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When a Man Loves a Woman
She swore off men. He clearly didn't get the memo.
Kiera Emmerson has a win the cooking competition, earn the scholarship, get into culinary school, and do it all without owing anyone a single thing. She is not adding "fall for her employer" to that list. Especially not when said employer is River Stone — ex-child star, annoyingly handsome, and the most infuriating gentleman she's ever met — who obviously only gave her this job because he has a crush on her.
(She's choosing not to find that flattering. It is not working.)
River has a documentary to finish and a film festival deadline that isn't budging. What he doesn't have is the ability to focus when Kiera's in the room. She's sharp and funny and keeps him at arm's length — but every now and then, when she doesn't think he's looking, she almost smiles. Almost.
He knows someone hurt her. He doesn't know who, and he won't pry. But he's made up his she's worth slowing down for, and he'll prove it by being the one who shows up for her, even when she builds walls.
She says she's not interested. He says that's fine — he's got time. She says he's being ridiculous. He says she makes excellent risotto and would she please stop threatening to quit every time he pays her a compliment.
This is it — the final love story from Willow Shade Island.
Slow Burn * Grumpy Heroine/Sunshine Hero * Forced Proximity (Boss/Employee) * Small Town Romance * Former Celebrity * Guarded Heroine/Patient Hero * Found Family
Kiera Emmerson has a win the cooking competition, earn the scholarship, get into culinary school, and do it all without owing anyone a single thing. She is not adding "fall for her employer" to that list. Especially not when said employer is River Stone — ex-child star, annoyingly handsome, and the most infuriating gentleman she's ever met — who obviously only gave her this job because he has a crush on her.
(She's choosing not to find that flattering. It is not working.)
River has a documentary to finish and a film festival deadline that isn't budging. What he doesn't have is the ability to focus when Kiera's in the room. She's sharp and funny and keeps him at arm's length — but every now and then, when she doesn't think he's looking, she almost smiles. Almost.
He knows someone hurt her. He doesn't know who, and he won't pry. But he's made up his she's worth slowing down for, and he'll prove it by being the one who shows up for her, even when she builds walls.
She says she's not interested. He says that's fine — he's got time. She says he's being ridiculous. He says she makes excellent risotto and would she please stop threatening to quit every time he pays her a compliment.
This is it — the final love story from Willow Shade Island.
Slow Burn * Grumpy Heroine/Sunshine Hero * Forced Proximity (Boss/Employee) * Small Town Romance * Former Celebrity * Guarded Heroine/Patient Hero * Found Family
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2026
10 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 19, 2026
This sweet romcom is the perfect close to the series — I honestly didn’t expect there were still characters left waiting for their own HEA, so this one felt like a lovely surprise.
Kiera Emmerson, the youngest sister of Kiki from book one, carries deep scars from being rejected and unfairly judged by the very people who should have protected her. Because of that, her walls are firmly in place, and she’s determined to prove — to everyone and to herself — that she’ll never again depend on anyone else for her stability or happiness.
River Stone is a former child actor whose early success didn’t translate into a lasting career. Now he’s choosing a new path that truly speaks to his heart, even though his family questions and undermines his decisions. Watching him stand by his choices added a really grounding emotional layer to the story.
Their connection is sweet and genuine, but both attraction and determination are tested as River tries to win Kiera’s trust while staying true to himself. Their journey to an HEA feels earned, tender, and satisfying.
I truly enjoyed this clean, feel-good romcom — it was the perfect palate cleanser after several heavier reads.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kiera Emmerson, the youngest sister of Kiki from book one, carries deep scars from being rejected and unfairly judged by the very people who should have protected her. Because of that, her walls are firmly in place, and she’s determined to prove — to everyone and to herself — that she’ll never again depend on anyone else for her stability or happiness.
River Stone is a former child actor whose early success didn’t translate into a lasting career. Now he’s choosing a new path that truly speaks to his heart, even though his family questions and undermines his decisions. Watching him stand by his choices added a really grounding emotional layer to the story.
Their connection is sweet and genuine, but both attraction and determination are tested as River tries to win Kiera’s trust while staying true to himself. Their journey to an HEA feels earned, tender, and satisfying.
I truly enjoyed this clean, feel-good romcom — it was the perfect palate cleanser after several heavier reads.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, I think it might be better to read prior books to understand side characters.
Kiera has led a hard life and doesn't trust due to that life. She is asked by Noah, a former child actor, to cook for him five times a week. She isn't sure she trusts him, but accepts this anyway. This will help her fund her apartment and move out of her sister's house. She wants to be independent and rely on herself. Both Noah and Kiera have baggage. Can they figure out how to trust each other? Can Noah help Kiera with her confidence to get a scholarship to cooking school?
This was a good story. I enjoyed the characters. It's easy to see how family can interfere too much. Having trouble with parents can interfere with your life if they won't allow you to grow up. I like how they worked on things and dealt with family. This was the first book in this series that I read. I liked it so much I now need to go back read the others. I didn't want to put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kiera has led a hard life and doesn't trust due to that life. She is asked by Noah, a former child actor, to cook for him five times a week. She isn't sure she trusts him, but accepts this anyway. This will help her fund her apartment and move out of her sister's house. She wants to be independent and rely on herself. Both Noah and Kiera have baggage. Can they figure out how to trust each other? Can Noah help Kiera with her confidence to get a scholarship to cooking school?
