Down for the Count

Lacey Bros #2

by Brandy Pelletier

He’s younger and charming. She’s lonely and jaded. Together, they’ll find a love worth fighting for.

Tucker Lacey is used to being underestimated. The former MMA fighter is determined to prove he’s more than just the carefree youngest Lacey brother. Ready to level up his gym’s advertising, he hires the town’s only photographer to capture the heart of his business. But when his childhood crush shows up instead, he resolves to win her heart.

Chronically single, Natalie Torres returns to her hometown for the summer to fill in while her old mentor recovers from an accident. Hoping to use the temporary stay to reconnect with her family, she never expects to be swept off her feet by her younger brother’s best friend.

Their connection quickly deepens into the kind of love that feels like forever. But when Tucker gets the surprise of a lifetime, Natalie must decide if their story includes a happily ever after.

An emotional, heartwarming small-town romance full of hope, family, and love, Down for the Count is the second book in the Lacey Bros series.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Brandy Pelletier spends her days as a reading specialist and her nights and weekends reading anything she can get her hands on. She’s wanted to become a published author ever since second grade, when her original story “How the Giraffe Got Its Long Neck” was published in her school district’s annual writing anthology.

When she’s not blasting Taylor Swift or attempting to tackle her ridiculously long TBR, she can be found collecting book boyfriends and dreaming of living in a witch cottage with her miniature schnauzer, Pippa.

Follow Brandy on Instagram @thebrandyland.

Reviews

[Ash (so there’s this book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Spice: 3/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*

4.5⭐️

This is the second book in the Lacey Bros series. Each book is interconnected, but can be read as stand-alones.

The Catalog: F/M, best friend’s older sister, age gap (~9 years), PCOS representation, touch starved FMC, sunshine MMC & storm cloud FMC, competence porn, tattoos & a slutty earring, charming small town, FMC in her 40s

CWs: mental health topics (depression, panic attack), infertility

Synopsis:
Natalie never planned to return to her hometown, but when her former mentor needs help, she agrees to take over his photography business while he recovers. As a chronically single woman in her 40s, she was looking forward to spending time with her little brother, not sparking a romance with his childhood best friend, yet Tucker Lacey is determined to make her his woman. As for Tucker, he knew the moment he saw his first crush return to Holly Holler he’d do anything to be what she needs.

Thoughts:
The Lacey family is the family that everyone wishes they had; they are so loving, hilarious and quirky, and know exactly how to care for each other, even when asking for help is too hard. These brothers are incredible, and I’m so happy to be back in the chaos! I loved book one, The Check Down, and I absolutely adored this one too!!

I love, love, love a sunshine MMC paired with a black cat / storm cloud FMC. It’s probably one of my favorite dynamics because it’s the one I relate to the most. For this reason, among many, I adored Natalie, the FMC who had nearly given up on love. I thought the mental health struggles and PCOS representation was done with so much care, and I have endless love in my heart for all of the PCOS warriors out there. Natalie’s character arc really hit me in the feels.

Tucker is like a cold glass of water after a long day at the beach; soothing, smooth, and exactly what you need. I. Love. Him. I love that he is competent and empathetic, like, next level emotional intelligence, and that he has room for SO much love in his heart. He’s a dream!!

The romance between Nat and Tuck is so sweet and full of emotions and sizzling passion. They are such an amazing match. While there is plenty of open door razzle dazzle, I want to commend Brandy on the plethora of HAWT AF kissing scenes. I am so down for more breathless makeout scenes in romance, and Brandy fed me good.

I’m really looking forward to what Brandy has up her sleeve next with these Lacey boys, and I definitely recommend this series to small town romance lovers!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Even though this is book 2 in the series, it’s a standalone and I don’t feel that I was missing anything but jumping into the series with this book. I enjoyed the book from the first page and I will go back and read book 1 at some point.

