Promise

Rogue River #1

by L.B. Dunbar

A heart-mending romance for a small town marriage-in-repair between reunited lovers seeking a second chance at love later in life.

Dart Rivers is my ex-husband, or so I thought.

Three years ago, he drove out of our small town to chase racing dreams, leaving me and my broken heart in his rearview mirror.

Couple goals and shattered promises brought feelings of failure on both our parts.

Then one night, a special delivery is left on my back step. A stork-drop of sorts. (Think Baby Boom). At first, I believe there must be a mistake, but when the sweet bundle swaddled in pink gazes at me, I’ll do anything to keep her.

Enter Dart Rivers again.

An accident on the track leads to him sneaking into the house, crashing on my couch, and announcing he’s still mine.

Close proximity provides honest conversations, friendly couch time, and familiar attractions. With silver speckled in his hair, Dart is still the best-looking man I’ve ever seen, making my belly flutter and my heart beat again.

But can I trust that fragile organ? Can I give my ex-not-ex-husband a second chance? Can I believe Dart’s new promises?

+ + +
Rogue River series is a spin-off from the Sterling Falls series, specifically Sterling Touch, giving readers small-town romances with characters over 40.


If you love the following, this book is for
💍Marriage in repair

💎Still my wife

🩷Only ever been you

🍼Surprise baby (think Baby Boom)

🏁Former NASCAR driver

🏠Small town romance

🩷Heat and heart and HEA

Genres: Second Chance, Audiobook, Romance, Small Town Romance, Sports Romance, Emotional, Second Chance Romance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 3🌶️

ARC Review 📖

I just finished this one, and I am still thinking about it.

This is a mature, second-chance romance that feels deeply authentic, following a couple in their forties as they navigate years of history, grief, and the complexities of a long-term relationship. Watching Dart and Trinity work through their past and find their way back to one another was both emotional and beautiful, perfectly capturing how love persists and changes through the years.

The addition of an unexpected baby brought a lovely sense of hope to the story, serving as a breath of fresh air amidst the emotional journey. I really appreciated how the author allowed these characters the space to grow and process their experiences, which made their path toward reconciliation feel so earned and tender. It was a meaningful reminder of how two people can evolve while still holding onto the foundation they built together.

The story handled the tougher moments with grace, yet it remained wonderfully hopeful and swoony from start to finish. I feel so invested in these characters now.

I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in this series.

~~~~

ALC Review (Audiobook) 🎧

I am still buzzing from listening to the audiobook version of this story, and I have to talk about how incredible the narration was. Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield are absolute magic together, bringing so much raw emotion to Trinity and Dart that I felt like I was right there in the room with them. Samantha captures such a grounded, vulnerable strength, while hearing Lance deliver Dart’s lines with that level of regret and passion made the whole experience so much more intense. I tried an immersive read by following along with the ebook, and hearing their voices while soaking up all those little details made the story hit me so much harder. It is rare to find narrators who can make you feel every bit of a character's love this clearly, and their performance turned this story into something truly unforgettable.

~~~~

I was lucky enough to receive both an ARC and an ALC, and being able to immersive read and listen to this story made the whole experience even more special.

~~~~

Huge thank you to L.B. Dunbar & The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

You guys … I’m struggling again. *sigh*

ARC/ALC Review

First, I’d like to say that Samantha Brentmoor narrating any story can turn the story on a dime and she did that with Promise Sam is so talented as a voice actor that even when I can’t connect with the characters, she connects me. I don’t know how to explain that in details you’d understand without picking up a story she has narrated so that will have to do. She connected me with Trinity but the story did not. So yes, once again, the audiobook carried me thru this story.

I didn’t dislike this story, but I didn’t “feel” Dart (MMC) at all at the beginning and when I get really bright red flags about a main character at the beginning of a story, it’s super hard for my brain to turn it off. The entire “coming home” scene made me cringe, twitchy and really dislike this man. In my head all I heard is “how dare you sir?”! And that thought just kept creeping back in my head over and over again. You guys are going to have to read the book to get more but let’s just say no good foot was put forward in my opinion. From the very beginning I struggled with his motivations, and I just never fully connected with him.

One other aspect of the story that didn’t sit well with me was Mirabelle. Obviously, I want Trinity to be happy and fulfilled but, in my head, reuniting Dart & Trinity without a child in the mix would have made me believe in their reuniting. Make sense? The catalyst that separated them was the miscarriages and the senses of insecurity they both had that they could not give the other person what they needed. (okay, that’s a very simplistic way to put their separation but it has to do because more details give away a huge chunk of the story.)

Also, don’t even get me started on the “we aren’t really divorced” plot-point. *blink*

I knew what this story was “about” before I even started it, and I believed in the Prologue of this story while I read it but I never believed like that again. I believe in Dunbar’s writing, and I think she’s one of the best authors out there. No one writes more believable character in their “later in life” phase than she does and I have been reading her for ages, but this story doesn’t make me feel all the passion I normally feel towards her stories. I’m not going to stop devouring her work until the end of time and I hope that if you’re reading this you understand that no two people read the same book because our own circumstances and moods can make or break our reading experience.

I should also note (since I mentioned Samantha Brentmoor’s narration) that Lance Greenfield made a really good match with her for this story. Their dual narration was really good in my opinion and although he doesn’t evoke the same feeling from me that Sam usually does, through these past couple of years I have listened to countless of his narrations and he is very versatile and really good as a voice actor.

[Ruth_Reads1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this later in life second chance romance that blends emotion, tension, and small town charm really well. Dart returns to Rogue River after years away chasing a racing career, while Trinity has built a steady, meaningful life for herself as a NICU nurse.

There are a few sensitive themes woven throughout, including miscarriage and baby abandonment, but they’re handled with care and never feel gratuitous. The chemistry between Dart and Trinity is strong, mature, and spicy, with a connection that feels rooted in history and longing.

I also loved that both characters are in their forties, which makes their struggles, choices, and reconnection feel grounded and genuinely relatable.

I’m already looking forward to seeing more of Rogue River.

- Later in life romance (40+)
- Second chance / marriage in trouble
- Surprise baby (“stork‑drop” moment that pulls them back together)
- Forced proximity
- Emotional healing
- Small town community
- Dual POV, 1st person

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted the advanced audio and it was so dang good! The narrators did a fantastic job.

This was a refreshing change of pace with our FMC Trinity and MMC Dart are in their 40s! I am also a wife of an ex race car driver so o was really able to comment with that aspect of the story

He is her ex husband and finds himself back at home after an accident in his race car. She was not expecting that after she also had another suprise dropped off at her door just prior!

This is a story of healing, forgiving , and loving who you are becoming on your own.

Loved it !

[Sarimarys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Hambright PR for the gifted eARC & ALC ahead of release day! ❤️

This was such an emotional second chance romance about love, loss, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the person who has always been yours.

Dart isn't your typical hero. In fact, he may frustrate you at first, and I definitely questioned some of his choices. But as the story unfolded, I found myself understanding the hurt, regret, and emotions behind them. Watching him and Trinity navigate years of heartbreak and slowly rebuild their relationship felt honest, raw, and incredibly rewarding.

One of my favorite things about this book was that the major conflict happened before the story began. Rather than relying on a third-act breakup, the story focuses on healing, communication, and two people learning how to choose each other again. Their journey felt real, emotional, and easy to root for.

🎧 The audiobook was fantastic! Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield brought so much emotion to Dart and Trinity's story and made their journey even more immersive.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional, hopeful, second chance to repair a marriage. Their growth, and his devotion and redemption arc hit me in the feels.

✦Series: Rogue River, 1
MF interconnected standalone. This is the start of a new series in L.B. Dunbar’s wonderful world of small-town, sexy silver foxes. This is adjacent to Sterling Falls so if you loved that series, expect to be charmed by this one (with a few familiar faces).

✦POV: Dual
Trinity “Trin” Haven and Dart Rivers feel real and relatable. No one is perfect- they both made mistakes in their marriage but were ready and willing to own them. They commit to open communication to avoid letting things fall apart again.

❝I’m here for my wife, and I’ll do whatever groveling I need to do to make things right between us. Between her and me. Our marriage is a race I refuse to lose again.❞

My heart broke for them: Trinity’s struggle with multiple miscarriages and infertility, and how Dart internalised it, feeling like he failed her. Expect a surprise baby, but not how you’d think, gives them the perfect second chance.

🎙️Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor, Lance Greenfield
These two were awesome as Trinity and Dart in dual narration. Believable voice in the other MC’s part and the emotional range hit.

✦Spice: Open door
They’ve had undeniable chemistry since their youth, but seeing the tension ramp back up in this reunion until it exploded on the page was satisfying.

“When I called you Forever, I meant it.” His whiskey eyes turn to flames. Devotion in the flicker. Dedication in his words. He wasn’t letting me go. He never really had.

I loved how Trinity confidently took control to make him see stars lol.

✩ Stoked to see what this new series will bring us! I love how she sets them up- little breadcrumbs you just know are going to find themselves growing into MCs!

♡ Perfect for fans of always been you, love over 40, with some NASCAR glory. Heat, heart, and HEA guaranteed!

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ rounded up to 5!

✨ Thank you to L.B. Dunbar for the ARC+ALC to review.

→ Connect with me on Instagram!

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a solid marriage in trouble/ second chance book. There wasnt really any over the top drama or angst but it also wasn't boring.

[Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author so much and I was so excited to dive into this new book! I was a little frustrated at the beginning because of the circumstances but with the unknown of several things I had to keep going!!

The beginning of Trinity’s story had me hooked and heartbroken at the same time. I didn’t understand what could have happened and the more the story progressed I kept getting more heartbroken as it went on. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Dart and it was the same for quite some time. So many moments of this story not only made me so freaking sad but it also made my heart so happy.

Many people haven’t experienced infertility and I am so thankful but as someone who struggled for eight years of tears and exactly how Trinity felt made me feel seen. I cried so hard during the rough moments and cried during the amazing moments. This had the most beautiful ending and I am so grateful it also didn’t end how I know others have ended fertility issue stories and that made me love this story even more. It’s not your typical story but it has everything you could love!

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️.5

Promise is first book in the Rogue River series. It was an emotional second chance romance for a married couple and I loved that it was between more mature characters.

Trinity fell in love with her brother' best friend Dart when they were younger and they ended up getting married. Their marriage fell apart with their fertility issues and Dart left her to become a NASCAR driver. Trinity gets a big surprise when a baby is left on her doorstep and she now has the opportunity to become a mother. However, her life is turned upside down when Dart shows back up in their home with the shocking news that they were actually still married.

Dart is determined to repair their relationship and works on doing whatever it takes to win Trinity back. I loved how they both had to revisit their past and work through the pain and loss they both experienced. They truly grow as a couple and come together in a beautiful way. The journey they went through really felt authentic.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Dual narration by Lance Greenfield & Samantha Brentmoor

Lance Greenfield and Samantha Brentmoor did a fantastic job with the narration. They brought the angst, emotions, and spice to life.

Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ARC & ALC.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Hambright for the complimentary ALC and ARC of Promise. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Trinity Haven is divorced—or so she thinks. Three years ago, after struggling with fertility for over a decade, her husband left to begin a racing career, leaving Trinity their dream house in the town where she grew up and now works as a NICU nurse. It's taken a long time, but Trinity is finally resigned to her life as a single woman. She's found good friends and is close with her family. But everything changes when she opens her door one morning to find an infant on her doorstep, a baby girl Trinity cared for in the NICU. Her birth mother is young and not ready to parent and has decided she wants Trinity to raise this little girl. This was not something Trinity expected, but when the one thing you've always wanted falls into your lap, you say yes. Things get even more complicated when her ex-husband, Dart Rivers, shows back up in town asking for another chance and informing her that they are not, in fact, divorced—something that will make fostering and adopting baby Mirabelle both easier and harder at the same time.

I listened to most of this book on audio and then finished my read with the ebook. The audio production was solid. The novel is in dual narration, so each narrator handles their POV chapters. I think both Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield did a great job with their roles, especially Brentmoor. She brought a maturity to Trinity that I rarely hear in romance narration, which was especially lovely considering both main characters are over 40.

There were a lot of elements in Promise that I enjoyed. I tend to really love books where the hero is a dumbass and needs to really grovel to get his woman. In this case, Dart blew up their marriage, partly because he couldn't stand another miscarriage and partly because of a desire to exert some control over his life. He and Trinity had been trying for a baby for years, and when her final miscarriage almost killed her, Dart leaned into a danger he could control—NASCAR racing—instead of having an honest conversation with his wife. He spends this whole book having to prove that he's changed, which includes putting a new roof on their house. Acts of service are my love language, so sign me up! I also loved Trinity's wider family, who are all close with her and were close with Dart before he left. They have very fun personalities, and I enjoyed their antics on the page.

I was chugging along, enjoying the slow burn and anguished glances, when I got the ick from Dart Rivers. He has a nickname for Trinity that just doesn't work for me. It felt kind of forced, like we were checking a trope box instead of it developing organically. I don't love that.

This was my first book by L.B. Dunbar, and I really enjoyed myself. It's a lovely second chance romance, marriage-in-trouble story with actual adults as leads—perfect for someone looking for characters with fully formed frontal lobes and real-life experience. 4 stars.

[KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love second chance and with an older couple - YESSSSS!!

I am becoming a fan of the older aka silver romances as I get older myself. AND second chance is my favorite trope, so this was a double treat.

Dart Rivers and Trinity Haven were destined to be together, but life threw them some pretty tough curveballs during their marriage which caused a rift. Dart needed to find a purpose and thought his wife would be better off without him around while Trinity struggled to recover from their latest loss. "Trouble was, (she'd) only wanted him." Sigh!

This was tough because I could feel for both parties and to be honest, they both grew stronger and grew up without each other to lean on. But now Dart is back and Trin isn't quite so sure how she feels about that.

On top of that - there is a miracle baby left on her doorstep which will help fulfill a lifelong dream. Can she forgive her "ex" and have the family that she always wanted? Time will tell if Forever is in their future.

This was a good start to this series and I haven't read the other lead-in series, so it does stand alone. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the Haven siblings.

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Caroline F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful second-chance romance.

"I'm here for my wife, and I'll do whatever groveling I need to do to make things right between us. Between her and me. Our marriage is a race I refuse to lose again."

Just as Trinity finally gets her heart's desire, her ex-husband, Dart, re-enters her life. They were the love of each other's lives but heartache and disappointment drove them apart. Dart has been pursuing his racing dreams but he knew that something was always missing...his wife. After an accident, he goes to the only place that's ever been home to find a second chance, purpose and love again.

"Yet a new flame flickers inside me when I watch him holding Mirabelle. A candle in a window as a sign of longing, of waiting, of hope."

This was a heart-melting story with a good dollop of spice. I enjoyed the pacing, the characters and how the author wove past events into the present. Trinity was a strong independent woman but unfulfilled. I loved how baby Mirabelle came into her life - she was so deserving of all the good things. Dart was charming, vulnerable and loving in everything he did for Trinity and Mirabelle. I loved him! Through close proximity, honest conversations, ever-present sexual attraction, and a deep, abiding love, these two forged a bond even stronger than what they had before. Such a lovely story!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

[Ingride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book!

What a beautiful book! I was captivated—the romance, the story, the themes, and the chances given to each heart to heal its wounds; a second chance for a marriage that, through the power of love, might yet be saved. I sensed a great deal of maturity in the way the author handled the themes; the characters are mature—in their forties—and aware that simply knocking on the door isn't enough; one must be willing to step inside and put down roots. It felt like a tribute to adoptive parents, proving that a child might not be born *of* us, but can still be meant *for* us. And isn't that the most beautiful thing? Dart has to mend his marriage; this is a race he cannot afford to lose, for the alternative might mean there is no "forever." Trinity has a heart full of love to give, and when the opportunity of a lifetime knocks on her door, she doesn't turn it away. But is her love for her estranged husband strong enough to bring the family back together? He made promises. He said it was forever. He didn't stay. And all that remained was an unfinished "forever." Or perhaps not. This was my first time reading this author, and this book became a source of comfort. I will certainly read it again. And I will wait patiently for the second book. Patience.

[Chelsey Ulrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by LB Dunbar, and I loved it! I cannot wait to read more. This was a small-town, marriage in repair, race car driver. The main characters were in their 40's which I appreciated - as much as I hate to admit I will be turning 40 this year, so very relatable! However - check your trigger warnings - there's lots of talk about pregnancy loss. And honestly - this is a book I probably wouldn't have been able to read a few years ago.

Dart (race car driver) and Trinity (NICU nurse) were married, but a few years ago, was obsessed with having a baby and starting a family, but struggled with miscarrying. He decides to leave and chase his dreams, breaking her heart. Fast forward present day, one random night, someone leaves a newborn baby on her front porch with a note telling her the baby is now hers. Around the same time, Dart shows back up unannounced, saying he's back and that they're technically still married because he never filed the divorce papers. But Trinity just isn't sure if she can fully trust him again, especially now that there is a baby involved.

[Michelle Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.75 Stars)

This is a second chance romance, and overall I did enjoy it. The emotional connection between the characters was strong, and I liked the idea of revisiting a love that never fully faded. The chemistry and heartfelt moments kept me engaged, and I appreciated the journey they went through to find their way back to each other.

That said, the one thing that didn’t fully work for me was the FMC not realizing she was still legally married. That part just didn’t feel believable, and it pulled me out of the story a bit.

Even with that issue, I still found it to be an enjoyable read with good emotional depth and a satisfying second-chance arc for the couple.

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book!!! Really enjoyed the audio version and the narrators as well. Trinity and Dart have forever vibes from the start. Along the way things changed with their marriage and they got a divorce. A few surprises arise - one being a baby left on Trinity’s door step - another being that someone never signed divorce papers so the marriage is still binding …. Gotta love those Second Chances.

[Heather Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trinity and Dart are in love and Dart wants to marry her. She finally accepts his proposal to become Mrs. Dart Rivers. Years later, Trinity becomes a NiCU nurse. A social worker drops off a baby on Trinity’s doorstep. She cared for this baby while in the NICU. Trinity names her Mirabelle.
The twsts and turns Dart and Trinity go through are complex, sad and heartbreaking. The epilogues enhanced the story and I absolutely loved them.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Promise author L. B. Dunbar moves us smoothly from Sterling Falls to Rogue River and the start of a new series. She brings along some favorite characters, introduces some new ones we just might like and lets us take a closer look at Dart and Trinity as they struggle in the unexpected, unique next phase of their marriage. A marriage that was over; dead, buried and grown cold.

Everything is a surprise in Promise. In their twenties, as young lovers and newlyweds Dart and Trinity had the perfect life. Living their dream, making their house a home, ready to start a family. Dart swore he’d love her forever and would never let her down. But sometimes erosion sets in and it’s harder to find the perfect, to keep smiling, to not feel that your dreams are just out of reach and slipping away. Three miscarriages and regimented, scheduled baby-making take their toll and Dart leaves. Trinity is shattered. You can feel her pain the first paragraph of this intense story. So much for never letting her down.

Trinity can’t understand how Dart could have put her in second place, or wherever she is on the What’s Important list, but it’s a fact. It’s over; they’re divorced. She works hard to move on, to become independent, to stand on her own two feet. Tries dating but she’s just not ready.

And then the surprises start happening. It may be a cliché but someone leaves a baby in a basket on her front porch and Trinity feels a little spark of life, some purpose in her days again. The baby, who she names Mirabelle, is the unwanted daughter of a distant cousin. Trinity’s bond with Mirabelle is instant and strong; the love she feels is fierce and she wants forever. Maybe nothing can fill the hole left by Dart’s departure, but she can finally be a mom. She starts the process to adopt this precious little girl.

If that’s not enough of a surprise for you consider who Trinity finds lying on her living room couch in the middle of the night as she’s making her way to the kitchen. Dart. Yes, Dart. But why is he here? This is her house, her baby, her life. He willingly walked away; he doesn’t belong here; she doesn’t want him anymore. Well, maybe her heart does but her head gives a firm “NO.”

The next big surprise? Trinity and Dart are still married because he never signed the divorce papers. He had an accident, has to take time off from racing and wants to come home. Home to Trinity. What nerve, right?

You don’t want to like Dart. You don’t want to hear his excuses or feel any sympathy for him; he’s the selfish jerk who left to join the NASCAR circuit so he could be fulfilled. Asking Trinity to go with him didn’t make it better; it made it worse. She had her nursing career, her family and friends, her home, her life in Rogue River and asking her to give it all up and follow him around the country chasing a prize made Trinity feel like a discarded afterthought.

But L. B. Dunbar has a magical way with words and feelings and something intangible and even though you can’t condone or understand what Dart did, you find yourself wanting peace, healing and a second chance for this couple, even while you don’t yet know if he plans to continue racing or not. If he’ll walk away again.

Over-40 romance can be tough. There’s no longer that devil may care, love conquers all, everything will work out attitude and certainty. There are some things that love alone can’t conquer and nobody writes these stories better than author Dunbar. There is still an obvious physical attraction between Dart and Trintiy, and maybe even some love hiding away afraid to come out, but they faced hard times and didn’t come out on the other side together. How will it be any different now?

Promise examines this marriage in repair. Trinity and Dart’s relationship is tense, taut, uncomfortable. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” won’t cut it. They need to be honest, to reveal their dreams and fears and failures if they can ever move forward again. Much of the story is heart-breaking and the anxiety about the future is real, a terrifying realization that sometimes things can’t be fixed. But much of it is also heart-mending: a beautiful baby to possibly parent together, good memories resurfacing, a deeper understanding of what makes the other tick. And it’s also heartwarming and funny – who would have thought pit lizards were a thing. The women-only book club, the local watering hole, the festivals, the visits to familiar places all add to the richness.

I received advance reading and listening copies of Promise from the author as part of her review team. I have loved everything Dunbar has written, from the Sterling Falls series to her holiday rom-coms, but this may be my favorite book of all. It spoke to me, tugged at my heartstrings, filled me with hope and satisfaction. Talented narrators Lance Greenfield and Samantha Brentmoor bring Dart and Trinity to life. The passion, the hurt, the longing and the joy. Both Greenfield and Brentmoor are favorites of mine and the emotion, the tone, the pace make an outstanding book just about perfect. I couldn’t stop listening. I recommend Promise without hesitation and can’t wait for the next book in this rewarding series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

L.B. Dunbar absolutely stole my heart with this one. Promise is the kind of second chance romance that lingers long after you finish. Emotional, honest, and incredibly relatable, this story felt so grounded in the realities of love, loss, and finding your way back to someone after life has knocked you both off course. Parts of Dart and Trinity's journey hit especially hard for me.

What I loved about this story is that it hits on two story dynamics that I love reading and I wish there was more of in romance- characters finding love in their 40's and marriage in crisis. (or in this case, a marriage that fizzled out). Dart and Trinity aren't twenty-somethings chasing a whirlwind romance. That story has already happened, and that's not the one we're part of. They're in their forties, carrying years of history, heartbreak, grief, and regrets. Childhood sweethearts turned husband and wife, they were once everything to each other until infertility, devastating losses, and unspoken pain slowly fractured the foundation they built together. Three years after their separation, Trinity suddenly finds herself caring for an unexpected baby girl, a miracle that offers hope after years of heartbreak. Then Dart comes home.

I loved Trinity's strength and resilience, but Dart completely won me over. I really loved exploring the impact of infertility on the hero, how it impacts his pysche too. He feels he failed in helping her achieve what she wanted, and that insecurity results in him making some other mistakes too. He knows he failed the woman he loves and doesn't spend the story making excuses for it. He shows up. He puts in the work. He fights for his marriage, and watching him slowly earn back Trinity's trust was both heartbreaking and incredibly swoony.

And wow, these two put my heart through it. What impressed me most was how authentic their reconciliation felt. There are no quick fixes here. No grand gesture that magically erases years of hurt. Instead, LB gives these characters the space to confront their mistakes, face their insecurities, and do the hard work of healing. Their conversations felt real. Their struggles felt real. Their love felt real.

The surprise baby storyline added such a beautiful layer of hope to the story. Amid all the grief and emotional turmoil, Mirabelle becomes a reminder that life can still surprise you with something wonderful. Watching this family slowly come back together had me smiling through tears more than once. That said, it was hard at times to not feel a little like them finally having the baby they wanted by serendipity is part of how things were "fixed." I do think their love was still there and they would have found their way back to each other, but the fertility issues and not being able to be a "family" didn't really have to be confronted as deeply because of it. Part of me wonders what the story would have been like if that weren't the case. Probably messier, but maybe even more solid. Even so, I still love they found a way tot his. As someone who has grieved my own dreams of parenthood, the ease of this felt like the dream. Even if it doesn't match my lived reality.

What I love most about L.B. Dunbar's writing is her ability to make mature romances feel just as emotional, hopeful, and swoon-worthy as any new love story. This isn't about falling in love. It's about choosing love again. Fighting for it. Believing it's still worth it. By the end, I was completely invested in Dart and Trinity and honestly didn't want to let them go.

This is my first of LB's and there were definitely some ties to other stories where I felt a bit lost, but it also made me excited to go back and meet some other characters. And I'll definitely be jumping in for future Rogue River series.

The audiobook made this story even more powerful. Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield were phenomenal as Trinity and Dart. They brought so much vulnerability, longing, heartbreak, and hope to these characters that it felt impossible not to become fully immersed in their journey. Samantha perfectly captured Trinity's strength and emotional complexity, while Lance delivered every ounce of Dart's regret, devotion, and determination to win back the love of his life. I'm less familiar with Lance has a narrator but I'll definitely be looking for more from him. The narration elevated every emotional moment. The chemistry between these narrators is undeniable, and they made Dart and Trinity's story feel even more intimate and real. This is absolutely one I would recommend experiencing on audio.

What to Expect
💙 Second Chance Romance
💙 Marriage in Crisis / Marriage in Repair
💙 Childhood Sweethearts
💙 Over 40 Romance
💙 Surprise Baby (with a twist)
💙 Small Town Romance
💙 Brother's Best Friend
💙 Family & Forgiveness
💙 Emotional Healing
💙 Infertility & Pregnancy Loss Representation
💙 Found Family
💙 Heartfelt & Hopeful
💙 Groveling Hero
💙 Hard-Earned HEA

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise by L.B. Dunbar was such a beautiful and emotional read. This story completely swept me away with its themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and second chances. Filled with small-town charm, mature characters, and a heartfelt marriage-in-repair romance, it reminded me that some love stories don't end when life gets hard, they simply find their way back to each other.

Trinity and Dart were childhood sweethearts who built a life together and believed they had forever ahead of them. But years of infertility struggles, heartbreaking losses, grief, and unspoken fears slowly drove a wedge between them. Three years after their separation, Trinity's life takes an unexpected turn when a newborn baby girl is left on her doorstep, offering her a chance at motherhood she thought she had lost forever. Just when she's beginning to find her footing, Dart returns home determined to prove that their story isn't over.

Trinity was such a relatable and admirable heroine. After everything she has endured, her hesitation to trust Dart again felt completely understandable. She carries years of pain, disappointment, and unanswered questions, yet she remains strong, compassionate, and hopeful. I loved watching her navigate the unexpected challenges of motherhood while slowly allowing herself to believe that healing & happiness might still be possible. Her emotional journey felt honest and realistic, making it easy to connect with her every step of the way.

Dart absolutely stole my heart. Beneath the former NASCAR driver persona is a man carrying deep regret and heartbreak. He never stopped loving Trinity and seeing him return home determined to repair the damage left behind was both emotional and swoony. Dart knows he made mistakes, and he doesn't try to excuse them. Instead, he puts in the work, has the difficult conversations, and fights for the woman he's always loved. Watching him try to rebuild his marriage and prove himself worthy of a second chance had me rooting for him from beginning to end.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was how realistic the reconciliation felt. Trinity and Dart don't simply pick up where they left off. Years of grief, misunderstandings, and emotional wounds stand between them, and the story allows them the space to work through those issues together. Their conversations, memories, and shared moments felt genuine and mature, making their journey back to each other all the more rewarding.

The surprise baby storyline added so much warmth and heart to the book. The baby girl became a symbol of hope and new beginnings, helping both Trinity and Dart rediscover the future they thought they had lost. Some of the sweetest moments in the story came from watching them bond as a family and slowly rebuild the life they once dreamed of.

There were a few moments where the racing metaphors felt a little repetitive for my personal taste, but it was a very small issue in a story that delivered so much emotion, healing, and hope. The heart of this book lies in its characters and their journey, and that emotional core shines throughout every chapter.

Overall, Promise is a heartfelt and uplifting second-chance romance about enduring love, family, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the person who has always held your heart. L.B. Dunbar crafted a story that felt authentic, emotional, and deeply satisfying. I found myself completely invested in Trinity and Dart's journey, cheering them on through every setback and celebrating every step toward their hard-earned happily ever after. This is a beautiful reminder that love doesn't have an expiration date and that sometimes the greatest love story is the one worth fighting for. ❤️💍🍼🏁📚

I am so grateful to L.B. Dunbar & the Author Agency for this ARC for which I am leaving an honest review.

[Roxs Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage in ruins after years of love and devotion. A second chance comes along to give them the healing they needed to be one again. The way they grew back together with more devotion than ever before sparked emotion and healing inti my own heart.

Trinity Haven and Dart Rivers grew from teenage friends to lovers. Their love should have withstood the test of time as they spent years being everything to each other vowing that they were each other's FOREVER. Until the struggles of their reality and failed attempts at pregnancy left them both feeling lost, alone, and, a failure. Not only a failure at becoming a parent, but a failure to the other.

Sometimes life is hard and we need to be alone for a bit. Discover who we are at the core and hopefully come out better on the other side. Author Laura Dunbar really captured the pain Dart and Trinity lived. It was so great, they seemed to lose themselves and working through it together became a mountain they couldn't navigate.

This second-chance romance had me falling in love with love again. Dart and Trinity thought their forever had ended, but when Dart returns to Rogue River ready to win his wife back, he puts his whole heart into it. He takes his time, he gives Trinity the space and time she needs to believe in them again, and he gives her the safety net she needs to give her heart back to him.

Dart and Trinity didn't fall out of love, but the pain of their circumstances took over every breathing moment. I am sure this feeling will have resonated with many readers. No matter what pulls us apart, having the strength to put it back together takes courage. It is probably easier to just continue down the path alone, but coming back together can be such a sweet victory.

I really enjoyed how the author had the characters take their time getting back together. They both felt the attraction they'd always had, but they kept their distance, they voiced their fears, they confronted their demons, and they brought themselves through the pain of the past back to a place where they could continue growing again. The pacing and character development was perfect. The author gave us all the pieces of their past that we needed to understand their turmoil and to truly cheer them on. The very thing that finally pulled them apart was the same thing that helped bring them back together. Little Mirabelle was the light in both their eyes, and this surprise baby brought them joy and a new purpose together.

I look forward to more stories set in Rogue River.

~~~~

ALC Review (Audiobook) 🎧
I throughly enjoyed the audiobook as well. I love immersive reading, but I also enjoy being able to drive and listen, and that is what I mostly did this time around. The dual narration of Promise by L. B. Dunbar was a joy to listen to. I felt every bit of the love and devotion these characters had for each other.

Narrator Samantha Brentmoor is a favorite of mine, and she voiced Trinity exceptionally well. Trinity has many emotional scenes and Samantha ensured the reader felt every twinge of pain or happiness. I was easily able to envision Trinity through listening.

Lance Greenfield isn’t as well know to me, which made listening to his portrayal of Dart easy. I didn't have to get previous characters out of my head, and his voice lended itself easily to the personality I envisioned for Dart. Every emotion was felt and, I believed every heartfelt word he spoke.

Thanks to The Author Agency and author L. B. Dunbar. It was an honor to read and listen to this story.

[Audio book lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏁🩷 A marriage that never truly ended, a surprise baby on the doorstep, and two people learning that love sometimes means choosing each other all over again. 🩷🏁

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Dual
Series: Rogue River, Book 1 (interconnected standalone)
HEA: Yes

Promise is warm, emotional, and refreshingly mature in a genre that often forgets love stories don’t stop after thirty. L.B. Dunbar delivers a heartfelt second-chance romance centered around characters over forty, and honestly? It works incredibly well. This story isn’t about dramatic misunderstandings or endless games it’s about regret, timing, forgiveness, and the reality that marriage takes work long after the vows are spoken.

What stood out most to me was how grounded the relationship felt. There’s history here. Shared pain, old wounds, lingering love, and years of unresolved emotions sitting underneath every interaction. The romance doesn’t rely on flashy drama it leans into emotional honesty instead, and that gives the story a quiet strength that’s easy to connect with.

The Story

Presley believed her marriage ended three years ago when Dart Rivers left their small town behind to chase his racing career, taking her heart with him in the process.

Since then, she’s tried to move forward with the understanding that sometimes love means letting go, even when it hurts.

But life has other plans.

When a baby girl is unexpectedly left on Presley’s doorstep, her entire world shifts overnight. And just when she’s trying to figure out what to do, Dart suddenly reappears after an accident on the racetrack… casually informing her that, technically, they’re still married.

Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Forced back into each other’s space, old feelings quickly resurface. Between late-night conversations, shared responsibilities, lingering attraction, and memories neither of them truly escaped, Presley and Dart are forced to confront the question they’ve avoided for years:

Can a broken marriage actually be rebuilt?

🎧 Narration

Performed in dual narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield.

Samantha Brentmoor once again proves why she’s such a reliable narrator in romance audiobooks. She brings warmth, emotional depth, and vulnerability to Presley in a way that immediately pulls you into the story.

Lance Greenfield was new to me, but he absolutely held his own alongside Samantha. His performance captures Dart’s regret, charm, and emotional maturity perfectly, making him feel believable rather than overly polished.

Together, they create a listening experience that feels intimate, emotional, and easy to sink into.

What I Loved

✔️ A mature romance featuring characters over 40
✔️ Marriage-in-repair done with emotional honesty
✔️ Strong themes of forgiveness and second chances
✔️ Small-town setting that feels warm and comforting
✔️ A hero who never truly stopped loving his wife
✔️ Emotional conversations that actually matter
✔️ The balance between heartache and hope
✔️ A surprise baby trope that adds softness instead of chaos

Tropes & Vibes

✔️ Marriage in Repair
✔️ Second Chance Romance
✔️ Still My Wife
✔️ Only Ever Been You
✔️ Surprise Baby
✔️ Former NASCAR Driver
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Mature Characters (40+)
✔️ Emotional Healing

Final Thoughts

Promise is emotional without becoming overly heavy, romantic without losing realism, and heartfelt in a way that feels genuine rather than manufactured. L.B. Dunbar writes mature relationships with a level of nuance that makes the emotions land harder because they feel believable.

This story quietly explores the idea that love alone isn’t always enough sometimes relationships require sacrifice, communication, and choosing each other again even after things fall apart.

For a first experience with this author, this absolutely worked for me. If you enjoy second-chance romances with mature characters, emotional depth, small-town charm, and relationships that feel lived-in rather than idealized, Promise is definitely worth picking up.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An emotional and swoony second-chance-romance, this is a heartfelt story about a married couple in their 40s finding their way back to each other, and it’s a really sweet read.

Trinity and Dart were childhood sweethearts who fell madly in love and got married. Years of infertility and tragic losses took their toll, and when Dart got the opportunity of a lifetime to become a professional race car driver, their lives took different paths and they were both left brokenhearted by their subsequent separation. Three years later, Trinity’s life changes when a newborn baby girl is left on her doorstep, and she finally starts to hope for the chance at motherhood that she never thought she’d get. Then her life is upended again when Dart returns home, declaring them still married and asking for a second chance.

It's an emotional read as we see these two reunite. It’s clear they still love each other deeply, but there is years of anger, grief, guilt and pain between them. Trinity is understandably hesitant to trust Dart in her space again, but his sincerity is hard to resist, and there is still a lot of love there. They have a lot to work through, but with lots of talking, reminiscing and bonding over the new baby in their lives, their feelings for each other become impossible to ignore.

“I might have been physically away from you, but I was never gone. Never without you.”

It’s a slow rebuilding, and I thought their reconciliation was realistic and well written. Trinity wrestles with her feelings, and I could understand where she was at emotionally, and I admired her ability to forgive and open her heart again. Dart’s realisation of the pain he caused and the damage he left behind was heartbreaking, and watching this broken man trying to reclaim his life was so emotional. Seeing him desperately in love and fighting for his girls was beautiful and so swoony!

“I’ll love you like no other,” he whispers. “I’ve never not loved you, Trinity.”

One thing that threw me off was the racing metaphors. In the beginning of the book, it was near constant and so cheesy and had me cringing when I was desperately trying to lose myself in the feels.

My thoughts race around the oval track in my head. Spiraling down the straightaway of jealousy, then looping around the curve.

My stomach is as tight as a stubborn lug nut.

I’m already all in the race, but I’m just keeping a steady pace, not looking to rush or pass her. I’m just fucking thankful she’s keeping me on the track somewhere near her.

*sigh*

That being said, I love a second-chance-romance, and was fully invested in seeing these two come back together. The addition of their baby girl was the icing on the top, bringing lots of sweet moments. The book did feel a little draggy, though, and I thought it could have been wrapped up quicker than it was. But I did love seeing these two find their way back to each other, and I enjoyed this story.

3.5 stars.

An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished Promise, I immediately knew this was going to be one of those books that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.

L.B. Dunbar gave me a second-chance romance that wasn’t just about two people finding their way back to each other—it was about grief, forgiveness, family, and learning that sometimes love never really leaves, even when life pulls people apart.

Dart and Trinity were childhood sweethearts who built a life together believing they would have forever. Watching where their story began and where life eventually took them made their reunion feel even more emotional. Their separation wasn’t something either of them truly recovered from, and that lingering love was present in every interaction they shared.

One of the parts of this story that hit me the hardest was Trinity’s struggle with infertility and multiple miscarriages. The heartbreak, loss, and emotional weight surrounding those experiences felt incredibly real. You could feel how deeply those losses affected both Trinity and Dart. Dart especially carries so much guilt, believing he somehow failed the woman he loves, and my heart broke for him more than once throughout the story.

Then comes the surprise that changes everything.

Three years after their separation, Trinity finds a newborn baby girl left on her doorstep. I loved that this wasn’t your typical surprise baby storyline and unfolded in a way I wasn’t expecting. It added another layer of emotion to a story that was already packed with heart.

And then Dart comes home.

From the moment he returns, it’s clear that he isn’t ready to let Trinity go. He may have left years ago, but he never stopped loving her. Watching him fight for their future while also confronting the mistakes and pain of the past made me root for him from the beginning.

I also have to mention the audiobook because the narrators absolutely nailed it. This was an immersion read for me, and they brought Trinity and Dart to life beautifully. The emotion in their performances made the story feel even more powerful, especially during the heavier moments. Their narration added so much depth to an already emotional romance.

What I loved most about Promise was that it never felt rushed. It allowed the characters to work through their hurt, rebuild trust, and rediscover the love that had always been there underneath everything else. Their journey felt authentic, and by the end I was completely invested in their happiness.

This was an emotional, heartwarming start to the Rogue River series and left me excited to see where the series goes next.

Thank you to L.B. Dunbar for the ARC and ALC opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ratings:
⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 3/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 5.5/5

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Immersive Read Review — Promise by LB Dunbar
Rogue River Series, Book 1
Thank you to Hambright PR for the gifted ARC and ALC.

Tropes:
- Marriage in repair
- Second‑chance romance
- Still my wife
- Surprise baby
- Small‑town romance
- Former NASCAR driver
- Over‑40 love story

🎧 Narration + Immersive Read Notes
Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield, this audio brought Trinity and Dart to life with so much maturity and emotional weight. Samantha gives Trinity a grounded, vulnerable strength, while Lance captures Dart’s regret, devotion, and quiet determination beautifully.

And because I had both the ARC and the ALC, I was able to do an immersive read, and I will always say this:
immersive reading is the best way to fully experience a romance.
The audio pulls you into the emotion, the ebook lets you catch every detail, and together they make the story hit deeper. If I didn’t have the ebook, I wouldn’t have seen the bonus vow‑renewal content at the end, which added so much heart.

❤️‍🩹 Plot + Why I Loved It
I really fell in love with Trinity and Dart. As a married woman in my 40s, this story didn’t feel exaggerated or dramatic... it felt real. It felt like the kind of love you build over years, the kind that gets bruised by life, and the kind you have to choose again with intention.

Three years ago, Dart left Rogue River chasing racing dreams, leaving Trinity with a broken heart and divorce papers she thought ended everything. Except… he never signed them. And when an unexpected baby shows up on Trinity’s doorstep, fate brings Dart home at the exact moment she needs answers.

What I appreciated most is that LB Dunbar doesn’t sugarcoat marriage. Trinity and Dart struggled with communication, with fertility, with feeling “not enough,” with the pressure of unmet dreams. Their marriage had real cracks, real hurt, and real history.

Dart’s arc especially hit me. He left because he thought he needed to accomplish more, only to realize everything he ever wanted was already at home. That humility, that regret, that desire to fix what he broke it made the story tender and believable.

This book understands that marriage isn’t always a straight path. Sometimes you go through long seasons of hard moments. Sometimes you lose each other without meaning to. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get the chance to find your way back.

💗 Final Thoughts
Promise is a tender, grown‑folks second‑chance marriage romance that will resonate with anyone who’s been married long enough to know love takes work, honesty, and courage. Trinity and Dart’s journey is messy, emotional, and beautifully human.

4 stars, a heartfelt, mature romance with a powerful message about choosing each other again.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Promise by L.B. Dunbar was everything I love in a romance and even more so in audiobook format. This story wrapped itself around my heart from the very beginning and never let go.

Before I even get into the story, I have to say that I had the honor of meeting L.B. Dunbar at a book event in December, and she is truly one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. She is warm, genuine, and an absolute breath of fresh air. After reading and listening to her work, it is easy to see that the same heart and authenticity she brings to her readers shines through in her stories.

Trinity and Dart's journey was beautiful, emotional, and incredibly real. I absolutely loved reading about characters over forty who are still finding their way back to each other and discovering that love does not have an expiration date. Their story felt mature, honest, and full of hope.

Dart completely stole my heart. He made mistakes, but his love for Trinity never wavered. Watching him fight for his marriage and prove that he was worthy of a second chance had me rooting for him every step of the way. Trinity was equally wonderful. Her hesitation, fears, and guarded heart felt understandable after everything she had been through. Seeing these two slowly rebuild trust was one of my favorite parts of the story.

The surprise baby storyline added so much warmth and charm. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made me emotional, and moments that reminded me why I love small town romances so much. The chemistry between Trinity and Dart was undeniable, but what stood out most was the deep emotional connection they shared.

The audiobook narration brought this story to life beautifully. The narrators captured every emotion, every tender moment, and every ounce of longing between Trinity and Dart. Listening to their story unfold made me feel even more connected to the characters and their journey.
Promise is a heartfelt story about love, forgiveness, family, and finding your way back to the person who has always held your heart. It is proof that second chances can be even more beautiful than first beginnings.

L.B. Dunbar delivered a story filled with heart, hope, and healing, and I loved every minute of it. This was an easy five-star audiobook for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mature romance, marriage in repair, small town charm, and characters who feel like real people.
A beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest love story is the one worth fighting for.

[DarcyLovesLiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re my win, Forever…”

💖📚 Story: 4.5 ⭐️s
🎧🎤 Narration: 5 ⭐️s

This was a sexy and emotional start to L.B. Dunbar’s new Rogue River series. I love a second chance romance, and Dunbar made excellent use of that trope throughout. Plus there is the fun Baby Boom angle, which is a unique way to bring an adorable kiddo into the mix, a role admirably filled by the absolutely precious Mirabelle. With a compelling central couple taking lead, plus intriguing breadcrumbs from secondary characters providing potential for future stories, all populating a welcoming setting, Promise is an enjoyable series starter.

As the book opens, Trinity and Dart have been separated for a few years after a dozen years of marriage; she thinks they’re divorced, he knows they’re not. I liked this approach to the second chance of it all - it was refreshing. Both MCs are at pivotal points of change - Trinity has the surprise opportunity to adopt the baby she (and Dart) have always wanted. (Dunbar handles their past pregnancy struggles with a deft hand; it was beautifully done.) Dart has had a professional setback that makes him accept and seek out what’s truly important to him. Of course, not-so-deep down, they’re both still gone for each other. So from the moment Trinity came downstairs to find Dart’s booted feet hanging off the side of her couch, I was happy to follow their journey back together. I loved how it’s made explicit that the baby is not some kind of glue or fix-all that magically mends their past. They both want to do that mending already, the situation with Mirabelle’s adoption just provides a more explicit opportunity.

Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield do an absolutely fantastic job with the audiobook. My ears and heart loved every moment. Brentmoor was perfect for Trinity. The character has a lot of emotional moments and Brentmoor portrays them so well. She does consistently amazing work; I have never been let down by a Samantha Brentmoor performance! Because of some of his initial assumptions regarding Trinity and Mirabelle, I found a Dart a little tricky on page at first. However, Lance Greenfield’s performance easily won me to the MMC’s side. Dart, too, has a lot going on emotionally, and Greenfield struck that balance between outer charm and inner vulnerability. He and Brentmoor were more than well-matched and their skills make this audio a joy to listen to.

Thanks to The Author Agency and L.B. Dunbar for the chance to listen! All thoughts and opinions are my

[Agnieszka Chajmik · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC review for 'Promise' by L.B. Dunbar

What a fantastic story! It is warm, hopeful, sweet, and emotional in the best possible way. I was completely won over by the tropes: a marriage in need of repair and a former NASCAR driver are right up my street, but to be honest, I hadn’t expected it to be quite so brilliant in such an effortless, heartfelt way.

This was my first book by this author, and although I was already aware of her previous work, this was a lovely surprise. It’s an incredibly easy read, feeling just like a favourite cup of tea after a long day at work. Absolute perfection.

At its heart, this is a story of true love and the struggle to find oneself within a relationship that, at some point, became too overwhelming and mechanical. It’s a beautiful tale of second chances and finding the right moment to finally be with the person you're meant to be with... forever.

Dart Rivers didn’t truly understand love until he met Trinity Haven. Their passion and devotion held strong through their youth and into their marriage. However, Dart had made a promise to Trinity: a family, children, and a lifetime together. Tragically, miscarriages, IVF, and the terrifying fear of losing his one true love drove a wedge between them. Both were grieving, deeply emotional, and unable to share their feelings. When Dart suggested moving away in the hope of bringing them closer, Trinity refused. Dart feared the worst—that her refusal to move was actually a refusal of him.

The story felt incredibly real, reflecting the genuine struggles of couples who try too hard, lose themselves in the battle, and forget the most important things: communication and understanding. Emotions run high throughout, but with every turn of the page, you see them slowly emerging from the fog of grief.

I don’t think I have ever cheered so hard for a fictional couple to overcome their loss and misunderstandings. It was both beautiful and painful, but entirely worth reading to the very end. Finishing this story left me feeling more content than almost any other book I’ve read.

The audiobook takes the experience to a whole new level. Samantha Brentmoor has officially become my personal queen of sweet and cosy audio—I absolutely loved her performance! Meanwhile, Lance Greenfield brought much-needed fire, passion, and excellent grovelling to his portrayal of Dart. His pronunciation of 'forever' will be my new favourite sound for a long time to come.

[Kimhe Rockchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved LB Dunbar’s books. She’s one of those authors I could happily read every day because she writes characters that feel real and relatable. Her silver fox heroes and strong, fierce heroines over 40 always bring something special—showing that love stories don’t end after your twenties and that sometimes the most meaningful romances come from second chances.

Promise is Dart and Trinity’s story—a marriage in crisis and two people trying to find their way back to each other after years of hurt, disappointment, and feeling unseen.

For years, Trinity desperately wanted to become a mother, and the heartbreak of infertility slowly consumed their relationship. While Trinity carried the pain of what they couldn’t have, Dart quietly began feeling invisible in his own marriage. Eventually the weight of it all became too much, and they separated… divorcing and walking away from the life they had built together.

But life isn’t finished with them yet.

When Dart’s NASCAR dreams come crashing down, he unexpectedly ends up back on Trinity’s couch—only to discover she’s now a mother to a little girl. Suddenly they’re thrown back into each other’s lives with years of unresolved emotions, lingering love, old wounds, and the undeniable connection that never really disappeared.

This story was emotional, complicated, heartwarming, and so beautifully written. LB Dunbar handles difficult topics with care and honesty, showing how grief and unmet dreams can quietly break even the strongest relationships. But she also reminds us that healing, forgiveness, and love can still exist after heartbreak.

I loved watching Trinity grow into motherhood while Dart had to confront his own regrets and figure out what truly mattered. Their journey wasn’t easy and it wasn’t perfect—which made it feel even more authentic. Every conversation, every moment of vulnerability, and every small step back toward one another felt earned.

And that little girl? She brought so much warmth and heart to the story and became such an important part of their healing.

I was cheering for Dart and Trinity from beginning to end, hoping they could let go of the pain of the past and realise that maybe their story wasn’t over after all. Watching these soulmates repair what was broken and rediscover each other was emotional, beautiful, and deeply satisfying.

Another wonderful read from LB Dunbar and I can’t wait to return to Rogue River for more.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
Infertility is a focus of this story. A baby is surrendered and the MCs care for her.

I always said I wouldn’t ever have enough of Sterling Falls, and now I get to visit through Rogue River! Which I very quickly fell in love with! A lot of that is because of Trinity and Dart. Getting to spend every moment with them while they rediscovered each other was a beautiful (while heartbreaking) journey. A lot of BIG emotions. I mean, there has to be when a husband and wife are back under the same roof with a surprise baby after being separated for 3 years. My heart began to ache for them from the very start. Their story is raw and vulnerable. Trin and Dart are openly scared. But there’s so much love between them. Every emotion, every pain, is felt between them.

The connections with Sterling Falls were such fun easter eggs to find! Who knows who, what Trin does over in their neck of the woods, part of the decor of their home. And, there’s an icy hearted brother who I can’t wait to see how he melts!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “Yes, I’ll be Mrs. Dart Rivers.” “No, baby. You’ll be my forever.”
• “I’m here because this is home. This town. This house. You.”
• “Knew I’d never be perfect, but I’d be better with you by my side.”
• “Just need you to be you.”
• “The only thing I want is you.”
• “I’m always going to love you.”
• “I do feel special, baby. Because you love me.”
• “You’re my purpose.”
• “You’re all I need. All I’ve ever wanted.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
9/10 Second Chance
3/10 Sibling’s Best Friend
5/10 Single Parent
4/10 Sports Romance

This book is a spin-off to the Sterling Falls series
This is my review for Trinity’s brother’s book
This is my review for the mentioned Sheriff’s book

Trigger Warnings include:
The struggles of infertility and miscarriages (including one mentioned about an underaged SC), an abandoned/surrendered baby, adoption, racing crash that results in injury. Discussions of childhood homelessness, abusive loved one, death of a parent by drugs