Inhale Love, Exhale Peace: A Friends to Lovers Romance

by Miranda Stone

If inner peace is real, I’m convinced mine is hiding under a stack of pancakes.
Probably because every time Brian Mitchell walks into my diner, my calm heads straight for the exit.

We met at Wild Lotus Yoga, but it’s the early-morning breakfasts that undo me.

He makes me wonder if maybe I’m not as broken as I felt after my ex-husband walked out.

So when he buys a fixer-upper and asks me to help design the kitchen, I tell myself it’s strictly “a friend helping a friend.”

But the more time we spend together, the harder it is to ignore the chemistry between us.

Now somewhere between yoga mats, morning coffee, and one sweet almost-kiss… I have to decide if guarding my heart is worth losing something that grows stronger every day.

If you love sweet, slow-burn romance with sun-soaked beaches, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after, you’ll adore this clean, kisses-only beach read. Can be read as a stand alone novel.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2026

Reviews

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda Stone is one of my favorite authors. Her books draw me in from the beginning and keep me reading until I’m forced to stop. I love her style of writing, her characters, the drama, and the conflicts.
Inhale Love, Exhale Peace is a story about two people who are a little later in life but are still active and enjoy life.
Poppy owns and runs a diner she inherited from her mother who inherited it from her mother. I love family businesses that keep going for generations. You know you can trust that it’s a good business or it wouldn’t have lasted this long. It seems that Poppy has promised “to attend Addison’s beginner yoga class at Wild Lotus.” Now, Poppy is all about supporting new businesses, but actually attending a class, might be just a little too much. Molly also reminds Poppy about Brian mentioning that he’d be going. Just the mention of his name sends heat to her cheeks. Oh, I do think she’s smitten. Brian owns and operates Coastal Sound and Lighting. His work is mostly for weddings, providing the sound system and lighting for receptions.
She arrives at the class and is greeted by none other than…Brian. He’s happy to see her and lets her know he’s also a beginner and she needs to save him from being embarrassed. They jokingly make it through the class supporting each other along the way. Being the gentleman he is, he walks Poppy to her home and asks about a new seafood place that’s recently opened. Poppy is reluctant and suggests they remain friends for the time being.
Poppy is skittish due to Adam walking out on her “claiming I was “too focused on the diner’ to be a proper wife.” During those four years, Poppy has built some tall and thick walls around her heart. She’s just not ready to risk her well-being currently.
Brian shares with her he’s going to look at a house that’s for sale. He’s looking for a fixer up that isn’t too far gone to fix. He invites Poppy to go with him to give suggestions about the kitchen, since that’s her specialty. She agrees and the two of them discuss what would work. Brian knows about load bearing walls and other construction needs. Brian decides to submit an offer and is approved.
Things go well with what the two of them can do and then the contractors come in to do their part. Along the way, the two of them spend more time together, until Poppy backs away. It’s getting to be a little too much for Poppy after a remark that Brian makes at the house. Poppy backs away and is short and curt with Brian while she sorts through her thoughts and feelings.
Now, you really don’t want to miss this wonderful story, and I don’t want to reveal too much and spoil it for you. What will happen between the two of them? Will Poppy share what caused her to shut down? Will they continue to attend yoga classes together? Will Brian continue to come to the diner? Can this friendship and possibly budding relationship be saved? Is it possible for Poppy to trust Brian or any other man? Get your copy of Inhale Love, Exhale Peace by Miranda Stone and get lost in this wonderful story. You won’t be sorry!

[Sandy Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to love about a book by Miranda Stone? This is the second book in the Wild Lotus series, and I liked it better than the first one! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the last one in the series!
Poppy Jenkins is the owner of Poppy’s Beachside Diner in Pelican Point, Florida. Since her divorce, she has chosen the safe route rather than being vulnerable. For four years, she has built walls around her heart and not let anyone get close.
Brian Mitchell is the owner of Coastal Sound and Lighting. They meet at Wild Lotus Yoga in the first book. He is tall, and the smile Poppy gets when he comes into the diner for breakfast makes Poppy’s pulse skyrocket and Brian finds Poppy’s laugh contagious!
It starts with a deal between the two of them. Poppy will help Brian design a kitchen in a fixer upper house he’s hoping to buy, and Brian will help Poppy with online assistance for cooking classes. The more they are together, the more natural the relationship feels. Brian makes Poppy start living a life again, and Poppy makes Brian feel alive again. Things are moving along, at a slow pace per Poppy’s request, until Brian uses the words “our house”. Those words get into Poppy’s head and she’s right back thinking she’s better off being independent (or is she). Will that slip of the tongue destroy their relationship? Read this friends-to-lovers story to find out if they get their happily-ever-after!
The humor and banter between all of the characters make this a relaxing, fun read.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and my review is my own voluntary opinion.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sweet clean love story, if this is what you like to read this book is for you. The h is a woman who owns and operates the diner she inherited and loves the work. The business is very successful and is a popular destination choice. The H owns a light and sound company that is used for weddings, parties and gatherings and is also very successful. They meet at yoga classes and as the h requested they proceed slowly in developing their relationship. The H always honors the needs of the h who has been seriously injured when her husband walked out of their marriage. She no longer trusts such relationships. They become friends who go to yoga classes together and share conversations when the H comes in for breakfast. Then the H shares that he is going to buy a house, fix it up and possibly sell it. He asks her to help him design the kitchen. She says yes. She also gives him ideas for the rest of the house. He doesn’t do the rebuilding but directs the contractor who he has hired to do it. Not everything goes smoothly but in the end the h realizes that she has healed and has found peace. The house turns out beautiful and she has a place in it when she wants it. Enjoyable read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy!

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. Leaving my ARC review in exchange for the ebook.

What I loved about this one :

• the cover
• the banter
• the vibes
• character growth
• the setting
• healthy competition between everyone

I felt like maybe something was missing. 🤷🏻‍♀️

What I didn’t like :

• the slow burn was forever stuck in slow
• too many chapters for it to be pretty much the same thing in every chapter
• instead of talking it out she would run away or whatever
• juvenile-ish characters
• the other characters had a huge part (for me) and I had no clue who they were, so that part was a bit confusing


[disclaimer : I didn’t read the first book, even asked for a copy before reading this but in all the book blurbs it says can be read as a standalone - I don’t think that to be true - you should definitely read the first one before diving into this one]

⚠️ Now that I have your attention, you should definitely read the first book and you should form your own opinions especially if you like slow burn sweet romances with HEAs

Thank you for the opportunity!

[Karen "Kay" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this new series from Miranda Stone. I love her books, they draw me in from the very beginning and its hard to put them down. This story is a later in life story. Poppy (MFC) owns a diner she inherited from her mother, who had inherited it from her own mom. She has promised to attend a beginner yoga class, also attending this class is Brian (MMC) who owns and operates Coastal Sound and Lighting. He provides sound systems and lighting for events, mostly for weddings. He asks her out for dinner, but she is reluctant and suggests they just remain friends for now. Though she does agree to go with him and give him ideas about the kitchen at a house he is looking at that’s for sale. After purchasing it and work is being done on the house, Brian makes a remark that causes Poppy to back away and sort through her feelings. This is a wonderful story.
I received an ARC of this book through Bookfunnel and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing! Book 2 in this new series was just as fabulous as book 1 and we get to see a lot of Max and Addison again! I loved that! This book surrounds Poppy and Brian, who we met in book 1. They have to be two of the sweetest people ever! I enjoyed their banter so much. I was laughing throughout the majority of the book. Not to say there wasn't a bunch of emotional moments. This book was all about emotional growth and taking things slow. After being hurt and not having faith in anything other than independence, it takes Poppy time to work through her emotions. I just wanted to hug Brian. He was such a good guy and super patient. The other characters in this book, Paula, Molly, Jake and Emma were fantastic. I hope we get to see books for them. I love this gang of friends and really enjoyed being a part of their world for a little while.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian and Poppy

Tropes:
* Small town
* Friends to more
* Business owners
* Second chance at love
* Workplace romance

This is a nice continuation of the Pelican Point series.
This time, it’s Brian and Poppy’s turn at love.

