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Leo
In a town where the sea gives and takes everything, two strangers are about to find out what the tide can really bring to shore.
Layla Dumont came to Morro Bay for a fresh start, trading the chaos of Los Angeles for small-town life, and she’s embracing everything that comes with it, including the gorgeous local brooding fisherman.
Leo Anderson has no interest in newcomers. The ocean is his life, his escape, and after losing his father and almost his best friend, it is the only thing he trusts. But the new girl might just be the one to tear down the walls he has so carefully built.
As Layla settles into small-town life, she is drawn into Leo’s world of foggy mornings, sandy beaches, and a tight circle of friends who protect their own. But Morro Bay has its shadows, and when trouble resurfaces from Leo’s past, everything shifts, threatening the one thing neither of them saw coming… each other.
A slow-burn romance about found family, small-town vibes, and what happens when sunshine meets the storm.
Originally published in 2020 as a novella, this expanded second edition has been rewritten and extended into a full-length novel.
Layla Dumont came to Morro Bay for a fresh start, trading the chaos of Los Angeles for small-town life, and she’s embracing everything that comes with it, including the gorgeous local brooding fisherman.
Leo Anderson has no interest in newcomers. The ocean is his life, his escape, and after losing his father and almost his best friend, it is the only thing he trusts. But the new girl might just be the one to tear down the walls he has so carefully built.
As Layla settles into small-town life, she is drawn into Leo’s world of foggy mornings, sandy beaches, and a tight circle of friends who protect their own. But Morro Bay has its shadows, and when trouble resurfaces from Leo’s past, everything shifts, threatening the one thing neither of them saw coming… each other.
A slow-burn romance about found family, small-town vibes, and what happens when sunshine meets the storm.
Originally published in 2020 as a novella, this expanded second edition has been rewritten and extended into a full-length novel.
309 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 star review
Wow! I received Leo by Rose D. Bentley as an ARC, and now I absolutely need to read everything this author writes. 💙
This story was filled with raw emotion — Leo’s journey to find happiness while navigating grief felt so real. The author beautifully captured both Leo’s and Layla’s emotions, digging deep into real-life struggles while showing the beauty that can bloom from tragedy.
Heartfelt, moving, and unforgettable — I loved every page. 🫶
Wow! I received Leo by Rose D. Bentley as an ARC, and now I absolutely need to read everything this author writes. 💙
This story was filled with raw emotion — Leo’s journey to find happiness while navigating grief felt so real. The author beautifully captured both Leo’s and Layla’s emotions, digging deep into real-life struggles while showing the beauty that can bloom from tragedy.
Heartfelt, moving, and unforgettable — I loved every page. 🫶
November 25, 2025
ARC review
Thanks to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love the ocean and so I was hooked in the first lines: “I have this nightmare that I’m drowning. A dark, vast ocean surrounds me. My skin prickles with goosebumps, my lungs fill with salt water until not even the faintest scream can escape me. I don’t feel alone. In fact, I feel like I belong there. I feel like someone is in the abyss with me.”
Leo and Layla’s story was sweet and dreamy. The kind of love that stays with you. You feel their connection. You feel their strength with each other and despite what is thrown at them, their bond is undeniable.
Bentley did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life and making them so relatable for the reader. I went on the emotional rollercoaster with them.
Thank you, Rose D. Bentley for this read. So well done.
Thanks to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love the ocean and so I was hooked in the first lines: “I have this nightmare that I’m drowning. A dark, vast ocean surrounds me. My skin prickles with goosebumps, my lungs fill with salt water until not even the faintest scream can escape me. I don’t feel alone. In fact, I feel like I belong there. I feel like someone is in the abyss with me.”
Leo and Layla’s story was sweet and dreamy. The kind of love that stays with you. You feel their connection. You feel their strength with each other and despite what is thrown at them, their bond is undeniable.
Bentley did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life and making them so relatable for the reader. I went on the emotional rollercoaster with them.
Thank you, Rose D. Bentley for this read. So well done.
November 15, 2025
I read an ARC copy of this book and I absolutely loved it! The characters feel like real people, I could picture the little coastal town in my head and the tension was perfect. If you like a small town romance that has real life small town drama then you will love Leo! I will be going back to read this author’s other work.
November 30, 2025
This book is for someone, just not for me. And that’s ok.
I received this book as an ARC and was very excited to read it! First, it’s hard to write a book. So heck yeah to Rose for getting it done.
