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Until Next Time: A Cozy, Small Town, Brother's Best Friend Romance
When Birdie Banks returns to her hometown of Saddlebrooke after her life in the city doesn’t go quite as planned, the last thing she expects is to find a job—or comfort—with Dawsen Jones, her brother’s best friend and the boy who’s been etched into her heart for as long as she can remember.
But Dawsen isn’t the boy she once knew. Haunted by loss and convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness, he’s poured himself into running the business he inherited and the winery that holds an even deeper meaning to him.
As Birdie and Dawsen work side by side, friendship begins to blur into something deeper. And when old wounds resurface, they’ll have to figure out if the timing will ever be right.
But Dawsen isn’t the boy she once knew. Haunted by loss and convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness, he’s poured himself into running the business he inherited and the winery that holds an even deeper meaning to him.
As Birdie and Dawsen work side by side, friendship begins to blur into something deeper. And when old wounds resurface, they’ll have to figure out if the timing will ever be right.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 30, 2025
In Until Next Time, Daryn Mae tells a story of a young woman, Birdie, who finds herself freshly thirty, jobless, and back home after losing what was supposed to be the job that would lead to the career of her dreams. As if that weren’t bad enough, she is surprised by her lifelong childhood crush - her brother’s best friend of all people – at her own breakfast table!
My favorite broody male lead Dawsen is aloof but flirtatious and the two share their stories of pining for each other through the ups and downs of their lives. Neither of them are the wiser of how the other feels. Through this tale of love, loss, and waiting, Daryn Mae drives home the importance of a loving family, a great friend, and knowing your worth and not settling for anything less.
The characters in this book are wide ranging. Birdie, the main character, is adorably quirky, creative, bright, sensitive, and maybe housing a little bit of self-doubt. I would say she is easy to relate to and adore for most women.
Dawsen is a smoke show whose manly scent nearly wafts off the pages as you read. He is organized, well-dressed, well-mannered, extremely thoughtful and sentimental. Any man needs to take notes on this character! The reader is able to have some fun with him wondering what his issue is for most of the book! He doesn’t share everything forthrightly, and is fairly guarded in love because of his past.
Best friend Casey is the honest, always there, never let you down best friend that supports Birdie throughout the whole journey while still letting Birdie live her life her way. More importantly, she plays the role of the sweet friend that we sometimes adopt as our own because they need us and we need them too.
Brother River is a classic guy - says what he thinks, is a great friend to Dawsen, but wrapped up in getting a girl – perhaps the wrong one!
Mom and Dad of Birdie are the sweetest parents and the prime example of how parents should be if they want to have a true lasting and meaningful relationship with their children. Their love is inspiring all on its own in this book.
Lastly, Dawsen’s dad is a different character that not everyone can relate to if you haven’t undergone his type of loss. But he provides a model for how to view soul mates after they are gone and how to cope with loss in a healthy way.
This book is an easy-to-read, get lost in the pages next to a fireplace with a glass of wine, kind of book. While the author uses some fun classic tropes found in romance novels, her personality comes through in the charm of the small town, homes, the winery, book store, and people. It is entertaining, sweet, and makes you wish for a second book about some of the other characters! I hope she has another one coming. Don’t wait to read Until Next Time, you’ll love having these characters in your heart.
My favorite broody male lead Dawsen is aloof but flirtatious and the two share their stories of pining for each other through the ups and downs of their lives. Neither of them are the wiser of how the other feels. Through this tale of love, loss, and waiting, Daryn Mae drives home the importance of a loving family, a great friend, and knowing your worth and not settling for anything less.
The characters in this book are wide ranging. Birdie, the main character, is adorably quirky, creative, bright, sensitive, and maybe housing a little bit of self-doubt. I would say she is easy to relate to and adore for most women.
Dawsen is a smoke show whose manly scent nearly wafts off the pages as you read. He is organized, well-dressed, well-mannered, extremely thoughtful and sentimental. Any man needs to take notes on this character! The reader is able to have some fun with him wondering what his issue is for most of the book! He doesn’t share everything forthrightly, and is fairly guarded in love because of his past.
Best friend Casey is the honest, always there, never let you down best friend that supports Birdie throughout the whole journey while still letting Birdie live her life her way. More importantly, she plays the role of the sweet friend that we sometimes adopt as our own because they need us and we need them too.
Brother River is a classic guy - says what he thinks, is a great friend to Dawsen, but wrapped up in getting a girl – perhaps the wrong one!
Mom and Dad of Birdie are the sweetest parents and the prime example of how parents should be if they want to have a true lasting and meaningful relationship with their children. Their love is inspiring all on its own in this book.
Lastly, Dawsen’s dad is a different character that not everyone can relate to if you haven’t undergone his type of loss. But he provides a model for how to view soul mates after they are gone and how to cope with loss in a healthy way.
This book is an easy-to-read, get lost in the pages next to a fireplace with a glass of wine, kind of book. While the author uses some fun classic tropes found in romance novels, her personality comes through in the charm of the small town, homes, the winery, book store, and people. It is entertaining, sweet, and makes you wish for a second book about some of the other characters! I hope she has another one coming. Don’t wait to read Until Next Time, you’ll love having these characters in your heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
Potential spoilers!!! ^^^^^
*I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book :)*
Overall, I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars. Rounded up to 4 because it deserves more than a round down. The story was cute albeit a little fast paced. Starts off with MCF, Birdie, having her life turn on its head resulting in the need to leave the big city and head back to her cozy small-town home. MCM, Dawsen, is introduced very early on in the book and we get to see both sides of the story as the chapters are split POV. Dawsen is the best friend of Birdie’s older brother, but the three of them grew up in close-quarters. The story goes on of two people yearning to be with one another, thinking they’re both one-sided on their thoughts and feelings. After a quick trip and long night, Dawsen breaks news to Birdie that abruptly changes their relationship. This leads to an emotional rollercoaster all the way up to the HEA. Secret notes, cherished memories, heart break, and deep love. Cute and cozy story with characters you root for.
Why 3.5 stars then? Along with the fast paced nature of the relationship’s growth in the book, I found the MCF to be slightly unlikeable at times. Her personality involves being very self deprecating. Which, I do get that happens when your life falls apart and you have to rethink the entirety of what you want to do with it. However, I wish I saw more growth in her thoughts with how fast paced everything else was and less of the constant need for others to assure her in all life aspects. It simply just got repetitive. There was also the random throw-in of one of Steve Carell’s movies as a plot point. Conversations in the book related to this point weren’t my cup of tea, but I guess it shows the commitment she had to loving the MCM before he ever knew.
Would I read it again? Yes, probably. It was a short read and I was interested in the love story even with its unique turns. I’m happy to have been able to read it :)
Oh!! And there will 100% be a sequel to the book #myBestFriend’sBrother
*I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book :)*
Overall, I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars. Rounded up to 4 because it deserves more than a round down. The story was cute albeit a little fast paced. Starts off with MCF, Birdie, having her life turn on its head resulting in the need to leave the big city and head back to her cozy small-town home. MCM, Dawsen, is introduced very early on in the book and we get to see both sides of the story as the chapters are split POV. Dawsen is the best friend of Birdie’s older brother, but the three of them grew up in close-quarters. The story goes on of two people yearning to be with one another, thinking they’re both one-sided on their thoughts and feelings. After a quick trip and long night, Dawsen breaks news to Birdie that abruptly changes their relationship. This leads to an emotional rollercoaster all the way up to the HEA. Secret notes, cherished memories, heart break, and deep love. Cute and cozy story with characters you root for.
Why 3.5 stars then? Along with the fast paced nature of the relationship’s growth in the book, I found the MCF to be slightly unlikeable at times. Her personality involves being very self deprecating. Which, I do get that happens when your life falls apart and you have to rethink the entirety of what you want to do with it. However, I wish I saw more growth in her thoughts with how fast paced everything else was and less of the constant need for others to assure her in all life aspects. It simply just got repetitive. There was also the random throw-in of one of Steve Carell’s movies as a plot point. Conversations in the book related to this point weren’t my cup of tea, but I guess it shows the commitment she had to loving the MCM before he ever knew.
Would I read it again? Yes, probably. It was a short read and I was interested in the love story even with its unique turns. I’m happy to have been able to read it :)
Oh!! And there will 100% be a sequel to the book #myBestFriend’sBrother
October 29, 2025
Until Next Time by Daryn Mae is a sweet, slow-burn brother’s best friend romance that completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. Birdie and Dawsen’s story is filled with heart, tension, and just the right amount of angst, did I mention the angst? The emotional buildup between them was perfectly paced, and the “one bed” motel situation added the perfect touch of heat and longing.
What I loved most was how warm and cozy this story felt, even in its most emotional moments. Daryn Mae has a way of writing characters who feel real. Birdie and Dawsen were both wonderfully developed, and the supporting characters were just as well thought out, adding depth to the story without ever stealing the spotlight.
The writing itself was smooth and engaging, making it an easy read that quickly hooked me and kept me turning the pages. It’s one of those books that leaves you smiling when you reach the end: a beautiful, heartfelt happily ever after that feels completely earned.
If you love slow burns, emotional tension, and a romance that wraps around you like a warm blanket, Until Next Time is a must-read.
What I loved most was how warm and cozy this story felt, even in its most emotional moments. Daryn Mae has a way of writing characters who feel real. Birdie and Dawsen were both wonderfully developed, and the supporting characters were just as well thought out, adding depth to the story without ever stealing the spotlight.
The writing itself was smooth and engaging, making it an easy read that quickly hooked me and kept me turning the pages. It’s one of those books that leaves you smiling when you reach the end: a beautiful, heartfelt happily ever after that feels completely earned.
If you love slow burns, emotional tension, and a romance that wraps around you like a warm blanket, Until Next Time is a must-read.
