What do you think?
Rate this book
The Duke Brothers #4
The Moment He Saw Her
When she arrives in town with a wedding dress in her trunk, you know there’s going to be trouble.
Ryder Duke’s life was exactly where he wanted it to be.
Then Libby Gulliver drove into his town.
The woman was a hot mess, and hiding from something, even if she told him different.
His first mistake was employing her, his second was letting her move in with him.
Libby was running from a life she’d realized she no longer wanted.
That stopped when she found Ryder Duke.
The big, hot cafe owner was the first person who actually saw her and listened to what she had to say.
The problem was, the more time she spent with him, the more she wanted to tell him the truth—and then it was too late.
Will her lies be the line he can’t cross to be with the woman who could be his future?
Lyntacky was like most small towns. It had its interfering locals and families who could trace their roots back hundreds of years. Where Lyntacky stood out from the rest was their love of Square Dancing and the Duke brothers. Both were trouble. Neither had plans for leaving.
Ryder Duke’s life was exactly where he wanted it to be.
Then Libby Gulliver drove into his town.
The woman was a hot mess, and hiding from something, even if she told him different.
His first mistake was employing her, his second was letting her move in with him.
Libby was running from a life she’d realized she no longer wanted.
That stopped when she found Ryder Duke.
The big, hot cafe owner was the first person who actually saw her and listened to what she had to say.
The problem was, the more time she spent with him, the more she wanted to tell him the truth—and then it was too late.
Will her lies be the line he can’t cross to be with the woman who could be his future?
Lyntacky was like most small towns. It had its interfering locals and families who could trace their roots back hundreds of years. Where Lyntacky stood out from the rest was their love of Square Dancing and the Duke brothers. Both were trouble. Neither had plans for leaving.
- GenresRomance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2025
About the author
Lani Blake
35 books131 followersLani Blake is a small town romance author, coffee addict and chocolate connoisseur (in that order). She's also known as Wendy Vella, a USA Today bestselling author of historical romances, a fact which still makes her head spin!
Lani's a sucker for an alpha hero with a heart of gold, who works HARD to deserve the women he falls in love with.
When she's not writing, reading or spending time with her family you'll find her walking the beach with her pup Tilly.
Connect with Lani in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/lanisreaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at LaniBlake.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 26, 2025
Love these small town romances by Lani Blake! She builds such fun places and characters. It was great to be back in Lyntacky! It’s Ryder Duke’s turn for a story and he finds himself falling for the last person he would ever expect. Libby has run from her old life. She leaves her wedding determined to get some space from her family and the man she was about to marry. She needs time to figure out what is next and wants to lay low as possible. Too bad for her because getting stranded in Lyntacky means the last thing you can do is lay low. She learns that everyone will know her name and the story she gives within hours of her arrival. And one of the most insane things about this town to her is the kindness. Like Ryder. He sees she needs help after her car breaks down and not only leads her to his coffee shop to regroup and feed her, but he gives her a job she desperately needs in that moment and, later, a place to stay. But she won’t rely on his kindness forever. Her pride and stubbornness to do things on her own for once is too strong. But she has yet to learn that stubbornness is a Duke speciality. Ryder knows the minute he helps Libby, the whole town will be conspiring to get them together. But he insists Libby isn’t his type. She clearly comes from a whole other world and she’s only passing through. She’ll move on the second she has a chance to. But the attraction between them is strong. And the more time they spend together, the more they like one another underneath the constant bickering. But Libby hasn’t been truthful and that could come back to hurt them in the long run. I really enjoyed Libby and Ryder’s story! They were pretty much opposites and though they both insisted there couldn’t and wouldn’t be anything between them, you could see how they wondered if that is completely true. Their love story is a slow burn that is worth the wait. Libby gets a chance to figure out who she is without her family influencing her and Ryder finds himself in his own way. And of course, expect lots of laughs and playful banter! Another great story to this series and we have one more Duke brother left to go to find his happy ending.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2025
Having run from her wedding, Libby finds herself in Lyntacky with a broken down car, no money, nowhere to stay and it's freezing. Helped by Ryder Duke who gives her a job and a temporary place to stay, Libby tries to keep a low profile and hide who she really is, but the people of Lyntacky have other ideas and soon Libby discovers something she has never felt before, that of being wanted, of being with people who care, having friends and seeing what a family really should be like, not like hers. When her identity is revealed, it takes the whole town and the Duke family to show both Libby and Ryder what they mean to each other. I adored Ryder and Libby's story. I have laughed, cried and shouted at this book while reading it. I love the people of Lyntacky and wish it was real as I would move there in a heartbeat, with all their quirky ways and the love and care they have for each other. I really loved seeing how Libby's character grew stronger with the help and care that she was surrounded with. The Duke family never disappoints with their banter, protectiveness and their deep-seated love for each other. A beautiful story that I know I will reread time and time again.
