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Star Harbor #2
When We Fall
Not yet published
Expected 4 Dec 25I need a nanny. Not a distraction.
I certainly do not need a twentysomething man with a devastating smile, tattooed forearms, and an easy charm that could unravel a woman twice as composed as me.
But when my daughter gets kicked out of after-school care (again) and my flaky nanny ghosts us (again), Austin Calloway moves into the duplex next door—and right into our lives.
Now he’s helping with homework, cooking dinner shirtless, and showing up with coffee like he’s always belonged here.
He’s too young.
Too familiar.
Too good with my daughter.
Too close.
And the worst part? He sees through me—the cracks, the stress, the walls I’ve built to protect what’s mine.
The more I try to keep him out, the more I ache to let him in.
But letting someone in means risking everything.
He’s the wrong choice . . . unless we’re finally ready to see what happens when we fall.
I certainly do not need a twentysomething man with a devastating smile, tattooed forearms, and an easy charm that could unravel a woman twice as composed as me.
But when my daughter gets kicked out of after-school care (again) and my flaky nanny ghosts us (again), Austin Calloway moves into the duplex next door—and right into our lives.
Now he’s helping with homework, cooking dinner shirtless, and showing up with coffee like he’s always belonged here.
He’s too young.
Too familiar.
Too good with my daughter.
Too close.
And the worst part? He sees through me—the cracks, the stress, the walls I’ve built to protect what’s mine.
The more I try to keep him out, the more I ache to let him in.
But letting someone in means risking everything.
He’s the wrong choice . . . unless we’re finally ready to see what happens when we fall.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 4, 2025
426 people want to read
About the author
Lena Hendrix
35 books3,421 followersLena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 15, 2025
Beta read.
Full review to come, but I loved everything about it! Always do!
Full review to come, but I loved everything about it! Always do!
November 21, 2025
When We Fall reminded me exactly why I always get excited for a new Lena Hendrix book! She just gets small town romance and messy, lovable characters so perfectly. I was hooked from page one. The reverse age gap setup was perfect in this book, and I have yet to read a book where the single mom hires HIM to be the nanny. Add in the next door neighbor who just happens to be her one night stand, and absolutely yes.
Selene felt so real! She’s thirty-six, exhausted, juggling work and motherhood, and honestly just trying not to drown. You can feel how burnt out she is, and it made her walls and hesitation feel so understandable. But then comes Austin, twenty-eight, hot as sin, genuinely good with kids, and apparently incapable of not falling head over heels for both Selene and her daughter the moment he walks in.
Austin might actually be one of my favorite MMCs Lena has written. He’s patient, warm, steady, sweet, and the way he is with Winnie? My heart. He truly loves those girls from the start, and their little makeshift family vibes were just so good. And speaking of Winnie... she might honestly be my favorite kid character ever. She’s hilarious, clever, chaotic, and just the right mix of adorable and unfiltered. I love fairies too, Winnie!
The romance itself just hit: chemistry that’s hot as hell, but layered with tenderness and vulnerability. Selene and Austin just fit, even when she’s determined they shouldn’t.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable, heartwarming read that still brought plenty of spice. And now I’m counting down the days until we get Wes’s story, because I am nowhere near ready to leave Star Harbor.
Thank you to Lena Hendrix for the eARC of this book.
Selene felt so real! She’s thirty-six, exhausted, juggling work and motherhood, and honestly just trying not to drown. You can feel how burnt out she is, and it made her walls and hesitation feel so understandable. But then comes Austin, twenty-eight, hot as sin, genuinely good with kids, and apparently incapable of not falling head over heels for both Selene and her daughter the moment he walks in.
Austin might actually be one of my favorite MMCs Lena has written. He’s patient, warm, steady, sweet, and the way he is with Winnie? My heart. He truly loves those girls from the start, and their little makeshift family vibes were just so good. And speaking of Winnie... she might honestly be my favorite kid character ever. She’s hilarious, clever, chaotic, and just the right mix of adorable and unfiltered. I love fairies too, Winnie!
The romance itself just hit: chemistry that’s hot as hell, but layered with tenderness and vulnerability. Selene and Austin just fit, even when she’s determined they shouldn’t.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable, heartwarming read that still brought plenty of spice. And now I’m counting down the days until we get Wes’s story, because I am nowhere near ready to leave Star Harbor.