October 29, 2025
Fall in love with Best friend’s little sister? Say less. this book is everything and more?! I fell in love with this so quick. I love the tropes, writing style, characters, environment, etc. I really loved how you could connect with the characters and there was so much emotion. If I could read this for a second time like it was the first? I would. The small town feeling, the cheesy romance, the development. Ugh I could keep going. PLEASE pick this up
This was towards the end and it hit me so hard…
“There's a few things in life I've come to know.
The first, is that life is precious. It's fragile, and it
doesn't wait for anything. The second, pain can change you, but love and forgiveness can heal you.
And arguably, the most valuable lesson-love is chosen. Love shows up in the small things. It's not something you fall into. It's the tiny choices. It's paying attention to details, and it's action. Above all else.”
This was towards the end and it hit me so hard…
“There's a few things in life I've come to know.
The first, is that life is precious. It's fragile, and it
doesn't wait for anything. The second, pain can change you, but love and forgiveness can heal you.
And arguably, the most valuable lesson-love is chosen. Love shows up in the small things. It's not something you fall into. It's the tiny choices. It's paying attention to details, and it's action. Above all else.”
November 1, 2025
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This has been one of my favorite books of the year. I enjoyed the down to earth personalities and the ability to connect with the characters. “I’ve decided to hurt my own feelings about the whole thing and give him the silent treatment. I’m a very mature woman, obviously.” Who couldn’t relate to Birdie? The story is entertaining and captures your attention. I enjoyed that it wasn’t following completely in the cliché tropes, but played upon them uniquely. There is no real spice to the story, but a sweet slow burn.
October 28, 2025
book me a ticket to Saddlebrooke RIGHT NOW. the cozy small town, fall vibes are everything you could want and more. I love Birdie and everything that she is. And dawsen, the way he desires to take care of Birdie’s heart, but also had such deep rooted trauma. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love. A true swoon-worthy masterpiece. Also I am obsessed with River and Casey, if their story isn’t released ASAP, I will riot.
Daryn Mae, you are a true talent. Thanks for sharing with us. 💖
also, side note…the way I need to see birdie’s mural is killing me.
Daryn Mae, you are a true talent. Thanks for sharing with us. 💖
also, side note…the way I need to see birdie’s mural is killing me.
October 28, 2025
Huge thank you to Daryn Mae for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was so cute! Brothers best friend, plus a slow burn that kept you yearning right up til the end. I loved almost every single moment of this book and I ate it RIGHT up. It took everything in me to not squeal and kick my feet at how sweet this story was. Also absolutely adored the nerdy/weird girl rep! I cannot wait to see what comes next for this author!
This book was so cute! Brothers best friend, plus a slow burn that kept you yearning right up til the end. I loved almost every single moment of this book and I ate it RIGHT up. It took everything in me to not squeal and kick my feet at how sweet this story was. Also absolutely adored the nerdy/weird girl rep! I cannot wait to see what comes next for this author!
October 29, 2025
Until Next Time brought comfort and warmth to these cold fall nights! This brother’s best friend, slow burn, small town romance was phenomenal! Birdie was so relatable and I just loved her from the first moment I met her. Dawsen and his yearning for Birdie was heartwarming! The fact that the whole town caught on before they did was chefs kiss! But honestly it was a good comfort book! Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
Wow. I absolutely loved this book. Birdie and Dawson feel like my best friends reading from their perspective felt so effortless and easy. The story wrapped you up and made you forget everything else going on. Until Next Time is written from dual perspectives helping you completely know the inner workings of both characters and I loved the inner monologue! I got an ARC of this book and already can’t wait for the sequel!!!!!
October 31, 2025
Absolutely in LOVE with this book and these characters!! I could not put this book down but found myself wanting to read slower or take breaks just so I could enjoy it for longer!! This is such a sweet book and I hope I get to continue to read about this love story! I feel like I know these characters personally and found myself underlining so many cute quotes throughout the book! 10/10 from me
Daryn you have talent and I hope you like writing because I’m expecting more where that came from!
Daryn you have talent and I hope you like writing because I’m expecting more where that came from!
October 27, 2025
Well… I devoured this book! I read it in a few hours. I loved everything about it - it was cute, it was wholesome. I loved the main characters - you can’t help but fall in love with them. And the side characters are so great too. Honestly, this felt like the best fall read. Just cozy up for a feel-good story.
October 28, 2025
I read this book so fast and have 0 shame!! my favorite tropes -- small town romance, yearning, close proximity. the way dawsen wants to take care of birdie and she wants to take care of him .... obsessed. alsooooo, i want to visit the winery and see the mural so bad!! i cannot wait for the next read from this author.
November 1, 2025
I was chosen for ARC reading of this book, I overall thought it was a cute romance, feel good story. Deeeefinitely a slow burn between the main characters.
A good book and I’m excited to see what else Daryn comes up with!!
A good book and I’m excited to see what else Daryn comes up with!!
October 29, 2025
This is a cozy little read! Daweson is so dreamy 😍 I loved the storyline and as a small town girl- I was a sucker for it! And omg- best friends brother 👀 yes please!
October 30, 2025
I just finished this book and I absolutely loved it! Dawsen and Birdie’s story was so heartwarming. I loved everything about this book. I laughed at time and even had some tears. Great holiday read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews