The V-Day Getaway

by Lauren Lacey

Genres: Romance

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2026

About the author

I’m a small-town romance author and mom of three, always juggling family life and deadlines. I write love stories filled with supportive friend groups, real-life challenges, and happily ever afters that feel earned. I’m based in Atlanta, where Southern sunsets and everyday moments inspire the stories I tell. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me watching soccer with my family, driving my daughters to dance, staying up late binge-watching shows, hauling my son to chess club, or rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Reviews

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
This was such a quick and fun read for the holiday season! I swear, it’s so hard to find Valentine’s Day romance books which is wild because it’s the perfect time to highlight romance! So this book was exactly the fun and spicy time that I needed. If you want a cute story that’s all happy and fun, pick this one up!

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute, quick and spicy Valentine’s themed book. Tiny you are absolutely deserving of this love Carter gives you. And we aren’t just going to skip over that parasailing scene….uhh well excuse me ma’am. In my head I would be thinking thee worst, because they obviously didn’t watch Who Killed Sara 😂😂

[Quaterria Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Lacey’s writing completely embodies the greatness of black romance with unfiltered passion and it is much evident in this story between Taylor ‘Tiny’ Lynn and Coach Carter Grey.

Tiny was able to experience the intentional, healing love that she so deserved. And yes, they were doing some hunching yall. 🤭

[Jada Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Cute, light hearted, syrupy sweet

[Raylin Weathersby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars: I read this in one night! It was a super sweet, romantic book. Great quick read. This book is for the girls who had a hard life or longed for love that makes them feel worthy! Coach Carter was perfect example of a patient man. And this book was spicy. The scenes were soft and nice…nothing too crazy, but that parasailing scene 🤭 and also… I will never look at caramel the same.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I always wanted Tiny to have the love story she deserves and to enter her soft life era! It was beautifully done.

[Kayla Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was everything a novella should be..short, simple, and sweet

[Latrice Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ NOW THIS…this was a real fantasy novella! Forget the dragons, fairies, kingdoms or whatever else are in those other books because Coach Carter Grey…10/10! Very romantic, Very sexy, VERY SPICY. I think I smiled the entire book 🩷

*runs to add Carter to my list of book boyfriends*

[SundayswithKiana (Ki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


This was the cutest Valentine’s novella and such a satisfying read.

I read 95% of this on a long Valentine’s weekend drive to ATL, and it genuinely felt like the perfect companion story — soft, romantic, and emotionally grounding.

If you’ve read The World Around Us, then you already know Tiny deserved this kind of love. Watching her step into intentional, healing softness felt like a full-circle moment. Even in novella length, the emotional payoff landed.

Coach Carter Grey was exactly what she needed — patient, secure, and the kind of man who demonstrates love instead of just talking about it.

Yes, there’s spice. 🤭
But what stood out to me most was seeing a Black woman choose joy without apology. Choose to be cherished. Choose to stop settling.

Short. Sweet. Romantic. Exactly what a Valentine’s novella should be.

I’ll definitely be taking another trip back to Black Summer Island.

[Treasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial thoughts: quick ,spicy read!
Must read the world around us to understanding tiny’s story
This is tiny a.k.a. Tiffany’s forever after and how coach Carter loves on her. It is borderline erotica, so if you’re not looking for a short story that has a lot of explicit scenes then please ignore this book.

Book overview: we follow Tiffany and coach Carter this Valentine for a romantic getaway at black summer Island.
Tiffany has never experienced Valentines and Coach Carter makes it the best and memorable Valentines ever. Four days of pure pampering and enjoyment.
We have a guest appearance from the Blackburns(Kobe, viv , Evie and marlow) which was really nice. We also experienced how Tiffany‘s family and loved ones were rooting for coach Carter’s love for her.
The book is available to read on Kindle unlimited right now.

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taylor Tiny Lynn is Tiffany’s twin sister. Tiffany and Taylor are featured in the book, The World Around Us. However, that book features Tiffany and Mase’s love story.

This book features Taylor’s love story and how it culminates in a HEA for her on her Valentine’s Day weekend getaway.

The subtitle, A Valentine Hunching Novella, is the right description for the book. It was good to know that Tiffany found love and happiness with the Coach. So the twins chapter was closed. I could have used a little more story with my main course of sex.

Oh and I have a bone to pick. There is no way the Caribbean is 12 hours from Greer, GA even on a private jet. Also, I know Carter was a well compensated Coach in the NBA with a contract of $25 million a season but TWO private jets? C’mon…those details messed with me and took something away from the story, for me.

Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in my feelings, but in a good way. This was a cute, quick, and spocy read about a black woman being loved correctly. There was no struggle love, no cheating, and their pockets were deep without having to do anything illegal.

Taylor ‘Tiny’ Lynn grew up in the strugge. She may have been the long lost daughter of a billionaire but she went through some trauma. She finally found peace and stability. She deserves the love Carter was giving to her.

‘Coach’ Carter Grey is a wonderful man and the head basketball coach in the NBA. He worshipped the ground Tiny walks on, accepted and loved ber theough her healing journey all while showing her intentional love. He spoiled her rotten, “what Taylor wants Taylor gets.”

Bbbbooooyyyy they were getting it on honey!! That parasailing scene? Yea, that’s on my bucket list.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This was so good and so spicy!! If you read The World Around Us by Lauren Lacey, you know that Tiny’s history and childhood is one of heartbreak.

And as crazy as it sounds, I often wondered how Tiny panned out. This story brought all the answers—the happy answers! Her life made a complete turnaround and she is getting everything she deserves.

I don’t think I would recommend this to be read as a standalone because it sort of follows up on things from a past book. As I always state, some books you will only appreciate it when you have a backstory. I would read The World Around Us first and then dive into this. It will make for a better experience.

Tropes: man falls first, millionaire/billionaire

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor has had her heart broken before, so it was not easy to love again. When Coach Carter came into the picture, that all changed, and he was determined to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Everything from the private jet, to the excursions on Black Summer Island, made it the perfect experience. But, he has one more surprise to seal the deal.

This novella is a beautiful love story that was impactful. There were moments that literally took my breath away, and the icing on the cake had to be the cameo appearances of the characters from the Black Summer Island Series. My favorite character goes to Coach Carter and I couldn’t find a least favorite character, if I tried.

Go get this holiday novella by @thelaurenlacey.

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Lauren Lacey for the advanced copy of this book.

I love that Tiny got what she deserved. Coach Carter is bae. He made sure Tiny felt loved and spoiled. I really loved this story and it was written well.

If you read The World Around Us you know Tiny was dealt a horrible hand. But Tiny is redeemed and I am so happy to see that she is loved properly and throughly.

I will never look at parasailing the same. Read this novella!!

[Danielle Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Valentines

A stand alone but ties into the “Playing for Keeps” series.

Taylor “Tiny” Lynn has finally found the peace and stability she deserves. Her life is now everything she’s ever hoped.

Coach Carter Grey was relentless at his pursuit to make Taylor his. Now that he has her his message is clear, this love is one he wants to last for a lifetime.

•Quick read
•Swoon worth MMC
• spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Ciara J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect Valentine read! It was short, cute, and very spicy!! This is Tiny’s first Valentine, and let’s just say Coach Carter did not disappoint. He pulled out ALL the stops!! There was no need for Tiny to lift a hand because Coach Carter knew what she needed before she even asked. They could not keep their hands off each other. And let’s just say… I don’t know if I can look at fruit and carmel the same lol !! This was definitely a good read!

[Vanessa RC, Ph.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate how successful everyone is. Here for the way he talks about her. The mocktails he crafts for her and with detailed description? Wow. I wish we got some better visuals of black summer island. Not while parasailing! I do wonder what she went to jail for. Overall, the novella was cute though not as captivating as A Night with Me Grinch. I need Lauren to write one for every holiday 😂

[Annetra Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all know I love me some Lauren Lacey, she can do no wrong!!

I’m soooo happy Tiny got the love she needed and beyond deserved. Okay Coach Carter! The epitome of a patient, kind, and intentional partner and lover.

Never will look at parasailing the same and also a human smoothie/sundae but i digress.

A quick Valentine’s Day novella to get you in the spirit.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute valentine story.
Tiny went from a survival mode to being a soft girl who deserves true happiness and love!
I love her getting loved on properly by a good man!
That man Carter knows exactly what he wanted.
I’m so happy that Tiny got her HEA

This book was definitely spicy! 🌶️ gave all the feels..

I will never look at fruit smoothies the same way lol

[Tomorrow Mims · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved Every Minute ♥️

I really took my time reading this short read. While I did not read the book to get the background of Tiny, I really am debating if I want to because I love seeing her THIS WAY! The way her family and Carter loved her and rooted for her is so beautiful!!!

While this was a short read, it gave just enough not to feel left out or unfulfilled. ♥️

[Mel Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in no time and had a GREAT time! I cried for Tiny and was admittedly one of the readers waiting to see her get a happily ever after and BABY... Coach Carter was that and more. He treated our girl so good and he was neasty!

I need a fruit smoothie!

[Toyia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy V Day for sure

I absolutely enjoyed this read. This was a perfect short read for Valentine’s day. Ting deserved all that Coach Carter gave and showed her. I loved this for them.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Vday weekend read! Tiny deserved all that love and affection from her man Coach Carter Grey was so perfect for her. That soft spoiled life is exactly how Tiny should be living. I love Lauren Lacey!

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The V-day getaway

I need me a V-Day getaway like this. Carter loves Taylor out loud and makes sure she feels safe and protected. This story was short and sweet and kept me smiling with the way they loved on each other.

[Amaya Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Cute

I loved everything about it. This was such a cute, quick read and really pulled at my romance reader heart. I love when Black love is portrayed with positivity, and the spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Savannah R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this? Chefs kiss. Mr. Carterrrrrrrrrrr the man you are 😭 He literally gave Tiny whatever she wanted, without question. She was quite literally living the soft life and getting put through the mattress, love that for her!!!

[Nisha Ni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such Deception

Mannnnnn the cover doesn’t match the contents. Don’t let it fool you cause Lauren put some heat in this one. Coach Carterrrrrr hey bae and if they were real I’d probably ask Tiny if she can fight 😂.

[Toy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Tiny's story and it didn't disappoint! Coach Carter is the man and Tiny deserve all the love he gave her!

[India Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiny Getting The Love & The 🍆

Lauren, thank you girl for showing Tiny some much needed love! She was deserving of it. This was a great V-Day novella ♥️✨

[Mrs Book Bae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Coach Carter lovedddddd him some Taylor Lynn.

He was so intentional about giving her everything she wanted and needed.

A spicy and sexy Valentine's Novella 😍