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Lucky in Love #3
Late to Love
She’s a woman with a tool belt and a dream. He’s the grumpy bartender who falls head over heels.
Darcy Belle is full of contradictions. At twenty-four, she’s the beach town’s best carpenter with plans to launch her own custom furniture store online. The only thing she loves more than furniture is irritating the grumpy bartender at her weekly all-female bowling team practice. And when said grump agrees to let her flex her skills by renovating his loft? Life just took a turn for joy, folks.
Anthony Hall has lived a life of consistency and hard work. Owner and bartender at Hall’s Balls, he’s every bit the town grump people think he is. It’s not until Darcy Belle barrels into his life at full tilt, all luscious curves with power tools to boot, that he understands he’s got more to give. A lot more.
Forced to see each other almost daily, Darcy and Anthony slowly realize there’s more to their arguments than meet the eye, despite their seventeen-year age difference. But age is just a number, until years of hurt reveal that Darcy isn’t the one who needs to grow up.
Late to Love is an age gap grumpy-sunshine romcom where he falls first with a guaranteed happily ever after.
Darcy Belle is full of contradictions. At twenty-four, she’s the beach town’s best carpenter with plans to launch her own custom furniture store online. The only thing she loves more than furniture is irritating the grumpy bartender at her weekly all-female bowling team practice. And when said grump agrees to let her flex her skills by renovating his loft? Life just took a turn for joy, folks.
Anthony Hall has lived a life of consistency and hard work. Owner and bartender at Hall’s Balls, he’s every bit the town grump people think he is. It’s not until Darcy Belle barrels into his life at full tilt, all luscious curves with power tools to boot, that he understands he’s got more to give. A lot more.
Forced to see each other almost daily, Darcy and Anthony slowly realize there’s more to their arguments than meet the eye, despite their seventeen-year age difference. But age is just a number, until years of hurt reveal that Darcy isn’t the one who needs to grow up.
Late to Love is an age gap grumpy-sunshine romcom where he falls first with a guaranteed happily ever after.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2025
73 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Pepper
18 books206 followersSteamy romantic comedy and contemporary romance author. Hoarder of half-used notebooks. Boots enthusiast. Lover of fall. Also coffee. Lots of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
May 12, 2025
*Received from Happily Booked PR for review*
Holy fuck. This was absolutely amazing! It was so hot 🥵 and I’m not okay! 🫠
Age gap romances are my absolute favourite trope and this went beyond my expectations! It was all hot and heavy with a touch of an emotional side that made me cry big fat ugly tears!
Also, who doesn’t want a Daddy who’s big and strong to throw you over your shoulder, spank you, and ravish you the way you deserve. 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️
Brat. 🤭
Holy fuck. This was absolutely amazing! It was so hot 🥵 and I’m not okay! 🫠
Age gap romances are my absolute favourite trope and this went beyond my expectations! It was all hot and heavy with a touch of an emotional side that made me cry big fat ugly tears!
Also, who doesn’t want a Daddy who’s big and strong to throw you over your shoulder, spank you, and ravish you the way you deserve. 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️
Brat. 🤭
June 28, 2025
Best of all three. Loved the age gap / chemistry
Loved that the MFC was tough, strong, handy. Related to her
Loved that the MFC was tough, strong, handy. Related to her
December 7, 2025
Thank you to the author for my copy!
Book: Late To Love
Author: Valerie Pepper
Rating: 3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟✨
Synopsis: She’s a woman with a tool belt and a dream. He’s the grumpy bartender who falls head over heels. Forced to see each other almost daily, Darcy and Anthony slowly realize there’s more to their arguments than meet the eye, despite their seventeen-year age difference. But age is just a number, until years of hurt reveal that Darcy isn’t the one who needs to grow up.
Tropes:
🩷Contemporary Romance
🎳Open Door Spice
🩷Small Town
🎳Forced Proximity
🩷Age Gap
🎳Grumpy X Sunshine
🩷Curvy FMC
Thoughts: This was a super cute small town romance filled with two main characters dealing with serious insecurities and feelings of not being worthy of love, the MMC more so than the FMC. I really enjoyed the forced proximity theme, with the FMC being hired on as a carpenter to design and renovate the MMC’s flat that is above his bar/bowling alley business. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, the spice was great, and I found the pacing to work well with that overall writing style. I struggled with the “Daddy” kink, as it’s personally not one of my favs and for some reason I had this overwhelming feeling of wanting more. I did enjoy that the MMC took the time at the end to work on himself to be a better person before getting into a serious relationship with the FMC.
Would I Recommend: Yes, I really enjoy Valerie Pepper books.
Formats Available: KU, ebook, and paperback.
Book: Late To Love
Author: Valerie Pepper
Rating: 3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟✨
Synopsis: She’s a woman with a tool belt and a dream. He’s the grumpy bartender who falls head over heels. Forced to see each other almost daily, Darcy and Anthony slowly realize there’s more to their arguments than meet the eye, despite their seventeen-year age difference. But age is just a number, until years of hurt reveal that Darcy isn’t the one who needs to grow up.
Tropes:
🩷Contemporary Romance
🎳Open Door Spice
🩷Small Town
🎳Forced Proximity
🩷Age Gap
🎳Grumpy X Sunshine
🩷Curvy FMC
Thoughts: This was a super cute small town romance filled with two main characters dealing with serious insecurities and feelings of not being worthy of love, the MMC more so than the FMC. I really enjoyed the forced proximity theme, with the FMC being hired on as a carpenter to design and renovate the MMC’s flat that is above his bar/bowling alley business. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, the spice was great, and I found the pacing to work well with that overall writing style. I struggled with the “Daddy” kink, as it’s personally not one of my favs and for some reason I had this overwhelming feeling of wanting more. I did enjoy that the MMC took the time at the end to work on himself to be a better person before getting into a serious relationship with the FMC.
Would I Recommend: Yes, I really enjoy Valerie Pepper books.
Formats Available: KU, ebook, and paperback.
May 7, 2025
Always happy to be an ARC reader for Valerie Pepper. I could easily devour each book in this series in one sitting as they are always a mood-boosting, light-hearted romance. I loved the uniqueness of the main characters here. A female carpenter with curves? Yes ma’am. The attention to detail and the way their love blossomed and how they really got to understand and know each other was such a treat to read. Also fun to see other Valerie characters we know and love make an appearance. (Gotta read to find out who👀)
May 15, 2025
~I received an advance review copy for free from Valerie Pepper and Happily Booked PR for review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.~
Tropes;
💜𝓓𝓾𝓪𝓵 𝓟𝓞𝓥𝓼
💕𝓐𝓰𝓮 𝓖𝓪𝓹
💜𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓿𝔂 𝓕𝓜𝓒
💕𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝔁 𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻
💜𝓢𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓣𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
💕𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓶𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓻𝔂
💜𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂
💕𝓖𝓻𝓾𝓶𝓹𝔂 𝔁 𝓢𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮
💜𝓑𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻/𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
💕𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽
💜𝓗𝓮 𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻
💕𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
💜𝓗𝓔𝓐
This was surprisingly so good! So hawt and well-written! This is an age gap with an emotional-rollercoaster, it made me sad and tearful, happy and cheerful at other times, and fan my face when the spice came. It's a light-hearted romance, a feel-good book, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I also loved that the FMC, Darcy, who is also a carpenter, is a curvier female lead (plus size rep! Yas!) She's an absolute bad-ass! I admired the way she stood up for herself, and she did it in a way that was confident, self-assured, and mature. Anthony is a bartender and grumpy, and HAWT. Also, their banter was so exciting. The way he notices the small details about her is so heart-warming! He tried his best to keep his distance, but of course, it's easier said than done...
If you love small-town romances that is light-hearted yet tugs on your heart, makes you swoon at the broody MMC and root for the sunshine FMC for wanting to make her own mark in this world, and at the same time find love despite the obstacles, has angst and romance, then this one is for you.
