Lavender Hill

The Love Stone #1

by Aurora Rose Reynolds

From New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds comes a heartwarming small-town romance about a woman returning to the roots that shaped her—and finding a love that will heal her.

Genevieve Fenwick has her life together—until her fiancé’s betrayal tears their future apart. Now, heartbroken and unsure of what’s next, she looks for comfort where it all Gooseberry Ridge, the quaint and still-welcoming hometown she left behind.

Genevieve’s heartache is soon displaced by family drama, eccentric neighbors, and a loveable search-and-rescue dog. Not to mention scandalous thoughts about deputy sheriff Wyatt Foster. But while Wyatt is ruggedly handsome, loyal, and protective (everything her fiancé wasn’t), Genevieve’s still hurting. No amount of chemistry can change that.

And yet, as her meddling, matchmaking mother and tight-knit Montana home keep pushing her and Wyatt together, Genevieve realizes there’s more than just a spark there. The charge burns brighter with every run-in, every word, every layer exposing the softness beneath his strength.

Wyatt has something Genevieve wants. Something she needs. And though her best-laid plans lie in ruins, he might be the best shot she’s ever taken.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Found Family

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 13, 2026

About the author

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.

Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.

Reviews

[Christy]

[Mairi Swan]

*Sheriff
*Heart-broken FMC
*Meddling mother
*Cute wannabe rescue puppy
*Small town

Genevieve returns to her hometown after her fiancé's betrayal where she will be working as realtor along with her parents. Her first client is the deputy sheriff Wyatt who she feels an attraction for but don't have the best start. But between her meddling mother, the wannabe rescue puppy and sparks flying all around they succumb to their attraction.
Genevieve is a heartbroken woman, with her confidence taking a huge blow after her fiancé's betrayal and the way she left the city after not being able to manage her life there.
Wyatt is a deputy sheriff running a campaign to be elected as captain (sorry not really sure how the system works). He is giving good vibes but there were moments that his reactions felt to me a little bit exaggerated.
This story is a quick read a little bit less than 250 pages and I liked its plot but I think it lacked the emotional depth. It felt a little bit rushed to me and I strongly believe that if it was lengthier it would have the space to expand and make their relationship more deep. Though I loved how they interacted to each other and I don't mind insta-love, I couldn't fully connect to the characters and their story.
Overall is a charming, quick reading that leaves you a pleasant vibe but it really had the potential for more.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion

[Kim (Chipperbooks)]

💫Title: Lavender Hill 📚Series: The Love Stone Series, Book 1
✍🏻Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds 🗣️Narrators: Corvin King and Shiloh James (Brilliance Audio)
👩‍❤️‍👨Main Characters: Wyatt and Genevieve 🗒️P. 254
📱Book Type Reviewed: E-Book 🗓️Release Date: 10/13/2026
🔹Tropes: Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine, Sworn Off Relationships, Small Town, Return to Hometown
🌟Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genevieve drives into town, looking around her small hometown, she never expected to be moving back to. But here she is, no job, no relationship, no money. But she is happy to be back, surrounded by her friends and family, and determined to make the best of it. With no time for rest, the next morning she meets her first client and they go house hunting. She heard about the guy running for sheriff but did not picture who drove up that morning. Grumpy, young, and gorgeous. Then she meets his dog Storm, and Wyatt is carrying her to help, and she might be in trouble.

Wyatt had heard a lot about Genevieve, as he was pretty close with her family. He’s not sure what he expected but after a long day policing, she was an unexpected light. Then his best friend Storm adorned her and Wyatt couldn’t blame him. Genevieve spoke her mind, was feisty and sassy, sunshine to his grumpy, and a knockout. He knew right away he was most definitely in trouble.

Such a fun sweet read. This has everything you want in a small town romance. Genevieve returns to her hometown and you feel all the nostalgia that comes with that. Next is the meddling mom and the small town gossip, but also the close friends and people that show up and care. There were a couple loose ends but good first book of the series.


Series:

1- Lavender Hill
2- Sweet Pea Drive (2027)
3- Sunflower Lane (2027)


Thank you to #TheAuthorAgency for this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.

[Meeoak]

2 stars (⭐️⭐️) I am in the minority here. Please don't shame me. There were more things that I didn't like than liked.

