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Bound in Love: A love letter series
Roderick Melby
I’m not that bad, am I?
I’m finally at a place in my life where I’m good. Things are settled. I’ve grown from my past, and I’m ready to live my life as a single father, raising a happy and healthy three-year-old. We don’t need a woman in our lives. We are fine on our own. If that’s true, why can’t I stop thinking about the new woman who works at the library? She’s everywhere. In my thoughts, in my dreams, and worse, she’s in my heart. This wasn’t the plan.
Blair Webster
What does a town full of meddling grannies, a little library box, and the grumpy single dad have in common? Me.
I thought moving to Wisconsin and taking care of my grams was going to be a full-time job. It’s not. Far from it. She has a more active social life than I do. It’s fine, really. It gives me a chance to get out and make new friends. Focus on my new job. Just one problem. The only “friend” I’m interested in is the one man who is much older and emotionally unavailable.
I’m not that bad, am I?
I’m finally at a place in my life where I’m good. Things are settled. I’ve grown from my past, and I’m ready to live my life as a single father, raising a happy and healthy three-year-old. We don’t need a woman in our lives. We are fine on our own. If that’s true, why can’t I stop thinking about the new woman who works at the library? She’s everywhere. In my thoughts, in my dreams, and worse, she’s in my heart. This wasn’t the plan.
Blair Webster
What does a town full of meddling grannies, a little library box, and the grumpy single dad have in common? Me.
I thought moving to Wisconsin and taking care of my grams was going to be a full-time job. It’s not. Far from it. She has a more active social life than I do. It’s fine, really. It gives me a chance to get out and make new friends. Focus on my new job. Just one problem. The only “friend” I’m interested in is the one man who is much older and emotionally unavailable.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 14, 2026
4.5 stars
Brenna Larson has written a gorgeous romance that had me laughing one minute and on the verge of tears the next.
Roddy is a grieving single dad who has decided love is off the table, but everything changes when Blair moves to town. Their connection is instant (love at first sight—and scent!), but my absolute favorite part of the book was watching them fall in love through written letters. It was incredibly sweet and wholesome, reminding me of the letters my husband and I shared when we were first falling in love years ago.
With great emotional depth, a fantastic cast of supporting characters (shoutout to Roddy's three brothers!), and plenty of romantic tingles, this was a fantastic read. I can't wait for the next book!
Digital copy provided by the author; all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Brenna Larson has written a gorgeous romance that had me laughing one minute and on the verge of tears the next.
Roddy is a grieving single dad who has decided love is off the table, but everything changes when Blair moves to town. Their connection is instant (love at first sight—and scent!), but my absolute favorite part of the book was watching them fall in love through written letters. It was incredibly sweet and wholesome, reminding me of the letters my husband and I shared when we were first falling in love years ago.
With great emotional depth, a fantastic cast of supporting characters (shoutout to Roddy's three brothers!), and plenty of romantic tingles, this was a fantastic read. I can't wait for the next book!
Digital copy provided by the author; all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a clean romance book. It is an age gap romance. (About 10 years.)
Blair has moved in with her grandmother in Wisconsin. She was told her grandmother needed help, but once arriving realized her grandmother has a more active social life than she does. Through a series of mishaps and her car not working, Bishop is the tow truck driver that is sent to help her. The town is trying to fix them up. However, both Bishop and Blair feel they would be better off as friends. However, once Blair meets his brother, Roderick, she realizes this is where her heart wants to go. He is a widowed, single dad. Where she is sunshine, he is a grump. However, he doesn’t feel like he wants another relationship. Will he ever get over his departed wife? Will the small town meddlers leave Blair alone?
This was such a great story. Serious at times, but also laugh out loud funny and a few tears along the way. I enjoyed the characters and how the brothers interacted. I enjoyed Roderick’s daughter, as she was a character. And the letters back in forth were great. Did I end up staying past when I usually go to bed in order to finish this book? Yes. Do I regret it? Nope. A must read or to be put on your TBR list.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Blair has moved in with her grandmother in Wisconsin. She was told her grandmother needed help, but once arriving realized her grandmother has a more active social life than she does. Through a series of mishaps and her car not working, Bishop is the tow truck driver that is sent to help her. The town is trying to fix them up. However, both Bishop and Blair feel they would be better off as friends. However, once Blair meets his brother, Roderick, she realizes this is where her heart wants to go. He is a widowed, single dad. Where she is sunshine, he is a grump. However, he doesn’t feel like he wants another relationship. Will he ever get over his departed wife? Will the small town meddlers leave Blair alone?
This was such a great story. Serious at times, but also laugh out loud funny and a few tears along the way. I enjoyed the characters and how the brothers interacted. I enjoyed Roderick’s daughter, as she was a character. And the letters back in forth were great. Did I end up staying past when I usually go to bed in order to finish this book? Yes. Do I regret it? Nope. A must read or to be put on your TBR list.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
August 4, 2026
This book by Jessica Dowling is absolutely adorable! I am such a sucker for a sweet single dad romance, and Roderick (Roddy) completely stole my heart! After losing his wife, he's just doing his best for his precious little girl, Lilith, and watching Blair, the adorable new librarian (and can I just say... I absolutely love the name Blair!) come into their lives was o so sweet! Blair is so kind and patient with the kids, especially Lilith, and I couldn't help but root for them from the very beginning!
One of my favorite parts was all of the family relationships and connections throughout the story. They made everything feel so warm and heartfelt! And the love letters hidden in the little free libraries?!? That might just be my new favorite romance trope! This book was full of sweet moments, lovable characters, and all the cozy small town vibes that made it impossible not to smile while reading!
Thank you so much to Jessica Dowling and the publisher for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of my favorite parts was all of the family relationships and connections throughout the story. They made everything feel so warm and heartfelt! And the love letters hidden in the little free libraries?!? That might just be my new favorite romance trope! This book was full of sweet moments, lovable characters, and all the cozy small town vibes that made it impossible not to smile while reading!
Thank you so much to Jessica Dowling and the publisher for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 16, 2026
Thank you Brenna for allowing me to be
an Arc reader!
this book was just amazing! I WASN'T
PREPARED for the emotional rollar coaster
this book pit me through. I laughed, cried,
and sometimes wanted to throw the book
across the room. You could really feel the
emotions and struggles the characters
were going through throughout the story. I
loved the bond of the brothers and how
they all helped each other!
Rodrick was juat perfect. I loved how the
story went into his struggle to love again.
i liked seeing his emotions come out instead
of hiding them inside. Lilith was the cutest little girl! i loved seeing her relationship
with her uncles!
Blair was also amazing! I loved how cheerful she was and how she kept fighting for
what she wanted. I also loved that she was a lilibrarian and then a teacher! The love she had for Lilith was also the sweetest.
overall this book meet all my expectations! i really hope we get another story about the other brothers!
an Arc reader!
this book was just amazing! I WASN'T
PREPARED for the emotional rollar coaster
this book pit me through. I laughed, cried,
and sometimes wanted to throw the book
across the room. You could really feel the
emotions and struggles the characters
were going through throughout the story. I
loved the bond of the brothers and how
they all helped each other!
Rodrick was juat perfect. I loved how the
story went into his struggle to love again.
i liked seeing his emotions come out instead
of hiding them inside. Lilith was the cutest little girl! i loved seeing her relationship
with her uncles!
Blair was also amazing! I loved how cheerful she was and how she kept fighting for
what she wanted. I also loved that she was a lilibrarian and then a teacher! The love she had for Lilith was also the sweetest.
overall this book meet all my expectations! i really hope we get another story about the other brothers!
June 14, 2026
A single dad, age-gap romcom that I had the privilege of beta reading as well as the ARC. Brenna does a fabulous job with the emotions of the characters and develops the story well. The daughter is adorable and I want to read more about the side characters in subsequent books.
Blair has just finished college in CA and has chosen to move to Appleford, WI to be closer to her grandmother and help her when needed. She is the summer reading librarian and then will be a teacher in the fall. When the story starts, she is having a bad day while trying to get to her first day at the library.
Roderick is a broody carpenter and has the pleasure of being dad to a three-year-old daughter, Lilith, and brother to Devere, Jamison, and Bishop.
The Melby brothers are well-known around town for being gentlemen and handsome.
Bishop is the youngest of the Melby brothers and so of course he’s a hoot but he is also very attuned to the emotions of others. He is the first to meet Blair and closest to her age.
It was neat to have a 3 person POV, as I’ve only read one other book in that writing style.
Check out Bound in Love!
#arcread #secondchanceromance #cleanromcom #smalltown
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blair has just finished college in CA and has chosen to move to Appleford, WI to be closer to her grandmother and help her when needed. She is the summer reading librarian and then will be a teacher in the fall. When the story starts, she is having a bad day while trying to get to her first day at the library.
Roderick is a broody carpenter and has the pleasure of being dad to a three-year-old daughter, Lilith, and brother to Devere, Jamison, and Bishop.
The Melby brothers are well-known around town for being gentlemen and handsome.
Bishop is the youngest of the Melby brothers and so of course he’s a hoot but he is also very attuned to the emotions of others. He is the first to meet Blair and closest to her age.
It was neat to have a 3 person POV, as I’ve only read one other book in that writing style.
Check out Bound in Love!
#arcread #secondchanceromance #cleanromcom #smalltown
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2026
This story was so sweet! 🤍
Tropes:
✨Small-town romance
✨Love letters
✨Single dad MMC
✨Bookish FMC
✨ Sweet, clean romance
✨Close-knit brothers
✨Fun banter
Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed how all of the brothers cared for and looked out for one another. As you read, you’ll discover why their bond is so special, and it added so much heart to the story.
I also loved the sweetness between Roderick and Blair. Their relationship felt genuine, cozy, and easy to root for.
Overall, this was such a cute, feel-good read that left me smiling. I’d definitely add it to your summer TBR! ☀️📚
And of course, plenty of bookish charm along the way—which is always a win in my book. ✨
Tropes:
✨Small-town romance
✨Love letters
✨Single dad MMC
✨Bookish FMC
✨ Sweet, clean romance
✨Close-knit brothers
✨Fun banter
Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed how all of the brothers cared for and looked out for one another. As you read, you’ll discover why their bond is so special, and it added so much heart to the story.
I also loved the sweetness between Roderick and Blair. Their relationship felt genuine, cozy, and easy to root for.
Overall, this was such a cute, feel-good read that left me smiling. I’d definitely add it to your summer TBR! ☀️📚
And of course, plenty of bookish charm along the way—which is always a win in my book. ✨
July 21, 2026
A librarian and story teller, an adorable preschooler, and a widowed dad make for a sweet romance and great summer read. I liked the letters that Roderick and Blair exchanged. Sometimes more can be expressed in writing than it can in person, which make this story that much sweeter.
I loved Roderick's brothers and the way they support him and each other. everyone should have a family support system like that! This is a part of the Love Letters series, and hopefully there will be more stories involving the Melby men.
I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.
I loved Roderick's brothers and the way they support him and each other. everyone should have a family support system like that! This is a part of the Love Letters series, and hopefully there will be more stories involving the Melby men.
I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
a very sweet read! I enjoyed the bonds that all the characters have with each other. a loving and supportive system. Lilith was adorable and I enjoyed the chemistry that Roderick and Blair let themselves to succumb to.
the writing is a bit more descriptive than I usually enjoy but it was able to keep my attention to see what happens next.
I did receive an eARC but this is my honest review
the writing is a bit more descriptive than I usually enjoy but it was able to keep my attention to see what happens next.
I did receive an eARC but this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
A gentle sweet and swoony romance. Love letters between the MMC, his daughter and the FMC all dropped off in a library lending box take center stage. This cozy, clean romance is a beautiful love story of rebuilding after loss and finding new paths. Heart warming scenes, amazing family support and feel good vibes make this a wonderful read.
August 28, 2026
This book was amazing it had both the romance that makes your heart flutter and giggle to yourself. As well as some yug on your heart strings moments. A widowed dad thinks he has everything. UNTIL, he finds her, the one thing that was missing and yet had once lost.
No spice 🌶 kisses only
Grumpy vs sweet
Store time @ the library
Small town romance ❤️
I definitely recommend reading it😄
No spice 🌶 kisses only
Grumpy vs sweet
Store time @ the library
Small town romance ❤️
I definitely recommend reading it😄
September 8, 2026
Bound in Love.
This is a cute if somewhat sappy love story with a Hallmarkesk vibe. The story has a very slow and somewhat redundant beginning marked with irritating verb tense shifts that made my head spin. But the characters are loveable and eventually the story wins out over the poor editing.
This is a cute if somewhat sappy love story with a Hallmarkesk vibe. The story has a very slow and somewhat redundant beginning marked with irritating verb tense shifts that made my head spin. But the characters are loveable and eventually the story wins out over the poor editing.
June 26, 2026
This is such a wonderful, heartfelt story! It’s a definite must-read! Not only are Roderick and Blair perfect together, but it is so sweet how Roderick’s brothers band together to help take care of his daughter Lilith and be there for them when they need it.
Blair has just moved to the area to live with her grandmother and help her out. Roderick is a single dad who lives with his brothers and they all take turns watching Lilith. Blair is going to run the summer reading program and after a series of events, she finally meets Roderick when he brings his daughter to story time.
Roderick has a lot of things to work through and Blair is trying to get accustomed to a new area and they both show a lot of growth throughout the story, as individuals and together. It was wonderful seeing their love blossom. I love that they start writing letters to each other and leaving them in the tiny library book box - it’s so romantic!
I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series to see the other Melby brothers find love too!
Blair has just moved to the area to live with her grandmother and help her out. Roderick is a single dad who lives with his brothers and they all take turns watching Lilith. Blair is going to run the summer reading program and after a series of events, she finally meets Roderick when he brings his daughter to story time.
Roderick has a lot of things to work through and Blair is trying to get accustomed to a new area and they both show a lot of growth throughout the story, as individuals and together. It was wonderful seeing their love blossom. I love that they start writing letters to each other and leaving them in the tiny library book box - it’s so romantic!
I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series to see the other Melby brothers find love too!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews