Olivia Hart always dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps to become the CEO of Hartstring Records—the massive record label that’s been in her family for generations. Before he died, she vowed she’d do whatever it took to make that dream a reality, regardless of the personal cost.
Now, at thirty-seven, she’s kept her promise. Only, instead of bringing her joy, she finds herself divorced and resenting her position at the top, forced to prioritize her career over her daughter, Charlie. The days are long and the nights are lonely. She finds herself longing for a fraction of the happiness her ex has found after their divorce. When Olivia gets an unexpected call from her brother that their uncle’s health is failing, she seizes the opportunity to step away from the career that has become more of a chore and drops everything to head back to Tennessee and the charming little town she left behind.
It doesn’t take long for Olivia to realize that not everything is the same as it was before she left. Especially not her brother’s best friend.
Duke Bennett was carefree and vibrant the last time she saw him, but now his dark eyes are haunted by something that wasn’t there before. He’s brash, stubborn, and adamantly against her being back in his life for any reason. Unfortunately, his daughter and Olivia’s have become inseparable, and there’s no avoiding each other. What starts as after-school playdates and Saturday morning soccer games reluctantly becomes more. Before she knows it, her brother’s broody best friend becomes the one thing that makes her feel free for the first time in years, giving her hope for something she thought she’d never have.
As Olivia’s time in Pinecrest comes to a close, she is faced with a decision that could wreck her heart either way. Does she walk away from Pinecrest and return to the dream she thought she always wanted, or will she realize that sometimes it’s the legacy you choose that matters the most?
Amber Palmer is an American romance author specializing in paranormal and contemporary love stories. Born in Arizona and raised in Texas, she’s the proud parent of three mischievous cats and one playful pup. When she’s not devouring spicy romance novels, you can find her curating bookish Spotify playlists or jotting down ideas for her next project. A fierce advocate for mental health, Amber crafts characters who face and heal from deep traumas. She’s unapologetically passionate about all things spicy—both in books and life—and loves gaming with her husband in her downtime.
Everything about this book was perfect. A grumpy older MMC, check. A boss babe older FMC, check. Two divorced single parents, check. Everything I wanted and more, check.
I really enjoyed every moment of Duke and Olivia's story. I also adored their two girls and loved that they were besties. Duke and Olivia were in such different, but also in similar places in their lives. Nothing about them says they should work, but they absolutely do and they balance each other so well. This story has some deeper, more emotional moments and really shows the growth and continued learning form life that these two experience throughout the story.
I was super excited when this spin off series was announced. Duke and Olivia were the perfect start of the series and I can't wait for book two!
Driven by a sense of familial duty, Olivia Hart, CEO of Hartstrings, one of the country’s biggest record labels, has found her way home to the small town of Pinecrest, Tennessee.
After she runs into - literally - her brother’s grumpy best friend, Duke Bennett, in the grocery sore, she can’t get him and his slutty mustache off her mind.
Friends, the angst is real with this one. The “will they, won’t they?” is brutal. The sexual tension? JFC. But, I loved them and their story all the same. And somehow I found myself reading another single parent trope and it didn’t give me the ick this time either. The story wouldn’t have hit quite the same without Harper and Charlie. Still not changing my mind on the trope as a whole, however.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance 🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden (Brother’s BFF), Grumpy/Sunshine, Meet Cute, One Bed, Opposites Attract, Secret Situationship, Single Parent
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, Cinnamon Roll, Pet Name (Honey)
🔆 Character: Blue Collar, White Collar
💋 Kinks: Biting/Marking, Cum Jammer, Exhibitionism, Finger Licking Good
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole
⛔️ Safety Squad: Addiction (Not by MC’s), Death of Loved One, Suicidal Ideations (Past, by MMC), and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is
📍 Setting: Pinecrest, Tennessee 🇺🇸
📣 Type: One More Round is part of the series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
This was sort of a redemption arc book for me. I did not vibe with Olivia (Liz) in After the Rain. Like at all.
But she was a whole new person in this book. And I liked her in this book.
She’s the CEO of a music label. Single mom. Not always present, busy busy. Returns home. Dealings with grief.
Duke Bar owner & struggles Single dad The daughter are BFFs And ladies, if you want a hot slutty mustache guy but in a dad bod (not beer gut but not washboard abs) here he is!!
Small town. I loved all the connections. Lincoln’s bar. Grady’s ex wife. The family ties.