I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to arc read this, it was an amazing read. Thank you!
Out of Fives; 🎪🖤
💕𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓: ✨✨✨
💜𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
💕𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
💜𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
💕𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 🎲🎲🎲🎲
💜𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒚 𝑭𝑴𝑪: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
💕𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪: 💙💙💙💙💙
💜𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆: 📜📜📜📜📜
💕𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⏳⏳⏳⏳
💜𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 👍👍👍👍👍
💕𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌍🌏🌍🌍🌏
💜𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
💕𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔.
💜𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 238.
💕𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 33 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆).
💜𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
💕𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆: 16 𝑴𝒂𝒚 2025.
💜𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
💕𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes;
💜𝓓𝓾𝓪𝓵 𝓟𝓞𝓥𝓼
💕𝓐𝓰𝓮 𝓖𝓪𝓹
💜𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓿𝔂 𝓕𝓜𝓒
💕𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝔁 𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻
💜𝓢𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓣𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
💕𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓶𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓻𝔂
💜𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂
💕𝓖𝓻𝓾𝓶𝓹𝔂 𝔁 𝓢𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮
💜𝓑𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻/𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
💕𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽
💜𝓗𝓮 𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻
💕𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
💜𝓗𝓔𝓐
This was surprisingly so good! So hawt and well-written! This is an age gap with an emotional-rollercoaster, it made me sad and tearful, happy and cheerful at other times, and fan my face when the spice came. It's a light-hearted romance, a feel-good book, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I also loved that the FMC, Darcy, who is also a carpenter, is a curvier female lead (plus size rep! Yas!) She's an absolute bad-ass! I admired the way she stood up for herself, and she did it in a way that was confident, self-assured, and mature. Anthony is a bartender and grumpy, and HAWT. Also, their banter was so exciting. The way he notices the small details about her is so heart-warming! He tried his best to keep his distance, but of course, it's easier said than done...
If you love small-town romances that is light-hearted yet tugs on your heart, makes you swoon at the broody MMC and root for the sunshine FMC for wanting to make her own mark in this world, and at the same time find love despite the obstacles, has angst and romance, then this one is for you.
I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to arc read this, it was an amazing read. Thank you!
Out of Fives; 🎪🖤
💕𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓: ✨✨✨
💜𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
💕𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
💜𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
💕𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 🎲🎲🎲🎲
💜𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒚 𝑭𝑴𝑪: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
💕𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪: 💙💙💙💙💙
💜𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆: 📜📜📜📜📜
💕𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⏳⏳⏳⏳
💜𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 👍👍👍👍👍
💕𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌍🌏🌍🌍🌏
💜𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
💕𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔.
💜𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 238.
💕𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 33 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆).
💜𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
💕𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆: 16 𝑴𝒂𝒚 2025.
💜𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
💕𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 20, 2025
Late To Love by Valerie Pepper
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
If you love age gap romance this book is for you
Anthony, the town grump and owner of Hall’s Balls and Darcy 17 years his junior and the towns best carpenter might be falling for each other. She talks him into letting her renovate his residence above his establishment and the more time they spend together the more they realize they like each other. Darcy brings out the best in him and he gets less and less grumpy being around her but the age difference weighs on them both. Can they have a relationship? Is the age difference too much? Do they love each other? But, when they throw a party for Anthony’s parents and he fist fights one of his brothers and insults Darcy, their relationship may not survive his antics?
#toolateforlove #valeriepipper #agegapromance #bookreview #bookinfluencer
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
If you love age gap romance this book is for you
Anthony, the town grump and owner of Hall’s Balls and Darcy 17 years his junior and the towns best carpenter might be falling for each other. She talks him into letting her renovate his residence above his establishment and the more time they spend together the more they realize they like each other. Darcy brings out the best in him and he gets less and less grumpy being around her but the age difference weighs on them both. Can they have a relationship? Is the age difference too much? Do they love each other? But, when they throw a party for Anthony’s parents and he fist fights one of his brothers and insults Darcy, their relationship may not survive his antics?
#toolateforlove #valeriepipper #agegapromance #bookreview #bookinfluencer
May 20, 2025
Late to Love was a fantastic read. Darcy is strong and independent, a badass carpenter. Anthony is the grump bar owner that's 17 years older. They've had a spark but never act on it until Darcy begins to renovate his apartment about his business.
Soon the sparks fly and they give into their attraction.
Anthony has such a dirty mouth and was dominant in what he wanted.
Darcy grew more confident in herself and her business of building custom furniture.
The banter between all the characters was fun.
Soon the sparks fly and they give into their attraction.
Anthony has such a dirty mouth and was dominant in what he wanted.
Darcy grew more confident in herself and her business of building custom furniture.
The banter between all the characters was fun.
August 31, 2025
Late to Love by Valerie Pepper is the third book in the Lucky in Love series! I am so excited to be back in this small town with these fantastic characters! I have now read several books by Valerie Pepper, and I can now say without doubt that she knows how to write the cutest spicy romance novels set in some of the sweetest small towns. And Late to Love did not disappoint.
Late to Love is set in a small beach town where Darcy has lived her whole life. She works at the hardware store that her dad owns, all while making custom furniture and home renovation projects. Anthony owns and bartends at the local bowling alley, Hall's Balls. Darcy talks her way into revoating Anthony's loft, and now they're forced to see each other a lot more than they bargained for.
This book is full of all the flirty banter you could want in a romance novel. With Darcy's bubbly and bratty personality always pushing Anthony's buttons, it is comical. I’m such a fan of Valerie Peppers' writing, and this is another one of her books that doesn’t disappoint! I would absolutely recommend picking up this book and giving it a read!
Thank you, Valerie Pepper, for the copy for review!
Late to Love is set in a small beach town where Darcy has lived her whole life. She works at the hardware store that her dad owns, all while making custom furniture and home renovation projects. Anthony owns and bartends at the local bowling alley, Hall's Balls. Darcy talks her way into revoating Anthony's loft, and now they're forced to see each other a lot more than they bargained for.
This book is full of all the flirty banter you could want in a romance novel. With Darcy's bubbly and bratty personality always pushing Anthony's buttons, it is comical. I’m such a fan of Valerie Peppers' writing, and this is another one of her books that doesn’t disappoint! I would absolutely recommend picking up this book and giving it a read!
Thank you, Valerie Pepper, for the copy for review!
May 4, 2025
Super cute and quick age gap romance. Our FMC is a sassy carpenter, and the grump tattoo-covered mmc owns the bowling alley. Take a guess at what happens when she renovates his loft? 🔥 This read was fun and a super quick read.
-Age Gap 41/24
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Bowling
-HEA
-Age Gap 41/24
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Bowling
-HEA
May 11, 2025
“She’s a woman with a tool belt and a dream. He’s the grumpy bartender who falls head over heels."
As always, Valerie gave us an amazing MC with Anthony Hall. 🥵 Every book I’ve read by Valerie has been easily devour able. The characters, the small town, the meddling, the spice… all of it.
Darcy is a fun loving character who’s also pretty bad ass. She’s a carpenter whose newest project is the town grump’s loft. Anthony is said town grump who bartends.
Their banter and watching them come together, kinda slow but not really, was the perfect addition to the Lucky in Love series!
Agatha is a hoot and I’m going to miss her meddling.
As always, Valerie gave us an amazing MC with Anthony Hall. 🥵 Every book I’ve read by Valerie has been easily devour able. The characters, the small town, the meddling, the spice… all of it.
Darcy is a fun loving character who’s also pretty bad ass. She’s a carpenter whose newest project is the town grump’s loft. Anthony is said town grump who bartends.
Their banter and watching them come together, kinda slow but not really, was the perfect addition to the Lucky in Love series!
Agatha is a hoot and I’m going to miss her meddling.
