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Aster Springs #4
Darlin'
She's the woman I loved and left. Now I'm back with a ten-year-old boy at my side and a heart full of regret.
I spent my whole life broke and unreliable—proving my father right. A Covington boy never amounts to anything.
Until my sister took off and left her son behind.
So I do what no man in my family’s ever done. I step up. He needs a home. Stability. A man he can count on. Which means I need a job. And fast.
Desperation has me taking the first one I'm offered—at Silver Leaf Ranch.
My new boss? Daisy Davenport.
The feisty, ranch-raised hellion I walked away from over a year ago takes one look at me and wants me gone.
Until she sees the little boy holding my hand.
Her brothers hate me. Her sisters tolerate me. Everybody on this whole damn ranch has an opinion.
And Daisy? She's sworn off love, sworn off me, and made it real clear I'm not getting a second chance.
I don't blame her. But I never stopped loving her.
So when she's sick, I take care of her. When she flirts with another cowboy, I see red. When she shows up drunk on my doorstep demanding answers, I kiss the fight right out of her instead.
Then a job offer comes. The kind that could finally make me the man I always wanted to be.
But my nephew’s already calling her name in his sleep.
And I have to choose.
Chase the life that proves my father wrong…
Or stay with the woman who already thinks I'm worth loving.
I spent my whole life broke and unreliable—proving my father right. A Covington boy never amounts to anything.
Until my sister took off and left her son behind.
So I do what no man in my family’s ever done. I step up. He needs a home. Stability. A man he can count on. Which means I need a job. And fast.
Desperation has me taking the first one I'm offered—at Silver Leaf Ranch.
My new boss? Daisy Davenport.
The feisty, ranch-raised hellion I walked away from over a year ago takes one look at me and wants me gone.
Until she sees the little boy holding my hand.
Her brothers hate me. Her sisters tolerate me. Everybody on this whole damn ranch has an opinion.
And Daisy? She's sworn off love, sworn off me, and made it real clear I'm not getting a second chance.
I don't blame her. But I never stopped loving her.
So when she's sick, I take care of her. When she flirts with another cowboy, I see red. When she shows up drunk on my doorstep demanding answers, I kiss the fight right out of her instead.
Then a job offer comes. The kind that could finally make me the man I always wanted to be.
But my nephew’s already calling her name in his sleep.
And I have to choose.
Chase the life that proves my father wrong…
Or stay with the woman who already thinks I'm worth loving.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Samantha Leigh
9 books235 followersHi! My name is Samantha Leigh (but you can call me Sam), and I'm the author of hot and heartfelt small town romance with a fierce found family heart.
Samantha Leigh stories are about ordinary people discovering extraordinary love. On every page, you'll meet new friends--characters figuring out where they fit in the world, doing the work to heal what hurts, and fighting hard for happily-ever-afters that linger long after "The End."
I live in Sydney, Australia, with my firefighter husband, our two incredible kids, and an obscene amount of tea, dark chocolate, and books.
Find Sam online!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaleig...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthalei...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthaleigh...
Samantha Leigh stories are about ordinary people discovering extraordinary love. On every page, you'll meet new friends--characters figuring out where they fit in the world, doing the work to heal what hurts, and fighting hard for happily-ever-afters that linger long after "The End."
I live in Sydney, Australia, with my firefighter husband, our two incredible kids, and an obscene amount of tea, dark chocolate, and books.
Find Sam online!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaleig...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthalei...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthaleigh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
September 3, 2026
4🌟 | 3🌶️
There’s something about a second chance romance filled with old feelings, unresolved hurt, and enough tension to keep everything simmering that gets me every time.
The chemistry between Daisy and Beau felt incredibly natural, and I enjoyed watching all those buried feelings slowly come back to the surface.
Beau completely won me over, especially with how devoted he was to Ollie. His determination to give his nephew the stability and home he never had himself added so much to his character. Daisy was just as easy to root for as she worked through years of hurt and figured out what she actually wanted. Their journey back to each other felt earned, especially once they finally started being honest about the past.
