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Sweet Beginnings

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She ran to find freedom. She never expected to find him.

Olivia has always lived under her parents’ rules, where wealth, appearances, and family reputation come first. When they arrange her marriage to a controlling man for the sake of business, she’s expected to obey… until she sees the man he truly is.

Left without any other choice, Olivia runs—escaping to a quiet small town where freedom, kindness, and a life of her own finally feel possible. There, she meets a man with a smile that could melt steel and a heart that beats with gentle patience, deep tenderness and a devotion that honors choice in every moment.

Unable to fight the connection, Olivia begins to believe in love for the first time. But her past isn’t finished with her yet… and running away might not be enough to keep her safe.


419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

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Della Monroe

2 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Becky Q..
150 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2026
Sweet Beginnings by Della Monroe is a small-town romance that follows Olivia, a woman who escapes an arranged life and stumbles into a world that helps her to figure out what she truly wants.

This book was SUCH a good time for me! I genuinely loved this story. I was soooo invested. Kade??!! OBSESSED. I absolutely LOVED him. His patience, his care and the way he always put Liv first!? So freaking sweet. I really liked Liv too, especially watching her slowly open up and find her voice. Their chemistry and tension were PERFECT and their banter was so cute! There's also a pretty good amount of spice in this book, too! Della Monroe's writing pulls you in FAST. I was pretty much hooked from the beginning. This was such a wholesome and lovey journey about starting over, finding love and friendship and building something new and I will absolutely be counting down the days for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,356 reviews80 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 9, 2026
I really enjoyed seeing Liv and Kade's journey. Liv needs a fresh start and moves to a small town where she can escape and heal. She's left behind a controlling and abusive ex she never wanted, and an uncaring family that failed to protect her. Now she gets to make new friends, choose things for herself, and start to live.
Kade is seen as the typical playboy heartbreaker, but when he meets Liv his new employee everything shifts.
Things were sweet and slow, with cute dates and tenderness, and Liv gets the love she's always deserved.
I liked the added drama and tension from the past catching up, and it explores trauma and healing in a raw and genuine way.
Profile Image for Celina  Rosa.
336 reviews
February 19, 2026
Sweet Beginnings is book one in the Mayridge Heart Series, which follows Olivia who is running from an abusive arranged marriage and parents who have ruled her whole life. Starting over in a new town is not easy for Liv especially with little to no experience in the world but finding the right people to trust has definitely helped her grow. Kade is the playboy with a flirty smile and says all the right things who is also Liv's new boss, but the mutual attraction can't be denied, and Kade is willing to do anything to make sure Liv is safe especially when her past comes to find her. This story is sweet, emotional, healing and I love how Liv finds herself despite everything that has happened to her in life. I can't wait to read more of this series especially with so many great supporting characters we were introduced to. I definitely recommend putting this story on the top of your TBR.
Profile Image for Lauren Defouw.
23 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2026
Sweet beginnings - ARC READ (check out my instagram for pictures)

Kade & Olivia

Truly loved this story so much, I ate it up. It was fast paced but not to quick that you don’t get details. The way that Kade and Liv just fit together like the perfect puzzle piece was everything. The small moments between them where he would say “ I’ve got you” to the big moments and adventures they went on

The plot twist towards the end had me at the edge of my feet reading insanely fast to know what happens next.

This was so full of love and overcoming with the perfect amount of spice and found family.

“If you’d told me growing up that there was a world waiting for me- one filled with choices and freedom, a family who loved me like I was their own and a man who made my heart ache in the best way- I wouldn’t have believed you”

4.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

Tropes
-found family
-starting over
-family names
-boss/ worker
-friends brother
Profile Image for Lou_lovesreading.
503 reviews13 followers
January 29, 2026
What a book! Della has written a book with not only an amazing love story but about a healing journey. Reading Olivia and Kade’s story is absolutely heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. Heartbreaking because Olivia truly deserved more at the beginning of the book, awful parents who practically sell off her to an even worse man. When she finally escapes to a small town and meets Aubrey and the rest of the Jenkins family she finally understands what family and love is.
Kade is so amazing with Liv, the way he gives her a safe place to just be herself is beautiful and the way he loves her is chefs kiss.
I absolutely loved their love story and cannot wait for the rest of the series

Thank you so much to Della and the team at Luna for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Kirsty.
589 reviews11 followers
February 4, 2026
Sweet Beginnings is exactly what the title promises and somehow still caught me off guard. This book is tender, healing, quietly powerful, and so full of warmth it feels like exhaling after holding your breath for years. Olivia and Kade were amazing, full stop.

Olivia’s story broke my heart right from the start. Living under rigid rules, wealth and appearances prioritized over her safety, her autonomy traded like a business asset. Watching her realize who her fiancé truly is and then choose herself? That moment hit hard. Her escape wasn’t dramatic or flashy, it was desperate and necessary, and it made her arrival in the small town feel earned. Every step toward freedom mattered.

And then there’s Kade. That smile. That patience. That steady, gentle devotion that never once tries to cage her again. He is the kind of MMC who listens first, waits, gives space, and proves through actions that love can be safe. The way he honors Olivia’s choices, over and over, made my chest ache in the best way. No pressure. No control. Just quiet support, warmth, and a heart wide open.

Their connection builds so naturally. It’s soft but intense, tender without being boring. Watching Olivia slowly believe she deserves love, not obligation, not fear, but real love, was incredibly satisfying. Every shared moment felt intentional, like she was relearning how to exist in the world on her own terms.

I also loved that the story didn’t pretend trauma disappears once a good man shows up. Her past still looms, still threatens, still reminds her that running isn’t always enough. That tension added depth without overpowering the romance and made Kade’s protectiveness feel grounded and earned.

This book is for anyone who loves healing romance, small-town safety, and MMCs who are strong because they are kind. Sweet Beginnings is gentle, emotional, and deeply affirming. I finished it with a full heart and a soft smile, already wishing I could start it again. 🤍📖✨
145 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2026
Sweet Beginnings is a friend’s brother, found family, boss/worker, starting over romance.

I really enjoyed reading Sweet Beginnings! From the first page I was hooked and couldn’t put it down till the end. The main characters of story are Olivia and Kade. They are both likable and relatable in their own ways. Olivia back story break your heart. She comes from a rich family were she as rules to follow, were looks matter and she doesn’t get a say in who she spends her life with. One day it all reaches a point that Olivia decides she has to leave all of that and thanks to one of her best friends she ends up in a small town with another friend. There she meets Kade. Kade comes from the opposite life that Olivia come from. He has a loving family, he is caring, hard worker and the ideally book boyfriend. When these two enter each other lives you can feel chemistry between them. One thing I loved was watching Olivia and Kade relationship grow in different ways. You get to watch Olivia grow from this shell of person to opening up and trying to things. To watching Kade, be there for Olivia. Not pushing her to tell or do things. Giving her the space, she needs but also showing up and protecting her when needed.


Another thing I like about this book was Kade’s family and Olivia’s friends. They added to the story. Without over shadowing Kade and Olivia. They brought humor to the story and gave advice to Kade and Olivia when needed. The story was told at good pace and flowed really well. The spice in the story was written well. It wasn’t over the top or cheesy. Also, the amount of spice in the story was good.

Overall, Sweet Beginnings was a good read. The main characters were great. You find yourself invested in their story from the first page. The writing was good. The pace and flow of the story was good. Sweet Beginnings is definitely a book that you will find yourself reading more than once.
Profile Image for Bree.
230 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 7, 2026
4🌟

2.5🌶

⚠️Check your triggers⚠️


Thank you to Della Monroe and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this gripping story. 


Olivia always knew her parents were distant. She never expected they would sell her hand in marriage and leave her to the mercy of her violent future husband. Olivia nearly resigns herself to her fate until one night she flees. She finds herself in Mayridge, Indiana, and learning what she is capable of. Aubrey, her friend, encourages Olivia to apply for an open position with her brother’s construction company. Enter Kade. His friends see him as the fun-loving, womanizing bachelor. The moment he lays eyes on Olivia, he knows there is something different about her. Will Kade mess everything up like his family believe he will? Will Olivia’s dangerous past come back to threaten everything she has built in Mayridge?


