Methods of Persuasion

The Birch Valley #2

by Sunny del Williams

Falling into my patient's bed (again) was a terrible decision.

But falling in love with him? That wasn't even a choice.

All I wanted was one selfish, delicious night of unattainable freedom. So I gave in to an unfamiliar desire and had a steamy, unforgettable one night stand with an older man.

I thought that would be it. But then I move halfway across the province for a job to try and find peace–and instead, unexpectedly find myself face to face once more with that same man who’d rocked my world. And it’s worse. I’m his new physio.

That irresistible, magnetic pull between us? It’s still there, but stronger. And even though we try, soon we can’t keep our hands off each other.

But it’s more than just sex. There’s some kind of instant spark between us. We play off each other without even trying. He makes me laugh, pushes me out of my comfort zone, and brings a balance to my life that I hadn’t thought was possible.

Before I know it, I’m questioning where simple lust and friendship ends and the unthinkable–love–begins.

Methods of Persuasion is a cosy and spicy age gap romcom set in beautiful Alberta, Canada with a guaranteed HEA.

For fans of Stephanie Archer, Daisy Thorne, Meg Riley, and CanLit!

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 27, 2026

Reviews

[TopShelfTempts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Methods of Persuasion arc
By @sunnywritesandstuff
Welcome back to Birch Valley for book two in the Birch Valley series! 🍁

Tropes:
Age gap
One night
Workplace/employer- employee situation
Forced proximity, maybe chosen or definitely can blame the mouse 🐭
Mental Health representation
Surviving a traumatic injury representation (and trying to live again!)
Small town
Daddy
And more in this gem 💎

When Lyla Pedersen, entered the small town of Birch Valley to begin her assignment as a physiotherapist for a 6 month contract with her new client, she’s having a bit of a shaky start, as she got lost and now is seemingly out of control, she grounds herself with thoughts to a one night stand she had months ago with a kind, older man- with whom she struck up conversation at the bar and then headed back to a hotel room… Daddy kink, anyone…
Arthur is Lyla’s newest therapy patient, and upon entering his house and hearing his voice and then realizing he was the kind stranger *cough* Daddy from that unforgettable night….
Arthur also happens to be Blake’s Dad from book number one!
These two strike out on a journey of healing ❤️‍🩹-more than just his hip injury!
A happily ever after lies ahead for these two with a few twists and turns along the way! You must read to see my dear Watson!
I give this one all the endless strolls on Main Street rating ❤️ 🍁 🎃 maybe a coffee or book too☕️ 📕

“A month ago, I’d never imagined being in my own basement discussing a sex bet with a sweet, beautiful young woman who, for reasons unknown, found me attractive enough to want to regularly jump my bones.”
^^^^But here we are!!!😏

Let your Kindle say, “I do, I do, I do” to these two !!!
Officially out on February 27,2026!!!

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this story was absolutely fantastic. Lyla and Arthur couldn’t be more opposite if you tried, yet somehow they were perfect for each other. And thank you, Sunny, for introducing us to an MMC who is so refreshingly different and quirky that you can’t help but fall head over heels for him.
One of the things I love most when reading is when characters feel real and relatable. Don’t get me wrong—I love my mafia bosses and over-the-top hockey players—but there’s just something about grounded, authentic characters that hits differently. Sunny did an amazing job with Arthur, from the way she portrayed his struggles with his disability to his beautifully quirky, eccentric personality. He was absolute perfection.
I also really appreciated how Lyla’s anxiety disorder was handled. As someone who deals with anxiety and panic attacks myself, I was able to connect with her in a way I haven’t with many other characters, and Sunny captured that experience so thoughtfully and realistically.
This story was truly beautiful, full of warmth, coziness, and love. I highly recommend picking it up so you can feel all of that magic for yourself.

[Maddy ;) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! I’m not usually one for age gaps (other than a 600 year old and a 20-something year old lol) but this was so fun!

Arthur and Lyla are very different from each other in the biggest ways and similar in the smaller ways that matter most. I loved how eccentric Arthur was and how I could picture the wild things he said like it was a movie playing in my brain. His oddities were funny and the way he teased everyone made me smile.

I related to Lyla more than I relate to most other fmcs. Her anxiety was extremely similar to mine. I really appreciated how her journey was written; she wanted to try absolutely everything she could before actually asking for help from professionals. I did the same thing for many years. The way she handled panic attacks was also very similar to how I do. It was refreshing to read about such a relatable character and have them not only be appreciated, but wanted so fiercely and accepted, mental health struggles and all.

I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read small-town romances and about two flawed human beings finding each other and accepting one another completely.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Thank you Sunny for the ARC. This is my honest review.

This was the cutest book I've read in a while. I read and loved book 1 so I was so excited to see the ARCs for book 2 on my feed and immediately dived in! Here's what I loved:

- Arthur might be one of the funnest MMC's I've ever read. He was so dynamic, fun, and pushed Lyla to get out of her comfort zone and to seek help for her anxiety. I also did NOT expect him to have the mouth he did...holy Jesus does that man have a dirty mouth!

- Likewise, Lyla pushing Arthur out of his comfort zone and helping him. I absolutely loved seeing the two of them together

- The dynamic between the two MC's was so fun, raw, and honest

- HE BUYS HER BOOKS!!!


I did get a little bit of whiplash reading this book and wish there was a bit...more. More spice, more description, and a bit less of Arthur being so...quirky? I'm not sure if that's the right word but I truly did enjoy this.

This was such a cozy, feel good read. It's perfect for a snow day or rainy day cuddled up under the blankets!

[Janessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect the spice and I was not disappointed!! Arthur and Lyla had a one night stand and they thought they'd never see each other again.

Present day, Arthur cannot seem to keep on any physiotherapist, he's stubborn and set in his ways. Blake, his son has hired someone new in hopes this will get his dad moving again.

Lyla, after having lost her mom, had to grow up fast. She took care of her siblings like any parental figure as her dad was too busy working away from home. She took a chance to finally get out of Edmonton and live on her own.

Big surprise for them both when Lyla is introduced to Blake's dad...they know each other intimately. Follow Arthur and Lyla as they navigate this tricky situation, how long can they hold off their attraction to one another? The spice is spicing in this book, I LOVE Arthur's and Lylas dynamic. I loved watching their relationship unfold!

[Knotty.Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review!

Wow, what a ride!!!!
Polar opposites that are perfect for each other!

It gives daddy issues, but in good ways. Iykyk.
Lylas dad was an iron fist, dismissive of her anxiety.
Arthur learns her and helps her find what grounds her and makes her spark come back.
Also, he buys her books!
What's not to love!?

I so can appreciate how Arthur responded to Lyla's anxiety. As someone who struggles severely with anxiety, I feel seen ♡

Lyla is able to work her charm and get Arthur to step outside his comfort zone.
"Time to dance Sherlock. Are you ready?"
"Of course, my dear Watson."

Oh, and did I mention the spice!?
Arthur daddy knows what's up 🤭😏

Thank you, Sunny, for delivering yet another amazing book!

I can't wait to see where Birch Valley takes us in book 3!

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Methods of Persuasion is a cozy, charming, and surprisingly spicy read! I especially appreciated how thoughtfully mental health was represented.

Watching Lyla and Arthur’s relationship unfold was such a joy. Their dynamic feels authentic, their chemistry is electric, and the tension between them is chef’s kiss. The age gap, workplace setting, and slow-burn romance add extra layers, while the steamy scenes are perfectly balanced with heartfelt, emotional moments.

I loved seeing how Arthur and Lyla push each other, make each other laugh, and challenge one another in ways that feel completely real. It’s more than just lust—there’s a genuine spark and emotional connection that makes the romance truly satisfying.

This is a perfect read for fans of cozy, spicy age-gap romances with a guaranteed HEA.

Thank you to Sunny Del Williams for the gifted ARC!

[Courtney Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for my honest review

In this heartwarming story our FMC is a physiotherapist, and her newest job is taking her to a very small town. Her client, our MMC, is a former drama teacher, but was in a car accident and shattered his hip. Oh and he is the older man she had a ONS with a few months ago - with a no names or numbers kinda of vibe. She is determined to help bring him out of his funk and find his happy place again, but it really isn't easy when she suffers from such extreme anxiety. Trying to keep everyone in her life happy and together - she constantly neglects herself, but he is there to help pick up the pieces.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author.
In this duel POV age gap story, we follow Lyla and Arthur, who had a ONS and are now reconnecting when Lyla comes to Birch Valley to be his therapist. After getting scammed out of a place to live, Lyla finds herself living with Arthur, and that’s where their relationship begins.
I absolutely loved the writing and the banter. I was laughing and crying with the characters, and celebrating their wins in life. The spice was spicy, which is always a plus!

[BusyMommiesBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute second story for Birch Valley. I truly enjoyed their relationship as well as the crossovers with timeline between this book and the first.

This has great mental health representation. I felt seen and understood as someone who struggles with anxiety.

Ending got wrapped up quickly, but nicely. can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Methods of Persuasion by Sunny del Williams is a sweet cozy romance with spicy scenes and a great representation for mental health rep(anxiety).

This is a great quick read for lovers of the following tropes: he falls first, slow burn, age gap, disability rep, anxiety rep, and workplace/forbidden.


Thanks to Sunny del Williams for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up
*he falls first
*disability rep
*slow burn
*age gap
*anxietyrep
*workplace/forbidden

this was a sweet cute cozy romance... some spicy scenes... 😋 🔥... Sherlock and Watson 😍😍😍 ty for allowing me an advanced copy of this ..
just a feel good read 📚

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!!!!!!! Lyla and Arthur are my new favorite book couple! Lyla pushed Arthur out of his comfort zone! This book was so cozy and beautiful!!!.

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