The Black Dove

Edgewater Romance #3

by Evita Wren

He’s her new boss—and the man who just stole her promotion.
She’s the woman who stole his heart two years ago—without even giving her name.
Emma Tucker doesn’t do messy, impulsive, or casual.
Except for that one night at The Black Dove.
But that’s ancient history, and she’s not about to fall for the man she met in the dark. Emma’s waiting for a fairytale, not the kind of guy who goes to a place like that.
Besides, she’s too busy keeping her career intact and planning her brother’s wedding to her best friend to worry about love right now.
Theo West’s job was supposed to be simple: fix the school’s test scores, be the bad guy, and move on.
Except “be the bad guy” wasn’t meant to include accidentally stealing the promotion of the one teacher who can’t stand him—or realizing she’s the same woman who ruined him two years ago.
No names. No faces. No kissing.
Emma Tucker should’ve added one more rule to her application that night: no falling in love with me.
Now Theo has to work side by side with the woman he’s been obsessed with for two years—and she still has no idea who he is.

The Black Dove is a spicy slow burn small town romance in the Edgewater Romance series. It features a secret identity, second chance storyline with a slow burn (and then lots of spice), with a guaranteed HEA.
This is the third book in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, it is best enjoyed after reading the first two books: Harper's Landing and The Blooming Tide.

Genres: Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2026

About the author

Evita Wren is a queer, auDHD indie romance author.
She writes heartfelt, spicy, and funny contemporary romance that'll hurt your feelings a little (or a lot) before you get to that sweet HEA.
She enjoys crafting relatable and realistic emotional conflict, character-driven intimacy, and the odd suspense-adjacent twist here and there.
Evita’s favorite things to write are witty banter, well-earned spice after a good slow burn (with tons of consent), emotionally resonant character arcs, and realistic bodies (you won’t find washboard abs here unless it fits a character’s lifestyle, which is almost never, sorry!). She loves to include realistic representation of disability and mental health issues, a lot of which stems from her own experience with ADHD, autism, hypermobility, Raynaud's, migraines, anxiety... just to name a few. 😅
She mostly writes MF contemporary, but also MM, FF, and MMF triad/poly relationships (throuples, if you don’t dislike the term like she does).
Her current project is the Edgewater Romance series, beginning with Harper's Landing!

Reviews

[Lily]

In this book, we come back to the coastal small town of Edgewater, and this time from the POV of Emma and Theo. They’re both the ones that always take care of other people. Emma is the mom friend and Theo is the martyr. They met unconventionally and had a night of passion at a sex club. They didn’t see each other during their encounter until they face each other at the elementary school.

At the beginning, Theo is seen as the bad guy because of the role he has to play in the elementary school and he finds a rival in Emma. There’s pining, playful (or mean) banter, the weight of expectations, emotional depth, and slow burn. When the truth finally comes out, I was very emotional saying oh my god oh my god! It wasn’t something they were expecting but hoped and needed. I love that the author gives us flawed and colorful characters. Emma and Theo are the serious kind but the heat between them is through the roof and we love a man who can also get it. I blushed in a couple of scenes, especially the one with the strap on.

I enjoyed seeing other characters from the previous books like Lexi, Cole, Nina, JD, and Jack. And getting those hints of characters for future books. We also get a couple of complications and one in particular got me so stressed I couldn’t stop reading until I knew it was resolved. The HEA was perfect and not just for Emma and Theo, but for a couple of other characters as well. I cannot wait to see where Evita takes us in the next book of Edgewater.

Thank you Evita for the opportunity to come back to this world and to characters I love. This is my honest opinion.

[Sara Neves]

I am so incredibly happy to have discovered Evita Wren. This is the third book in the Edgewater series, and once again, I couldn’t put it down. Evita has a real talent for making her stories completely absorbing — I’ve found myself reading each book in one go because they’re just that engaging.

Although The Black Dove is part of a series and can be enjoyed as a standalone, I would strongly recommend reading the series from the beginning. Doing so adds so much depth, especially when it comes to the side characters, whose backstories and growth make the overall experience even more rewarding.

This book focuses primarily on Emma and Theo’s story, and I loved their dynamic. The characters are written in a way that makes you genuinely care about them, and the emotional investment feels effortless. What impressed me most was how Evita continues to develop the other characters alongside the main storyline without ever overshadowing Emma and Theo. It truly feels like each character’s story is slowly unfolding, building toward their own moment in the spotlight — which makes me even more excited for what’s to come.

The banter throughout the book had me giggling more than once, and the writing style is smooth, natural, and incredibly easy to read. It’s the kind of book you sink into without even realizing how quickly the pages are turning.

I can’t wait to continue with this series and follow the journeys of the other characters.

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC reader, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sadie Hales]

ARC review;

It was a good read, I found the FMC to be pretty relatable! The supporting characters were so fun to have around. The story did feel a bit slow to me, but overall I really enjoyed it!

[Kirsty Cavagin]

ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all this is my first book by this author and honestly I will definately read more. Her character development is pretty good and the storyline was a great concept.

I’m such a hopeless romantic and this was a fairytale romance albeit a little unconventional.

Little jack! Omg he’s adorable I want to keep him. Such a cutie.

Now about the actual book. The writing style is a bit long winded at first and really took some getting used to, and I was a bit worried I wasn’t gonna enjoy it… but girl proved me wrong. Not gonna lie though there was a few times I had to look up some words that I really did not understand. Kinda seamed a bit like the good old thesaurus played a big part in the writing but I got there there in the end.

I do feel like the beginning of the story was dragged out a little and far too much emphasis was put on explaining who everyone was and how they knew it other and it did confuse me a little bit. However! This did actually help me in the long run because I knew and understood the emotional attachments to each character and I have to say that I did become quite attached myself. Especially to Nina… like seriously I love that girl! I did also realise this isn’t the first book is this series so I probably should’ve read the others first because there was a lot of character names to get my head around.

There’s a lot going on in this book aswell which is great. Yes it’s a love story and that’s the main premise… well it was to me anyway. But this author really does seam to care a lot about what she’s writing, the FMC is a strong candidate for standing up for the rights of people who don’t fit the standard mold. Especially in this instance kids on the spectrum (ADHD) she rights with passion and genuinely understanding about the struggles that neurodivergent children and adults go through day to day. She doesn’t just write this as a passing character attribute but as a real life long advocate. I love that she made Emma stand up for this children and really fight their corner. Never backing down no matter what!

As for Theo and Emma. God I love them! The back and forth between them is fabulous. I love that she has a comeback for everything. She’s witty and strong willed and I think that’s great especially when she seams shy and withdrawn a little to start. It was nice to see her realise for herself that she is a strong women and she can and is the boss… not just in the bedroom 😉 Theo is a big teddy bear bless him. He’s so in control and prim and proper but them with Emma he just melts and I love it. Oh and the searching for her bra scene. ‘What’s in the package?’ A full f**king set of copper-bottom saucepans, Theo, what do you think?’ I was creased 🤣

As for the ending. I feel like that last maybe 150 pages felt rushed. Like the author knew what she wanted to happen and just had to get it all in in so many pages. However this for me wasn’t a bad thing because I’m always so desperate to know whats gonna happen and it was great that I didn’t have to read a load of filler content to get to the good parts.

Overall I did really enjoy this and the characters were cute and relatable in a strange way. I look forward to reading more from this author and I would love to know what happened with Theo and Emma because I really hope they get everything they ever wanted 🥰

[Caitlinn Annis]

ARC Review

My only problem with this book was that work and sleep got in the way of my reading!

Now, I'm not a huge written reviewer. I doubt I will post something as amazing as those below...but if there is one thing you take from my review, it's that you give this book a read!

Honestly, I often have a hard time getting through small town romances. However, the Edgewater Series has been the only series that has kept me HOOKED! The Black Dove alone has checked all my boxes.
The storyline? Yes.
The FML and MML? Yes! (I loved their meet-cute a little too much)
The spice? OMG YES.

It is one of those books that demand your attention and you give it!!

I would recommend reading all the books in this series in order, but to be honest, you didn't really need to. It was so special on it's own!

Thank you Evita Wren for my late nights and really tired work days!
It was WORTH it.

[Amanda]

This is my first book by Evita Wren and I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I tried not to take any stars off for typos, errors, poor sentence structure, etc. since it was an ARC.

I thought it was a cute story with a bit of humor and suspense thrown in to keep it exciting.

I will say I did not read the first two books, so at first I was very overwhelmed by all the character names & felt lost by page 3 lol. But I do think if I'd read the other books first, I could've avoided that confusion.

I do feel like some scenes were overly, unnecessarily descriptive and it pulled away from the flow of the story. There were also a few random things that I found distracting, for example, mentioning the "sodium vapor" lights about half a dozen times.

Personally, I would've liked a little more backstory on the main characters, but what was included I enjoyed.

Overall, I did really like this romance and would consider reading another book by Evita.