I related to Natalie, a lot. And I loved her best friend, such a perfect, real friendship. Tucker is adorable and his love of art makes me love his character. I did not like Natalie’s overthinking and reason for going back to Austin – it wasn't enough of a dislike to remove a full star, but since I was already staying up way too late because I couldn't put the book down, it was enough to make me upset that I'd sacrificed sleep lol

🏍 Small Town Romance
📷 Age Gap (she's older)
🏍 Brother's Best Friend
📷 Gray Cloud x Sunshine
🏍 Mental Health Rep
📷 Surprise Plot Twist
🏍 Dual POV

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy's got a way of writing books. Each one keeps getting better and better with each book.

The dynamic of Tucker and Natalie is so believable and it feels like you are reading a literally movie. I spent the whole time just going wow this feel real. There are some very real topics and some very real feelings in this book and I cannot help but sing Brandy's praises for knocking it out of the park yet again.

[Maddie Plaskett · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC BOOK REVIEW✨

Down for the Count by Brandy Pelletier

Rating: 5⭐️

Spice: 3 🌶️

Tropes❤️‍🔥
- small town
- brothers best friend
- age gap
- surprise plot twist
- depression/PCOS rep

My Review 🌸
Did you know that you need 8 hugs a day to reduce your stress? This book feels exactly like that, a warm hug. And that's all thanks to Tucker Lacey. He is just the sweetest golden retriever, and sunshine-y type MMC; but don't be fooled, when this man has his sights set on something (or someone), he will go after it. The way he pursued Natalie through the ENTIRE book was just absolute goals. I have no other words, he left me speechless!! This man was so sweet, and reassuring to Natalie and always made sure that she knew they were on the same team. And I loved Natalie's character too; she just felt like such a real and relatable person with everything she had gone through/is experiencing. After 40 years, Natalie is just used to doing life on her own and doing everything for herself, and she has a hard time letting Tucker in; buttttt, Tucker is persistent enough where he will make sure he gets himself in LOL 
Also, I just need to say, brother's best friend and a small town trope?! in one book?! Two of my favorite tropes that Brandy wrote perfectly. I loved everything about this book, including that surprise plot twist toward the end!! I love how everything ended up in the book, and I can't wait to see what Shaw's story is next. 

[Leslie Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just gonna add Tucker Lacey as one of my all-time favorite MMCs. I loved how far gone he was for Natalie. She may be older but that never mattered to him. He saw how wonderful she was. He looked past all the armor she held in place and saw his heart beating outside his chest. This man has golden retriever written all over him. Also, I loved his friendship with her brother and how they always had each other’s backs.

Natalie was at a bit of a crossroads in her life when she temporarily returned to her hometown. The last thing she was expecting was her younger brother’s best friend to be everything she could ever want in a partner. She finally found the love and support she’s been missing with a man. At 40, she had pretty much given up on love. I loved Nat’s resilience. Life hasn’t been completely fair but she was still standing firm. I understood her hesitance with Tucker but seeing her finally let him in made me very emotional.

Just when things were finally starting to settle, life dropped a bomb on them. I loved how they handled this situation, even Natalie’s reaction. I feel like it was all completely warranted. I loved this book so much and I’m really excited for what’s next.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟
2.5🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️

Thank you to Brandy Pelletier for the opportunity to read this heartwarming story.

I was captivated from line one and this story has me in a chokehold. Don't pass this one up!

This is such a sweet story about a photographer who moves back to her small Arkansas town to help her childhood mentor keep his business afloat while he recovers from an injury. Can Natalie find herself back in her hometown or will she let her own doubts get the better of her?

Tucker Lacey opened his own business in his Arkansas hometown and is living life with his family and best friend. He is shocked when his childhood crush, and best friend's older sister, is back in town and covering the photography job he commissioned. He jumps at the chance to spend more time with her and hopes it will blossom into much more. Will the two of them be able to get past their own demons and overcome the new curveball thrown their way over the summer?

This heartwarming story about overcoming self doubt, depression, and accepting love is everything. Pelletier did something special with these characters. I don't know that I've related to a character more than I did with Natalie. Her inner monologues and reactions were so realistic. But, man, Tucker Lacey…everyone needs a Tucker in their lives. Despite his own issues, that man does everything he can for Natalie.

🥊Small Town Romance
📷Age Gap (she's older)
🥊Brother's Best Friend
📷Gray Cloud x Sunshine
🥊Mental Health Rep
📷Surprise Plot Twist
🥊Dual POV

“All I want to do is flirt with this woman. Relentlessly. To hell with the age difference. Or the best friend complication.”

“In case my actions haven’t done the job, let me make this clear for you, shutterbug: I’m pursuing you. And I’m gonna be persistent.”

“God, I want my life’s mission to be making this woman laugh. Need it listed on my résumé under achievements.”

““What do I have to do to get you to call me ‘good boy’?”

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review
First off i would like to thank Luna Literary & Brandy for the opportunity to read & review this gifted E-Arc.

Natalie & Tucker
Y'all. Tucker MF Lacey! That is it. That's the whole review. But in all seriousness that man is so freaking hot and sweet, i absolutely love him and adore gim so much and the way he set his sight on Natalie and went after her. (Not in a weird or creepy way) i loved that he wasn't afraid to break down her walls and fight her demons when needed & the way he was so gentle and good for her. Natalie my sweet girl. Ugh i felt for her so much and honestly just wanted to wrap her in the biggest hug ever and promise her it would all be okay. I enjoyed watching her become confident in herself more and to watch her growth and just willingness to finally fight for what she wanted and to make it happen. I loved that she was honest with Tucker no matter what it was always herself.
That plot twist was 🤯 and that's all i say.

5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all for this to be my first book by Brandy im super excited to go back an read her other ones, she killed it with the banter and the suspension between Natalie & Tucker. I can't believe it took this long before i found her and read a book, while this is book two it can be read as a standalone

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy Pelletier is a new author to me, and I was excited to dive into Down for the Count because it packs so many of my favourite tropes into one joyful read.

Tucker Lacey – a former MMA fighter – is used to being underestimated as the carefree youngest Lacey brother. When his childhood crush, photographer Natalie Torres, returns to town to shoot his gym, he’s determined to win her heart. She never expected to fall for her younger brother’s best friend, but their connection feels like forever – until life throws Tucker a curveball.

This book really surprised me. I knew going in there was a good chance I’d enjoy it (so many tropes I love!) but I’d braced myself for something grittier given Tucker’s MMA background. So what did I love about it?

Firstly, half-Guatemalan Natalie: she’s 40, runs her own small business, and lives with PCOS and depression. There are so many facets to her that felt real to me, and I warmed to her immediately. Tucker, on the other hand, was a breath of fresh air – a positive go-getter who owns his gym and constantly battles the perception of being the baby and failure of the family. He’s often described as sunshine, but that’s not quite right. He’s upbeat yet emotionally aware, quietly persevering, while Natalie isn’t a grey cloud – just reserved, sometimes low-spirited, and wonderfully grounded.

Did I love the “surprise” that befell Tucker? Absolutely not. But it was handled beautifully, and I adored that he went straight to Natalie to talk it through. There was no miscommunication on his part – just honesty and vulnerability.

I devoured this book from start to finish. I loved Tucker and Natalie’s dynamic and all the interactions with his family and the locals. I’m not someone who gushes about book boyfriends, but if I did have a top ten list, Tucker would absolutely be on it.

Thanks to Luna Literary Management for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

[Kay Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the amazing opportunity to get this book early as an ARC and my opinion is fully 100% mine 🥰


Time to read - 3 hours and 35 minutes

Time to love - 0.1 seconds

Look I’m deeply ingrained in the Brandy Pelletier Fan Club thanks to my big sis who basically forced between the lines into my hands mainly because she’s needed someone to gush about it with and then I promptly required Brandy’s two following books as well because I was hooked!

This book has my whole heart, I love every second of it! Tucker is such a sweetie and he deserves all the good things in life. Natalie is deserving of all of the love that Tucker gives her - as a girlie who is a constant overthinking I identify hard with her.

Goose - my love 💕

There were so many things within this book that made my heart so happy (I highlighted 414 times 🙈), I personally love sunshiny characters and usually the go to is grumpy but I do love the grey cloud variety! Mental health representation is so important and I love that it’s in this book.

A few of my favorite things: Art, photography, silly little nicknames, Donna Lacey, Goose, protective siblings, Brynn and Griff, Lisa Marie x 4, and so so much more.

It’s been an honor and I can’t wait for this to fully release! Congratulations Brandy on another fantastic book 💕

Down for the Count’s Release Day is October 10th!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
2/3🌶️ (3-4ish scenes)
3/3🦋

•My Thoughts•
I loved being back with the Lacey family, and especially the 3 (+Cam) brothers. Their dynamic is so fun. This book felt like a love letter to the ones who are still waiting (and have been waiting) for their person and my heart ached for Natalie. 40 years old, jaded and guarded, I felt for her. Tucker Lacey is the epitome of a golden retriever MMC; positive, outgoing, and charming but he’s a former MMA fighter with tattoos and a motorcycle…a green flag but with an edge. I loved their dynamic, especially the way he responded to and understood her. Full swoon marks for Tucker, and well done to Brandy for getting me on board an age gap where she’s older - I was skeptical and they managed to win me over. I did struggle a little bit with Natalie during a few parts of the story and while I can logically understand, it still made me so frustrated with her. Overall this was a warm hug full of great banter and sweet and spicy moments. I can’t wait for the next brother (please please let it be Shaw 🤞🏻)

Thank you to Brandy Pelletier for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!a

[Brandy Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I set out to plot this book, I kept asking myself these questions: What happens when a couple in a new, happy relationship gets blindsided with a shocking discovery? How will they navigate a major speedbump--one with life-changing implications--together?

My ultimate goal, as a writer, is to craft the story I love, the one that rings true for the characters who live in my head. I want my love stories to be emotional, funny, touching, sweet, swoony, realistic (mostly!) and joyful. And sometimes they're gonna be messy.

I'm proud that I've crafted such a story for Tucker & Natalie. Their HEA is hard-won, but that makes it all the sweeter, I think. I hope you love their journey to forever as much as I loved getting them there!

[Isabel Jarnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Brandy for the ARC!

Natalie grew up in Holly Holler, but now lives in Austin. She comes back to town for a photography job, and to spend time with her family. She runs into Tucker, who owns the town's gym. He's always had a crush on Natalie. This was sweet and sexy and I loved the tropes that were used.

This had a surprise twist I did not see coming, and the relationship progression was so natural! Tucker was so patient with her insecurities.

Tropes:
small town
brothers best friend
reverse age gap
mental health/PCOS rep

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story of unexpectedly finding love with all the realistic caution and care that comes with an older main character. Temporarily returning to her hometown, guarded Natalie, aged 40 with infertility issues, has all but given up on finding a true love. She steps in for her mentor when her decade younger brother’s best friend, Tucker, hired the company for market at his gym, but wasn’t expecting the chemistry and sparks the flew. Their reverse grumpy x sunshine,slow burn romance had the hurdles and caution expected for an age-gap and a timeline, and was enduring and relatable.
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down For The Count by Brandy Pelletier is coming 10/10 and you don’t want to miss it.
Book 1 in The Lacey Bros series, The Check Down, was the first ARC I ever received. And now I have book 2 in my possession, and let me tell you…I’m in love with *another* Lacey brother 🥰 unexpected crushes, longing, and the chase all wrapped up in a slow burning, cozy small town romance that will have you right in the feels. Five Stars ⭐️

[Heather Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Brandy nailed it with this book! This is the second book in the series, however I do feel like you could read it as a standalone (but don’t do that because The Lacey boys are top notch and you need them in your life). Tucker and Natalie are freaking awesome, and you will fall in love with them and their story.

[Jenah Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally one of the easiest 5⭐️ I’ve given recently. I love Tucker and Natalie and their story! It was emotional and beautiful and everything I love about the romance genre. I beta read this book but trust that my feelings will remain the same about these characters even through final edits. I’m already ready to reread this!

[_happiestathome_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely loved the first book more but this was a still a good read. Tucker was almost too perfect (goodness) but Natalie was a little hard to take with her self sabotage antics. I just wanted her to “buck up” and believe in herself!! Hoping for that elusive third brother book next!

[Jocelynn Soenksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll have to find the perfect words later, but this was a joy to read!

[Brianna Dalesandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy oh boy do I love the Lacey brothers. I was obsessssed with Griff and Brynn from the first book in this series - I rated it 5 stars, so let’s just say that I had high expectations for Down for the Count. Tucker and Natalie most certainly lived up to them. We’ve got so many of my favorite tropes in this book: brother’s best friend, small town, gray cloud/sunshine. Id say it’s a must read.

The only reason that I rated 4 star over 5 was that I think I enjoyed The Checkdown a little bit more than Down for the Count, but I still loved it!

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished beta reading this amazing book from @thebrandyland and it is SO GOOD. I’m just sitting here still recovering because the ladt chunk of the book is a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way possible. This is Brandy’s best book yet, in my humble opinion! It’s heartwarming, funny, relatable, will make you laugh and cry (in almost the same sentence!), and Tucker is simply the BEST! I loved every single minute of reading this book! Oh, and the plot twist?!AMAZING!! And part of what makes this book so emotional and so special 🩵🩵🩵

[Mallory Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE me some Tucker Lacey!! Down for the Count follows the sweetest tattooed golden retriever book boyfriend! I love his and Natalie’s relationship, and as usual, Brandy knocked it out! 💙

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandy has done it again!

Down for the Count is the second book in the Lacey Bros series, and this time we get to read about the youngest Lacey brother!

Charming and a former MMA fighter, Tucker Lacey is used to being underestimated and living in his brothers’ shadows. When he decides to level up his gym’s advertising, he hires the only photographer in town… except it’s not the sixty-something man he expected. It’s his childhood crush ... and his best friend’s older sister ... Natalie Torres.

Very much NOTover his crush, Tuck is on a mission to make Natalie see that he’s the perfect man for her.

Nat Torres has her metaphorical armor up when it comes to love. Forever single and the best dog mom to Goose, Nat is a top-tier photographer who built her business on pure talent. After moving away from her small town, she never expected to come back except for the occasionnal visits (and definitely not to find Tuck).

As always, Brandy waves her magical pen and delivers a beautiful, emotional, and heartwarming HEA, with a twist right at the end. It gives you that same comforting feeling as a Hallmark movie (except between pages and way less cheesy, haha).

I highly recommend reading The Check Down (Book 1) before diving into this one. It’s not required, but it gives you a better sense of the side characters and the Lacey family dynamic.

Like in the first book, we get to see mature, emotionally stable main and side characters. There’s so much love between the pages, and you can tell both Tuck and Nat are committed to making their relationship work. Tucker’s communication skills? LOVE. The Lacey family is so warm and close-knit, you’ll wish you could be a part of it.

But honestly, the standout part of this story for me was that Brandy wrote a heroine with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). As someone who also has it, I related so much to Natalie, especially her emotional and mental struggles surrounding it. As a fellow PCOS girlie, I just wanted to wrap Nat in a big hug and tell her she’s not alone. (Luckily, Tuck gave her all the hugs and cuddles ... another book boyfriend point for you, Tuck!)

So thank you, Madame Pelletier.

All in all, this was a very solid read. I highly recommend it and will definitely be suggesting it to others.

Thank you to Brandy and Luna Literary for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[MaeBae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much Brandy Pelletier and Luna Literary Management for the book. I was given this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.

This is technically the second book in the Lacey Brothers series, but it works as a standalone. I actually read it without picking up book one and didn’t feel lost, though there are a few mentions of previous couples and events.

This book deserves way more love than what I’ve seen floating around social media. It’s such a cozy, emotional, small-town romance with one of my favorite setups — a forbidden best friend’s sibling situation. The story follows Tucker, a retired MMA fighter who now owns a local gym, and Natalie, a talented photographer who’s back in town for the summer. Tucker has secretly crushed on her forever but never acted on it because she’s his best friend’s older sister.

I really appreciated that this book features characters in their 30s and 40s. Don’t get me wrong, college-aged romances are fun, but as I get older, I kind of love having a fictional man closer to my age to swoon over. Tucker has total golden-retriever vibes. Big heart, all green flags, and zero toxicity. I definitely found my new book boyfriend. Natalie, on the other hand, is guarded and a bit prickly, which made their dynamic even more fun to watch unfold.

Huge props to Brandy Pelletier for including representation of PCOS and mental health. You don’t see many romances with that kind of rep, and it was handled with a lot of care. Natalie’s struggles felt very real, and Tucker’s patient, supportive energy just made me melt.

Their happily-ever-after isn’t a perfectly smooth ride. There's a third-act breakup that I could see coming from a mile away, so I was mentally prepared. I do wish there had been a little more relationship buildup at the start. Maybe a few flashbacks or slower moments before the romance kicked into gear. And the big plot twist was pretty predictable and not my favorite trope, but it still fit the story and kept things heartfelt.

Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚

I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.

[Sadni · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for review.
Tropes:
-Younger brother's best friend
-Reverse Age gap (~9 yrs)
-Childhood crush turned small town romance
-Cynical fmc x sunshiney mmc
-3rd act breakup
-independant fmc meets competent mmc who takes care of her

I enjoyed reading this book. It's a great wholesome, makes you believe love exists kinda romance book. This was my first book from this author and it was a good one. It was a solid 3.5 stars kinda book.

I think it had potential to be 4 stars if the author would've delved deeper into Natalie's head and expressed her feelings better. Through out the book we just got surface level Nat telling us she is depressed, cynical, and has lost hope for love. After 4th mention of the same thing I was honestly kinda over it. She sounded like a broken record. I didn't feel her emotions and so didn't fully connect with her. I mostly stuck through the book for Cam/trixie, Tucker, and Shaw.

Another thing I liked was the PCOS storyline. Often times authors gloss over it and have a miraculous baby storyline anyway. But Brandy handled it really well in this book. Also loved how the fmc was 40. We really NEED fmcs above the age of 24 in romace books 😭. And them acting their age.
I also just think the 3rd act breakup was unnecessary and contrived. I think it would have been a good character growth moment if Nat had talked to tucker about her feelings and they could've delved deeper into her thoughts about the whole situation instead. The couple from the first book (Griff and Brynn) didn't really stick out to me so I don't think I'll be picking up their book. BUT I loved Cam and trixie. AND SHAW! I feel his storyline can be really heartbreaking and hit you in the feels.

ALSO, I really hope Brandy Pelletier is reading this review because please please write Shaw's book next! I actually really love when a man is mysterious and doesn't talk and is a hermit and keeps to himself lol! I hope his storyline is of him reconnecting with his previous love(I think ex wife). Thats my fav trope in books (marriage in trouble/reconnecting). The bones have been laid for his story and I really really want to read it! So if I can just read the rough draft or be a beta reader or arc reader that'd be great haha.

