Friends to WHAT: A Sweet Small Town Romcom

by Storm Sterling

I have sent Wolfe Blackwood one hundred and three letters as his pen pal, and one hundred and two of them have been love letters.

Not that he knows that. Because telling your small town's hottest single dad that you've been in love with him and his daughter since their first letter to you two years ago is insane behavior.

Even if it is the truth.

We've never talked in person. We've never approached when we've seen each other from afar. We've never interacted at all beyond the pages we send weekly through the post, but...

Still. I knew. Immediately. From the first swoop of his cursive L and the absolute refusal to dot his i's or j's. From his daughter's first disfigured stick figure, mailed so proudly. From the carelessly but immaculately drawn doodle at the bottom of the letter that started it all...

I knew.

Wolfe Blackwood is the man for me.

And yet, that knowledge doesn't prepare me at all to open my door to my best friend's large, towering frame on my stoop, offering me a gold-stamped letter...

And his heart.

Friends to WHAT is book two in a series of sweet small town closed-door romances. This funny friends-to-lovers romcom features pen pals, a woman in need of love, and a single dad dying to give it to her.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

Storm Sterling loves writing unhinged, closed-door romance that’s HOT without spice. She lives in midwest America with a large, broad-shouldered man and three tiny clones. It is her life goal to write books well enough that she can afford all of her favorite author's books. This goal is secondary only to playing Stardew Valley all day every day.

Please buy Storm’s books so she can afford more gaming hours and more Camilla Evergreen books. Seriously. Please. She’s desperate.

Reviews

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story by Storm Sterling that I absolutely adore 💕

Yes, absolutely I loved this book so much.

One of my favorite details was how every single letter Wolfe received from Leora was framed and hung in his office. It was such a beautiful reminder of just how completely, undeniably lovesick he was. He was head over heels from the very beginning, and I adored every second of it.

But what truly touched my heart was seeing Wolf as a father. Amia is his whole world, and it shows in everything he does. There’s one scene where she’s brushing her hair and tells him that another little girl made her feel bad because she doesn’t have a mom. That scene absolutely broke my heart. Watching Wolfe comfort her, make her smile, and remind her that she doesn’t need a mom to be loved because he loves her and their entire family loves her unconditionally was so incredibly moving. The way he made her feel seen, valued, and safe was one of my favorite moments in the book.

I also loved the way he loved Leora. Even if he was a little bit scared and hesitant at first, but no matter what he was kind, considerate, and gentle with how he treated her and seeing him introduce her to Amia was so sweet. Watching Leora love Amia as if she were her own daughter melted my heart.

And can we talk about how soft Wolfe is? For this big, tattooed guy, he has the biggest heart. This book made me laugh, cry, and tear up more than once.

Wolfe loves with his whole heart. He’s loyal, protective, and the kind of person who makes sure the people he loves feel safe, cared for, and cherished no matter what. I absolutely loved watching him show that kind of love to Leora, also I loved how he made Leora and Mia felt seen. They were never ignored they always had his full undivided attention and I think that’s something that is truly special💕💕

Thank you so much Sterling for this ARC

[Aunt LoLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the 2nd installment of Storm Sterling's To Lovers series. (Sorry if that's a spoiler for the title of this book, but...uh. She writes unhinged RomCom. It shouldn't be *that* huge of a stretch...) ANYWAY. Leora and Wolfe are penpals. Leora has written dozens of letters, and they've been love letters since the 2nd one...not that Wolfe has noticed. Wolfe has a daughter, with a mom who bailed as soon as she could, and he's not going to be impulsive with life-changing choices again. Not now that he has Amia to take care of. This is the story of how Leora "changes" Wolfe, but Storm is the master of unreliable narrator, and it's possible that Wolfe isn't doing as much changing as Leora is. Just maybe.

I loved this. There is so much gentle wisdom scattered throughout, without it ever feeling preachy. There are a few kisses, but nothing descriptive. There's a scheming 8 year old without a mommy, who is absolutely SURROUNDED by love. (And the 8 year old is ACTIVELY trying to fix the mommy problem.) I cried more than once, just from the beauty of what was being shared when a character was mad, sad, or scared. Content notes for mommy issues, daddy issues, "kidnapping" another adult (not really), and past trauma related to either bad parents, bad choice in partners, or just dealing with the hand life has dealt you.

[Victoria Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

For being such a relaxing, lovely, little romance book, this story still hits some deeper emotional beats about fathers, daughters, parenting, and familial love.

It’s cute and sweet and has so much pretty purple and lots of very amusing side characters. 💜✨🫶🏻

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolfe is a single father, and he’s in love with his pen pal, Leora. The two of them have never interacted with each other in public, or in person in any way. Wolfe knows he’s in love with Leora, but when he sends his most recent letter and asks if they could meet in person, she says no.

We know from Leora’s point of view that she’s desperately in love with Wolfe, but she doesn’t know if he returns her feelings. There are different kinds of love, after all, and as she thinks that kidnappings by the male main character in romance books is…well, romantic, she’s doesn’t know if Wolfe loves her in that way.

Whiteboards and lists ensue, involving Wolfe’s parents and brother, and Wolfe’s failings are outlined in perfect clarity. Not that these are terrible failings; Wolfe is just terrible at asking for what he wants. Well, all that is about to change.

One of the things I love most about this book is how much everyone loves Wolfe’s eight-year-old daughter, Amia. Some might say the kid doesn’t know how good she has it, but I see that she knows exactly that, and she knows how it can be better. She becomes a force of nature to get Leora as her mother. And it’s adorable to see her antics on getting Wolfe and Leora together.

Leora doesn’t have a specific list of what she wants in a romantic partner, probably because Wolfe ticks a lot of boxes for her already. I know young women often have such lists; I was never one of them. Well, I had a two-item list — one, make me laugh, two, don’t ever lie to me. That’s it. Everything else was negotiable. Luckily, my husband met both of those criteria, and we have lived happily ever after.

This book made me laugh, and it made me cry (good tears only), and I loved seeing these three form their forever family. You don’t need to have the same blood to be a family; you just need to be a family. Get the book, won’t you? You won’t regret it.

[Cyndel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.
Penpal to lovers. I love how determined Wolfe is to become better, even though he already is amazing. He is such a good dad. I love his 3 meetings rule before his daughter could meet someone.
I love that there was NO MISCOMMUNICATION. THEY TALKED PEOPLE!!!!!!!
I love how firm but gentle Wolfe is in his parenting. How much the community has gathered around him to support him as a single dad.
I love Leora, she is quirky, sweet, has a good reason and good history for why she wants her relationship with Wolfe to remain on page, but rather then lying to herself when she is forced to actually be in his presence she sees him for who he is, not who she was afraid he would be without the barrier of paper and the USPS system between them, she accepts him for who he proves himself to be and doesn't continue to lie to herself and push him away.
I loved the Cameos of our adorable Fox and Poem.
And of course, we are all in love with Amia, the adorable little chaos matchmaker.
I've been excitedly awaiting this book since the moment Wolfe showed up in Enemies to WHAT? The gorgeous and supremely hot Storm Sterling did not disappoint. Of course not. She is a Story Faerie, soul twin of Story Faerie Camilla Evergreen, her releasing another perfection is a given.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to What by Storm Sterling is a book of iniative and change.

I love the actual character arc of Wolfe and Leora written in these pages. The growth of both the characters and finding confidence in those around them but more importantly finding confidence and trusting themselves again. There is a whole lot of hurt and truama in this one, and boy did it hit hard. I also loved the depiction of parental roles. There is a lot that a parent has to do to provide for their child, and also has to set up rules and be consistent about it. I love the talking to Amia (the child) about why things are wrong, the lining out of consequences, and the discussion of everything. I wish I had a parent like Wolfe. I wish I could rely on a father like this and this book really made me realize what I should strive for in a father.

I loved this one, I loved the laying down one's soul in this one. I loved it.

I recommend this book if you want your heart to be full.

Thank you Storm Sterling for the free book.

[Stephanie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story in which kidnapping is romantic, as advised by the 8 year old.

Storm Sterling has done it again! Such a fun, delightful story with Wolfe and Leora, our dear, sweet, and a lot timid penpals who are very much in love, but very much unsure how to progress in their relationship. (Or are too terrified to do so.) Enter Amia, Wolfe’s 8 year old daughter, coming in hot with advice heavily influenced by her aunt. “Kidnappings are romantic. I told you that.”

I absolutely adored this slow burn, filled with such great moments of humor. The character growth of both our leads was absolutely beautiful and a treasure to read. Grab your copy and enjoy today!

I will include just a little note that Wolfe *is* a single dad, and the circumstances of him becoming such are very lightly and delicately addressed. There is also one occasion where our FMC imbibes a bit more than she intended, but this is still very much a clean and wholesome book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amanda McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. Leora is sassy, kind, and a bit cautious to meet her pen pale Wolfe in real life due to painful experiences in her past including childhood,. Wolfe is sweet, earnest, and protective of his loved ones and pines for Leora immensely. Amia is fantastic, and I laughed at how quickly Almond and Sterne forced Wolfe to kidnap Leora so he could quit being sad (also the whiteboards were brutal…i might need five). I loved how Wolfe parented his daughter and took what she said seriously and always tried his best. I also sympathized with Wolfe’s desire to be more confident in asking for what he wanted and was so proud of him as he progressed throughout the book. I wanted to hug the main characters (Amia is included here) and cheered as they found their way towards happiness for themselves and each other. Overall, fantastic found family, shenanigans, great one-liners (seriously I highlighted so many), and sweet / hot NOT spicy friends-to-lovers / penpals / small town romance WITH shoulders AND tattoos (iconic).

[Susie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm, write more books with kids in them!

Oh, this book is so funny. Do not read it in public unless you want people looking at you strangely for laughing hysterically! At only 25% done with the book, I had already laughed out loud at least a dozen times. The conversation that Wolfe had with Amia, his daughter? The “kidnapping”? All were hilarious.
Wolfe and Leora are penpals. He wants to meet, but she doesn’t, so what should he do? Maybe a semi-consensual kidnapping? Why not?
The book is not always funny - Storm really dug deeply into the relationships of parents and children, both good ones and bad ones. She really should incorporate more stories with children in them, because she did a stellar job in this one. Both Wolfe and Leora grow so much not only in their relationship with each other, but also in their parental relationships as well. Expect laughter, banter, all the feels, and characters that you will love.

[Kimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and cozy with a touch of crazy.

Wolfe is a single dad who worries about raising his daughter the right way. Leora is a sweet, lonely shopkeeper. They've been pen pals for quite a while when we meet them, so the love story is just about wrapped up from the start -- you'd think. Except there must be a kidnapping, and a Fix The Boy project (with whiteboards!) and of course a few dates while the entire town looks on like the small-town gossips they are. Amia, Wolfe's daughter, is an absolute delight, and Wolfe is obviously doing a great job with her. There's just one piece missing, and Leora seems to be just the right shape.

This was a lovely cozy read with just enough silly antics to keep it light and fun despite some pretty heavy feelings. I enjoyed watching these three make their way to happily ever after.

[Alayna (the.bookstrovert)]

Favorite Quote:
“Seeing you with Amia, right in front of my face, has made it so, so clear how very much I love you. I love you so much it’s an ache in my chest—a yawning void, desperately hoping and waiting and yearning and begging for the stars to put you back in my path. You’re so bright. A star in the sky, demanding my orbit, and I give it gladly. Be my sun. Be my moon.”

Who doesn’t love a good friends to lovers story! Especially whenever it’s written by someone as amazing as Storm Sterling! 😎

Wolfe and Leora’s chemistry was *chefs kiss* fantastic! I was swooning, giggling and rooting for those 2 from the first page!
Amia is probably my favorite sidekick of all time! 😂
And that epilogue from her POV had me cackling! 🥹😍

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolfe tries his best to raise his 8 year old daughter, Amia, without a mom. He doesn't know how great he is doing. Leora's dad took and did not give. She always wished her dad would have been more like Wolfe. After 2 years of writing letters to each other, Wolfe decides it's time to meet and bring their relationship into the real world. I loved how caring and tender Wolfe is with Amia. I loved all his life lessons. It was cool seeing him decide to change and become a bit more assertive with the things he wants. That it's OK to have needs and wants of your own and to reach out and grab them for yourself. There are no swears, plenty of drinking alcohol with one instance of drunkeness, and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV.

[Taylor Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably one of my most recent faves from Storm!

This one held a sweeter tone to it and I don’t know if it’s because of Amia’s addition as Wolfe’s daughter but I couldn’t stop reading and rooting for Wolfe and Leora.

I loved seeing the relationship between Wolfe and his daughter Amia and how seriously Leora took that and loved her as well.

Tbh reading Wolfe’s chapters and his interactions with his daughter healed something in me 😭

Overall I love a friends to lovers… even if they don’t realize they both already love each other.

I’m excited to see what happens next with Almond ☺️

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Flags for Everyone 💚

“I am here for you,” he says. “Through your Whatevers, whether you wish to speak on them or not, whether the emotions stick or not. I will be here.”

Is there a greener flag than Wolfe? I kinda don’t think so. Who would have thought that a man saying ‘I am here through your Whatevers’ would seem sweet and romantic but he makes it happen! This story is so sweet - it’s full of learning, growth, understanding, good parenting and
a whole lot of loving found family!
Storm Sterling is a ‘plan my day on release day so I can just read’ kinda author. You won’t regret spending time in any of her books 🩵
No swearing
No spice

[Sekoia Nostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection.

This book was BEAUTIFUL.

I can’t not express the love of this book with mere words. Storm wrote the characters beautifully.

Also, this book had kissing!

(Which I have been missing out on from some other authors lately…👀)

Beautiful family. I just loved Wolfe and Leora. And Amia was so freakin cute.

Found family is one of my favorite tropes.

Storm had me laughing out loud with this book. There definitely was some unhinged giggling at moments. But whose to blame me. This book is PERFECT.

So anyway, what are you doing reading this review? You should be reading this book and basking in its beauty.

Go. Read. Now.

🫶🏼

[Wendy Droke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penpals! A semi-consensual kidnapping! Siblings causing drama! All of it rolled into one in this super sweet, incredibly funny, book 2 in a series of stand-alones, but really I think you'll like it better if you read book one first. Wolfe and Amia (his 8 year old daughter) and the hijinks they get up to to win the heart of Leora are the very best. I was kept laughing, crying, and in general could NOT put this book down. I read an early version from the author, you should pick this book up as soon as you can - and in the meantime hop to it reading book 1 in the series. Enjoy!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Short and oh so sweet. A great friends to lovers story. I’m really appreciating this series for its simple yet deep storytelling about people growing and becoming the best versions of themselves. I would have loved to read some more of the MC’s letters to each other and get a little more backstory of the FMC, but overall, I’m totally into the series and can’t wait for all the future books. 💜 for Storm and her stories!

[Angela - Enjoy Life With Me Podcast · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable story about a single dad learning to ask and take what he wants while he raises an amazing daughter.

Note, don't read the last chapter unless you want to be anxious to get Book3 😅


Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary RomCom (pen pal, friends to more, single parent)
Intimacy - Moderate (thrown over shoulder, laying on couch kisses)
Language - None (they use “stars”)
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - Single Dad hurt, her daddy issues

[SaraC1018 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read

Goodness, I absolutely love Storm Sterling. She has this way of combining unhinged, swoony, and funny with the perfect amount of sweetness. I wish more non-fictional people were as self-aware as her fictitious characters- the world would be better for it. Obviously, Wolfe and Leora have something so sweet and beautiful, but Amia is just so darling and ties the whole story together. I quite loved this and look forward to seeing more from October, Tennessee.

[Rachelclune88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't the longest book it still has a great story. Wolfe and Leora have been pen pals for years and he is sweet. He frames her letters on his walls *My heart* he is so besotted her and he is such a great dad to his little smarty pants Amia is such a joy to read and i loved her suggestions for her dad lol i will not spoil it but lets says she takes ideas from her auntys book club i say no more. Another great book in the series.

[Madeleine Booth-Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the personal growth, the anxiety, the longing, the love, the sweetness! Be still my heart!!! This is a seriously protective and gorgeous love story to watch unfold. I love coming to October and all it's joys and wonderful characters. Absolutely loved this book in the series and can't wait for more!!!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short(er) but sweet

A+ Dad award goes to Wolfe. He is inspiring and just so darling! Less chaos than I’m used to from this author, but Wolfe exudes so much swoony sweetness. I didn’t read the first one, and I might have gotten a bit more out of this book if I had, but I thought it was fine to read in its own.

[AndieRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blackwood Brothers are amazing! Leora and Wolfe are pen pals, but what happens when he no longer wants them to be? Guess you’ll have to read this book in order to enjoy the firework display! (Also, if you’re a Camilla Evergreen fan, you might see a few cameos too 😉). I don’t know that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading such a profound novel when it comes to parent-child relationships. I’ve said it before, but Storm Sterling writes some of the best parent characters that I’ve ever read. This book is not an almost 200 page ode to simple romance, but one that examines relationships in a way that leaves the reader pondering for quite some time on the power of love (in a good way, obvs). 🖤 Bonus points if you preorder.

[Ashley Redfern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this story after reading the first in the series, and it was so cute!! Wolfe and Lenora’s pen pals story was so fun and I loved all the Amia moments! Amia, Wolfe’s daughter, really made the whole book amazing!

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet single dad small town romcom! A sweet romance that starts as pen pals!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Brooke Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm does it again! This is such a sweet story that had me laughing nearly the whole time. I loved that the child was priority one. Leora and Wolfe are goals.
I can't wait for Almond's story!

[Heidi Halford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of goodness and Wolfey boy with da white hair, you know him? He’s a good dad and tattoo artist. Swoons over her purple haired starling. Obvs. It’s a good one. Read if.

[Chelle Droke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super sweet single dad and a strong independant woman. He's forced to kidnap her and she decides he's her new project. Super cute!

[Anna Deschenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story and it might be my new favorite by Storm. Wolfe is the greenest of flags, Leora is quirky and sweet, and Amia is a firecracker. They all have such a deep love for each other. This book is more emotional than most of Storm's stories, but don't worry - there is still plenty of humor! There's also an epilogue that gives us a brief peek into Almond's (Wolfe's sister) brain. I can't wait to read her story :)

*I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily providing an honest review.*