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Welcome to Amoresville #3
Casting Shade
Welcome to Amoresville, a small mountain town founded on love and filled with colorful characters.
At sixteen, a heart broken Wesley was shipped off to live with an uncle he didn’t know in a town his mother hated. At twenty-eight, Wesley finds himself doing something he swore he never following in his Uncle’s footsteps and running for Mayor of Amoresville. But when the love of his life, the woman that hates him more than anything else in the world, finds out, she makes it her mission to stop another in a long line of Lickinbills from becoming mayor.
At fifteen, Delia had her first heartbreak, and she’s been holding onto a grudge against Wesley ever since. At twenty-seven, she’s the owner of a wildly successful strip club and takes pride in her status as town black sheep. But when her nemesis announces he’s running for Mayor of the town she loves to annoy, she knows she has to stop him. There is no way Amoresville will survive another in a long line of Lickinbill Mayors. Plus, Mayor Halsted has a nice ring to it.
With a decade of resentment built up between them, the campaign trail is going to be extra bumpy when Delia and Wesley face off.
At sixteen, a heart broken Wesley was shipped off to live with an uncle he didn’t know in a town his mother hated. At twenty-eight, Wesley finds himself doing something he swore he never following in his Uncle’s footsteps and running for Mayor of Amoresville. But when the love of his life, the woman that hates him more than anything else in the world, finds out, she makes it her mission to stop another in a long line of Lickinbills from becoming mayor.
At fifteen, Delia had her first heartbreak, and she’s been holding onto a grudge against Wesley ever since. At twenty-seven, she’s the owner of a wildly successful strip club and takes pride in her status as town black sheep. But when her nemesis announces he’s running for Mayor of the town she loves to annoy, she knows she has to stop him. There is no way Amoresville will survive another in a long line of Lickinbill Mayors. Plus, Mayor Halsted has a nice ring to it.
With a decade of resentment built up between them, the campaign trail is going to be extra bumpy when Delia and Wesley face off.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Casting Shade by Brandy Ayers
Welcome to Amoresville book 3
Releases 11/22!
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and Brandy for entrusting me with an early copy!
Interconnected standalones
Dual POV, found family, second chance romance, enemy families, small town, plus size rep, family legacies, rivalry for mayor, it's always been you, no third act breakup, flash backs to the past as we learn their history
"Being petty is kind of a specialty of mine."
Delia is determined to stop the family that has tormented hers for so long from continuing to control the town via the mayor's power. When the man who broke her heart when they were teenagers announces he will be following in his uncle's footsteps and is running unopposed, a wild idea takes hold. But when they start spending time together again, Delia learns there is more to the story. Can they start over again?
I loved this book! This town and its people has my heart and I was so excited to get Delia and Wesley's story to figure out what had happened between the two of them! Delia is so strong and quirky and amazing! And I love her pettiness! It's the best!! Wesley makes my little book lover heart so happy and I loved how convicted he was to make a difference and how he has never stopped loving Delia. And their chemistry together is fire! I am more and more appreciating books without the third act breakup! This book had me tearing up at the end and I can't wait for the next book! I'm pretty confident I know who the pair will be and I am pumped!
Casting Shade by Brandy Ayers
Welcome to Amoresville book 3
Releases 11/22!
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and Brandy for entrusting me with an early copy!
Interconnected standalones
Dual POV, found family, second chance romance, enemy families, small town, plus size rep, family legacies, rivalry for mayor, it's always been you, no third act breakup, flash backs to the past as we learn their history
"Being petty is kind of a specialty of mine."
Delia is determined to stop the family that has tormented hers for so long from continuing to control the town via the mayor's power. When the man who broke her heart when they were teenagers announces he will be following in his uncle's footsteps and is running unopposed, a wild idea takes hold. But when they start spending time together again, Delia learns there is more to the story. Can they start over again?
I loved this book! This town and its people has my heart and I was so excited to get Delia and Wesley's story to figure out what had happened between the two of them! Delia is so strong and quirky and amazing! And I love her pettiness! It's the best!! Wesley makes my little book lover heart so happy and I loved how convicted he was to make a difference and how he has never stopped loving Delia. And their chemistry together is fire! I am more and more appreciating books without the third act breakup! This book had me tearing up at the end and I can't wait for the next book! I'm pretty confident I know who the pair will be and I am pumped!
