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Just Frankie, Actually: A Sweet Friends-to-Lovers Romance
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26I came to Serenity Cove to disappear. Falling for the hot single dad was never part of the plan.
For the first time in my life, nobody wants anything from me beyond a fresh pot of coffee and a slice of pie.
Not the regulars at the diner where I work under a fake name.
Not the small town that’s slowly, stubbornly starting to feel like home.
And not Cal Holloway—the local veterinarian, devoted single dad, and the one man who looks at me like I’m just Frankie.
Not Hollywood’s former darling.
Not a billionaire’s disappointment.
Not a woman with a past she’s trying to forget.
Just Frankie.
Which would be a whole lot less terrifying if Cal weren’t kind, steady, and the sort of man who’s deeply inconvenient to a woman trying not to want anything. Or if his little girl didn’t keep sneaking past my defenses. And if being part of their world didn’t feel so dangerously close to everything I’ve ever wanted.
Serenity Cove was meant to be a place to lie low. Keep my head down. Stay out of trouble. Easy enough—until Cal. Now this town, this man, and his little girl are getting under my skin in ways that feel equal parts lovely and reckless.
But hiding doesn’t last forever. And when the life I left behind comes calling, I have to decide whether to go back to the future everyone expects of me . . . or stay in the one place that’s started to feel like mine—with the man who sees me more clearly than anyone ever has.
Just Frankie, Actually is the fourth book in the Love in LA series but can be read as a stand-alone. Perfect for fans of Notting Hill and Katherine Center and readers who love single dads, celebrities in hiding, quirky small towns,and flamingos.
For the first time in my life, nobody wants anything from me beyond a fresh pot of coffee and a slice of pie.
Not the regulars at the diner where I work under a fake name.
Not the small town that’s slowly, stubbornly starting to feel like home.
And not Cal Holloway—the local veterinarian, devoted single dad, and the one man who looks at me like I’m just Frankie.
Not Hollywood’s former darling.
Not a billionaire’s disappointment.
Not a woman with a past she’s trying to forget.
Just Frankie.
Which would be a whole lot less terrifying if Cal weren’t kind, steady, and the sort of man who’s deeply inconvenient to a woman trying not to want anything. Or if his little girl didn’t keep sneaking past my defenses. And if being part of their world didn’t feel so dangerously close to everything I’ve ever wanted.
Serenity Cove was meant to be a place to lie low. Keep my head down. Stay out of trouble. Easy enough—until Cal. Now this town, this man, and his little girl are getting under my skin in ways that feel equal parts lovely and reckless.
But hiding doesn’t last forever. And when the life I left behind comes calling, I have to decide whether to go back to the future everyone expects of me . . . or stay in the one place that’s started to feel like mine—with the man who sees me more clearly than anyone ever has.
Just Frankie, Actually is the fourth book in the Love in LA series but can be read as a stand-alone. Perfect for fans of Notting Hill and Katherine Center and readers who love single dads, celebrities in hiding, quirky small towns,and flamingos.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
17 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Larsen
32 books267 followersBrittany Larsen is the author of fourteen full-length and three novella-length sweet romantic comedies, plus a couple more historical romance novellas set in the Old West. Brittany’s stories range across time and place, but they’re always about one thing: connection. They’re guaranteed to make you laugh and maybe even tear up a little.
Born and raised in Idaho, Brittany has spent the past twenty years (maybe more) living the California dream… If that dream includes wearing sweatpants all day and gorging herself on red Australian licorice–Australia’s second-best export (Chris Hemsworth being the obvious first). When not writing, she teaches hot yoga, walks her dog, and takes naps. Her sweater-sporting, mini Aussi-doodle, Bo, is her favorite writing companion. But her favorite people are her husband and three daughters.
Born and raised in Idaho, Brittany has spent the past twenty years (maybe more) living the California dream… If that dream includes wearing sweatpants all day and gorging herself on red Australian licorice–Australia’s second-best export (Chris Hemsworth being the obvious first). When not writing, she teaches hot yoga, walks her dog, and takes naps. Her sweater-sporting, mini Aussi-doodle, Bo, is her favorite writing companion. But her favorite people are her husband and three daughters.
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May 6, 2026
Thank you to Brittany Larsen for the eARC of Just Frankie, Actually! All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I’ve now read three of the Love in LA series and I adore them! Love a good cameo of past characters and updates on their lives.
You know when a character in a movie says the title of the movie, and you’re like “THEY SAID IT!” That was me every single time the words Just Frankie, Actually appeared.
I enjoyed getting out of LA (for the most part) and seeing Serenity Cove. Flo, the Oatmeal Mafia, and the whole Holloway family reminded me of a Stars Hollow vibe, but in California.
Oh Cal. What a steady man. We love a guy who can communicate what he wants and will be honest! 10/10 book boyfriend, no notes.
And Junie’s relationship with Frankie was so adorable! I love when kids immediately enjoy a person’s presence and bring them into their world. As someone who works with littles weekly, this book has a special place in my heart.
Frankie grows so much throughout this book. Take the time to read this one if you want to see a main character learn who she truly is. Don’t miss out on Just Frankie, Actually!
I’ve now read three of the Love in LA series and I adore them! Love a good cameo of past characters and updates on their lives.
You know when a character in a movie says the title of the movie, and you’re like “THEY SAID IT!” That was me every single time the words Just Frankie, Actually appeared.
I enjoyed getting out of LA (for the most part) and seeing Serenity Cove. Flo, the Oatmeal Mafia, and the whole Holloway family reminded me of a Stars Hollow vibe, but in California.
Oh Cal. What a steady man. We love a guy who can communicate what he wants and will be honest! 10/10 book boyfriend, no notes.
And Junie’s relationship with Frankie was so adorable! I love when kids immediately enjoy a person’s presence and bring them into their world. As someone who works with littles weekly, this book has a special place in my heart.
Frankie grows so much throughout this book. Take the time to read this one if you want to see a main character learn who she truly is. Don’t miss out on Just Frankie, Actually!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a ARC copy of this book from the author and though a review wasn’t required, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression after reading it.
Brittney has once again written a book so heartwarming and filled with the emotions and conflicts real people experience in relationships I kept forgetting it wasn’t real- because to me it was very real! I have empathy for Frankie in her relationship with her dad through his cold hearted indifference and/ or hostility to her because I personally knew the same. Money and the spotlight for being famous I’ve never known but the feelings she has- for her brother, father, Cal and Junie and the others she’s met and knows as friends there are universal no matter one’s financial situation. They are real to everyone who reads these books and others where emotions play in the mix!
Frankie escaped fame and fortune and has spent three years being a waitress in a small town being protected by people who know who she is and don’t make a big deal out of it. She wants to help the town out but her asking her father leads to bigger problems when he makes the request something else and causes her to stop him by being a silent partner in another firm which later reneges on the original terms.
Along the way she falls for the local veterinarian who just returned to town who has an adorable three year old daughter who loves her as well.
Her past comes calling and it seems the job she loved before going in hiding is beckoning her to return causing a rift in her relationship with the one she loves and at the same time the deception of the firm she is a silent partner in is revealed. Trying to juggle those two things another person from her past returns and she gets word of her father’s health.
Frankie goes to be with him and tells him why she opposed his plans for what she wanted to do and how the people she joined betrayed her trust and what they agreed to do initially.
This book is heartwarming and emotional in that the feelings she and Cal feel are real as well as the fears he has in wanting to protect his daughter from those who may try to include her in their stories because of who Frankie was and is going back to being again.
When someone is famous who now has an opportunity to return to that former life it adds another layer to a new relationship which may cause it to crumble under its weight.
I loved this story and the interaction between the characters! It really is real life to me! Choices have to be made and decisions made as to what those decisions will inevitably led to as a result.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book and the other books in this series as ones I believe you’ll enjoy! They trace the lives of friends who meet and through a love of a sport embark on a tv series and how their lives change as a result even though their friendships remain intact!
I know you’ll identify with them and these stories just as much as I do!
Brittney has once again written a book so heartwarming and filled with the emotions and conflicts real people experience in relationships I kept forgetting it wasn’t real- because to me it was very real! I have empathy for Frankie in her relationship with her dad through his cold hearted indifference and/ or hostility to her because I personally knew the same. Money and the spotlight for being famous I’ve never known but the feelings she has- for her brother, father, Cal and Junie and the others she’s met and knows as friends there are universal no matter one’s financial situation. They are real to everyone who reads these books and others where emotions play in the mix!
Frankie escaped fame and fortune and has spent three years being a waitress in a small town being protected by people who know who she is and don’t make a big deal out of it. She wants to help the town out but her asking her father leads to bigger problems when he makes the request something else and causes her to stop him by being a silent partner in another firm which later reneges on the original terms.
Along the way she falls for the local veterinarian who just returned to town who has an adorable three year old daughter who loves her as well.
Her past comes calling and it seems the job she loved before going in hiding is beckoning her to return causing a rift in her relationship with the one she loves and at the same time the deception of the firm she is a silent partner in is revealed. Trying to juggle those two things another person from her past returns and she gets word of her father’s health.
Frankie goes to be with him and tells him why she opposed his plans for what she wanted to do and how the people she joined betrayed her trust and what they agreed to do initially.
This book is heartwarming and emotional in that the feelings she and Cal feel are real as well as the fears he has in wanting to protect his daughter from those who may try to include her in their stories because of who Frankie was and is going back to being again.
When someone is famous who now has an opportunity to return to that former life it adds another layer to a new relationship which may cause it to crumble under its weight.
I loved this story and the interaction between the characters! It really is real life to me! Choices have to be made and decisions made as to what those decisions will inevitably led to as a result.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book and the other books in this series as ones I believe you’ll enjoy! They trace the lives of friends who meet and through a love of a sport embark on a tv series and how their lives change as a result even though their friendships remain intact!
I know you’ll identify with them and these stories just as much as I do!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is part of the Love in LA series, but could be enjoyed alone. Frankie had made a couple of cameos in previous books, but was more of a background character.
I was not sure what to expect from her story but I'm telling you what, she is a show stealer. Yes, she is a former actress hiding out in a small town- but her stealing the show was the emotion, the raw and real situations, her finding herself- independent of a rich a famous dad and her past glamorous life, and connecting with people for who they are and vice versa.
"This one is for everyone who is searching for their truest self. Never stop looking, and love every version you find."
What I loved about the book is that the romance wasn't the main storyline- it was a beautiful side effect of kind and caring people. It felt so real, so organic, and I really felt her frustration at times. A single dad with a spunky 3 year old always adds humor and awkwardness, but it didn't feel like it was put in there for that. Cal, the handsome vet in the small town, puts his daughter first- and is upfront about that from the get go. It does make things harder- but also more realistic.
"All I'm saying is... don't let the past get in the way of your future."
The family dynamics are powerful. You see control and emotional distancing, you see a large, kind, and supportive family, and you see found family that are absolutely there for each other and welcome newcomers who are able to prove their loyalty. There is also forgiveness and redemption- but not a quick fix, but a long and hard road that is truly felt.
"There is just that moment you decide you're done being afraid of what might come, and embrace the love right in front of you."
I received a copy of the book from the author from my opinion. My opinion is: This is a winner!
I was not sure what to expect from her story but I'm telling you what, she is a show stealer. Yes, she is a former actress hiding out in a small town- but her stealing the show was the emotion, the raw and real situations, her finding herself- independent of a rich a famous dad and her past glamorous life, and connecting with people for who they are and vice versa.
"This one is for everyone who is searching for their truest self. Never stop looking, and love every version you find."
What I loved about the book is that the romance wasn't the main storyline- it was a beautiful side effect of kind and caring people. It felt so real, so organic, and I really felt her frustration at times. A single dad with a spunky 3 year old always adds humor and awkwardness, but it didn't feel like it was put in there for that. Cal, the handsome vet in the small town, puts his daughter first- and is upfront about that from the get go. It does make things harder- but also more realistic.
"All I'm saying is... don't let the past get in the way of your future."
The family dynamics are powerful. You see control and emotional distancing, you see a large, kind, and supportive family, and you see found family that are absolutely there for each other and welcome newcomers who are able to prove their loyalty. There is also forgiveness and redemption- but not a quick fix, but a long and hard road that is truly felt.
"There is just that moment you decide you're done being afraid of what might come, and embrace the love right in front of you."
I received a copy of the book from the author from my opinion. My opinion is: This is a winner!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is part of the Love in LA series but can be read as a standalone.
This is the first book I've read of Brittany Larsen and even though it is part of the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the other books. However, I did love the side characters and want to know more about them so I will be picking up the rest of the books in this series.
This is a cute friends to lovers story. Frankie and Cal have been friends ever since Cal has been back and there has always been chemistry between them. However, Cal doesn't know exactly who Frankie is, and to be honest, I think Frankie had to rediscover who she was as well.
I like the growth that both Frankie and Cal had - both had pasts hurts that they needed to work through. I also liked how their relationship progressed - even through both of them ran at one point, they both found their way back to each other. I liked the side characters and really liked how the towns people stood by Frankie showing her that family isn't always those that you are related to.
I'm excited to go back and read the rest of the series!
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"...wishes don't come true and there's no such thing as putting a genie back in a bottle."
"We spend our lives trying to figure out who we really are."
"You can't go into every relationship afraid of how it will end. You go into it planning how you'll make it work, and then you keep working at it every single day."
"No beauty comes from revenge or hate. If you sow hurt, you grow hurt."
"Mistakes can be fixed..."
"She laces her fingers through mine and gives my hand a squeeze that says, I'm here. I chose this. I chose you."
"There's just the moment you decide you're done with being afraid of what might come and embrace the love right in front of you."
This is the first book I've read of Brittany Larsen and even though it is part of the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the other books. However, I did love the side characters and want to know more about them so I will be picking up the rest of the books in this series.
This is a cute friends to lovers story. Frankie and Cal have been friends ever since Cal has been back and there has always been chemistry between them. However, Cal doesn't know exactly who Frankie is, and to be honest, I think Frankie had to rediscover who she was as well.
I like the growth that both Frankie and Cal had - both had pasts hurts that they needed to work through. I also liked how their relationship progressed - even through both of them ran at one point, they both found their way back to each other. I liked the side characters and really liked how the towns people stood by Frankie showing her that family isn't always those that you are related to.
I'm excited to go back and read the rest of the series!
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"...wishes don't come true and there's no such thing as putting a genie back in a bottle."
"We spend our lives trying to figure out who we really are."
"You can't go into every relationship afraid of how it will end. You go into it planning how you'll make it work, and then you keep working at it every single day."
"No beauty comes from revenge or hate. If you sow hurt, you grow hurt."
"Mistakes can be fixed..."
"She laces her fingers through mine and gives my hand a squeeze that says, I'm here. I chose this. I chose you."
"There's just the moment you decide you're done with being afraid of what might come and embrace the love right in front of you."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Celebrity in hiding + a single dad with the most adorable daughter? Yes, please! Right from the start, I just adored those two. We'd gotten to know a little bit about Frankie in the previous books, but not a whole lot so I was excited to get her story. And what a story it was! At the start, she is hiding her true celebrity identity, working undercover at a diner in Serenity Cove. When her cover is blown, Cal comes to her rescue. As much as I love a good slow burn, I also do love stories like this where they don't really keep their feelings for each other secret for very long... but still have some obstacles to overcome to get that happily ever after. Their story is packed full of complicated family dynamics, undeniable chemistry, and laugh out loud moments... thanks in large part to the adorable and sassy Junie! Seriously, I just loved her... she stole the show! I have loved every book in this series, and this one is absolutely no exception!
Just Frankie, Actually is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the fourth book in the Love in LA series and while I think you'd have better understanding of Frankie's family dynamic if you've read the previous books, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Just Frankie, Actually is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the fourth book in the Love in LA series and while I think you'd have better understanding of Frankie's family dynamic if you've read the previous books, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is another good book from Brittany Larsen. I read one of the other Love in L.A. books and you don’t have to read the others, but they do give some extra background to the other characters in the books. Frankie is a multifaceted character, she surfs, acts, waitresses, and is a business woman. There is something so sweet about her relationship with Cal and Junie. Junie is a firecracker and adds so much to this story. I was happy to see the reconciliation of Frankie with her father and her care for him after many years of estrangement. Loved the flirting between Frankie and Cal as well. This is a clean, just kisses romance and I loved it so much.
A few quotes that I enjoyed from Just Frankie, Actually
Cal: “I want to know you, not someone else’s version of who you are.”
“Frankie, I’m on the verge of falling so hard for you, I won’t recover. If kissing you would convince you to stay, I’d do it right now. I wouldn’t stop. We’d spend the rest of our lives under these trees…”
Frankie: “He’s a smoke show, Arch. I can’t quit him.”
Thank you Brittany Larsen for the ARC, this is my voluntary review.
A few quotes that I enjoyed from Just Frankie, Actually
Cal: “I want to know you, not someone else’s version of who you are.”
“Frankie, I’m on the verge of falling so hard for you, I won’t recover. If kissing you would convince you to stay, I’d do it right now. I wouldn’t stop. We’d spend the rest of our lives under these trees…”
Frankie: “He’s a smoke show, Arch. I can’t quit him.”
Thank you Brittany Larsen for the ARC, this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you have read the others Love in LA books, you're probably antsy to know more about Frankie, and guess what? We finally get to know where she was and what she has been doing while her brother and her found family all fell in love! And well, who can blame her for falling head over heels in love with Cal and Junie, and Serenity Cove all around? I think we're all half way there already from the first pages.
Serenity Cove is the quitessential small town closed-knit community, defending and protecting her as one of their own despite/because of her past. I loved the sense of community in Serenity Cove and all the different family dynamics we get to see while the story unfolds: from Cal's family to Frankie's with everything in between ranging from the Surf City group to the Oatmeal Mafia. Loved the emotional growth both characters undergo to overcome her fear of being in the spotlight again and his fear of exposing himself (and his daughter) to that kind of life. I'm so sad the Love in LA series has now come to an end, but boy was it a great ride and I cannot wait to see if we'll be back in Serenity Cove again!
Serenity Cove is the quitessential small town closed-knit community, defending and protecting her as one of their own despite/because of her past. I loved the sense of community in Serenity Cove and all the different family dynamics we get to see while the story unfolds: from Cal's family to Frankie's with everything in between ranging from the Surf City group to the Oatmeal Mafia. Loved the emotional growth both characters undergo to overcome her fear of being in the spotlight again and his fear of exposing himself (and his daughter) to that kind of life. I'm so sad the Love in LA series has now come to an end, but boy was it a great ride and I cannot wait to see if we'll be back in Serenity Cove again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Frankie has been in the background for the past few books and we didn’t really know much about her. Until now. We finally get the whole story and I loved it! I had a hard time putting the book down. Frankie had a lot of baggage and emotional trauma to get through but thankfully she gets her HEA with an amazing man, who technically also had some issues and growing to do. But both Cal and Frankie learned that home is more a person (or people) than a place and they found it in each other. And we can’t forget about Junie, who was a spitfire but adorable.
A few quotes I loved:
“Love is nothing like money. There’s no hard data to determine whether loving someone will pay off the way you hope it will. You have to trust that the more love you give, the more you get back. Loving someone also means getting hurt.”
“No family is perfect. Love your people where they are.”
“No beauty comes from revenge or hate. If you sow hurt, you grow hurt.”
“Stories matter. Art matters. All of it makes life more beautiful.”
Side note: I’d love to see each of Cal’s siblings get their own story.
A few quotes I loved:
“Love is nothing like money. There’s no hard data to determine whether loving someone will pay off the way you hope it will. You have to trust that the more love you give, the more you get back. Loving someone also means getting hurt.”
“No family is perfect. Love your people where they are.”
“No beauty comes from revenge or hate. If you sow hurt, you grow hurt.”
“Stories matter. Art matters. All of it makes life more beautiful.”
Side note: I’d love to see each of Cal’s siblings get their own story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This terrific book has multiple story lines and subplots that weave together well. Frankie is a famous actress. She was betrayed by her domineering, rich father and her ex-husband, and has been hiding out in Serenity Cove for a few years. Frankie’s been working as a waitress in the small town’s diner, while the town pretends not to know her real identity. Cal is a widower who is raising a 4-yr old daughter. He helps his family with their ranch and is a large animal vet. Frankie and Cal are attracted to each other but have to figure out whether a relationship is possible. They explore the definition of “family,” while dealing with Frankie’s past, her career and a real estate development that may materially affect Serenity Cove. The supporting characters (including Cal’s adorable daughter and Frankie’s family) play important roles in the eventual HEA. This is a very well-written romance, with engaging dual points of view. Recommended! I received an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book.
My eyes feel a bit like sand paper as I write this review, but I could not put the book down last night. I just had to keep reading. I paid the price with my sleep. And it was worth it.
She hit me with all the feels in this one. The character development was so good. I love her imperfect characters. They have room for growth, but also are so very real and relatable AND likable through the entire story.
I have been looking forward to this conclusion of the Love in LA series. And it didn't disappoint.
I laughed, bawled my eyes out, and had some soul searching moments of my own. I can relate to some things, and it was a nice reflection for me to see what I have gone through in my own life, and the ways I have healed from feeling so broken...
Losing a parent is hard. Especially with complicated relationships. She wrote Malcom's ending so well. Real and again perfectly imperfect.
Anyway, read the series! End with this fabulous book. Its going to sit with me a while. And that's the best kind of book. ❤️
My eyes feel a bit like sand paper as I write this review, but I could not put the book down last night. I just had to keep reading. I paid the price with my sleep. And it was worth it.
She hit me with all the feels in this one. The character development was so good. I love her imperfect characters. They have room for growth, but also are so very real and relatable AND likable through the entire story.
I have been looking forward to this conclusion of the Love in LA series. And it didn't disappoint.
I laughed, bawled my eyes out, and had some soul searching moments of my own. I can relate to some things, and it was a nice reflection for me to see what I have gone through in my own life, and the ways I have healed from feeling so broken...
Losing a parent is hard. Especially with complicated relationships. She wrote Malcom's ending so well. Real and again perfectly imperfect.
Anyway, read the series! End with this fabulous book. Its going to sit with me a while. And that's the best kind of book. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just Frankie, Actually is an absolutely charming addition to the Love in LA series. While it works perfectly well as a standalone—Brittany Larsen provides more than enough context for new readers to jump right in—there is a wonderful sense of closure for long-time fans. Threads from previous books are tied up here, making the conclusion feel incredibly satisfying.
Why This Story Shines:
* The Characters: Frankie is a fantastic FMC; her desire for anonymity and a quiet life makes her feel grounded and relatable. Then there is Cal—a hot single dad who has been pining for Frankie for a while. Watching the characters affection play out as they build trust and realize they belong together was a joy.
* The Tropes: This story hits all the best notes with hidden identity, found family, and single dad vibes. It is written in dual POV, which is the absolute best way to experience a romance because you get to see both sides of the emotional connection.
* The Setting: The Los Angeles backdrop is spot-on. The references to places and names feel authentic and nostalgic, capturing the true essence of the city.
* The Heat Level: This is a lovely closed-door romance, keeping the focus on the emotional depth and the chemistry between the leads.
I highly recommend picking this one up, though I’d suggest reading the entire series to get the full effect of the world Larsen has built.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Why This Story Shines:
* The Characters: Frankie is a fantastic FMC; her desire for anonymity and a quiet life makes her feel grounded and relatable. Then there is Cal—a hot single dad who has been pining for Frankie for a while. Watching the characters affection play out as they build trust and realize they belong together was a joy.
* The Tropes: This story hits all the best notes with hidden identity, found family, and single dad vibes. It is written in dual POV, which is the absolute best way to experience a romance because you get to see both sides of the emotional connection.
* The Setting: The Los Angeles backdrop is spot-on. The references to places and names feel authentic and nostalgic, capturing the true essence of the city.
* The Heat Level: This is a lovely closed-door romance, keeping the focus on the emotional depth and the chemistry between the leads.
I highly recommend picking this one up, though I’d suggest reading the entire series to get the full effect of the world Larsen has built.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Frankie (Fran, Francesca Forsythe) has been hiding in Serenity Cove as a waitress called Fran. She is accidentally ousted by Cal’s 4 year daughter, Junie, calling her Frankie. Cal is the local vet that has been coming in here for breakfast. A fan takes a picture/video and it goes viral. Can she hide out at Cal’s family farm? What about her father or ex-husband that finding her? Cans he keep her safe?
This was a good story and I enjoyed the characters. Junie, the daughter made me laugh. Frankie definitely grew in her confidence of herself. And Cal is definitely let his past color his future. This was a good read trying o figure out what was going to happen next.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Frankie (Fran, Francesca Forsythe) has been hiding in Serenity Cove as a waitress called Fran. She is accidentally ousted by Cal’s 4 year daughter, Junie, calling her Frankie. Cal is the local vet that has been coming in here for breakfast. A fan takes a picture/video and it goes viral. Can she hide out at Cal’s family farm? What about her father or ex-husband that finding her? Cans he keep her safe?
This was a good story and I enjoyed the characters. Junie, the daughter made me laugh. Frankie definitely grew in her confidence of herself. And Cal is definitely let his past color his future. This was a good read trying o figure out what was going to happen next.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who is the real Frankie?
Such a fun book of unexpected romance, love of a community, and fighting to find and be yourself. Frankie has been many things a pro surfer, an actress, a pop star, daughter of a billionaire, and now a waitress in a wig hiding from almost everyone. She has been controlled and used by her father and her ex-husband. Now she wants peace and a chance to be just Fran or Frankie. When Cal, a widower with a charming pre-school daughter, walks into the diner, Frankie immediately bonds to the little girl and then to Cal. But her past is trying to find her and social media is not her friend. As secrets come out and hard choices must be made. Frankie must decide who she really wants to be and what she wants her future to look like. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Such a fun book of unexpected romance, love of a community, and fighting to find and be yourself. Frankie has been many things a pro surfer, an actress, a pop star, daughter of a billionaire, and now a waitress in a wig hiding from almost everyone. She has been controlled and used by her father and her ex-husband. Now she wants peace and a chance to be just Fran or Frankie. When Cal, a widower with a charming pre-school daughter, walks into the diner, Frankie immediately bonds to the little girl and then to Cal. But her past is trying to find her and social media is not her friend. As secrets come out and hard choices must be made. Frankie must decide who she really wants to be and what she wants her future to look like. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are so many things to love about this one by Brittany Larsen!
I loved Frankie. She's worked hard to get to where she is. A place where she has her own found family. People who care about her for who she is. And a place where most people don't know who she really is. They think she's Fran, the person who works at Flamingo's, the local diner. But really She's Frankie, the movie star.
None of that matters to Cal. He likes Frankie for who she is. But he likes her even more for how she is with his young daughter, Junie. Cal is a good guy. He's the local veterinarian. And he helps his family with their farm.
One of my favorite things about this book is Junie! Junie made me laugh so hard. She's just so precocious. And without guile. The author did such a good job developing her character.
I loved everything about this book!
I loved Frankie. She's worked hard to get to where she is. A place where she has her own found family. People who care about her for who she is. And a place where most people don't know who she really is. They think she's Fran, the person who works at Flamingo's, the local diner. But really She's Frankie, the movie star.
None of that matters to Cal. He likes Frankie for who she is. But he likes her even more for how she is with his young daughter, Junie. Cal is a good guy. He's the local veterinarian. And he helps his family with their farm.
One of my favorite things about this book is Junie! Junie made me laugh so hard. She's just so precocious. And without guile. The author did such a good job developing her character.
I loved everything about this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adore this series, but I think this is my absolute favorite of them all. It addresses tough topics and faces so many fears, but it has so much love on so many levels! It heals past hurts and makes peace with the past. But above all it is a triangle love story between a hardworking and dedicated father, his 3 year old daughter, and a Hollywood star who is hiding in his town. Filled with family (his, hers, and found family in the community), business (his, hers, and her father's that she is trying to correct), and best of all, love. The combination of those results in a book that made me laugh, hope, cry, worry, and sigh with happiness. Absolutely the perfect combination that made it a wonderful story! Thank you Brittany for the sweetest love story a reader could hope to read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was a little shocked at Frankie's life - from movie star and pro surfer to waitress, but finding out about Cal changed everything. Cal, solid as the earth - vet, single dad,living with his parents - Cal. And his daughter... Frankie loves her and she loves Frankie. And Cal does what he thinks is best for her every time. I loved how Cal's family embraced Frankie, and that she got to experience family like that. I also loved the story line with her dad, the good, the bad and the ugly. I also loved how the town became her family while she was away. I loved that she got really clear about what she wanted her life to look like. What a great book! I couldn't put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Just Frankie, Actually” Love in LA, book 4) by Brittany Larsen
A Non-Stop Read
A fun story with plenty of smiles and tears, family and love. Although this is the 4th story in this series; it can be read as a stand alone read. And, if it is your 1st read in this series you most likely will want to read the other 3 stories in the order written, just to find out what you missed. Just Sayin’ !! Happy Reading ! !
A Non-Stop Read
A fun story with plenty of smiles and tears, family and love. Although this is the 4th story in this series; it can be read as a stand alone read. And, if it is your 1st read in this series you most likely will want to read the other 3 stories in the order written, just to find out what you missed. Just Sayin’ !! Happy Reading ! !
May 4, 2026
I’ve been very excited to read Frankie’s story, and it did not disappoint! I loved finally knowing where and why she was hiding. Her story made me laugh and get teary! I had a hard time putting this book down! I’m glad we got to see a little of Archie, Piper and the rest, too. While I think you could enjoy this without having read the rest of the series, I think it would be better if you at least read Archie’s story. His is hilarious! But I’ve loved this whole series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok I love the single dad trope, it’ll get me every time. The pacing of this book surprised me at first - the characters have already known each other and seem to both have feelings for each other when the book starts - but I ended up liking it. It felt less formulaic than some of the rom coms I read. Overall a cute fun read with some surprising themes about forgiveness. I’ve enjoyed Brittany Larsen’s books thank you for another ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading this book is a lovely way to spend a rainy day, or a sunny day, or a quiet night, you catch my drift. Frankie, Cal, and Junie pulled me in from the beginning, and they were so easy to love and relate to. I loved how human Cal and Frankie were. Mistakes were made, and apologies and corrections had to be made. What a great reminder that love takes effort, but it IS worth it, and the best way to love someone is for WHO they are
Review of advance copy received from Author
As usual Brittany has given us an amazing book full of laughs and tons of emotion as both Frankie and Cal navigate their own personal obstacles to create a beautiful relationship together. I also loved being able to get glimpses of Dex, Rhys, and Archie's lives after the end of their books. It was the perfect ending to an amazing series 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
A friends to lovers romance that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next! An adorable addition to the Love in LA series!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just Frankie is just brilliant 😍😍
This story just finished up the series so perfectly, love everything about it, all of the found family xxx perfect
Will there be a spin off? I'm hoping so because at least one of these brothers need a book, and I'd love to see the Mafia again!
This story just finished up the series so perfectly, love everything about it, all of the found family xxx perfect
Will there be a spin off? I'm hoping so because at least one of these brothers need a book, and I'd love to see the Mafia again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Frankie is a character I have wondered about since the start of the Love in LA series. It was fun to read her story. I loved Junie and the part she played in Cal and Frankie’s relationship. This was a cute read with all the characters I have loved from previous books. ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Friends-to-lovers romance.. Sweet and very emotional..
Review of advance copy
As with all Brittany Larsen books, I had a hard time putting it down. I love that Frankie finds a way to reconnect with her dad.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have loved this entire series!! and this one is no exception! I absolutely adored the relationships that were made between every single character. Cal and Frankie and Junie were all soo much fun to read about. I wish I could read it again for the first time!
I did receive an eARC but a review was not required and these are my honest opinions
I did receive an eARC but a review was not required and these are my honest opinions
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