May 8, 2025
If you’re craving a good small-town romance, Valerie always hits! This one was book 3 in an interconnected standalone series & I really enjoyed it! Gotta love the age gap trope. Darcy is also an awesome FMC!
May 22, 2025
Darcy and Anthony were fantastic! This story was absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way.
Thank you Valerie for an ARC!
Thank you Valerie for an ARC!
May 21, 2025
Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the arc! So cute! Loved both characters & the plus-size rep. Excited for more from this author!
June 29, 2025
If you are looking for a really cute, laugh out loud, small town age-gap rom-com with charismatic characters—pick this one up! Darcy is a curvy carpenter who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to get what she wants, who happens to be the grumpy, older bar owner, Anthony. These two are hilarious together, the spice is steamy and their relationship just seems healthy. Love that this book features bowling—I had the most fun bowling when I used to date so queue all the nostalgia too. I had a really fun time reading this book.
Thanks to the author and Happily Booked PR for the eARC
Thanks to the author and Happily Booked PR for the eARC
May 16, 2025
RomCom
Carpenter FMC
Bartender MMC
Age Gap (17yrs)
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Late to Love is the 3rd book in the Lucky in Love series, and I am absolutely, head over heels, in love with this book and this series. Each book in this series has gotten better and better, and I'm honestly not sure I'll ever be ready to leave this sweet beach side town.
Darcy Belle is a spunky 24 year old trying to figure out how to make her mark on the world. She's tired of being a crutch for her father, and desperately wants to branch out on her own. She loves her friends and she gets together with them once a week at Hall's Balls bowling alley to socialize. Anthony Hall, the owner of Hall's Balls and the bartender, can't help but notice Darcy and her spicy personality. He knows she's much younger, and he tries to stay away but even his grumpy disposition doesn't deter Darcy and he can't help but fall for her charm. She convinces him to let her renovate his space above the bowling alley, and they end up spending every day together working on projects.
The banter between Anthony and Darcy is absolutely adorable. I loved everything about their interactions. I was grinning and kicking my feet the whole time. The tension in the build up is absolutely delicious, and I loved seeing Anthony fall for her. Once Anthony lets his guard down and meets her flirty nature with his own dominant personality, all bets are off. This man... 😮💨 There is something down right sinful about a man who's confident and dominant in the bedroom, but strong and supportive outside while leaving room for a woman be strong and independent without him. Emotional maturity for the win here!
"Why aren't you here?"
I laugh. "Because I needed a day off. I've barely taken any time for myself, not that you've noticed."
I notice when you're not here."
🫠 Oh Anthony... there are so many things that he notices about Darcy that had my heart swelling. There's something about being noticed in a such an intricate way like that. Not just your presence, but the way you take your coffee, your eating habits (and making sure that you are taking care of yourself), your favorite pens... When you're a hyper independent person, having someone notice the small details of your habits and not only care about them but embrace them is a special kind of love, and it just made me love his character even more.
While Anthony is not without his faults, he is a beautifully written MMC. He has his own struggles, but instead of staying stubborn in his ways, he makes and effort to repair things and I really loved that about him too. It's not easy to admit that you're wrong, especially when you feel like the one who has been wronged. Just another wonderful thing about him that made me love Anthony even more.
This book is, without a doubt, my favorite by Valerie so far. She has a way of writing characters that just tug on your heartstrings and make you fall in love with them, and I love that. Sometimes you just need a feel good love story without all the angst, and she knows exactly how to pull you in and make you feel right at home.
As always, I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with Valerie and be on her street team. Thank you to Valerie Pepper and Happily Booked PR for an advanced readers copy of this book.
Carpenter FMC
Bartender MMC
Age Gap (17yrs)
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Late to Love is the 3rd book in the Lucky in Love series, and I am absolutely, head over heels, in love with this book and this series. Each book in this series has gotten better and better, and I'm honestly not sure I'll ever be ready to leave this sweet beach side town.
Darcy Belle is a spunky 24 year old trying to figure out how to make her mark on the world. She's tired of being a crutch for her father, and desperately wants to branch out on her own. She loves her friends and she gets together with them once a week at Hall's Balls bowling alley to socialize. Anthony Hall, the owner of Hall's Balls and the bartender, can't help but notice Darcy and her spicy personality. He knows she's much younger, and he tries to stay away but even his grumpy disposition doesn't deter Darcy and he can't help but fall for her charm. She convinces him to let her renovate his space above the bowling alley, and they end up spending every day together working on projects.
The banter between Anthony and Darcy is absolutely adorable. I loved everything about their interactions. I was grinning and kicking my feet the whole time. The tension in the build up is absolutely delicious, and I loved seeing Anthony fall for her. Once Anthony lets his guard down and meets her flirty nature with his own dominant personality, all bets are off. This man... 😮💨 There is something down right sinful about a man who's confident and dominant in the bedroom, but strong and supportive outside while leaving room for a woman be strong and independent without him. Emotional maturity for the win here!
"Why aren't you here?"
I laugh. "Because I needed a day off. I've barely taken any time for myself, not that you've noticed."
I notice when you're not here."
🫠 Oh Anthony... there are so many things that he notices about Darcy that had my heart swelling. There's something about being noticed in a such an intricate way like that. Not just your presence, but the way you take your coffee, your eating habits (and making sure that you are taking care of yourself), your favorite pens... When you're a hyper independent person, having someone notice the small details of your habits and not only care about them but embrace them is a special kind of love, and it just made me love his character even more.
While Anthony is not without his faults, he is a beautifully written MMC. He has his own struggles, but instead of staying stubborn in his ways, he makes and effort to repair things and I really loved that about him too. It's not easy to admit that you're wrong, especially when you feel like the one who has been wronged. Just another wonderful thing about him that made me love Anthony even more.
This book is, without a doubt, my favorite by Valerie so far. She has a way of writing characters that just tug on your heartstrings and make you fall in love with them, and I love that. Sometimes you just need a feel good love story without all the angst, and she knows exactly how to pull you in and make you feel right at home.
As always, I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with Valerie and be on her street team. Thank you to Valerie Pepper and Happily Booked PR for an advanced readers copy of this book.
May 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This may be my favorite book from Valerie Pepper to date! Late to Love is an age gap romance that pulled out all the stops. The chemistry, the heat, and the storyline never quit in this story and I couldn’t put it down! Valerie packs so much into this book, but it all works while not feeling jumbled or confusing to follow the storyline. I immediately loved the banter between our MCs, couldn’t wait for the heat between them to ignite, and swooned multiple times as I read this story.
Darcy immediately had my heart! Who doesn’t love a confident, girl boss, who is unapologetically herself from the very beginning of this story. Oh and did I mention she is a curvy goddess! How could you not love her and fall for her? She works in a field dominated by men and is incredibly talented. When her newest client turns out to be the town grump, she doesn’t let that stop her. As they spend time together and continue to develop an intense relationship, I loved every second of them together.
Anthony, as stated earlier, is the town grump but also a bartender at one of the town’s busiest bars. He is immediately taken by Darcy and her sassy, spicy personality. As someone who doesn’t open up to people often, it was a joy seeing him open up to her. I will warn you, when his guard comes down and his flirtatious side comes out…have a tall glass of ice water nearby to help cool you down.
Valerie has outdone herself with these two and the other characters that support throughout the book. These two are beyond perfect for each other; one bringing out the other’s playful side and one showing the other what full support really, truly looks like. I loved how neither one felt that they had to change for the other and both perfections and flaws are accepted and embraced. If you have never read Valerie Pepper before, I highly, highly recommend this is the book you start with! You will become an instant fan and she will be at the top of your TBR list.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🍺Age Gap Romance
🔨Beach Town
🍺Carpenter x Bartender
🔨Grumpy x Sunshine
🍺Unavoidable Proximity
🔨Curvy FMC
🍺Broody MMC
🔨She Falls First, He Falls Harder
This may be my favorite book from Valerie Pepper to date! Late to Love is an age gap romance that pulled out all the stops. The chemistry, the heat, and the storyline never quit in this story and I couldn’t put it down! Valerie packs so much into this book, but it all works while not feeling jumbled or confusing to follow the storyline. I immediately loved the banter between our MCs, couldn’t wait for the heat between them to ignite, and swooned multiple times as I read this story.
