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Heartwood Knights #1
Grounding the Baker
After losing his mum, Liam returns to a charming English village with an inclusive community and gossip that travels faster than the speed of sound. Taking over Sylvie’s Slice was always the plan, just not this soon. Between keeping the ovens going, supporting a father who’s lost his soulmate, and juggling a demanding day job, Liam barely has time to breathe, let alone date.
Austin isn’t looking for romance either. Turning forty, widowed, and determined to give his daughter the same close knit community he had for his childhood, he moves back to Heartwood to be surrounded by his lifelong friends and a legion of surrogate uncles. Love isn’t on the agenda… until he meets Liam Wells. And it’s not just Liam’s chocolate orange muffins he’s interested in.
Austin recognises the grief behind Liam’s smile and realises now isn’t their moment. But he’s only felt this instant connection once before, and he can’t ignore it. Something brought them both back to Heartwood at the same time, and Austin is prepared to wait.
Liam assumes Austin is straight. When he learns the truth, he’s torn between disbelief that his perfect guy is offering to woo him and the reality that he’s already an award winning juggler of life’s chaos. How is he supposed to add dating into the mix?
When the wooing begins, things heat up quick, but beneath the sweetness, Liam’s unresolved grief is simmering. When it finally boils over, will it draw them closer… or prove that this still isn’t their time?
Austin isn’t looking for romance either. Turning forty, widowed, and determined to give his daughter the same close knit community he had for his childhood, he moves back to Heartwood to be surrounded by his lifelong friends and a legion of surrogate uncles. Love isn’t on the agenda… until he meets Liam Wells. And it’s not just Liam’s chocolate orange muffins he’s interested in.
Austin recognises the grief behind Liam’s smile and realises now isn’t their moment. But he’s only felt this instant connection once before, and he can’t ignore it. Something brought them both back to Heartwood at the same time, and Austin is prepared to wait.
Liam assumes Austin is straight. When he learns the truth, he’s torn between disbelief that his perfect guy is offering to woo him and the reality that he’s already an award winning juggler of life’s chaos. How is he supposed to add dating into the mix?
When the wooing begins, things heat up quick, but beneath the sweetness, Liam’s unresolved grief is simmering. When it finally boils over, will it draw them closer… or prove that this still isn’t their time?
- GenresContemporaryM M Romance
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 13, 2026
This was a slowly developing romance between two men who recently experienced a devastating loss. Forty year old Austin had lost his wife a year ago and has moved back to his hometown with his 8 year old daughter to provide some stability in a small town atmosphere and to be near friends. Twenty-eight year old Liam lost his mother just before Christmas and has moved home to be with his dad and help run the family bakery. Austin has had more time to process his grief, and his daughter Maisie, a very resilient young lady, is adjusting to the new location well, while Liam is trying to cope with the bakery, his dad’s withdrawal, and needing to work remotely plus run the bakery once his work leave runs out. Both men are doing the best they can in their situation.
When Austin sees Liam for the first time while in the bakery with friends, he is immediately drawn to the younger man, and the feeling is mutual, although both do little more than light flirting. Liam believes Austin to be straight since he is a widower with a child, so more pines from afar. Even when he finds out that Austin is bi, he still doesn’t believe this handsome older man could be interested in him. Little does Liam know that Austin will move as slowly as he needs to in order to win his heart once he feels Liam is ready for a relationship. Liam is ready for whatever Austin wants, finding it hard to wait through the five dates that Austin says they must go on before anything moving to the bedroom, giving time for Liam to adjust to all of the things he has to juggle at the moment.
The chemistry between the two is instantaneous and makes it hard for them to keep their hands and lips to themselves, but they manage to get through the five dates, then all restraints are off, and the spicy times begin. As they work through the developing relationship with a young child around, plus friends who stir the pot and townsfolk who always seem to be around with advice or comments, both find themselves hesitant to declare the extent of their feelings based on previous relationships and insecurities, but love wins out in the end, helped by those same friends and town busybodies.
Side characters add so much to keep these two on their toes and mindful of where they are when in public, with catcalls, whistles, and other obvious reminders. Maisie is adorable and Giselle and Henrietta are free with advice and making sure the town knows what is going on with Liam and Austin. Michael, Tony, Nathan, Gerard and Kevin are a support system for both men, pleased to see them get together and always there to lend an ear or be awesome uncles to Maisie. The epilogue is especially nice with hints about what has happened with the side characters and our two lovers, ten years later.
If you like entertaining, slow burn romances between two ordinary men navigating their way through the ups and downs called life, including hot times in and out of the sheets, I think you would enjoy this book. I already have two or three books on my TBR list to catch up on these side characters, especially Tony and Nathan, once the books are published. I received an ARC from the author for free and this is my voluntary review.
When Austin sees Liam for the first time while in the bakery with friends, he is immediately drawn to the younger man, and the feeling is mutual, although both do little more than light flirting. Liam believes Austin to be straight since he is a widower with a child, so more pines from afar. Even when he finds out that Austin is bi, he still doesn’t believe this handsome older man could be interested in him. Little does Liam know that Austin will move as slowly as he needs to in order to win his heart once he feels Liam is ready for a relationship. Liam is ready for whatever Austin wants, finding it hard to wait through the five dates that Austin says they must go on before anything moving to the bedroom, giving time for Liam to adjust to all of the things he has to juggle at the moment.
