Love You, Mean It

The Big Five #2

by Katie West

She lost the love of her life, and never planned on finding another.

Lainey Taylor is doing her best to start over in Moab - raising her son, giving new life to a coffee shop, and keeping her heart off-limits. Love was buried with her husband, and she’s not about to risk that kind of hurt again.

Then she meets Jack Wilder. A rule-following park ranger with a positive outlook, a crooked smile, and a way of showing up just when she needs him most. He’s patient. He’s steady. And worse - he’s good with her son.

Lainey swore she wouldn’t fall. Jack swore he wouldn’t let her go.

When the desert has a way of unearthing truths you’d rather keep buried… what happens when the one man you can’t resist is the one man you’re terrified to love?

Genres: Romance

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Katie West grew up in the suburbs of Ohio and now calls the red rocks of Southern Utah home. She shares her chaotic, love-filled life with two kids, two dogs, a cat, and a very supportive husband - none of whom will ever read her books. When she’s not writing slow-burn romances with a spicy kick, she’s getting lost on bumpy backroads and fueling up on way too much caffeine.

Reviews

[Abigail Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
Love You, Mean It by Katie West

4.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️

I loved this book! It felt like a love letter to eldest daughters and widowed moms, and while I can only relate to one of those things, it was still a very enjoyable read.

Lainey is so strong willed and has only had herself to rely on for the past couple years. I loved Jack’s first impression of her being a mom who could carry the world for her child - because that is exactly how I feel sometimes too. And it’s the absolute truth.

This book has one heck of a slow burn, but Jack’s steady presence and his willingness to show up for Lainey in everything, had her eventually opening up and letting her guard down. Her grief journey alongside a journey to love felt so real, and it’s a testament to how you don’t really ever move on from grief - it’s with you always.

Love You, Mean it was phenomenal, and I can’t wait for the future books and I’m excited to go back and read book one too! Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Ashleyschaptersbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Love You, Mean It in one sitting and for the love of all things, I cried at the beginning, in the middle, randomly here and there, and again at the end. Honestly, I could’ve hydrated all of Moab with my tears.

Being introduced to Lainey in Always Have, Always Will, I just knew her story was going to be something special, but this? This was absolutely top tier. Lainey’s story is written with so much emotion, depth, and quiet strength that I felt every single word in my soul. The way Katie captured her grief, her hesitation, her courage, and her journey toward healing was nothing short of breathtaking.

And as a mom, those moments between Lainey and her son hit me right in the heart. She’s such an incredible, caring mom, and seeing her balance love, loss, and motherhood dug deep into my own mama soul. I was a puddle, a mess, and then another puddle.

And then there’s Jack. Our ranger. A man made of all things good. He is patient, steady, kind, and somehow manages to make you blush and swoon at the same time. The connection between Jack and Lainey wasn’t a slow burn you would normally imagine; it was an instant holy shit kind of chemistry. It is electric, emotional, and the kind that makes you forget how to breathe for a second. He’s the golden retriever MMC of dreams, and if you’re not in love with him by chapter five… you’re lying.

I also have to say that I love when every side character has depth and meaning, and man, did this story deliver. Every single one had purpose, heart, and a reason to be there. They weren’t just background noise; they were the glue, the laughter, and the love that helped hold Lainey together.

This book completely wrecked me in the most healing, soul-deep, someone-check-on-me kind of way. It’s emotional, intense, and absolutely unforgettable. Katie West, you’ve ruined me (lovingly).

That you so much for choosing me to be an arc read. This series is so beautiful and you are creating such amazing magic.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A widowed single mom learning how to live and love again, paired with the most patient, golden-retriever neighbor? Absolutely yes. Jack’s steady warmth balances Lainey’s guarded grief in such a healing way. This one is about later in life second chances, softness after loss, and realizing moving forward doesn’t mean leaving someone behind.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: A truly heart-warming love story that will have anyone believe in truly love and strong hearted people. I am not ashamed to admit that this book has me tearing up a few times at the love the characters shared between each other. 100/10 would recommend to everyone who needs a good love story so curl up with.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Katie West kept surprising me with her incredibly-written stories; from Always Have, Always Will: A Big Five Novel to Love You, Mean It, I was simply amazed by how beautiful her writing was and how lovable the character were. Just like the first book in this series, what I loved most about Love You, Mean It was the overall pace of the story. As a single mom who recently moved to another city to kickstart her own café business, Lainey had to be independent and strong all the time, especially in front of her four-year-old son.

