Love On The Lake

by Sara Evou

I moved to the lake to be closer to my family, in hopes that one day they’d love me as much as I always wanted them to.
I had no idea I would find an entirely different kind of love.

I lived a quiet life. I was a computer programmer with some eclectic hobbies and a tendency to keep people at arm’s length.

Emilio Caruso was the exact opposite. He was devastatingly handsome. A seemingly carefree playboy with a dangerous past.
I should have stayed away from him.

Instead, he made me laugh. He gave me the chance to be who I am without judgment and showed me a different side of life I’d never experienced.
His persistence became impossible to deny, and I couldn’t help but be attracted to him and long for more.

But when both of our pasts come back to haunt us, we’re forced to decide if what we have together is worth fighting for.
Can our love survive?

And more importantly, can we?

Forever In The Foothills is book 2 in the Tahoe Made Men series. It is a spicy mafia romance that has banter for days. It's not as dark as some mafia romances, but it has suspenseful moments (it is mafia, after all!). Each book features a different couple, but there's a mafia subplot that runs through each book. They can be read as standalones, but best if you read them in order!

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 26, 2026

About the author

Sara Evou loves love more than anything. Her favorite thing to write is curvy, older women and their down bad men.
After years of being unable to express her creativity in her job as an accountant, she decided to channel her love of romance into her own stories. She’s lived everywhere from Reno to Colorado to DC, but currently calls Nashville home. When she isn’t reading, writing, or thinking about writing, she enjoys traveling, pole dancing, baking at home, and playing with her sweet pup.

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Reviews

[Katie Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sent to me by LoveNotes PR, however all opinions are my own.

This is book 2 in the Tahoe Made Men series and this one is all about Emilio and Ava.

This is my first time reading series with a plot with mafia based vibes in, it isn’t too over the top but you get the overall mafia vibes from the male main characters.

Emilio is the ultimate gentleman with a dark streak due to being in a mob, he was seen as a payer with the ladies until Ava came into his life and turned it upside down.

Overall I loved the story between Emilio and Ava, and how they are older characters, Ava is near enough the same age as me and has curvy girl representation which is amazing to read. Also the fact she’s so intelligent and working in a male dominated environment, female empowerment right there!

The story is not too heavy, it’s enough that it has a strong plot and I loved being back in this world of characters.

Thank you once again LoveNotes PR for letting me have this opportunity to read this ARC.

[Ashlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 ⭐️ Series!!!!!!!

GIVE ME BOOK NUMBER 3 IMMEDIATELY!!!! I AM SCREAMING AND I CANNOT GET ENOUGH. 😭🔥

Where do I even begin? What do I say? HOW do I say anything without giving everything away?!

If you haven't heard of this series yet, YES, you are missing out.

This book had me SO MAD for a moment. I didn't even believe it; but just in case it was real, I was SO ANGRY AND SAD. 😭 I literally cannot say more than that without spoiling it. Just trust me on this one, okay?!

You do NOT want to miss Emilio & Ava. ❤️‍🔥 Two battered souls and hearts who finally get to know what it means to be loved.

Actually, you know what? Just go ahead & dive face-first into Tahoe Made Men, Book 1. I devoured both books back to back, completely unable to put them down. I laughed so hard and screamed “I KNEW IT!” at the “yoga teacher/muffin girl” conversations 😂 and just all-around enjoyed this book so very much.

You're welcome. 😊

[Nicole Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book/series is perfect for people who are just starting their mafia reading journey. It’s very light (reformed) mafia. Most of the book is sweet and wholesome with touches of dark.

Love on the Lake focuses on Ava and Emilio and them both growing as people. I enjoyed their development and how they both help each other throughout the story.

Ava has been dealt such a hard hand, with an awful bio family. Resulting in Ava’s deep distrust in others. Emilio being so funny and honest really opens her up and helps her trust again.

They have such good chemistry and take time to get to know and love each other. All of their sweet moments make this books so special.

I am so grateful to have received this arc, and cannot wait for Luca’s book!

4.5 stars :)

[isaiahkennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

thank you love notes pr for the arc

this was a pretty great read about a woman who, because of her past has deeply ingrained trust issues. it was so amazing to see ava open up to Emilio. i think this is a perfect start for someone who wants to get into the mafia genre bc its not too heavy the dark side. loved how Emilio straightened up for ava and was so steadfast in his feelings for her.
overall loved the chemistry bw the two mcs and i cant wait for the third book!

[Gloria Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book! It’s such a fun and easy read. I loved the found family, spice and light suspense. It was the perfect combination! 🌶️

This story follows a computer programmer and an ex mafia playboy. The chemistry is undeniable between them but they both have reasons to keep people at a distance which makes their journey to each other even more enjoyable.

Finished in just two days! Add to your TBR! You won’t regret it!

[Jessica Ljunglof · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Sara Evou and Love Notes PR for this ARC.

I enjoyed this book and really agree with the author that you need to read book one (Meet me in the Mountains) before this book. It will clear up a lot that otherwise would be confusing.

Emillio and Ava is a cute couple. Emillio really had an instalove moment and Ava was more hard to win over. But when they finally get together it's magical.

[♡Angelique♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Emilio and Ava's story! I was super concerned that I was going to forget what happened in Giovanni and Clair's story bit since this one does do a bit of crossover between the two it was really easy to remember the details.

I loved how connected these two were. Emilio was everything Ava needed and Ava was the love he needed.

Also, Sockhack. That whole interaction was hilarious!!

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The push and pull between Ava and Emilio was so good, and when they eventually end up together, it was sparks flying everywhere. 😆

I also enjoyed that twist at the end and loved the found family vibes here! Blood relations doesn’t matter when you have such an amazing chosen family.

[Lisa Ann D.]

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