The chemistry between the two is instantaneous and makes it hard for them to keep their hands and lips to themselves, but they manage to get through the five dates, then all restraints are off, and the spicy times begin. As they work through the developing relationship with a young child around, plus friends who stir the pot and townsfolk who always seem to be around with advice or comments, both find themselves hesitant to declare the extent of their feelings based on previous relationships and insecurities, but love wins out in the end, helped by those same friends and town busybodies.
Side characters add so much to keep these two on their toes and mindful of where they are when in public, with catcalls, whistles, and other obvious reminders. Maisie is adorable and Giselle and Henrietta are free with advice and making sure the town knows what is going on with Liam and Austin. Michael, Tony, Nathan, Gerard and Kevin are a support system for both men, pleased to see them get together and always there to lend an ear or be awesome uncles to Maisie. The epilogue is especially nice with hints about what has happened with the side characters and our two lovers, ten years later.
If you like entertaining, slow burn romances between two ordinary men navigating their way through the ups and downs called life, including hot times in and out of the sheets, I think you would enjoy this book. I already have two or three books on my TBR list to catch up on these side characters, especially Tony and Nathan, once the books are published. I received an ARC from the author for free and this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Muffins, Lumbersnacks, Meddlers and a wonderful five-date rule!
📚 Book = Standalone (Bk#1)
🔥 Burn = Slow-burn,
🎭 OW/OM Drama = No,
🧁 Alpha Men = Growly,
🌶️ Heat/spice = 7/10,
😬 Angst = Low,
💔 Third Act Breakup = No,
🤥 Cheating = No,
🌈 MM/FF = MM,
🔹 Writing = 1st Person, MultiPoV,
🔸 Genre = Contemporary Small Town Romance
🔹 Tropes = MMC Baker & Landscape Gardener✨Age Gap (28/40)✨Single Widower Dad✨Slow-burn “wooing”✨Small Town Meddling✨Painful Loss✨Lifelong Friendships✨Found Family✨HEA✨
‼️ Trigġers - My PoV = Low. (Please check before reading)
Austin Calder is a 40-year-old widowed single father—a total "lumbersnack"—who has returned to the charming English village of Heartwood to give his daughter the same close-knit community he had as a child. He’s back to be surrounded by his lifelong friends, the "Heartwood Knights," who have been inseparable since childhood. Liam Wells, 28, has also returned, but he’s drowning in responsibility: balancing a demanding investment job with running his late mother’s bakery, Sylvie’s Slice, and supporting his grieving father. When Austin sees Liam's first smile, he’s hooked. Despite Liam’s initial skepticism (and the fact he assumes Austin is straight!), Austin is determined to "woo" the baker with a "five-date rule" and a heart full of patience.
What a beautifully written, low-angst, and emotionally deep story! The writing is so engrossing that the characters truly come to life. I adored the small-town setting of Heartwood, where gossip travels faster than the speed of sound—it felt so immersive and real! Austin is such an endearing hero; his maturity, patience, and sincere desire to build a connection before jumping "under the sheets" was so refreshing and adorable. Liam is such a relatable "juggler," and my heart went out to him as he struggled with his simmering unresolved grief. His chocolate orange muffins are basically a character themselves—sweet and comforting!
The slow-burn romance was absolute perfection, filled with playful bakery banter and funny innuendos. I especially loved the "Heartwood Knights"—Austin’s childhood friends who act as surrogate uncles and a hilarious support system. But the real LOL moments don't just come from the Knights; they come from their deep connection as friends and the village in general. The community meddling is a lovable source of warmth, especially the old married couple of ladies. One lady, in particular, is a total standout—a lovable meddler for all the right reasons! Their constant, caring interference in Liam and Austin’s lives provided so many laugh-out-loud moments.
This book establishes a fantastic foundation for the new series, making Heartwood Village feel lived-in and welcoming. It’s comforting, sweet, and honestly more delicious than a fresh muffin! The 10-year epilogue gave some amazing teasers that have peaked my interest for the rest of the Knights' stories. If you love a soulful, slow-burn romance with a strong sense of community and a "lumbersnack" hero who knows how to treat a man right, I can’t recommend this enough. I’m so ready for more!
📚 Book = Standalone (Bk#1)
🔥 Burn = Slow-burn,
🎭 OW/OM Drama = No,
🧁 Alpha Men = Growly,
🌶️ Heat/spice = 7/10,
😬 Angst = Low,
💔 Third Act Breakup = No,
🤥 Cheating = No,
🌈 MM/FF = MM,
🔹 Writing = 1st Person, MultiPoV,
🔸 Genre = Contemporary Small Town Romance
🔹 Tropes = MMC Baker & Landscape Gardener✨Age Gap (28/40)✨Single Widower Dad✨Slow-burn “wooing”✨Small Town Meddling✨Painful Loss✨Lifelong Friendships✨Found Family✨HEA✨
‼️ Trigġers - My PoV = Low. (Please check before reading)
Austin Calder is a 40-year-old widowed single father—a total "lumbersnack"—who has returned to the charming English village of Heartwood to give his daughter the same close-knit community he had as a child. He’s back to be surrounded by his lifelong friends, the "Heartwood Knights," who have been inseparable since childhood. Liam Wells, 28, has also returned, but he’s drowning in responsibility: balancing a demanding investment job with running his late mother’s bakery, Sylvie’s Slice, and supporting his grieving father. When Austin sees Liam's first smile, he’s hooked. Despite Liam’s initial skepticism (and the fact he assumes Austin is straight!), Austin is determined to "woo" the baker with a "five-date rule" and a heart full of patience.
What a beautifully written, low-angst, and emotionally deep story! The writing is so engrossing that the characters truly come to life. I adored the small-town setting of Heartwood, where gossip travels faster than the speed of sound—it felt so immersive and real! Austin is such an endearing hero; his maturity, patience, and sincere desire to build a connection before jumping "under the sheets" was so refreshing and adorable. Liam is such a relatable "juggler," and my heart went out to him as he struggled with his simmering unresolved grief. His chocolate orange muffins are basically a character themselves—sweet and comforting!
The slow-burn romance was absolute perfection, filled with playful bakery banter and funny innuendos. I especially loved the "Heartwood Knights"—Austin’s childhood friends who act as surrogate uncles and a hilarious support system. But the real LOL moments don't just come from the Knights; they come from their deep connection as friends and the village in general. The community meddling is a lovable source of warmth, especially the old married couple of ladies. One lady, in particular, is a total standout—a lovable meddler for all the right reasons! Their constant, caring interference in Liam and Austin’s lives provided so many laugh-out-loud moments.
This book establishes a fantastic foundation for the new series, making Heartwood Village feel lived-in and welcoming. It’s comforting, sweet, and honestly more delicious than a fresh muffin! The 10-year epilogue gave some amazing teasers that have peaked my interest for the rest of the Knights' stories. If you love a soulful, slow-burn romance with a strong sense of community and a "lumbersnack" hero who knows how to treat a man right, I can’t recommend this enough. I’m so ready for more!
May 15, 2026
Grief and goodness is what you get here
Liam and Austin have both lost family members, Austin's wife a year ago and Liam's mum just days before the story starts. Although grief is a theme, and the reason both men are back living in Heartwood, it doesn't overpower the love story.
Liam and Austin are both good men, decent and kind, and that makes a change when so many of the stories I read (and adore) are extremely angsty, combative, or downright dark. Not every book has to make you swear or ugly cry or have to put it down for a while. It makes a change to read a (dare I say wholesome) story where there's very little drama and a third act breakup or miscommunication, so you can fall in love with the characters and read with a smile on your face throughout (even when you're blushing at the hot, hot sex!).
The small village of Heartwood is full of larger than life characters. Two of Austin's best friends, Gerard and Tony, are loud and boisterous, Michael runs the village, and then there's sweet quiet Nathan, who bucks the trend. The mandatory older women who know everything and aren't afraid to stick their noses in were hilarious, especially when they're making people (Liam!) blush with their no holds barred f-worded questions! I loved Maisie, Austin's daughter, too.
Epilogues are great but never better when they give a glimpse into the long-term future of the MCs, so I was delighted that Oliver gifted us ten years later.
I've read all of Oliver's books and love that there's always other cameos from other books or other series. His Soho Knights series features five friends who have lived together for a long time and now are finding their HEAs, and Langdon makes a brief appearance here, while Gregory gets an honorable mention. Liam's best friend, Milo, has already got his own book (Hidden Greed) and I'm sure their two flatmates will also get their own stories.
I can't wait to read the rest of the Heartwood stories.
Liam and Austin have both lost family members, Austin's wife a year ago and Liam's mum just days before the story starts. Although grief is a theme, and the reason both men are back living in Heartwood, it doesn't overpower the love story.
Liam and Austin are both good men, decent and kind, and that makes a change when so many of the stories I read (and adore) are extremely angsty, combative, or downright dark. Not every book has to make you swear or ugly cry or have to put it down for a while. It makes a change to read a (dare I say wholesome) story where there's very little drama and a third act breakup or miscommunication, so you can fall in love with the characters and read with a smile on your face throughout (even when you're blushing at the hot, hot sex!).
The small village of Heartwood is full of larger than life characters. Two of Austin's best friends, Gerard and Tony, are loud and boisterous, Michael runs the village, and then there's sweet quiet Nathan, who bucks the trend. The mandatory older women who know everything and aren't afraid to stick their noses in were hilarious, especially when they're making people (Liam!) blush with their no holds barred f-worded questions! I loved Maisie, Austin's daughter, too.
Epilogues are great but never better when they give a glimpse into the long-term future of the MCs, so I was delighted that Oliver gifted us ten years later.
I've read all of Oliver's books and love that there's always other cameos from other books or other series. His Soho Knights series features five friends who have lived together for a long time and now are finding their HEAs, and Langdon makes a brief appearance here, while Gregory gets an honorable mention. Liam's best friend, Milo, has already got his own book (Hidden Greed) and I'm sure their two flatmates will also get their own stories.
I can't wait to read the rest of the Heartwood stories.
May 13, 2026
A LOW ANGST SWEET SLOW BURN FULL OF COMMUNITY MEDDLING HURT COMFORT AND FAMILY!💕🔥🧁🍑🦄
A new to me author found per chance and loving the start of this series!
A new beginning is what widowed single father Austin Calder 40 and his precious 8 year old daughter Maisie needs and where better than being back in Heartwood 20 years later reunited with his childhood friends Gerard, Nathan, Michael and Tony…
Liam Wells 28 returns to Heartwood to help his newly widowed father bury his mother and run their family bakery until he can return to London…
“His parents had been relationship goals, and he could only dream of having that kind of love one day for himself.”
It all started with an orange chocolate muffin… meddling friends and townsfolk, which lead to five sweet dates three months later and a new beginning for three heartbroken souls! ❤️🩹
“Liam wanted romance, and all the feels like you read about in books.”
I just loved all the cozy, warmth and togetherness from the community of Heartwood and how they supported and stood by each other whether it was gossip, meddling or town festivals!
I loved how Austin made all Liam’s wildest fantasies and dreams come true and how Liam filled that empty space in Austin and Maisie’s heart!
I look forward to seeing how the rest of the single friends find their forever loves at the age of 40 after reading the sweet and beautiful epilogue of what happens a decade later!
Commitment phobe and town flirt Tony is next!
Who will tame the one and done guy?…
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for an honest non biased review.
A new to me author found per chance and loving the start of this series!
A new beginning is what widowed single father Austin Calder 40 and his precious 8 year old daughter Maisie needs and where better than being back in Heartwood 20 years later reunited with his childhood friends Gerard, Nathan, Michael and Tony…
Liam Wells 28 returns to Heartwood to help his newly widowed father bury his mother and run their family bakery until he can return to London…
“His parents had been relationship goals, and he could only dream of having that kind of love one day for himself.”
It all started with an orange chocolate muffin… meddling friends and townsfolk, which lead to five sweet dates three months later and a new beginning for three heartbroken souls! ❤️🩹
“Liam wanted romance, and all the feels like you read about in books.”
I just loved all the cozy, warmth and togetherness from the community of Heartwood and how they supported and stood by each other whether it was gossip, meddling or town festivals!
I loved how Austin made all Liam’s wildest fantasies and dreams come true and how Liam filled that empty space in Austin and Maisie’s heart!
I look forward to seeing how the rest of the single friends find their forever loves at the age of 40 after reading the sweet and beautiful epilogue of what happens a decade later!
Commitment phobe and town flirt Tony is next!
Who will tame the one and done guy?…
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for an honest non biased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had no expectations going into this book, this author is new to me and I liked the sound of the story so I signed up for an arc. Firstly Thankyou to the author for gifting me an arc. Second- I LOVED IT. This is a gentle story about how two different men deal with bereavement and how they navigate life moving on.
Austin Calder is a single dad, widowed a year ago, who has moved back home to find a kinder way of life and be surrounded by friends. He has a strong group of friends in the village who are more like family to him and his daughter as he begins to grow his landscaping business and start anew.
Liam Wells has returned to the village after losing his mum a few weeks ago. He returns to support his dad and to help run his mums bakery- a staple part of village life. He puts his corporate life on hold while he navigates his grief, runs the bakery, worries about his grieving father and tries to work remotely.
This story is a lovely portrayal of grief and overcoming bereavement. Austin and Liam are utterly made for each other- the pining is perfect! Austin is such a gentleman in the street but a freak in the sheets 🤣 and Liam is okay with it!! These two have wonderful chemistry and I enjoyed watching them find their way to each other! Watching love grow amidst grief is heartwarming! The found family is another wonderful element of this story and I can’t wait to read more about the other guys in this group!!! Plus the epilogue was *chefs kiss* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Austin Calder is a single dad, widowed a year ago, who has moved back home to find a kinder way of life and be surrounded by friends. He has a strong group of friends in the village who are more like family to him and his daughter as he begins to grow his landscaping business and start anew.
Liam Wells has returned to the village after losing his mum a few weeks ago. He returns to support his dad and to help run his mums bakery- a staple part of village life. He puts his corporate life on hold while he navigates his grief, runs the bakery, worries about his grieving father and tries to work remotely.
This story is a lovely portrayal of grief and overcoming bereavement. Austin and Liam are utterly made for each other- the pining is perfect! Austin is such a gentleman in the street but a freak in the sheets 🤣 and Liam is okay with it!! These two have wonderful chemistry and I enjoyed watching them find their way to each other! Watching love grow amidst grief is heartwarming! The found family is another wonderful element of this story and I can’t wait to read more about the other guys in this group!!! Plus the epilogue was *chefs kiss* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 14, 2026
what a perfect little “slice of life” sort of romance. Between in the shy flirting and the outright romantic pursuit of the main characters you get a beautiful slow burn, rather low stakes romance. Author does a great job of describing grief both old and new and Austin and Liam navigate a new relationship. Austin is so incredibly intentional about how he treats and cares for Liam and Maisie as well as all his surrounding friends.
This book perfectly captures the way small town gossip runs from the broken telephone news at the spring festival to the way Gisselle has everybody knowing everything within the hour. It was a beautiful setting for these two men to have a village of support while also forcing them to seek out alone time to avoid gossip.
Liam Wells, you have my whole entire heart you absolute cutie patutie i adore you. Making your crushes favourite muffin every morning is sooooooo on par for having a crush. He really said “i’m gonna keep feeding this man so he keeps coming back.” also…crying in the middle of your dead Mom’s bakery after her funeral is so. real.
The way these men cared for each other so gently really healed something in me and the pace of the relationship was realistic. I loved that they took the time to really get to know each other before really telling anyone or moving forward together.
This little universe is so lovely and cozy I can’t wait to read more of it!
This book perfectly captures the way small town gossip runs from the broken telephone news at the spring festival to the way Gisselle has everybody knowing everything within the hour. It was a beautiful setting for these two men to have a village of support while also forcing them to seek out alone time to avoid gossip.
Liam Wells, you have my whole entire heart you absolute cutie patutie i adore you. Making your crushes favourite muffin every morning is sooooooo on par for having a crush. He really said “i’m gonna keep feeding this man so he keeps coming back.” also…crying in the middle of your dead Mom’s bakery after her funeral is so. real.
The way these men cared for each other so gently really healed something in me and the pace of the relationship was realistic. I loved that they took the time to really get to know each other before really telling anyone or moving forward together.
This little universe is so lovely and cozy I can’t wait to read more of it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a sweet read (this does NOT mean sex-free btw!!) - despite some (off-page) deaths of close family members. I felt those were handled realistically. Not that everyone has the same experience, of course, but certainly within the realm of not-uncommon experiences. Other things I liked: that Liam and Austin chose to be honest with each other and that there was no artificial angst, third act breakup, or Big Miscommunication.
The main thing that placed this at 4 vs 5 stars is that I didn’t get much sense of Liam until much further into the book than I would have expected. Not the end of the world, except it meant that I also didn’t have a sense of what about Liam appealed to Austin other than looks.
A couple of minor things I didn’t love - like why Austin didn’t tell Maisie earlier. And Michael yelling at Liam during the second festival seemed out of character. I mean, we don’t get to know Michael all that well in this book, but it was kind of a dick move, and nothing before that made him seem like that much of a dick.
I was impressed that the author managed to make it clear that there were other stories for other characters in other books, without spoilers and also without being super coy about it. There were a couple of loose plot threads but I’m assuming they have been (or will be) handled in other books.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
The main thing that placed this at 4 vs 5 stars is that I didn’t get much sense of Liam until much further into the book than I would have expected. Not the end of the world, except it meant that I also didn’t have a sense of what about Liam appealed to Austin other than looks.
A couple of minor things I didn’t love - like why Austin didn’t tell Maisie earlier. And Michael yelling at Liam during the second festival seemed out of character. I mean, we don’t get to know Michael all that well in this book, but it was kind of a dick move, and nothing before that made him seem like that much of a dick.
I was impressed that the author managed to make it clear that there were other stories for other characters in other books, without spoilers and also without being super coy about it. There were a couple of loose plot threads but I’m assuming they have been (or will be) handled in other books.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
May 7, 2026
A lumbersnack, muffins and nosy townsfolk
This is a beautiful story of overcoming grief starting over and finding the one who completes your soul. Both of these men are recently returned to the village. While for different reasons both of them needed the community and each other.
We have our lumber snack who is widowed with a young daughter who has returned to start over where he has friends and community. Next we have our Baker who very recently lost his mother. He is back to help his father, bury his mother, and keep her bakery alive, all while still finishing up projects from his previous job.
These two men are absolutely perfect for each other and I love the way their relationship blossoms while being very respectful to the grief everyone has been facing. I also adore the daughter and the way she's just like are y'all dating while devouring the unicorn cupcakes special made just for her.
I really loved all the nosy and meddling people that were around them. They were all rooting for them in so many ways while being sneaky or not so much as they were trying to get them together and it was absolutely adorable.
If you're looking for a feel good story that brings together two people who you wouldn't think would fit together, but are in reality the best fit. Plus there is some really great spicy moments with said monster dong.
This is a beautiful story of overcoming grief starting over and finding the one who completes your soul. Both of these men are recently returned to the village. While for different reasons both of them needed the community and each other.
We have our lumber snack who is widowed with a young daughter who has returned to start over where he has friends and community. Next we have our Baker who very recently lost his mother. He is back to help his father, bury his mother, and keep her bakery alive, all while still finishing up projects from his previous job.
These two men are absolutely perfect for each other and I love the way their relationship blossoms while being very respectful to the grief everyone has been facing. I also adore the daughter and the way she's just like are y'all dating while devouring the unicorn cupcakes special made just for her.
I really loved all the nosy and meddling people that were around them. They were all rooting for them in so many ways while being sneaky or not so much as they were trying to get them together and it was absolutely adorable.
If you're looking for a feel good story that brings together two people who you wouldn't think would fit together, but are in reality the best fit. Plus there is some really great spicy moments with said monster dong.
May 8, 2026
((3.5 rounded up to a 4))
I have conflicting feelings about this book. I'll start with what I enjoyed, I loved the characters, I thought Austin and Liam were absolutely precious both together and individually. I really appreciated how Austin valued waiting to engage in steamy times instead of just jumping into bed with Liam right away. I also thought the story itself was really adorable and I thought certain aspects were really well written. Also, the found family aspect and Austin's meddling friends is really what helped make this story what it turned out to be.
What didn't work for me was the perspective... The perspective this was written in and the way it was written was just kind of confusing to read at times and kinda difficult to follow around with. Although, I do recognize this is a very subjective/personal preference so take this review with a grain of salt.
Despite the odd writing with the perspective I did enjoy this story overall, and I thought Liam and Austin's love story was adorable.
I have conflicting feelings about this book. I'll start with what I enjoyed, I loved the characters, I thought Austin and Liam were absolutely precious both together and individually. I really appreciated how Austin valued waiting to engage in steamy times instead of just jumping into bed with Liam right away. I also thought the story itself was really adorable and I thought certain aspects were really well written. Also, the found family aspect and Austin's meddling friends is really what helped make this story what it turned out to be.
What didn't work for me was the perspective... The perspective this was written in and the way it was written was just kind of confusing to read at times and kinda difficult to follow around with. Although, I do recognize this is a very subjective/personal preference so take this review with a grain of salt.
Despite the odd writing with the perspective I did enjoy this story overall, and I thought Liam and Austin's love story was adorable.
May 14, 2026
Grounding the Baker by Oliver Takely was such a warm, heartfelt start to the Heartwood Knights series.
Austin and Liam are both carrying heavy grief when they return to Heartwood...Austin after losing his wife while raising his daughter, and Liam after losing his mother and trying to keep her bakery running. Their connection builds so naturally, and I really loved how respectful the story was toward both of their healing journeys.
Austin completely won me over. He’s patient, caring, and determined to actually woo Liam instead of rushing things, which made the slow burn feel extra sweet. And Liam? My heart hurt for him trying to juggle grief, family responsibilities, and keeping everything together.
The small-town setting was honestly one of my favourite parts. The nosy villagers, the meddling older ladies, the Heartwood Knights friendship group...it all made the world feel so cozy and alive. And Austin’s daughter was adorable.
There’s humour, warmth, grief, healing, bakery banter, and some genuinely swoony moments throughout. The relationship development felt believable and comforting, and the found family/community vibes were perfect.
Overall, this was emotional, sweet, funny, and incredibly cozy. If you love slow-burn romance, small-town settings, supportive found family, and a total “lumbersnack” hero, I’d absolutely recommend this one
Austin and Liam are both carrying heavy grief when they return to Heartwood...Austin after losing his wife while raising his daughter, and Liam after losing his mother and trying to keep her bakery running. Their connection builds so naturally, and I really loved how respectful the story was toward both of their healing journeys.
Austin completely won me over. He’s patient, caring, and determined to actually woo Liam instead of rushing things, which made the slow burn feel extra sweet. And Liam? My heart hurt for him trying to juggle grief, family responsibilities, and keeping everything together.
The small-town setting was honestly one of my favourite parts. The nosy villagers, the meddling older ladies, the Heartwood Knights friendship group...it all made the world feel so cozy and alive. And Austin’s daughter was adorable.
There’s humour, warmth, grief, healing, bakery banter, and some genuinely swoony moments throughout. The relationship development felt believable and comforting, and the found family/community vibes were perfect.
Overall, this was emotional, sweet, funny, and incredibly cozy. If you love slow-burn romance, small-town settings, supportive found family, and a total “lumbersnack” hero, I’d absolutely recommend this one
May 19, 2026
This was short and sweet and I enjoyed it a lot. I loved Austin and Liam and their dynamic. I haven’t read many stories where one of the characters was a baker but all of the ones I have read were great and this was no exception. The side characters were great, very pushy but that was apart of the charm of the village. I especially loved Nathan and Michael as well as Chloe. Going into this I knew there’d be a second story so while reading I was trying to guess who the second story would be focused on. I originally thought it’d be Nathan since he was brought up a lot but when we started to see Callum’s crush on Michael I thought that would be the story. Color me surprised that the story is actually about Tony but it makes sense given the fact that he was considered the player of the group. I have no clue who he’s love interest will be (unless it’s the man from the guy) but I’m excited to read his story when it comes out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
A heartwarming story where the love and laughs balance the stress and grief. It has two amazing, fully developed MC's, a plethora of secondary characters who each add so much depth to this story, a storyline that flows smoothly while dealing with loss, has a bit of spice, tremendous friendships, a lot of emotions, and a sweet HEA.
For Austin and Liam, there is a twelve year age gap, an instant attraction that is put on pause while they start getting to really know one another and build a great friendship that creates a strong connection, and ends up leading to a deeper bond before becoming a passionate and devoted love.
This book is great start to a new series, it is entertaining and enjoyable, and I would recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
A heartwarming story where the love and laughs balance the stress and grief. It has two amazing, fully developed MC's, a plethora of secondary characters who each add so much depth to this story, a storyline that flows smoothly while dealing with loss, has a bit of spice, tremendous friendships, a lot of emotions, and a sweet HEA.
For Austin and Liam, there is a twelve year age gap, an instant attraction that is put on pause while they start getting to really know one another and build a great friendship that creates a strong connection, and ends up leading to a deeper bond before becoming a passionate and devoted love.
This book is great start to a new series, it is entertaining and enjoyable, and I would recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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May 14, 2026What a wonderfully sweet and heartfelt read. A small town romance between two men, Liam and Austin, that have moved back to a small English village they grew up, both suffering heartache. Austin is widowed but determine to give his daughter the sense of stability and community he had growing up in Heartwood; Liam is back to help Dad (as his mom has passed) having left his great job in London to suddenly own a bakery. I love how these two had instant connections but moved slowly due to grief, but in the end the heart wins out. They were perfect together, just in right place and wrong time, but again heart wins out. I love Austin’s daughter and how these whole community invests in helping these two men find love and happiness. A great book that reminds us we can create our own family filled with love and compassion. I love this author so much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Book number one in Oliver Takely's new series Heartwood Knights is amazing. I love this heartfelt story where Liam and Austin meets and fall in love at a very difficult time. A time where grief plays a big part of both their lives. They have different ways of dealing with it, but Austin have had longer time to process it. I love that they explore this new found relationship with fun times and double entendre conversations. There is also lots of pining and spicy interactions between the two. I laught several times through the book. Their friend group who is also their found family is fantastic and they contribute so much to this story. A very rewarding read that I highly recommend.
Book number one in Oliver Takely's new series Heartwood Knights is amazing. I love this heartfelt story where Liam and Austin meets and fall in love at a very difficult time. A time where grief plays a big part of both their lives. They have different ways of dealing with it, but Austin have had longer time to process it. I love that they explore this new found relationship with fun times and double entendre conversations. There is also lots of pining and spicy interactions between the two. I laught several times through the book. Their friend group who is also their found family is fantastic and they contribute so much to this story. A very rewarding read that I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grounding the Baker is the first book in the Heartwood Knights series.
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it, what a fantastic book. It is emotional charged with tears and laughter at seeing two people afraid of falling too fast for one another and scaring each other off. Austin and Liam are both dealing with grief from lost loved ones, and the book explores how they both individually and together move forward through life.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and what happens to Austin's group of friends. I also have some catch up reading to do for the other characters mentioned in the book and exploring their stories. I have some wonderful reading time ahead of me.
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it, what a fantastic book. It is emotional charged with tears and laughter at seeing two people afraid of falling too fast for one another and scaring each other off. Austin and Liam are both dealing with grief from lost loved ones, and the book explores how they both individually and together move forward through life.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and what happens to Austin's group of friends. I also have some catch up reading to do for the other characters mentioned in the book and exploring their stories. I have some wonderful reading time ahead of me.
May 9, 2026
Advance reader Copy from the author..
This is my second Arc from this Author and I really love his writing. The way this story is told is beautifully. Two men dealing with grief and trying to find a way to heal. love this heartfelt story where Liam and Austin meets and fall in love at a very difficult time. A time where grief plays a big part of both their lives. They have different ways of dealing with it, but Austin has had longer time to process it. I love that they explore this new found relationship with fun times and double entendre conversations. There is also lots of pining and spicy interactions between the two. I laught several times through the book. Over all this book is tender loving and sweet .
This is my second Arc from this Author and I really love his writing. The way this story is told is beautifully. Two men dealing with grief and trying to find a way to heal. love this heartfelt story where Liam and Austin meets and fall in love at a very difficult time. A time where grief plays a big part of both their lives. They have different ways of dealing with it, but Austin has had longer time to process it. I love that they explore this new found relationship with fun times and double entendre conversations. There is also lots of pining and spicy interactions between the two. I laught several times through the book. Over all this book is tender loving and sweet .
May 10, 2026
Review of ARC received from the author.
A truly adorable story of two men, mourning in different ways, who find their way forward together. Liam is a young man, working in London, who loses his mother very suddenly. She had always planned to leave her small town bakery to her son so that part wasn't a surprise, but it was difficult for a while for Liam to juggle ending his job in London and working in the bakery. Austin is a widowed father, who moved to the village as he had grown up and had lots of friends there, and his daughter Maisie needed family (Maisie is my favourite supporting character, she is adorable). There is a well earned happy ending for these two, and it's a wonderful story. I really loved it.
A truly adorable story of two men, mourning in different ways, who find their way forward together. Liam is a young man, working in London, who loses his mother very suddenly. She had always planned to leave her small town bakery to her son so that part wasn't a surprise, but it was difficult for a while for Liam to juggle ending his job in London and working in the bakery. Austin is a widowed father, who moved to the village as he had grown up and had lots of friends there, and his daughter Maisie needed family (Maisie is my favourite supporting character, she is adorable). There is a well earned happy ending for these two, and it's a wonderful story. I really loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Finding love when it hurts the most!" Austin and Liam are the epitome of that statement.
The book grabbed me right from the start. Both lost somebody very important and both have different ways to cope and grief. This book picks up on the ups and downs of the healing process and shows the good and the bad times as well.
Most of all? The pining!! Guys, the pining in this book and the "inappropriate" innuendoes are just the cherry on top of the cake. I really enjoyed this book and I totally fell for Liam and Austin, but most of all Maisie. That beautiful girl just stole my heart. ❤️ 💜 💛
The book grabbed me right from the start. Both lost somebody very important and both have different ways to cope and grief. This book picks up on the ups and downs of the healing process and shows the good and the bad times as well.
Most of all? The pining!! Guys, the pining in this book and the "inappropriate" innuendoes are just the cherry on top of the cake. I really enjoyed this book and I totally fell for Liam and Austin, but most of all Maisie. That beautiful girl just stole my heart. ❤️ 💜 💛
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grounding the Baker is the first book in the Heartwood Knights series
It tells the love story of Liam and Austin, who find themselves in the same situation: both are mourning the death of a loved one. In Austin’s case, his wife, while raising a young daughter, and Liam, the death of his mother.
It’s very well written; you feel the grief of both characters and how feelings begin to develop between them.
The characters in the series are introduced, and there are cameos from characters in the author’s other novels, giving it cohesion within the created universe. I really love this.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
It tells the love story of Liam and Austin, who find themselves in the same situation: both are mourning the death of a loved one. In Austin’s case, his wife, while raising a young daughter, and Liam, the death of his mother.
It’s very well written; you feel the grief of both characters and how feelings begin to develop between them.
The characters in the series are introduced, and there are cameos from characters in the author’s other novels, giving it cohesion within the created universe. I really love this.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
May 16, 2026
Sweet! Austin and Liam, are at pivotal points in their lives. Liam is dealing with grief after his Mother's death and returning to a loving small town to take over Sylvia's Slice. Austin, is recently widowed and brings his daughter to Heartwood to enjoy the small town life he experienced. Austin, recognizes the heart tug while understanding Liam is not really open and ready. Liam, sees Austin as his perfect man. There is a bit of miscommunication that makes their relationship challenging and opens the door to better communication. I love small town courtships. Their journey Great story, nice cover art, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story has a lot of heart. Austin and Liam are both in the right place but the timing is terrible for them to make an instant connection. The good thing about it though is that they both have friends who are willing to be supportive, Liam just has to realize that he can’t do everything on his own. He doesn’t give himself time to grieve his mom and he buries his feelings under work. Meddling friends also mean well but can make it even more complicated. It is a good story and worth a read. I am actually looking forward to the rest of this friend group finding their HEAs.
May 15, 2026
What a warm, emotional read that is all about grief, healing, and finding your way back to life after loss. Liam and Austin are both carrying so much sadness when the story begins, but there’s also a real sense of comfort and hope running through the book that makes it feel incredibly heartfelt.
I really loved the way their relationship developed. Austin is patient, kind, and quietly supportive without ever pushing Liam before he’s ready, and Liam’s struggle to balance grief, responsibility, and the possibility of something new felt very believable. Their chemistry is lovely, with just the right amount of sweetness and heat once they finally let themselves take the chance.
The village setting adds so much charm too. Heartwood feels cosy and full of life, especially with the found family atmosphere and the wonderfully nosy community who clearly care deeply about one another. It made the whole story feel comforting even during the heavier moments.
Overall, this is a gentle but emotional romance about second chances, family, and learning that moving forward doesn’t mean leaving the people you loved behind. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I really loved the way their relationship developed. Austin is patient, kind, and quietly supportive without ever pushing Liam before he’s ready, and Liam’s struggle to balance grief, responsibility, and the possibility of something new felt very believable. Their chemistry is lovely, with just the right amount of sweetness and heat once they finally let themselves take the chance.
The village setting adds so much charm too. Heartwood feels cosy and full of life, especially with the found family atmosphere and the wonderfully nosy community who clearly care deeply about one another. It made the whole story feel comforting even during the heavier moments.
Overall, this is a gentle but emotional romance about second chances, family, and learning that moving forward doesn’t mean leaving the people you loved behind. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
May 8, 2026
This was a great first book in a new series by this author. I really enjoyed this story of Austin and Liam, they both have had to deal with recent deaths in their families. This was an instant attraction but a slow build-up to dating and romance. I enjoyed the pace of the story, and the side characters are very entertaining. I think we are going to get love stories for all of Austin’s friends. I have read other books by this author and would recommend this book.
Story 4.5, Spice 4
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Story 4.5, Spice 4
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2026
The whole town is invested in their relationship. Austin moved back to Heartwood with his daughter after his wife died to start a landscape gardening business. Liam's mom just passed so he's leaving his lucrative London job to run her bakery. Both want a serious relationship but think the timing is off. It's about one overloaded, overworked, overstressed guy and another who is the epitome of patience waiting for him to be ready. It's an age gap, slow burn but when it heats up, it's steamy! I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Liam returns to Heartwood after his mother dies - to take over her bakery and to help his father. Austin returns to Heartwood to be closer to old friends and make a change for himself and his daughter. They run into each other and are instantly attracted, but both have a LOT on their plates. It takes a bit of work for Austin to talk Liam into dating.
This is an age gap romance (only 12 years) with a medium amount of spice and lots of found family. Good start to a new series.
This is an age gap romance (only 12 years) with a medium amount of spice and lots of found family. Good start to a new series.
May 15, 2026
Grounding the Baker is the first book in the new Heartwood Knights series by Oliver Takely. This is a found family, age gap, opposites attract, low angst, slow burn read about Austin and Liam. I really loved reading this story of two men, both grieving in their own ways, coming together. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series, this looks like such a wonderful small town with so many wonderful characters to learn about.
May 19, 2026
This was a very heartwarming story. Liam, who’s mom just passed and Austin, whose wife died – find each other in their time of need. Together they can navigate the loss and find out who they can be to each other through honesty. It was just about them and no third party or outside forces. Worth the read and good lead for book 3. *I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful story describing how two different but wonderful men deal with loss in their own way, how they find each other in the process, and how their love blossoms during the grieving process.
They find love at the moment it matters most.
A story with laughter and tears.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
They find love at the moment it matters most.
A story with laughter and tears.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Review of advance copy
An unexpected ‘finding the one’.
Despite sad events, this is easy to read with some funny moments.
Small towns can have a certain charm, especially when the well meaning gossips and friends force the issue, and good things happen. There’s not a massive amount of plot, things progress predictably, though a really long period before the epilogue is a refreshing change.
Despite sad events, this is easy to read with some funny moments.
Small towns can have a certain charm, especially when the well meaning gossips and friends force the issue, and good things happen. There’s not a massive amount of plot, things progress predictably, though a really long period before the epilogue is a refreshing change.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advance Copy received from Author.
I was immediately captivated from the beginning by Liam and Austin's story. This series is already off to a great start. I was swept up into their journey of loss, sadness, heartbreak, healing, and finding love and happiness again. Found family and friends always a favorite of mine gives us those pushes we need...can't wait for the next book!!
I was immediately captivated from the beginning by Liam and Austin's story. This series is already off to a great start. I was swept up into their journey of loss, sadness, heartbreak, healing, and finding love and happiness again. Found family and friends always a favorite of mine gives us those pushes we need...can't wait for the next book!!
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