This book had a lot that I don’t gravitate toward. Instalove with very little yearning. It felt more show than tell: meaning I felt like there were more characters telling Layla that Leo loved her, but not enough written about how he loved her. The actions he took, the conversations that led to their connections and love.
I also felt like Layla was written very young, which makes sense since she’s 22, but I had a hard time connecting with her character. Once again, this book was just not meant for me and that’s 100% ok.
Bright spot: the lily scene (trying to keep this spoiler free) was beautiful and the last 60ish pages did it for me. Heart racing, heart breaking, did it for me.
I received this book as an ARC and was very excited to read it! First, it’s hard to write a book. So heck yeah to Rose for getting it done.
This book had a lot that I don’t gravitate toward. Instalove with very little yearning. It felt more show than tell: meaning I felt like there were more characters telling Layla that Leo loved her, but not enough written about how he loved her. The actions he took, the conversations that led to their connections and love.
I also felt like Layla was written very young, which makes sense since she’s 22, but I had a hard time connecting with her character. Once again, this book was just not meant for me and that’s 100% ok.
Bright spot: the lily scene (trying to keep this spoiler free) was beautiful and the last 60ish pages did it for me. Heart racing, heart breaking, did it for me.
October 9, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading Layla and Leo’s story in its beta phase. This story is so emotionally charged and goes much deeper than what you’d initially expect. I won’t give much detail, as I don’t want to spoil even a little bit, but I highly recommend!
December 30, 2025
When I read an author that is new to me, I really don’t know what to expect and I just go in with an open mind. I am so thrilled to have gotten this ARC of LEO by Rose D. Bentley. This book is set in the small, coastal town of Morro Bay. Layla moves to town for a fresh start and more of an easygoing way of life which she sinks right into. Leo is a local fishing captain who was born and raised in Morro Bay. The ocean is life for Leo and also his escape from the thoughts of losing his father, his best friend. Leo isn’t interested in newcomers, but he and Layla keep coming together and end up drawn to one another. They enjoy each other and Leo’s walls slowly begin to come down. Layla is drawn into the tight circle of friends that Leo has, the kind of friend group that is always there for each other. Like many small towns, everything is not always idyllic. Trouble and problems arise when an unwelcome townie returns and wreaks havoc on the easygoing way of life in Morro Bay.
LEO was an absolute joy to read. I don’t just fling a five-star review out there, but this book was a five-star read for me. I loved the layering of this story and the way that all unfolded throughout. I felt like I got to know the town and the people who live there, with all the highs and lows. The characters were well-developed and they felt “real.” The love story between the main characters, Leo and Layla, was well paced. In many books, the romance seems to be on fast forward, an insta-love, but not here and I appreciate that. And while this is a romance, I would say that it is more of a love story and not just of one couple. It is a love story between family members, between adult children and their parents, between friends who are like family, between a town that comes together, and yes, between Leo and Layla. This book is outstanding and I definitely recommend it. You will get the love story you want, but with other events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
LEO was an absolute joy to read. I don’t just fling a five-star review out there, but this book was a five-star read for me. I loved the layering of this story and the way that all unfolded throughout. I felt like I got to know the town and the people who live there, with all the highs and lows. The characters were well-developed and they felt “real.” The love story between the main characters, Leo and Layla, was well paced. In many books, the romance seems to be on fast forward, an insta-love, but not here and I appreciate that. And while this is a romance, I would say that it is more of a love story and not just of one couple. It is a love story between family members, between adult children and their parents, between friends who are like family, between a town that comes together, and yes, between Leo and Layla. This book is outstanding and I definitely recommend it. You will get the love story you want, but with other events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
December 30, 2025
I read "Leo" as A BETA reader and it was an absolute wild ride for me; as this was my first BETA read and not my last with Rose Bentley.
Leo follows the story of Leo and Layla; as Layla is starting over in a small fishing town that Leo grew up in. He struggles with moving on with his life with alot of issues with not knowing what really happened tongis father at sea and how to move past him not getting the proper burial he needed to move the next page in his life. Leo blocks everyone that enters into life and has a robotic way of life until Layla enters his sunrise.
Every woman would swoon over Leo and how he lasts towards Layla in his own way and let me tell you, as he should! Rose writes this book with so much love, emptional pull and respect for her characters! She creates characters that complement each other in all the best ways. Even the secondary characters bring the story to life in its own little way. Leo, is a romance readers version of poetry it’s that well written! Layla is the light to his darkest spaces in his mind and you can feel their connection through Rose's writing of this book.
The third act will keep you on the edge of your seat, it was crafted for the mystery and thriller side of this novel to keep you engaged and asking questions throughout. "Leo" is everything you would want in a slow burn, strangers to lovers, found family with smalltown and touch her and 🔪 vibes.
Leo follows the story of Leo and Layla; as Layla is starting over in a small fishing town that Leo grew up in. He struggles with moving on with his life with alot of issues with not knowing what really happened tongis father at sea and how to move past him not getting the proper burial he needed to move the next page in his life. Leo blocks everyone that enters into life and has a robotic way of life until Layla enters his sunrise.
Every woman would swoon over Leo and how he lasts towards Layla in his own way and let me tell you, as he should! Rose writes this book with so much love, emptional pull and respect for her characters! She creates characters that complement each other in all the best ways. Even the secondary characters bring the story to life in its own little way. Leo, is a romance readers version of poetry it’s that well written! Layla is the light to his darkest spaces in his mind and you can feel their connection through Rose's writing of this book.
The third act will keep you on the edge of your seat, it was crafted for the mystery and thriller side of this novel to keep you engaged and asking questions throughout. "Leo" is everything you would want in a slow burn, strangers to lovers, found family with smalltown and touch her and 🔪 vibes.
December 10, 2025
oh.my.god.
I haven’t cried while reading a book in a long time! I was bawling during this one. Bawling. My chest was shaking because of the unknown at the end of the book and I almost didn’t want to finish it. But I’m so so glad I did.
Rose… my girl. I’m partially mad at you for making me cry, but I’m so thankful I got to read this ARC! I’m so glad you turned this book into a full on novel because I was hooked! 🪝 This book deserved what you gave it! Thank you!
Leo and Layla’s story is an unforgettable one. I felt every single bit of it! Heartbreak, love, grief, loss, friendship, family… it had it all! The spice is always a bonus too! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ What I wouldn’t give to live in Morro Bay and be a part of this community.
You’ve got the beach and ocean. Who can go wrong with that?! You’ve got coffee.. yum! You’ve got barbecues with seafood… yes please! You’ve got sunshine and storms! You’ve got a small town with a big community! And best of all a love story as big as the ocean!
My only regret with this one is the fact I read it too fast and I wasn’t ready for their story to end. I 10/10 recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is in the mood for a love story that captivates you from the beginning! Once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down!
I give this one 5 ⭐️’s!
I haven’t cried while reading a book in a long time! I was bawling during this one. Bawling. My chest was shaking because of the unknown at the end of the book and I almost didn’t want to finish it. But I’m so so glad I did.
Rose… my girl. I’m partially mad at you for making me cry, but I’m so thankful I got to read this ARC! I’m so glad you turned this book into a full on novel because I was hooked! 🪝 This book deserved what you gave it! Thank you!
Leo and Layla’s story is an unforgettable one. I felt every single bit of it! Heartbreak, love, grief, loss, friendship, family… it had it all! The spice is always a bonus too! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ What I wouldn’t give to live in Morro Bay and be a part of this community.
You’ve got the beach and ocean. Who can go wrong with that?! You’ve got coffee.. yum! You’ve got barbecues with seafood… yes please! You’ve got sunshine and storms! You’ve got a small town with a big community! And best of all a love story as big as the ocean!
My only regret with this one is the fact I read it too fast and I wasn’t ready for their story to end. I 10/10 recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is in the mood for a love story that captivates you from the beginning! Once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down!
I give this one 5 ⭐️’s!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: I received an advanced copy of this book to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Release Date: 30th December 2025
Overall rating: 5 🌟
This was just stunning. This book had such a strong atmosphere to it. The ocean and the setting of Morro Bay was almost like a protagonist in the story. It was so angsty and moody in the best possible way and everything was so well described so I felt completely immersed in the book.
This is definitely was a character-driven story but the plot itself was well thought out and interesting to read. It was slowburn, there were so many lingering glances and yearning between Layla and Leo. They were both engaging protagonists and they had so much chemistry. All the side characters were so loveable as well.
I won't spoil the ending, but there was so much going on and I felt so emotional reading it. The central theme of grief and topics like addiction was handled sensitively by the author.