[Julienne Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Lacey Brother I am gladly adding to my book boyfriend collection. Tucker Lacey is a tattooed ex-MMA fighter with a big heart and an even bigger.. smile.
Down for the count is the second book in the Lacey Bros series by Brandy Pelletier and although they could potentially be read as standalones, I recommend starting with book one because Griffin Lacey is worth the read and Tucker Lacey is worth the wait.

Down for the count is an age gap (she’s older!), brother’s best friend, he falls first, open door romance set in a small town that will melt your heart. And if that doesn’t get you, the abundance of Lisa Maries Holly Holler will definitely make you smile. Tucker and Natalie have known each other forever but that didn’t prepare either of them for the sparks they felt when she returned home to fill in for the town photographer. Let’s just say that Tucker’s tattoos are very photogenic. ;)

Trigger warnings include possible infertility due to a medical condition, PCOS rep, mental health rep, panic attacks, depression, and a couple more that are detailed in the pages before the beginning of the book. If you are triggered by these or anything else please check the content warnings before diving in.

For me, this book was very relatable and sweet. A fun read with some real good spice. Pelletier’s writing is very realistic to how real people would handle adult problems maturely and with little drama.

Thank you to Brandy for the advanced copy of Down for the Count. I cannot wait for the third book. This one definitely foreshadowed some interesting parts of Shaw and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Also, fourth book for Cam, the honorary Lacey? I wouldn’t say no. ;)

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader who devours contemporary romance with strong character arcs, Down for the Count by Brandy Pelletier was an absolute treat. This second installment in the Lacey Bros series centers on Tucker Lacey, a former MMA fighter trying to prove he’s more than just the youngest, carefree brother. When he hires Natalie to help revamp his gym’s image, sparks fly but not in the insta-love kind of way. This is a slow-burn, emotionally rich journey that explores vulnerability, self-worth, and the courage to love again.

What I loved most was how Pelletier flips the typical alpha-male trope. Tucker is charming and confident, yes, but he’s also deeply introspective and refreshingly respectful. Natalie, on the other hand, is jaded and guarded, and watching her slowly let her walls down felt authentic and earned. Their chemistry builds gradually, with witty banter, shared moments of honesty, and a few steamy scenes that had me fanning myself.

The writing is clean, heartfelt, and immersive. Pelletier has a knack for crafting small-town settings that feel lived-in, with side characters who add texture without stealing the spotlight. The gym scenes, family dynamics, and emotional beats are all well-balanced, making this more than just a romance it’s a story about finding your place and fighting for it.

If you’re into second chances, opposites attract, and emotionally intelligent heroes, this book is for you. It’s not overly dramatic or angsty, but it packs a punch where it counts. I finished it feeling uplifted and already craving the next Lacey brother’s story.

A huge thank you to Luna Literary & Brandy Pelletier for the early copy!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small town homecoming, his best friend’s older sister and and age gap - it’s tropes galore in Down For The Count.

Natalie is back in her home town after many years away. She’s there to run her mentor’s photography business while he takes time off. It’s good to be home with her family, but chronically single Natalie is not content. This is not how she imagined her life would look at 40.

Her first job is promo shots for the new gym owned by her younger brother’s best friend, Tucker. With a seven year age gap, all her memories of him are as a little kid running wild. Things have definitely changed.

Tucker is thrilled to see his old crush back in town. He is determined to make her smile and make her his. But she only plans to be home for the summer - plus there’s that whole best friend thing he needs to deal with…

This was a heartwarming story about finding your place and your people. Both characters are from wonderful, supportive families, but they have their own insecurities to face. Natalie can’t help but be attracted to Tucker, but has trouble believing he’s okay with the age gap. Tucker is a green flag guy whose mantra becomes “I’ve got you”.

The town of Holly Hoot and its multiple Lisa Maries (one of them is a goat) will win you over. Natalie’s dog Goose will make your heart melt. Tucker’s art-inspired tattoos will have you drooling.