The dual timeline worked really well here, giving their history and second chance plenty of emotional weight without taking away from the present-day romance. I also adored the Davenport family dynamic and the way Daisy, Beau, and Ollie gradually became their own little family.
Warm, emotional, and full of yearning, this was a lovely addition to the series and a very easy read to settle into.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Samantha Leigh and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
There’s something about a second chance romance filled with old feelings, unresolved hurt, and enough tension to keep everything simmering that gets me every time.
The chemistry between Daisy and Beau felt incredibly natural, and I enjoyed watching all those buried feelings slowly come back to the surface.
Beau completely won me over, especially with how devoted he was to Ollie. His determination to give his nephew the stability and home he never had himself added so much to his character. Daisy was just as easy to root for as she worked through years of hurt and figured out what she actually wanted. Their journey back to each other felt earned, especially once they finally started being honest about the past.
The dual timeline worked really well here, giving their history and second chance plenty of emotional weight without taking away from the present-day romance. I also adored the Davenport family dynamic and the way Daisy, Beau, and Ollie gradually became their own little family.
Warm, emotional, and full of yearning, this was a lovely addition to the series and a very easy read to settle into.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Samantha Leigh and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars.
"Darlin'" by Samantha Leigh is another winner in the Aster Springs series. Leigh has a way of hooking her readers in the very first chapter, and that's what she does here. I loved the tension and teeming chemistry between the main characters, Daisy (FMC) and Beau (MMC). The two of them were together years before, deeply in love, on top of the world, traveling and working on various ranches in different countries, but Beau left and didn't say why. Years and many tears later, he has taken a job at Silver Leaf Ranch in Aster Springs, not knowing that Daisy works there. He is not alone: he is the guardian of his ten-year-old nephew, Ollie, whose mother left him. Daisy immediately wants him gone, but Beau is not above begging to give his nephew some much-needed stability. She acquiesces and lets them stay temporarily. The more time they spend together on the ranch in proximity to one another, the more feelings come swirling back between them, feelings that likely never left. I really enjoyed this book. The way Beau tended to Ollie made me swoon. He was willing to do whatever it took to give him a home, even if it was temporary. He is charming, sweet, and respectful. Daisy has had to learn to live without Beau and without answers as to why he left. She thought they were going to get married, but he left without a word. With Beau back in her orbit, all of these feelings she thought were long-dead have come bubbling back up to the surface and probably, realistically, never left in the first place. Beau makes Daisy realize what she really wants in life. They have quite a passionate romance with one another, one that never feels fake or forced. They have a natural gravitational pull to one another. I'd say this is a rather successful second-chance romance! I also like the way Daisy, Beau, and Ollie get along as a family unit. Ollie and Daisy have several wonderful scenes together that made me teary-eyed. Beau also had a couple of tear-jerking moments as well. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it would behoove you to read the rest of the series beforehand! Great book!
Thank you to Samantha Leigh and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Darlin'" by Samantha Leigh is another winner in the Aster Springs series. Leigh has a way of hooking her readers in the very first chapter, and that's what she does here. I loved the tension and teeming chemistry between the main characters, Daisy (FMC) and Beau (MMC). The two of them were together years before, deeply in love, on top of the world, traveling and working on various ranches in different countries, but Beau left and didn't say why. Years and many tears later, he has taken a job at Silver Leaf Ranch in Aster Springs, not knowing that Daisy works there. He is not alone: he is the guardian of his ten-year-old nephew, Ollie, whose mother left him. Daisy immediately wants him gone, but Beau is not above begging to give his nephew some much-needed stability. She acquiesces and lets them stay temporarily. The more time they spend together on the ranch in proximity to one another, the more feelings come swirling back between them, feelings that likely never left. I really enjoyed this book. The way Beau tended to Ollie made me swoon. He was willing to do whatever it took to give him a home, even if it was temporary. He is charming, sweet, and respectful. Daisy has had to learn to live without Beau and without answers as to why he left. She thought they were going to get married, but he left without a word. With Beau back in her orbit, all of these feelings she thought were long-dead have come bubbling back up to the surface and probably, realistically, never left in the first place. Beau makes Daisy realize what she really wants in life. They have quite a passionate romance with one another, one that never feels fake or forced. They have a natural gravitational pull to one another. I'd say this is a rather successful second-chance romance! I also like the way Daisy, Beau, and Ollie get along as a family unit. Ollie and Daisy have several wonderful scenes together that made me teary-eyed. Beau also had a couple of tear-jerking moments as well. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it would behoove you to read the rest of the series beforehand! Great book!