May 5, 2025
A great addition to the Duke Brothers series. It has all the quirky characters and goings on in Lyntacky that are familiar from previous books but could easily be enjoyed without having read them. The main characters are Ryder who owns and runs the coffee shop and Libby who has ended up in Lyntacky after running away from her own wedding, she is cut off financially by her wealthy family and is sleeping in her car in freezing weather when their paths cross. The story unfolds against a background of people and events in Lyntacky that Phoebe the like of which Phoebe has never experiences and She finds herself included and helped by both Ryder’s family and the other residents who are all very different people to her own family and experiences. A lovely feel good read. Lani Blake has lots of quirky characters and events in Lyntacky but the heart of this book is a community and family who looks out for each other and the growing relationship between Phoebe and Ryder who at first are complete opposites or seem to be. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2025
I love this story. It's a great addition to the series. Libby has run from her wedding. Her car broke down in Lyntacky and Ryder sees it and helps her, not that she makes it easy! She has lived a sheltered life in a rich family and is realizing she needs to learn to take care of herself. She very much wants to do this so she fights Ryder's attempts to help her. Ryder is a person who automatically wants to help people so they butt heads. Lyntacky is a very special small town with very friendly people who are also nosy and gossipy but in a good way. They are also very quirky which adds to the fun. I was lucky and received an advance reading copy but that doesn't affect my review. I have read all the previous Duke Brothers books and loved them all. This one is no exception.
April 30, 2025
People in Lyntacky say that Ryder is the nice brother, the calm one. Tell that to Libby. Ever since she came into town in a car that promptly broke down, he’s been gruff and downright rude to her. Nice? Well, he did give her a job. And his spare bedroom. And maybe all of his attention.
Libby is hiding every bit of her past that she can hide. Lyntacky is healing (and don’t we all wish this place was real?) and she needs that recuperation time to get over the things in her past.
Ryder is wonderfully developed in this story. He’s protecting himself aggressively, which causes him to act like a bear. I love the character changes he experiences as the plot develops. He had unexpected depths. Libby, too, changes. I have to admit that I was unsure about this character in the beginning, but I trusted the incredible Lani Blake to deliver a character that fit in the beloved Duke family. She absolutely did.
Lyntacky shines with all of its wackiness. I got a kick out of Libby’s family being from Piedmont because I know the town. I wondered if Ms. Blake ever visited this small town. It was fun to imagine the Caldwell family living there.
Ryder’s story is a fantastic entry to this series. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Libby is hiding every bit of her past that she can hide. Lyntacky is healing (and don’t we all wish this place was real?) and she needs that recuperation time to get over the things in her past.
Ryder is wonderfully developed in this story. He’s protecting himself aggressively, which causes him to act like a bear. I love the character changes he experiences as the plot develops. He had unexpected depths. Libby, too, changes. I have to admit that I was unsure about this character in the beginning, but I trusted the incredible Lani Blake to deliver a character that fit in the beloved Duke family. She absolutely did.
Lyntacky shines with all of its wackiness. I got a kick out of Libby’s family being from Piedmont because I know the town. I wondered if Ms. Blake ever visited this small town. It was fun to imagine the Caldwell family living there.
Ryder’s story is a fantastic entry to this series. I can’t wait to read the next one!
April 27, 2025
This was an interesting story about Ryder and Libby. It gets your attention right from the beginning and is a page turner as you will want to know what happens next. This is another story about the Dukes Family and a very heart warming story. You will find out about Libby’s heartless family and learn how she finally stands up to them. I definitely recommend this book.
May 3, 2025
It is always so entertaining to return to Lyntacky and all the fabulous characters in that town! I loved Ryder and Libby's story. I feel like Libby was caught up in the whirlwind that is Lyntacky and I was right there with her enjoying the ride. The friendly citizens with their helpful gossip, witty banter and encouragement keep Ryder and Libby on their toes throughout the novel. I'm looking forward to the next novel in the series!
May 14, 2025
Back to the unique town of Lyntacky and the wonderful denizens therein. This is Ryder Duke's story, and it was delightful. Libby Gulliver is stubborn, hurting and very vulnerable as the story begins and it's an absolute joy to watch her grow and adapt to all the changes in her life. Her interactions with Ryder are so much fun and very sexy - her interactions with all the other Lyntacks give the story all sorts of extra fun and depth. When all is revealed we get to see her come into her own and a final push from all the Duke siblings (as well as the others) ends with a hard earned HEA. Another fun installment in the Dukes series, looking forward to seeing Dan finally get his own story.
May 18, 2025
Ahh, so satisfying! This is Lani Blake at her finest! Endearing characters, great dialogue, a steamy moment of two and so much heart.
May 13, 2025
This story can be read as a stand alone, but is more fun when read as part of the series. It has a bit if spice, but easily skipped if that isn't your thing. The story does have a happy ending and is not a cliffhanger. Warning: once you read one of Lani Blake's books you'll be hooked and want to read more!
I loved Ryder and Libby's story! I have to admit that I am new to Lyntacky and the town's people and all the shenanigans but I am loving it! It's the perfect small town setting and all the characters have such personalities! Can't wait for the next one!
I loved Ryder and Libby's story! I have to admit that I am new to Lyntacky and the town's people and all the shenanigans but I am loving it! It's the perfect small town setting and all the characters have such personalities! Can't wait for the next one!
May 14, 2025
Finding Herself
I was hooked on this story from Ryder meeting Libby to her confrontation with her father and her ex. She was transformed by the townspeople and the Duke family. She found the love and acceptance that she had never experienced before. It was fun to see her grow in independence and strength. I love this town, the Duke family, and this series. It's a great look at what family and friends do for each other.
I was hooked on this story from Ryder meeting Libby to her confrontation with her father and her ex. She was transformed by the townspeople and the Duke family. She found the love and acceptance that she had never experienced before. It was fun to see her grow in independence and strength. I love this town, the Duke family, and this series. It's a great look at what family and friends do for each other.
May 13, 2025
Lani Blake brings us back with love and laughter. We got to see Ryder in his element and visit the remaining Dukes. Libby was stubborn but finally gave in to her feelings for Ryder. Can’t wait to see what comes next and be able to spend time with all the previous characters.
May 10, 2025
I truly enjoyed revisiting Lyntacky. The characters in this town will warm your heart. Ryder and Libby’s story will also warm your heart. I was gifted this book as an arc and this is my honest review
May 22, 2025
Sweet as chocolate
Once again, Lani delivers another wonderful installment in the Dukes series. Ryder has always stood out as one of the sweetest brothers, so I was especially eager to dive into his story—and it did not disappoint. Libby, his match, is just as endearing—a delicate and frightened soul at first—but watching her growth and strength develop through the story was truly satisfying.
As always, the quirky and lovable townspeople play their part perfectly, wrapping around Libby with warmth and helping to bring these two together in heartwarming and often hilarious ways. It’s an enjoyable read with the perfect mix of humor and heart, never too heavy but still deeply satisfying. A great addition to the series!
Once again, Lani delivers another wonderful installment in the Dukes series. Ryder has always stood out as one of the sweetest brothers, so I was especially eager to dive into his story—and it did not disappoint. Libby, his match, is just as endearing—a delicate and frightened soul at first—but watching her growth and strength develop through the story was truly satisfying.
As always, the quirky and lovable townspeople play their part perfectly, wrapping around Libby with warmth and helping to bring these two together in heartwarming and often hilarious ways. It’s an enjoyable read with the perfect mix of humor and heart, never too heavy but still deeply satisfying. A great addition to the series!
June 5, 2025
When You Know You Know
Broke and in a broken down car Libby was scared when a stranger knocked on her car window that cold winter morning and asked if he could help. Later she walked into his cafe to escape the cold and kidney was set in motion. Amongst the wonderfully eclectic and friendly citizens of Lyntacky Libby found what had been missing inside her whole life.
Broke and in a broken down car Libby was scared when a stranger knocked on her car window that cold winter morning and asked if he could help. Later she walked into his cafe to escape the cold and kidney was set in motion. Amongst the wonderfully eclectic and friendly citizens of Lyntacky Libby found what had been missing inside her whole life.
October 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️✨ (2.5 stars)
Better than Book 3 in the series. I loved the MCs and that made it enjoyable for me.
Libby is such a sweetheart and so is Ryder and I liked them together. Their story was good and I liked the progression. The fact that Libby keeps trying to move out but cannot and then finally does was done so well. I got her frustration as well as his.
The things I didn’t like, which made this a 2.5-star read and not a 5 or 4 for me:
- I needed more time for feelings to develop.
This should have been instalove on Ryder’s part and I’d be on board with that. The fact that it wasn’t a thunderbolt situation but sort of a slow burn didn’t really do justice to the feelings v actions dynamic.
The first kiss was nice but the way it was dismissed the next minute and we’re thrown into the family dinner - nah! I need more simmer, something! Maybe Libby should have got out of the car and walked away while he followed. Some more drama you know?
- The whole SJ matter and Ryder never outright being forthcoming about it.
Like just say it! Instead of ‘not my girlfriend’ just CLEARLY say why she kissed him? SJ may be messed up and stuff but why does she feel so bold as to kiss him in public when she’s never shown kissing Sawyer or Brody or JD?
So, this is on Ryder. And we never get an explanation as to why. Did they sleep together? ONS? FWB? Because what Libby saw, she was sure that was the kind of kiss a woman gives to her man. Or one who knows the guy intimately.
Am I to believe Libby is crazy and we’re to dismiss her judgment because she is an unreliable narrator? I don’t want a heroine like that. I want a heroine I can trust.
- Ryder getting mad at her for lying.
That was intense and abrupt and unreasonable. It just didn’t make sense. He KNEW she was hiding things. He KNEW she was running away and possibly in trouble. Maybe in grave danger for all he knew. So for him to throw a tantrum was insane. It took away from his character. I feel the author dirtied him.
- Libby apologizing to Ryder because ‘all he had done for her’ and I was like YOU DIDN’T ASK HIM TO!
She never asked him to help her get her car fixed. She never asked him to protect her (and we were shown later how she could really protect herself). She never asked him to give her shelter. In fact, she actively was trying to stay away and be on her own but HE WOULDN’T LET HER. Lastly, she didn’t ask him to fall for her so she shouldn’t have to suffer his attitude for that.
The only thing she did ask him for was a job, which was HUGE for a girl like her and she worked hard to earn her money.
I wanted her to tell him off for his behavior, not apologize.
- Libby’s decision to not tell her mother that her father had been CHEATING on her this entire time?!!!
I can’t with that. That speaks to Libby’s morality more than anything and I hate her weakness for it. Why is she protecting her father? And how can she love a man like that? A man who cheats on his wife with her best friend, controls his children then plans and manipulates his daughter to marry the son of his mistress to further strengthen the empire for himself and his mistress?!!
THIS MAN IS WORTH SAVING?!
He is not a loving father or a good husband or even a decent human being. I was half hoping for Jonathan to step in and do his lawyerly threatening to have Mr. Cheater hand Libby’s money to her right before (or during) the guy’s personal life implodes as his wife divorces him and leaves him penniless.
Also, if she suspected something going on between Andrew’s mom and her dad, how could she continue to have a relationship with Andrew? Then, be ENGAGED to Andrew?!! Then, be ready to MARRY him and not tell him?!! I mean it was the photograph comment that made her run away?!! Not the fact that her dad was actively having an affair with her mother-in-law??
I felt the author added this bit last minute for unnecessary drama in the end so I’m deciding to ignore this and not knock the rating down another star. But seriously, don’t do this shit because it did sully the whole reading experience. I was forced to reevaluate my feelings for the characters, hence, the low stars.
Now, Dan’s book is next.
Better than Book 3 in the series. I loved the MCs and that made it enjoyable for me.
Libby is such a sweetheart and so is Ryder and I liked them together. Their story was good and I liked the progression. The fact that Libby keeps trying to move out but cannot and then finally does was done so well. I got her frustration as well as his.
The things I didn’t like, which made this a 2.5-star read and not a 5 or 4 for me:
- I needed more time for feelings to develop.
This should have been instalove on Ryder’s part and I’d be on board with that. The fact that it wasn’t a thunderbolt situation but sort of a slow burn didn’t really do justice to the feelings v actions dynamic.
The first kiss was nice but the way it was dismissed the next minute and we’re thrown into the family dinner - nah! I need more simmer, something! Maybe Libby should have got out of the car and walked away while he followed. Some more drama you know?
- The whole SJ matter and Ryder never outright being forthcoming about it.
Like just say it! Instead of ‘not my girlfriend’ just CLEARLY say why she kissed him? SJ may be messed up and stuff but why does she feel so bold as to kiss him in public when she’s never shown kissing Sawyer or Brody or JD?
So, this is on Ryder. And we never get an explanation as to why. Did they sleep together? ONS? FWB? Because what Libby saw, she was sure that was the kind of kiss a woman gives to her man. Or one who knows the guy intimately.
Am I to believe Libby is crazy and we’re to dismiss her judgment because she is an unreliable narrator? I don’t want a heroine like that. I want a heroine I can trust.
- Ryder getting mad at her for lying.
That was intense and abrupt and unreasonable. It just didn’t make sense. He KNEW she was hiding things. He KNEW she was running away and possibly in trouble. Maybe in grave danger for all he knew. So for him to throw a tantrum was insane. It took away from his character. I feel the author dirtied him.
- Libby apologizing to Ryder because ‘all he had done for her’ and I was like YOU DIDN’T ASK HIM TO!
She never asked him to help her get her car fixed. She never asked him to protect her (and we were shown later how she could really protect herself). She never asked him to give her shelter. In fact, she actively was trying to stay away and be on her own but HE WOULDN’T LET HER. Lastly, she didn’t ask him to fall for her so she shouldn’t have to suffer his attitude for that.
The only thing she did ask him for was a job, which was HUGE for a girl like her and she worked hard to earn her money.
I wanted her to tell him off for his behavior, not apologize.
- Libby’s decision to not tell her mother that her father had been CHEATING on her this entire time?!!!
I can’t with that. That speaks to Libby’s morality more than anything and I hate her weakness for it. Why is she protecting her father? And how can she love a man like that? A man who cheats on his wife with her best friend, controls his children then plans and manipulates his daughter to marry the son of his mistress to further strengthen the empire for himself and his mistress?!!
THIS MAN IS WORTH SAVING?!
He is not a loving father or a good husband or even a decent human being. I was half hoping for Jonathan to step in and do his lawyerly threatening to have Mr. Cheater hand Libby’s money to her right before (or during) the guy’s personal life implodes as his wife divorces him and leaves him penniless.
Also, if she suspected something going on between Andrew’s mom and her dad, how could she continue to have a relationship with Andrew? Then, be ENGAGED to Andrew?!! Then, be ready to MARRY him and not tell him?!! I mean it was the photograph comment that made her run away?!! Not the fact that her dad was actively having an affair with her mother-in-law??
I felt the author added this bit last minute for unnecessary drama in the end so I’m deciding to ignore this and not knock the rating down another star. But seriously, don’t do this shit because it did sully the whole reading experience. I was forced to reevaluate my feelings for the characters, hence, the low stars.
Now, Dan’s book is next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
Ryder Duke is comfortable in his life. He has a family he adores, owns a cafe in a quirky town that he loves and is looking for nothing else in his life. He begins to question if his life is missing something important when Libby limps into town in a malfunctioning rental car, with a wedding dress stuffed into the trunk. Ever the protector, he arranges for her car to be repaired, gives her a job in his cafe, and lets her crash in a room in his house when her only other option is sleeping in her car. Little by little, she burrowes into his life and his heart until he can’t imagine his life without her in it. But when her big lie is revealed, can he trust what they feel? Will he finally admit his love or will the hurt over being lied to forever come between them? Libby has found a man who cares enough about her to help her realize her dreams. Will she have to leave him behind due to her lie? Ms. Blake creates a small town environment that anyone would want to visit, and possibly live in forever. The residents of Lyntacky are strange, interfering in each other’s lives continuously, but, ultimately, loving and caring about each other. The secondary characters in the series are fully fleshed out with foibles of their own, and each furthers the story along in their own inimitable style, until a satisfying and lovely HEA follows. I also love that Ms. Blake offers a “Bonus Epilogue” for each of her books, showing the main characters some years down the road. When characters in a book are so terrific, it’s hard to let go of them as the last page turns, so the epilogues are much appreciated. I highly recommend this book, which is a standalone (though I suggest reading the entire series as each and every book is wonderful!). This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
May 4, 2025
Wow! I wish I was creative to write a review this story deserves. I love small town stories, but this has an added element because the town is quirky! I grew up in a small town, that is still a village, that care for each other, no matter where life takes you.
The characters are perfect and written with such depth, that you will feel like you know them. I've read the whole series and highly recommend it. It can be a standalone, but the secondary characters all cross over to the next story. To fully enjoy this quirky town, you'll want to start at the beginning.
Some drama and suspense, a little misunderstanding that doesn't last long. Slow burn to full romance which I love. Lovemaking, outside of marriage heat level barely 4 out of 5.
I loved how the h found her voice in dealing with her family. No cheating with our MC, and no cliffhanger and nice set up for the next story.
We are treated to HEA, romance, some steam and a nice epilogue. If you want to see what their future is 10 years down the road, you need to download an extended epilogue. The author is upfront, when you do this, you are signing up for her newsletter.
I absolutely love this author whether she's writing under Lani Blake or Wendy Vella, you can't go wrong. Crude words and Lord's name used.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase, which I recommend.
I received ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
The characters are perfect and written with such depth, that you will feel like you know them. I've read the whole series and highly recommend it. It can be a standalone, but the secondary characters all cross over to the next story. To fully enjoy this quirky town, you'll want to start at the beginning.
Some drama and suspense, a little misunderstanding that doesn't last long. Slow burn to full romance which I love. Lovemaking, outside of marriage heat level barely 4 out of 5.
I loved how the h found her voice in dealing with her family. No cheating with our MC, and no cliffhanger and nice set up for the next story.
We are treated to HEA, romance, some steam and a nice epilogue. If you want to see what their future is 10 years down the road, you need to download an extended epilogue. The author is upfront, when you do this, you are signing up for her newsletter.
I absolutely love this author whether she's writing under Lani Blake or Wendy Vella, you can't go wrong. Crude words and Lord's name used.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase, which I recommend.
I received ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
May 14, 2025
Another fabulous addition to the Duke Brothers series by Lani Blake with this one having Ryder Duke offering help to a stranded motorist early one cold winter morning in Lyntacky. The stranded motorist gives her name as Libby Gulliver and reveals eventually to Ryder that she fled from her wedding day but it will take many more days of working for Ryder and sharing his home and a final unexpected visit before all of Libby’s story is revealed.
This opposites attract in a small town romance with meddling family and townsfolk with lots of tension between Ryder and Libby while he struggles to protect her, a rich pampered big city girl out on her own having to rough-it without the funds she’s so used to and she’s hiding who she is but falling for the small town and Ryder more each day is an absolute delight to read. Again, I couldn’t help but love the teasing and banter between the Duke siblings and friends as well as all the antics of the townspeople. Lani Blake knows how to write back and forth dialogue that is realistic sounding and often hilarious to eavesdrop on. Absolutely love these Duke brothers!
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This opposites attract in a small town romance with meddling family and townsfolk with lots of tension between Ryder and Libby while he struggles to protect her, a rich pampered big city girl out on her own having to rough-it without the funds she’s so used to and she’s hiding who she is but falling for the small town and Ryder more each day is an absolute delight to read. Again, I couldn’t help but love the teasing and banter between the Duke siblings and friends as well as all the antics of the townspeople. Lani Blake knows how to write back and forth dialogue that is realistic sounding and often hilarious to eavesdrop on. Absolutely love these Duke brothers!
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2025
I was given this book as an ARC for review purposes.
I love Lani Blake's books, and this new series is no exception. Admittedly I'd only read book one in this series, Sawyer & Birdie's story, and although this is book 4 and it probably would help to read in order, I don't think it's a huge issue. Of course I do plan on reading book 2 & 3.
So, back to book 4, Ryder Duke and Libby Gulliver's story. Based in the quirky town of Lyntacky, with residents who like squares, random dancing, dubious knitwear, and good food, but with hearts of gold, bar one or two. When Libby's car full on breaks down, in the middle of winter, she is rescued by Ryder, who by all accounts has better things to do, like run his coffee shop and keep to himself, than rescue a stubborn, feisty, but scared woman.
Without giving too much away, as who wants a spoiler, the story follows these two as they tangle, verbally and inevitably physically, and Lyntacky and its kooky residents grow on Libby. Prepare for a good showdown too. The bonus epilogue neatly ties their story up.