Enter Jack, a national park ranger for the Arches--which was honestly the coolest job in the world, imo--couldn't seem to stop showing up for Lainey and her kid. Even though Lainey wasn't ready to build a family with another guy after her husband died, it truly touched me how persistent and patient Jack was when it came to her and never left her alone no matter what she said or insisted on. For me, being there for someone else and constantly showing up for that person was the epitome of what a healthy relationship looked like. <3

Honestly, I was a little bit hesitant when picking up this book at first because single mom and surprise pregnancy tropes weren't really my cup of tea. However, Katie managed to come up with another heartfelt love story featuring heartbroken protagonists who somehow found each other in the chaos in life. This book was an unforgettable read and I couldn't recommend it enough. Go read it!!

***Thanks to the author for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book. The title had me curious but now the title means everything! I have never had strong feelings about the title of a book until now. Soon you’ll understand what I mean!

This book woke something inside me from the first chapter! I felt it in my toes!! I absolutely loved that the good boy (with such a naughty side) fell for the girl with a stubborn soul with a little bit of wild gypsy inside her. Such a beautiful combo!!! I adored every character in this world! The adorable little boy that constantly did his dinosaur research, in laws she never had to divorce, coffee witchcraft, friends that lovingly called each other bitches (this touched my heart more than it should have) and my new retirement plan to be like cussing Connie! I cried, I laughed and caught myself smiling so many times! Let me jump in this book and stay! Please!!!

Katie, I am OBSESSED with your writing style! From the very beginning I felt like I was visiting with an old friend! It felt familiar and safe! I wanted to be friends with every character! You will forever be an instant buy author for me now!!! After one book I feel like we’re long lost friends. Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU for picking me to be part of your ARC team! Love you! I mean it!!!! 😍

My favorite line out of soooo many “She was beautiful in the way thunderstorms are- charged and unpredictable “

[Mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be still my heart, Jack Wilder... This book was so warm and fuzzy, yet broke my heart and put it back together all at the same time. I absolutely fell in love with Jack's quiet pursuit of Lainey's heart and the tender care he showed for sweet Rowan. Katie West did a beautiful job at developing Lainey and showing her strength through her struggles. My eyes were blurry at multiple points of this story, and only because I could feel the emotion and felt so fully invested in these characters and their story. I was rooting for these two from the first page.

This one was a slow burn in the best way. The steam starts about a quarter of the way in, and the passion only grows throughout. I appreciate when the spicy moments in a book are intentional and contribute to the character's stories, and aren't just added fluff.

Overall, I truly loved this book. It was a bit low to start, but I think what sucked me in the most was that I truly wanted to know Lainey's story and her grief journey. I wanted to see her flourish and allow herself to love again. By the end of it, I was hanging on every word. The imagery was also amazing, I've never been to Moab but it has definitely been added to my list of places to see. Definitely recommend for a cozy, swoony read!

[Dylan Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this one is a gem!

I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy and from the first page, I really fell in love with this one. I had no idea what to expect, as I jumped into this one (book 2) of the series, without reading book 1.

The story pulled me into Moab and I enjoyed every minute there. Each moment of the story carried weight and every character mattered, which was refreshing. There was so much depth and many layers to peel. It pulled on the heart strings and for me when a novel author can make me feel something, it’s a win for me.

The dynamic between Lainey and Jack was captivating and I found both POV’s easy to read and paced out well. More than that, the town and the people in it added to the essence of Moab. Love You Mean It shows a display of believing in love again, healing, growth, choosing to move forward and find your why again after hardship, while navigating what it looks like to start over and learn how to love again. Lainey’s strength is shown as she continues her journey of motherhood, after a going through gut wrenching life events.

My heart may be in Moab Utah for a little while longer.

Thank you to Katie and The Book Funnel team, for allowing me to read the ARC.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I picked up this book 100% bc it's set in Moab, Utah. Arches is one of my favorite places in the whole world. We didn't get to see as much of it as I'd hoped. We did get a lovely desert setting though, so my unmet expectations is a personal thing.
The writing style was interesting. The narration didn't so much tell us what the characters were seeing, hearing, and doing. Instead, it told us everything they were feeling in response to what they heard, saw, and did. So we experienced the story largely through emotions, not so much our imaginative senses. It made me a little tired, but it shouldn't be a problem for those who enjoy that style.
I liked the child character. More and more, I find myself pointing out when a child is a fully developed character. I simply can't stand it when a child is nothing more than a plot device. Even the twist toward the end I found to be interesting and natural, although it's not a trope I typically enjoy. I liked it here because I thought it was very well done.
This has graphic open door spice--a lot of it. I think I counted seven scenes.
I enjoy stories of love after loss, but overall this book was not my cup of tea. I hope it finds its way to the audience it is meant for.

[Kyleen Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a heartfelt and beautifully written romance that stands out for its setting and sense of community.

I loved how the national park was seamlessly woven into the story, it wasn’t just a backdrop, but an active and meaningful part of the plot. The characters were easy to root for, and the portrayal of community felt warm, authentic, and deeply human. Katie has crafted a unique storyline that kept me invested from start to finish.

My only critique is that the FMC’s grief felt a bit heavy for the length of the book. While it added emotional depth, it sometimes overshadowed the romance and pacing. Still, this was a tender moving read that thoroughly enjoyed, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who love emotional, character-driven love stories with a strong sense of place.

"You get more than one great love in a lifetime," she said. "And all different kinds of loves. Friends, family, kids, pets. Don't let anyone tell you different.”

Single Mom
Grumpy/Sunshine
Found Family
Love after Loss

Thank you, Katie West, for the opportunity to read and review your book.

[hellothriftypages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in The Big Five Series
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️

The way Katie immediately pulls you in, WOW!. Love You, Mean It is achingly beautiful, messy, raw with emotion, and everything we need to believe in new beginnings. This book shines such a light on grief-reminding us that it isn’t a straight path but something that ebbs and flows. Katie did an incredible job portraying the journey of grief with such care and sensitivity.

Lainey is one of the strongest FMCs: a single mom who’s independent, fierce, resilient, and determined to rediscover who she is after the loss of her husband. My heart ached for her as she navigated opening herself to new love with Jack while also honoring the memory of her first husband.

Jack, he wins the trophy for ultimate golden retriever MMC. He shows up for EVERYONE and it’s hard not to love him.The way he respects Lainey and shows endless patience as she works through her emotions made me love him even more. And the way he is with her son? My heart absolutely melted.

Love You, Mean It is filled with big found family love that you won’t want to miss. If you’re ready for a beautiful story about healing and a second chance at love, make sure to pick this one up!

Tropes
•grief healing
•park ranger/coffee shop owner
•single mom
•widow
•neighbors to lovers

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hope. Not the clean kind. Not the kind you read in training manuals. The kind that knocks the wind out of you. That makes your knees weak and your chest split open with want.”

The amount of love I have for this series and these characters… I don’t have enough words!
Love You, Mean It takes us to Moab, Utah this round where Lainey and her sweet little dinosaur loving boy Rowan are trying to start over. Enter the sunshine-y town golden boy, Jack Wilder.

What do you get when you meet a widowed single mom and the town golden retriever park ranger… perfection! Their chemistry and story holds my soul.