This was nice and good segue into where Amber Palmer is taking us next.
How about another round for that SEXY MUSTACHE?! 😌💓
I ate this up!!
Amber, you did it again 🫵🏽 you gave us an MMC that’ll have us swooning.
One More Round is really a second chance at life, to do whatever your heart desires.
“Regrets are for fools” & I felt that in my soul.
Duke Bennet- although he came off a little gruff in the beginning, once you pulled those thick layers, he loves so hard, it’s infectious. A MAN who speaks with his actions, I mean he’s perfect.
His love language? Physical touch (aka carrying Olivia around like nothing) & acts of service. 🤧❤️🔥
Olivia Hart - she’s the ceo of a male-dominated industry, stomps on men’s necks, is a single mom, and all the while trying to juggle her work-life balance. She’s always putting a smile on her face even if things are falling apart. Olivia deserves to be understood 🥰
When these two cross paths again? It’s not just the best friend’s younger sister, it’s something more.
The chemistry is undeniable. The stubbornness between the two created a hot & steamy atmosphere.
All the moments of slowly getting to open up, helping each other through grief, and allowing themselves to be cared for - I was holding onto my heartstrings.
Finding happiness while fighting personal demons, this story just felt more sentimental & wholesome.
I found a new family to adore, and the girls, Harper & Charlie are the cutest ever.
Also, my favorite couple from Black Springs Ranch made a few appearances and I couldn’t stop smiling.
4.5 ✨ I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
Thank you Amber Palmer for the physical and digital arc, I am immensely grateful 🌸💞
What you’ll find:
💗Small Town Romance 🎲Divorced MCs 💗Older MCs (over 30) 🎲Found Family 💗Grief/Comfort 🎲Brother’s best friend 💗Grumpy/Sunshine 🎲Soft only for her 💗Steamy/Spice
If you are looking for your next favorite small town obsession, look no further than the magic between Duke and Olivia.
Duke is the ultimate grumpy bar owner with an iconic mustache, while Olivia is a successful music executive returning home and trying to rebuild her life. As two divorced parents, their relationship feels genuine and beautifully developed, and the slow-burning tension between them had me completely invested from the very beginning.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the single-parent dynamic, and their daughters’ sweet friendship added so much warmth and charm to the book. The story thoughtfully explores grief, healing, and the challenge of balancing career and family, which made Olivia especially relatable. Duke completely won me over with his quiet acts of service and the depth of his love once he finally lets his walls down. Their story feels like a touching and hopeful second chance at happiness.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the steamy moments are more than worth the buildup. Amber Palmer does an incredible job of creating tension that keeps you turning the pages, and the family connections and familiar faces from previous books make the town feel warm and inviting.
Go grab this one if you want a story that hits you right in the feelings while keeping things spicy.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Amber Palmer and Literary Love on the Line for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
For the ones who’ve spent their whole lives breaking themselves to be perfect for everyone else… this one’s going to wreck you. 💔
Olivia is a people pleaser who gives until she’s empty. Duke is the man who never asks for anything until her.
What to expect: Brother’s BFF Single parents Banter Grief Mental health
I went in skeptical about a single mom/single dad romance, but I was so wrong. This book handles the chaos, exhaustion, and raw honesty of parenting with humor and heart, while layering in the heavy grief of losing a parent. It felt real in a way that snuck up on me.
The way Duke sees straight through Olivia’s people-pleasing armor and quietly makes her feel safe? I was done for. I was not expecting to legit be tearing up but then here comes Duke in ch 32 😭
Their slow-burn tension is perfection, and when they finally give in… it’s explosive. That man doesn’t say much, but when he does? 🫠
This is beautiful, emotional, and spicy in all the right moments.
PS: The Spotify playlist is a 10/10 so pleaser 🙏 listen to it with the book, trust me.
I’m such a sucker for small town romances and this book delivered everything I love: cozy small town vibes, grumpy sunshine perfection, and two absolutely adorable kids that just made the story feel even more full.
There’s something so special about a story that reminds you sometimes going home is exactly what your heart needs and this one captured that feeling so beautifully.
Olivia and Duke completely stole the show for me. Duke is THAT man. The way he showed up for Olivia through some of her hardest moments I was melting. Supportive, patient, protective and yes the kind of man who will chase you, comfort you, and carry you home when you need it most. Where do I find one?!