Darcy immediately had my heart! Who doesn’t love a confident, girl boss, who is unapologetically herself from the very beginning of this story. Oh and did I mention she is a curvy goddess! How could you not love her and fall for her? She works in a field dominated by men and is incredibly talented. When her newest client turns out to be the town grump, she doesn’t let that stop her. As they spend time together and continue to develop an intense relationship, I loved every second of them together.
Anthony, as stated earlier, is the town grump but also a bartender at one of the town’s busiest bars. He is immediately taken by Darcy and her sassy, spicy personality. As someone who doesn’t open up to people often, it was a joy seeing him open up to her. I will warn you, when his guard comes down and his flirtatious side comes out…have a tall glass of ice water nearby to help cool you down.
Valerie has outdone herself with these two and the other characters that support throughout the book. These two are beyond perfect for each other; one bringing out the other’s playful side and one showing the other what full support really, truly looks like. I loved how neither one felt that they had to change for the other and both perfections and flaws are accepted and embraced. If you have never read Valerie Pepper before, I highly, highly recommend this is the book you start with! You will become an instant fan and she will be at the top of your TBR list.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🍺Age Gap Romance
🔨Beach Town
🍺Carpenter x Bartender
🔨Grumpy x Sunshine
🍺Unavoidable Proximity
🔨Curvy FMC
🍺Broody MMC
🔨She Falls First, He Falls Harder
May 29, 2025
An age-gap romance that’s equal parts heat, heart, and hilarity.
This book was H.O.T.! and had me giggling throughout. I'll admit, the seventeen-year age gap was a little "What?!" for me, but like Darcy says—she's 24 and knows what she wants. So I stopped being Miss Judgy-Pants and decided to simply dive into the romance.
Darcy (Miss Sunshine) and Anthony (Mr Grump) already have a bit of a thing going on before the book begins, but the story kicks off when Anthony agrees to let Darcy renovate his loft. Now that they’re seeing each other more often, they can’t ignore the tension between them. Anthony is closer in age to Darcy’s father than to her, and he’s understandably worried about the consequences. But Darcy’s had enough of boys her age and is convinced that no one but Anthony will do.
This romance has two very distinct vibes. The off-bedroom side is sweet and funny. I loved how Darcy kept ribbing Anthony, always trying to get a rise out of him and how much Anthony secretly enjoyed her bratty ways. It’s all witty banter and grumpy grunts on this side. Then there’s the bedroom side, which is... hot and dirty. I’ll admit I skimmed most of it—"Daddy" in a sexual context is a hard pass for me (bleargh!). But that’s just a me thing, others might find it steamy.
Anthony is your classic grump—big, broody, and taciturn. But Darcy? She steals the show! I think she’s become my favourite heroine ever. She’s unapologetically loud, contentedly curvy, uniquely stylish, and supremely confident. If I had a tenth of what she’s got going, no one would recognise me!
The prose is witty, the pace snappy, and the side characters are given just enough room to shine without stealing focus. The seaside town setting adds charm. The plot is solid, but the short length didn’t do it full justice. The conflict at the end wrapped up too neatly, the relationship rushed too quickly into "I love yous," and most importantly, I didn’t get enough of Darcy!
Still, I think the biggest takeaway from this book is that no matter your age, no one’s entirely "grown up."
Highly recommended for fans of romcoms, small-town romances, lots of spice, and those who love sassy, curvy heroines. This one’s going on my comfort-read shelf!
This book was H.O.T.! and had me giggling throughout. I'll admit, the seventeen-year age gap was a little "What?!" for me, but like Darcy says—she's 24 and knows what she wants. So I stopped being Miss Judgy-Pants and decided to simply dive into the romance.
Darcy (Miss Sunshine) and Anthony (Mr Grump) already have a bit of a thing going on before the book begins, but the story kicks off when Anthony agrees to let Darcy renovate his loft. Now that they’re seeing each other more often, they can’t ignore the tension between them. Anthony is closer in age to Darcy’s father than to her, and he’s understandably worried about the consequences. But Darcy’s had enough of boys her age and is convinced that no one but Anthony will do.
This romance has two very distinct vibes. The off-bedroom side is sweet and funny. I loved how Darcy kept ribbing Anthony, always trying to get a rise out of him and how much Anthony secretly enjoyed her bratty ways. It’s all witty banter and grumpy grunts on this side. Then there’s the bedroom side, which is... hot and dirty. I’ll admit I skimmed most of it—"Daddy" in a sexual context is a hard pass for me (bleargh!). But that’s just a me thing, others might find it steamy.
Anthony is your classic grump—big, broody, and taciturn. But Darcy? She steals the show! I think she’s become my favourite heroine ever. She’s unapologetically loud, contentedly curvy, uniquely stylish, and supremely confident. If I had a tenth of what she’s got going, no one would recognise me!
The prose is witty, the pace snappy, and the side characters are given just enough room to shine without stealing focus. The seaside town setting adds charm. The plot is solid, but the short length didn’t do it full justice. The conflict at the end wrapped up too neatly, the relationship rushed too quickly into "I love yous," and most importantly, I didn’t get enough of Darcy!
Still, I think the biggest takeaway from this book is that no matter your age, no one’s entirely "grown up."
Highly recommended for fans of romcoms, small-town romances, lots of spice, and those who love sassy, curvy heroines. This one’s going on my comfort-read shelf!
May 26, 2025
4.75 Stars
I absolutely adored this book. I thought that all of the characters were so dynamic and fun. I love and age gap and I love a curvy FMC. This book gave us both of those. But the FMC was no weak damsel in need of saving. She is strong and so talented. Both main characters battle with their thoughts that the other won’t want them, that they aren’t good enough. But in actuality, these two are perfect for each other. This was such a fun read and I enjoyed getting to know all of the citizens of this small town. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in this series. But I never felt like there was something missing. These two were so cute with each other and I loved the flirty banter that went back and forth. Even though these two had a 17 year age difference, there wasn’t once where I thought these two didn’t belong together. The chemistry with each other was so wonderful.
I loved that the FMC was a curvy girl that was also a very skilled carpenter. Darcy was strong and sure of herself. She wasn’t quite as carefree as her best friend, but she did bring life to the bowling alley and had no qualms about her flirting with Anthony. She put a lot of responsibility on her self, with her own business and helping her father during her free time. Anthony is the town grump. He is 41 and the older brother to two other brothers. He isn’t quite as outgoing. But he has lusted over Darcy for years. He is a strong, ex football player that has a dominant streak and has a wanted to be with Darcy a very long time.
I really enjoyed reading this story and found myself invested in the characters. The spice in this, as soon as they actually get together, is extremely hot. I thought that the age gap made it even hotter and Anthony gives off so much Daddy energy. I felt that I was able to fly through this story because, even though it was a decent size, the connection between the main characters really set this story apart. This was such a cute story, and I thought it was so fun that I wanted to keep reading and never put it down.
I absolutely adored this book. I thought that all of the characters were so dynamic and fun. I love and age gap and I love a curvy FMC. This book gave us both of those. But the FMC was no weak damsel in need of saving. She is strong and so talented. Both main characters battle with their thoughts that the other won’t want them, that they aren’t good enough. But in actuality, these two are perfect for each other. This was such a fun read and I enjoyed getting to know all of the citizens of this small town. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in this series. But I never felt like there was something missing. These two were so cute with each other and I loved the flirty banter that went back and forth. Even though these two had a 17 year age difference, there wasn’t once where I thought these two didn’t belong together. The chemistry with each other was so wonderful.