Overall, a fantastic read and I would recommend. Thank you to the author for sending me this ARC.
Release Date: 30th December 2025
Overall rating: 5 🌟
This was just stunning. This book had such a strong atmosphere to it. The ocean and the setting of Morro Bay was almost like a protagonist in the story. It was so angsty and moody in the best possible way and everything was so well described so I felt completely immersed in the book.
This is definitely was a character-driven story but the plot itself was well thought out and interesting to read. It was slowburn, there were so many lingering glances and yearning between Layla and Leo. They were both engaging protagonists and they had so much chemistry. All the side characters were so loveable as well.
I won't spoil the ending, but there was so much going on and I felt so emotional reading it. The central theme of grief and topics like addiction was handled sensitively by the author.
Overall, a fantastic read and I would recommend. Thank you to the author for sending me this ARC.
November 16, 2025
Before I jump In I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this beautiful story.
Layla needed a chance of scenery. A change of what her life use to be. It wasn’t a bad life, she loves her life very part of it but she felt like something else was out there for her.
Leo has felt lost for too long, he’s not the same person he was - losing his dad took a big part of him, he’s living but not truly living his life. Until Layla brings light into his darkness.
Morro Bay would bring something unexpected to them and everyone living there.
I love found family element, And I enjoyed every second of it in this story. The connection of the Main Characters was very strong that I literally just wanted them married asap 🤭. There was humor, friendship, tension, pain and grief felt throughout my reading - emotions that conveyed beautifully but also broke you by feeling what these characters felt.
Layla needed a chance of scenery. A change of what her life use to be. It wasn’t a bad life, she loves her life very part of it but she felt like something else was out there for her.
Leo has felt lost for too long, he’s not the same person he was - losing his dad took a big part of him, he’s living but not truly living his life. Until Layla brings light into his darkness.
Morro Bay would bring something unexpected to them and everyone living there.
I love found family element, And I enjoyed every second of it in this story. The connection of the Main Characters was very strong that I literally just wanted them married asap 🤭. There was humor, friendship, tension, pain and grief felt throughout my reading - emotions that conveyed beautifully but also broke you by feeling what these characters felt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⚓️ Found family
🩵 Small town
⚓️ Strangers to lovers
🩵 Broody x Sunshine
⚓️ Slow burn
🩵 Grief
⚓️ Touch her and ☠️
Leo is a broody fisherman in a small town. When Layla moves to town for a fresh start, she ends up being the ray of sunshine he needs.
This book was not your typical small town, meet-cute, everyone loves each other type of book. This was gritty and heart wrenching. It touches on grief and how addiction can hurt a whole town. Leo’s POV was done so well. I loved how he put everyone first. He was quietly grieving his father while also protecting everyone he cared about. I loved his and Layla’s story so much and how when he let her in, she showed him he didn’t have to take on everything alone. I also really loved the town embracing Layla as one of their own and considering her family from beginning. The side characters in this wee fantastic.
This book does touch on some heavy themes so make sure to check your triggers!
⚓️ Found family
🩵 Small town
⚓️ Strangers to lovers
🩵 Broody x Sunshine
⚓️ Slow burn
🩵 Grief
⚓️ Touch her and ☠️
Leo is a broody fisherman in a small town. When Layla moves to town for a fresh start, she ends up being the ray of sunshine he needs.
This book was not your typical small town, meet-cute, everyone loves each other type of book. This was gritty and heart wrenching. It touches on grief and how addiction can hurt a whole town. Leo’s POV was done so well. I loved how he put everyone first. He was quietly grieving his father while also protecting everyone he cared about. I loved his and Layla’s story so much and how when he let her in, she showed him he didn’t have to take on everything alone. I also really loved the town embracing Layla as one of their own and considering her family from beginning. The side characters in this wee fantastic.
This book does touch on some heavy themes so make sure to check your triggers!
December 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the incredible opportunity to have an ARC of this amazing story, and I'm still reeling from the emotional journey! If you haven’t already- put this on your TBR!
This book is such a wonderful escape to a small town, offering that perfect blend of comfort and heat. It masterfully delivers some of my favorite tropes: a Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic that made my heart melt, a genuinely heartwarming sense of found family, and the promise of a much needed fresh start for its lead characters.
Bentley does an absolutely amazing job of drawing such deep emotions from all of the characters, making them feel so real and relatable. You truly feel invested in their struggles and triumphs.