Thank you to Samantha Leigh and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 24, 2026
4.25 🌟
Cowboy x cowgirl ✔️ Dual Timeline ✔️ Second Chance ✔️ Single Guardian ✔️ Hate to Love ✔️ Found Family ✔️
Samantha did it again with the fourth book in her Aster Springs series, she drew me in, made me fall in love with her characters and the Davenport family all over again… the way this family just bands around each other and loves on one another. 🥹
Daisy and Beau had both been hurt by each other in the past, Daisy had spent the last year trying to forget about him but as fate would have it, just as she felt she’d be okay without him… he turned up on her family’s ranch with his nephew in tow.
The dual timeline slowly let us in to their past, to their whirlwind romance travelling the world with each other, and the heartbreak that followed. It was so very clear that there was chemistry connection there — even if Daisy was less than pleased to see him. Watching her slowly let Beau back in, and watching him show up consistently time and time again, seeing him be the father his nephew never had, and how they never really let go of each other. It was also great to see two characters actually communicate — even if their initial break-up was very much down to miscommunication, — but once they started to communicate and be honest with each other… it was beautiful.
Beau absolutely stole my heart too, his childhood hadn’t been easy and he carried a lot of shame and self-doubt from that but seeing him very slowly start to feel safe, to feel like he and Ollie really had a home and a family there… it really made me so emotional.
This was a slow-burn though we did get a little sprinkle of heat in the flashbacks, Samantha really put us through with the tension… but when these two finally got their act together, they were HOT and there was so many of my favourite microtropes included too 🤭
This book, and series, is not one you want to sleep on!
Cowboy x cowgirl ✔️ Dual Timeline ✔️ Second Chance ✔️ Single Guardian ✔️ Hate to Love ✔️ Found Family ✔️
Samantha did it again with the fourth book in her Aster Springs series, she drew me in, made me fall in love with her characters and the Davenport family all over again… the way this family just bands around each other and loves on one another. 🥹
Daisy and Beau had both been hurt by each other in the past, Daisy had spent the last year trying to forget about him but as fate would have it, just as she felt she’d be okay without him… he turned up on her family’s ranch with his nephew in tow.
The dual timeline slowly let us in to their past, to their whirlwind romance travelling the world with each other, and the heartbreak that followed. It was so very clear that there was chemistry connection there — even if Daisy was less than pleased to see him. Watching her slowly let Beau back in, and watching him show up consistently time and time again, seeing him be the father his nephew never had, and how they never really let go of each other. It was also great to see two characters actually communicate — even if their initial break-up was very much down to miscommunication, — but once they started to communicate and be honest with each other… it was beautiful.
Beau absolutely stole my heart too, his childhood hadn’t been easy and he carried a lot of shame and self-doubt from that but seeing him very slowly start to feel safe, to feel like he and Ollie really had a home and a family there… it really made me so emotional.
This was a slow-burn though we did get a little sprinkle of heat in the flashbacks, Samantha really put us through with the tension… but when these two finally got their act together, they were HOT and there was so many of my favourite microtropes included too 🤭
This book, and series, is not one you want to sleep on!