I loved that the FMC was a curvy girl that was also a very skilled carpenter. Darcy was strong and sure of herself. She wasn’t quite as carefree as her best friend, but she did bring life to the bowling alley and had no qualms about her flirting with Anthony. She put a lot of responsibility on her self, with her own business and helping her father during her free time. Anthony is the town grump. He is 41 and the older brother to two other brothers. He isn’t quite as outgoing. But he has lusted over Darcy for years. He is a strong, ex football player that has a dominant streak and has a wanted to be with Darcy a very long time.
I really enjoyed reading this story and found myself invested in the characters. The spice in this, as soon as they actually get together, is extremely hot. I thought that the age gap made it even hotter and Anthony gives off so much Daddy energy. I felt that I was able to fly through this story because, even though it was a decent size, the connection between the main characters really set this story apart. This was such a cute story, and I thought it was so fun that I wanted to keep reading and never put it down.
May 13, 2025
Oh daaaaaaaaaaaaang. Anthony Hall can get it. Underneath all those gruff and grumpy layers is a dirty talking hunk who pays attention, supports his woman, and just wants to feel seen. He’s more than a snack - he’s an entire meal PLUS dessert. I never thought bowling was sexy until Anthony. Yum.
Agatha’s cottage does it again! In Late to Love by Valerie Pepper, we meet the newest tenant of Agatha’s cottage - Darcy Belle. She’s a carpenter, a lover of ice coffee, a determined and self-confident diva who supports her friends and flirts like a boss in a Rosie the Riveter-style bandana and overalls. She stands up for herself and does it with love and kindness and she just might be the role model we need right now. Also, Imma need her to make me some custom furniture, stat. Darcy’s got a little crush on Anthony Hall - owner of Hall’s Balls, former football star, town grump, and hot older guy. And for all his attempts to squash his feelings, Anthony’s got a little crush on her right back.
Oh, how I want to go to this small beach town. I want to find Darcy and Anthony’s secret spot and watch the sun set over the ocean. I want to bowl a couple of frames, eat at the Dash In Diner, and do yoga with the whole gang. I wanna wave at Ox, grab an ice cream, and maybe ogle some of the hotties that live there. Respectfully. And I think how this town and these people live rent free in my brain is a testament to Valerie Pepper’s storytelling prowess. I can’t wait to go back.
In the meantime, I’m gonna keep replaying some hot Darcy and Anthony scenes in my brain, and I’m going to remember that communication is a two-way street, and that sometimes, a good hard hug is healing.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Agatha’s cottage does it again! In Late to Love by Valerie Pepper, we meet the newest tenant of Agatha’s cottage - Darcy Belle. She’s a carpenter, a lover of ice coffee, a determined and self-confident diva who supports her friends and flirts like a boss in a Rosie the Riveter-style bandana and overalls. She stands up for herself and does it with love and kindness and she just might be the role model we need right now. Also, Imma need her to make me some custom furniture, stat. Darcy’s got a little crush on Anthony Hall - owner of Hall’s Balls, former football star, town grump, and hot older guy. And for all his attempts to squash his feelings, Anthony’s got a little crush on her right back.
Oh, how I want to go to this small beach town. I want to find Darcy and Anthony’s secret spot and watch the sun set over the ocean. I want to bowl a couple of frames, eat at the Dash In Diner, and do yoga with the whole gang. I wanna wave at Ox, grab an ice cream, and maybe ogle some of the hotties that live there. Respectfully. And I think how this town and these people live rent free in my brain is a testament to Valerie Pepper’s storytelling prowess. I can’t wait to go back.
In the meantime, I’m gonna keep replaying some hot Darcy and Anthony scenes in my brain, and I’m going to remember that communication is a two-way street, and that sometimes, a good hard hug is healing.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
May 14, 2025
🌟Grumpy x Sunshine
🌟Bartender x Carpenter
🌟Age Gap⠀
🌟Curvy FMC⠀
🌟She Falls First/He Falls Harder
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟Banter
🌟Small Town
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh my goodness, did I ever love 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞! This romcom delivered everything I wanted and more—banter that made me grin like an idiot, pining that had my heart aching in the best way, the most delicious grumpy-sunshine dynamic, and chemistry that was straight-up 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚.
Darcy might just be one of my all-time favorite heroines. She’s funny, independent, and a total badass with a hammer (yes, she’s a talented carpenter and I was 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 with that). She’s kindhearted and sassy, with just the right amount of bite—I adored everything about her.
And Anthony? Whew. That broody, closed-off man didn’t stand a chance—and I loved every second of watching him fall. The way he tried to resist Darcy (and totally failed) was 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙛'𝙨 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 level satisfying. He’s gruff, guarded, and carrying some heavy emotional baggage, but Darcy? She’s the sunshine that cuts through all that gloom. He sees her—truly sees her—and the way he notices the little things? Total swoon. And when his walls fracture and he has to confront the hard stuff, it’s Darcy who calls him out with love and honesty. She doesn’t let him hide, and honestly? She makes him a better man. Plain and simple.⠀
Their connection is electric, and don’t even get me started on the 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 on Anthony — let’s just say I was not mad about it. I love a man who’s utterly obsessed with his woman, and Anthony delivers that in spades. Together, these two are everything—supportive, fiery, and just so damn right for each other.
This book brought me all the joy, all the feels, and left me with a full heart and a huge smile. A must-read with a joy-filled HEA that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Special thanks to the author, Valerie Pepper, for the gifted copy 💕
🌟Bartender x Carpenter
🌟Age Gap⠀
🌟Curvy FMC⠀
🌟She Falls First/He Falls Harder
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟Banter
🌟Small Town
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh my goodness, did I ever love 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞! This romcom delivered everything I wanted and more—banter that made me grin like an idiot, pining that had my heart aching in the best way, the most delicious grumpy-sunshine dynamic, and chemistry that was straight-up 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚.
Darcy might just be one of my all-time favorite heroines. She’s funny, independent, and a total badass with a hammer (yes, she’s a talented carpenter and I was 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 with that). She’s kindhearted and sassy, with just the right amount of bite—I adored everything about her.
And Anthony? Whew. That broody, closed-off man didn’t stand a chance—and I loved every second of watching him fall. The way he tried to resist Darcy (and totally failed) was 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙛'𝙨 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 level satisfying. He’s gruff, guarded, and carrying some heavy emotional baggage, but Darcy? She’s the sunshine that cuts through all that gloom. He sees her—truly sees her—and the way he notices the little things? Total swoon. And when his walls fracture and he has to confront the hard stuff, it’s Darcy who calls him out with love and honesty. She doesn’t let him hide, and honestly? She makes him a better man. Plain and simple.⠀
Their connection is electric, and don’t even get me started on the 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 on Anthony — let’s just say I was not mad about it. I love a man who’s utterly obsessed with his woman, and Anthony delivers that in spades. Together, these two are everything—supportive, fiery, and just so damn right for each other.
This book brought me all the joy, all the feels, and left me with a full heart and a huge smile. A must-read with a joy-filled HEA that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Special thanks to the author, Valerie Pepper, for the gifted copy 💕
May 12, 2025
When I tell you that Valerie Pepper is a queen of banter, I mean it. The banter between Darcy and Anthony was really good! I loooove when there's witty banter and flirting and these two had a lot of it! Darcy is a bada$s, curvy, sassy carpenter who doesn't take sh!t from anyone (including her own dad) and I loved that about her. She KNOWS her worth and it was so inspiring to read about her and her confidence.
Anthony is a grumpy bar/bowling alley/arcade owner who doesn't smile....for anyone. Until he gets to know Darcy, as she is remodeling his apartment above Hall's Balls (yes, that's the name of his lovely establishment 😂). It was so fun watching his grumpy exterior crack throughout the story and watching how they both made each other better in the long run.
This story did feel pretty insta-lovey for me and insta love isn't my favorite trope BUT the story itself is pretty short and the timing made sense. To me, their feelings for each other just felt kind of rushed. But it wasn't in a horrible/unbelievable/bad way at all. Just quicker than I prefer I guess.
Overall, this story was cute, fun, and had a good amount of spice to it. And it was fun to see some other characters from the Valerie Pepperverse make an appearance. I'm sad this series is over but I'm excited to read whatever Valerie writes next! I really enjoyed the Lucky In Love series! If you're a fan of small town sweet & spicy romances, give this series a read! You won't regret it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥
Tropes:
💜 Age Gap
💜 Small Town
💜 Grumpy/Sunshine
💜 Curvy FMC
💜 She Falls First, He Falls Harder
💜 She's a Carpenter
Anthony is a grumpy bar/bowling alley/arcade owner who doesn't smile....for anyone. Until he gets to know Darcy, as she is remodeling his apartment above Hall's Balls (yes, that's the name of his lovely establishment 😂). It was so fun watching his grumpy exterior crack throughout the story and watching how they both made each other better in the long run.
This story did feel pretty insta-lovey for me and insta love isn't my favorite trope BUT the story itself is pretty short and the timing made sense. To me, their feelings for each other just felt kind of rushed. But it wasn't in a horrible/unbelievable/bad way at all. Just quicker than I prefer I guess.
Overall, this story was cute, fun, and had a good amount of spice to it. And it was fun to see some other characters from the Valerie Pepperverse make an appearance. I'm sad this series is over but I'm excited to read whatever Valerie writes next! I really enjoyed the Lucky In Love series! If you're a fan of small town sweet & spicy romances, give this series a read! You won't regret it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥
Tropes:
💜 Age Gap
💜 Small Town
💜 Grumpy/Sunshine
💜 Curvy FMC
💜 She Falls First, He Falls Harder
💜 She's a Carpenter
May 15, 2025
5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to Expect:
🛠️Age Gap
🍻Small Town
🛠️Beach Town
🍻Grumpy x Sunshine
🛠️She’s a Carpenter
🍻He’s a Bartender
🛠️Curvy FMC
🍻Forced Proximity
🛠️She Falls First
🍻He Falls Harder
🛠️Dual POV
Late to Love by Valerie Pepper might just be my new favorite in the Lucky in Love series. Darcy Belle is everything I adore in an FMC—confident, curvy, and totally bad@ss with her tool belt and complete SASS. As a carpenter with something to prove, she takes on a renovation project for the town’s (HOTTT!!) grumpy, older, tattooed bartender, Anthony Hall. Their chemistry is INSTANT FIREEE, the banter is top-tier, and watching Darcy bulldoze her way right through his emotional walls was pure happiness. The age gap was sooo delicious, and when Anthony finally stops resisting and lets himself fall? Let’s just say I was grinning, swooning, and having to fan the heat on myself all at once!!!!
But this story isn’t just spice (though, trust me, it delivers plenty). It’s also tender, emotional, and will completely melt your heart. Anthony sees Darcy—the way she takes her coffee, how she moves through the world, the little things most people miss. That kind of quiet attention? SOOO BEAUTIFUL!!! Their relationship felt grounded and real, with each of them growing through love and vulnerability. Toss in a charming small-town, cameos from past books, and Agatha’s signature meddling, and you’ve got the perfect feel-good, HAWTTTT romance.
Thank you so much to HBPR and Valerie Pepper for the chance to read this!! I am so grateful! Hope you have the best release day tomorrow (May 16)!!
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to Expect:
🛠️Age Gap
🍻Small Town
🛠️Beach Town
🍻Grumpy x Sunshine
🛠️She’s a Carpenter
🍻He’s a Bartender
🛠️Curvy FMC
🍻Forced Proximity
🛠️She Falls First
🍻He Falls Harder
🛠️Dual POV
Late to Love by Valerie Pepper might just be my new favorite in the Lucky in Love series. Darcy Belle is everything I adore in an FMC—confident, curvy, and totally bad@ss with her tool belt and complete SASS. As a carpenter with something to prove, she takes on a renovation project for the town’s (HOTTT!!) grumpy, older, tattooed bartender, Anthony Hall. Their chemistry is INSTANT FIREEE, the banter is top-tier, and watching Darcy bulldoze her way right through his emotional walls was pure happiness. The age gap was sooo delicious, and when Anthony finally stops resisting and lets himself fall? Let’s just say I was grinning, swooning, and having to fan the heat on myself all at once!!!!
But this story isn’t just spice (though, trust me, it delivers plenty). It’s also tender, emotional, and will completely melt your heart. Anthony sees Darcy—the way she takes her coffee, how she moves through the world, the little things most people miss. That kind of quiet attention? SOOO BEAUTIFUL!!! Their relationship felt grounded and real, with each of them growing through love and vulnerability. Toss in a charming small-town, cameos from past books, and Agatha’s signature meddling, and you’ve got the perfect feel-good, HAWTTTT romance.
Thank you so much to HBPR and Valerie Pepper for the chance to read this!! I am so grateful! Hope you have the best release day tomorrow (May 16)!!
May 20, 2025
Valerie Pepper 🧎♀️🔥 Omfg!!! This was absolutely incredible. The storyline, characters, tropes 🔥 The spice and kinks 🤸♀️ Ma'am, I was blushing from the second that spice hit. The mutual pining, tension, and angst had me on my knees! Thank you so very much for this ARC, I gobbled them in one day!
Anthony Hall 🧎♀️ Daddy alright 😏 This man and I both have a daddy kink, and I ain't complaining 😏 Tall, handsome, older, grumpy, aloof, intense, protective, freaky, filthy mouth, don't touch her, possessive, obsessed, only smiles with her, can't stop looking at her, and can't function without her. Anthony is the owner of Hall's Ball's, which is the town's Bowling Alley. He waits for Darcy to come in every time because as much as he doesn't want to admit it, he is head over heels. Anthony is perfectly grumpy 🤭 I loved the banter, teasing, and the secretive looks 🔥 The flirting was out of this world!
Darcy Belle 😏 A carpenter FMC! Beautiful, intelligent, independent, confident, curvy, sassy, freaky, protective, hardworking, sunshine, banterful, obsessed, and will do anything to see the fire in Anthony's eyes 🫦 Darcy is working hard to start her own business as a carpenter and takes on the job to renovate Anthony's loft after seeing how "plain" it was 🤭 The forced proximity gives her even more chances to make his cold, and aloof exterior fall and finally be with this MAN! She definitely matches his freak 😏 Darcy has a thing for older men, and I can't even blame her when the man is Anthony 🧎♀️
If you haven't read this series yet, you have to asap! The spice was spicing alright! The daddy kink and slight ddlg were done brilliantly!
Anthony Hall 🧎♀️ Daddy alright 😏 This man and I both have a daddy kink, and I ain't complaining 😏 Tall, handsome, older, grumpy, aloof, intense, protective, freaky, filthy mouth, don't touch her, possessive, obsessed, only smiles with her, can't stop looking at her, and can't function without her. Anthony is the owner of Hall's Ball's, which is the town's Bowling Alley. He waits for Darcy to come in every time because as much as he doesn't want to admit it, he is head over heels. Anthony is perfectly grumpy 🤭 I loved the banter, teasing, and the secretive looks 🔥 The flirting was out of this world!