Thank you to Lena Hendrix for the eARC of this book.
November 24, 2025
ALC Review 🎧
This book gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings. I love Star Harbor and didn't want to leave.
Selene Darling is a single mum who is doing everything on her own. She is in need of some help to juggle her parenting responsibilities and her career. When her new next door neighbour (and previous one night stand), Austin Calloway, offers to lend a hand Selene is a bit hesitant. However, when he starts to show up for her and her daughter, Selene would be silly to decline his offer to help.
Austin was a ray of sunshine and everything Selene and Winnie needed. The bond he had with Winnie was so special. He was present, helped out and took care of Winnie - letting her be her creative and energetic self with him. Austin had his own demons he was trying to work through, however, he always showed up and tried his best in every situation.
I was rooting for Selene from the very beginning. She started as a stressed out mum, struggling to cope with everything and didn't like giving up control. Seeing her go from this to someone who accepted help and allowed someone else to take some weight off was everything.
These three made the perfect little family. Although there was a third act break up - I think it was needed to allow them both to work through their fears and feelings. It was so worth it to see them get their happily ever after.
The audiobook was perfect too. Ava Lucas and Ryan Hudson done a great job at bringing the characters to life. I cannot wait for book three in this series.
- Single Mum
- Forced Proximity
- Male Nanny
- Reverse Age Gap
- Neighbours
- Slow Burn
- One Night Stand
- Small Town
This book gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings. I love Star Harbor and didn't want to leave.
Selene Darling is a single mum who is doing everything on her own. She is in need of some help to juggle her parenting responsibilities and her career. When her new next door neighbour (and previous one night stand), Austin Calloway, offers to lend a hand Selene is a bit hesitant. However, when he starts to show up for her and her daughter, Selene would be silly to decline his offer to help.
Austin was a ray of sunshine and everything Selene and Winnie needed. The bond he had with Winnie was so special. He was present, helped out and took care of Winnie - letting her be her creative and energetic self with him. Austin had his own demons he was trying to work through, however, he always showed up and tried his best in every situation.
I was rooting for Selene from the very beginning. She started as a stressed out mum, struggling to cope with everything and didn't like giving up control. Seeing her go from this to someone who accepted help and allowed someone else to take some weight off was everything.
These three made the perfect little family. Although there was a third act break up - I think it was needed to allow them both to work through their fears and feelings. It was so worth it to see them get their happily ever after.
The audiobook was perfect too. Ava Lucas and Ryan Hudson done a great job at bringing the characters to life. I cannot wait for book three in this series.
- Single Mum
- Forced Proximity
- Male Nanny
- Reverse Age Gap
- Neighbours
- Slow Burn
- One Night Stand
- Small Town
November 22, 2025
"I want to build something with you that doesn't fall apart the second it gets hard."
This is book 2 in a series of standalones. The series follows a family with many siblings(each of which I think are getting a book) in a quirky small town. This book is about the oldest sister, Selene, who is a single mom and in her mid 30s and super independent. The male lead is Austin, who is in his late 20's and finding his place in the town.
They are neighbors and Austin offers to help with Selene's daughter Winnie. The way the relationships build in this story is great. Winnie is a scene stealer and the way Austin and her find a routine, love, and support is too cute. I like that things aren't perfect and things get messy. Selene and Austin both have issues that need to be addressed before they can actually be together. There is a 3rd act breakup, and I actually cried. A lot. I love how they work through the disappointment and issue. There are so many cute things the couple does. Oh, and the spice is nice.
There are side character storylines that will get you very interested in future books. I also really enjoyed seeing the happy couple from book 1. There is also a town ghost story/mystery that we get clues from each book. The ghost tales brings the whole town in on the fun of the book.
Overall, I really loved everything about the couple, their story, and the town.
I received this book as an ARC, but the review is completely independent and reflects my own genuine thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
This is book 2 in a series of standalones. The series follows a family with many siblings(each of which I think are getting a book) in a quirky small town. This book is about the oldest sister, Selene, who is a single mom and in her mid 30s and super independent. The male lead is Austin, who is in his late 20's and finding his place in the town.
They are neighbors and Austin offers to help with Selene's daughter Winnie. The way the relationships build in this story is great. Winnie is a scene stealer and the way Austin and her find a routine, love, and support is too cute. I like that things aren't perfect and things get messy. Selene and Austin both have issues that need to be addressed before they can actually be together. There is a 3rd act breakup, and I actually cried. A lot. I love how they work through the disappointment and issue. There are so many cute things the couple does. Oh, and the spice is nice.
There are side character storylines that will get you very interested in future books. I also really enjoyed seeing the happy couple from book 1. There is also a town ghost story/mystery that we get clues from each book. The ghost tales brings the whole town in on the fun of the book.
Overall, I really loved everything about the couple, their story, and the town.
I received this book as an ARC, but the review is completely independent and reflects my own genuine thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
November 22, 2025
Austin and Selene.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Selene’s story. This was so much more though. Selene felt like that best friend who’s a single parent and just struggling to hold everything together. She’s desperately trying and not asking for help as she wants to be strong and she wants to not be a burden. She just needs it though.
Austin was that ray of sunshine that was able to keep up. It wasn’t a hardship to play and laugh with Winnie. To step into that space and show up. Austin has his own demons he working through and he tried his best at every turn.
They both had some fear and some insecurities to work through. Both doing the best they can. While I didn’t love how the conflict was handled by one character. It felt very real. A real life problem that would show up eventually and cause some waves. Neither was ready to give up but didn’t really know how to come back together either.
I loved that Austin and Selene both showed up for each other. They loved even when they were terrified and trying not to. They both dreamt of a life together while trying desperately to not get hurt or hurt the other. Winnie was there with all the wisdom a 5 year old can whip out and shock you with. With her love and sunshine to guide the way.
I’ve loved this series to much and I know it’s going to just keep drawing me in. Lena writes the best stories that don’t feel over done or over dramatic. They just feel like life.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Selene’s story. This was so much more though. Selene felt like that best friend who’s a single parent and just struggling to hold everything together. She’s desperately trying and not asking for help as she wants to be strong and she wants to not be a burden. She just needs it though.
Austin was that ray of sunshine that was able to keep up. It wasn’t a hardship to play and laugh with Winnie. To step into that space and show up. Austin has his own demons he working through and he tried his best at every turn.
They both had some fear and some insecurities to work through. Both doing the best they can. While I didn’t love how the conflict was handled by one character. It felt very real. A real life problem that would show up eventually and cause some waves. Neither was ready to give up but didn’t really know how to come back together either.
I loved that Austin and Selene both showed up for each other. They loved even when they were terrified and trying not to. They both dreamt of a life together while trying desperately to not get hurt or hurt the other. Winnie was there with all the wisdom a 5 year old can whip out and shock you with. With her love and sunshine to guide the way.
I’ve loved this series to much and I know it’s going to just keep drawing me in. Lena writes the best stories that don’t feel over done or over dramatic. They just feel like life.
November 22, 2025
“Sometimes the best kind of magic isn’t the kind you chase. It’s the kind that’s waiting to catch us when we fall.”
I immediately fell in love with this perfect little trio of Austin, Selene and Winnie! They were a great addition to Star Harbor couples!
Single mom, Selene Darling is in need of some help with her daughter. She needs help with drop off and pick up so she can work and it turns out the perfect person for the job is Austin Calloway, a one night stand suddenly in town and her neighbor.
Austin has always wanted to be needed and wanted so when he can step up and help Selene and Winnie he goes all in. He was so perfect with Winnie and really let her run the show! Their relationship was adorable. But how he showed up for Selene was everything!
“Selene wasn’t someone you messed with. She was the type of woman you moved through fire for. And I was already burning.”
These three really came together and made the cutest family.
“If I wanted to be anywhere else, I would be. Spending time with you two isn’t a job. It’s just . . . where I want to be.”
I’m so excited for this series to continue and to learn more about the Lady of the Dunes!
🔥: “Are you still thirsty, Selene?”
I immediately fell in love with this perfect little trio of Austin, Selene and Winnie! They were a great addition to Star Harbor couples!
Single mom, Selene Darling is in need of some help with her daughter. She needs help with drop off and pick up so she can work and it turns out the perfect person for the job is Austin Calloway, a one night stand suddenly in town and her neighbor.
Austin has always wanted to be needed and wanted so when he can step up and help Selene and Winnie he goes all in. He was so perfect with Winnie and really let her run the show! Their relationship was adorable. But how he showed up for Selene was everything!
“Selene wasn’t someone you messed with. She was the type of woman you moved through fire for. And I was already burning.”
These three really came together and made the cutest family.
“If I wanted to be anywhere else, I would be. Spending time with you two isn’t a job. It’s just . . . where I want to be.”
I’m so excited for this series to continue and to learn more about the Lady of the Dunes!
🔥: “Are you still thirsty, Selene?”
November 21, 2025
I won’t lie. When the hurt comes in this story, it is BIG. It’s front and center. It steals your breath and crushes your chest. And it burns. But then, the words of innocence remind us that it’s not the big bad hurt. It’s just one you didn’t expect. And trust me, it will all be good again.
Austin isn’t who Selene expected to want. She thinks shouldn’t. But really, is this much less acceptable than if he’d been the older one? Not so much. Because Austin shows up from jump. He’s there. He helps. He steps in when he sees that Selene is struggling or tired or simply overwhelmed. He’s perfect for Winnie and her seemingly limitless supply of energy. And for her creativity. He doesn’t say that they’re too much or not enough. He is, however, afraid of losing this home that he’s come to adore. And that scares him so much that he’s determined to do all he can to keep these two close to his heart.
These three manage to steal your heart and the show. Austin is also the one who’s likely going to help get through to Wes. And I can’t wait to see how Wes is pulled back to the land of the living.
Austin isn’t who Selene expected to want. She thinks shouldn’t. But really, is this much less acceptable than if he’d been the older one? Not so much. Because Austin shows up from jump. He’s there. He helps. He steps in when he sees that Selene is struggling or tired or simply overwhelmed. He’s perfect for Winnie and her seemingly limitless supply of energy. And for her creativity. He doesn’t say that they’re too much or not enough. He is, however, afraid of losing this home that he’s come to adore. And that scares him so much that he’s determined to do all he can to keep these two close to his heart.
These three manage to steal your heart and the show. Austin is also the one who’s likely going to help get through to Wes. And I can’t wait to see how Wes is pulled back to the land of the living.
November 23, 2025
Tropes:
Reverse age gap
He falls first
Neighbors
Hot Manny
Small town -
Rating: 5/5
Spice Rating: 5/5
“I’ve got a type. One-socked women with coffee stains and a death glare.”
“if they knew my only option was big-dick energy with a winning smile, my status as tragic mess would be officially cemented.”
“You fed me. Let me touch your boobs. Let me help sort through haunted artifacts.” His grin was wide. “It was basically a dream date.”
Selene is a stressed out single mom with a precocious 5-year old. Austin is her new neighbor who happens to be 8 years younger. He’s not what she expected & not what she thinks she should want but he shows up for her in a way that no one ever has before. Now she has to decide how to navigate the questioning glances in her small town & decide if he’s worth keeping.
This book was sweet & vulnerable & did I say sweet? But when the spice hits…DAYUM!!!
Every time Lena releases a new book I think “this is her best yet!” This book is a wonderful reminder of why she’s my favorite author. The way she tells their story & the raw & honest look at motherhood is pure and beautiful. I loved every minute.
Reverse age gap
He falls first
Neighbors
Hot Manny
Small town -
Rating: 5/5
Spice Rating: 5/5
“I’ve got a type. One-socked women with coffee stains and a death glare.”
“if they knew my only option was big-dick energy with a winning smile, my status as tragic mess would be officially cemented.”
“You fed me. Let me touch your boobs. Let me help sort through haunted artifacts.” His grin was wide. “It was basically a dream date.”
Selene is a stressed out single mom with a precocious 5-year old. Austin is her new neighbor who happens to be 8 years younger. He’s not what she expected & not what she thinks she should want but he shows up for her in a way that no one ever has before. Now she has to decide how to navigate the questioning glances in her small town & decide if he’s worth keeping.
This book was sweet & vulnerable & did I say sweet? But when the spice hits…DAYUM!!!
Every time Lena releases a new book I think “this is her best yet!” This book is a wonderful reminder of why she’s my favorite author. The way she tells their story & the raw & honest look at motherhood is pure and beautiful. I loved every minute.
November 24, 2025
Single mom
Forced Proximity
Male nanny
Reverse age gap
Small town
Selene - Winnie - Austin
Winnie, is literally my spirit animal. She is who I want to be when I grow up.
Selene and Austin‘s chemistry and connection throughout this book was amazing. The spice, the intimacy and just the overall connection between the two of them made this book so enjoyable.
Austin and Winnie were the light at the end of any dark tunnel. The two of them and what they were for each other and how that relationship developed and how easy Austin just fell into being exactly whatever she needed in the moments that she needed. It was so good.
Selene is a character that you root for. Character that you want to take care of. The character that you want to hand a glass of wine to and tell her just to go away. Her struggle and having to take care of everything by herself and then accepting help was beautifully written.
The only reason that it is a four star instead of a five star, are things that are my own personal opinion. So I will keep them to myself. But I am looking forward to book 3.
Forced Proximity
Male nanny
Reverse age gap
Small town
Selene - Winnie - Austin
Winnie, is literally my spirit animal. She is who I want to be when I grow up.
Selene and Austin‘s chemistry and connection throughout this book was amazing. The spice, the intimacy and just the overall connection between the two of them made this book so enjoyable.
Austin and Winnie were the light at the end of any dark tunnel. The two of them and what they were for each other and how that relationship developed and how easy Austin just fell into being exactly whatever she needed in the moments that she needed. It was so good.
Selene is a character that you root for. Character that you want to take care of. The character that you want to hand a glass of wine to and tell her just to go away. Her struggle and having to take care of everything by herself and then accepting help was beautifully written.
The only reason that it is a four star instead of a five star, are things that are my own personal opinion. So I will keep them to myself. But I am looking forward to book 3.
November 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
Lena Hendrix writes, and I read. When We Fall is the second installment in the Star Harbor series, focusing on Selene and Austin.
Selene is a divorced single mother raising a bright and adventurous five-year-old daughter, Winnie. Balancing a demanding full-time job with parenting—and receiving little support from her ex—Selene prides herself on doing everything alone. Maybe it’s because she’s been let down too many times before.
Enter Austin: her new neighbor, eight years younger, charming, and undeniably handsome. He offers to help with childcare, and slowly, he falls for both Selene and Winnie.
This is a sweet story about learning to trust again, opening your heart, and embracing second chances. I also loved the subtle thread about the Lady of the Dunes, which I suspect will continue to weave through future books.
I’ll admit, the beginning felt slow and a bit draining, but the ending made up for it—I truly enjoyed how it wrapped up. Now I’m excited to dive into Wes’s story next!
Lena Hendrix writes, and I read. When We Fall is the second installment in the Star Harbor series, focusing on Selene and Austin.
Selene is a divorced single mother raising a bright and adventurous five-year-old daughter, Winnie. Balancing a demanding full-time job with parenting—and receiving little support from her ex—Selene prides herself on doing everything alone. Maybe it’s because she’s been let down too many times before.
Enter Austin: her new neighbor, eight years younger, charming, and undeniably handsome. He offers to help with childcare, and slowly, he falls for both Selene and Winnie.
This is a sweet story about learning to trust again, opening your heart, and embracing second chances. I also loved the subtle thread about the Lady of the Dunes, which I suspect will continue to weave through future books.
I’ll admit, the beginning felt slow and a bit draining, but the ending made up for it—I truly enjoyed how it wrapped up. Now I’m excited to dive into Wes’s story next!
November 21, 2025
This book just felt like a warm cozy love story unfolding in front of my eyes. I loved that the book gave me the feeling of a small town and I didn’t want to leave.
This book had all the good troupes and I am a sucker for a single parent book. I absolutely loved Austin is so good with Winnie and I loved seeing their relationship blossom from him being her manny into someone of a father figure.
Selene is doing the best she can. You understand why she is sorta closed off but I loved seeing her slowly take down her walls for Austin. While there is a third act break up the Happily Ever after is worth it and so is watching these two make their little family.
The Audio was so good as well. Both Ava Lucas and Ryan Hudson did an amazing job with the narration and giving Austin and Selene a voice.
This book had all the good troupes and I am a sucker for a single parent book. I absolutely loved Austin is so good with Winnie and I loved seeing their relationship blossom from him being her manny into someone of a father figure.
