People We Avoid

Don't Date Him #2

by Lani Lynn Vale

This Series will cover a brand new set of characters that are ex-cons (Or can they be ex-cons if they escape from prison?) and the one true loves. This book will be Weaver's book.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.

Reviews

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐++++++++++++ Review~~~~~~~~~~

I didn't think this series could get any better, but I was sorely mistaken. This is Birdie’s story and wow did she have a life so far and it wasn't a good one. When I was reading Mabel’s story, I felt sorry for Mabel and all that she had gone through which she had but wow when I read Birdie’s story and everything that she dealt with I was just completely floored. I have to say I absolutely love this series, and I never know what's gonna happen next when I turn the page. I don't know what's going to be on that page I'm always kept guessing this is what makes a great book. Lani Lynn Vale is such an artful storyteller that she weaves her stories and characters around her readers in a way that you don't want to put the book down and that you feel like you're in that story in that town walking right next to that character. I have to say that I am so in love with this series and the men in this series they are so rough around the edges and you don't think that they're going to be romantic and loving in any way, but they are. Which I think was one of the biggest surprises for me. I've read a lot of books with a strong male lead, but I have to say that I am so in love with the characters in this series and the fact that she threw in some Dixie wardens in there perfect perfect perfect! I could go on and on about this book and this story and this series seriously it is one of the best that I've read in a long time and I could not put it down. I love Birdie so much!

[Ashante Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐ for this one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Creed & Birdie: Triggers- drug abuse, sexual harassment, family discord, gun violence, hunting. Talk about a redemption story. In this book we follow Mabel’s half sister, Birdie and learn her side of the story. But we also see that Mabel wasn't the only one mistreated in that family. We also get a deeper look at another one of the SEVEN, Creed. His backstory is so sad and frustrating. But despite ending up in prison, he was still a really good guy who loves his baby sister. When he watches Birdie and notices how her family mistreats her, he's angry on her behalf and becomes her protector. Of course there are some bumps and bruises along the road for these two but they still end up becoming one scorching hot couple. Slow burn definitely. There's definitely a plot twist that switched up the game but I felt there was a missed opportunity or two with the antagonists. But it was definitely still a very good book.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart broke for Birdee in this story, the way her family didn't include her or try to fight for her. I felt her loneliness bone deep. I loved that Creed was drawn to her and saw that she was a decent person even though everyone had judged her as something else. The little things that he did for her, even in his gruff way was everything. However, when Birdee does something for Creed it has things doing a total 360 and Creed saying things he should never have said. As more drama unfolds and Creed is faced with losing her, the full force of his protectiveness and love for her shines loud and clear. As chaos surrounds them, lives will be put in danger and this has you on the edge of your seat. Their story is overflowing with emotion and has you riding a roller coaster, experiencing all the highs and lows along with Creed and Birdee. The passion and devotion between the two of them radiates through the pages and makes for a great storyline and characters you can't help but love.

[Sarah Poulton-Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love love love Birdee and Creed. After reading the first in this series I couldn't wait to read Birdee's story and have her get her happy ending. She was truly given the rough end of the family deal. I wanted her to find a home and someone to accept and love her. Creed sees Birdee and fills in the missing spaces where her family should have been.

People We Avoid is an action packed story which has a lot going on. We see relationships change and develop amid the escaped prison found family, as well as amongst the established characters in the series too. It wouldn't be a LLV book without drama and suspense. A lot happens. But there are also hints of what is to come.

A brilliantly enjoyable action packed love story from LLV.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

People We Avoid😈

People We Avoid is the next book in the new series of Don’t Date Him. I will admit meeting Birdie in the first book I didn’t like her very much, until the ending when we learn ALL the truths of what had actually been happening. I honestly felt bad for her and how her family treated her and wanted to jump up to defend her each time she never said anything. Not because she didn’t have the backbone to do it herself, but because she realised it was a waste of time😢

The story itself as usual was great as are the characters, though Birdie’s dad I was feeling a little murderous towards. Can’t wait to see who’s up in the next book and I have my fingers crossed for who I think the next couple might be🤞 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad Birdie got her own HEA!! This poor girl has been used and treated like crap her whole life. A crazy family and I’m talking Loony Tunes crazy.

I have selective hearing. I’m sorry you weren’t selected today.

These men just want to live the rest of their lives in peace after everything that’s happened. Creed didn’t have a good upbringing at all.

I fully intend to haunt people when I die. I have a list.

This story was sad at times. My heart broke for Birdie and what she had to live through. Secrets come out but in the end all ended on a high note.

[Kelly - Kelly's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! Another fantastic Lani Lynn Vale book!

Lani likes to keep me on the edge of my seat and craving more. More books like this. More characters like these. More delicious slow burns and spicy spice moments!

When an author makes me feel a certain way for different characters and then they change my mind so easily in a different book...that's incredible writing in my opinion. The fact that I feel so strongly one way and can turn around into another direction is a mastermind at work. Lani does this with her characters. She makes me feel so strong and deep for them and as soon as she gives me more backstories...I am all in. Even for a villain for example. Kudos Lani. Kudos.

This story had me feeling so many things. I couldn't put it down. I was all in and HAD to know what would happen next.


(Beta reader)

[Dawn McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book. I really loved this book! Birdy really is a great character. She redeemed herself from the first book. I related to her with the dad thing. I really loved Creed. He is just amazing. He was perfect for Birdy. I loved their relationship and this book just really pulled me in. I was a little upset about some of the people from the first book turning bad. I really liked them and was sad they turned into villains. Can't wait for the next book!

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book; I just love how these men and women come together. There is little to no drama and then all of sudden there is drama all over the place. This was one of those books you could just cry while reading and then laugh by the end, I love it. Can't wait for the next book.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story a lot! There are some heartbreaking moments and some amazing moments. I'll post a full review closer to when it's out.

😍😍😍