This Time Around

by D Allen

He left without a word. Now he’s living in her spare room.

Two years ago, Erin Palmer fell hard—and fast—for Van Bradley during one perfect weekend at the Canal Days Festival. He promised to call. He didn’t.

Now Van’s back in Fairport, renting a room in Erin’s house, and acting like it’s no big deal. But with every shared kitchen moment, late-night run-in, and half-finished conversation, it’s clear their story isn’t over.

She wants to forget him. He wants to explain. And neither of them is ready for how easy it still is to fall for each other.

A slow-burn, second-chance romance full of sharp banter, soft moments, and the one who almost got away—until now.

372 pages, Paperback

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"This Time Around" is one of those cozy, small-town stories that you just want to curl up with on a rainy Sunday. It’s a total gem for anyone who loves a second-chance romance where the history between the leads is just as thick as the tension. The banter is easily the highlight—it’s sharp, funny, and feels like a real conversation between two people who know exactly how to push each other's buttons. While the romance is the main event, the side characters make the town feel lived-in and real, adding a layer of humor that keeps the more emotional moments from feeling too heavy. There’s something so relatable about the way Erin and Van navigate their past; they eventually realize that the person who challenges you and calls you on your nonsense is often the one who actually makes you better.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin needed a roommate to help pay the bills but was surprised to find out that Van was the person booking the room. Van and Erin had a weekend fling 2 years ago and now he was back in town to promote a fancy coffee house. I enjoyed how they worked to avoid feelings, but the feelings were still there. I liked the glimpse of the small town and how they shared their time together.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

A small town, second-chance romance that was such a cute read and a great cast of characters. Great banter and dialog with a wonderful blend of heart and humor. I think Erin and Van came to see that sometimes who challenges you most is exactly who your heart needs. This story was so entertaining making it easy to settle in and enjoy every heartfelt page.

[Jocelynne Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cozy, heartfelt, and full of charm!
This Time Around is such a sweet, small-town second-chance romance that’s easy to fall into. Erin and Van’s history adds just the right amount of tension, and their banter is a total highlight—sharp, funny, and so natural.
The story strikes a great balance between heart and humor, with a lovable cast of side characters that really bring the town to life. It’s a quick read, but the pacing feels just right—nothing rushed or overstuffed.
I especially loved how relatable it felt, with both characters figuring out life and love in their thirties. It really shows that sometimes the person who challenges you most is exactly who you need.
Such a fun, feel-good read—definitely recommend! 💕.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashton Buye · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed the story but the storyline was so warped. The first 3/4 were slow and the last 1/4 raced through and was short and clipped. I also was expecting an epilogue after all was said and done but nothing.

I feel like the story was cute, easy read, but felt rushed. I loved the dual POV and the dual timelines. Overall fifty extra pages to not rush the ending and an epilogue would’ve sealed this as a higher rating for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A slow-burn, second-chance romance full of sharp banter, soft moments, and the one who almost got away-until now.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love Erin and Van... this is their second chance love story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... they had a fling and then, he was gone... he said he'd call, he never did..! now, he's renting her spare room.. what could go wrong ? late night talks.. acting like it's nothing !! it's funny and heart felt...!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[i_want_ all_the_spoilers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read. As a thirty something I feel for both MC'c. a story of WTF do i do with my life, professionaly and personally. And in this case " together" is the answer. for such a small read, the pace of the story is perfect, the amount of happenings is perfect. There aren't to many things stuffed together, and I appreciated that. Fun read. Do it!

[Gina DelGaudio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.

This small town romance was cute, and the characters were engaging. The only thing I had trouble with when reading was the time line. I don't consider a fling from years ago an ex bf/gf. Other than the quickness of the "falling" it was a pretty good, cute book.

[$2.08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! The characters were realistic and relatable. My favorite thing about this book was reading about their weekend from two years ago mixed I with their current struggles. It was like reading two books at once.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.