This book pulls at your heartstrings in all the ways. My heart was in a vice from page one. I felt every emotion and desperately wanted to jump in to the pages to hold them all. Katie handles the topics of loss, worthiness, and acceptance with such beauty. The healing, the uncertainty, the unwavering patience, the just wanting to be wanted, the family… I could seriously go on and on. These characters are older, 30’s & 40, and each have experienced such a different path but both long for that steady connection. The way Jack is there for her & Rowan, even when she fights her internal battles, is so sweet, but his own internal battles made my heart shatter. They both deserve the world. Also, who doesn’t love a sweet snuggle moment between a man who doesn’t have to step up but your son instantly loves him? Swoon!

Even the side characters are a blast. They all have so much depth and I’m dying for book 3’s characters. They are going to be so good!

Katie has such a way of weaving the story in such a way that the tapestry woven together at the end just leaves you in awe. The Taylor family is something special and this series is one of my top series! I am seriously obsessed with Katie’s writing style.

[Kristin Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Love You, Mean It by Katie West. Trust me, I stayed up way too late to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. Love You, Mean It is about grief and navigating loss as a single mom, starting over, emotionally letting go to move forward, learning to trust and feel again, family, found family (which I absolutely love), and community.

I loved the main characters Lainey and Jack (and Rowan) but I also loved every single other character in this book. I want to be besties with Sophie and Carter so damn bad. I found all of the characters so relatable, with real emotions, and real struggles. I see some of myself in Lainey and you absolutely feel for Jack’s story.

Love You, Mean It made me laugh, definitely made me cry (sad and happy tears) and had the perfect amount of 🌶️🌶️. It’s also set in the beautiful desert, Arches National Park 🏜️ 🏞️ and it’s book 2 of the Big Five Series.

I recommend adding this book, series, to your TBR!

[Kelsey Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not have loved this book more if I tried 😭 Lainey’s story and her path to finding Jack was so absolutely heart warming and REAL and just freaking beautiful. Thank you so much, Katie for letting me beta read for you 🥹🫶🏻

Lainey is starting over in Moab with her son after losing her husband a few years back. She expects to find a new purpose, a new spark that will help her feel alive again. But she doesn’t expect to find that in her neighbor, Jack, who’s a rule-following, golden retriever park ranger and seems to be everywhere she turns in this close-knit community.

Love You, Mean It is:
🧡Single mom
🧡Love after loss
🧡Friends to lovers
🧡Close-knit small town
🧡Found family
🧡Healing from grief
🧡Absolutely swoony

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am so obsessed with these books and Katie’s writing! This is book 2 in the Big Five series, which are both available now on KU and in paperback! Please please please if you take any recommendations from me, let it be these books 😍🏜️⛰️

[Takaye Farmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love You, Mean It by Katie West
A blurb written by me:
This story is about a single mother, who lost the love of her life, and is learning to start over. She moves to a new town and dives head first into a new passion project all while trying to figure out what life looks like being a widow and dealing with grief. Lainey's priorities are her son, Rowan, herself, and her new coffee shop. Love was never part of the equation. That is until she meets her steady, lovable, and undeniably hot park ranger neighbor Jack.

My thoughts 💭:
Rowan was my favorite favorite character. He's the cutest kid ever. This story was cute and sweet but it wasn't a favorite of mine. I think the writing was good but I just didn't feel anything for the main characters or any chemistry between them. Honestly I could have been feeling a little off when reading it, so I'd be happy to give it a second chance in the future.

Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️

[Kira Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie, I don’t know how you do it but I can’t read these fast enough. I thought I loved the story between Sadie and Wes, but Lainey and Jack quickly became a favorite. I can’t get enough of the Taylor family.

Going through the grief process with Lainey, and her coming back into her own after such devastation was so relatable. Finding her second family in a new town is all of us as we learn to navigate change.

Jack, and those arms, need I say more? Kidding. Kind of. Jack is the friend we all hope to find. Strong, dependable and trustworthy.

Connie and James, I’d like to refer to them as the adopted parents/grandparents everyone hopes to find after moving away from home. And for them to keep cheering Lainey on as she takes over their legacy and business is the best.