I loved reading this book, and I cannot wait for others to be able to enjoy it as much as I did. I cannot wait to read more from Bentley!
I had the incredible opportunity to have an ARC of this amazing story, and I'm still reeling from the emotional journey! If you haven’t already- put this on your TBR!
This book is such a wonderful escape to a small town, offering that perfect blend of comfort and heat. It masterfully delivers some of my favorite tropes: a Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic that made my heart melt, a genuinely heartwarming sense of found family, and the promise of a much needed fresh start for its lead characters.
Bentley does an absolutely amazing job of drawing such deep emotions from all of the characters, making them feel so real and relatable. You truly feel invested in their struggles and triumphs.
I loved reading this book, and I cannot wait for others to be able to enjoy it as much as I did. I cannot wait to read more from Bentley!
November 14, 2025
Leo by Rose D. Bentley completely pulled me under in the best way possible. I went into it expecting a light, coastal-town romance, and while it definitely delivered, it also surprised me with how emotional it was. One minute Layla and Leo’s chemistry had me giggling and kicking my feet, and the next I was blinking back tears as the story gently explored themes of grief, loss, and healing. And honestly, the emotions hit even harder because of how real the setting felt. The salty sea air and the tight-knit community in Morro Bay made me feel like I was right there with them. I loved watching Layla settle into this new life, and I especially loved seeing the guarded fisherman slowly, beautifully let someone in. This ARC was a solid 4.5 stars for me, and I’d absolutely recommend it.
December 10, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the arc review copy of this amazing book.
So I started this book 3 days ago because I wanted to allow myself plenty of time to read it before release day, well silly me, yesterday morning I was at 30% and kept "just one more chaptering" myself most of the day every spare minute I had until I finished it.
Such a heartwarming story of two strangers that find each other.
Layla is a ray of sunshine in the small town & Leo is the broody fisherman that everybody says is a great guy but he doesnt date....until he meets her.
Very little spice in this one, in my opinion id give it 🌶 on the spice scale compared to others ive read but this one doesnt need super spicy because their story pulls you in and makes you want more.
So I started this book 3 days ago because I wanted to allow myself plenty of time to read it before release day, well silly me, yesterday morning I was at 30% and kept "just one more chaptering" myself most of the day every spare minute I had until I finished it.
Such a heartwarming story of two strangers that find each other.
Layla is a ray of sunshine in the small town & Leo is the broody fisherman that everybody says is a great guy but he doesnt date....until he meets her.
Very little spice in this one, in my opinion id give it 🌶 on the spice scale compared to others ive read but this one doesnt need super spicy because their story pulls you in and makes you want more.
December 12, 2025
Reading “Leo” by Rose Bentley was truly like a day of fishing.
In the beginning you cast your line, this begins a waiting period of slow burn anticipation to get hooked in. But when the fish finally bites, it’s like you’re fighting hard for the fish at the end of the line.
Bentley has achieved an accomplishment of being the first author to make me cry over a book- for this, I am giving this book 5 stars. In “Leo”, Bentley eloquently navigates grief amidst new beginnings. Leo and Layla’s story will forever hold a special place in my heart because of just how healing this story was for me.
Cast a line and get your annotation supplies ready because this book is one full of quotes you will want to remember your whole life.
In the beginning you cast your line, this begins a waiting period of slow burn anticipation to get hooked in. But when the fish finally bites, it’s like you’re fighting hard for the fish at the end of the line.
Bentley has achieved an accomplishment of being the first author to make me cry over a book- for this, I am giving this book 5 stars. In “Leo”, Bentley eloquently navigates grief amidst new beginnings. Leo and Layla’s story will forever hold a special place in my heart because of just how healing this story was for me.
Cast a line and get your annotation supplies ready because this book is one full of quotes you will want to remember your whole life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC to review. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into it.
1st the last few chapters of the book had me on my toes and I sobbed all the way through. It really pulled my heart strings heavily and I felt like the grief and pain, throughout the book as a whole was very well expressed.
2nd I did have a hard time at first with getting roped in, I felt like some things were a little repetitive but overall this was a super cute grumpy sunshine read. Heavy with grief and pain. But lots of love, support and healing with family and non blood family too.
I really enjoyed Laylas character. Her confidence & not being afraid to be honest & open with how she loves and trusts.
1st the last few chapters of the book had me on my toes and I sobbed all the way through. It really pulled my heart strings heavily and I felt like the grief and pain, throughout the book as a whole was very well expressed.
2nd I did have a hard time at first with getting roped in, I felt like some things were a little repetitive but overall this was a super cute grumpy sunshine read. Heavy with grief and pain. But lots of love, support and healing with family and non blood family too.
I really enjoyed Laylas character. Her confidence & not being afraid to be honest & open with how she loves and trusts.
December 29, 2025
Leo was a special read for me because I read it during its beta phase and truly grew attached to these characters.
Leo has the best small town coastal fisherman vibes. The town itself feels like a character, adding a cozy seaside charm that pulls you in immediately.
This story is a very sweet insta love romance that slowly unfolds into something much deeper. It explores loss, grief, healing, and the courage it takes to let yourself be happy again.
I will not spoil anything, but if you love broody x sunshine, found family, light suspense, and low spice that still delivers, Leo is the perfect book for you. It is tender, heartfelt, and comforting, the kind of story that melts your heart and makes you genuinely happy for their HEA.
🌶️.5
Leo has the best small town coastal fisherman vibes. The town itself feels like a character, adding a cozy seaside charm that pulls you in immediately.
This story is a very sweet insta love romance that slowly unfolds into something much deeper. It explores loss, grief, healing, and the courage it takes to let yourself be happy again.
I will not spoil anything, but if you love broody x sunshine, found family, light suspense, and low spice that still delivers, Leo is the perfect book for you. It is tender, heartfelt, and comforting, the kind of story that melts your heart and makes you genuinely happy for their HEA.
🌶️.5
November 10, 2025
This is a amazing debut book. I finished this it in one sitting. I just could not put it down. It had it's hooks in me from page one. This book was written beautifully with amazing detail that made you feel like you were in a the small town of Morro Bay. I felt like I could smell the sea and feel it on my skin. Leo and Layla perfect chemistry from the second they meet. I enjoyed their slow burn, and their fire once it ignited. There are friendships, found family, and emotions that just this book perfect!
If Leo is just the beginning of Rose D. Bentley's writings, I cannot wait to see what is next.
If Leo is just the beginning of Rose D. Bentley's writings, I cannot wait to see what is next.
December 30, 2025
Leo Rose D. Bentley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
If you’re looking for a small costal town with a broody fisherman, this one is for you!!! I loved this read! It’s a story that is relatable and draws you in from the start. You go on the journey with Leo as he navigate grief and allowing the new girl in town into his heart. I experienced all the emotions reading this and I can’t wait for what’s next!!
Tropes✨
⚓️ slow burn
🩵 found family
⚓️ small town
🩵 broody x sunshine
⚓️ strangers to lovers
🩵 touch her & die vibes
Thank you so much to Rose for letting me read early!!🥹🩵 (ps I’m secretly hoping for a story about Austin!🫣😉)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
If you’re looking for a small costal town with a broody fisherman, this one is for you!!! I loved this read! It’s a story that is relatable and draws you in from the start. You go on the journey with Leo as he navigate grief and allowing the new girl in town into his heart. I experienced all the emotions reading this and I can’t wait for what’s next!!
Tropes✨
⚓️ slow burn
🩵 found family
⚓️ small town
🩵 broody x sunshine
⚓️ strangers to lovers
🩵 touch her & die vibes
Thank you so much to Rose for letting me read early!!🥹🩵 (ps I’m secretly hoping for a story about Austin!🫣😉)
November 14, 2025
I received this as an Arc and let me tell you! This book was pulling at my heart strings. The way you could feel the raw emotion and pain Leo was going through, the author did a great job at invoking the reader to also feel the pain and the love throughout this book. Layla works hard to peel back the layers and remind Leo that there is more to life than grief and how important it is to live, love, and feel without shame. Their journey together was not easy, but so worth it! Thank you for allowing me to be an arc reader, Leo and Layla’s journey will always stick with me.
November 24, 2025
Leo and Layla stole my heart. Set in a small fishing town in California, these two people find each other. Neither knew they were looking for something. The story hooked me from the beginning. I could not put it down. From friends to lovers, and everything in between, Leo and Layla will steal your heart. Not a true spoiler but there was a moment toward the end that I was devastated thinking it doesn't end this way, does it? Author Rose D. Bentley has a knack for writing a book that makes you feel like you are in the book with the characters. Highly recommend it!
