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Cooper Town Boys #3

A Simple Mistake

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Quinn

I have a thing for my best friend’s sister. Charli Miller has always been the woman to own my heart, despite the fact she doesn’t feel the same way. We’re oil and water, fire and ice. We butt heads at every turn, but I’d still do anything for her.

I wouldn’t deny her anything.

Which is why I don’t put a stop to the little arrangement we seem to fall into. Spending that time with her is better than anything I’ve ever experienced, but unfortunately, it makes me crave more. I’ve always wanted Charli, but now, I’m a determined man. Especially when she shocks me with big news.

She’s scared, but I’m ready to fight. Fight for us.

Charli

No one pushes my buttons like Quinn Garrison. He might possibly be the most infuriating man on the face of the planet, and since he’s my younger brother’s best friend, I can’t get away from him. He’s always there, and even when he’s being sweet and supportive, it just grates on my nerves.

Until one day, that irritation explodes.

What happens next wasn’t planned. It’s raw and fueled by years of emotions, and even though I swore it wouldn’t happen again, it does. I let him into my bed and, as time passes, I’m unable to keep him out of my heart. I want everything I didn’t even know I needed, and there’s no going back now.

Especially when I see those two pink lines…

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

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About the author

Lacey Black

89 books1,492 followers
Avid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little "spice" or hot guys in uniform pants, and I'm a happy woman. There's just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for ReadaholicDeb.
864 reviews26 followers
June 23, 2026
This is the third book in the Cooper Town Boys series. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the first two books adds depth to Quinn and Charli’s relationship. From the start, I had a feeling their bickering, his flirting and her annoyance, would lead to something more.

Charli is sassy, and Quinn is a man completely obsessed, patiently waiting for Charli to see him as more than her little brother’s best friend.

I loved watching Charli slowly fall for Quinn after finally giving in to their undeniable attraction. Quinn is sweet, thoughtful, and has a way of giving Charli exactly what she needs.

The surprise pregnancy was an added bonus. It brought extra depth to the story and wasn’t used as the sole reason for them to end up together. Their foundation was already there, making their relationship feel authentic and earned.

Another thing I loved about this series is the small-town, blue-collar atmosphere. It feels authentic and is made even better by the close-knit group of friends and family surrounding the characters.
837 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
I absolutely loved A Simple Mistake by Lacey Black; it is an incredible enemies to lovers/brother’s best friend/age gap/surprise pregnancy love story. It is the third book in her Cooper Town Boys series. Lacey Black is an amazing storyteller and is a must read; one-click author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, it was impossible to put A Simple Mistake down, and I loved every moment on every page. It filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions. It is one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? A Simple Mistake is the story of Charlotte “Charli” Miller, massage therapist and Quinn Garrison, owner of a mobile welding company. Quinn did not have the best childhood and spent most of his time at the Millers’ home. Quinn has been best friends with Charli’s brother, Camden, since kindergarten. He has had a crush on Charli for almost as long. Charli is aware of Quinn’s crush, but has never encouraged a relationship with him, it is just the opposite. Charli and Quinn begin a friendship with benefits relationship after Quinn made a massage appointment with Charli. They do not tell anyone about their relationship, other than Charli’s friend, Sommer. I love the chemistry between Charli and Quinn, their conversation flows so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Quinn constantly flirting and dirty talking to get Charli to blush. I love that he calls her “cactus” or Charlotte. As they spend time together things change between them and quickly heat up. Charli soon realizes that she is pregnant with Quinn’s baby. One of my favorite parts are all the little things that Quinn does for Charli after learning that she is pregnant. Especially all the research he does for coffee substitutes and low-sugar sweets. I love all the changes that both Charli and Quinn are willing to make in their lives to have a life with one another and how they both admit their feelings for one another. I especially love how Quinn admits to Charli that it has always only been her. I love how Charli’s brothers react to the news that Charli is pregnant and that Quinn is the father. Another favorite part is the gender reveal and her brother’s roles in the reveal. I love that a heart-to-heart conversation between Charli and Quinn. I love Charli’s family has always embraced Quinn as part of their family. I love the ending of their love story. My favorite part are the epilogues told from each of their perspectives, how it goes above a happily ever after, and details their daughter’s birth. The epilogues are the perfect ending of their love story. Another favorite part was the bonus scene shown from both Charli’s and Quinn’s perspectives. I love Quinn’s proposal and where it took place. It was one of my favorite parts of the book. Some of the moments between Charli and Quinn are truly special and brought tears to my eyes. I really enjoy how the book is told in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. I love that the dialogue that Lacey Black chooses perfectly fits her characters. My favorite part of the book is how Lacey Black incorporates the title of the book into the love story with simple statements from Charli, and how Quinn corrects her in saying it was fate and not a mistake. This page turner is filled with heartbreaking, heartwarming, poignant, and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises that I have come to love and expect in a love story and was not disappointed with Lacey Black’s delivery of those things. I especially love the moments where I found myself laughing. I love how Lacey Black managed to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. I love the characters and the family dynamic in A Simple Mistake. The characters feel like family and friends, especially Charli’s relationship her best friend, Sommer, and her friendships with Lizzie and Oaklee. I love that their friendship feels like family. I enjoyed all the interactions between all the Miller siblings, especially their chat stream, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love catching up with Lizzie and Collin, and so excited that Oaklee and Cade got engaged. I love the descriptions of the Cooper Town location. I loved A Simple Mistake and am so excited to read the Camden’s love story. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? This book had my interest from the start, and I fell in love with the story. I thoroughly enjoyed A Simple Mistake who does not love an enemies to lovers/ younger brother’s best friend/surprise pregnancy love story. Highly recommend this incredible love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.
Profile Image for Kim (Chipperbooks) .
1,446 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 17, 2026
Title: A Simple Mistake Series: Cooper Town Boys, Book 3
Author: Lacey Black
Main Characters: Quinn Garrison and Charli Miller P. 276
Tropes: Romance, Small Town, Surprise Pregnancy, Best Friend’s Older Sister, He Falls First
Book Type Reviewed: E-Book
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aww. You have to love a guy who will do anything to help. That is definitely Quinn.

In the first two books, the Miller twins, Collin and Cade, find their HEA and Quinn is happy for them. Being a bit younger, Quinn is best friends with the younger Miller boy, Camden. And the Miller girl? Quinn has been in love with her most of his life. Quinn doesn’t deny it and pretty much everyone knows, but all assume it will never happen.

Charli is several years older than Camden and Quinn and for the most part, Quinn drives her insane. He has always been around and when they are together, it is full of banter. She just ignores the flirty side…until recently. It’s a big surprise that her feelings are changing but a much bigger surprise is coming.

I have to be honest that Charli wasn’t my favorite starting out, but she has her reasons. Quinn is so sweet and ultimately that’s what breaks down Charli’s walls. I love the way Quinn handles everything, never any pressure, never pushy, just bides his time while being his sweet, helpful self. So swoony! So romantic! So now three down with Camden to go, and I think we can all see where that one is headed…which I am very excited about. Great small town series, with a small group of friends and family always there for one another. Love all of these and hope we get a little more on all the couples.

Thank you to #LaceyBlack and #GiveMeBooksPR for this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.

A Simple Request- Collin Miller (and Lizzie)
A Simple Hello- Cade Miller (and Oaklee)
A Simple Mistake- Quinn Garrison (and Charli Miller)
Profile Image for Nikki'J'.
995 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
A Simple Mistake was far from a mistake. Quinn Garrison has been waiting a long time for his best friend’s big sister, Charli Miller and finally he gets his shot.

Quinn and Charli haven’t exactly had a friendly relationship. He’s always seemed to push her buttons and annoy her, but the whole Miller family knows that Quinn has had a crush on Charli for a very long time.

It’s almost Charli’s 30th birthday and maybe it’s the feeling of missing something in her life, or the alcohol but Charli is suddenly looking at Quinn and really seeing the man he has become.

All Charli would have to do was crook her finger at Quinn and he would eagerly go running. Maybe everyone would think that weak and spineless of him, but he’s wanted Charli so long that he would do anything to have her.

A few longer glances, a few longer touches, some softer moments, and suddenly Charli can’t stop thinking about her little brother’s best friend. She fights against the desire to be with him for several reasons but in a weak moment she gives into the pull. One time was all she was willing to give, and Quinn took it knowing it wouldn’t be enough but not willing to miss his chance with her.

Now Charli’s thoughts are more drawn to Quinn then before and his desire for her hasn’t diminished, only amped up. It’s not commitment keeping these two apart because Quinn is pretty sure that if it’s not Charli it will never be anyone. For Chali it’s the five-year age gap between Quinn and Charli. While Quinn couldn’t care less it’s a hang up for Charli.

Things get complicated when Charli gets a surprise and Quinn has to work hard to be there for her and not spook her away. With a bit of help from the family at a family dinner Charli admits her feelings to herself and it is more than Quinn could have hoped for.

This was a lot of fun and I thought the enemies-to-lovers vibe was great. It was fun watching Charli try so hard to deny what she wants, and Quinn’s patience was impressive.

Her nickname of Cactus was a bit cute, and it definitely suited her when it came to dealing with Quinn.

A Simple Mistake had plenty to like about it and the Cooper Town Boys are worth the read.

Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Booked Emina.
1,475 reviews333 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
BOOKED EMINA - THE ROMANTIC BOSNIAN REVIEW
*ARC Review
*3.75 Stars

This is going to be a tough review for me, because what do you mean the FMC fights her feelings for the MMC. I wanted to like her and thought I'd warm up but by 65% all she was in my eyes is a total B word! I mean the MMC I feel so bad for him because he was so sweet and just really into her. UGH frustrated! I get the FMC being guarded but she was just mean, loud and obnoxious just to be. I told myself once it gets to the one trope she'll change, NOPE! Alright I think that's about enough of that, I will say the rest of the book for me was more just a read, I really like this series and I love this author but this book was just not for me. I also don't mind a strong heroine but Charli for me was so off putting, I did not warm up to her. Shame because I love the surprise pregnancy trope!

I will be reading the rest of the series because this isn't the first time I was not able to connect with a book in the series. I really did love the MMC and the other characters, they were entertaining and of course seeing the previous love birds was refreshing and fun to get a glimpse of their lives now.

Tropes:
Surprise Pregnancy
Best Friend’s Older Sister
Small Town
He Falls First
She Fights Her Feelings



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Profile Image for Sharon.
2,043 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy
June 13, 2026
Yet again Lacey gives us characters that will steal your heart! You will swoon for Quinn, and Charli, well, she's amazing! The banter between these two is off the charts! I loved it! 5 Cooper Town stars for this one!
Quinn has been crushing on Charli since he was younger. She's five years older than him, but age is just a number. He spent the majority of his life with his besties family when his parents were too busy to pay him any mind. When presented with an opportunity, he takes it! He knows she was hurt by her last boyfriend, and he will do anything he needs to, to prove to her he's the one! Then when they get a surprise, in the form of two pink lines, that's it, he will show her just how much he loves her, and he will never leave her side!
Charli hasn't had the best time. She works hard as a massage therapist, and is just trying to say afloat. Her last boyfriend cheated on her, and she doesn't trust men anymore. Then in comes Quinn, the annoying best friend of her little brother, who is basically a member of their family, starts doing little things for her, she realizes, though she is five years older, she may just be able to trust him not to break her heart! Then the unthinkable happens, those two pink lines!
These two light up the night, I completely fell in love right along with them! They've both been hurt, in different ways, but together, their story will steal your heart! Grab this one asap!
Profile Image for Pam.
1,779 reviews17 followers
June 23, 2026
Book three in the Cooper Town Boys Series and just might be my favorite so far. Once again Ms Black gives us characters that we can't help but fall in love with. Quinn and Charli are know to series followers as they have been present in the other books. This book is full of emotions, sass and sizzle.

Quinn has worked had to become the man he is today. Many thanks to the Miller Family and their open acceptance of him all those years ago. When is own parents were too busy with their own things the Miller's gave him a safe space. One thing has been a constant for many years and that is his feelings for his best friends older sister.

Charli is strong and determined that she can do things on her own and doesn't need someone to look after her. A successful business woman running her massage business at the salon. Family means the world to her but having three over protective brothers and a plus one with her brothers best friend can get a little much. When all of sudden she starts to see the pain in the ass best friend in a new light.

Grab your copy and see what happens when the sass and quick jabs take a bit of a turn. Once Quinn gets a hint that things might be changing, he is all in and ready to fight for what he has always wanted.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for bookishWife.
1,350 reviews
August 8, 2026
Quinn has been in love with Charli for… well, a long, long time. But Charli has always seen him as an extension of her annoying little brother. He’s younger, flirty, and the two of them butt heads practically every time they’re together.

Then one day, something just flips inside Charli. Suddenly, she notices that Quinn is actually handsome, and they end up spending a night together. She basically has to wiggle one finger and Quinn follows her like a lost puppy. One night turns into… a relationship.

Quinn, though. I really liked him. He might be younger, but he knows how to be a good partner. He doesn’t need a string of failed relationships to figure out how to treat Charli right. There’s something refreshing about that.

I also really liked how their relationship developed. It didn’t start with two people secretly crushing on each other while refusing to communicate. It starts with one-sided love and slowly evolves into something that feels much deeper, almost like finding your soulmate.

There were definitely moments when I wanted to yell at Charli for constantly keeping Quinn at arm’s length, and other moments when I wanted to yell at Quinn for not pushing a little harder. But overall, this was such a sweet and lovely romance.

Quinn may be younger, but he certainly knows how to love someone right.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,528 reviews65 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
June 19, 2026
There is nothing simple about A Simple Mistake, and without a doubt, the third book in Lacey Black's Cooper Town Boys series is my favourite so far.

Don't get me wrong, the first two books completely captivated me, but there was just something a little extra special about Quinn and Charli. Quinn had that little extra twinkle in his eye, that cheeky charm that made him impossible not to fall for, and as someone whose kryptonite is a reverse age-gap romance, this book had me hooked from the very beginning.

Quinn has had a thing for Charlotte (or Charli, as everyone calls her) since they were kids, thanks to being best friends with her younger brother. The age gap is only around five years, which felt absolutely perfect for this story. I adored Charli's sass and her no-nonsense attitude. She doesn't suffer fools gladly, and the banter and camaraderie between her, her siblings, and Quinn was an absolute joy to watch unfold.

But the real magic was watching these two fall in love. Quinn may have always carried feelings for Charli, but seeing her slowly realise that her feelings had changed was something special. I loved every moment of Quinn getting under her skin and Charli trying to fight the attraction that was becoming impossible to ignore.

The surprise pregnancy added another layer to the story, bringing extra depth and emotion as they navigated everything that came with it. It never felt forced and only made me fall even harder for this couple.

Lacey Black has delivered another must-read romance filled with heart, chemistry, humour, and all the feels. Quinn and Charli completely stole my heart, and A Simple Mistake is easily my favourite book in the series.
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,189 reviews36 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
“A Simple Mistake" by Lacey Black is such a gem! I have adored all books in the Cooper Town Boys series and this one was no exception!

