Love 'Em or Leaf 'Em

by Laney Hatcher

Some teenage fantasies didn’t go away. They grew up instead.

When my life fell apart very publicly on a Tuesday night, I had no idea I’d be starting over again. But there I was, thirty years old, no money, no job, and no more cheating husband. I unexpectedly found myself back in my mother’s home, trying to pick up the pieces and glue them all together.

Amid the chaos and upheaval, Jordan Rockford was suddenly in my life again. My former high school best friend stepped up to help me get back on my feet, and all those complicated teenage feelings came rushing back.

I’d worked hard all those years ago to shut down my pointless crush on the town golden boy, but this time around, I couldn’t seem to ignore how he made me feel. Not when Jordan tested the boundaries of my self-control with his unwavering support, his gorgeous smile, and his amazing heart.

I’d never been good enough for the one who got away, but maybe there was a reason my life imploded before my very eyes. Maybe Jordan’s heart was supposed to be mine all along.



Love ‘Em or Leaf ‘Em is an introductory novella in the Kirby Falls small-town contemporary romance series. It features a standalone 40,000-word steamy, second-chance romance between two former best friends who finally get their chance, HEA included.

Genres: Novella

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

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Laney Hatcher is a firm believer that there is a spreadsheet for every occasion and pie is always the answer. She is an author of stories both old and new where the HEAs are always guaranteed. Often too practical for her own good, Laney enjoys her life in the southern United States with her husband, children, and incredibly entitled cat.

Reviews

[marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The overall story was fine, but it was just okay for me.

I personally struggle with FMCs who have very little self-esteem or self-worth. She felt like a bit of a pushover at the beginning, and a lot of her arc was centered on self-doubt.

The MMC, on the other hand, was great ~ patient, understanding, and supportive ~ but she stayed stuck in fear for a large portion of the story, which made it harder for me to fully connect.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like second chances this book is for you. Jordan had great plans his senior year. He bought the tickets. He was just waiting to ask Chloe to the prom. He was too late. Keaton beat him to the question and she said yes.

Chloe's need to feel loved, wanted has her grasping for love. What she got from years with Keaton wasn't even close. One night changes everything. Love 'em or Leaf 'Em is Chloe's second chance to find love. It is Jordan's chance to step up and make things right. A fun story of new beginnings, facing fears and letting the heat rise with just a kiss.

[Heidi Vine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new step from friends to- not speaking without their own choices to back to friends to lovers -book.
it was just good.
Kept away from their tight friend group without her own choice Chlo finally sees the world beyond her marriage and her eyes open. She needs to find herself again and see her worth something more that life has dealt for her.

Can I just day dream here. 😍

[Nazeefah Ziya Monia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance
The one who Got Away


A beautiful Love story ♡ Just too ♡

10/10
5 freakIng Stars for me ♡♡♡♡♡

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 *’s