Monroe has a way of expressing the complex feelings of her characters with few words. The struggle that Olivia feels in abandoning everything she knows and the sheer terror that she experiences when she is triggered is done with amazing detail. Kade. What can I say about Kade? The man is the life of the party, sure. But, he cares deeply and is so patient with Olivia. He is exactly what she needed to discover herself. Everyone needs a Kade in their life. Someone who loves so deeply, but also knows when a good laugh heals as much as an ugly cry. Someone who won’t walk away when it gets hard. Does he have his flaws, absolutely. But that’s the beauty of Monroe’s writing. She made these characters so real. I did not want to finish the book because I was not ready to let these characters go. I cannot wait for book 2!


Tropes:

💚 Small-Town Romance

🛠️ Protective MMC

💚 Healing From Trauma

🛠️ Workplace Romance (Boss x Admin Assistant)

💚 Inexperienced FMC

🛠️ Dual POV

💚 Slow Burn

🛠️ Starting Over

💚 He Falls First


Favorite Quotes:

"Sometimes it’s better when we choose our family. Blood doesn’t always mean everything.”


“You’re not invisible to me, Liv. I see you.”


“Because when it comes to Liv, I’ll burn the whole fucking world down if I have to, to keep Liv safe.”


“I didn’t just fall in love with you once, Liv. I fall all over again every day. When you smile. When you fight through the hard days.”


I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Blair.
51 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2026
Thank you so much Luna Literary and Della Monroe for the ARC for an honest review.

Stars: 4 star
Spice: 2.5 chili peppers

You guys....this book was AMAZING! I absolutely loved these characters...ALL OF THEM! The depth of them and the story just had me up late at night devouring this book. And this MMC, Kade, is just swoon! You will not be disappointed with this one!

The premise is that the FMC, Olivia, has been told who to be her whole life. What to wear, what to think and how to feel, but more importantly who to marry. When left with this choice, she decides to turn her life around by leaving the old one behind. She ends up in the town of Mayridge with the help of her friend, Ivy, from back home and makes connections with Aubrey (the MMC sister). Olivia is just trying to start over and piece together who she is, when she meets the MMC, Kade. Kade is the playboy of the town, but Olivia is the forbidden fruit that he has never tasted. They bond over their work and family relationship when he quickly discovers she is broken and even more shocking, he wants to be the one to help her find her way.

This book is emotional, has jealously and suspense, first time/virgin FMC and found family. There is physical and emotional abuse throughout, so check your trigger warnings!

Loved this book and cannot wait for Book 2-Trent (MMC's best friend) and Aubrey's (MMC's sister) love story! Thank you so much Della-and great work!
Profile Image for Whitney Miller.
44 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2026
Della Monroe absolutely outdid herself with this book!
It was absolutely everything I love in a book in more.
It begins with Olivia running from her family and the arranged marriage they set up for her. When we first meet Olivia she is terrified, meek, and very much just wanting to be invisible. She grew up not knowing what it feels like to be loved, not knowing freedom, and not getting to make any choices of her own. Running away was the first choice she ever made for herself, and what follows is a story of self-discovery, finding strength, healing, and learning the meaning of the word love.
She gets a job at Kade and his brother’s construction company as an admin, and Kade helps her to feel safe for the first time in her life. He lets her make her own choices. He calms her when the storm in her gets too much. He allows her to heal herself by making sure she knows she is in control of her like. And it was just such an amazing story to see come together.
When we meet Kade, he’s this flirtatious guy. He’s a bit of a playboy. He has never done more than one night. Until he meets Olivia, and he discovers this part of him that wants to take care of someone, the part of him that wants forever with someone.
They both grow in their own ways but seeing them grow as a couple is just the cutest and rawest thing ever!
Highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Jess Bryson.
Author 4 books89 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 30, 2026
Della Monroe didn’t just write a romance, she wrote a healing journey wrapped in a love story, and I felt every single ounce of it.

Olivia’s story broke my heart in the quietest, most powerful way. Watching her go from a girl who didn’t believe she deserved safety or love into a woman who knows and finds what she deserves was so beautifully done. Her fear felt real. Her small moments of bravery felt monumental. Every step forward felt earned, and I found myself fiercely protective of her.

And then there’s Kade.

Kade wasn't just charming and flirty, but what made him unforgettable was the way he chose gentleness. The way he gave Olivia space instead of pressure. The way he offered safety. The way he fell first not because she dazzled him, but because he saw her and wanted to be someone worthy of her trust. That kind of love is rare in fiction, and it was breathtaking to read.

This book is about finding your voice after being silenced. About learning that love doesn’t cage you, it frees you. About discovering yourself and that you are allowed to want more from life.

I didn’t just root for Olivia and Kade, I felt their story. And when I turned the last page, I had that rare, heart is achingly full feeling that only comes from a book that truly stays with you.

Della, this was stunning, heartfelt, and deeply moving. I cannot wait to read whatever you write next! Always your fan, girl.
Profile Image for Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94).
233 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
First, I’d like to thank Della Monroe and Luna literary for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review!

This story follows the life of Olivia, a girl who grows up in an environment where wealth, looks and reputation come first. When she ran away to find freedom, she never could have imagined that she would find….him.

I have never read anything by Della Monroe before but when I read Sweet Beginnings, I instantly knew it was good to be a beautiful journey of finding love and healing along the way. I feel like Della did an amazing job of making Olivia feel so real. Seeing Olivia’s journey unfold after she ran away from all she used to know, was so well done and I feel like so many readers could find themselves in Olivia. The power of taking over your own life and finding your own happiness and everything you truly deserve in life even when the people who were supposed to love and protect you made for such a beautiful read.

I also really liked Kade. Seeing as he was warned by all his family to be careful around Olivia and that she isn’t like other girls broke my heart a bit. Especially knowing that it really messed with him and having to be seen as only one type of person by your family can hurt. I loved seeing Kade and Olivia grow together and everything about their story was literally “sweet”, just like the title of the book.
Profile Image for Nolia Reads.
77 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2026
First of all… huge congratulations to Della Monroe on her debut novel because WOW. If you hadn’t told me this was a debut, I genuinely wouldn’t have guessed. This book was heartfelt, steady, and so emotionally satisfying.

Olivia runs from a past she barely survived and lands in a small town that slowly becomes her safe place. Enter Kade… quietly protective, endlessly patient, and very much a he falls first kind of man. Their connection isn’t rushed or flashy— it grows gently, built on trust, safety, and showing up when it matters.

Watching Olivia find her voice again was everything. Her growth felt real and earned, and I loved that she didn’t magically heal overnight…she did the work. Kade never tried to “fix” her, he simply gave her space to breathe and choose herself. Green flag behavior only. I loveeeeeeee him😭✨

And can we talk about the found family? Because the Jenkins crew (yes, including Brandon 👀) completely stole my heart. The warmth, the support, the little moments that made Mayridge feel like home—this book wrapped around me like a blanket. I flew through it in a few hours and only stopped because I didn’t want it to end.

A beautiful beginning in every sense of the word—and I cannot wait to see what Della does next.

📚 Out now on Kindle Unlimited & Paperback

Thank you so much @della.monroe.author and @lunaliterary.management for the gifted eARC 💛
Profile Image for Ashley | ashley.reads._.
76 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
What a beautiful story! Sweet beginnings was such a nice little mix of romance and suspense. We are introduced to Olivia (Liv), stuck in a family that cares more about appearances and business than love and family. Her parents have promised her hand in marriage to the son of another wealthy family, bringing the two together for a business transaction. Her new fiancé is not a good person, and Liv finally has had enough and runs away, seeking out a better life.

She ends up in Mayridge, working for her friend’s brother, Kade. Kade is known as the playboy and flirt of his family and friends, and has been warned off of the new girl time and time again. But, the more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore their growing attraction to each other. Can Liv start over, let her walls down and let him in? Or will her past come back to haunt her, taking away any chance at true happiness?

This was genuinely such a pleasant read. It was very well written, and Della did an incredible job with her character development with Liv and Kade. She also introduced a ton of side characters that I am already itching to get my hands on their stories next.

Sweet Beginnings is a true delight to read, and the perfect journey of starting over and healing.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,226 reviews107 followers
February 15, 2026
4.5 stars
My apologies to the Author and Luna for the tardiness of this review. I received an advance copy, but the words I was writing did not do this review of the book justice. Sweet Beginnings has stayed with me for days after I read it. Check your triggers if you need to!

My heart was broken for Olivia, the people who are supposed to protect you, did not. Our window into her story starts will a terrified, young girl who wants to be invisible. Nothing about her life is her own choice, but it is her choice to run.

As she discovers her strength the healing begins. First a job where she is safe and finds more of herself. While working for Kade, she meets his brother.

The journey of growth that both of these characters take in their own ways, makes for one of the better books I have read in a while. My emotions were all over the place, but my heart did eventually mend.

While I am still not finding the words, I can say I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Beth.
165 reviews26 followers
February 21, 2026
Kade & Olivia’s story is a workplace romance in a small town where he falls first. And I’ll eat that up every time! I loved this debut!

Stars: 5/5
Spice: 3/5

Kade is drawn to Liv from the moment he meets her and will do anything to protect her. The way he takes care of her – chef’s kiss! He’s just the greenest of green flags, and I loved him. And I loved Olivia. She found the strength to run, the safety she needed in this town, and herself all at the same time. And the way Kade’s family just accepted her with zero hesitation? Loved!! I knew there would be some suspense to this story, but I honestly wasn’t expecting this much. And while I predicted the whodunit, I ate up every single second of it! I read this a lot slower than I normally would because life simply got in the way, but in the moments for reading I was able to find, I couldn’t put it down! I couldn’t wait to see exactly how everything would play out. And I already can’t wait for the next one! Highly recommend!!

CW: Listed at beginning of book

I received an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
61 reviews
February 1, 2026

I wanted to love this book: small-town romance, grumpy-sunshine, FMC fighting for the life she wants… sounds promising. But the hopeful, feel-good resolution fell flat, and the writing path to get there was super bumpy. The plot was patchy and predictable and I wanted more depth for the characters, who I did find to be quite loveable. Unfortunately, the writing gets in the way: the phrasing was awkward, the word choices repetitive and distracting. The near constant references to “breaths gasping” is off-putting. The FMCs breath “hitches” or “catches” in nearly every other paragraph, and the MMCs “chest tightens” so often that he should get check for early signs of cardiac arrest. If the MMCs voice gets any “rougher” or “lower”, he may as well growl instead of speak… and then in Chapter 36, he actually does growl. This one was not for me.

Thank you to the author and to Luna Literary Management for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Profile Image for Kymberly Lamb.
393 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
February 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ 2.5🌶️

Sweet Beginnings is the perfect title for this book and perfectly encompasses this book in two words! I loved this book so much, it is the perfect mix of sweet, spice, and suspense. I loved this take on workplace romance, typically we see it more as a taboo trope, but they didn’t have to hide their relationship in this book and while I typically love the push and pull, I also loved the low angst and open communication in this book.

Kade is down bad for Olivia from the start, but Olivia is broken and reserved. Watching Kade break down her walls was so heartwarming. I loved how patient, compassionate, and strong he was for her. Olivia has a truly horrible past and Kade is the perfect man to bring her happiness. I did anticipate the 3rd act, but it didn’t take away from the suspense of it and it was an action-packed ending.

Thank you, Della Monroe and Luna Literary, for this advanced copy! I look forward to reading more of Della’s books!!
Profile Image for Brittany.
168 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2026
I absolutely love discovering new authors, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read an ARC of Sweet Beginnings by Della Monroe. I am officially a fan.

This is the first book in the Mayridge Hearts series and delivers everything I enjoy in a romance: small town charm, a fresh start, and a swoony workplace connection. Olivia escapes a terrible arranged relationship and finds refuge in the peaceful town of Mayridge. With the help of her friend Aubrey, she lands a job at a local development office. Enter Kade, Aubrey’s brother and one of the owners, who is instantly smitten and falls hard for Olivia.

What I loved most is that this isn’t just a romance. It also carries an element of suspense. Just when you think everything is settling into place, something unexpected happens that keeps you turning the pages to see how it all unfolds. While parts of the story may feel a bit predictable, it did not take away from my enjoyment at all.

I rated this one 4.25 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for an engaging, easy read with heart, I would definitely recommend it. Be aware that it does touch on some heavier topics, including abuse, stalking, drug use, and neglectful parents, but if you are comfortable with those elements, it is absolutely worth picking up.

Thank you to Luna Literary and Della Monroe for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book. I cannot wait to dive into book two because I am dying to know what happens next with Aubrey and Trent.
Profile Image for Brandi Augustine.
985 reviews30 followers
February 19, 2026
This book is just so beautiful. I am so happy to have read this debut book. There's so much to it.

Olivia has never felt like her parents care for her. When they tell her she has to marry a guy they pick, she just feels lost and not sure what to do. When she has some bad things happen, she decides to get away and start a new life.

Kade has taken over his family's construction business with his brother. He is such a great MMC. The one who flirts with the girls and doesn't settle down. When his sister introduces Olivia, he is immediately intrigued. Everyone warns him to not mess with her, but the more time he spends with her he just can't stay away.

But Olivia is haunted by her past and makes hard to trust but this family just makes it easy. Things start to happen that makes her uneasy. What happens when it seems something is out to get her? Such a great slow burn romance with some twists in it.
Profile Image for Missi.
514 reviews13 followers
February 27, 2026
✨ Tropes ✨
💚 Small-Town Romance
🛠️ Protective MMC
💚 Healing From Trauma
🛠️ Workplace Romance (Boss x Admin Assistant)
💚 Inexperienced FMC
🛠️ Dual POV
💚 Slow Burn
🛠️ Starting Over
💚 He Falls First
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️
This was a fast paced story that had me hooked from beginning to end. Olivia's story was heartbreaking. The rigidity she lived under and callous disregard for her and the terrible man that was chosen as her fiance was so hard. When she chose herself, I cheered. Kade was so gentle and patient. That's exactly what Olivia needed. The way he honored Olivia's choices instead of trying to push his will upon her was what made him the perfect swoon worthy MMC. Watching their connection slowly develop and Olivia realizing what she really deserves was so heartfelt. The spice level was just right for them. I stayed up late to the end so I could find out the plot twist and it didn't disappoint. If you love a small town romance with heart and strong characters then this is one for you.
Profile Image for Pam V.
13 reviews
March 17, 2026
3⭐


I liked the book, but I have some things to say, so hear me out!

When I started reading this book, I thought, “Oh, this is going to be a 5⭐.” I love this kind of story, but somewhere along the way I kind of lost that thought.

Kade and Olivia fell in love so fast that her trauma was overlooked and everything felt rushed. When “Glen Woods” appeared, I immediately knew it was Caleb. The plot was very obvious, and the secondary characters felt plain none of them really had a strong personality.
Audrey deserved better, and I hated Trent! And then I read the prologue and hated Trent even more. Aubrey has been in love with him forever, and honestly, I know I’m not going to read that book.

The last chapters were rushed, the climax felt off, and the author wrote that intense scene where Olivia almost dies, only for the last chapter to jump to four months later—and I was like, what???!!!!

The drug episode had more focus than the actual ending, so… it’s a 3⭐
Profile Image for Kelsey Evans.
188 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 9, 2026
4 ✨ We love a self discovery arc and Della Monroe delivered. I absolutely adore when a romance story focuses on the individual character’s growth in addition to the romance. Olivia is leaving her past life and trauma behind, and Della lets us experience that journey. So when Kade enters the plot I was already so team Olivia that it felt like my bestie finding love.

Kade and Olivia definitely don’t have a bubblegum romance, and Della tackled some heavier themes in this story. It felt like just the start of Kade and Olivia’s journey, because although the end is satisfying there is so much ahead of this couple.

There were a few moments that a craved more depth, and found myself wanting just that little bit more from the story. But this was such a strong debut and I truly feel as this author continues to write those things will come. It felt very reminiscent of early Catherine Cowles books to me.

I’m already desperate for Aubrey and Trent’s story, and I’ll be picking that up without hesitation.

P.S. For anyone who has been living under a rock and hasn’t seen Grey’s Anatomy - there is a massive spoiler. Had me reliving the first time a TV show broke my heart.

✨ Thank you Della Monroe and Luna Literacy for the ARC ✨
Profile Image for Mascha.
58 reviews
February 10, 2026
Thank you so much Della Monroe and Luna Literary for letting me have an ARC.

The tropes: small town romance • inexperienced fmc • starting over • protective mmc • he falls first • workspace romance • healing from trauma

Congrats on your amazing debut, Della! I can’t believe that this book was your debut, because it was amazing!

Kade and Liv are a perfect match! He just understood her and always knew what was the right thing to do or say. It was so exciting to follow Olivia's development throughout the book! With the help of Kade and everyone else, but above all with her own strength, she became a confident, strong woman.

There are also so many beautiful moments in this book that it gives you a warm, cozy feeling!

To be honest, I had a hunch what would happen, but it was still so good and captivating!


Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨ (4.25 stars)
Profile Image for Alyssa Medeguari.
112 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
A heartwarming story with heartbreaking moments that lead to a healing journey.

That is exactly what Sweet Beginnings is. A healing journey for our FMC Liv who has awful parents who sell her to an even worse man just for their personal gain. When she runs away and meets Aubrey and the whole Jenkins family she sees how a family is supposed to be. Kade our MMC is a playboy who never dates until he meets Liv. Kade is so sweet with. her and actually plans out dates to show her what love is supposed to look like and feel like. It is so sweet! He does everything to protect her and it shows that his priority is keeping her safe especially when her past comes knocking.

I love the Jenkins family and the found family members! They shower Liv with love, support, and safety she has always deserved.

Thank you Della and Luna for an ARC! 🫶 I cannot wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Leslie Blair.
297 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
February 6, 2026
This book checked every box for me. Every single one. Liv and Kade’s story sucked me in immediately and I’m not quite sure they will let go anytime soon.

Liv deserved every good thing that came her way. Her upbringing was not the best and when her parents basically sold her into an arranged marriage with a horrible man, she knew she had to run. Her new beginning came in the form of a new town, friends and a man who will show her what love truly meant.

I couldn’t get enough of every scene with these two. Kade was so patient get with Liv, especially after knowing what she’s gone through. I loved seeing Liv slowly find her confidence in herself. I loved seeing Kade’s friends and family welcome Liv with open arms was so beautiful. This book was perfect in every way and I truly mean that.
Profile Image for Lima.
93 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
February 6, 2026
Hooked from the very first chapter! Olivia is the daughter of a wealthy family who is not seen and decisions are made for her. Until one day, she couldn’t do it anymore.Moving to a small town, she heals and find the love she needs and wants from Kade.

Omg this book is sooooo good. We root for Olivia to find her happily ever after and to find people to love and support her. She finds just that. I love that there are other storylines set up in this book to lead to future ones which was so nice to read about! Such a good romantic suspense! I love it!

The writing was great! The plot is good! I love all the characters and found it to be a great debut!
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
2,039 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy
February 8, 2026
It’s a truly sweet beginning for Kade & Liv that gently pulls you in. I loved how their attraction grew into something meaningful and deeply respectful, letting the relationship unfold naturally. The flirting and banter added just the right amount of spice to the slow burn, while family and friends gave the story warmth and strength.

I absolutely fumed on Liv’s behalf and then cheered when she showed the grit to want—and claim—a better future. Kade quickly proves himself a total swoon-worthy keeper. The danger simmering quietly in the background adds intrigue without stealing focus from the relationship as it develops. A beautiful, satisfying read.
Profile Image for Extraspicybooklover.
493 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2026
“Loving you is the easiest damn thing I’ve ever done.”


Sweet beginnings is a book full of healing, tender moments and love between Kade and Olivia. The found family in this is absolutely perfection💓
Olivia has a truly heartbreaking story. But she found a way out of a life threatening situation and is staying in a friend’s tiny home, healing herself but also hiding from the demons of her past.
Kade owns a construction company with his brothers and is drowning in admin work. He hires his sisters friend Olivia to help him get back on track.
These 2 have so much hidden chemistry it could set their world on fire. Their relationship builds overtime and is full of tender moments and reassurance. Kade is so good at making Olivia feel safe.
The build up to the end with the bit a twist was so good! What a great read this was. I’m so excited for MORRRE 😏💓
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