I cannot recommend Lani's books highly enough.
I love Lani Blake's books, and this new series is no exception. Admittedly I'd only read book one in this series, Sawyer & Birdie's story, and although this is book 4 and it probably would help to read in order, I don't think it's a huge issue. Of course I do plan on reading book 2 & 3.
So, back to book 4, Ryder Duke and Libby Gulliver's story. Based in the quirky town of Lyntacky, with residents who like squares, random dancing, dubious knitwear, and good food, but with hearts of gold, bar one or two. When Libby's car full on breaks down, in the middle of winter, she is rescued by Ryder, who by all accounts has better things to do, like run his coffee shop and keep to himself, than rescue a stubborn, feisty, but scared woman.
Without giving too much away, as who wants a spoiler, the story follows these two as they tangle, verbally and inevitably physically, and Lyntacky and its kooky residents grow on Libby. Prepare for a good showdown too. The bonus epilogue neatly ties their story up.
I cannot recommend Lani's books highly enough.
May 10, 2025
This is another beautifully written story in the Duke Brothers series. I just love those Duke siblings and I can’t wait to read the next book. This book is centered around Ryder and Libby. Ryder owns the SwingThrough Cafe in town and he’s one of the first people to meet Libby, when her rental car breaks down. Ryder and Libby have some amazing chemistry, but she’s keeping secrets and Ryder doesn’t like that. As Libby adjusts to living in Lyntacky and getting to know everyone, she realizes she likes it here. She’s staying with Ryder in his house, working with him, and doing some accounting on the side. She admits to herself what her passion is and it’s not accounting. Will she pursue her passion or let it go? No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens and if Ryder can accept Libby’s secrets.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 3, 2025
This was such a great book! When Libby’s car breaks down in Lyntacky, she has no idea what she’s in for. Ryder saves her from spending the night in her car, gives her a temporary place to stay and a job. This town really embraced Libby and she soon sees what it’s like to feel safe and part of a small town. I loved how the Duke family always rallies and takes care of their town and its people. When Libby is confronted with what she ran from, they show her that she’s worth fighting for. I also loved how Ryder was so protective. Even when he didn’t think they were a match, and he found out she had secrets, he still wanted her safe. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
May 4, 2025
Wow! Another amazing read from the fantastic Lani Blake!
Returning to Lyntacky and the Duke family is like being snuggled on the sofa wrapped in a soft blanket on a cold day and then handed your favourite drink, it’s like coming home again, it’s just the best ❤️
Ryders story was no exception, he is the ‘nice’ one, the good guy and he certainly was good for Libby!
She was running from her wedding, her family and the life she had, he was in the right place at the right time.
They were great together, sparks flew, love simmered all along with the craziness of Lyntacky and the Duke family.
Brilliant tead and the bonus Epilogue just finishes it off perfectly.
Returning to Lyntacky and the Duke family is like being snuggled on the sofa wrapped in a soft blanket on a cold day and then handed your favourite drink, it’s like coming home again, it’s just the best ❤️
Ryders story was no exception, he is the ‘nice’ one, the good guy and he certainly was good for Libby!
She was running from her wedding, her family and the life she had, he was in the right place at the right time.
They were great together, sparks flew, love simmered all along with the craziness of Lyntacky and the Duke family.
Brilliant tead and the bonus Epilogue just finishes it off perfectly.
April 29, 2025
The Dukes are back!! And what’s not to love? I wondered who Ryder would find to complete his life and Libby did not disappoint. She has issues, but learns how to deal effectively with them because of the help and love of Ryder, the Duke family and of course, those fine folks of wacky Lyntacky. I love to read these Duke family stories. I find myself smiling and grimacing as they work their ways to true love and happiness.
May 13, 2025
4.5 Stars
There was just something about this story that grabbed me and didn't want to let go. Loved Ryder and Libby and the rest of the town!
There was just something about this story that grabbed me and didn't want to let go. Loved Ryder and Libby and the rest of the town!
May 22, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️ I really really liked this book!!!!!
June 11, 2025
4.5 stars
I’ve enjoyed all the books so far in this series! They are quick reads with quirky characters that I’ve looked forward to catching up with.
Can’t wait to read the next one!
I’ve enjoyed all the books so far in this series! They are quick reads with quirky characters that I’ve looked forward to catching up with.
Can’t wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews