A Roommate By Chance: A Small Town Second Chance Single Mom Sweet Romance

by Ava Sparrow

I’m a single mom looking for stability. He’s the grumpy farmer who swore off love the day his fiancée left.

Thanks to Aunt Margot, my new beginning comes with a catch—sharing the guest cottage at Lavender Hollow Farm with Jake Holloway, its broody owner who would rather argue with the soil than with me.

Jake lives for silence and routine. I bring cookies, chaos, and a four-year-old who digs for dinosaur bones in his backyard. I’m warm where he’s guarded, messy where he’s meticulous—and somehow, I fit into the spaces he’s kept closed for years.

But what begins with bedtime stories and baking disasters turns into late-night confessions, stolen glances, and a touch that lingers too long. Every time his gaze drifts to my lips, I forget the promises I made to protect my heart.

Jake’s heartbreak runs deeper than I ever imagined. And when old secrets surface, tying my past to his in ways neither of us expected, I have to decide if risking my heart is worth the beautiful mess of falling for him.

A Roommate by Chance is a sweet, small-town second chance romance filled with grumpy-sunshine banter, forced-proximity sparks, and the kind of slow-burn love that feels like coming home. Perfect for fans of single mom stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

👉 This is Standalone Book 3 in the Love on Lavender Lane series. Each book can be read on its own, but returning readers will love the small-town connections that tie them together.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

About the author

We are Ava Sparrow, the writing duo behind your favorite Sweet Romance novels. Our passion is spreading love and happiness through our books, which delve into the various phases of love and relationships. Each story concludes by making the love even sweeter than it ever was.

Join us on this journey of love, laughter, and happily ever afters!

Reviews

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Roommate by Chance is a story filled with drama, sorrow, hidden secrets, friendships, and feelings. This story was like riding a roller coaster; there were twists and turns, uphill battles, and surprises around the corners. These characters felt like people I know or have encountered during my lifetime. Our story takes place in the small town of Lavender Lane where everybody knows everybody and when someone new comes to town, everyone knows it. News travels fast, people talk, people interfere (in a good way), and people look out for each other. I grew up in a small town, not quite as small as Lavender Lane, but it was filled with caring people, and the Friday Night Football game was filled with people you knew.
Rachel and her son, Max, arrive at Lavender Hollow Farms and are surprised to find Jake there. Rachel was expecting the two of them to be the only ones there. There’s history between the two of them. You’ll find out all the secrets and their personalities throughout this story. It seems as if Jake is the owner of Lavender Hollow Farm, an interesting fact that Aunt Margot forgot to mention. Can this nightmare get any worse? Rachel has no other place to go. She pleads with him to let them stay and as soon as she can find another place, they’ll be out. Jake finally agrees, but he has specific rules that must be followed. Max is all boy and loves dinosaurs and knows everything about them. He reminded me of my son when he was Max’s age-dinosaur obsessed.
Jake is standoffish and isn’t happy that his world now includes two people that he was expecting now living under the same roof. One of them an inquisitive young boy filled with questions and the other a woman with a history who is looking to get back on her feet, keep Max and herself safe, and find a job to support the two of them.
Jake lists rules for the house that must be followed and secures them to the fridge with a magnet. Max slaps a dinosaur sticker at the top of the page. Even though the two of them banter back and forth about things, the tension is still there. Rachel wonders what happened to make Jake so defensive and reclusive.
Lavender Hollow Farms not only have a few animals, but they also grow fields of lavender. Jake saves Rachel from plowing into a row of lavender when she tries to catch a rolling bucket. Rachel soon finds out how exhausting the work is. Rachel loves to cook and supplies, well; more like bribes or tries to make peace with Jake. The two of them go through rough times, the grumpy, moody farmer and the optimistic baker who can’t seem to come to terms. Rachel suspects there is a reason Jake is the way he is, and she intends to find out.
This story is filled with ups and downs as the three of them try to coexist in the same house. Rachel stumbles across some information which causes a huge rift between the two of them. Will Jake insist that the two of them need to move? Will Rachel be able to get through the hurt and pain that Jake carries around? Will the two of them be able to continue to remain in the same house, work in the same environment? Will Rachel discover the reason Jake is the way he is? You don’t want to miss the answers to these questions and so much more. I must warn you, before you begin this story, make time to enjoy the drama, hidden secrets, small-town life, and so much more. Get your copy of A Roommate by Chance by Ava Sparrow today!

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel arrives early at her new rental, part of a large farmhouse owned by Jake. She had to come early, as her previous sublet ended unexpectedly and she had nowhere else to go. Jake is not happy about the change in plans. He’s not happy about ANY change in ANYTHING. And he’s obviously carrying a wound that he’s never let heal.

Rachel’s four-going-on-twelve son, Max, is really into dinosaurs. And that’s not an exaggeration. The kid knows his dinos, and even has his own felt dinosaur tail. Even though Mr. Grumpy Pants drafts a list of rules, over time, he lets his guard down a bit, because who can ignore such an adorable boy?

There are other ghosts in the farmhouse; Jake has a secret, which, when finally told, sheds a lot of light on why he’s such a downer. Rachel has her own past, which includes an ex who didn’t want her or Max, and they’ve been bouncing around, trying to find where they belong.

This story can sometimes be frustrating, with the mercurial Jake kissing Rachel one day and keeping a cold distance between them the next. He also gets angry over the wrong things, but that’s what happens when you carry your grief for so long, never sharing the burden.

I enjoyed this story, and it pulled at my emotions more than once (meaning I cried like a newborn baby). There are themes here that I think most people can identify with. The only thing that might confuse you are the numerous surrounding residents of Lavender Lane. If you need a refresher on who’s who, check out the list at the beginning of the book.

This is part of a series, and will likely entice you to read the previous books. And honestly, Max’s antics are things of beauty and legend — I laughed out loud when he was tasked to feed the chickens, accidentally startled them with the food scoop, then went chasing after them, shouting, “Excuse me, sir! Come back, sir!” Trust me, even if you know nothing about the series, you’ll love Max. He’s one of a kind.

I look forward to the next book of the series.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, second chance, single mom, opposites attract, sunshine/grumpy, forced proximity romance.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Animals don’t move in with twenty suitcases and a four-year-old who thinks I’m a butler.” --- --- “Because you sound like rules when you talk.” --- “Only on special occasions. Like moving into strange farms run by grouchy men who think rules are sacred texts.” --- “Starting over isn’t weakness, honey. It’s proof you’re still willing to keep going.” --- “Staying’s a practice. Like fixing fences. You don’t do it once and call it done.” --- “ the dinosaurs must “read to the books” so their brains don’t get dusty. --- "I want him to learn that his mother doesn’t just survive—that she builds.” --- she knows gentleness is its own kind of strength. --- “Love isn’t a museum. You don’t keep it cold and still to make it last. It’s more like bread dough. You work it. Let it rest. Let it rise into something bigger than what you started with.” ---
What's Margot up to? Who's Emily? Who's Chase? These and other questions will all be answered.
Max - Rachel's spirited 4 year old, dinosuar expert
I loved Rachel and Jake's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Roommate by Chance is the third book in the Love on Lavender Lane series by Ava Sparrow. In this third book, Rachel is a single mom who has moved into town with her son and is staying in the guest cottage on Lavender Hollow Farm. Jake is her roommate who also lives on the property

I enjoyed the pace of the story as Rachel and Jake’s relationship grew. There are heartfelt moments and humor to bring levity to the story. They both are honest with each other about the fear they feel in starting a relationship. Rachel is seeking the stability that she has not previously had in relationships. Jake has also experienced heartbreak as well. They both acknowledge their fears but are honest with each other in wanting to be together. I thought how Ava Sparrow shows this balance of how the lead characters try to protect themselves from future hurt to taking the risk for something new was well done and well-paced.

Readers who enjoy small town, forced proximity, slow burn, grumpy sunshine romance stories will enjoy this book.

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

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna and Eli were together years before, and then Eli left town without a word of goodbye or anything. Jenna blames it on Eli that he didn’t really love or care about her and made up stories to strengthen her stand. Elias had a lot of self-doubt about his worth but loved Jenna with all his heart, constantly trying to prove his worth by looking out after her and making her smile. They were like two peas in a pod, even thinking about marrying each other but never speaking it out loud. One night, Jenna tried to bolster herself and spoke to her friend harshly about Eli, never knowing he was right below her on the stairs. Eli packed his bags and left for NY early the next morning, never speaking to her again, until a mistaken text. This entire story is about their misunderstanding and what brings them together again. This is a definite Five Star read.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Ava Sparrow, and this does not disappoint; this is book three in the Love on Lavender Lane series. Rachel Bloom needs a place to stay with her four year old son Max, a dinosaur lover. "Aunt Margot" said she could stay in the guest cottage on Lavender Lane farm. Rachel finds out it is already occupied by Jake Holloway, the owner of the farm. Rachel begs for them to stay, as she has nowhere to go. Rules are set, and Max introduces Jake to his dinosaurs. Max is adorable, that everyone would love. But does Jake grow to love them, or do they just get in the way; and continue to break the rules? Does Jake remain grumpy and keep his permanent scowl?

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a single mom in need of a fresh start and a place to stay. He is the grumpy farmer who gave up on love after his fiancé left. Now together sharing a cottage, will he be able to let go of the past and let Rachel in? Will her secret tie to his past tear them apart just as things get started? This is such a great series. I have thoroughly enjoyed following along on their journey. I am excited for Emma’s story next. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max makes it obvious to me why I wasn’t a boy mom. I’ll be honest, I’ve survived twin great grandsons, I’m not sure I could have survived Max. That said, you can’t help but love him. Anyone interested in Rachel must understand that they are a set with him the dominant member. Jake, even with his secrets, is interested. Both Jake and Rachel have secrets that must be shared and overcome. Ava Sparrow has again given us an interesting story line, strong characters, an invested community (some we’ve already met), humor, sorrow, and a few surprises. I can’t wait for her next book.

[Debbie Blane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! A really cool feature of the book is the Cast of Characters that has been put in the book right after the Introduction. Both the main characters and the supporting characters and their roles are listed; personally for me this is a game changer in how I was able to keep track of the whose who and what they are doing in the book. So often I get lost in books. With this one I was able to sit back and enjoy the show! I recommend it!.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning felt like I walked into the story way past the start. The banter between Rachel and Jake seemed way too intense as they had just met. Ignoring that, the story will really draw you in. The banter continues and feels a lot more real as their relationship develops. I absolutely adored Max and his dinosaurs. What a scene stealer. A wonderfully emotional story.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Tiffany Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from the beginning and did not disappoint. A single mom needing start over in a small town ends up at the guest house on a farm with a grumpy farmer. A slow burn that eventually gets Mr. Grumpy to love again. This was the first book that I have read from Ava Sparrow and it will not be the last. I recommend you read it if you enjoy small town romance with some spice involved. You won't be disappointed.

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town with all the symptoms of caring, while opinionated about your personal situation. A young mother with a “tornado of a son” moves to town as a do over. Trouble is, her place to live was unavailable. So the Sunt of this tiny town, delivers her to a brooding single man, who has a large enough space on his farm

[Debbie Knisleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

past doesn’t rule the present

Two hurting individuals and a small tornado(4 yo). Learn to trust, let go and rebuild together. While a community encourages and cheers them on. Very heartwarming.