[Salina Casabona]

I was incredibly lucky to be selected as an ARC reader for this wonderful book, and I want to start by saying thank you. I absolutely devoured it.
Avita Wren clearly went to great lengths to provide thoughtful and authentic representation of ADHD, neurodivergence, and other medical conditions. It hit especially close to home for me, as someone who struggled through school with undiagnosed ADHD. I truly wish I’d had someone in my corner the way these characters do.
The two main characters have fantastic banter, undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of angst. The slow burn is delicious, and when the spice finally hits, it completely caught me by surprise—in the best way. The story delivers all the right emotional beats without ever feeling too heavy.
I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series.

[Kate Laycoax]

I need everyone to understand that the second The Black Dove hit my inbox, I immediately stopped what I was doing. No sarting it later. No self-control. Evita Wren has very quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors in the last year, and getting Emma’s story and returning to Edgewater had me seated. Buckled in. READY TO GO.

First things first, and this matters to me a lot: Evita’s commitment to representation is everything. ADHD, migraines, Raynaud’s, neurodivergence... this isn’t surface level or thrown in for points. It’s real, intentional, and deeply woven into the story. The heart of this book revolves around fighting for the rights of neurodivergent kids, and as someone who is neurodivergent, this storyline hit me in my very core. I felt seen in a way that doesn’t happen often. This book means something, and I know it’s going to resonate so deeply with so many readers. It might be a romance, but it is SO much more than that.

Now... Emma and Theo. Let’s talk about them because I am not okay.

Their dynamic was truly ELECTRIC and I do not say that lightly. The banter was elite. The back and forth between them was a serious game of tug of war, in the best possible way. They’re forced to work together, there’s tension, there’s frustration, there’s this underlying enemies-ish vibe, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. They are absolutely down bad for each other (Theo especially), and watching that slow realization unfold was delicious.

The way they originally met??? Actual jaw drop. Like… excuse me??? I won’t spoil it because it is worth reading for that alone, but *that* line where Theo talks about how he met Emma? OH, WHAT A MEET CUTE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE. And then putting them on opposite sides while still fighting for the same goal? So smart. So fun. So painful in the best way. I love how Emma NEVER backed down once from fighting for the wellbeing of her kids. She is so fierce! Also, Theo going through the packages had me LOSING IT. I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard.

This book made me laugh (Theo was hilarious), made me emotional (kids like Jack and Carrie), made my heart hurt a little (the fight for representation and a world where everyone is seen and helped and heard and loved), and then made it absolutely RACE. The balance between humor, tension, tenderness, and longing and yearning was perfect. And the spice… yeah. It’s that good. Slow burn done right, payoff delivered. And that motorcycle scene? I’m not saying anything except: if you know, you know. 🫠

I loved this book. Like, truly, deeply loved it. Evita Wren just doesn’t miss for me, and The Black Dove might be one of my favorites from her yet. She is truly so talented and gifted and crafts such amazing books that are not just romance, but actually mean something. I already need the next book in this series injected into my veins. Edgewater has my whole heart. 🖤

Thank you to Evita Wren for the eARC of this book.

[Alisha]

Well with an opening line like that how could we not have an amazing time? I mean, seriously? Prim, proper, level headed, self-proclaimed mom friend Miss Emma Tucker had THAT in her?! My, oh my, ma'am, color me shocked. I know what I'll be thinking about when it's raining for the foreseeable future and I'm not even a little upset about it 🤷‍♀️

Our girl Emma just cannot catch a break. One one hand her best friend is marrying her brother and they just dropped the bombshell that they're having a baby. Not only that but Nina is insisting the wedding be before the other big date gets here. The excitement is real and no problem, Emma's got this. But wait, on the other hand there's also a suit from the city coming in to change the way everything is done at the school because it's not performing to standards. Students are not meeting academic goals and her nephew is one of the students that ultimately they're referring to. The principal's position she was promised is ripped out from under her and she really just needs a few minutes to catch her breath.

Theo West has a tendency to fall on his sword for those around him, especially his sister Rebecca, and that's exactly how he's found himself in a position to be the guy everyone hates as he slides into Edgewater in hopes to bring the elementary school's test scores up. He doesn't want to be the outsider in this close-knit small town, he doesn't want to ruin things for these kids, but he has a job to do and if he knows how to do anything it's play ball. Even if two years ago his life was fundamentally changed in every way inside a dark room at The Black Dove, after a private room encounter with a woman he wasn't allowed to see.