Darcy Belle 😏 A carpenter FMC! Beautiful, intelligent, independent, confident, curvy, sassy, freaky, protective, hardworking, sunshine, banterful, obsessed, and will do anything to see the fire in Anthony's eyes 🫦 Darcy is working hard to start her own business as a carpenter and takes on the job to renovate Anthony's loft after seeing how "plain" it was 🤭 The forced proximity gives her even more chances to make his cold, and aloof exterior fall and finally be with this MAN! She definitely matches his freak 😏 Darcy has a thing for older men, and I can't even blame her when the man is Anthony 🧎♀️
If you haven't read this series yet, you have to asap! The spice was spicing alright! The daddy kink and slight ddlg were done brilliantly!
May 21, 2025
Darcy is living in the infamous cottage behind Agatha's house. Anyone who lives in the cottage seems to find their romantic partner. Is the Agatha secretly doing some match making or does the cottage have a little match making ability itself? Both Willow and Goldie found love while living there and it appears to be Darcy's turn now.
Darcy is 24 and she is a carpenter. She also helps at her dad's hardware store. She loves being creative but she doesn't really get the warm fuzzies with what she's been doing. When grump Anthony who owns Hall's Balls has Darcy there for something, she asks the big grump if she can renovate his living space attached to his business.
Somehow Anthony agrees and now he is going to be tied to Darcy for the next 8 weeks. What neither is prepared for is the spark of energy between the 2 that has begun. Anthony is in denial of his feelings because he is in his 40's. He believes Darcy is way too young for him. He is having trouble denying the gravitational pull that seems to be happening though.
Darcy is beginning to see past Anthony's grumpy exterior. She is really shocked when he invades her secret beach spot where she goes when she needs to zen out. Anthony is equally surprised because that's his special spot too. They each start seeing maybe they aren't so different after all.
Darcy has something very special planned for Anthony's apartment makeover and Anthony has some tricks up his sleeve for Darcy's bowling team. This was supposed to be an 8 week work contract but both are getting way more than they bargained for and boy is it a wild ride!
This was such a fun grumpy/sunshine romcom!
Darcy is 24 and she is a carpenter. She also helps at her dad's hardware store. She loves being creative but she doesn't really get the warm fuzzies with what she's been doing. When grump Anthony who owns Hall's Balls has Darcy there for something, she asks the big grump if she can renovate his living space attached to his business.
Somehow Anthony agrees and now he is going to be tied to Darcy for the next 8 weeks. What neither is prepared for is the spark of energy between the 2 that has begun. Anthony is in denial of his feelings because he is in his 40's. He believes Darcy is way too young for him. He is having trouble denying the gravitational pull that seems to be happening though.
Darcy is beginning to see past Anthony's grumpy exterior. She is really shocked when he invades her secret beach spot where she goes when she needs to zen out. Anthony is equally surprised because that's his special spot too. They each start seeing maybe they aren't so different after all.
Darcy has something very special planned for Anthony's apartment makeover and Anthony has some tricks up his sleeve for Darcy's bowling team. This was supposed to be an 8 week work contract but both are getting way more than they bargained for and boy is it a wild ride!
This was such a fun grumpy/sunshine romcom!
May 18, 2025
✨ Age gap
🛠️ Grumpy-sunshine
✨ Forced proximity
🛠️ Curvy FMC
✨ She’s a carpenter
🛠️ He falls first
I am actually obsessed with Anthony, he is the gruff, grumpy owner/bartender of the bowling alley. Darcy is younger, a sassy carpenter/handy woman, and when helping to install a new water heater in Anthony's apartment above the bowling alley he is smitten from the start. She sees his barebones apartment and very easily convinces him to let her renovate. Forced proximity? Yes please. Turns our Darcy is not just a carpenter, she is an artist with wood creating original molding, a custom pool table, furniture etc. She dreams of opening her own shop, but feels obligated to help her Dad run his business.
As Darcy works on the reno they find reasons to be around each other, to strut around in a towel (Anthony 🥵) and he falls hard and fast. He is a genuinely good caretaker and makes small adjustments to day to day life to accommodate Darcy without her even noticing at first. Witty banter? Flirting and downright dirty talk? Hell yes. Totally Daddy dynamic, so hot.
There are some emotional aspects of the story, family dynamics for them both, which come to a head but not in an overly dramatic fashion. As mature as Anthony comes across there are still struggles within his family relationships which felt very natural and real and Darcy, while much younger, also ended up dealing with her struggles very maturely.
This is my second time reading Valerie Pepper and I'm a total fan! Thank you Valerie and Happily Booked PR for the advanced copy, my opinions are my own.
🛠️ Grumpy-sunshine
✨ Forced proximity
🛠️ Curvy FMC
✨ She’s a carpenter
🛠️ He falls first
I am actually obsessed with Anthony, he is the gruff, grumpy owner/bartender of the bowling alley. Darcy is younger, a sassy carpenter/handy woman, and when helping to install a new water heater in Anthony's apartment above the bowling alley he is smitten from the start. She sees his barebones apartment and very easily convinces him to let her renovate. Forced proximity? Yes please. Turns our Darcy is not just a carpenter, she is an artist with wood creating original molding, a custom pool table, furniture etc. She dreams of opening her own shop, but feels obligated to help her Dad run his business.
As Darcy works on the reno they find reasons to be around each other, to strut around in a towel (Anthony 🥵) and he falls hard and fast. He is a genuinely good caretaker and makes small adjustments to day to day life to accommodate Darcy without her even noticing at first. Witty banter? Flirting and downright dirty talk? Hell yes. Totally Daddy dynamic, so hot.
There are some emotional aspects of the story, family dynamics for them both, which come to a head but not in an overly dramatic fashion. As mature as Anthony comes across there are still struggles within his family relationships which felt very natural and real and Darcy, while much younger, also ended up dealing with her struggles very maturely.
This is my second time reading Valerie Pepper and I'm a total fan! Thank you Valerie and Happily Booked PR for the advanced copy, my opinions are my own.
May 16, 2025
This? Is absolute bliss with a great big kiss 💋 And the heat ? It’s so dang sweet too! Valerie Pepper . I adore you ! Your writing is sublime ,we always have a good time reading . Oh my goodness I was in awe and wanting more ! Phwoar this is a dream storyline. Darcy Belle, yeah you heard that right ,this lady is the best carpenter in town. Go girl ! Nothing gets her down. She plans to branch out ,making devout furniture and no doubt it’ll be good . It’s her love ,her life beside the grumpiest bartending in town ,who she sees at her bowling club weekly practice meet. Cue Anthony Hall owner if Hall’s Balls. Darcy Belle turned his life around,turned his grumpy frown upside down when she rolled into town and into his life. There’s a seventeen year age gap and he’s never over trod. But that doesn’t stop him dreaming with his rod…He surely falls first and with a great thirst for her . But slowly after many spats and tiffs ,it’s not him who grows stiff and ready ,so isn’t it time that they stop messy about …well not that that is super great but I mean messing about and make her his mate and not his …well mate …She brings the curves and it’s understood that he brings the wood and it’s solid this dance of romance for these two and touch the sky high as can be ,this book by Valerie Pepper was ecstasy! Read with greed and then read again slow . I could NOT get enough of this immersive show.
May 28, 2025
"Forty-one years old. He's seventeen years older than me. It's way hotter than it should be."
"Ooh is Daddy mad?"
"She tastes like she smells: watermelon and cherry, with a little sea salt thrown in. I hold there, reveling in the feel of them, knowing it's the only time I'll feel them for the first time, and desperately want to bottle the moment forever."
Darcy is a BLAST! I absolutely love her! Her being a carpenter is the tip of the iceberg. I love how she's not afraid to go after what she wants while also still maintaining a relatability about her in. She has an incredible circle of women around her. They love and support while also giving her space to live and breathe. Putting a boundary up with her dad was tough, but she powered through it while maintaining a relationship with him.
Anthony is a total grump -- except for when it comes to Darcy. And I was HERE for it!! He's a great example of how we can get so caught up in our own emotions/feelings/thoughts that we can easily forget to take a breath and look at the whole picture. Him getting schooled by a 24 year old was very satisfying to say the least and I'm grateful to see how he took it to heart, learning the important lesson that age isn't a factor in who can teach who.
I'm not typically into the "daddy" nickname but because it started out with Mr. Hall as a sass, I adored it. I giggled every time I read it and thought each moment was perfectly timed for it. Their chemistry is off the charts HOT!
"Ooh is Daddy mad?"
"She tastes like she smells: watermelon and cherry, with a little sea salt thrown in. I hold there, reveling in the feel of them, knowing it's the only time I'll feel them for the first time, and desperately want to bottle the moment forever."
Darcy is a BLAST! I absolutely love her! Her being a carpenter is the tip of the iceberg. I love how she's not afraid to go after what she wants while also still maintaining a relatability about her in. She has an incredible circle of women around her. They love and support while also giving her space to live and breathe. Putting a boundary up with her dad was tough, but she powered through it while maintaining a relationship with him.
Anthony is a total grump -- except for when it comes to Darcy. And I was HERE for it!! He's a great example of how we can get so caught up in our own emotions/feelings/thoughts that we can easily forget to take a breath and look at the whole picture. Him getting schooled by a 24 year old was very satisfying to say the least and I'm grateful to see how he took it to heart, learning the important lesson that age isn't a factor in who can teach who.
I'm not typically into the "daddy" nickname but because it started out with Mr. Hall as a sass, I adored it. I giggled every time I read it and thought each moment was perfectly timed for it. Their chemistry is off the charts HOT!
May 19, 2025
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
This is my second Valerie Pepper book, and she didn’t disappoint with her latest release, Late to Love, which is book three in the Lucky in Love series. Normally, with Romance books, we see the male lead as the contractor, but this time we see that reversed. It was great seeing a woman being the contractor and using it to make the place he lives truly feel like home and make him a piece that is out of this world.
Now, with Darcy and Anthony, there is a 17-year age gap. I have to say, for Darcy being 17 years younger, she did feel like she was more mature on a few things compared to Anthony and even getting him to work on the family issues he had, she was great in getting him to do that.
Late to Love was a great Romantic Comedy, and it was great to read the story between Darcy and Anthony. This was a pretty average book, so it does get a solid three and a half stars from me. There was a good chunk of spice, along with some of the spice being very spicy. That is going to make Late to Love a Spice Level of four Chili Peppers. I do recommend this book if you are looking for a nice Romantic Comedy and want to change your reading style for a bit.
Late to Love is out now and available wherever you get your books. And if you are a Kindle Unlimited member, Late to Love is part of your membership.
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
This is my second Valerie Pepper book, and she didn’t disappoint with her latest release, Late to Love, which is book three in the Lucky in Love series. Normally, with Romance books, we see the male lead as the contractor, but this time we see that reversed. It was great seeing a woman being the contractor and using it to make the place he lives truly feel like home and make him a piece that is out of this world.
Now, with Darcy and Anthony, there is a 17-year age gap. I have to say, for Darcy being 17 years younger, she did feel like she was more mature on a few things compared to Anthony and even getting him to work on the family issues he had, she was great in getting him to do that.
Late to Love was a great Romantic Comedy, and it was great to read the story between Darcy and Anthony. This was a pretty average book, so it does get a solid three and a half stars from me. There was a good chunk of spice, along with some of the spice being very spicy. That is going to make Late to Love a Spice Level of four Chili Peppers. I do recommend this book if you are looking for a nice Romantic Comedy and want to change your reading style for a bit.
Late to Love is out now and available wherever you get your books. And if you are a Kindle Unlimited member, Late to Love is part of your membership.
May 24, 2025
I don't know how I got on Valerie's ARC team, but I am so glad to find myself here again! I still need to read book 1 in the series, but clearly do not need to have done so to enjoy books 2 and 3.
Late to Love is an adorable, quick read with an unapologetically herself curvy carpenter, a way too in his head game hall owner, and their delicious mutual pining. I absolutely adore Anthony in this book. I'm not sure if it was his name (showing my age when I say that every time I read it I mentally inserted the 'Michael'), his perpetual male equivalent of RBF, or his thought process and sometimes delivery that captured my attention but I was 100% drawn to him. Really hard not to be when you almost snort coffee while reading 'Well… she’s not a child, but she’s around Harrison’s age, and whatever age that is, it begins with the number two. Considering my age begins with the number four, I think it’s a safe bet that I should keep my eyes the hell off her tits.'
I would have liked to see a bit more about Anthony's back story, and the dynamic with his family, the resolution came about way too fast for my taste. I'm a sucker for the angst and conflict that comes from family dynamics and trauma and I would have easily eaten up another 60 pages to see more of that story arc.
The side characters are the best, and I'm really hoping there's a book 4 on the horizon--I really want a peak inside Ox's head!
Late to Love is an adorable, quick read with an unapologetically herself curvy carpenter, a way too in his head game hall owner, and their delicious mutual pining. I absolutely adore Anthony in this book. I'm not sure if it was his name (showing my age when I say that every time I read it I mentally inserted the 'Michael'), his perpetual male equivalent of RBF, or his thought process and sometimes delivery that captured my attention but I was 100% drawn to him. Really hard not to be when you almost snort coffee while reading 'Well… she’s not a child, but she’s around Harrison’s age, and whatever age that is, it begins with the number two. Considering my age begins with the number four, I think it’s a safe bet that I should keep my eyes the hell off her tits.'
I would have liked to see a bit more about Anthony's back story, and the dynamic with his family, the resolution came about way too fast for my taste. I'm a sucker for the angst and conflict that comes from family dynamics and trauma and I would have easily eaten up another 60 pages to see more of that story arc.
The side characters are the best, and I'm really hoping there's a book 4 on the horizon--I really want a peak inside Ox's head!
May 11, 2025
If it’s one place I’m happy to be, it’s Lucky, Alabama and getting to see what the residents have been up to! Valerie Pepper never misses with these books!
From the moment we started getting teasers for this book, I knew that I was going to absolutely love Darcy! She’s so sassy and although she’s only 24, she’s headstrong and she’s a bad ass carpenter who’s basically taught herself everything and I love that about her! She’s a curvy woman (we love the representation) and she teaches us to never mess with a woman with power tools!
Now Anthony.. Valerie how dare you write this perfect specimen of a man (and give my other fave man you’ve written, Will, a run for his money) and basically make me drool over him the whole time!? Anthony is the perfect definition of mister grumpy pants and his obsession with Darcy is absolutely everything. This man’s mouth had me absolutely feral! The age gap of 17 between these two just made everything so much better!
Now to wrap it all up, the spice was definitely SPICING! And that’s absolutely no surprise with Valerie! Anthony and his dirty mouth knew what he wanted when it came to the bedroom and boy did Darcy enjoy it!
Thanks so much Valerie for another amazing book from this series and thank so much for the ARC for an honest review!
From the moment we started getting teasers for this book, I knew that I was going to absolutely love Darcy! She’s so sassy and although she’s only 24, she’s headstrong and she’s a bad ass carpenter who’s basically taught herself everything and I love that about her! She’s a curvy woman (we love the representation) and she teaches us to never mess with a woman with power tools!
Now Anthony.. Valerie how dare you write this perfect specimen of a man (and give my other fave man you’ve written, Will, a run for his money) and basically make me drool over him the whole time!? Anthony is the perfect definition of mister grumpy pants and his obsession with Darcy is absolutely everything. This man’s mouth had me absolutely feral! The age gap of 17 between these two just made everything so much better!
Now to wrap it all up, the spice was definitely SPICING! And that’s absolutely no surprise with Valerie! Anthony and his dirty mouth knew what he wanted when it came to the bedroom and boy did Darcy enjoy it!
Thanks so much Valerie for another amazing book from this series and thank so much for the ARC for an honest review!
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