So, we follow Charli (who I’ll be honest, is a bit prickly—definitely a tough cookie) and Quinn, this sweet, endearing guy who’s been in love with her since childhood. He’s five years younger than Charli, and the best friend of her younger brother. She’s always treated him like an annoying little brother type but the bedrock of love was just buried deep.

It’s so fun watching their dynamic unfold! Quinn might’ve started out as the little brother figure, but soon enough, the sexual tension reminds Charli there is nothing brotherly about the delicious Quinn. When that tension finally explodes, everything shifts. And when what appears as a mistake turns into Quinn’s greatest joy, it’s just heart-melting. Beyond being part of the family already, and ridiculously sexy, he’s also sweet, consistent and stable, just what the “cactus” Charli needs to help her learn to trust again. The family dynamics are so rich, and Quinn’s quiet pining all those years makes that happy ending feel earned. A total feel-good, family-centered romance—just the kind of sweet escape I needed!
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,796 reviews101 followers
June 29, 2026
4 Stars

“A Simple Mistake" by Lacey Black is such a gem! I have adored all books in the Cooper Town Boys series and this one was no exception!

So, we follow Charli (who I’ll be honest, is a bit prickly—definitely a tough cookie) and Quinn, this sweet, endearing guy who’s been in love with her since childhood. He’s five years younger than Charli, and the best friend of her younger brother. She’s always treated him like an annoying little brother type but the bedrock of love was just buried deep.

It’s so fun watching their dynamic unfold! Quinn might’ve started out as the little brother figure, but soon enough, the sexual tension reminds Charli there is nothing brotherly about the delicious Quinn. When that tension finally explodes, everything shifts. And when what appears as a mistake turns into Quinn’s greatest joy, it’s just heart-melting. Beyond being part of the family already, and ridiculously sexy, he’s also sweet, consistent and stable, just what the “cactus” Charli needs to help her learn to trust again. The family dynamics are so rich, and Quinn’s quiet pining all those years makes that happy ending feel earned. A total feel-good, family-centered romance—just the kind of sweet escape I needed!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Whitney Leary.
267 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2026
This book had some of my favorite tropes:
Brother’s Best Friend
Enemies to Lovers

Add in years of tension and bickering as foreplay, and hello!!! Quinn has been in love with his best friend’s sister, Charli, for basically his entire life. The problem? Charli has never felt the same way. She’s older, and Quinn has always been the guy who drives her absolutely crazy.

But things start to change when Quinn comes in for a massage and Charli suddenly starts reacting to him differently. Quinn has spent years keeping his attraction to her under control, but he can only hold back for so long. As he continues showing up for Charli, caring for her, and putting her first, it becomes harder and harder for either of them to ignore the chemistry between them.

Eventually, that attraction turns into a spicy relationship, and a surprise pregnancy creates a family neither of them ever expected to have together.

I absolutely loved watching Quinn show Charli just how much he cared about her. He was the ultimate golden retriever, and I was here for every second of it. Even though he was younger, her brother’s best friend, and someone who had driven her crazy for years, Charli couldn’t walk away from a man who consistently put her first.
Profile Image for Ashley Hampton.
513 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 3, 2026
I am a sucker for an unrequited love story, and ‘A Simple Mistake’ was all that and a bag of chips. Before we get into all that, let me just express my love for how much I love love love the title being woven into the storyline. Chefs kiss. Pure genius on this authors part.

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty. ‘ A Simple Mistake’ was anything but simple. There were so many tropes rolled into Quinn and Charli’s story and Black fine tuned the attention to detail in all of them. Being the fantastic author she is, I was easily able to live inside each characters head and visualize every single second.

Quinn literally has my heart. He was a brilliant character with the purest intentions. He was real, he was raw, but he was so dang amazing.

At times Charli truly frustrated me. She was so dang stubborn and sometimes came off as mean. I understand she was just protecting herself, so seeing her growth made me extremely happy.

‘A Simple Mistake’ was a story with growth, strength, and courage. It showcases that sometimes the best thing you need is standing right in front of you. With that said, I recommend this book and I look forward to what’s next.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
7,105 reviews141 followers
June 23, 2026
A Simple Mistake is book three in the Cooper Town Boys Series and its Charli Miller and Quinn Garrison’s story. I was captivated from the first couple of chapters and there was no putting down until the final word was read. This is a well written, entertaining, best friend’s older sister, surprise pregnancy story.
Charli is a few years older than her brother Camden and his best friend Quinn and if she is honest Quinn drives her crazy. He has been around her most of his life and he has crushed on her forever, he will never deny his feelings for Charli but deep down he believes nothing will ever happen between them. So what happens when Charli gives into Quinn’s flirting and what will her brothers have to say about it ……….
I fell hard and fast for Quinn because I loved how he wasn’t afraid to show his feelings even when they weren’t returned and I want the strong and sassy Charli in my corner but what took this book to another level was this group of friends who always look out for each other.

Profile Image for Helayna.
130 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 31, 2026
Quinn and Charli’s story is pure perfection and easily the best book in the series so far. From the moment Quinn met Charli as a child, he knew she was the one, and watching his years of unwavering devotion finally pay off was both heartwarming and unforgettable. Their journey from frustration and misunderstandings to a deep, meaningful love is beautifully written and impossible not to root for.

When an unexpected pregnancy changes everything, Quinn steps up without hesitation, proving time and time again that his love for Charli is unconditional. As Charli slowly learns to trust and let down the walls built by past hurts, their connection becomes even more emotional and powerful. Filled with romance, heartfelt moments, and characters you can't help but fall in love with, this book is impossible to put down. A truly unforgettable love story that will leave readers eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
1,037 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 2, 2026
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following the Cooper Town boys, and the anticipation that’s been building since Collins’s story made this instalment all the more satisfying. Quinn’s long-standing crush on Charli, his best friend’s older sister, has always been evident, but nothing has ever come of it—until now. Charli’s vibrant personality and undeniable sass have made her a standout character from the moment she was introduced, and despite her brothers’ protectiveness, she’s certainly no shrinking violet. The tension between Charli and Quinn is electric, and watching their relationship evolve throughout the story has been genuinely captivating. While Quinn is the first to fall, it’s Charli who falls even harder once she lets her guard down, making their journey together all the more rewarding. Every moment in this story has been a delight, and it’s left me eagerly awaiting Caden’s book, although I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to this series yet!
Profile Image for Djg.
2,097 reviews31 followers
Did Not Finish
September 17, 2026
I hate Chari. I hated her in the previous two books and I was avoiding this one for a long time because she's everything I dislike in a mfc. I won't go through the list of of her defects but here's what I will say.

Chapter one Quinn sweet good guy, the set up for the perfect mmc. Chapter two Charli...I didn't even finish. But if you haven't read the first two books this is all you need to know. She had a bad day (boo f'ing hoo) so she goes to Lizzie's bar and is an immature bitch to her brother.

You know, she's the little sister to two of her brothers who's supposed to be scrapy wanting to hang with them and do all they can do while being cute and snarky (barf, always a red flag because it nearly always comes of as mean and bitchy). She's supposed to be "endearing". She is NOT.

This is an author I like and I've purchased her books and re-read a lot. But this is a miss. And I won't regret not forcing myself to read it on the off chance she might make me like her.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,311 reviews372 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
5 SMOOCHES!

A Simple Mistake is the third book in Lacey Black’s family-centered, small-town romance series, the Cooper Town Boys, was full of charm and chemistry. This story pairs Quinn, who falls for his best friend’s older sister, with Charli, his best friend’s older sister, as he pulls out all the stops to win her closed-off heart. His perseverance eventually pays off, but a surprise pregnancy changes everything.

I really loved watching as Charli and Quinn fell in love. Their romance was sweet, steamy and emotional. The best friend’s sibling trope is one of my favorites, and Black’s reverse age-gap spin on it was interesting and, at times, intense. I have loved all the books in this series so far, but this one was absolutely captivating. I devoured it in a day! Five smooches from me for A Simple Mistake by Lacey Black!
~Danielle Palumbo
Profile Image for Ronda Brimeyer.
345 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2026
This is Lacey's thrid book in the Cooper Town series. The story is about Charli and Quinn finding and falling in love. These two have known each other all their lives. They have grown up together. Charli has as seen Quinn as a infuriating little brother until......... Feelings start to change for Charli she is seeing Quinn for the man he is. Quinn has always loved Charli wouldn't deny her anything lol. The passionate is finally realized between these two. Carefully letting their guard down to explore what can be. Quinn loves to take Charli anyway he can be with her. Then the unexpected happens this will bring them together. Charli is scared and Quinn will fight for their HEA. Quinn is totally and forever been in love. Just took Charli a little longer to get there. They do with all the family supporting them. The mistake was a blessing.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
13.1k reviews102 followers
September 7, 2026
Quinn has had feelings for Charli for years but despite all his attempts to show her how he feels she hasn’t seen him as more than her younger brother’s best friend. When the relationship she is in comes to an end he is there for her and will do whatever is necessary to win her heart especially when they find out they are about to become parents.

Charli hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to romance, and she has doubts that any relationship would turn out differently. When Quinn is there when she needs someone the most she starts to see him differently, but she is also cautious about risking her heart again.

Quinn has always been all in when it comes to Charli and he is both patient and understanding until she realizes it as well. The romance is heartwarming and they are surrounded by a wonderful family who are there to help and support when required.

Profile Image for Jacquie.
614 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
June 11, 2026
This series from Lacey Black is going to be a TOP FAVE, I can tell! Quinn and Charlotte (Charli) are my favourite couple, so far!!!

Quinn....he's ALWAYS had a thing for Charli, but she's his best friends' older sister (and therefore, completely OFF LIMITS....right?!) They have always had this back and forth banter that made it feel like they really didn't like one another, but it was really a form of foreplay! And when things reach the inevitable conclusion, the explosion was EPIC!!! Quinn decides he'll take Charli any way he can get her, for as long as he can! The sneaking around and secret-keeping finally comes to a head with two pink lines...

Charli...she's had some bad luck with her love life and doesn't want anything to do with a relationship! Quinn has been a thorn in her side for what seems like FOREVER (he's been a part of her life from the time he was a young lad and her parents pretty much "adopted" him) He SHOULD be like another younger brother but that's NOT how she feels. So, when the perfect opportunity presents itself, she goes for it...it'll be fine, just a no-strings-attached-no-expectations fling with a guy who is ALL kinds of H-O-T!!! What's the worst thing that can happen, right? Uhmmmmm, two pink lines, that's what!!! AND falling for her younger brothers' best friend was DEFINITELY not in the cards, either!

I LOVED everything about this one! The chemistry between Charli and Quinn, the banter, the tension, the angst, the found family and the small town (Cooper Town) feels like a side character! Once again, Ms Black proves that she is a QUEEN of small-town romance with A Simple Mistake!!!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,702 reviews78 followers
June 26, 2026
4 star

The story has laughs, secrets, and sweet love.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
A Simple Request (Cooper Town Boys #1)
A Simple Hello (Cooper Town Boys #2)


This is Charli and Quinn’s story. He has always had feelings for Charli, but she is his best friend’s older sister. So, nothing ever came of it. But when slowly her feeling change you can see the love slowly building on her side. He proves that he is in it for the long haul no matter what and once she gets on board you can see the love blossom and grow. These two are perfect for each other and the two pink lines just add to the future they were meant to have.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie Crews.
627 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2026
A Simple Mistake pulled me in from the very beginning. What starts as one bad decision quickly turns into an emotional, heartfelt story filled with chemistry, tension, and plenty of twists along the way. The characters felt real, and I found myself completely invested in seeing how everything would work out.
I especially enjoyed the balance between the romance and the emotional growth. The relationship developed naturally, and the moments of humor helped lighten the heavier parts of the story. It was easy to connect with the characters and cheer them on as they worked through the consequences of one simple mistake.
If you enjoy emotional romance with great chemistry, engaging characters, and a satisfying happily ever after, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Profile Image for fmj_books.
763 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
Urgh I am such a hoe for an unrequited love story!!

A simple mistake is book 3 in this series and it was so good!

I have been with Lacey Black and her writing since the dawn of time!! Nothing will top the rivers edge series for me, but THIS ONE is up there in second place!! Knocking the summer sisters and the rockland falls series down a few pegs!!

The yearning,
the chemistry,
the two pink lines 👀
i just loved it all! Quinn for all of his straight talking is such a lush! I adore him! And when charli finally pulls herself together?
Urgh!!!
*chefs kiss*

Seriously, read this series! It just keeps getting better
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,557 reviews104 followers
June 23, 2026
4.5 stars

This series keeps getting better. Quinn and Charli are my favorite couple to date. We have the off limits (best friends older sister) but Quinn has liked her for some time. Charli does not have a great track record with her love life, and he does have the pain in the butt younger brother thing going on.

The banter, dislike or foreplay? Tension. Sneaking around has consequences.

I loved everything about this book, I read it much too quickly. I loved the characters, the small town and it’s quirks.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Janet Hammons.
2,156 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2026
I was so excited to get Quinn & Charli's story. It did not disappoint. I love Quinn. Charli is hardheaded and strong. She has so many brothers backing her she is the only girl and that made her amazing. I love that Quinn has been in love with Charli most of his life. There is a small age gap but that makes their story even better. He is also her brothers best friend and has been a part of all her family gathers for most of her life. Her feelings for him just pop up one day. She is attracted and thinks she is going crazy. It is so good. I couldn't put it down. Another 5 star must read in this series.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
21.1k reviews264 followers
June 23, 2026
This is the third book in this phenomenal series, and this is Quinn and Charli’s story.
Charli is Quinn’ best friends’ older sister, and she has always been the holder of his heart, even when she does not know. These two butt heads continually, and Charli struggles with her feeling for Quinn.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, tension, opposites attract, determination, surprise pregnancy, humour, witty banter, engaging and realistic characters, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
25 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2026
Being the amazing story teller that she is, Lacey Black makes this book a must read!! Charli is a massage therapist who grew up with Quinn as her brother's best friend. The chemistry between these two flows bright! Conversation, banter, and plenty of dirty talk! After deciding to have a friends with benefits arrangement, Charlie becomes pregnant. Quinn and Charlie make tough choices and life changes to plan for this surprise. It is heart warming to see how they fall for each other, especially when Quinn says it has always been her! You might need a tissue or two!
374 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2026
I have been waiting for this story since book one and WOW DID IT NOT DISAPPOINT!!!

Quinn has been in love with Charli for years, and everyone knew it, including Charli. Charli never reciprocated the feelings, until one day she no longer sees Quinn as just her little brother’s best friend.

As Charli and Quinn start spending time together they decide to give in to their attraction just once, but no matter how hard she tries, Charli cannot get over her attraction and cannot resist Quinn!

This story is full of tons of laughs and made me super excited for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Tina Buchberger Oase.
179 reviews7 followers
June 26, 2026
This is Laceys third book in the series of Cooper Town Boys. Don't worry, you can read this one alone. But, it would be worth it to read the other two.
Charli is Quinns best friends sister. Not too bad there. The issue that Charli has is Quinn is also younger than her. Their relationship has always been based on them giving each other a hard time and bickering. 100% a Love-Hate relationship!
You will love how this independent woman learns to let in someone and how all this hard working man just wants to take care of her.
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