He's there to change things. She knows exactly what needs to be done to ensure success for these kids. Tensions rise between the two as Emma and Theo have to develop a plan that works both for the kids she refuses to leave behind and for the board that sent Theo there in the first place. One single phrase said by Emma in a moment of frustration turns Theo's world upside down when he realizes she is the woman from the dark room. The woman that he's been searching for for two whole years.

The way I kicked, screamed, giggled, gasped, cried, laughed, and swooned shouldn't be allowed, honestly. Like how can one book have you feel SO many things in such rapid succession and you just sit there like yes, please, give me mooooore. Ugh, I love these two so much. Emma and Theo both just feel so guilty for wanting anything for themselves and it's so great to see two people that are always sacrificing themselves for others, even to their own detriment, meet the perfect counter that says "No, you take care of everyone and from now on I WILL be doing that for you."

Shoutout to Cole Dawson being Cole Dawson and doing the most amazing, sweetest things for the people he loves. He and Lexi seriously are just so nauseatingly perfect 😭😍

[Emily Knaus]

Black Dove hooked me with one of my favorite setups: two masked strangers at a sex club, drawn to each other with that instant, electric pull… only to vanish from each other’s lives before names are ever exchanged. It’s intimate, anonymous, and unforgettable. It’s exactly the kind of encounter that I live for!

Years later, Emma thinks that night is long behind her. She’s focused on her students, on advocating for kids who learn differently, and on fighting a school system that wants to bulldoze nuance with standardized testing. Theo walks in as her new principal. Polished. Controlled. A little too observant. And absolutely, unmistakably the man behind the mask, though she has no idea.. yet!

The tension that builds from that secret alone is delicious. Theo recognizes her instantly when she says something that he immediately correlates with his masked stranger, and every interaction becomes a game of restraint and memory. Their banter snaps. Their chemistry simmers. And when the truth finally cracks open, the spice is every bit as good as the slow-burn anticipation that you feel building.

What surprised me most is how grounded the school storyline feels. Wren doesn’t shy away from the real stakes: how testing policies impact kids who learn or function differently (the representation is INSANE and so intentional, it’ll make you cry), how teachers like Emma fight for individualized support, and how administrators like Theo are caught between bureaucracy and what’s actually right. It adds depth, purpose, and a sense of a shared mission that makes their second chance feel bigger than just a romance; it’s about rebuilding trust, rebuilding systems, and rebuilding themselves.

If you’re the kind of romance reader who lives for anonymous‑hookup‑turned‑workplace‑reunion tension, a MMC who falls first and recognizes her long before she pieces it together, a FMC who fights fiercely for her students, banter that crackles, spice that absolutely sizzles and emotional stakes rooted in real‑world education issues, Black Dove hits every single one of those buttons in the best way.

A huge thank you to Evita Wren for the early copy!

[Johanna]

˚.༄ Thank you to the author Evita Wren for the provided eARC in exchange for an honest review! 💌 ꒷·˚ ༘

4.5 ⭐️

Okay, so - first up: this was my first book by Evita and I really, really liked it! I wish life hadn’t gotten in the way of me reading this sooner, but well, here we are. I had so much fun reading about Emma and Theo, but let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

Emma, our FMC, is a teacher in a small town school. She was promised the position of principal, but by some twisted kind of fate she doesn’t get it and instead has to deal with the new principal in town. Emma is a really lovely character. Willing to stand up for her family, friends and, most important of all, her pupils. It was so heartwarming seeing her interact with the kids and not taking sh!t from anyone - mostly when it came down to leaving some of the kids behind. 🥹💌

Our MMC, Theo, is the new principal in town and is really down baaad for Emma since day one. He’s such a cute guy, always willing to take the fall whenever it helps someone else he cares about out (even if they don’t want him to sacrifice himself), and he isn’t shy to get after what he wants. 🫠

The banter between Emma and Theo was simply Chef’s kiss, I had to laugh out loud a few times because of how unhinged some of their conversations were. I went through all the emotions with this one: I laughed, cried a little and giddily kicked my feet while reading, thank you very much! 🌞

I’ll be keeping my eyes on Evita’s books in the future, because I simply cannot miss out on any of them. I’m addicted.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓:
📚 Teacher FMC
🏫 Freshly appointed principal MMC
📚 10/10 banter
🏫 Tension so palpable you can (almost) taste it
📚 The sweetest side characters
🏫 Slow burn to (kind of) k!nky spice
📚 If secret identity and second chance had a baby
🏫 A very interesting meet cute
📚 He falls first (and harder!!)

🌶️​ rating: 3.5/5 - a good amount and very well written! 👀

[Ash (Kitkat)]

This is super spicy, and still has a great plot and story behind it. As always when reading look through any trigger warnings to make sure that it is something your comfortable reading. That being said lets get into it!

This story had some bdsm in it and hit all the right spice. I still enjoyed the banter and the story that was included as well between the main characters and the supporting characters. Sometimes it can be hard to find a spicy book with an actual plot and although lets be honest I will still read stories like that, however this was nice. In this story we met Emma who is an elementary teacher, which hits home for me because Ive worked in elementary myself so it can be hard when faced with kids who aren't able to learn by societies standards. Emma shows this concern herself, as she has several students who have ADHD, and struggle to learn in an A type form. She also teaches her nephew who has ADHD.

The MML Theo is also in the school setting, although he ends up taking over as principal at Emma's school and is there to reform how the kids should be testing and being prepped for standard testing (even though this is not their first time meeting). It starts off rocky Theo can tell Emma really cares about her students, although he still feels he knows how to get better results for testing. The playful banter between Emma and Theo kept me intrigued other then that the beginning did drag a little bit which is why I gave it 4 stars. The detail and relatable note of the characters in Evita's story were inspiring. Often when reading I run into characters that I just can't understand why they are doing what they are doing or who would want to build a real relationship with them, but I did not get that from Emma and Theo. I will say as well that having read this book I will have to check the other characters to read their stories.

[Bianca Callanan]

Everything Evita Wren writes I will be sat and reading!! Her book are something else! They are literally so good! This one is definitely top three!!!!
This book, this small-town, the characters, everything is done and written so beautifully and I eat it up every time! This book was really so good! The tension, the banter, the chemistry between the two characters was chefs kiss!! Theo and Emma were made for each other. Soul mates I tell you!!!! They compliment each other’s personalities so well!!
Emma Tucker is literally me to a T!!! I have several quotes and highlights that I went “yup, that’s definitely me” when I read them. Her character, her personality was such a hit to home that it made me love her so much more than I thought I would. I couldn’t relate to a character more! Emma will have a special place in my heart. Her personality was giving eldest daughter, the one every one comes to for help or advice, the mother of the group (literally the same words ppl used to describe her), and is always taking the burden. I felt for her the whole book and at times I just wanted to give her a big hug.
And then we have Theo West. The outsider that takes over the small town elementary school (he’s the new principal). At first you think he’s a d*ck buuuuut this man has a heart of pure gold!!! He is so sweet when he wants to be and actually cares about the people he loves and that’s all there needs to be said about him honestly. His personality, his banter, his protectiveness, everything about him just makes me want to melt!!! He was exactly what Emma needed and I’m so glad they ended up together!! ☺️💕

Evita…it is always a pleasure to read an ARC from you! I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for these characters and for this town!! 🥰🥰

[Becca]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Black Dove is a charming, emotionally grounded romance that blends second-chance tension with workplace rivals and just the right dash of fate. It feels refreshingly classic—miscommunication, longing, and two people circling each other while pretending they’re absolutely not doing that.

Emma is practical, driven, and determined to keep her life tidy. That one anonymous night at The Black Dove? A blip. A mistake. Definitely not something she’s building a fairytale around. Her focus on career, family, and responsibility makes her easy to root for, especially when the promotion she worked for is yanked out from under her by her new boss. Enter Theo.

Theo is the quietly smitten kind of hero—the type who’s already fallen and is just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. His realization that Emma is her—the woman who’s haunted him for two years—is deliciously painful, and being forced to work beside her while keeping that secret cranks the tension up page by page. He’s not flashy or cruel, just human and trying to do his job while his heart actively betrays him.

What makes this story shine is the slow build. The glances, the irritation, the sparks neither of them want to acknowledge—it all feels earned. The anonymity of their past adds a romantic, almost old-fashioned twist, making their connection feel destined rather than coincidental.

If you love workplace romance, second chances, and stories where love waits patiently until the timing is finally right, The Black Dove is a sweet, satisfying read with heart, humor, and just enough angst to keep things interesting. 🖤🕊️

[Angie]

Back to Edgewater we go! Trying to explain my thoughts without spoiling is going to be a tricky one for me, but man...Evita did it again. Emma and Theo “meet” in a sex club after being talked into visiting it by someone in their lives (for Theo it’s his sister, to let loose, for Emma, it’s her best friend). The reason I say “meet” is the room is completely dark, no names, no kissing. It’s not until two years later, when he ends up her boss, that he figures out that the woman he is working with on a new assessment project – that is meant to help keep her school open – is her. The woman he’s been looking for. Emma doesn’t find out as quickly, and oof, her sass towards him is fantastic. In her eyes, Theo took her job. She has no idea that he’s the man she’s been thinking about for two years. As usual with Evita’s writing, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, turning the digital page just wanting to see what our two MCs were going to do and when Emma was going to FINALLY learn the truth. I do believe this is the *first* book Evita has written that I didn’t absolutely lose my shit with, though I was very close. And I do mean *very close*. The feelings are always there. The rollercoaster of emotions are still there. I don’t know how she manages it, but she nails it every time. It was great to revisit Edgewater again, and I can’t wait for book 4 and see what shenanigans happen in this small town next! As always I most definitely recommend.

[Andrea Rodriguez]

🖤 ARC REVIEW | THE BLACK DOVE 🖤
thank you to the author for the early copy.

this book had me hooked from the premise alone—and it absolutely delivered.

emma and theo’s story is built on tension that feels earned: a stolen promotion, a shared past neither of them can forget, and one night at the black dove that quietly changed everything. the hidden identity element adds such a delicious layer of ache, especially as theo realizes exactly who emma is… long before she knows who he is.

the slow burn here is immaculate. rivals-to-lovers with second-chance energy, forced proximity, and that constant push-pull where attraction and resentment exist at the same time. every interaction between emma and theo is loaded—history, longing, frustration, and the fear of wanting someone who could break you.

the coastal small-town setting adds warmth and intimacy, grounding the story beautifully. the angst is achy without being overwhelming, and when the spice finally hits, it’s confident, intentional, and worth the wait. sensual, a little kinky, but always rooted in emotion.

this is the kind of romance that hurts just enough before it heals you. tender, swoony, and deeply satisfying—with a sweet HEA that feels earned after the journey.

🕯️🌊⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
slow burn. second chance. emma & theo forever.

[Lisa Self]

Evita Wren has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat for the whole book, developing characters that you have an emotional connection with AND giving us the happily ever after ending that is so loved in romance books.

For this to be the third book in the interconnected series, the character development of not only the main characters but all characters had me cheering for them throughout. Emma is a born and raised small town girl, teacher and advocate for those who don’t fit the mold. Theo is the complete opposite - a city raised, by the book administrator tasked to save the school.

There are so many times that I found myself laughing out loud, cheering for certain characters as well as tearing up - I could hardly put this one down. I needed to know how it turned out.

There is a lot of detail and building that starts the book. It may feel slow to some readers, but it is fully necessary to build the characters and the scenes. The further into the book you go, the faster pace it becomes - making it a perfect balance by the end.

**This is the third book in an interconnected series. I opted to read it as a stand alone and had no issues. There are small parts that may have greater depth of the other books are read before this one. It can be picked up as a stand alone and fully enjoyed.**

[Rachelle]

I received this as an ARC. The views expressed are all my own. I really loved this story. I had such a hard time putting it down. The MFC Emma was so amazing. I loved her spunk and ability to stand up for what she believes in. Her advocating for her students was so well written, and shows the importance of helping kids who have disabilities or disadvantages. She meets Theo, her school’s new principal and my word the chemistry between them is amazing. I loved seeing her go toe to toe against someone she thought was only there to meet the status quo.

Theo is also such a cute character. He is only planning on being at the school for a short time, but that will obviously not be happening. He truly does have a heart for children, and I love seeing him and Emma work out their differences.

This is the third book in the series, but it was the first one I read from this author. I will definitely be going back and reading the earlier ones. I was a little overwhelmed by the all the characters names in the beginning, until I realized that there were two earlier books in the series. But it didn’t stop me from loving this book, and it didn’t take away my enjoyment from it. I would highly recommend The Black Dove

[Elena Andorfer]

Absolutely loved this book!!! ❤️ I am so happy I found Evita Wren on FB!! I hadn't read anything by her, let alone knew of her. I came across her post to be an arc reader and I couldn't be happier that I was chosen to receive an early addition, read and review it. I wanted to read the books from the beginning of the series as this is book 3. So down the rabbit hole I went. 😊

This book is about 2 strangers who meet in the dark for one night of sexual mischief, 😉, and then part their separate ways. 2 years later the magic happens. I love their sexual tension, their back and forth playful snarks at each other, and the forced proximity. Theo is a man who puts everyone's needs above and before him, which is not always the answer as he soon finds out with the mystery woman from 2 years ago, Emma.