She’s hesitant after a disastrous end to her prior relationship, and he’s looking to set down roots…

This was a slow(ish) unfolding of their romance. Becoming friends first, they had a solid foundation.

I enjoyed the secondary relationships in this. It actually makes it better having a few other voices in this, more because they are giving good advice, encouragement and occasionally, the truths they need to hear.

Low angst, this is a very sweet and charming read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this series, and the newest addition did not disappoint. Poppy is divorced, happily independent, and not looking for love. She has her diner, her friends, and that feels like enough—until Brian walks in and keeps coming back for her lemon tarts.

Brian is clearly interested, even when Poppy insists on being “just friends” and taking things slow. Between beginner yoga classes, helping with his house renovations, and lots of honest communication, Brian slowly chips away at the walls Poppy has built around her heart.

Sweet, steady, and full of community vibes, this was another successful match made through the yoga crew, and a really satisfying addition to the series.

[Mary Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now this book gave me laughter, smiles and a zen-like feeling while reading it.
Brian fancied Polly, Polly liked Brian. But it wasn't until the grand reopening of the Wild Lotus that the spark really took hold and things started looking up for them encouraged along the way by Addison.
I loved the interaction between Brian and Polly, with Max and Addison adding to the laughter with their competitiveness and snark.
It was a joy to read and I can't wait for the next instalment in the Wild Lotus series.

[JOAN SALLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Brian win over Poppy, who is keeping him at arm's length after a divorce that has left her broken and not willing to give love another chance. After attending a beginner's yoga class, they have a few laughs about how they managed the different poses and seem to enjoy each other's company. Another great book by Miranda Stone, with laughter, tears, and flirtation thrown in. A quick read, that keeps you wanting more.


I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian is making some very important decisions in his life. One is to buy a fix-me-up house. Another is to continue with yoga classes. The third is a slow relationship with a certain diner waitress. He doesn’t want to scare her off by going to fast. He wants to give her time and space, but sometimes that’s hard.
A wonderful story about trust and patience and a growing friendship.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Brian and Poppy are such a fun couple to follow. Brian is so patient and keeps trying so hard to not rush Poppy. I loved the scenes between Poppy and Paula. Lots of angst but also lots of laughter. All the wildlife during the hike was amazing. Fun story to read.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me for a honest review.
I loved it. The story is about two people falling in love but one needs to go really slow because of past experiences. And it works out for them. It is an easy, fun read.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful small-town romance. Miranda's writing is so smooth that the story just flows. Poppy and Brian start out doing beginners yoga together and then they start doing more and more. Poppy wants to take things slow and Brian has to decide if she is worth the wait.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice slow simmer second chance romance story. I enjoyed the focus on friendship, communication, relationship building and being true to yourself.

I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and a good story line. Poppy is staying away from relationships since her divorce, But Brian comes into the diner and they have chemistry. An enjoyable page turner.

[Jane Weiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very easy to read story of loving and being safe after experiencing hurt. You will find the characters very relatable and perhaps even see yourself. An excellent story.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy was so shattered by her ex husband walking out without a word but saying the diner was more important than him, then leaving. For four years she fought to regain some symbolance of self worth again that she would close off or run when anyone got near. Brian was tired of women and supposed friends wanting to be near him for what they could get. Brian met Poppy at the Grand re-opening since she provided goodies for refreshment, her specialty her lemon tarts, blew him away. Brian talked her into attending a beginners class of yoga to help with the pain she was experiencing daily in her hip. Thier second meeting was all it took and the gears began to turn. Miranda does a superb job of working with and conveying the emotions both were dealing with. This was one of the most heart-warming stories I've read. A definite five star book

[Laurie Wrolson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ARC review: I read Miranda Stones ‘Inhale Love, Exhale Trust, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, this book, with some of the same characters, and a new couple that were falling for each other felt very juvenile. Enjoyed the storyline but disappointed in how it was executed.