This book is about coming home, new starts, and healing from heartbreak. It's a shorter, quick read and had small town vibes, which I liked. The main characters also work together to help the community search for missing kids. Unfortunately, that's about all that I liked. I wish there was more invested in building up the relationship between Genevieve and Wyatt. I turned the page, and the story mentioned they kissed? I totally missed that and glossed over it. There was less time invested in building the emotional connection, in my opinion, and quick to the physical (🌶️🌶️🌶️). If that's what folks are looking for, you will love this book. Also, way too many "babe" and "baby" references from Wyatt to Genevieve. It was not endearing and turned me off. 🤮 If this wasn't an ARC read, it would have ended up in my #DNF pile.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and share an honest review. All views expressed are my own.

[Amy]

After a series of life-altering events, Genevieve returns home to Gooseberry Ridge. With plans to heal and get her life back on track, love was the last thing on her radar. But when Genevieve meets Wyatt, all of her plans fly out the window...

Lavender Hill is a heartwarming, swoon-worthy romance that will pull readers in from the first page and leave readers salivating for more. Everything about this story was top-notch: from the captivating plot to intriguing characters, to the small-town vibes and good-intentioned, meddling mom. And when you factor in Wyatt and his adorable search and rescue dog, it's no surprise that this book had me hooked.

I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. Genevieve and Wyatt captured my heart from page one and never looked back. They were the perfect match and complemented each other perfectly. Lavender Hill kicks off The Love Stone series with one heck of a start, and I can not wait to read more from this series. If you're a fan of Aurora Rose Reynolds or swoon-worthy, small-town romances, you won't want to miss Lavender Hill.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *

[Madison Murphy]

Thank you Brilliance Publishing, NetGalley, and Aurora Rose Reynolds for this ALC!

I really loved this one!! I’ve always been a big fan of the main character starting over in their small hometown. This was such a sweet grumpy x sunshine cozy small town romance!

Wyatt and Genevieve were very cute together!! Genevieve didn’t want anything after finding her fiancé’s betrayal. Wyatt was so protective of his loved ones and Storm was so cute!!

Shiloh James and Corvin King did a phenomenal job at not only bringing the main characters to life, but also bringing all the people in town to life!

If you love small town with a meddling family, a sheriff MMC dog dad, and opposites attract with the FMC finding herself after returning home… then this one is for you!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mary Lohorn]

This was such a sweet, spicy, and heartwarming small-town romance! ❤️

I loved watching Genevieve find her way back home and slowly find herself again after having her heart broken. And Wyatt? 😍 Rugged, protective, loyal… basically everything her ex wasn’t. I loved these two together, and their chemistry was SO good!

Between the family meddling, quirky neighbors, and adorable search and rescue dog, this had all the small-town charm I love. 🐶❤️

And the audiobook was fantastic! Shiloh James and Corvin King did such a great job bringing Genevieve and Wyatt to life. 🎧

A cozy, emotional romance with plenty of chemistry, heart, and just the right amount of small-town chaos. 🥰

[cakecoffeeandbooks]

Genevieve and Wyatt’s story was such an enjoyable, quick read. Their chemistry was strong from their first meeting and I loved how their relationship developed. Both fantastic main characters that were great individually but even better together. Storm was a brilliant side character too!
Genevieve’s meddling mother is on a mission to get them together when she moves back to her home town, but does it in such a funny charming way that you can’t help but be on her side too!
The story running alongside their relationship kept me hooked too and I’m excited to read the next book in this series!

Huge thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Heather Gray]

This was such a fun, lighthearted, and quick read!
I have not read anything by this author before, but I love how she set up this story and the characters and setting!

We meet Genevieve who is coming back home after dealing with a divorce from her cheating ex-husband. She is a real estate agent who is working at her parent’s office. Her mom assigns her to a job with Wyatt, the deputy sheriff, who is looking to purchase a home on Lavender Hill.

Wyatt is the deputy sheriff who is cool, calm, and collected about any and every situation. He meets Genevieve and immediately falls for her. Their relationship seems to move pretty fast, but I love that they got their happy ending!

This book had so many great moments, and I loved all the characters we met throughout! Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

[J Kiwibooknerd]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lavender Hill is everything I love about an Aurora Rose Reynolds romance and the perfect start to what promises to be an amazing new series.

After having her world turned upside down by betrayal, Genevieve returns to Gooseberry Ridge to heal and figure out what comes next. What follows is a heartwarming story filled with romance, friendship, family drama, small-town charm, and just the right touch of mystery.

I absolutely adored Genevieve. She felt relatable, strong, and genuine as she navigated heartbreak and tried to rebuild her life. Wyatt Foster was the perfect hero—protective, dependable, and completely swoon-worthy. The chemistry between them was undeniable from the start, but what I loved most was how naturally their relationship developed.

The supporting cast added so much warmth and personality to the story, and the lovable search-and-rescue dog Storm was an added bonus. Gooseberry Ridge itself felt like a character, with its close-knit community, quirky residents, and matchmaking antics that had me smiling throughout.

Aurora Rose Reynolds delivered all the feels with this one. I laughed, smiled, swooned, and found myself completely invested in Genevieve and Wyatt's journey. If you're looking for a heartfelt small-town romance with wonderful characters, emotional depth, a touch of mystery, and a hero you'll fall head over heels for, Lavender Hill is a must-read.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for an Advanced Readers Copy

[Lea Bookjoy]

🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧

*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*

📖Genre & Tropes📖 : Contempo romance x small town x suspensish plot x sheriff hero x girl next door heroine x found family x spicy

Le tant attendu nouveau tome de la nouvelle série de Aurora Rose Reynolds

Aurora Rose Reynolds fait partie de mes autrices préférées et j’ai l’impression que ça fait une éternité qu’elle n’avait pas sortie de livres … Alors avoir un ARC de son prochain roman m’a ENCHANTÉE !

La romance n’est pas hyper originale sur sa formule mais l’écriture de ARR m’a fait dévorer ce livre : un petit village avec une communauté très soudée (j’ai adoré la mère de l’héroïne avec ses affiches xD), un shérif sexy qui enquête sur la disparition d’une ado, une agente immobilière qui revient dans sa ville natale après une rupture douloureuse et une romance à la fois mignonne et sexy qui s’installe petit à petit entre les deux héros <3

J’aurais peut-être aimé un tout petit peu plus de dramas (avec l’ex, avec les propriétaires de la maison et aussi avec la disparition de l’ado)

Mention spéciale pour le petit caillou magique en forme de cœur !

Bref, une romance de petite ville mignonne et sexy que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir ! L’extrait à la fin pour le prochain tome avec Raven m’a TELLEMENT donnée envie, l’attente va me tuer ><

PS : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D



⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐



*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest review*

The long-awaited new book in Aurora Rose Reynolds’ new series

Aurora Rose Reynolds is one of my favorite authors, and it feels like ages since she released a book ... So, getting an ARC of her upcoming novel absolutely thrilled me !

The romance formula isn't exactly groundbreaking, but ARR’s writing style had me devouring the book : a small town with a tight-knit community (I loved the heroine’s mom and her posters xD), a sexy sheriff investigating a teenager’s disappearance, a real estate agent returning to her hometown after a painful breakup, and a romance—both cute and sexy—that slowly develops between the two leads <3

I might have liked just a tiny bit more drama (involving the ex, the homeowners, and the missing teen).

Special shout-out to the little magical heart-shaped stone !

All in all, a cute and sexy small-town romance that I thoroughly enjoyed ! The sneak peek at the end for the next book—featuring Raven—has me SO excited, the wait for this book is going to kill me ><

PS: To the publisher and NetGalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D

[Kelsey | KLS Reviews]

I did an immersive read with the ALC and eARC and while I was able to follow the story, I felt that like the audiobook was being "read" to me, if that makes sense. There have been some audiobooks with duet narration that I have listened to recently where you can tell the difference between the emotions the character is feeling and in this audiobook, it seemed like the female narrator showed very little voice inflection in terms of the character's dialogue. It made it a bit difficult to understand what Genevieve was feeling in the moment. Due to this, I didn't feel as invested or attached to her character. Wyatt was a little better, but again, I felt like there could have been a bit more emotion shown during his chapters.

When it comes to the story, there was a lot going on regarding Genevieve moving back home to start over after a bad breakup. Wyatt and Genevieve's relationship did seem a bit like insta-love, but Genevieve did have to work through her emotions to fully be invested. I wasn't a huge fan of the family dynamics, but I do suppose when families get along with each other, it makes dating a bit easier. I was happy with what happened with Ezra and Romey. When there are kids involved in an investigation, I always hope that there is a happy ending and this book did not disappoint. Overall, this is a quick read and is a good choice for those who are looking for a small-town romance with new beginnings, suspense, family drama, and small-town politics.

Thank you Montlake for the eARC and Brilliance Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Format: eARC & ALC
ALC Speed: 2x to 2.5x

[Mindie (loveleigh.reads)]

I'm not going to lie this is only the second book of Aurora's I've read & I am completely kicking myself! HOW HAVE I NOT READ MORE OF HER!? That is changing immediately!

💫 Small Town Romance
💜 Opposites Attract
💫 Grumpy x Sunshine
💜 Sworn Off Relationships
💫 Dog Dad
💜 Meddling Matchmaker Mom
💫 Return to Hometown

Genevieve has returned home to the small town of Gooseberry Ridge after her life was turned upside down by her cheating ex-fiancé. She thought she had her whole life planned out, so as you can imagine, returning home wasn't exactly part of the plan. Now she's working as a realtor with her family, and that's where she meets Wyatt Foster while showing him a house. But little do either of them know, her mom already has high hopes of setting them up. Elsie was the BEST!

Genevieve is immediately attracted to Wyatt, but she's not quite sure he feels the same since he's a little gruff when they first meet. Wyatt is a deputy sheriff running for the town sheriff position, and he is the definition of a protector. He's steady, loyal, and exactly what Genevieve didn't know she needed or wanted.

The more time they spend together, whether it's work-related or helping with Wyatt's sheriff campaign, the harder it becomes to ignore the connection between them. Their chemistry was so natural, and I loved how Wyatt gave Genevieve the space to heal while still making it very clear that he was there for her. I ate up every single second of these two falling for each other! I finished this one with the BIGGEST smile on my face, and I already know I need to make up for lost time with Aurora's backlist because if her books are all like this... girl, I have been missing OUT.

[SJ]

Set in the fictional small town of Gooseberry Ridge, Montana, real estate agent Genevieve Fenwick is back from Chicago after heartbreak. After breaking up with her cheating fiancé months ago, she couldn't find a place for herself in Chicago. Now back home, she has small town drama and family shenanigans, including her mom continuing to push her and deputy sheriff Wyatt Foster together. As Genevieve and Wyatt keep finding themselves in close proximity, they are finding the sparks harder and harder to deny. But both have been hurt in the past. Can they overcome their pain to build a life together?

This was an easy to read small town romance that unfortunately didn't quite work for me. I can enjoy an insta-love story, but I couldn't see the emotional connection between them. Plus, there were several moments that Genevieve's family and friends discounted her experiences (how she felt or what she had seen) in ways that had me wanting to stand up for her. Her mom's interference didn't feel supportive in combination with these other things. Along with other small moments (like the child's love stone in the prologue), this wasn't a fit for this reader.

This romance features:
💜 Western small town
💜 Light suspense
💜 Sheriff MMC x Realtor FMC
💜 Pet names (babe/baby)
💜 Family is complicated even when they love you

Open door / spicy

2.5 / 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!

[Kaitlyn Webb]

Lavender Hill is the first book in this new series and I loved it!! After Genevieve’s gets turned upside down thanks to her ex fiancé she moves back to her hometown. The next morning she meets her first client to show him a house and it’s Wyatt, a deputy who she has heard all about from her mother. Even though she doesn’t want another relationship sometimes your heart doesn’t give you a choice.

This book was so fun! Wyatt has heard about Genevieve from her family who he’s friends with and I loved that they both knew instantly her mom was trying to set them up. But they had an undeniable attraction and I adored the fact that they just clicked. She was sassy and feisty while he was protective and knew he wanted her. Genevieve was the sunshine to Wyatt’s grumpy and their dynamic was amazing. Wyatt also had an adorable dog Storm who was obsessed with Genevieve and Wyatt couldn’t blame him, which I found totally endearing.

In addition to the swoony romance there was also everything you love about a small town, some suspense with Wyatt’s job, and Genevieve’s mom meddling and being in charge of Wyatt’s campaign to become sheriff. There were scenes that had me laughing so hard, then there were moments that melted my heart, and of course the spicy scenes were hot!

This book was short and so good and if you’re a romance reader you should definitely have it on your tbr!!

This book has:
💜 small town
💜 opposites attract
💜 return to hometown
💜 grumpy x sunshine
💜 dog dad
💜 alpha sheriff
💜 sworn off relationships
💜 meddling, matchmaking mother

[Sneha R]

'Lavender Hill' is such a charming and heartwarming read, and I found myself completely swept up in Genevieve and Wyatt's story.
Their chemistry, "Oh My God!!", it is undeniable from the start, and their relationship developed so naturally throughout.

Wyatt was the perfect steady, dependable hero, while Genevieve is easy to root for as she healed from heartbreak and found her way back to herself.

What really made this book shine like a diamond for me, was the incredible cast of side characters. Genevieve's family brought so much humor, warmth, and heart to the story, especially her wonderfully meddling mother, Elsie, whose matchmaking attempts had me laughing throughout. Her family dynamic felt so authentic and added an extra layer of comfort to the story.

The residents of Gooseberry Ridge made the town feel alive, creating the kind of close knit community I'd love to be part of, and of course, Storm was an absolute heart stealer and quickly became one of my favorite characters.

I also loved the small touch of mystery woven into the story, which kept things interesting without overshadowing the romance. Between the sweet love story, memorable characters, small town charm and emotional depth, this was a book I didn't want to put down.

A fantastic start to a new series, and I'm already excited to return to Gooseberry Ridge and spend more time with these people.

Thank you NetGalley and Aurora, sending all the love to you!!

[Ciara Hartman]

🎧 Audio Review: Enjoyed both narrator’s voices fairly well, however, when the female narrator did voicing for the MMC while in her POV, it made the male character sound as if he was perpetually sleepy/had just gotten outta bed, which wasn’t really my cup of tea.

📝 Story Review: So there wasn’t anything wrong with this story, it just kinda fell a bit flat for me. I never really connected with the characters and the chemistry just wasn’t there for me. 🤷🏼‍♀️ But the writing was good, and the storyline of having life turned upside down and moving back home to your small town roots to start anew was promising. There were some funny moments due to the quirkiness of the FMC and some serious sad moments due to the MMC’s job. For me the story just didn’t have the spark I was needing for a romance, or at least I didn’t feel it.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5

Genre: Romance
POV: First Person; Dual
Series: The Love Stone, Book 1
Audio Release Date: October 13, 2026
Audio Run Time: 6 hrs, 55 mins
Narrated By: Shiloh James & Corvin King

Tropes 👇

- Cop MMC
- Realtor FMC
- Insta-Attraction
- Family Matchmaking
- Fast Moving Relationship
- Returning to Small Town Roots

CW’s 👇

- Unexpected pregnancy (side character)
- Search for a runaway foster kid
- Mention of death from car accident
- Search & Rescue missions
- Mention of cheating ex

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.

[Ayushi Gupta]

Lavender Hill pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. Aurora Rose Reynolds has a way of creating romances that feel comforting, emotional, and impossible to put down, and this story delivered all of that and more.

Genevieve's return to Gooseberry Ridge comes after a painful chapter in her life, and watching her find her footing again was incredibly rewarding. She's resilient, lovable, and easy to root for. Then there's Wyatt—steady, caring, and exactly the kind of hero who makes your heart melt. From their first interaction, there was a natural connection between them that felt effortless and genuine.

What made this book stand out for me was the sense of community. Gooseberry Ridge is full of memorable characters who bring humor, warmth, and a little bit of chaos to the story. The friendships, family dynamics, and small-town atmosphere added so much depth, making it feel like a place I'd happily visit again.

The romance was sweet, heartfelt, and filled with those moments that leave you smiling. Add in a light mystery, a lovable dog, and plenty of emotional growth, and it became the perfect escape. Lavender Hill is a charming, feel-good romance that reminds you sometimes the best things come when life takes an unexpected turn.

I finished this book with a huge smile on my face and can't wait to see where this series goes next.

[Laurenreadingrecs]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:

Tropes:
🩶SMALL TOWN
💜OPPOSITES ATTRACT
🩶GRUMPY X SUNSHINE
💜MEDDLING, MATCHMAKING MOTHER
🩶RETURN TO HOMETOWN
💜DOG DAD🐕
🩶ALPHA SHERIFF HERO
💜SWORN OFF RELATIONSHIPS
🩶DUAL POV/ NARRATION

Lavender Hill is book 1 in the brand new Love Stone series from author Aurora Rose Reynolds. This is a low angst, sweet and quick , small town romance book.

Lavender Hill is a heartwarming story that pulled me into it. We have Genevieve, who has returned home to Gooseberry Ridge. She is at the point she needed to start over so she returns home to friends and family after her life was blown apart. A new love was not on her radar then she meets Wyatt.

Wyatt is the deputy sheriff who is the epitome of a protective hero. He’s dependable and his Search and Rescue Dog, Storm is the perfect companion. Wyatt meets Genevieve and sparks were flying, a bit on the insta side but still super cute and heartwarming.

The audiobook was performed in dual narration by Shiloh James as Genevieve and Corvin King as Wyatt. I thought both were perfect for the roles. This was my first time listening to Shiloh and I thought she brought the energy and sunshine to life. Corvin on the other hand is one of my favorites. His deeper growly voice was perfect for the grumpy reserved sheriff.

I’m looking forward to book 2

[Jenn the Readaholic]

Is it too soon to beg for the next book? Seriously. Because this proves that Aurora can still keep me enthralled and also begging for more the second I hit the very last page. I already know that I hope for Genevieve’s brother to find out who his perfect woman is, and I’m trying really hard not to peek to see if the info on the second book in this series is available yet.

Wyatt and Genevieve aren’t love at first sight. They grow into it. Sure, there’s attraction, but neither is looking to stir things up right this second. She’s finding her footing again, he’s trying to keep a good county remaining that way, and yet…sometimes you can’t help falling into the one thing you swore you didn’t need.

We also have the mystery of a missing teen. And the second I think I have it figured out, I’m wrong. I was so glad to know that love is all over in this book, especially within the family desperate to keep another tiny family together. So rest assured, that mystery will keep you guessing while Wyatt and Genevieve keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering when they’ll be found out. And who’s going to take the credit, which is amusing once a few secrets tumble out.

Seriously. I want the next book already. That’s how much I enjoyed this story. I’m not great with patience either, but I’ll try to find some.

[bookishWife]

Genevieve thought she had the perfect life—a wonderful fiancé, a successful career, and everything she had ever wanted. Then it all fell apart. She discovered her fiancé was cheating on her, had to leave her job, and could no longer afford her expensive apartment. With nowhere else to go, she returned to her hometown to work with her family. Thankfully, they welcomed her back with open arms.

Wyatt Foster becomes one of Genevieve's first clients after she returns home. To make things even more interesting, Genevieve's meddling mother—who also happens to be close to Wyatt—is determined to play matchmaker. Since Wyatt is running for sheriff and knows little about the political side of campaigning, he asks Genevieve's mother for help. From that moment on, neither Wyatt nor Genevieve really stands a chance. Their chemistry is undeniable, and neither of them wastes much time fighting their growing feelings.

This was such a sweet, cozy romance. There isn't much unnecessary drama, and the story focuses on family, community, and a heartwarming relationship. If you're looking for a comforting, low-angst romance, this is a perfect choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sophie]

I very much enjoyed every minute of this book, in fact, I read it in one sitting! I haven’t read a book by Aurora Rose Reynolds before but this won’t be my last. It was low angst which is exactly what I needed and just overall refreshing.

The beginning was so cute and a wonderful lead in to the story. Genevieve returns home to Gooseberry Ridge from Chicago after she ended her engagement to her cheating fiancé and a string of bad luck following. We’re introduced to her meddling mother, Elsie (love her!), her father, best friend, Anna, and her two brothers. The Fenwick family is hysterical and Elsie is a force of nature. We also have Wyatt, our lovable town police officer who sweeps Genevieve off her feet even if she doesn’t want to be initially.

Genevieve and Wyatt have a really sweet relationship. Wyatt is a steady force and Genevieve brings a bit of color into his world. I enjoyed reading about their love growing through day-to-day things.

I also adored Storm. He really brought a fun dynamic to the story and I laughed out loud when Genevieve was giving him handfuls of treats.

I definitely recommend this book!


Thank you to Montlake, Aurora, and NetGalley for the ARC! This is my honest review.

[Jennifer Brewster]

Lavender Hill is book 1 in The Love Stone series and features Wyatt and Genevieve. Wyatt moved to Gooseberry Ridge 5 years ago and has been working as a Sheriff's Deputy since coming to town. Genevieve has come back home to heal her broken heart after her ex-fiancé's betrayal. But not after meeting a little girl who gave her a "Love Stone" that would eventually change the course of her life.

This story is everything I love about ARR's writing. She does an amazing job of creating this small Montana town that you just want to be a part of. From Genevieve's meddling mother, to Wyatt and his grumpy outside but cinnamon roll inside to the supporting cast of characters. You can't help but relate to Genevieve and the journey she is on. And who doesn't love a protective hero in a uniform???

Wyatt and Genevieve just fit together so well. Their relationship flowed and developed so naturally, even when both of them weren't sure they were ready for more. I loved Storm and how once Genevieve opened up to him, they became besties, much to Wyatt's dismay.

There is so much to lave about this story, especially Elsie and her Sheriff campaign for Wyatt. I could not put this story down and after reading a sneak peek into book 2, I am dying to get my hands on that story next!!!

[Melissa]

A sweet slow burn romance that is such a quick read that I finished it in a few hours. After finding out that her fiancee has been cheating on her and unable to continue to pay for their place in Chicago, Genevieve returns to her hometown of Gooseberry. Feeling like she's a failure she returns to working for her parents realty company and meets her first client, Sheriff's deputy Wyatt Foster.

Wyatt has been living in Gooseberry for five years and is currently running to be elected Sheriff. With his search and rescue dog Storm, he soon finds himself seeking out Genevieve despite her efforts to keep their encounters strictly business related. However her mom has other plans for them and soon they are both unable to stop themselves from falling.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a nice quick read but with a bit of spice thrown in. I liked the way her mom seems to be playing matchmaker with her kids despite what they believe. I also liked the missing kids case showcasing Wyatt and Storms abilities. The only thing I didn't think worked was the love stone part. It didn't really seem needed as a connection to anything. I think just her mom as the matchmaker worked fine. Great story either way though.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’]

I was so happy when I got this ARC from Netgalley. And the story didn’t disappoint. A new series by this awesome author.

Genevieve was moving home to Gooseberry Ridge, after her ex cheated. Its taken her a while to admit to herself that she would be better off at home. And she was happy once she got there. Being surrounded by her family and her best friend.

And then she meets deputy sheriff Wyatt. Her mom wants her to help him purchase a home in Lavender Hill…

Wyatt Foster is running for sheriff in the quiet way that he is. The minute he meets his realtor, Genevieve Fenwick, he is infatuated with her. But in his way, he takes it as it comes. Spending more time together, and they just fell in love 😊

But is Genevieve ready to commit so soon after her last breakup…

This story was a sweet, second chance romance that was definitely a hit for me. I loved Wyatt. He was just this quiet passive alpha guy, and Genevieve was an independent and caring woman who knew what she wanted.

This story is filled with romance, drama, and a bit of suspense, a sweet meddling mother, an awesome adorable dog and some new characters to love 😊 Looking forward to the next one 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Trudy Dowling]

Lavender Hill is the perfect meet cute with just enough giggles to keep me from putting the book down. There was no need to take a break. Someone else could cook dinner. I sat down and enjoyed the small town romance until I got my happily ever,

And what a glorious happily ever after Wyatt and Genevieve were able to find. Genevieve has moved back to the small town of Gooseberry after a relationship went very badly. She is ready to start over, working as a realtor for her parents agency. What she doesn't know is that her mom has plans for her.

Her first assignment is to show a home, Lavender Hill, to the deputy sheriff. Wyatt has lived in the town for five years and has plans of his own. The Sheriff is retiring and the person running for the office is undesirable. Wyatt finds himself running against him. Buying the home will help his cause. Meeting Genevieve is an unexpected benefit.

The small town busy bodies, especially her mom, make for a very entertaining story. Neighborhood drama had me cringing. Genevieve has her hands full dealing with some very interesting people. The slow build romance between Genevive and Wyatt was so much fun. I can't believe she thought she could keep anything a secret in a small town.

[Sarah Marquez]

Thank you Montlake through NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.25/5

I have read a lot of Aurora Rose Reynolds' books. They are just good, family oriented novels and this one was no different. Genevieve is back home after a failed engagement and trying to start over. Wyatt is a newer transplant that is running for sheriff. Genevieve's mom is a meddler and doing all she can to arrange for them to do things together.

There were a lot of little subplots that happen in this story. Some I felt were left a little open ended. Like the next door neighbor at the open house. The runaway story was very sweet and heartwarming. The ghosts was an interesting addition that felt just kind of thrown in there...

Now the love was wonderful. It's definitely he falls first and falls hard. Genevieve fights it creating some good yearning and thankfully it was not instalove! The spicy scenes were hot and not overshadowing the plot.

I will say that there were a lot of long paragraphs and that's what took away a little bit of stars in the rating for me.

Overall, it was a nice romance with great family and found family love.

[Amanda Grace]

Aurora Rose Reynolds is one of my go-to authors when I want guaranteed swoon, and Lavender Hill delivered on every front.

Genevieve and Wyatt had me completely invested from the start. Wyatt is a top tier MMC. He calls Genevieve babe and baby, which happen to be my favorite terms of endearment, and when he tells her she is his favorite place, I was completely gone. Watching Genevieve heal from her broken engagement while slowly letting Wyatt in felt genuine and real, and the small mystery running in the background added just the right amount of intrigue without ever overshadowing the romance.

Gooseberry Ridge is the kind of small town I would move to in a heartbeat. Genevieve's family is a huge part of what makes this book so much fun, especially her mother, Elsie, whose meddling and matchmaking had me laughing out loud. Wyatt hiring Elsie to run his sheriff campaign leads to some genuinely hilarious moments, and they ended up being some of my favorite parts of the book.

I cannot wait for the next installment of the Love Stone series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Release Date: October 13, 2026

[JudyAnnLovesBooks]

LAVENDER HILL by Aurora Rose Reynolds stole my heart and left me with a smile that lingered long after I finished reading. It's a warm, heartfelt small town romance filled with charm, emotion and the kind of found family vibes that make a story unforgettable.

Genevieve's journey from heartbreak to healing was beautifully written. Returning home to Gooseberry Ridge brought her face to face with love, laughter and a community that embraces her just when she needs it most. And then there's Wyatt Foster, the small town deputy sheriff who redefines what it means to be loyal, protective and quietly swoon worthy. Let's just say this book gave me a whole new appreciation for small town sheriffs!

The small town setting was cozy, full of life and filled with characters who felt like old friends. The drama was the good kind, the kind that keeps you hooked while still leaving you with a happy heart. Between the meddling family, the lovable dog and the undeniable chemistry between Genevieve and Wyatt, every moment was special.

I’m giving LAVENDER HILL the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Cathy]

4 stars.

“Being in love with me is weird?” “Yeah, kind of,” I admit, then add, “It’s just nothing like what I had before and everything I didn’t know I needed until I got it. I like it.”

I think this was the first book I've read from Aurora Rose Reynolds. This was an easy read. It wasn't mind blowing, but still a solid read. I'm going to continue with the series as small town romances are some of my favorites!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: dual, 1st person
Heat: open doors
Pacing: something between slowburn and instalove
Communication: healthy communication
Third act: smooth sailing
Ending: HEA

Main characters:
* Alpha Hero
* Cinnamon roll hero
* Friends to lovers
* Physically very different

What?
* Forced proximity
* Found family
* One bed

Where?
* Return to hometown
* Small town

Drama?
* Difficult past
* Family drama

Other vibes:
* Adorable animal companions
* Meddling mother
* Mystery
* ”We’re just friends”