This is a slow burn, open door book. It deals with panic attacks, PCOS and the associated depression and infertility, self-doubt and unexpected fatherhood. It is part of a series - I read it as a stand alone with no problems. I absolutely recommend it to fans of contemporary romance.

[Amber Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was this the Lacey brother story I wanted to read next? No. Did I love every minute of it? Yes.

Tucker Lacey is finally getting his life in order, starting his own gym in his hometown and trying to outrun his reputation as the irresponsible one. However, he's put head over heels when his childhood crush reappears outside his gym. There are some problems though. First, she's only staying for the summer. Second, she's nearly 10 years older. And the biggest hurdle? She's his best friend's sister.

Natalie Torres hasn't really looked back to her hometown since moving to Austin years ago. After all, her photography business, friends, and her dad's side of the family are all there. The one thing she doesn't have is love, but at 40, she's decided it just isn't in the cards. Until her brother's best friend enters the picture and makes her question everything.

I love how well written the characters in Brandy's books are. Each character has their own voice, background, and personality, and grows throughout the book. I also really enjoyed how sweet and perfect Tucker was for Natalie, helping to ease her every insecurity and being there for her in a way no one else had. Even after the plot twist, Tucker was still 100% dedicated to Natalie. I love how they grew as a couple and fell in love through the pages. Throughout the book, I felt like part of the family and the story. Overall, it was such a feel good romance with a happy ending.

[Priscilla Herchold · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

I'm totally here for this book - an FMC in her 40s that has PCOS and depression? Sounds very familiar and relatable!

When Natalie has to return back to her hometown, she certainly wasn't expecting a relationship let alone with her younger brother's best friend, Tucker Lacey. But there Tucker was - sweet, supportive, and everything Natalie didn't know she needed. Once Tucker set his sights on Natalie, that was it for him, he was going to pursue her. The building of their relationship is emotional, sweet, and intimate with a burn. There's definitely spice, however, I really enjoyed the lead up to it all, that simmering right below the surface especially as Natalie learns whether or not she can trust Tucker. Even when life throws lemons at them, they manage to get lemonade. They're approachable and it felt like I was reading the dating story of one of my friends.

This is part of an interconnected series but is a standalone. I haven't read the first book and didn't feel lost at all reading this.

Very enjoyable read and I'm glad I've found another series to add to my shelves!

🏍️gym owner x photographer
📸brother’s best friend
🏍️sunshine x gray cloud
📸age gap (she’s older)
🏍️surprise plot twist
📸PCOS/mental health rep
🏍️open door & dual pov

Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the gifted copy!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town + caretaking + age gap (she's older)!

Tucker is ready to level up his hometown gym so he hires the town photographer... only the girl of his dreams and long-time crush shows up.

Natalie is hoping to use her short stay in her hometown—covering for her photographer mentor—to recoup & reconnect with her family.

Sparks fly & connection runs deep, but the surprise of a lifetime for Tucker has Natalie questioning if their relationship is forever.

Read if you love...
✨small town
📷FMC photographer
✨the best side characters
🏋🏼MMC gym owner
✨age gap, she's older (early 40s / early 30s)
🫶🏼dual perspective
✨brother's best friend / best friend's sister
🥰caretaking
✨he falls first
🐶the best pup
✨"good boy"
💬texts on page

I absolutely loved this one! It's been a minute since I've read a book by Brandy, and this one reminded me I need to finish her backlist!

Tucker & Natalie are really just everything.

I loved how much tension the age gap & brother's best friend / best friend's sister added, especially with Tucker & Cam (Natalie's bro) being roommates. The way Cam found out about them was truly priceless and one of my favorite scenes.

Looooved the small town vibes! Everyone knows everyone, and that always adds so much deph and humor!

The PCOS & depression rep, mixed with caretaking, was chef's kiss.

And that third act plot twist had me screaming and then kicking my feet! So freaking good!

📍Arkansas; Texas; Tennessee
✨Representation: PCOS; depression
‼️Content: discussions of irregular periods and potential infertility