November 24, 2025
I read this as an ARC and really wanted to give it more stars. I didn't not like it, the characters were lovable, it's easy to read, the plot is interesting. I just felt like there was a lot that could have been more developed? The camaraderie was great, but I just felt like some things were mentioned that either could have been left out or should have been more developed. I did love that it was a small town, found family, grumpy-sunshine, and set near the ocean.
Thank you to the author for giving me the honor of being an ARC reader. I hope an honest review is appreciated.
Thank you to the author for giving me the honor of being an ARC reader. I hope an honest review is appreciated.
January 1, 2026
WOW. This book broke me into pieces and put me back together. You have to read it. It’s more than a love story, it’s a story about family, friends, and the love of a close-knit community. Here’s to a small town I’d love to visit and to bonfires on the sand. And a private surf lesson? I’m in! Leo, who has muscles on his muscles, and Layla, who needs that small-town lifestyle, clicked at first sight, but they took their time getting together. The dual POV and short chapters made it impossible to put this book down, especially after chapter 53. Now I’m craving popcorn and pickles.
January 1, 2026
Layla needs a break from life, so small town life is calling to her. In a small sea-side town, Morro Bay, she takes an interest in Leo, the local fisherman…but “one of the handsome ones”
Leo is the character in the story with growth and development, healing, trauma, and Layla’s there to help him through it. It was a cute contemporary romance, a little on the darker side with themes of drug abuse, overdose, death of a parent, and grief, so check your trigger warnings.
It was a great read for the end of 2025.
Leo is the character in the story with growth and development, healing, trauma, and Layla’s there to help him through it. It was a cute contemporary romance, a little on the darker side with themes of drug abuse, overdose, death of a parent, and grief, so check your trigger warnings.
It was a great read for the end of 2025.
December 1, 2025
This was a sleeper hit for me. I'll give it 4.5 stars! It is a great romantic suspense story. The characters were a little mismatched in depth for me. The end of the story was a surprise. It was good to see multiple generations getting involved in the story. The town was recognizable to me as someone who went to school nearby, but could still be any small coastal town. I will keep an eye out for more from Ms. Bentley!
December 28, 2025
Thank you Rose D. Bentley for the arc!
This book was so beautifully written that I'm still thinking about it while reading another book. Leo will take you on a tender, emotional journey that will have you so wrapped up in the story that it's hard to close the book. This story isn’t just a romance, it’s about healing, found family, and learning to trust again. Definitely a must read for fans of emotional, character-driven love stories.
This book was so beautifully written that I'm still thinking about it while reading another book. Leo will take you on a tender, emotional journey that will have you so wrapped up in the story that it's hard to close the book. This story isn’t just a romance, it’s about healing, found family, and learning to trust again. Definitely a must read for fans of emotional, character-driven love stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was really sweet and I loved getting to know Layla, Leo and the rest of the town and the way they fell in love was very organic but then the plot just kind of fell flat. The inner monologues seemed repetitive and there was some excitement with the Sam situation but it was just kept at a real basic level. This was the start of a really good book that just wasn’t taken to its full potential. Thank you Rose D. Bentley for the ARC!
December 31, 2025
I received this as an ARC, and while the story was genuinely sweet, I just couldn’t quite connect with the characters. More often than not, I found myself skimming through the pages rather than fully immersing myself.
That said, it’s a charming read—just not one that gelled with my personal taste, and that’s totally okay.
If you’re a fan of sunny heroines, brooding male leads, and cozy small-town romances, this book is definitely worth a shot!
Stars 2.75 - rounding up to 3
That said, it’s a charming read—just not one that gelled with my personal taste, and that’s totally okay.
If you’re a fan of sunny heroines, brooding male leads, and cozy small-town romances, this book is definitely worth a shot!
Stars 2.75 - rounding up to 3
January 1, 2026
i ate this book up, layla and leo have my whole heart, i love the way they were there for each other while dealing with their emotions and leo’s grief and learning to opening up again and finding comfort in someone, leo’s character and personality was something could put living through losing someone close and special to them into perspective for other people, layla i don’t wanna say too much without spoilers but i love this book and i would recommend to my friends
October 29, 2025
Leo, Leo, Leo! Are you real? Every woman would swoon over you as they should! Rose can’t write a bad book! She creates characters that complement each other in all the best ways. Even the secondary characters bring the story to life. Leo, is almost poetry it’s so well written! Layla is the light to his dark. You can feel their connection through Roses writing!
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