And Olivia I loved her journey so much. She had so much weight on her shoulders and watching her start to break free from the expectations placed on her and choose herself was so powerful and emotional.
This town these characters this story I’m obsessed. I cannot wait to come back to this world.
Oh good I loved this book. I recently went on an Amber Palmer binge and read 4 of her books in the span of two weeks, and please tell me how they just keep getting better.
I loved Duke and Olivia. I loved this world and everything about them being older single parents just worked for me.
I legitimately read this book in less than a day.
✨ Small Town ✨ Single Parents ✨ Brother’s Best Friend ✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
Amber’s writing grabs you immediately and pulls you all the way in. Duke and Olivia were people who were always in each others orbits but when they really saw each other. Dear god I was a puddle for just how much that man loved her.
Talk about rock steady and you will find this man. Olivia is so used to being the bad ass boos babe, she really needed someone who could see her for just Olivia.
Ans add in their adorable daughters and I just wanted them to be a family so badly.
This book is so good! Pick it up now I promise you won’t regret it!
One More Round was PERFECT. I truly didn’t know how I would feel stepping outside of the Hayes family, but I am so grateful Amber did!!
I loved Olivia. I loved Duke even more. Older main characters that are divorced and single parents? It was done so perfectly. Duke being her brother’s best friend made it even better 🤭
This story was so heartbreaking and comforting all in one. I love the way all of the characters supported one another without a second thought. I also enjoyed Cleo and Grady again!! We love a happy and healthy coparenting arrangement.
Duke and Olivia were exactly what the other person needed. I truly loved watching them fall in love. Their story was so precious!
3.25⭐️ | 2🌶 It was a good read. I liked that it had some realistic aspects and it honed in on them. Harper and Charlie were so cute. Thank you to literary love on the line for the arc
this was SUCH a good book and a phenomenal way to kick off a new series!!
i truly couldnt love duke and olivia more, i loved the history they had behind them, how they literally bumped back into one another and the way they were forced to be back in each others orbits was really entertaining to watch unfold.
i personally to my knowledge havent done a lot of books where i actively know and am made aware that these are characters in their late 30s/early 40s (so i am by no means any kind of expert lol) but one of the things i appreciate most ESPECIALLY because of how their age was a point made in the trope lists is how mature olivia and duke are. a lot of times when i read characters that are anywhere in their 30s early 40s they still come across as 20 something’s with no fully developed frontal lobe in sight but with these two i was so in love with their communication and the way there was no unnecessary he said she said drama. the way they could lean on one another in times of need without any judgment, the two of them were truly such a good match for one another.
one of my fav things about this book was the found (and literal) family aspect of it all, i LOVED liv and grady’s relationship with one another, i feel like we dont ever really get to see scenarios like this of really good coparenting on all sides where everyone can just be one big family and i truly appreciated the respect everyone had for one another.
this is a book where i truthfully really loved the third act break up. which is something i almost never say because theyre typically for stupid reasons and while yes i personally think olivia was being quite dumb towards the end because the answer was so obvious for ME, it wasnt for her and i think her not being able to let go of her unwavering loyalty to something so obviously wrong for her gave the story a bit more depth and made the reunion sweeter for it. i also really loved the drama of it all to be quite honest, because a lot of times i feel like its never the man begging and pleading to be the more important choice and to be the one the other person chooses and it truly was just *chefs kiss* for me.
i am SO stoked to reread this book with the audio eventually, i cant even begin to imagine how much more obsessed im going to end up being with duke and olivia after it. i cannot wait to see whats to come in the next book!!!
I love a single parent romance and in One More Round we get two! Olivia is technically a single mom whom we met in After the Rain. Charlie is her daughter with Grady. Duke is her brother’s best friend and a single father to sweet, shy Harper. I loved how complementary Charlie’s and Harper’s personalities are as best friends and then as a blended family.
This story is one of finding love and rediscovering a sense of yourself through grief.
Duke seems like your typical grumpy asshole until we get into his POV. He is struggling and not one to ask for help any more than he absolutely has to. But he has a heart of gold and loves his daughter more than anything.
Olivia is a people pleaser who has put other people’s wants first for a long time. Working in a high-powered career, running a company and having to work doubly hard because you’re a woman is pushing her towards burnout.
After an extremely not meet cute, Olivia extends a metaphorical olive branch and, with the adorable meddling of their daughters, thus begins a friendship that is at times funny, stressful, and filled with tension (both physically and emotionally). The connection and chemistry between these two are so beautifully crafted throughout the story.
The vulnerability, stubbornness, and grief that Amber Palmer imbued into the story and her characters is done with such care. She wrote two people who were a little broken and isolated that learned how to heal and care for themselves and others in a more sustainable way. I loved Olivia and Duke’s journey and if none of that convinced you to read the book.. he’s also got a slutty little mustache and loves to eat. 😏
Tropes: Brother’s best friend Single parents Alcohol use and play Death of a family member Neglectful parent (not MCs) Mention of suicidal thoughts
thank you so much to Love Match for the ARC copy!! 🩷
so fun and sweet!!! I absolutely loved this one, the tension was sooooo gooddddd!!!! I went into this totally blind, after seeing I got matched for the ARC i immeditaly accepted because i own some of the authors other books and i didn’t spare the synopsis a second glance. IM SO HAPPY I DID!! this was such a good story and i truly loved all the characters
This was my first from Amber Palmer. ..but it definitely won’t be my last! Single dad, bestfriends little sister…she is a boss …quite literally…and Duke is the man to help Olivia enter her soft girl era…
I absolutely loved their dynamic…and while this book has plenty of witty banter and some delicious spice…it is also emotional and had me in all the feels !
I loved this story so much that I am tempted to go back and reread all of my favorite parts. Amber Palmer has built a love story centered around grief, and made it so tenderly beautiful that you can’t help but appreciate the pain.
Olivia and Duke are still figuring out what they want from life, while navigating some really tough circumstances. You don’t often see main characters who are both divorced, with children. I think that Amber uses this to her advantage, because although their circumstances are vastly different, the sentiment of loving yourself enough to love someone else provides the basis for the perfect slow burn.
Duke and Olivia put their children first, who happen to be best friends, which ends up paving the way for more time spent getting to know each other. As they start opening themselves up to the idea of *more*, we get to see just how soft and safe Duke becomes for Olivia when she needs it. I cannot tell you how many lines I highlighted, just from Duke. He is the gold standard, and I just love his soul.
I’m secretly hoping the next book is about Olivia’s brother, Lukas, because I would love to see a reformed bachelor trope for a super lovable character. His relationship with both Olivia and Duke is just so supportive, and his interactions with the kids makes me feel like he could be more than just the “fun uncle”. Even his easy banter with Grady (Olivia’s ex husband) is so atypical for their dynamic.
Speaking of a certain ex husband.. I was a Grady girl from After the Rain, but I am even more of a fan now. His involvement with Charlie (their daughter), and friendship with Liv’s family, just makes me so happy to see them all forming their own supportive community. And that epilogue was so special, absolutely loved it!!
Highly recommend picking up One More Round when it releases April 28, 2026. Thank you, Amber Palmer, for gifting me with an eARC. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Sitting here reflecting on the book and I just really had a good time with this couple. They were so real, relatable, and likable (even if you are a grump Duke). Normally single parents don't do anything for me because I don't have children, but I found myself loving reading their journeys and how they navigated life and relationships while raising young daughters. Olivia's struggle of a work life/family life balance feels like any women's struggle in the world. You felt for her and why she made the decisions she did even if you didn't like them. Duke's willingness to talk about his depression and struggles was a refreshing thing to witness. He did everything he could to provide the best for his daughter but also I loved that he also chose himself when he needed too. Just.. these two are imperfectly perfect.
I do wanna confess that while I had a hard time with Grady and Cleo's book (which made me very sad inside), I think this worked for me BECAUSE Olivia and Grady were already divorced while they weren't for half of Grady's book. I think this lead to me not overthinking things and let me be free to love this book. But that's just my own personal hang up with relationship stuff.
ALSO, Duke is also just a green flag through and through. This man is peak boyfriend material and we all should be jealous of Olivia because.. damn.
This book is just filled with great emotional confessions and healthy relationships. The story was funny and heartfelt. I really have no complaints other than damn John making me cry towards the end which is just MEAN (lol I wasn't prepared to shed tears). Everyone should read this book!
We went from Texas to Tennessee with Grady’s ex wife and Charlie’s mom, Olivia Hart. AS CEO of Hartstring Records, Olivia splits her time between Tennessee and LA. She misses so much time with her daughter and her family, but her dream was to continue the family legacy with the huge record label. It’s worn her down though. When her Uncle gets really sick, she flies home to Pinecrest to be there for her family. She’s so happy to be spending time with her uncle, brother, and her daughter. Being able to be there for every big and small moment makes her so happy. She’s also surprised to find that her brother’s best friend is way different. Single dad and bar owner Duke seems to be beaten down by life and doesn’t want anything to do with Olivia. He’s barely surviving after his wife left him and their daughter. Unfortunately Duke and Liv’s daughters are best friends so they find themselves in each other’s orbit constantly. Duke and Olivia are so freaking cute. The way they end up leaning on eachother is so beautiful. Olivia feels free to be herself for the first time and Duke feels happy and alive for the longest time. The only problem is that Olivia’s time in town was never meant to last. These two are so so sweet and special. I absolutely love them!!! Them with their little girls are the sweetest and I love how they end up thrown together awkwardly all the time until they get used to being around each other lol Their love is so tentative and beautiful. These characters feel so real and their chemistry burns so bright. I love this book so much!!!!!
Back to where it all began! And by it, I mean the bar from the first book of the Black Springs Ranch series. Do you need to read that series to love this book? Absolutely not. But will you get lots of little fun winks back to that series if you do? Absolutely you will. Or it might just give you incentive to jump into those once you finish here!
Can I just say how refreshing it is to read a book where the FMC is in her late 30s and the MMC is in his 40s? We love that life experience and frankly, trauma that comes along with age. And you see that with Olivia and Duke.
Tropes you’ll see: •single parents •grumpy/sunshjne •brother’s best friend •grief/comfort •divorced MCs •small town •soft only for her
If you’re a parent, I think a lot of the worries and fears that Olivia and Duke have in raising their daughters are going to hit home for you. It certainly did for me. And if you have experience with grief, as many of us do, I think you’ll find solace and comfort in their story as well.
Their lives, in the moment we meet them, are heavy. Watching them find each other and crawl out of the darkness was beautiful, and also filled with some tears along the way. But so worth it to see the tension and chemistry that leads to where they end up! I truly didn’t want to put this one down and I love this small town and cast of characters Amber has created.
Thank you to Amber and her team for the early copy!
I loved Olivia in After the Rain, so I was thrilled to see her get her own story. What I wasn't expecting was just how much this book would make me feel. From the very beginning, there's a heaviness hanging over both Olivia and Duke's lives, and while this romance absolutely delivers the hope and happiness I wanted for them, it also takes readers through grief, loss, and some difficult choices along the way.
Olivia's life looks successful from the outside. She's running a major record label, continuing her family's legacy, and doing everything she can to keep all the pieces together. But underneath that success is a woman who is stretched thin and quietly losing herself. Returning to Pinecrest when her uncle's health declines forces her to confront a lot of things she's been avoiding, and I loved watching her slowly figure out what actually matters to her beyond everyone else's expectations.
Duke's story hit me just as hard. He's spent years trying to rebuild after being abandoned by his wife, focusing on his daughter and keeping his head above water. There was something so moving about the way he kept showing up for everyone around him even when he was struggling himself. And as the story unfolds, you realize that Olivia isn't the only one facing a devastating loss. Duke's grief felt quieter, but no less significant, which made many of their scenes together even more emotional.
What I loved most about their relationship was that neither of them swoops in and magically fixes the other. Instead, they create space for each other to breathe. To grieve. To be honest. To stop pretending they're okay when they're not. Watching that trust develop felt incredibly authentic, and it made the romance feel earned every step of the way.
The real scene-stealers, though, were Charlie and Harper. Their friendship was adorable, and every interaction between the four of them gave me that warm, cozy feeling that makes found-family dynamics so satisfying. They fit together so naturally that it was impossible not to picture what their future could look like.
I won't pretend Olivia didn't test my patience a little toward the end. Part of me wanted to shake her when she pulled away. But I also understood that she was trying to make peace with some huge life decisions before asking Duke to take that leap with her. By the time everything came together, I couldn't even stay mad about it.
This isn't a light and fluffy romance. Grief hangs over much of the story, and there were several moments that genuinely got me emotional. But that's also what made the payoff so satisfying. Watching Duke and Olivia crawl their way back toward happiness, together, felt hopeful in the best possible way. By the end, I was smiling through tears—and immediately looking forward to the next trip back to Pinecrest.
Thank you to Amber Palmer and Literary Love on the Line for the ARC!
I absolutely devoured this book. Olivia and Duke’s story was everything I want in a small-town romance, emotional with just the right amount of spice. Watching them navigate their personal struggles while trying to show up as single parents added so much depth to their relationship. Olivia wants to put everyone else first and Duke doesn’t want to ask for anything for himself.
They really balanced each other well and their slow burn was perfectly paced. Their buildup felt natural, filled with sweet moments that made it easy to root for them.
And Duke? Easily a favorite!! His protective nature, acts of service, and the way he showed up for his girls, especially Olivia made him impossible not to love. He had that perfect mix of bossy and softness.
I also loved the strong sense of family throughout the story. The blended family dynamic was heartwarming, and the support between everyone added an extra layer of comfort and connection. This was such an easy book to fall into and even easier to love!
Easily one of my favorites for sure and I’m already excited to see what comes next!
God, this was good. I went into this fully thinking it was just going to be a silly goofy fun time (which would have been FINE with me, I’ve been in a weird mood lately) and it *was* that but so much more. This is the first book of the year to make me boo hoo ugly sob, and I had the best time doing it.
I am *not* a fan of a single mom/single dad moment - children tend to give me the ick - but I’m so glad I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone for this. Our FMC was super relatable in a lot of ways. Her saying that “orgasms were easy, it was being vulnerable that’s hard” is so me coded. I loved that both the FMC and the MMC were vulnerable and not afraid to feel the big things, and discuss where their insecurities were. The smut was good, they were both so down bad for each other without being annoying. The kids and the bonus family situation were all adorable.
Anyway, I loved this. I loved that it made me cry, twice btw, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to Amber and Love on the Line for providing me with an early copy. I was under no obligation to read or review, snd all opinions are my own.
I loved being back in Pinecrest with this crew. I already adored Olivia from Cleo’s story, and getting more of her here just made me love her even more. She’s such a beautiful soul, even while juggling being completely overworked. Then there’s Duke, your classic grumpy, heartbroken man who’s been through it. These two were exactly what each other needed, even if it took them time to get there. The brother’s best friend dynamic added just the right tension, and the slow burn really worked for their story with a satisfying ending.
I also loved the single parent aspect. Charlie is such a spitfire while Harper is more reserved, and together they just made sense as a family. The grief woven throughout added a deeper emotional layer that really stuck with me. I walked away with the reminder to not live with regrets, and I’m already excited to see where Lukas’s story goes next.
"what do you say, mr. bennett? up for one more round?"
this was so cute and bingeable, and it pulled in my heartstrings more times than i can count.
i'm so glad olivia got a book because i've been dying for her to be the main character since she was introduced as charlie's mom. i knew she had a story to tell after i read after the rain, and it did not disappoint.
harper and charlie were absolutely adorable. they're best friends and so good for each other. i think seeing them interact and just be kids healed a part of me.
duke was soooo sexy. period. he has a dirty mouth but he's respectful and sweet, i loved him. olivia was very stroong and stubborn, much like myself. she's hardworking and determined, and the oldest daughter, which comes with a sense of guilt and responsibility for things that aren't up to her to figure out, even though she feels obligated to (i feel so heavily for her). her people pleasing tendencies were so relatable and /real/, but duke was right there to stand beside her and make her feel seen.
i'm so excited for the next book and what comes next! thank you so much to amber for the e-arc! 🩷🎵
♪ small town ♪ divorced mcs ♪ single parents ♪ grumpy x sunshine ♪ brother's best friend
Duke Bennett and his slutty little moustache have my entire heart! I absolutely ate this book up in one day, I loved these characters so much. I really enjoyed the Black Springs Ranch connections and I’m so happy that we got Olivia’s story I was hoping we would after reading After the Rain. Ambers writing is just so fantastic, while I enjoyed the spicy parts of course I fell in love with these characters and their dynamics. I can’t wait for the next one!
This book HIT THE SPOT!!! Everything I was wanting in a book during this month of weird personal reading vibes. Duke and Olivia were fun and vulnerable and heartbreaking and made me feel all the emotions but like not in a super sad and depressing way. I had the best time reading this book and will definitely be reading more Amber Palmer books!
This is absolutely my favorite Amber Palmer book!! I’m obsessed with Olivia and Duke. Going into this series I knew I’d love her from the sneak peek we got from the last series, and I was absolutely right. The yearning in this book was top tier! Don’t be fooled though, Amber will still rip your heart out with some emotional trauma, so make sure you read the trigger warnings 🩷