I love these stores, and as a girl that grew up in Utah, they are perfectly depicted. I can’t wait for the other 3 books as they navigate around the Taylor family.

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie… I have no words. This book was just phenomenal. This series is going to be fire.

Love You Mean It, is the second book in the Big Five Series. It was based around Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

This book follows Jack and Lainey. Jack is the local golden retriever, park ranger and handy man. He is the biggest cinnamon roll MMC I think I’ve ever read. Lainey is a single mother who moves to Moab for a fresh start after becoming widowed.

Lainey finds the most perfect found family in this book. She learns how to depend on people for help and that she is worth more than she believes she is.

Jack is a man who is looking for love and acceptance. He finds that in Lainey and her son Rowan.

I was absolutely obsessed with this book and Jack and Lainey’s story. This series just keeps hitting the mark and I can’t wait to continue it.

Thank you Katie West for the advanced copy!

[Samantha Gwizdowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey & Jack. Jack & Lainey.
oh my goodness. what chemistry, but also what patience.

Lainey is trying to heal after losing her husband Ryder while still keeping things together for her 4 year old son Rowan. She decided moving to Moab to run a coffee shop will be the next step in her healing process.

Little does she know her that her entire world will change when she meets her neighbor Jack, park ranger & cat dad. Jack is the definition of golden retriever.

Lainey is your typical grumpy main character (who is most often than man in most books, so I LOOOOOOOVED this switch up), while Jack stays patiently waiting for the timing to be right.

I loved the entire cast of characters - The Taylor Family seems like fun chaos.

I can't wait to read more of The Big Five !

[Amanda Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You, Mean It was an easy read with so much heart. It was easy to fall in love with the characters, whether wanting someone like Jack or wanting to befriend the entire Taylor clan, including family and friends. I was able to relate to Lainey as a single parent which enhanced the book’s emotional impact for me personally. The book kept you wanting more and cheering the characters on through it all.

It has just the right amount of spice! Nothing over the top. I never felt like that’s all I was reading about. It was fun and in the right places.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart warming read.

This was my first book as an ARC reader, and I look forward to more opportunities!

[Sydnee Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved “Always Have, Always Will” and wasn’t sure how anything could top it, but damn, Katie really did something special with “Love You, Mean It”. The way she built Moab was incredible. I could feel it, see it, breathe it.
Lainey felt like the main character of my soul. As the oldest daughter, navigating life through loss and realizing it doesn’t look the way I once imagined, it hit so close to home. She’s beautifully created: messy, confused, and oh so strong.
And Jack? He’s the real-life American dream. Who wouldn’t want a tattooed, golden-retriever-energy park ranger to be completely obsessed with them? (I sure do!)
This book captures the raw, complicated mess of heartbreak and the courage it takes to be scared and still choose to live fully anyway.

[Rebecca Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of heart 🥰 I snuggled up with it during a storm and it was the perfect read with hope, hurt, healing, happiness… all the “h” words, apparently. 😅

It’s a story about Lainey, as she begins a new life with her son in Moab, Utah, years after her husband’s passing. It’s a story about grief and learning to love again. It’s also a story about Jack, and finding family when you least expect it. I loved the desert setting and how beautifully it was described. The supporting characters are great and golden retriever, Park Ranger Jack was *chef’s kiss* 🧑‍🍳 💋

This is the second book in this series, and I’ll be reading the first book next! Thank you, Katie West, for the opportunity to read an eARC! 🙌 💕

[Rendi Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This book is both heart wrenching and heart warming all in one. I felt every single emotion while reading it. It's a story of loss, love, and just trying to live life again. If you love golden retriever + Grumpy FMC tropes, this book is for you. You're gonna laugh and cry but it is so worth it. I give it 5 STARS. Jack and Lainey's story is like a jigsaw puzzle, it all pieces together, it's messy with rough edges and somehow it all fits together perfectly. So good. Highly recommended read! This is the first book I have read from Katie West. I plan on reading more of her books in the future.

