maid”.
Then he ducks his head and whispers two words against her ear: Play along.
For a woman who dealt with a difficult man for eleven years (and divorced him), those words are like throwing a lit match into a box of fireworks.
She’ll play along. She might even have fun with it.
And when the explosions start, everyone will enjoy the show...
Plucky heroine wants to start over. Brooding grump wants to be left alone. Small town rumor mill starts churning. Hilarity ensues. Heat escalates. Then escalates again. Then escalates again. Kaboom. Who said your forties had to be boring?
Simone owes handsome, broody Wesley Byron a favor, and he’s calling it in.
He needs a maid.
Yes, like the type that cleans a house. Black and white uniform not included (she asked).
Except on Simone’s first day, she finds herself wrapped up in Wes’s muscular arms as he introduces her to his family using the word “girlfriend” instead of “maid”.
Then he ducks his head and whispers two words against her ear: Play along.
For a woman who dealt with a difficult man for eleven years (and divorced him), those words are like throwing a lit match into a box of fireworks.
She’ll play along. She might even have fun with it.
And when the explosions start, everyone will enjoy the show...
Plucky heroine wants to start over. Brooding grump wants to be left alone. Small town rumor mill starts churning. Hilarity ensues. Heat escalates. Then escalates again. Then escalates again. Kaboom. Who said your forties had to be boring?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2021
2245 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Monroe
83 books1,427 followersLilian Monroe lives in a luxurious jungle treehouse surrounded by lush greenery, with an army of scantily-clad men with rippling abdominal muscles ready to attend to her every need.
No, wait. That's not true.
Lilian Monroe spends her days dangling her feet into her pool, while a scantily-clad pool boy with rippling abdominal muscles feeds her chocolate-covered strawberries and massages her back.
Okay, okay. You got me. That's not true, either. Let's try again.
Lilian Monroe lives at home with her two children, three dogs, and twelve chickens. Her husband likes to work shirtless in the back yard. His sweaty, gleaming abdominal muscles ripple with every movement and he—
I'm sorry. I have to stop. Fine, I'll admit it. That one isn't true either.
How about this: Lilian Monroe loves thinking about men with rippling abdominal muscles serving her hand and foot, and she wants you to think about them too! She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things romance.
She loves everything from bad boys to billionaires. Her books are packed with sizzling-hot heat, action, suspense, and everything from second chances to single dads. She hates cheating and loves a good happily ever after (and rippling abs).
No, wait. That's not true.
Lilian Monroe spends her days dangling her feet into her pool, while a scantily-clad pool boy with rippling abdominal muscles feeds her chocolate-covered strawberries and massages her back.
Okay, okay. You got me. That's not true, either. Let's try again.
Lilian Monroe lives at home with her two children, three dogs, and twelve chickens. Her husband likes to work shirtless in the back yard. His sweaty, gleaming abdominal muscles ripple with every movement and he—
I'm sorry. I have to stop. Fine, I'll admit it. That one isn't true either.
How about this: Lilian Monroe loves thinking about men with rippling abdominal muscles serving her hand and foot, and she wants you to think about them too! She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things romance.
She loves everything from bad boys to billionaires. Her books are packed with sizzling-hot heat, action, suspense, and everything from second chances to single dads. She hates cheating and loves a good happily ever after (and rippling abs).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
April 24, 2022
This is the second book in this fun rom-com romance series. Wes asks Simone to be his fake girlfriend while his Uncle is in town. Simone desperately needs the money and agrees to the deal. Can grumpy Wes and outgoing Simone pull this off? This story is full of sass, humor and lovable characters! Simone is so witty, honest and charming. Wes (sugartits) grows on you and you find yourself rooting for him.
September 30, 2022
Another midlife romance! Book 2 of this series is very similar to the first book, but funnier. The heroine is hilarious and had me laughing out loud. The romance drama ups and downs were way too similar to the first book so that was a bit of a formulaic let down, but still a fun distraction read when your mind is too occupied with life stuff but you still want to read something effortless and distracting.
August 24, 2021
What an entertaining and cheeky romance Dirty, Little Midlife Mess turned out to be. Simone and Wes meet in the first book in this series and by the end of it; we know that Simone convinced Wes to lease them the diner that his late parents use to run for their coffee shop. It’s obvious that Simone is worried about the favor she owes him, so she’s surprised when he tells her he needs her to be his housekeeper when his uncle Sean and his uncle’s girlfriend come to visit. However, that plan goes out the window when Sean arrives with Wes’s former fiancée Aliana in tow as his girlfriend and in a panic he introduces Simone as his girlfriend. I’m not a huge fan of fake relationship stories, but this one was different. There was something in the way that Simone just went with it, the way she helped keep Wes calm, and the way she held her own against his snobby uncle Sean and his calculating ex.
Both Simone and Wes have been burned by partners in the past and they have both struggled in their careers and while they can both sympathize with each other, they tended to wallow in the past and spent a great deal of time worrying about the past instead of living in the here and now and looking to the future. It got old pretty fast and I found myself skimming the sections when they’d start once again going down memory lane. I needed more time with them learning about each other which could have prevented the misunderstandings that drove them apart. I needed more closure between Wes and Sean and Aliana, that seemed unfinished to me and actually dove me a bit nuts.
When they were together, it was a mixture of laughter, sweetness, good natured teasing, and as comfortable as a worn sweater. There was heat too, but it was the feeling of being able to just be their true self with one another that made them fall.
What was hard to ignore was the town of Heart’s Cove, its wacky residents and Simone’s wonderful group of friends; Fiona, Candice, and Jen. The bond between these women and the strength and love they have for each other is what truly makes these books special.
Down but not out, Wes and Simone prove that there is life and love after 40. If you enjoy being immersed in small town romance and crave characters that are more seasoned, then look no further than Dirty, Little Midlife Mess.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Both Simone and Wes have been burned by partners in the past and they have both struggled in their careers and while they can both sympathize with each other, they tended to wallow in the past and spent a great deal of time worrying about the past instead of living in the here and now and looking to the future. It got old pretty fast and I found myself skimming the sections when they’d start once again going down memory lane. I needed more time with them learning about each other which could have prevented the misunderstandings that drove them apart. I needed more closure between Wes and Sean and Aliana, that seemed unfinished to me and actually dove me a bit nuts.
When they were together, it was a mixture of laughter, sweetness, good natured teasing, and as comfortable as a worn sweater. There was heat too, but it was the feeling of being able to just be their true self with one another that made them fall.
What was hard to ignore was the town of Heart’s Cove, its wacky residents and Simone’s wonderful group of friends; Fiona, Candice, and Jen. The bond between these women and the strength and love they have for each other is what truly makes these books special.
Down but not out, Wes and Simone prove that there is life and love after 40. If you enjoy being immersed in small town romance and crave characters that are more seasoned, then look no further than Dirty, Little Midlife Mess.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 11, 2022
Well, this installment drops the reader right back into the small town, among familiar characters that I fell in love with in book 1. It also manages to be super juicy in the drama department, with snooty / competing family members and exes … if you enjoy a scandal, read this!
I looove the FMC in this one, she’s a self-employed copy-writer who takes a lot of pride in her work, and wants to earn her own way, very relatable to me personally, so added an extra bit of fun.
This is a great example of the ‘hurt people hurt people’ thing as well, as the absolute sweetest MMC turns into an absolute beast before the reader’s eyes, but thanks to Monroe’s excellent character development, it’s obvious that it’s just a trauma response. This was actually very well done.
I’m only 2 books into this series and I would absolutely move there right now, if I could. Cannot wait till my library picks up more. :)
4 stars
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
*Thank you so much to the author for distributing this edition wide, and my local library for carrying it!
Audio -
Excellent performance—4-stars on this front.
Some of the hot tropes this brilliantly hits:
Small town, series surrounding a group of friends, billionaires, second-chance, later-in-life / mid-life / (FMC is over 40),
I looove the FMC in this one, she’s a self-employed copy-writer who takes a lot of pride in her work, and wants to earn her own way, very relatable to me personally, so added an extra bit of fun.
This is a great example of the ‘hurt people hurt people’ thing as well, as the absolute sweetest MMC turns into an absolute beast before the reader’s eyes, but thanks to Monroe’s excellent character development, it’s obvious that it’s just a trauma response. This was actually very well done.
I’m only 2 books into this series and I would absolutely move there right now, if I could. Cannot wait till my library picks up more. :)
4 stars
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
*Thank you so much to the author for distributing this edition wide, and my local library for carrying it!
Audio -
Excellent performance—4-stars on this front.
Some of the hot tropes this brilliantly hits:
Small town, series surrounding a group of friends, billionaires, second-chance, later-in-life / mid-life / (FMC is over 40),
May 8, 2022
This is Simone's story and I enjoyed every minute. Simone and Wes have some great snarky dialogue that often made me laugh. It was good to see Fiona, Candice and Jen again and revisit Heart's Cove. Romance, interesting characters and the usual dark moment for the couple made this another entertaining read.
June 9, 2022
Grumpy/sunshine fake relationship troupe
Poor wee wes I did really enjoy his character and Simone is such a great friend.
4 star listen
Smut - 2/5
Hea
Pretty adorable listen
Poor wee wes I did really enjoy his character and Simone is such a great friend.
4 star listen
Smut - 2/5
Hea
Pretty adorable listen
May 24, 2023
I'm sensing a pattern in this series, although this was just the second book. The MMCs have issues that'll eventually backfire at the 85% of the book. They were too proud and stubborn to apologize even though they knew they made a mistake. What's worse is that their apologies aren't enough to make up for the pain and hurtful things that they have said.
Story wise this isn't something I haven't read before. There's Wesley who had an inheritance that he'll only be able to access once he gets married. But he wasn't really interested in that, he already accepted that he'll grow old alone. But he has an uncle who wants to have that money. To make matters worse, his uncle was also in a relationship with his gold digging ex-fiancee. Wesley's aware that his Uncle will visit and stay with him for a few weeks with his girlfriend, but he didn't know that it would be his ex. And this is where the fake dating charade with Simone began.
I never liked OW and OM drama. They pissed me so much and I didn't know this book had that. At least 30-40% of the book the OW was present and kept sending barb to Simone. She even touches Wesley here and there like she has the right to do so. What annoyed me the most was reading Wes' POV and seeing how much she still affects him even after 6 years they've broken up. I know that they're faking their relationship but I don't need the MMC saying stuff that makes him still pining for the OW.
Here's some of his inner thoughts about the OW:
Aside from the OW drama there's also OM drama. Simone's ex-husband only showed up in one chapter and said a few words. But those words were enough driving factor to touch all the fears and insecurities of Wesley that had him lashing out at Simone. I really hate what he said to her and all the assumptions he made about her intentions.
Then after a month (same separation time in the first book, see? pattern) he finally realized he made a mistake and apologized to her. I'm so proud of Simone for not giving in immediately. After his apology, another week has passed, he didn't reach out anymore to her. I don't know about the other readers, but I would like for the MMC to grovel more and not just give up easily even though the FMC said something to push him away.
So apparently before they broke up he was working on this project, an office actually. Because Simone was only working in a coffee shop Wesley wanted to surprise her with the office he renovated. But then, since Simone didn't accept his apology and he decided to finally give up. He just gave the office keys to Candice (side character and Simone's friend) and told her to use the office instead along with the owners of the coffee shop (Simone was part owner). Candice figured out that the office was supposed to be for Simone and not for all of them, and she showed it to her. After seeing the office, she finally broke down and went to Wesley to talk things out.
Personally, the office was a good touch. But I would've wanted more effort from Wes to show how much he was sorry for what he did. I'm not saying the office wasn't a good effort, it's just that it wasn't enough for me that after one apology he stopped and gave up so quickly because Simone said she couldn't do it with him.
Overall, this was a short and fast-paced read. I didn't like the OW/OM drama and third breakup act. Don't know what happened to the uncle and girlfriend too. It has an epilogue but like weeks after only and the story ended in a HFN status. I'm not sure I like this book BUT I definitely loooved the heroine.
Story wise this isn't something I haven't read before. There's Wesley who had an inheritance that he'll only be able to access once he gets married. But he wasn't really interested in that, he already accepted that he'll grow old alone. But he has an uncle who wants to have that money. To make matters worse, his uncle was also in a relationship with his gold digging ex-fiancee. Wesley's aware that his Uncle will visit and stay with him for a few weeks with his girlfriend, but he didn't know that it would be his ex. And this is where the fake dating charade with Simone began.
I never liked OW and OM drama. They pissed me so much and I didn't know this book had that. At least 30-40% of the book the OW was present and kept sending barb to Simone. She even touches Wesley here and there like she has the right to do so. What annoyed me the most was reading Wes' POV and seeing how much she still affects him even after 6 years they've broken up. I know that they're faking their relationship but I don't need the MMC saying stuff that makes him still pining for the OW.
Here's some of his inner thoughts about the OW:
She’s changed out of her skin-tight yellow dress and sky-high heels into a sort of gauzy, easy ensemble that’s loose-fitting and somehow refined and sexy at the same time.
Alina nods to the bottle of wine on the counter, and I find myself pouring her a glass. Damn it. I’m not sure it’s me playing the host or some holdover of another life when I was happy to serve her in whatever way she pleased.
When her fingers brush my palm, an electric jolt zips across my skin, like an elastic band snapping. Unpleasant.
I can feel her charm weaving around me like a drug. I want to forgive her. I want to walk toward her and let her put her arms around my neck. She’s the kind of woman who makes you forget yourself in an instant.
My uncle and my ex-fiancée, happy together. I want to be sick.
When I put my arm around Simone, it was because I saw Alina and I didn’t want to be the loser who ended up alone. It was my dumb, misplaced pride.
Her eyes are wide, worried. The weak part of me likes that she cares.
Aside from the OW drama there's also OM drama. Simone's ex-husband only showed up in one chapter and said a few words. But those words were enough driving factor to touch all the fears and insecurities of Wesley that had him lashing out at Simone. I really hate what he said to her and all the assumptions he made about her intentions.
Then after a month (same separation time in the first book, see? pattern) he finally realized he made a mistake and apologized to her. I'm so proud of Simone for not giving in immediately. After his apology, another week has passed, he didn't reach out anymore to her. I don't know about the other readers, but I would like for the MMC to grovel more and not just give up easily even though the FMC said something to push him away.
So apparently before they broke up he was working on this project, an office actually. Because Simone was only working in a coffee shop Wesley wanted to surprise her with the office he renovated. But then, since Simone didn't accept his apology and he decided to finally give up. He just gave the office keys to Candice (side character and Simone's friend) and told her to use the office instead along with the owners of the coffee shop (Simone was part owner). Candice figured out that the office was supposed to be for Simone and not for all of them, and she showed it to her. After seeing the office, she finally broke down and went to Wesley to talk things out.
Personally, the office was a good touch. But I would've wanted more effort from Wes to show how much he was sorry for what he did. I'm not saying the office wasn't a good effort, it's just that it wasn't enough for me that after one apology he stopped and gave up so quickly because Simone said she couldn't do it with him.
Overall, this was a short and fast-paced read. I didn't like the OW/OM drama and third breakup act. Don't know what happened to the uncle and girlfriend too. It has an epilogue but like weeks after only and the story ended in a HFN status. I'm not sure I like this book BUT I definitely loooved the heroine.
August 18, 2021
end of the road.
I really enjoyed the characters in this series.
However I cannot continue to read these books because the amount of overly detailed inner dialogues and dialogue between characters making these books painful to read.
I really enjoyed the characters in this series.
However I cannot continue to read these books because the amount of overly detailed inner dialogues and dialogue between characters making these books painful to read.
September 3, 2025
Simone si è trasferita ad Heart's Cove insieme alla sua amica Fiona dopo una vacanza. Insieme hanno rilevato il caffè della città e Simone cerca di far quadrare i conti anche con la sua attività freelance di marketing.
Il precedente locale però era stato dichiarato inagibile e Simone si era rivolta Wesley. I suoi genitori gestivano il caffè ma il locale è rimasto chiuso dalla loro morte. Wes accetta di affittare il posto in cambio di un favore di Simone. Suo zio e la sua fidanzata stanno per arrivare in città e Wes è intenzionato a dare un'idea di agiatezza e quindi assume Simone come sua domestica per 1 settimana.
Peccato che la fidanzata è Alina, sua ex e quindi Wes preso alla sprovvista dichiara che Simone è la sua compagna.
Lo zio ha delle mire sull'eredità di Wes, visto che i genitori hanno vincolato tutto in un fondo che si sbloccherà col matrimonio del figlio, altrimenti verrà smembrata e una parte andrà in beneficienza.
Wes non pensa di sposarsi perchè non pensa di meritare quei soldi: pensa di aver mentito ai genitori che non sapevano che la sua azienda era fallita ed era sommerso dai debiti.
La farsa tra i due si prolunga e tra di loro nascono sentimenti profondi, ma i fantasmi del passato sono in agguato.
Secondo volume di questa serie che mi piace per la diversità dei protagonisti. Basta con ragazzini alle prese con i primi amori o miliardari di successo. Qui abbiamo persone che hanno superato i 40 anni, spesso hanno un divorzio alle spalle, o hanno perso il compagno o si ritrovano a crescere figli adolescenti.
Alina ha lasciato una cicatrice molto profonda in Wes e infatti si comporta molto male con Simone. E' insicuro per quello che gli è successo in passato e purtroppo è facilmente condizionabile.
Simone è un bel personaggio: ottima amica, confidente e persona su cui si può contare.
Anche lei ha le sue insicurezze dopo un matrimonio fallito eppure si mette ancora in gioco.
Avrei fatto penare Wes molto di più, le sue parole e il suo voltafaccia sono molto pesanti.
Questa è una serie corale, infatti vediamo l'evoluzione del rapporto di Fiona e Grant, protagonisti del primo volume e iniziamo a conoscere quelli dei successivi.
Il precedente locale però era stato dichiarato inagibile e Simone si era rivolta Wesley. I suoi genitori gestivano il caffè ma il locale è rimasto chiuso dalla loro morte. Wes accetta di affittare il posto in cambio di un favore di Simone. Suo zio e la sua fidanzata stanno per arrivare in città e Wes è intenzionato a dare un'idea di agiatezza e quindi assume Simone come sua domestica per 1 settimana.
Peccato che la fidanzata è Alina, sua ex e quindi Wes preso alla sprovvista dichiara che Simone è la sua compagna.
Lo zio ha delle mire sull'eredità di Wes, visto che i genitori hanno vincolato tutto in un fondo che si sbloccherà col matrimonio del figlio, altrimenti verrà smembrata e una parte andrà in beneficienza.
Wes non pensa di sposarsi perchè non pensa di meritare quei soldi: pensa di aver mentito ai genitori che non sapevano che la sua azienda era fallita ed era sommerso dai debiti.
La farsa tra i due si prolunga e tra di loro nascono sentimenti profondi, ma i fantasmi del passato sono in agguato.
Secondo volume di questa serie che mi piace per la diversità dei protagonisti. Basta con ragazzini alle prese con i primi amori o miliardari di successo. Qui abbiamo persone che hanno superato i 40 anni, spesso hanno un divorzio alle spalle, o hanno perso il compagno o si ritrovano a crescere figli adolescenti.
Alina ha lasciato una cicatrice molto profonda in Wes e infatti si comporta molto male con Simone. E' insicuro per quello che gli è successo in passato e purtroppo è facilmente condizionabile.
Simone è un bel personaggio: ottima amica, confidente e persona su cui si può contare.
Anche lei ha le sue insicurezze dopo un matrimonio fallito eppure si mette ancora in gioco.
Avrei fatto penare Wes molto di più, le sue parole e il suo voltafaccia sono molto pesanti.
Questa è una serie corale, infatti vediamo l'evoluzione del rapporto di Fiona e Grant, protagonisti del primo volume e iniziamo a conoscere quelli dei successivi.
May 9, 2022
I loved Simone and Wes.
They were real.
Older H and h- check
small town - check
fake relationship - check
steam - check
finding it again after divorce - check
self doubt - check
This book had heart and drama and fire and it gave you those feelings that this could be a story about yourself.
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They were real.
Older H and h- check
small town - check
fake relationship - check
steam - check
finding it again after divorce - check
self doubt - check
This book had heart and drama and fire and it gave you those feelings that this could be a story about yourself.
"Logically, I knew it wasn't over, but then I'd look in the mirror and pluck out a half a dozed grey hairs and more than a few wiry back ones from my chin. I'd find new wrinkles around my eyes, deeper laugh lines around my mouth. It felt like I'd wasted my chance at a happy, successful life. But in this moment, with Wes's hands and mouth claiming me, I know I was wrong."
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April 7, 2022
So this is the second book in the series, but I think you could read this one without having read the first one because when previous characters are brought in, the current characters from this book briefly explain who they are and their connection to Heart's Cove.
Again, 3 stars for characters in their 40s! If I have to point it out, it's because it's not the norm to have stories center around mid-life characters. I love that we have people with actual backgrounds and baggage because it's very realistic. Simone is likable, so it's easy to get into her head space. Wes is likable as well, but does unlikable things. Kind of like Grant did in the first book. But what is romance without some drama?
A note on the audio - good narration, but very little voice inflection or change to help the listener distinguish between female characters especially. You have to pay attention to who is the voice in the chapter because one minute it is Simone and the next chapter, it is Fiona from the first story. This doesn't happen a lot, but it can get confusing. The ending is okay, doesn't tie everything up, so I'm sure we will get more info in the next installment.
In general, I enjoyed this one, even though nothing major sticks out. I will continue listening to the series because I want to see how everyone moves forward in their journey.
Again, 3 stars for characters in their 40s! If I have to point it out, it's because it's not the norm to have stories center around mid-life characters. I love that we have people with actual backgrounds and baggage because it's very realistic. Simone is likable, so it's easy to get into her head space. Wes is likable as well, but does unlikable things. Kind of like Grant did in the first book. But what is romance without some drama?
A note on the audio - good narration, but very little voice inflection or change to help the listener distinguish between female characters especially. You have to pay attention to who is the voice in the chapter because one minute it is Simone and the next chapter, it is Fiona from the first story. This doesn't happen a lot, but it can get confusing. The ending is okay, doesn't tie everything up, so I'm sure we will get more info in the next installment.
In general, I enjoyed this one, even though nothing major sticks out. I will continue listening to the series because I want to see how everyone moves forward in their journey.
July 19, 2023
Simone and Wes
She bargains a week of maid services in exchange for renting his deceased parent’s coffee shop with her friends. Again this author can capture the essence of a hot guy in words. Wes is hot 🔥🔥🔥. They are both in their 40s. He’s a grump and she brings color to his life. This turned into a fake girlfriend story which I never care for. And his uncle is engaged to his ex-fiancé- super creepy in my opinion. Wes was kind of an idiot- not believing the best of her and he didn’t try very hard to get her back. The surprise office he built her was nice but he was really hurtful. I thought for sure she’d sell that stupid purse - to me it was like a noose around her neck - take the money girl… no sense keeping that and struggling financially.
She bargains a week of maid services in exchange for renting his deceased parent’s coffee shop with her friends. Again this author can capture the essence of a hot guy in words. Wes is hot 🔥🔥🔥. They are both in their 40s. He’s a grump and she brings color to his life. This turned into a fake girlfriend story which I never care for. And his uncle is engaged to his ex-fiancé- super creepy in my opinion. Wes was kind of an idiot- not believing the best of her and he didn’t try very hard to get her back. The surprise office he built her was nice but he was really hurtful. I thought for sure she’d sell that stupid purse - to me it was like a noose around her neck - take the money girl… no sense keeping that and struggling financially.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
Audiobook #2. Simone is co owner of 4 cups with Fiona. She owes Wes a favor of being his maid for Wes renting his dead parent’s old coffee store to them to start a new business. Turns out Wes’ dad and girlfriend show up and girlfriend is Wes’ ex fiancé. Wes and Simone pretend to be together. I like this series because there are multiple narrators and the old characters are in all of the books a lot. Very cute rom com.
January 12, 2022
Story of Simone and Wesley.
To get the new cafe space Simone agrees to be a maid for Wesley while is uber wealthy uncle is in town. This changes to fake gf/fiance when in a broad stroke of tastelessness, said uncle shows up with Wes' ex. And the uncle knew it, all to throw Wes off and get him to give up the properties.
DISLIKES: I was disappointed when Wesley tells off the gold digging ex after she enters his parents closed-off bedroom. He should never have apologized. I am extra sensitive to this as a reader. I definitely did not like Simone in book 1, she partially redeems herself in book 2.
To get the new cafe space Simone agrees to be a maid for Wesley while is uber wealthy uncle is in town. This changes to fake gf/fiance when in a broad stroke of tastelessness, said uncle shows up with Wes' ex. And the uncle knew it, all to throw Wes off and get him to give up the properties.
DISLIKES: I was disappointed when Wesley tells off the gold digging ex after she enters his parents closed-off bedroom. He should never have apologized. I am extra sensitive to this as a reader. I definitely did not like Simone in book 1, she partially redeems herself in book 2.
May 16, 2022
4 🌟
Cute story!!! For quite awhile now, I’ve been searching for a romance that contained a H and h over the age of 40…I’m happy to say that I’ve found it in this book! While I did feel like the climax was rushed a bit, overall, I enjoyed reading this book 😊!!
Cute story!!! For quite awhile now, I’ve been searching for a romance that contained a H and h over the age of 40…I’m happy to say that I’ve found it in this book! While I did feel like the climax was rushed a bit, overall, I enjoyed reading this book 😊!!
July 26, 2022
It started with a walk
Wes had a lot of baggage to unpack. It certainly explained his demeanor. Then throw in the ex ( I'm not saying she's a gold digger ...) and well, you know. Simone's past was a bit if a surprise but glad she knew what she wanted. Good story.
Wes had a lot of baggage to unpack. It certainly explained his demeanor. Then throw in the ex ( I'm not saying she's a gold digger ...) and well, you know. Simone's past was a bit if a surprise but glad she knew what she wanted. Good story.
September 29, 2022
I am loving this series. There is an element of surprise here. Not what you expect. When she ran into him in book 1 I thought he was a self absorbed pr$$k! Whoa as she helps him out we learn so much more. Let the games begin!
August 25, 2024
It was okay - follows the same basic format as book one in the series.
August 23, 2022
2.0
I was promised: "Laugh-out-loud funny, with cover-to-cover banter and red-hot heat."
But: 1. At no point, did I laugh... much less, out loud...
2. Constantly calling the hero "sugartits" does not qualify as banter.
3. Just because the main characters have The Sex, doesn't actually make the book "red-hot."
I definitely would have rated higher, if at least one of these promises had been kept. Instead, it felt more like a bait and switch.
(Though, to be fair, at most, I would have given the story 3 stars anyway. The h was meh and the H's constant inner monologue of 'I was burned once, so all women are gold-diggers and I can never trust again,' got pretty old after the third reminder to himself.)
I was promised: "Laugh-out-loud funny, with cover-to-cover banter and red-hot heat."
But: 1. At no point, did I laugh... much less, out loud...
2. Constantly calling the hero "sugartits" does not qualify as banter.
3. Just because the main characters have The Sex, doesn't actually make the book "red-hot."
I definitely would have rated higher, if at least one of these promises had been kept. Instead, it felt more like a bait and switch.
(Though, to be fair, at most, I would have given the story 3 stars anyway. The h was meh and the H's constant inner monologue of 'I was burned once, so all women are gold-diggers and I can never trust again,' got pretty old after the third reminder to himself.)
May 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book! It's the best friend story from the first book! I like that she was her own person she didn't really need any man, but handsome grumpy hermit who owns something that she needed so she made him a deal. Watch that get out of hand!
February 7, 2023
I was so disappointed by the book. To be honest I was expecting something different like grown-up characters. I was bored around the middle of the story because I was waiting for the MC to put it together and behave like adults but they didn’t.
Not gonna read another book from the series!
Not gonna read another book from the series!
October 17, 2021
A Crisis for Her, a Test for me Reader
Fiona is forty-five, divorced, and in bad need of a holiday. Her best friend, Simone, suggests an art retreat in Heart's Cove, a small town three hours north of Los Angeles. Two weeks of art classes sounds like a great way to get her failed marriage and rotten ex-husband (Simone calls him Voldemort) off her mind. She doesn't realize that's not all Heart's Cove has in store for her.
Grant is fifty and gorgeous, with the muscled body of a much younger man. His muscles come from manual labor, however, not a gym. He's the town's carpenter. He's also a born rescuer, as he rescues Fiona from a sudden geyser in the parking lot of their hotel. Bad municipal plumbing makes their reserved cabana uninhabitable, but Grant offers his guest rooms to the ladies for the duration of their stay. Fiona and Simone plan to leave in two weeks at the end of the retreat, and Simone actually does. Fiona, in three other hand, has something---someone---to stay for.
A shocking first art lesson (guess who models nude for the life drawing class!) leads Fiona to spend more time with Grant. As their relationship processes, they go out to dinner---and f come back to a teenage girl on Grant's front porch, claiming to be his daughter.
Clancy is the spitting image of Grant and was born to his ex-wife a few months after she ran off without a word. He had tried , true to form, to rescue her from her drinking problem but she preferred to rum away. She also thought he would stay with her for the sake of the baby, so in a twisted way she was trying to protect him. Clancy, at fourteen, took her mother's credit card and ran across the country to find Grant because her mom's new boyfriend was a violent drunk and she didn't feel safe. Now Grant needs to navigate a new girlfriend *and* a new teenage daughter. Easy, right?
Wrong. When Fiona flexes her dormant event planning skills to throw a huge fifteenth birthday party for Clancy, the birthday girl sneaks out to the pier with her friend Allie and gets so drunk that she falls into the water and nearly drowns. At the hospital the doctor tells Grant that his daughter has severe alcohol poisoning and will need to stay overnight. Grant, overwhelmed and furious, blames Fiona and essentially tells her to leave. She does. When he comes back home and finds her gone, it feels so much like his ex-wife's departure that it nearly breaks him. He heads downtown, intending to apologize, but finds the street flooded and the cafe owners, Fiona among them, at their wits' end. Faulty municipal plumbing has struck again, and this time it's condemned the building where Fiona has been managing the cafe and Candice, Allie's mother, had been running a yoga studio upstairs. The only other available space was owned by the late parents of Wesley Byron, a loner who Simone met while lost in the woods. (Wes and Simone get their turn in Dirty Little Midlife Mess, the next book in the series.) Simone arranges for three women go get the lease---how she does it is explained in the next book---and after Grant apologizes and Fiona agrees to move back in, the novel ends in a high note.
More romance than rom-com, with the exception of a larger-than-life feud between two elderly women, Dirty Little Midlife Crisis checks all the boxes and provides a sweet retreat for readers. Highly recommended.
Fiona is forty-five, divorced, and in bad need of a holiday. Her best friend, Simone, suggests an art retreat in Heart's Cove, a small town three hours north of Los Angeles. Two weeks of art classes sounds like a great way to get her failed marriage and rotten ex-husband (Simone calls him Voldemort) off her mind. She doesn't realize that's not all Heart's Cove has in store for her.
Grant is fifty and gorgeous, with the muscled body of a much younger man. His muscles come from manual labor, however, not a gym. He's the town's carpenter. He's also a born rescuer, as he rescues Fiona from a sudden geyser in the parking lot of their hotel. Bad municipal plumbing makes their reserved cabana uninhabitable, but Grant offers his guest rooms to the ladies for the duration of their stay. Fiona and Simone plan to leave in two weeks at the end of the retreat, and Simone actually does. Fiona, in three other hand, has something---someone---to stay for.
A shocking first art lesson (guess who models nude for the life drawing class!) leads Fiona to spend more time with Grant. As their relationship processes, they go out to dinner---and f come back to a teenage girl on Grant's front porch, claiming to be his daughter.
Clancy is the spitting image of Grant and was born to his ex-wife a few months after she ran off without a word. He had tried , true to form, to rescue her from her drinking problem but she preferred to rum away. She also thought he would stay with her for the sake of the baby, so in a twisted way she was trying to protect him. Clancy, at fourteen, took her mother's credit card and ran across the country to find Grant because her mom's new boyfriend was a violent drunk and she didn't feel safe. Now Grant needs to navigate a new girlfriend *and* a new teenage daughter. Easy, right?
Wrong. When Fiona flexes her dormant event planning skills to throw a huge fifteenth birthday party for Clancy, the birthday girl sneaks out to the pier with her friend Allie and gets so drunk that she falls into the water and nearly drowns. At the hospital the doctor tells Grant that his daughter has severe alcohol poisoning and will need to stay overnight. Grant, overwhelmed and furious, blames Fiona and essentially tells her to leave. She does. When he comes back home and finds her gone, it feels so much like his ex-wife's departure that it nearly breaks him. He heads downtown, intending to apologize, but finds the street flooded and the cafe owners, Fiona among them, at their wits' end. Faulty municipal plumbing has struck again, and this time it's condemned the building where Fiona has been managing the cafe and Candice, Allie's mother, had been running a yoga studio upstairs. The only other available space was owned by the late parents of Wesley Byron, a loner who Simone met while lost in the woods. (Wes and Simone get their turn in Dirty Little Midlife Mess, the next book in the series.) Simone arranges for three women go get the lease---how she does it is explained in the next book---and after Grant apologizes and Fiona agrees to move back in, the novel ends in a high note.
More romance than rom-com, with the exception of a larger-than-life feud between two elderly women, Dirty Little Midlife Crisis checks all the boxes and provides a sweet retreat for readers. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2023
3.5 Stars
Dirty Little Midlife Mess
Book #2
Wesley and Simone
Grumpy/sunshine, fake relationship, forced proximity, couple in their 40s
Enjoyable read. A bit slower than the first, but not bad.
Simone. Divorced her wealthy husband eight years ago. Still sees him on occasion, but can’t stand him. Moves to the small oceanside town of Hearts Cove with her best friend (Fiona from book 1). In order to secure the lease for their new cafe, she makes a bargain with their new landlord.
Wesley. Spending time in his hometown after his parents deaths. He’s isolated himself, saying goodbye to his parents and their properties in his own way. After much thought agrees to let Simone and her three friends rent his parents old diner. On one condition.
Simone needs the diner. Wes needs to put on a good show for his visiting uncle. Easy. Simone will play his maid for the week. Until his uncle rolls in sporting his new girlfriend on his arm. His new girlfriend, who was, at one time, Wesley’s fiancée.
In the blink of an eye, she goes from maid to girlfriend. Live-in girlfriend.
Both Wes and Simone are struggling after their relationships ended. Simone is trying to move forward, but keeps backsliding to her ex. Wes is stuck in a rut and can’t, or won’t try to move forward.
I love this little town. The characters are quite colorful.
I loved Simone’s snarky attitude. The little quips she throws at Wes were great.
I love getting a few chapters from the other friends points of view. Adds to their stories and helps set up the future books.
For the most part, I liked Wes. He’s dealing with a lot, but deep down he’s a good man.
I love the older characters. I just wish they came with the calm, rational thinking most older people have.
This book started out great. But really slowed toward the middle. There is so much internal dialogue. So much back and forth. “I want to but I can’t. I’m not deserving. I’m not what he/she needs”. Not much happens through the middle. Then the obligatory third act breakup after Simone’s ex unexpectedly shows up. Wes asks her no questions, doesn’t allow her to explain, just takes everything the ex says at face value and kicks her out. THEN, he second guesses what he’s done. He does try to apologize, but by then she’s not allowing it. Sounds a lot like high school to me.
They do both come to their senses in the end.
You get multiple points of view. No cheating. HFN ending.
Dirty Little Midlife Mess
Book #2
Wesley and Simone
Grumpy/sunshine, fake relationship, forced proximity, couple in their 40s
Enjoyable read. A bit slower than the first, but not bad.
Simone. Divorced her wealthy husband eight years ago. Still sees him on occasion, but can’t stand him. Moves to the small oceanside town of Hearts Cove with her best friend (Fiona from book 1). In order to secure the lease for their new cafe, she makes a bargain with their new landlord.
Wesley. Spending time in his hometown after his parents deaths. He’s isolated himself, saying goodbye to his parents and their properties in his own way. After much thought agrees to let Simone and her three friends rent his parents old diner. On one condition.
Simone needs the diner. Wes needs to put on a good show for his visiting uncle. Easy. Simone will play his maid for the week. Until his uncle rolls in sporting his new girlfriend on his arm. His new girlfriend, who was, at one time, Wesley’s fiancée.
In the blink of an eye, she goes from maid to girlfriend. Live-in girlfriend.
Both Wes and Simone are struggling after their relationships ended. Simone is trying to move forward, but keeps backsliding to her ex. Wes is stuck in a rut and can’t, or won’t try to move forward.
I love this little town. The characters are quite colorful.
I loved Simone’s snarky attitude. The little quips she throws at Wes were great.
I love getting a few chapters from the other friends points of view. Adds to their stories and helps set up the future books.
For the most part, I liked Wes. He’s dealing with a lot, but deep down he’s a good man.
I love the older characters. I just wish they came with the calm, rational thinking most older people have.
This book started out great. But really slowed toward the middle. There is so much internal dialogue. So much back and forth. “I want to but I can’t. I’m not deserving. I’m not what he/she needs”. Not much happens through the middle. Then the obligatory third act breakup after Simone’s ex unexpectedly shows up. Wes asks her no questions, doesn’t allow her to explain, just takes everything the ex says at face value and kicks her out. THEN, he second guesses what he’s done. He does try to apologize, but by then she’s not allowing it. Sounds a lot like high school to me.
They do both come to their senses in the end.
You get multiple points of view. No cheating. HFN ending.
August 19, 2021
A woman who left her life behind to start a new one in a new town with a new job asks a grumpy, handsome neighbor for a favor and finds herself in a fake relationship.
We met Simone in Fiona and Grant's story (My Dirty Little Midlife crisis). Bestie to Fiona and motivator behind their shared adventure to start a new life in a new town, Simone is delighted to start a new life for herself. As Simone gets her business plans up and running, she is trying to find a place in this small community. When a business opportunity arises, Simone approaches the reclusive, handsome Wesley Byron for a favor. In return, Wes asks Simone for help getting his house ready for family that is coming to visit from out of town. When Wes's Uncle arrives with his girlfriend, Wes panics and introduces Simone as his girlfriend. Thrust into a fake relationship, Wes and Simone try to entertain Wes's family while fighting their attraction to each other. Both have been hurt by past relationships bringing that baggage into the equation as the two trepidatiously step into a dating relationship. As time passes these past hurts, as well as incorrect assumptions, threaten the possibility of a future for this couple in this small town.
I love a good 40+ romance. As someone living in that timeframe it helps me relate to the couples better and not feel like 40 is the new 60. This story happens to be extra great because we get the ongoing story if Fiona and Grant from book one in this series as well as the setting up of book 3 in a fun way.
Wes is the perfect example of a broken, handsome, grumpy man who needs a woman to disrupt his life and remind him to live life again. While his reluctance to get hurt is evident, his attraction to Simone isn't as noticable to the reader at first. Simone is a bit of a relatable hot mess but doesn't have a lot of depth. The chemistry between the two is reluctant at first but it's understandable with the story line. Despite it all, the two lovers make sense together. I'm hoping from more from these two in book three.
We met Simone in Fiona and Grant's story (My Dirty Little Midlife crisis). Bestie to Fiona and motivator behind their shared adventure to start a new life in a new town, Simone is delighted to start a new life for herself. As Simone gets her business plans up and running, she is trying to find a place in this small community. When a business opportunity arises, Simone approaches the reclusive, handsome Wesley Byron for a favor. In return, Wes asks Simone for help getting his house ready for family that is coming to visit from out of town. When Wes's Uncle arrives with his girlfriend, Wes panics and introduces Simone as his girlfriend. Thrust into a fake relationship, Wes and Simone try to entertain Wes's family while fighting their attraction to each other. Both have been hurt by past relationships bringing that baggage into the equation as the two trepidatiously step into a dating relationship. As time passes these past hurts, as well as incorrect assumptions, threaten the possibility of a future for this couple in this small town.
I love a good 40+ romance. As someone living in that timeframe it helps me relate to the couples better and not feel like 40 is the new 60. This story happens to be extra great because we get the ongoing story if Fiona and Grant from book one in this series as well as the setting up of book 3 in a fun way.
Wes is the perfect example of a broken, handsome, grumpy man who needs a woman to disrupt his life and remind him to live life again. While his reluctance to get hurt is evident, his attraction to Simone isn't as noticable to the reader at first. Simone is a bit of a relatable hot mess but doesn't have a lot of depth. The chemistry between the two is reluctant at first but it's understandable with the story line. Despite it all, the two lovers make sense together. I'm hoping from more from these two in book three.
November 16, 2022
This second book in the series is Simone and Wesley’s story. I really liked Simone in the first book. She is such a great & supportive friend to Fiona that I knew I would enjoy finding out more about her background.
After going on a vacation to Heart’s Cove with her best friend Fiona they have both decided to stay in town. Fiona now has a boyfriend and so Simone decided to sell her house and move to the small coastal town. She was able to find a small apartment, She and Fi have two new friends Candice & Jen and all 4 ladies invested in a coffee shop/diner. Simone is broke since she invested everything from the sale of her old home into the new business but she is going to work to build her marketing company back up in the small town.
There is only one thing though that she needs to handle before embarking on the new chapter and that is to pay up on her agreement with Wesley. See, Wesley’s parents past away and left him the building that used to house his parents diner. It is just sitting vacant so when the ladies needed a new location for their business Simone had to convince Wes to lease them the space. The only problem was he didn’t just want monthly rent he also needed Simone to agree to help him with his uncle who was coming to town.
This was a fun story with some heartbreak in it. These two had a relationship full of teasing, thoughtfulness, affection and amusement so when there was a conflict it really hurt my heart!
I will absolutely be reading the next one in this series.
After going on a vacation to Heart’s Cove with her best friend Fiona they have both decided to stay in town. Fiona now has a boyfriend and so Simone decided to sell her house and move to the small coastal town. She was able to find a small apartment, She and Fi have two new friends Candice & Jen and all 4 ladies invested in a coffee shop/diner. Simone is broke since she invested everything from the sale of her old home into the new business but she is going to work to build her marketing company back up in the small town.
There is only one thing though that she needs to handle before embarking on the new chapter and that is to pay up on her agreement with Wesley. See, Wesley’s parents past away and left him the building that used to house his parents diner. It is just sitting vacant so when the ladies needed a new location for their business Simone had to convince Wes to lease them the space. The only problem was he didn’t just want monthly rent he also needed Simone to agree to help him with his uncle who was coming to town.
This was a fun story with some heartbreak in it. These two had a relationship full of teasing, thoughtfulness, affection and amusement so when there was a conflict it really hurt my heart!
I will absolutely be reading the next one in this series.
May 31, 2021
What can I say about Wes and Simone. What happens when a grumpy, brooding Wes met a smart, witty, funny Simone. The story is unpredictable. The characters are unpredictable.Since Simone got a divorce, she is chasing her individuality and struggling to keep afloat with her job, her new tiny apartment (a shitty hole as Wes described it), her finances. Wes is still broken heart since his fiancee left him and it hurt him deeply. She is loving, caring and he needs someone that reminds him how to be loved and to love. All of them insecurities are put together when they make a deal. He leases the space that belonged to his deceased parents to Simone and her friends if she works for him as a maid for one week. Simone really needs the space because she and her friends are opening a new cafe in the city.It was a fair deal, at least it was what Simone thought about it. The situation turned out of control as soon as Wes´s uncle arrived to Heart Cove with his girlfriend. I am not giving any more spoilers. The book is so easy to read and you feel so immersed inside the story that my mind travelled to Heart Cove and suddenly I was there, in Heart Cove, surronded by the characters.Anyway, I can´t wait to read book 3.
October 24, 2021
What's a new girl in town going to do with a grumpy bear of a man who has a proposition for her?
Simone just moved into town to be with her best friend Fiona and helped invest in a new Cafe when a huge broken water main destroys it. There is an old Cafe down the street that closed after the owners passed away. Simone knows the growly owner and makes a deal with him. Wes is due to get his family home and property in 18 months when he turns 45. The only stipulation is that he has to be married.
When Wes's uncle calls to say he and his girlfriend are coming to town he makes a deal with Simone to be his maid for the week while they are there. She agrees to it thinking it will pay her some money she desperately needs and Wes's small cabin would be easy. Then Wes shows her to his parents beautiful home and she is struck by the beauty of it. She cleans it up and makes it homey before his uncle arrives.
When his uncle and his girlfriend arrive, Wes is shocked to see that it's his ex fiance. Then things suddenly change and instead of being the maid Wes introduces Simone as his girlfriend.
I loved this continued story about the people of Heart's Cove. The characters from book 1 are all over this story too. Must read more about these great characters. Enjoy!
Simone just moved into town to be with her best friend Fiona and helped invest in a new Cafe when a huge broken water main destroys it. There is an old Cafe down the street that closed after the owners passed away. Simone knows the growly owner and makes a deal with him. Wes is due to get his family home and property in 18 months when he turns 45. The only stipulation is that he has to be married.
When Wes's uncle calls to say he and his girlfriend are coming to town he makes a deal with Simone to be his maid for the week while they are there. She agrees to it thinking it will pay her some money she desperately needs and Wes's small cabin would be easy. Then Wes shows her to his parents beautiful home and she is struck by the beauty of it. She cleans it up and makes it homey before his uncle arrives.
When his uncle and his girlfriend arrive, Wes is shocked to see that it's his ex fiance. Then things suddenly change and instead of being the maid Wes introduces Simone as his girlfriend.
I loved this continued story about the people of Heart's Cove. The characters from book 1 are all over this story too. Must read more about these great characters. Enjoy!
March 31, 2022
3.75
I enjoyed this book, and the characters. I liked the various additions of pov's from friends, and the fact that this was an over 40s book.
My biggest gripe is the long inner monologues, and that they tend to be a bit too repetitive. It feels like word count filler.
One of the biggest themes of the book was marriage, and what that meant for Wes, his trust, and the plotting his uncle was doing. You got the distinct impression that Sean and Alina were up to something, and it felt like more than just the coveted trust fund. We can only assume that Wes and Simone got married, or at least engaged, but even the bonus chapter left that untouched. Disappointing to not have some of that solved.
And, it's highly possible that at least the marriage portion will be answered in the next book, since we do see that Grant proposes to Fiona in this book letting us know that the stories of the various friendships continue to unfold and intertwine throughout the series. However, the inner monologue is enough of a turn off for me that, for now, I won't be continuing this series. Who knows, I might hit a reading slump and dive back in to read more about Candace and Jen.
*These books do feel as though you could start anywhere in the series and be fine.
I enjoyed this book, and the characters. I liked the various additions of pov's from friends, and the fact that this was an over 40s book.
My biggest gripe is the long inner monologues, and that they tend to be a bit too repetitive. It feels like word count filler.
One of the biggest themes of the book was marriage, and what that meant for Wes, his trust, and the plotting his uncle was doing. You got the distinct impression that Sean and Alina were up to something, and it felt like more than just the coveted trust fund. We can only assume that Wes and Simone got married, or at least engaged, but even the bonus chapter left that untouched. Disappointing to not have some of that solved.
And, it's highly possible that at least the marriage portion will be answered in the next book, since we do see that Grant proposes to Fiona in this book letting us know that the stories of the various friendships continue to unfold and intertwine throughout the series. However, the inner monologue is enough of a turn off for me that, for now, I won't be continuing this series. Who knows, I might hit a reading slump and dive back in to read more about Candace and Jen.
*These books do feel as though you could start anywhere in the series and be fine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
Wes and Simone met in book 1 of the series, Dirty Little Midlife Crisis. Wes had become a virtual recluse and Simone decided to leave her life in LA to move to Heart’s Cove with her friend Fiona.
Simone is a snarky, sassy woman with a heart of gold. She thrives on her new independence despite the change from a once affluent lifestyle. She has learned to value what she has worked so hard for. Wes is still hurting from rejection by a fiancé and the loss of his parents. An upcoming inheritance looms at his 45th birthday.
Wes and Simone pretend to be a couple and we learn what has caused all of Wes’ pain and made him choose isolation and loneliness over the risk of a relationship. Simone is not without her mental gremlins, but I really liked her because she didn’t hide much and the depth of her caring nature shined through her snarky facade.
The story makes me long for more from Heart’s Cove. The women are all in the second phase of life - divorced, widowed, or just not having found the right one yet. It’s so refreshing to read a hot, steamy romance with older men and women.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my voluntary review.
Simone is a snarky, sassy woman with a heart of gold. She thrives on her new independence despite the change from a once affluent lifestyle. She has learned to value what she has worked so hard for. Wes is still hurting from rejection by a fiancé and the loss of his parents. An upcoming inheritance looms at his 45th birthday.
Wes and Simone pretend to be a couple and we learn what has caused all of Wes’ pain and made him choose isolation and loneliness over the risk of a relationship. Simone is not without her mental gremlins, but I really liked her because she didn’t hide much and the depth of her caring nature shined through her snarky facade.
The story makes me long for more from Heart’s Cove. The women are all in the second phase of life - divorced, widowed, or just not having found the right one yet. It’s so refreshing to read a hot, steamy romance with older men and women.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my voluntary review.
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