November 8, 2025
What To Expect:
- small town
- mayor x towns black sheep
- plus size characters
- enemies to lovers
- second chance
- family legacy
4.5⭐️
i loved pumpkin to talk about (book 1) so much, that i immediately started reading casting shade as soon as i saw the arc hit my inbox. i mean i legit stopped and put aside all the books that i am currently reading and listening to (4 of them to be exact😅) just so i could go back to this town. so sorry books but this was just more important 😂
i really loved delia in book 1 so i was extremely happy that her story was next. she is such a fun and well written character, she is also very feisty. i would truly love to have her as a friend.
wesley i was weary about at first but not for anything bad, just because my girl delia deserves the absolute best and i felt the need to protect her 🤷🏻♀️. but it was so hard not to fall in love with him. he definitely passed the test i built up in my mind for him to be with delia. i got way too attached to these characters if you can't tell😂😂
but besides the characters, the actual story was so much fun to read. there is a lot of banter that will have you giggling anf kicking your feet. and you will just have an all around good time reading this book. i definitely recommend reading this book as well as the first two! now i just need to read book 2, up the wrong tree so i can have orion's story
thank you so much brandy ayers and haylingbookstorm for giving me this incredible opportunity to read and review this e-arc!
- small town
- mayor x towns black sheep
- plus size characters
- enemies to lovers
- second chance
- family legacy
4.5⭐️
i loved pumpkin to talk about (book 1) so much, that i immediately started reading casting shade as soon as i saw the arc hit my inbox. i mean i legit stopped and put aside all the books that i am currently reading and listening to (4 of them to be exact😅) just so i could go back to this town. so sorry books but this was just more important 😂
i really loved delia in book 1 so i was extremely happy that her story was next. she is such a fun and well written character, she is also very feisty. i would truly love to have her as a friend.
wesley i was weary about at first but not for anything bad, just because my girl delia deserves the absolute best and i felt the need to protect her 🤷🏻♀️. but it was so hard not to fall in love with him. he definitely passed the test i built up in my mind for him to be with delia. i got way too attached to these characters if you can't tell😂😂
but besides the characters, the actual story was so much fun to read. there is a lot of banter that will have you giggling anf kicking your feet. and you will just have an all around good time reading this book. i definitely recommend reading this book as well as the first two! now i just need to read book 2, up the wrong tree so i can have orion's story
thank you so much brandy ayers and haylingbookstorm for giving me this incredible opportunity to read and review this e-arc!
November 10, 2025
ARC Read - this book has everything I needed! I loved the storyline and the flashbacks to high school; it made everything tie together lovely!
The spice in this book was insane! The chapters with the scenes are incredible. Wesley is such a gent.. he puts Delia first, IYKYK!
I can’t wait for you all to read this book!!
The spice in this book was insane! The chapters with the scenes are incredible. Wesley is such a gent.. he puts Delia first, IYKYK!
I can’t wait for you all to read this book!!
November 21, 2025
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 4.4 ⭐️
sᴘɪᴄᴇ: 3🌶
Welcome to Amoresville where a long line of Lickinbills (yes, that's a real name) has been running the small mountain town. Beyond a goose tossing its hat into the mayoral race, no one has dared to rival a Lickinbills in years. However, as the latest mayor gets ready to pass the torch to his nephew & local librarian, Wesley Goldman, a hot new bombshell enters the villa... I mean, race. It's none other than Delia Halsted, whose family happens to be the Lickinbills archnemesis.
Delia is the youngest Halsted sibling from the 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦 series. While I read & loved "Up The Wrong Tree," which was about her older brother, Orion, I gotta say I loved her story even more! She was such a bad a**, smart boss woman. The owner of the popular local strip club, she initially opened it to spite the mayor (lol). What's even more admirable is how tirelessly she worked to create a safe work place in an industry that's not known to treat workers well. When offered millions for her club, she doesn't even bat an eye as she shuts down the offer to protect those who work for her.
If Delia is black cat energy, Wesley is total golden retriever vibes. The way he cared for her from afar was just so sweet. Even with all his misfortunes in life, he still pushed forward & tried to be the best version of himself - selflessly helping others in the town that took him in at sixteen.
No spoilers, but there's a bit of a Romeo & Juliet vibe - without all the death, violence & Shakespearean dialogue (𝔴𝔥'𝔯𝔢 𝔦𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔩𝔬𝔠𝔞𝔩 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔭𝔢𝔱𝔥 𝔠𝔩𝔲𝔟?). It toggles back & forth from the present to ten years ago with a bit of mystery as to why Delia holds such resentment towards Wesley. It's clear there's romantic history, but why is he enemy no. 1 now? Their sexual tension could be cut with a knife & served up on a very spicy platter.
Overall, 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑒 was such a fun read with great MCs & a memorable supporting cast. I only hope there'll be more stories coming from Amoresville (I'm looking at you, Harley!). Thank you to Brandy Ayers & Hayling Bookstorm Ltd. for the opportunity to read the eARC!
sᴘɪᴄᴇ: 3🌶
Welcome to Amoresville where a long line of Lickinbills (yes, that's a real name) has been running the small mountain town. Beyond a goose tossing its hat into the mayoral race, no one has dared to rival a Lickinbills in years. However, as the latest mayor gets ready to pass the torch to his nephew & local librarian, Wesley Goldman, a hot new bombshell enters the villa... I mean, race. It's none other than Delia Halsted, whose family happens to be the Lickinbills archnemesis.
Delia is the youngest Halsted sibling from the 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦 series. While I read & loved "Up The Wrong Tree," which was about her older brother, Orion, I gotta say I loved her story even more! She was such a bad a**, smart boss woman. The owner of the popular local strip club, she initially opened it to spite the mayor (lol). What's even more admirable is how tirelessly she worked to create a safe work place in an industry that's not known to treat workers well. When offered millions for her club, she doesn't even bat an eye as she shuts down the offer to protect those who work for her.
If Delia is black cat energy, Wesley is total golden retriever vibes. The way he cared for her from afar was just so sweet. Even with all his misfortunes in life, he still pushed forward & tried to be the best version of himself - selflessly helping others in the town that took him in at sixteen.
No spoilers, but there's a bit of a Romeo & Juliet vibe - without all the death, violence & Shakespearean dialogue (𝔴𝔥'𝔯𝔢 𝔦𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔩𝔬𝔠𝔞𝔩 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔭𝔢𝔱𝔥 𝔠𝔩𝔲𝔟?). It toggles back & forth from the present to ten years ago with a bit of mystery as to why Delia holds such resentment towards Wesley. It's clear there's romantic history, but why is he enemy no. 1 now? Their sexual tension could be cut with a knife & served up on a very spicy platter.
Overall, 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑒 was such a fun read with great MCs & a memorable supporting cast. I only hope there'll be more stories coming from Amoresville (I'm looking at you, Harley!). Thank you to Brandy Ayers & Hayling Bookstorm Ltd. for the opportunity to read the eARC!
December 2, 2025
I have so many mixed feelings. So let's start off with their families hate each other. More like Wesleys family will do anything to destroy Delilahs and hers just have kinda taken it. His uncle makes them break up as teens when he finds out about their secret relationship, telling her it was a mistake and the day after taking her v he says she was just a quickie for him and meant nothing. Like that's crazy? His uncle shaming her for opening a strip club, when she was 18 and working when her dad was dying and he tried every single thing to ruin them and make sure they suffered. And Wesley still said he wanted a relationship with the man? Like jeez your mum ran away from your family for a reason, he didn't accept her, hated her and tried to make every single person miserable. I do like their story together by both running for mayor and challenging one another, although if I were her even with the decade of no contact I wouldn't have forgiven teenage him. Her brother's seeing her as less for not being settled down with a family really irked me. She was such a successful business woman why wasn't that enough? Also girl had 3 qualifications on different subjects and got into law school??? Also the fact she kept saying the club was her and her best friends but constantly said how she was the one who financially funded it, was there 24)7 whilst taking uni courses, doing all the admin and earning less than her supposed "business partner" who did nothing to manage the club apart from be one of the dancers whilst making more than her? That didn't sit right with me and the way she instantly wanted to take over and change how things were done and Delilah just accepted it? If that were me I'd have so much to say about that. The banter was good and I did like the dynamic at the end of Wesley and Delilah working together to make sam mayor as he was deserving. The rating was probably a bit harsh but there was just bits I couldn't agree with whatsoever and 2nd chance romance after the stuff he said to her, he was too easily forgiven. I need grovelling
November 13, 2025
Delia Halsted & Wesley Goldman meet in high school when she crashes into him in the hallway running to her class. That earns her the nickname “crash” from him. He just moved to Amoresville to live with his uncle after both of his mothers died in an accident. His biological mom, the sister of Burt Lickinbill his uncle, HATED the town and moved away at 18 and even changed her last name to distance herself as much as possible. The Halsted’s and Lickinbills have a very long standing hatred of each other spanning many generations.
After meeting, Delia & Wesley start spending a lot of time together mainly in the library away from prying eyes of the town that’ll report back to his uncle. Wesley has to stay in his uncles good graces since he’s in control of Wesley’s future basically. As hormonal teenagers do, they start making out every time they’re able to. One fateful night when Delia’s parents are out of town, they plan to spend alone time together in a vacant apartment above her mom’s cafe. They end up losing their virginity together and Wesley accidentally spends the night and sneaks back home to find his very angry uncle. His uncle knows who he’s been spending time with and forces him to end things with Delia .. the day after losing their virginity. Wesley obeys his uncle and breaks Delia’s heart 💔 many years pass but finally secrets are aired out and they reconnect.
I really loved this book! It was a sweet coming of age story (until it wasn’t of course). As a fellow book nerd growing up, I loved that their special spot was in a library. I also loved the LGBTQ+ rep 🌈 and positive sexuality expression. Wesley was so adorably respectful. There were a couple scenes where his respectfulness had me laughing and smiling. I felt the pang of hurt when Wesley ended things so abruptly 😔 I definitely got a little misty eyed when Wesley pulled out the 2 quarters he’d saved all those years 🥹
Please do yourself a favor and read this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
After meeting, Delia & Wesley start spending a lot of time together mainly in the library away from prying eyes of the town that’ll report back to his uncle. Wesley has to stay in his uncles good graces since he’s in control of Wesley’s future basically. As hormonal teenagers do, they start making out every time they’re able to. One fateful night when Delia’s parents are out of town, they plan to spend alone time together in a vacant apartment above her mom’s cafe. They end up losing their virginity together and Wesley accidentally spends the night and sneaks back home to find his very angry uncle. His uncle knows who he’s been spending time with and forces him to end things with Delia .. the day after losing their virginity. Wesley obeys his uncle and breaks Delia’s heart 💔 many years pass but finally secrets are aired out and they reconnect.
I really loved this book! It was a sweet coming of age story (until it wasn’t of course). As a fellow book nerd growing up, I loved that their special spot was in a library. I also loved the LGBTQ+ rep 🌈 and positive sexuality expression. Wesley was so adorably respectful. There were a couple scenes where his respectfulness had me laughing and smiling. I felt the pang of hurt when Wesley ended things so abruptly 😔 I definitely got a little misty eyed when Wesley pulled out the 2 quarters he’d saved all those years 🥹
Please do yourself a favor and read this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
Romeo and Juliet... minus the you know...
Holy angst, tension, betrayal… and humour?
I read the blurb, and I can honestly say that I didn’t expect what I got. I’ve also read this out of order (yet to read Pumpkin to Talk About, and Up The Wrong Tree - currently on my list!). I don’t think I’ve missed much, as it seems to be able to carry as a standalone.
“Delia, I need you to take this as the compliment I intend it as. I think you might legitimately be insane.”
I could not put this book down.
This had a dual timeline. Between Wes and Delia’s introduction, their heartbreak and events of the current timeline, this was done so well that it still managed to flow….
I loved their characters.
Wes, Wes, Wes…. my heart broke for him. His love of his life loathes him, and when you find out why, I hurt for both of them. He’s dirty, all hers, and an absolute nerd.
Delia… full boss-mode, and she both cracked me up, and made me hurt. The damage done when she was a teen shaped her, and I was so glad when she finally had Wes at her back.
Harley? Looks like she might be getting a story? Yes, please… looks like it could be a riot.
Thanks Hayling Bookstorm and Brandy Ayers for the opportunity to read in advance…
Holy angst, tension, betrayal… and humour?
I read the blurb, and I can honestly say that I didn’t expect what I got. I’ve also read this out of order (yet to read Pumpkin to Talk About, and Up The Wrong Tree - currently on my list!). I don’t think I’ve missed much, as it seems to be able to carry as a standalone.
“Delia, I need you to take this as the compliment I intend it as. I think you might legitimately be insane.”
I could not put this book down.
This had a dual timeline. Between Wes and Delia’s introduction, their heartbreak and events of the current timeline, this was done so well that it still managed to flow….
I loved their characters.
Wes, Wes, Wes…. my heart broke for him. His love of his life loathes him, and when you find out why, I hurt for both of them. He’s dirty, all hers, and an absolute nerd.
Delia… full boss-mode, and she both cracked me up, and made me hurt. The damage done when she was a teen shaped her, and I was so glad when she finally had Wes at her back.
Harley? Looks like she might be getting a story? Yes, please… looks like it could be a riot.
Thanks Hayling Bookstorm and Brandy Ayers for the opportunity to read in advance…
December 21, 2025
You can read all of my revies at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is such a cute small-town romance about Delia and Wesley, filled with plenty of laughter, banter and spice.
The duo met when they were teenagers and fell in love, but Wesley broke Delia’s heart. They’re now in their late 20s and Delia is running a highly successful strip club with her best friend and Wesley is the local librarian. Delia is infuriated when she discovers that Wesley is running unopposed for Mayor, a position his family has held for generations. Their families are rivals, and his family has been screwing over her family for decades. Delia decides to run against Wesley and let the antics ensue.
I loved Delia’s feistiness and commitment to pettiness. She holds a grudge and is proud of it. Wesley is a total golden retriever, and I loved how protective he is of Delia, even though she doesn’t know about it. The book is written from both MCs POV and contains flashbacks from high school to explain the trajectory of their relationship. It’s a quick and easy read that you will enjoy reading.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Hayling Bookstorm, LTD. All opinions are my own.
This is such a cute small-town romance about Delia and Wesley, filled with plenty of laughter, banter and spice.
The duo met when they were teenagers and fell in love, but Wesley broke Delia’s heart. They’re now in their late 20s and Delia is running a highly successful strip club with her best friend and Wesley is the local librarian. Delia is infuriated when she discovers that Wesley is running unopposed for Mayor, a position his family has held for generations. Their families are rivals, and his family has been screwing over her family for decades. Delia decides to run against Wesley and let the antics ensue.
I loved Delia’s feistiness and commitment to pettiness. She holds a grudge and is proud of it. Wesley is a total golden retriever, and I loved how protective he is of Delia, even though she doesn’t know about it. The book is written from both MCs POV and contains flashbacks from high school to explain the trajectory of their relationship. It’s a quick and easy read that you will enjoy reading.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Hayling Bookstorm, LTD. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
I was selected to ARC read Casting About in exchange for an honest review. I saw a few very minor spelling/grammar errors, but nothing that won’t be caught in some final edits. Nothing that takes away from the storyline. This book is a short book that is wonderfully bingeable. Written in a dual POV with flashbacks from the present to 10 years prior when the MCs were in high school. This book is for you if you like small town romances, light enemies to lovers, and second chance romances.
Delia and Wesley meet in high school when Wesley is new to town. He moved in with his uncle, the mayor, and is trying to learn the flow of a small town after growing up in NY. He’s trying to traverse the generational conflict between his uncle’s family (the Lickinbills) and Delia’s family (the Halsteads). I originally read a little blurb about this and IMMEDIATELY put aside my personal pause on ARCs to sign up and I absolutely do not regret it. I haven’t read the first two books (Pumpkin to Talk About and Up the Wrong Tree) but I have bumped them right up in my TBR.
Strong four star read, definitely recommend it to anyone considering it!
Delia and Wesley meet in high school when Wesley is new to town. He moved in with his uncle, the mayor, and is trying to learn the flow of a small town after growing up in NY. He’s trying to traverse the generational conflict between his uncle’s family (the Lickinbills) and Delia’s family (the Halsteads). I originally read a little blurb about this and IMMEDIATELY put aside my personal pause on ARCs to sign up and I absolutely do not regret it. I haven’t read the first two books (Pumpkin to Talk About and Up the Wrong Tree) but I have bumped them right up in my TBR.
Strong four star read, definitely recommend it to anyone considering it!
November 18, 2025
Doing what’s right
This is book 3 of the Welcome to Amoresville series and follows Wesley and Delia’s story.
I was so excited to read about these two as they were previously introduced to us in earlier books.
I had a soft spot for Wesley, wanting to know what had happened between himself and Delia when they were younger.
This story fills in the blanks flowing back and forth between the past and present day, revealing what happened and why Delia still despises him.
There are secrets that need to be revealed, an uncle that needs to be put in his place, an election to win and a town to benefit from a new figurehead.
I loved this story and my soft spot for Wesley has grown exponentially.
He just needs a bit of a helping hand to convince Delia that he could be a major part of her future if she would only let him in.
Loving the series and hoping that Harley’s story gets her own happy ending soon.
This is book 3 of the Welcome to Amoresville series and follows Wesley and Delia’s story.
I was so excited to read about these two as they were previously introduced to us in earlier books.
I had a soft spot for Wesley, wanting to know what had happened between himself and Delia when they were younger.
This story fills in the blanks flowing back and forth between the past and present day, revealing what happened and why Delia still despises him.
There are secrets that need to be revealed, an uncle that needs to be put in his place, an election to win and a town to benefit from a new figurehead.
I loved this story and my soft spot for Wesley has grown exponentially.
He just needs a bit of a helping hand to convince Delia that he could be a major part of her future if she would only let him in.
Loving the series and hoping that Harley’s story gets her own happy ending soon.
December 5, 2025
I received this book as an ARC reader and want to say thank you to the author for allowing me to read this story. Delia and Wesley have a complicated history, feuding families and a few mistakes along the way. This book is written in a duel point of view and also a duel time period, so we get both Delia and Wesley’s points of view and then flashbacks to when they were teenagers. I enjoyed getting the multiple time periods but at the beginning of the book it was hard to understand why Delia was so mad at Wesley because we didn’t get that answer until like halfway through the book. Overall I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the world that the author created. I did only read this book even though it is book three in the series so it’s possible that it would’ve made me slightly less confused if I would’ve read the other two books. Thanks again to the author for allowing me to read this world they created.
November 14, 2025
This book truly deserved all 5 stars. It had everything: comedy, spice, suspense, angst, and grief. The long time feud between the families feels almost like a self fulfilled prophecy that has to end just like the long standing legacy of Mayor Lickinbill. I liked the back and forth between the past and present, I think it intensifies just how much these characters meant to one another. I loved all the side characters and the details were perfect in expelling who they all were without being overwhelming, also all the townsfolk that are basically just extended family. The way grief is described in this story hit home for me and was so true. I have already downloaded more of Brandy Ayers books and will be reading the others in this series.
December 13, 2025
Casting Shade surprised me in the best way. The writing was solid and thoughtful, and the flashbacks added an emotional layer that really helped ground the story and characters.
I’m a sucker for a good lovers → enemies → lovers trope, and this one was done well—balanced tension, believable conflict, and satisfying payoff. The spice was present but handled tastefully, which I appreciated.
I went into this without having read the earlier books in the series, and while I could tell there were some details I missed, it mostly works as a standalone. I didn’t feel like my experience was significantly diminished.
Overall, a strong, emotionally engaging read and one of the better books I’ve picked up lately.
I’m a sucker for a good lovers → enemies → lovers trope, and this one was done well—balanced tension, believable conflict, and satisfying payoff. The spice was present but handled tastefully, which I appreciated.
I went into this without having read the earlier books in the series, and while I could tell there were some details I missed, it mostly works as a standalone. I didn’t feel like my experience was significantly diminished.
Overall, a strong, emotionally engaging read and one of the better books I’ve picked up lately.
November 11, 2025
completely hooked!! such a fun read 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Second Chance
❤️🔥Plus-Size FMC
❤️🔥Small Town
❤️🔥 Rivalry
❤️🔥Workplace Romance
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this book and I’m so happy I did! I absolutely loved Casting Shade! It’s steamy, funny, and a little heartbreaking in all the best ways. I adore a good workplace romance, and the small-town political twist made it even better.
Delia is a total plus-size badass — confident, fiery, and impossible not to love. The slow-burn tension and chemistry were perfect, and I couldn’t stop reading.
spicy and full of small-town chaos. I’d call it a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Second Chance
❤️🔥Plus-Size FMC
❤️🔥Small Town
❤️🔥 Rivalry
❤️🔥Workplace Romance
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this book and I’m so happy I did! I absolutely loved Casting Shade! It’s steamy, funny, and a little heartbreaking in all the best ways. I adore a good workplace romance, and the small-town political twist made it even better.
Delia is a total plus-size badass — confident, fiery, and impossible not to love. The slow-burn tension and chemistry were perfect, and I couldn’t stop reading.
spicy and full of small-town chaos. I’d call it a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5!
November 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚎
𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘈𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴
Beyond thrilled to head back to Amoresville to uncover the wild ride that is 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 between nerdy Wesley and strip club owner Delia.
Casting Shade is the third book in the Welcome to Amoresville series and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone BUT I highly recommend also reading 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 and 𝘜𝘱 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦 so you can get alllll the vibes it has to offer 😉
Much love to @brandyayerswrites and @haylingbookstormltd for the ARC (and bookish mail) 🫶🏻
#bookreview #books #arcreader #indieauthor #reader #readersofìnstagram #bookish #booksta
𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚎
𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘈𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴
Beyond thrilled to head back to Amoresville to uncover the wild ride that is 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 between nerdy Wesley and strip club owner Delia.
Casting Shade is the third book in the Welcome to Amoresville series and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone BUT I highly recommend also reading 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 and 𝘜𝘱 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦 so you can get alllll the vibes it has to offer 😉
Much love to @brandyayerswrites and @haylingbookstormltd for the ARC (and bookish mail) 🫶🏻
#bookreview #books #arcreader #indieauthor #reader #readersofìnstagram #bookish #booksta
December 1, 2025
I absolutely love this series! After finishing Book 2 of the Welcome to Amoresville series, I couldn’t wait to dive into Delia and Wesley’s story—and Book 3 did not disappoint! I’m completely invested in these characters. From the very first page, this story grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end.
I loved how the narrative alternates between the present and ten years ago, giving us the backstory of what happened in high school. Plus, the dual POV is so well done—you really get to understand both Delia and Wesley’s perspectives. This book is beautifully written and full of emotion.
Bring on Book 4—I can’t wait to read Harley and Murph’s story!
I loved how the narrative alternates between the present and ten years ago, giving us the backstory of what happened in high school. Plus, the dual POV is so well done—you really get to understand both Delia and Wesley’s perspectives. This book is beautifully written and full of emotion.
Bring on Book 4—I can’t wait to read Harley and Murph’s story!
November 22, 2025
This book is a small town, enemies to lovers contemporary romance. It deals with families who hate each other going back generations in this small town. It is a cute book to read with a good story. I liked the characters of Delia and Wes. There is plenty of character development in this. It goes back 10 years to tell you how they first met and what happened and modern day. If you like enemies to lovers, family fueds, plus size character, spice, and contemporary romance, this would be good book to read!
January 6, 2026
This was an absolute amazing small town enemies to lovers second chance romance! 🥰 I received this as an ARC reader and am way behind given that the book was released in November. But it is was absolutely perfect and so happy I got to read this! I realized it wasn’t the first in the standalone books of this world, and am 100% going back to read the other stories. The writing was amazing and I felt like I was right there in town. Following the author so I can stay up to date on all the books she comes out with. Add it to your TBR lists. You won’t be disappointed!
November 11, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
Okay I didn’t realize I’d be into a dirty male librarian but here we are!
Wesley & Delia high school sweethearts to enemies to rivals to lovers again. This story just kept coming up with surprises in the best of ways.
The high school chapters really brought into focus their story & how intertwined their present lives.
And can we just talk about how much of boss Delia is owning her own strip club & battling the mayor for years & always coming on top! Such a good read!
Okay I didn’t realize I’d be into a dirty male librarian but here we are!
Wesley & Delia high school sweethearts to enemies to rivals to lovers again. This story just kept coming up with surprises in the best of ways.
The high school chapters really brought into focus their story & how intertwined their present lives.
And can we just talk about how much of boss Delia is owning her own strip club & battling the mayor for years & always coming on top! Such a good read!
November 18, 2025
This was a fantastic story!!! I am so glad that Wesley decided to run for mayor to end the reign of ridiculousness of his awful family members before him. Delia is an amazing woman who I would want to be friends with. When they finally do accomplish their mutual goal of taking down Bert, it’s like you want to hear the hallelujah chorus play. What a book! I cannot wait to read more about this town by this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
Expect small town romance, second chances, enemy adjacent to lovers? The writing style in first chapter put me off but the teenage chapters appear to be written like a teenager upon further notice which is genius. I found it to be a hooking story, captivated straight away despite flaws. I was so confused about what Wesley could possibly have done as he seemed like such an angel. Burt can crawl in a hole. Also there were two Pokemon references!
November 28, 2025
I love this series.
Each book has just gotten better.
I love that Delia is such a strong independent character. I loved that this book had dual timelines, so we got their backstory.
Delia is such a bada** who was given such a special storyline. She 100% put everyone ahead of herself and I’m thrilled that she got her happy ending.
Officially petitioning for Murph and Harley’s story!
Huge thanks to the author and Hayling Storm ltd for the advanced copy.
Each book has just gotten better.
I love that Delia is such a strong independent character. I loved that this book had dual timelines, so we got their backstory.
Delia is such a bada** who was given such a special storyline. She 100% put everyone ahead of herself and I’m thrilled that she got her happy ending.
Officially petitioning for Murph and Harley’s story!
Huge thanks to the author and Hayling Storm ltd for the advanced copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Book 3 of the Amoresville Series did not disappoint! Casting Shade story is about the third Halstead sibling, Delia and the mayors nephew Wesley. Delia and Wesley have a strenuous past from high school and the book goes to the past to explain what happened all those years ago and why Delia hates Wesley so much. Delia and Wesley both want the best for Amoresville. I loved reading their story and just overall the whole series is so good!
November 19, 2025
I absolutely loved the yearning in this book! I’m also happy to be back in Amoresville! I love this quaint and kooky town. This book was tamer in the spice level out of the three books and we definitely had more of a slow burn. I’m hoping there will be another book in this series because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Amoresville just yet.
Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team for this!
Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team for this!
November 21, 2025
OK, first off Delia and Wesley. I love their story. I am a sucker for enemy to lovers and this checked off everything I would ever want. The quirkiness, the pettiness, the sweetness. This book had me tearing up at times. I loved their story. I loved the town. It was all so well written. I seriously cannot wait for the next book to come out.
December 12, 2025
So good, so sweet, I love a redemption, and I hate lost time. That being said, the characters were well-rounded, had actual stakes on the line, and genuinely wanted what was best for everyone and not just themselves. As petty as SOME of them were, the outcome almost always benefitted someone in the community. They were funny, the interactions intense, and the love soooo real. I loved it!
November 20, 2025
2nd chance small town enemies to lovers.. this book gives all of it.
The strong and feisty FMC that is Delia who knows who she is, and doesn’t apologize.
The MMC who is the strong nerdy type that just wants to protect her, but kind of sucks at communicating. He learns though.
Enjoyable read.
The strong and feisty FMC that is Delia who knows who she is, and doesn’t apologize.
The MMC who is the strong nerdy type that just wants to protect her, but kind of sucks at communicating. He learns though.
Enjoyable read.
November 21, 2025
I can't get enough!
Delia and Wesley are a modern day Romeo and Juliet, without the tragic ending.
This is book 3 in this series and I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far.
Delia and Wesley met in high school one day when she crashed into him right before english honors class. It was love at first sight.
After the loss of his mothers, Wesley moved in with his uncle Burt, the current mayor of Amoresville. Delia's family and Burt's family have always been rivals and the whole town knows it.
From the very beginning, Burt instructed Wesley to keep away from Delia's family since they are a group of hooligans that are up to no good.
Unfortunately for Burt, Wesley makes his own decisions.
After having ups and downs over a span of several years we finally get to see how their story plays out. What happened all those years ago? How does that affect their lives now?
You'll have to read to find out, and I hope you enjoy.
Delia and Wesley are a modern day Romeo and Juliet, without the tragic ending.
This is book 3 in this series and I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far.
Delia and Wesley met in high school one day when she crashed into him right before english honors class. It was love at first sight.
After the loss of his mothers, Wesley moved in with his uncle Burt, the current mayor of Amoresville. Delia's family and Burt's family have always been rivals and the whole town knows it.
From the very beginning, Burt instructed Wesley to keep away from Delia's family since they are a group of hooligans that are up to no good.
Unfortunately for Burt, Wesley makes his own decisions.
After having ups and downs over a span of several years we finally get to see how their story plays out. What happened all those years ago? How does that affect their lives now?
You'll have to read to find out, and I hope you enjoy.
November 22, 2025
If you love small town romances please please please pick these up, the whole series is so adorable and I loved this second chance enemies to lovers romance 🥰 and that dirty talk!! 🥵🥵
December 2, 2025
REVIEW TO COME
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