[Jen’s Book Village · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of LOVE YOU, MEAN IT: A BIG FIVE NOVEL by Katie West in just two days. I did not want to put it down. As a National Parks lover and having visited Moab, Utah and Arches National Park where the story is set, I was intrigued before I even picked it up. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but I will say that I did crave a little more relationship building and “getting to know you” time before the main characters fell for each other. I would’ve liked to see this develop a bit more slowly. That being said, I really liked the book! I am excited to go back to read the first in the series and I am totally on board to read future books in the series.

[Angelica M · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You get more than one great love in a lifetime," she said. "And all different kinds of loves. Friends, family, kids, pets. Don't let anyone tell you different.”

Lainey and her son Rowan are trying to navigate life after losing her husband. She decides to move to Moab to start new. A new coffee shop, a new town, new friends and wait… a cute neighbor? Jack, a park ranger just being helpful but also curious who HIS neighbor is! 👀 this book had the perfect amount of everything. A BINGE read! Loved it! I may be bias because I do love national parks coffee and a good romance novel 😉 but seriously. This book was a solid 5 stars!

[Anissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed Jack and Lainey’s story. This was a quick and easy read, exactly what I needed. Lainey’s character has been through so much and her story is full of heartbreak. However, Jack comes in and helps her put herself and her life back together. Jack is the definition of a golden retriever, I mean the guy loves Twilight! I really enjoyed Connie’s character. I loved how her story helped her and Lainey connect. One of my favorite things in this book was Lainey finding Connie’s letters. They helped Lainey find herself and hearing Connie’s story helped her heal. Overall this book was very enjoyable! I definitely recommend!

[Chloe Sanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc review🤍

tysm for the book and all my opinions are my own tyvm, this book was super cute and tugged on my heartstrings, as much as i hated whenever lainey would pull away from jack, i understood why with her dealing with the grief of her first husband, but jack stayed beside her letting her know he wasn’t going anywhere and i thought that was super cute and admirable. also rowan was such a cutie and i loved his and jacks blossoming relationship. this was a super cutesie read that i would def read again

[Anna Serfass · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

Thank you @authorkatiewest for this amazing book! Love You, Mean It is a book about love after loss. ‼️ Lainey is a grieving widow who lost her husband and a mother to Rowan. ‼️ Lainey and Rowan move to Moab to start a new life where they met their new neighbor Ranger Jack. Lainey is afraid to fall in love again after her loss. Join her on her journey to find happiness after so much loss. I would give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars out of 5! The last chapter had me in tears of joy.

This book is out now!

[BrittRog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Five Series-Book 2

National Parks | Park Ranger | Grumpy X Sunshine | Love After Loss

This book was everything.. a heartfelt romance set near Arches National Park, surrounded by red rocks and desert skies. I haven’t been to Arches yet, but I’ve been to Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon..the red rock formations are beautiful and they were described perfectly in this book.

The way the book describes the growing relationship between Lainey and Jack is perfect!

Lainey Taylor … “Hey, Ranger” 🧡
Jack Wilder… A pine tree on his bicep, tall and steady.

[Mikelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m back in Southern Utah with my favorite up and coming author. I actually did read this while visiting Southern Utah which was fun.

This book is such a touching and heartfelt read. The characters feel real, and their emotions really hit home. It’s a story about friendship, loss, and learning to move forward, and it’s done in a really honest and relatable way. I couldn’t put it down and found myself thinking about it even after I finished. Definitely worth the read if you like emotional, character-driven stories.

Available on KU!

[rachelsreadingera_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 takes place in Moab and now I need to travel to Utah to see all of its beauty.
Lainey is a stubborn single mom who doesn’t need (want) any help from anyone. Her new neighbor, golden retriever Jack just wants to make her life easier. The tension between these two can be felt off the pages, Lainey not wanting to give into her feelings for Jack and hate-wants him 🔥
I loved how Lainey really came into her own in Moab with the coffee shop and starting over.
Typically I’m not a surprise pregnancy trope girlie so I was hesitant when I read that in the content warnings, but I liked how this one played out