This book had me giggling and blushing 😊 the whole time. I was smiling throughout the book and couldn't put it down. I loved how Evita took real issues and brought attention and knowledge through the characters and into the reader. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

If you want to find out what happens, pick up the book/series and find out what happens to the men and women of Edgewater! I promise you won't be disappointed!

[Pà]

I was completely hooked from the very first pages and I genuinely couldn’t put the book down. Emma and Theo carried the entire experience for me. Their dynamic felt intense, and painfully honest at the same time. Emma came across as fiercely driven, stubborn in the best way, and deeply protective of the kids she cared about. I admired how she stood her ground and never softened her values just to make her life easier. Theo felt layered and quietly emotional under his guarded and sometimes frustrating surface, and I loved how his vulnerability showed itself through small actions rather than big speeches. The banter between them felt sharp and natural, and it made their connection believable from the start. The slow burn worked perfectly for their story, and every scene between Emma and Theo carried that yearning that kept me fully invested. I love how the story explored ADHD, neurodivergence and invisible struggles. The representation felt very realistic and relatable. I closed the book feeling satisfied and already eager to follow the rest of their journeys. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Carly Fay]

The Black Dove is another fabulous addition to the Edgewater romance series.

Theo is martyr who falls on his sword so many times he should look like Swiss cheese - not a fairytale wet dream. Emma is a boss bitch who discovers she’s a bit of a switch in the bedroom - thanks to her anonymous one night stand at The Black Dove. When the fates align & these two strangers meet again, one phrase from Emma’s mouth connects the dots for Theo. She’s who he’s been searching for, for two years. But Emma is none the wiser, & Theo isn’t able to voice their connection. After all, how do you tell someone they’re the one that pegged you in an adult club? As the weeks go by, they grow closer, until one phrase from Theo’s mouth connects the dots for Emma. Initially frustrated Theo didn’t say anything (understandable!), the two years of lusting after each other catches light & together they explode.

This anonymous one night stand, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, super spicy romance with a MMC who is a total goner for his woman (once they get past the enemies bit) is delicious. I couldn’t put this book down, & was swept up in the small town romance between Emma & Theo.

[Rebecca Newman]

I wasn't raised a quitter!

The third instalment in the Edgewater Romance Series focuses on Theo and Emma who met two years ago but have no idea. They are forced to work together after Theo is given the promotion Emma was promised. It is a slow burn Romance, until it wasn't and then the spice hit HARD! It's giving Fia and Cade after dark (IYKYK).

Much like Evita's other works, representation of ADHD, Migraines, Raynauds and neurodiversity is woven within the story at such a deep and real level. The good and ugly sides are shown and handled so well. For anyone who has needed someone advocating for them, Emma Tucker will hold a special place in your heart.

The whole story had me feeling so many emotions in the best kind of way. Although it could be read as a standalone, having read books 1 and 2 (also fantastic books!) makes you feel like you're truly in the world of Edgewater. I honestly cant wait to read what comes next.

As always, there are some hard themes throughout this book so please read the trigger warnings mapped out at the front of the book and if you have a bike... DON'T try it at home (IYKYK ;))

[Alyssa]

I absolutely loved this story, it was nearly impossible to put down. Emma, the main female character, completely stole the show for me. She’s fierce, passionate, and unapologetic about standing up for what she believes in. Her dedication to advocating for her students, especially those with disabilities or disadvantages, was beautifully portrayed and added so much heart and depth to the story. It really highlighted the importance of fighting for kids who need someone in their corner.
Then there’s Theo, the new principal, and wow, the chemistry between them is electric. I loved watching Emma challenge him, especially when she believed he was just there to maintain the status quo. Their tension and back-and-forth made their dynamic incredibly engaging.
Theo is such a lovable character in his own right. Although he initially plans to stay at the school only briefly, it’s clear that won’t be the case. He genuinely cares about the students, and seeing him and Emma navigate their differences and grow together was both satisfying and heartwarming.

[Heather]

I’ve been lucky to have been reading Evita Wren’s Edgewater series from the beginning, and Emma and Theo’s story is a perfect continuation. The story is a slow burn filled with banter and wit. It is also filled with characters who deal with a variety of mental and physical health issues. This has been a feature of each of Wren’s books, and I mention it not to have potential readers shy away, but rather to promise the author does an exceptional job of portraying these issues without ever making the story too heavy. Wren so wonderfully creates characters who live with and love with mental and physical challenges. As someone who has been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and clinical depression, I cannot express how grateful I am that Wren is willing to portray characters like these, and especially to show them as being worthy of love. This book is yet another example of Wren’s fantastic writing, her addicting style, fully formed characters and relatable experiences. I recommend the entire series.

[Bethany]

Emma works as a teacher, focusing on helping neurodivergent students be successful. Theo is the new superintendent hired to help fix test scores. These two clash from the very beginning, but must work together to come up with a plan to help all students. But, they have met before, two years ago at the Black Dove, though the room was dark and no names exchanged, so they don't realize it. Theo has been searching for her ever since. There was so much bander and I loved that while both characters initially battle for control, cand give it up to each other. If was a refreshing change to see him give up his control, instead of it always being the female character. There was some definite spice in this book, though it comes in the last third of the book. Definitely want to read more from this author.
I will say it would have been helpful to read the previous books in the series to go in with a better understanding of the other relationships in the book, but it is not necessary.

[Hazel]

The Black Dove is the third book in the Edgewater series but can also be enjoyed as a standalone

This was my First Book By Avita Wren So I Wasnt Sure WHat To Exspect , And ill Admit I Wasnt Exspecting The deapth Of Emotion And Care That Went Into Writting This Book, She went to great lengths to provide an authentic representation of ADHD, neurodivergence, and other medical conditions Which As A Parent To A Neurodiverse Child I Deeply And Truely Appreciated, it was so deeply woven into the story

it wasnt just smut like i was exspecting, not that i dont love a good book of smut but this just hit me on a new level with Such Geniune and Deeply Relatable Characters

The Fmc Was Incrediable and Reminded Me Of Myself In Many Ways Fighting For The Rights Of People Who Are NeuroDiverse

I Honestly Cant Say Anything Bad About This Book, Yes It Was Abit Long Winded And Slow Paced But The Effort And Attention To Detail Was Worth Every Page

[Em]

📚✨The Black Dove by Evita Wren
⭐️4.5/5 | 🌶️2/5

If you’ve been following my reviews, you already know I love this author… and that streak is absolutely unbroken. Evita Wren does it again.

The banter in this book? Elite. I was giggling more than once, kicking my feet like an idiot.

But let’s talk about what really matters.

The Raynaud’s representation??? Absolutely wild (in the best way). My mom has it, and we NEVER see that represented in the media. Ever. Seeing it here felt personal. Evita writes such representation in their books that it just adds to the beautiful story.

ALSO. Y’all. We need to have a conversation.
A submissive man??? Actually, don’t talk to me about it.
No wait.... please do.
Because I cannot handle it. I am unwell. Respectfully. FERAL.

I cannot wait to continue this series!!!1

📖 Reading mood: FERAL, giggling, emotionally validated, slightly unhinged

[Alisha Jane]

ARC Review

I first discovered Evita Wren from her spicy Christmas book and I’m so glad I did.

Reading the third book in this series was just what I needed to get out of my reading slump. It has comedy, spice and everything in between.

The beginning took me a while to get into but I’m not sure that’s because I haven’t finished the first two books first. You don’t need to but I definitely recommend it as there’s what seems to be call backs I just didn’t understand.

I feel like some of the plot elements were quickly forgotten as soon as Theo and Emma got together. Such as the hybrid plan, I would’ve loved to have seen them hashing that out and using their relationship to jokingly manipulate the other to get what they wanted.

Overall this book is great and I love the character development.

I’m betting on book four being Rebecca and Caleb 👀

[Jennifer E. Martin]

Overall, I loved this book. I liked the main characters, Theo more than Emma, the meat of the story had me hanging on, and the spice level was perfect!
Where I had a bit of an issue was feeling like I jumped into the middle of an ongoing world that I knew nothing about. This is the latest in a series, but I haven’t read the previous books. In the first few chapters there were so many side characters throw at me with no explanation or back story attached. Made it a little hard to follow at times.
The ending also felt a little like whiplash with how fast things turned and turned again. I’m still not sure how the events towards the end all came about.
At the end of the day though, it just made me want to go back and read the first few books in the series. I like this little world that Evita has created and I’m sure I will love it even more when I learn who everyone is!

[Tina]

Second chance romance

Another great read from Edgewater. I loved getting to see Emma's story after reading about her friends and family.

My only wish was that there was more closure regarding their jobs because towards the end that wasn't mentioned anymore when that was a huge focus during the test of the book. I hope we'll hear more in future books and I would guess we will as we're still waiting to hear more about Cole's career as well and it's mentioned here and there, but in this one it went from the problem of making sure the school is going to be okay to not sure what's going on with it.

Other than that, I loved catching up with the other characters more, and seeing the world continue to grow in my head as I read.

I'm really looking forward to Rebecca's book because I'm already mad.