This was a good story. I enjoyed the characters. It's easy to see how family can interfere too much. Having trouble with parents can interfere with your life if they won't allow you to grow up. I like how they worked on things and dealt with family. This was the first book in this series that I read. I liked it so much I now need to go back read the others. I didn't want to put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2026
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Kiera Emmerson wants to be a chef and has entered a contest for a scholarship to a culinary school. River Stone, a former child star and now film producer, hires her to cook meals for him because he is falling for her and in order to practice for the contest, and he challenges her which helps her prepare. She is afraid of relationships because so many people in her life have left or let her down, but she falls for River and breaks up with him before the contest because of her fears. Interesting and uplifting story about challenges, overcoming fears, and growing stronger.
February 24, 2026
A Sweet patient Slow-burn romance
Four Point Two Stars
Kiera Emmerson is guarded with her independence because of her past mistakes, but with her sister's second baby coming along, Kiera decides to take a new step in a new direction and that leads her to River Stone.
River is a former child star, has an overbearing mother and though he is annoyingly handsome, he is also extraordinarily patient.
Kiera's past makes her pull away from the lovely present unfolding before her, River is still patient as he tries to win her over.
Cute clean romance of finding trust and healing. https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...
Four Point Two Stars
Kiera Emmerson is guarded with her independence because of her past mistakes, but with her sister's second baby coming along, Kiera decides to take a new step in a new direction and that leads her to River Stone.
River is a former child star, has an overbearing mother and though he is annoyingly handsome, he is also extraordinarily patient.
Kiera's past makes her pull away from the lovely present unfolding before her, River is still patient as he tries to win her over.
Cute clean romance of finding trust and healing. https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed reading this sweet story. Kiera has had a hard life and parents that weren’t supportive or forgiving. She loves to cook and wants a scholarship to go to cooking school. Noah, a former child actor asks her to cook for him, and she agrees so she can get her own apartment and become independent. I loved how Noah came up with ideas to help her train for the scholarship competition and was so supportive. I loved how this story showed two people who were able to move past their past baggage and become who they want to be. A wonderful story and great addition to this series.
Review of advance copy
A sweet romance. When I discovered the protagonist was only 18 years old, I wasn't certain I was going to enjoy the story. Seemed young and I usually prefer older characters. Not necessarily by much but at least out of their teens. Her age was not an issue. I was quickly engaged with the various characters and their stories. Not an easy life previously for either of the main characters. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
Read
February 17, 2026I loved Kiera and River's story. The details and thoughts that go into the cooking in this book were great! It makes me hungry! Kiera has gone through a lot and it makes you really cheer for her to be successful. River's family is a piece of work and you just feel bad for him. I loved the book and highly recommend this book and series. I loved this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2026
When a Man Loves a Woman is Book 5 in the Willow Shade Island by Victorine Lieske. I loved this book… the title made me think of the 1966 R&B song, When a Man Loves a Woman, sung by Percy Sledge. River Stone needs a chef while Kiera is determined to not let River charm his way into her heart. When you throw in a mother determined to keep them apart, this romance is so very good. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 20, 2026
When a Man Loves a Woman
This is a short and sweet story. Kiera wants badly to win the cooking competition scholarship to be able to succeed at her desire to be a chef. When the actor River Stone asks her to be his personal chef, she reluctantly agreed. There was a spark between them she wanted to avoid because she had sworn off men. Will she be able to harden her heart to the charming actor?
This is a short and sweet story. Kiera wants badly to win the cooking competition scholarship to be able to succeed at her desire to be a chef. When the actor River Stone asks her to be his personal chef, she reluctantly agreed. There was a spark between them she wanted to avoid because she had sworn off men. Will she be able to harden her heart to the charming actor?
February 20, 2026
Wow!
Wow that's a great story and ending for this series! I thought it was over on the last book because all of the brothers had their story so I was happily delighted that there was more. Great characters and the storyline was fun and enough twists to keep you turning pages! Great job with this series!
Wow that's a great story and ending for this series! I thought it was over on the last book because all of the brothers had their story so I was happily delighted that there was more. Great characters and the storyline was fun and enough twists to keep you turning pages! Great job with this series!
February 23, 2026
Part of an interconnected series. Characters overlap along with the storyline. Better if read in order but can be read as a standalone.
Opposites attract
He falls first
She's still struggling with scars from her past.
Family drama with toxic relationships with parents
Personal goals vs expectations
Tearing down societal hierarchy one meal at a time.
Opposites attract
He falls first
She's still struggling with scars from her past.
Family drama with toxic relationships with parents
Personal goals vs expectations
Tearing down societal hierarchy one meal at a time.
February 24, 2026
Kiera has not had an easy life. Former child star River hires her to cook for him. Then he decides to help her practice for a culinary competition. Like when Kiera’s niece Skylar came to River’s house and they all played Barbies. There was nothing not to like in this book. It was sweet and clean with likable main characters and a ton of chemistry between them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
February 18, 2026
baggage
Both Noah and Kiera have a lot of baggage weighing them down. I understand being wary after bad experiences but on the other hand wouldn´t it be a shame if you let friendship and love pass you by because you can´t find the courage to trust again?
Both Noah and Kiera have a lot of baggage weighing them down. I understand being wary after bad experiences but on the other hand wouldn´t it be a shame if you let friendship and love pass you by because you can´t find the courage to trust again?
February 19, 2026
my favorite one
I loved this story. These book is perfectly named. In the storyline, River demonstrates how to love a woman. He is encouraging, patient and supportive. I loved Kierra and River together.
I loved this story. These book is perfectly named. In the storyline, River demonstrates how to love a woman. He is encouraging, patient and supportive. I loved Kierra and River together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really liked this one! It's sweet and the writing is well done. The characters are well developed and the pacing is spot on. Clean,kisses only no cussing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews