Dear Red, Be Mine

by Bella Greene

Falling for the best man was definitely not on the wedding checklist.

Tom

I’ve battled flames, but nothing scorches like seeing her walk back into town. Bright dresses. Big laugh. And the one who made last summer unforgettable. We promised to stay in touch, but flirty texts only get you so far. Now she’s back—to plan her best friend’s wedding, stand across from me at the altar, and remind me why I’ve never forgotten her. This time, I’ve got a plan because I’m not letting her go without a fight.

Caroline

Tom’s the kind of charming that should come with a warning label. What started as a summer spark turned into months of late-night texts. Now we’re maid of honor and best man—me planning every detail, him making every moment way too distracting. Cue the wedding chaos, the Valentine’s small-town charm, and one dangerously attractive man who still calls me “Red” like it means more than just the color of my hair. Because if I’m not careful…this firefighter might burn his way into my heart.

Dear Red, Be Mine is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll Mom/DivorcéeForced ProximityMaid of Honor/Best ManSmall townKisses-only
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Fall in love at midlife—one meet cute at a time.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favorite tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.

The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series has eleven standalone, sweet Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie HartwoodEliza Duncan's Last First Kiss by Britney M. MillsHired Heartthrob by Ash KellerThe Heartbreaker and the Grump by Stephanie J. ScottThe Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie SterlingDear Red, Be Mine by Bella GreeneA Sugarcoated Second Chance by Francesca SpencerFetching Mr. Right by Sophie-Leigh RobbinsBurning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray HaleMy Accidental Leading Man by Leah BusboomSnapshot For Her Heart by Abby GreysonSo unwrap the chocolates, settle in with a smile, and enjoy these delightful tales of love at midlife!

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2026

About the author

Bella Greene enjoys writing sweet, kisses-only romcoms that make you swoon, laugh, and root for a happy ending. She’s happily married to her first love, whom she met on a blind double date. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her homeschooling her two boys, curled up with a good book and coffee, or baking up sweet treats in the kitchen.

Follow me on Instagram (@bellagreeneauthor), Facebook (@bellagreeneromanceauthor) or join my newsletter (and get a free ebook) here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8oy1fruwm1

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice, warm cozy second chance midlife romance.
Good storyline, I love seeing Maggie and Jake too. Good character, really enjoyable, easy to read novella.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute Meetcute. I like the characters and I like the backstory and setting. I usually like firefighter romance books but this one didn’t quite grab my attention. It is still a cute book and adorable romance with good writing and characters. And the twist definitely caught me by surprise and I knew immediately what the problem cause and was curios about the recovery. So give it a try. You might like it.

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in from the very beginning. I enjoy reading books with characters of all ages, but I really enjoy reading books with people who are a little older than someone fresh out of college who are taking on their first real full time job.
Caroline is a planner who is extremely organized with a notebook for each bride to be that she works with. She’s back in Blue Alder Cove to meet with Maggie who is way past ready to be married. She doesn’t fit the normal plan of a year or more before the big day. Caroline’s organization is amazing; “color-coded spreadsheets, and emergency vendor contacts that have saved the day every time.”
Caroline can’t stop thinking about Tom and when she sees him, her “pulse pounds in my ears, while heat blooms across my skin.” (Oh, she has it bad, but in a good way.) Tom is also smitten with Caroline, but she’s way too nervous to even notice he feels the same way. Tom can’t seem to figure out Caroline, he thought she was attracted to him as well, but her actions and words tell a different story.
Tom offers to help Caroline with all the errands and appointments she needs to handle. The first step is to meet with Mrs. Maddox about the arrangements. She leads them to the living room where she has a fire burning due to the cold front that has arrived. Caroline remarks that she’d “rather be at home, curled up, watching a movie with hot chocolate.” She’s surprised to hear “Now that sounds like a perfect day to me,” from Tom. Has she misjudged him? Is there more to Tom than she realizes?
Caroline is reluctant to admit any attraction she may feel for Tom. She’s gun-shy due to her previous marriage. Her ex, Preston, treated her like “a designer handbag-expensive to maintain, meant to show off at parties, and easily replaced when a newer model caught his eye.” She played the part for twenty years until “His 28-year-old assistant came along, and suddenly, I was last year’s style.” No wonder she’s hesitant to trust another man after being with such a turd.
I do not want to reveal too much of this wonderful story and spoil it for you. There is so much going on, and Caroline needs to make some decisions. Will she be able to trust her heart to another man after the way she was treated by her ex? Is Tom the real deal…one of the good ones out there and if he is, why hasn’t he been snatched up? Will the plans for the big day for Maggie go off as planned? You don’t want to miss Dear Red, Be Mine by Bella Greene. Get your copy today and get lost in the wonderful story that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Red, Be Mine is Bella Greene’s contribution to the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series. This series of sweet romantic comedy novellas are written by multiple authors and can be read as stand-alones. This story is the sequel to The Summer I Stayed, which was part of the Midlife Meet-Cute series. Dear Red, Be Mine takes place in Blue Alder Cove, North Carolina and is told in dual POV.
45-year-old Caroline Tate is a size-14 divorcee who is an uber-efficient event planner. She has returned to Blue Alder Cove for a few weeks to finish preparations for her best friend’s upcoming wedding, in which we will serve as the Maid of Honor. Caroline has been looking forward to seeing handsome firefighter Tom Rivera again, who she met the previous summer. They have been exchanging late-night texts for months. Caroline brought her miniature toy poodle, Aurora, with her.
40-ish Tom Rivera is a bachelor firefighter whose last long-term relationship was in college, and he’s been gun-shy ever since. Tom loves the camaraderie of the firehouse and is at loose ends when he’s not working. He felt an instant connection with Caroline, who works a couple of hours away in Charlotte. He was planning to take a few days off to travel to visit her, but then his best friend proposed to her best friend. Now he’s the Best Man at the upcoming wedding and is hoping to spend some quality time with the beautiful redhead.
Tom is more emotionally prepared to move their relationship forward than Caroline, who’s still skittish after her ex-husband’s infidelity. While Caroline enjoys visiting Blue Alder Cove, she’s always aware that her “life” is back in Charlotte. However, she sees a fixer-upper historic home and land for sale, which makes her yearn for her long-term goal of opening her own event venue.
Dear Red, Be Mine is a well-paced story which alternates between the push-pull of their budding relationship and corny firefighter puns. I enjoyed the banter between Caroline and Tom and now am planning to go back and read their meet-cute in The Summer I Stayed. This squeaky clean romcom, with no profanity and a single kiss, is a quick read perfect for fans of Hallmark movies.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

Another wonderful addition to the Valentines Midlife Meet Cute series, this time Bella Greene lending her amazing author voice and wonderful writing skills. Even more so Dear Red, Be Mine brings back characters from her book in the original Midlife Meet Cute series. Bella puts the romance front and center, causing readers to swoon with our MCs falling for each other. Just over 100 pages, this book is easy to complete in one session. Let Belle carry you away with her latest release.

Caroline and Thom met in Bella’s The Summer I Stayed and I had very much hoped to get a story about them. Even then as side characters, it was evident they had an attraction for each other. Now helping their good friends get married, they are brought back together. And while both are holding their feelings close to their chest, they still feel their heart pound, breath quicken, and warmth spread through them when they see each other. I was beyond giddy reading their romance.

As wedding plans for their friends keep bringing them together, they can’t help but think about weddings of their own. I couldn’t get enough of Tom trying to get Caroline to give him some clue that she was still interested. Caroline didn’t want to be another man’s accessory, but it didn’t take long for her to realize Tom so much more. The tension between these two had me smiling and kicking my feet. Although short, this story does not disappoint.

Bella has always been able to bring so much to her short stories. She makes it so easy for a reader to fall into her book and lose themselves for a while. Her closed door romances never leave me wanting more with our couples, except wonderful epilogues that show them going strong years later. Get into a Valentine's mood and read this series. Each book is short, sweet, and full of heart.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🧯Small Town Romance
🏵️Single Mom FMC
🧯Divorcee MMC
🏵️Later in Life
🧯Maid of Honor x Best Man
🏵️Closed Door Romance

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the best man was definitely not on the wedding checklist.

Tom

I’ve battled flames, but nothing scorches like seeing her walk back into town. Bright dresses. Big laugh. And the one who made last summer unforgettable. We promised to stay in touch, but flirty texts only get you so far. Now she’s back—to plan her best friend’s wedding, stand across from me at the altar, and remind me why I’ve never forgotten her. This time, I’ve got a plan because I’m not letting her go without a fight.

Caroline

Tom’s the kind of charming that should come with a warning label. What started as a summer spark turned into months of late-night texts. Now we’re maid of honor and best man—me planning every detail, him making every moment way too distracting. Cue the wedding chaos, the Valentine’s small-town charm, and one dangerously attractive man who still calls me “Red” like it means more than just the color of my hair. Because if I’m not careful…this firefighter might burn his way into my heart.

This contemporary, sweet, clean, and wholesome, small-town, later-in-life mid-life meet-cute romantic comedy is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are a single-mom/divorcee/event planner/maid-of-honor/ and an alpha firefighter/best man, who are humorous, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with dear red, be mine, kisses only, forced proximity, chaos/drama, humor, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with dear red, be mine and a sweet romantic comedy set in a small town that is humorous, and will be sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly humorous, sweet, emotional, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline, a wedding planner from Charlotte, is back in Blue Alder Cove, to plan the wedding of her friend Maggie. She’s also trying to avoid Tom, the hot firefighter with whom she’s been messaging and video calling for the last six months or so. Why would she be trying to avoid him?

Yeah, beats me. She knows she’s attracted to him. She loves talking to him, loves hearing about what’s going on in Blue Alder Cove, but for whatever reason, seeing him in person is not something she’s excited about. Or so she says.

Tom has had a thing for Caroline, whom he calls Red, because of her hair, since they met. So he’s a little confused when she’s playing things cool, seemingly taking steps backward from the relationship they’ve shared up to this point. But he’s undaunted—Red is going to be his, come hell or high water.

The path, however, is strewn with assumptions and miscommunications, so get ready for a roundabout way to the happily ever after.

Caroline has been through a nasty divorce, and her outlook on love has been skewed by one really bad experience. Still, she has the choice to either stay moored to the stinking thinking, or to embrace what’s right in front of her—a man who loves her, who wants to be with her, who doesn’t want to change who she is.

I enjoyed this story, even when Caroline frustrated me. I’m a middle-aged woman, and yes, I’ve been happily married for twenty-eight years. And I’ve learned that I’d rather regret something I did, rather than regret something I didn’t do. But to each their own. At least you know there will be a happy ending. And really, that’s why I read romance in the first place!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those that enjoy a later-in-life romance, this is for you! I haven't read many like this, but I have to say, that I do enjoy them. It's important to show how love can still happen at any point in life.

Tom is a super sweet guy, not to mention firefighter, that has fallen for Caroline, a wedding planner. Tom is a guy that hasn't ever had any luck with love, and Caroline has already been married and divorced. They both have some sensitivities when it comes to putting themselves out there, so they both walk cautiously with their flirting and interactions.

Both of these characters haven't had the best love lives, but they met through their mutual friends and have been texting for a while now. Caroline lives a few hours away so they haven't seen each other since their first meeting, but with her back in town to help their mutual friends get married, Tom is taking every opportunity to show Caroline how much she means to him.

I felt for Caroline - her marriage wasn't great and left some self-esteem issues that she tries not to let control her, but they always have a way of rearing their head. Tom is patient and caring, not wanting to come on too strong, but also wanting to make sure she knows he's interested.

This is a short book so the plot moves very quickly, but that doesn't take away any of the substance in this one. I enjoyed every second with these two, as they navigate their feelings and insecurities to reach the perfect HEA I had hoped for!

[Elizabeth Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect, sweet story to read as we go into the Valentine's Day season! I really enjoyed this heartwarming, light-hearted, kisses-only romance! Bella Greene's writing is clever, witty, funny, and had me hooked from the first sentence. I read this book in one day and enjoyed every minute of it! Tom (who she affectionately calls "Firefighter") and Caroline (who he lovingly calls "Red") are both in their 40s and have had previous relationships/marriages. Their second-chance love story was precious and so delightful to watch unfold. I really loved that the book started with Tom and Caroline already having a foundation of friendship and knowing each other for a while (not to mention the undeniable attraction they both felt for each other). I found it so intriguing and fun to read a love story where there's already care and attraction between the main characters from the start, so the reader gets to watch their love grow deeper and more intimate from that already-established foundation. Both main characters are absolute delights and their magnetic draw toward each other is deliciously swoony! Tom's gentle yet masculine, protective, selfless love and care for Caroline is heart-melting! This story is utterly adorable, with just the right amount of a little angst and suspense, and a satisfying happily ever after!

(I was given a free copy of this book from the author, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this novella that centered around romance at a later age between two people who needed to feel loved.

Caroline is an efficient event planner, and I do mean efficient. Her job gives her joy, but she would like to feel loved and appreciated. A past love burn has left her gun shy, with good reason.

Tom is the hot firefighter that she has been conversing with by text and video. They have had many late night talks and giggle sessions. Tom never truly got over a college romance gone bad. Both Tom and Caroline are in their 40's, and probably a little set in their ways. But ooh la la, I could feel their romantic chemistry sizzling on the page. They just had to get out of their own way.

Both of these characters were likable. They both had their life together and fully appreciated the finer things of life, but they also knew something was missing. It was like neither one was willing to take the first leap. I was cheering from them from the first few pages. Stumbling blocks from past romance fiascos needed to be burned and forgotten. That ending was chef's kiss.

This is a wonderful addition to the Valentine Mid Life Meet Cute series. It is a one sitting book that will leave a smile on your face.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun addition to the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series... this time featuring a handsome firefighter and a wedding planner. For those of us who enjoyed the first round of Midlife Meet Cute books last year, this one is even more fun! Tom and Caroline (the main characters here) are serving as best man/maid of honor for Jake and Maggie who we first met in The Summer I Stayed, so it was really fun to see some familiar characters. Don't worry if you haven't read that one though, this can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone as well. Tom and Caroline were really sweet together. This was a super quick read, easily enjoyed in just a sitting or two, but because we know that they've been in communication before the story picks up, it helps it not to feel at all rushed. If you enjoy firefighter and later in life romance and are looking for a Valentine's Day read, this is one worth checking out.

Dear Red, Be Mine is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multiauthor series of later in life Valentine's Day novellas and can all be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story of the H and h who meet and develop a relationship because they are standing up in their best friend’s wedding, as maid of honor and best man. The H is drawn to the h from the first time they meet at the engagement party. The h has red hair and green eyes and the H can’t take his eyes off her. Their relationship develops via text and email during the time before the wedding. The h returns to town before the wedding to help in organizing it with the bride. Their relationship gets to develop even more. Then at the wedding dance they get one dance and as they talk the h gets the idea that their relationship is now over because of what the H said. Early the next morning she leaves to return to her home in the city. When the H finds out the next morning that the h has returned home with out talking to him or saying goodbye he takes off chasing her to her home. He panicked that he will loose her, the woman he loves. When he arrives she is not home and he gets really scared. Then he sees her and he immediately says what he needs to say to correct the miss communication that had occurred due to what he said and didn’t say. They get their HEA. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Enjoy!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and even though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of it after I finished it.

This series is a mid life second chance for love with people who have felt that that chance passed them by a long time ago. These stories are warm, heartfelt no spice romances which I am happy to say I have all read and can recommend them to you as ones you’ll enjoy reading as well.

Caroline runs a event planning business in the city but journeys to a small town away to plan her best friends wedding. She meets her friend’s fiancé and his best friend and she feels sparks with the soon to be best man. Being she will be the maid of honor the two of them will be seeing a lot of each other but she tries to be aloof because her life is in the city and his is in this small town.

However, love doesn’t care where you live and feelings become real as well as fears of the past which make both hesitant to pursue or act on their
feelings until their best friends get married and then when one of them panics and runs away the decision is do you walk away or fight for the happiness you felt when you were together!

These stories make you feel good inside that love still waits for those who have given up on it! They portray real feelings we all have and circumstances and situations we’re all too familiar with so it’s easy to identify with what Caroline and Tom think as they wonder if their budding friendship may lead to something more lasting.

I encourage you to get and read this book and then check out the others in this series as well. I know you’ll enjoy them just as much as I have!

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Midlife Meet Cute, another cute couple, and another small town full of unique and quirky characters, and I am fully here for it.

This time we head to Blue Alder Creek with Caroline. She’s a wedding planner and she’s here to plan her best friend’s wedding. She’s also trying to avoid her best friend’s fiance’s best friend (yep), the hunky fireman Tom. They had a connection last time she was in town, and they have been exchanging flirty text messages ever since, but she’s not quite ready to see him in the flesh again, Which is too bad, as he’s almost the first person she runs into.

Tom is eager to pick things up for real with the fiery redhead he’s been fanning the flames with virtually. So, despite the constant ribbing from his station crewmates, he’s going all out to impress Caroline and win her over.

I loved the banter between Tom and Caroline, they had such wonderful rapport and they both got on so well with each other, despite Caroline’s initial reluctance to start something. She’s not planning to stick around so she doesn’t want to lead Tom on.

The hard thing with novellas is packing everything into the story in such a small word count, and the ending felt a little rushed and awkward but overall, I fully enjoyed the wit and humour the author put into this story and made the characters come alive.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a delightfully sweet story of Blue Alder Cove firefighter Tom Rivera who loves everything red but is especially fond of his Red who happens to be Caroline Tate. Now as the book opens Caroline isn’t quite his yet but he’s on a mission to make sure she is soon. She’s just arrived in Blue Alder Cove from Charlotte to make sure her best friend Maggie’s wedding to firefighter Jake is the wedding of her dreams and Tom’s there to lend all the help and support he can. Caroline is definitely fond of Tom but she’s got some big walls up that he’s going to have to break down first with this firefighter ready for the challenge.
Bella Greene’s addition to the multi-author Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series was full of flirty banter, wonderful characters sharing close comradeship, a sweet little dog and all the charm of a small town. I loved that this book follows up on Maggie and Jake from The Summer I Stayed and we get to witness their wedding.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC, out today. Book 5 in the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series, and honestly? This one knows exactly what it’s here to do - and does it well.

Set around a wedding, this is a sweet, comforting romance featuring a curvy red-haired FMC and a very attractive firefighter MMC (because of course he is). Add instant attraction, gentle chemistry, and that cozy midlife-romance energy, and you’ve got yourself a perfect evening read.

The story is light, romantic, and easy to sink into - no unnecessary drama, no emotional gymnastics. Just warmth, charm, and a feel-good love story that understands its audience. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and frankly, it doesn’t need to.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, reassuring, and quietly swoony - the kind of book you finish with a smile and a cup of tea - this one absolutely delivers.

Perfect for a tired brain, a cozy night in, and readers who love their romance comforting rather than complicated.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, closed door novella set in a small town. Part of a multi-author series but can be read as a stand alone.

An easy and quick read. Tom is a firefighter and Caroline is a wedding planner. The two meet and have an instant connection as they prepare for the wedding of their friends Jake and Maggie. As the story progresses and the wedding date is closer, Tom and Caroline get closer and ultimately can't deny their connection. However, each is dealing with past hurts and Caroline lives in a larger city and does not think she could be happy in a smaller town. Can they get past these obstacles?

The story , of course, offers a happy and satisfying ending. I would have liked the characters to have more depth and be more developed. But considering this is a novella and not a full length novel, the author did a good job. I look forward to the rest of the books in the series.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Red Be Mine is divine ,it’s a perfect read for Valentine’s. Bella Greene knows what we like and she produces such endearingly sweet characters with bundles of sparks that arc in the best ways . The story is superbly compelling and it’s sweet . It’s not a boy and girl meet so much as a hello again . They met the previous summer you see and they got along famously . They kept in touch but before they get a chance to meet up there’s this wedding to be planned where Tom is the best man to his mate and Caroline is asked to organise the event for her mate. She’s in her element and with Tom wonders if it’s meant to be since she’s still a little apprehensive even pensive . Tom isn’t for turning though he’s be yearning has this beau. A complete package about lovers who get a second chance perhaps an horse and carriage ride or a marriage that is better than the one she’s planning for her best friend for these two in the end…I’m not saying they do or don’t but it’s a superb storyline. In fact it’s simply divine . You’ll want to keep on reading through the night ,it fills you with delight. Bella Greene will more than do for me every time .

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I must thank Bella Greene for my ARC of this book via BookFunnel. This book was total 5 star enjoyment from the first to the last word. I absolutely loved everything about it ... except the length .... I wanted more lol. Finally, a curvy redhead. Not tall and skinny. A male main character who is a dream. I think Bella should do a firefighter's calendar of her male firefighter characters. I think there are many of us who would appreciate that. An awesome and lovely touching story and I adored how the couples all came together. I was charmed by the later in life story and how supportive all the children were. I thought it was beautiful how all these women met and became friends. I hope we get to meet these characters again in another book and I would definitely suggest that fans of this author read this one. New to Bella Greene? This book is a great place to start and become addicted.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline is an event planner, so she is used to planning for everything, including the chaos that comes when plans fall through. She is back in town for her best friend Maggie’s wedding, both as the wedding planner and maid of honor.

Tom is a firefighter who has lived in Blue Adler Cove his entire life. He and Jake, Maggie’s fiancee, grew up together and work together. He and Caroline met at a festival and have kept in touch with text and phone calls ever since.

Both are a little hesitant to take the next step and see what their friendship turns into - Caroline because of a bad divorce and Tom because he has usually been more into the relationships than his previous partners. But … “Sometimes beauty blooms most vividly when plans fall apart.” This was a sweet story that shows how love can be unexpected in the best ways.

Thanks to the author for the ARC of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Valentines Meet Cute series. This series is full of small town, kisses only romance with all your favorite tropes. This story features Caroline and Tom. It’s a later-in-life, single mom, forced proximity, second chance at love, small town, Valentines romance. Great characters that you fall in love with. I really liked how the author built up the relationship between the two main characters. The chemistry between the two main characters can be felt on every page. I loved the Happy ever after ending. The author does a great job developing realistic and relatable characters. This story is well written and will draw you into the characters emotions. You feel all their angst and love. This review is based on an early review copy I was sent by the publisher, but this didn't affect the content of my review that I am voluntarily providing.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute sweet clean later in life romantic comedy about an extremely organized planner and a 40ish bachelor firefighter. These two meet one summer and sparks fly between them. They exchange late night text messages for months now Caroline and Tom are back together in the little town of Blue Alder Cove finishing the last minute preparations for their best friend's wedding. Caroline has a lot on her mind trying to make sure that everything is perfect but the little voice in the back of her mind will not let her forget that she has feelings for Tom. Tom is smitten by Caroline as well but is not sure how to get Caroline to express how she feels. He doesn't want to push and scare her away. Will these two realize the chemistry they have?
This was a beautifully written push and pull budding relationship about 2 people in their 40's who both had difficulty relationships and are afraid to leap again. There are page turning moments, kisses only, chaos/drama, some very heartfelt emotional moments that make you want to swoon with added action and adventure. Everything you could possibly want in a book that will grab your attention from the very beginning to the end.
Bella Greene has a very unique way of writing, and I truly believe this book shows that off. She brings you a story that is relatable with humor and love all bundled in a very sweet read.
A great addition to the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quote:

“Life isn’t meant to be completely planned out. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and see it unfold.”

I really enjoyed being back in Blue Alder Cove, that small town is just the best with everyone wanting to help one another. Tom and Caroline were so easy to relate to. I enjoyed how they were friends first who started chatting and wondering if things could turn to more living in different cities. Their banter is so cute and how Tom just wants to help showing his heart on his sleeve. Tom’s big grand gesture was so swoony, I just melted a bit. A cute light hearted read that I would recommend.

I really enjoyed getting to read a bit more about some previous characters, Maggie and Jake.

This is book five in the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series. This series is a multi author closed door series that can be read in any order. Each book is a stand alone.

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, flirty, and a perfect escape for a weekend read

Dear Red, Be Mine is the perfect blend of small town charm, sizzling chemistry, and heartwarming romance. Caroline and Tom’s story is filled with witty banter, wedding chaos, and so much undeniable tension. I loved how their slow burn romance unfolded with plenty of sweet moments and laughs along the way. Tom is the kind of swoon worthy hero you’ll never forget, and Caroline is both relatable and lovable.

What I really appreciated was the balance between the romance and the fun, quirky dynamics of the small town. The whole wedding setting gave it the perfect touch of chaos and sweetness without feeling over-the-top. Ideal for fans of romantic comedies who like their heroes to have a bit of an edge but also know how to make you smile.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

When there's a wedding, love is definitely in the air and when it catches unsuspecting people, there's a merrier wedding party. Caroline and Tom, best friends of the bride and groom are thrown together during wedding preparations and boom! the feelings that has been sizzling underneath after a prior meeting bursts out.
The friendship, the banter and the togetherness among everyone made this an enjoyable read. Second chances at love after past hurts- Dear Red, Be Mine is a reminder that love is still possible at any age.
The way Tom was so attuned to Caroline's needs was definitely a tipping point for her and it's so beautiful to see her allowing herself to love again. A beautiful read just right in time for valentine's day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable book in the Valentine Midlife Meet Cute series. If you have read The Summer I Stayed, you will enjoy this story even more because it takes place in the same world and around Maggie and Jake's wedding.

Caroline is Maggie's best friend and event planner and Tom is Jake's best friend. They have been texting and calling each other after meeting months ago, but Caroline isn't sure where the relationship can go because she lives in the city and he doesn't. So she runs hot and cold with him, while Tom wants to take it slow so that he doesn't scare her away.

The emotional journey each takes in this novella is the heart of the story as they learn to trust in love and each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean, later-in-life romance. it is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Caroline is a wedding planner in the city. She is arriving in Blue Alder Cove to help plan her best friend's wedding. She had a flirtation going on with a local firefighter, Tom. She had a bad divorce in the past and is not sure she wants a new romance. Plus, they love in different town. Tom has fallen for her. Can he convince her to stay in Blue Alder Cove?

This was a cute later-in-life romance. Both parties are a little bit scared of something new. I like how they tease each other. They definitely work together, now if they could see it. A cute, shorter read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW 📚

Dear Red, Be Mine ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the fifth book in the Midlife Meet Cute Series and it’s such a fun one! We are back in another small beach town but this time our leading characters are a firefighter and a wedding planner. Tom and Caroline have been talking for a while now, but since she’s in town planning her friend’s wedding, it’s time for Tom to seal the deal and make her his. I loved these two characters and their banter and chemistry. The beach town feel made it even better! Just like the others in this series, it’s a closed door- kisses only read and is a good little binge.


Thank you to the author for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series and it was fabulous! Tom was a big ol teddy bear firefighter. I loved him instantly. He constantly went out of his way to help and take care of Caroline. She is back in town to plan and put together their best friend's wedding. She is cautious with her heart because she has been hurt before. Tom, while having been hurt, is head over heals for Caroline and would love nothing more than to spend his life with her. I loved that their relationship wasn't insta-love (even though i do love those too). They have been talking, texting, and facetiming each other for months. I enjoyed their chemistry so much and would love to see into the future with them! Soooooo good!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, Tom was such a wonderful character, Caroline never stood a chance! I really enjoyed the love that shone through this, and the support they got from those around them. I believed in the connection and chemistry between them, that they were meant to be together, and that they could find a way that worked for them both. I loved the hidden meaning to do with the cake she said she would marry and reading 'that' letter. I've read the happy couple's story, so seeing their wedding unfold and how so many people wanted to help them and be involved with it was lovely to see. I have enjoyed reading this story and will happily read it again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.