Selene is doing the best she can. You understand why she is sorta closed off but I loved seeing her slowly take down her walls for Austin. While there is a third act break up the Happily Ever after is worth it and so is watching these two make their little family.
The Audio was so good as well. Both Ava Lucas and Ryan Hudson did an amazing job with the narration and giving Austin and Selene a voice.
November 22, 2025
***ARC Review***
Oh my gosh! First, Austin is another amazing MMC from Lena’s brain and I’m here for him. A younger guy but has it together in a way some older guys don’t. He’s not only sexy but genuine and caring. The way he steps in to help with Selene’s little girl Winnie is so charming and sexy in its own way. Lord have mercy a man with a little one and being so kind and gentle but also playful and silly with her. It’s so endearing. I love their little relationship.
Winnie is wise beyond her years for 5. Even when she gets letdown she is quick to forgive and move forward still loving! She teaches Austin and Selene a thing or two along the way.
Selene is so afraid of being let down and not being in control. She has to realize that not everyone is like her ex-husband.
The slow burn…I’m here for it even if I get frustrated!
Oh my gosh! First, Austin is another amazing MMC from Lena’s brain and I’m here for him. A younger guy but has it together in a way some older guys don’t. He’s not only sexy but genuine and caring. The way he steps in to help with Selene’s little girl Winnie is so charming and sexy in its own way. Lord have mercy a man with a little one and being so kind and gentle but also playful and silly with her. It’s so endearing. I love their little relationship.
Winnie is wise beyond her years for 5. Even when she gets letdown she is quick to forgive and move forward still loving! She teaches Austin and Selene a thing or two along the way.
Selene is so afraid of being let down and not being in control. She has to realize that not everyone is like her ex-husband.
The slow burn…I’m here for it even if I get frustrated!
November 23, 2025
*I’ve read this book as an eARC, thanks to the amazing Lena Hendrix*
This is such an heartwarming book!!! I don’t usually love the golden retriever type MMC but Austin is just perfection!!!! He says and does everything right all the time!!!! The thing I adored the most is the relationship between him and little Winnie.
Selene is just real! She’s like everyone of us who’s struggling with keeping up with life and is, like everyone of us, enough stubborn to not ask for help, like never!
Adding to this, there’s the fairy dust that Lena sprinkles on all her books: the sizzling chemistry between Selene and Austin with some hot spicy scenes and the small town lore that makes this book perfect!!!!!
And now I just NEED Wes book, like now!!!!!!!
This is such an heartwarming book!!! I don’t usually love the golden retriever type MMC but Austin is just perfection!!!! He says and does everything right all the time!!!! The thing I adored the most is the relationship between him and little Winnie.
Selene is just real! She’s like everyone of us who’s struggling with keeping up with life and is, like everyone of us, enough stubborn to not ask for help, like never!
Adding to this, there’s the fairy dust that Lena sprinkles on all her books: the sizzling chemistry between Selene and Austin with some hot spicy scenes and the small town lore that makes this book perfect!!!!!
And now I just NEED Wes book, like now!!!!!!!
November 23, 2025
I always enjoy anything Lena writes!! I honestly wasn't sure at the beginning because Selene seemed too cold/mean towards Austin, but that did eventually get better.
I loved the way Austin immediately was warm and helpful towards both Selene and her daughter Winnie. What really resonated with me though was that Selene said he made her feel like more than simply someone's caretaker, made her feel like not just a mom but her own person. As a mom I struggle with that even with an incredibly supportive husband so it was heartwarming to read that.
Great work by Lena and I can't wait for Wes' story!
I loved the way Austin immediately was warm and helpful towards both Selene and her daughter Winnie. What really resonated with me though was that Selene said he made her feel like more than simply someone's caretaker, made her feel like not just a mom but her own person. As a mom I struggle with that even with an incredibly supportive husband so it was heartwarming to read that.
Great work by Lena and I can't wait for Wes' story!
November 24, 2025
4⭐️
3🌶️
Austin & Selene’s story is messy, raw, and honestly so damn beautiful.
This book blends small-town charm with deliciously filthy tension, all wrapped around an MMC who is hopelessly, unapologetically down bad. Austin doesn’t just fall for Selene—he shows up for her. For her and Winnie. He fits into their lives like he’s always belonged there, and watching that connection grow was everything.
Their chemistry gave me butterflies, their hurt made my chest ache, and Austin’s devotion? Yeah… that definitely made me blush once or twice.
A heartfelt, spicy, small-town romance that hits exactly where you want it to.
3🌶️
Austin & Selene’s story is messy, raw, and honestly so damn beautiful.
This book blends small-town charm with deliciously filthy tension, all wrapped around an MMC who is hopelessly, unapologetically down bad. Austin doesn’t just fall for Selene—he shows up for her. For her and Winnie. He fits into their lives like he’s always belonged there, and watching that connection grow was everything.
Their chemistry gave me butterflies, their hurt made my chest ache, and Austin’s devotion? Yeah… that definitely made me blush once or twice.
A heartfelt, spicy, small-town romance that hits exactly where you want it to.
November 20, 2025
I don’t love reverse age gap Austin has changed my mind!!! He slid into their life so easy! He’s sweet and fun and is willing to do anything to prove himself.
The FMC is so closed off due to past but as a single mom she deserves to have happiness too. They both are dealing with things from their past and answers they are searching for. The comedy of her wild daughter really made this lighthearted.
I enjoyed their story more than I expected. Austin really was a good man and I adored him and the little girls relationship. I also enjoyed more of the lady of the dunes.
The FMC is so closed off due to past but as a single mom she deserves to have happiness too. They both are dealing with things from their past and answers they are searching for. The comedy of her wild daughter really made this lighthearted.
I enjoyed their story more than I expected. Austin really was a good man and I adored him and the little girls relationship. I also enjoyed more of the lady of the dunes.
November 23, 2025
Okay. Austin has quickly made it on to my list of top 5 Lena MMC. Oh my goodness.
The care, the tenderness, the dedication, the steady strength. I am melting for this man.
I have a soft spot for a single mom, and apparently, so does Austin.
The dynamic between the MCs, and Winnie, is so tender and loving and natural. It was so easy to watch Austin and Selene fall into each other’s daily routine.
I felt this story in my whole body—the rushing of my heart, the pit in my stomach, the warmth in my bones. Lena is a master romance crafter.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
The care, the tenderness, the dedication, the steady strength. I am melting for this man.
I have a soft spot for a single mom, and apparently, so does Austin.
The dynamic between the MCs, and Winnie, is so tender and loving and natural. It was so easy to watch Austin and Selene fall into each other’s daily routine.
I felt this story in my whole body—the rushing of my heart, the pit in my stomach, the warmth in my bones. Lena is a master romance crafter.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
November 22, 2025
A one night hookup, thinking it wasn’t going to be anything and they wouldn’t see each other again. Well jokes on them haha. He ended up being her neighbor!!!
Such a good Age gap, but she’s older with a kid! She is nervous to get involved with a guy who is younger than her. Thinking they would want different things. It takes a turn when he shows up for her in oh so many ways. The duel narration for this is perfection! They are everything and more for this book!
Such a good Age gap, but she’s older with a kid! She is nervous to get involved with a guy who is younger than her. Thinking they would want different things. It takes a turn when he shows up for her in oh so many ways. The duel narration for this is perfection! They are everything and more for this book!
November 23, 2025
if Lena writes it, I'm guaranteed to love it at this point.
I loved being back in Star Harbor with the Darlings, getting glimpses of future couples, and I am hooked on the ongoing background story surrounding the lady of the dunes. I cannot wait to see how that plays out.
this was a 'reverse' single parent/nanny trope and I absolutely loved seeing Austin's relationship progress with little Winnie and all her Fae lore 😂
I loved being back in Star Harbor with the Darlings, getting glimpses of future couples, and I am hooked on the ongoing background story surrounding the lady of the dunes. I cannot wait to see how that plays out.
this was a 'reverse' single parent/nanny trope and I absolutely loved seeing Austin's relationship progress with little Winnie and all her Fae lore 😂
November 23, 2025
THE ROMANTIC BOSNIAN BLOG REVIEW
What a book, talk about being hooked. You can read my FULL REVIEW & TEASERS on my Blog by CLICKING HERE
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What a book, talk about being hooked. You can read my FULL REVIEW & TEASERS on my Blog by CLICKING HERE
Come follow me on my BOOKSTAGRAM where I am most active for more!
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