September 1, 2026
This was my first time in Aster Springs (I'm sorry!) but I will be coming back again and again! This was the perfect feel-good, second-chance romance with emotional healing and fierce found family - and I mean the brother's are scary fierce! Thanks so much to Samantha and LoveNotesPR for the eARC!
4⭐️
"And promise number seven: You'll always be my north star. My direction and my reason for everything. I'll follow you anywhere, Darlin', because there'll never be anyone for me but you."
Between past and present, we slowly work through what happened between fiery and seemingly-destined lovers, Daisy and Beau. Travelling cowgirl x cowboy, they have a whirlwind romance living paycheck to paycheck - but as long as they are with horses and have each other, then that's all they need. Until they don't...
A year later, Beau finds a job to gain stability for himself and his sister's son who she abandoned. Unknowingly, it happens to be the ranch that Daisy's family own. Working with brother's his ex-turned-boss who all hate him, dealing with his own insecurities of being a failure, he tolerates it to step up and be the man for the sake of the ten year-old boy who deserves a home.
Daisy has returned to to face her grief she has avoided for years and prove herself on her family's ranch. Unfortunately, she has to work with her ex that her family didn't know about, and take responsibility for a role at her family's farm that she secretly doesn't enjoy. As Daisy and Beau navigate a strenuous working relationship whilst trying to help a boy who has abandonment issues, the tension heightens to a boiling point that demands answers and truths. And the blowup is insanely worth it!
The tension pulls tight, then tighter, tying us together. A rope that was always there, twisting around the edges of the promises laying sharp and broken between us.
After all that time, it's clear that hate and love is a very thin line. They naturally gravitate to each other even in moments of anger and frustration and I truly loved them together. Their communication needed a bit of work in the beginning, but I appreciated how it grew to be healthy and that the priority was on doing the right thing for the sweet boy who found himself in Aster Springs. Their comeback wasn't instant and demanded lot's of work which is what I like to see. Beau's care, loyalty and tenderness for Ollie and Daisy was paramount despite his rough upbringing, that falling for him was inevitable. I loved him sticking it to Daisy's brothers - who pissed me off! - but that was emotional journey all in itself which was natural and rewarding in the end.
"Insane. Destroyed. And so f*cking jealous. I'll hate any man you ever date because they're not me."
If you want a steamy, angsty, second-chance romance with found family, a touch of tough love and an emotional healing journey? Then look no further!
"You don't think it'll get old? You won't want to run off and see the world again?" "Oh, sweetheart. You are my world."
4⭐️
"And promise number seven: You'll always be my north star. My direction and my reason for everything. I'll follow you anywhere, Darlin', because there'll never be anyone for me but you."
Between past and present, we slowly work through what happened between fiery and seemingly-destined lovers, Daisy and Beau. Travelling cowgirl x cowboy, they have a whirlwind romance living paycheck to paycheck - but as long as they are with horses and have each other, then that's all they need. Until they don't...
A year later, Beau finds a job to gain stability for himself and his sister's son who she abandoned. Unknowingly, it happens to be the ranch that Daisy's family own. Working with brother's his ex-turned-boss who all hate him, dealing with his own insecurities of being a failure, he tolerates it to step up and be the man for the sake of the ten year-old boy who deserves a home.
Daisy has returned to to face her grief she has avoided for years and prove herself on her family's ranch. Unfortunately, she has to work with her ex that her family didn't know about, and take responsibility for a role at her family's farm that she secretly doesn't enjoy. As Daisy and Beau navigate a strenuous working relationship whilst trying to help a boy who has abandonment issues, the tension heightens to a boiling point that demands answers and truths. And the blowup is insanely worth it!
The tension pulls tight, then tighter, tying us together. A rope that was always there, twisting around the edges of the promises laying sharp and broken between us.
After all that time, it's clear that hate and love is a very thin line. They naturally gravitate to each other even in moments of anger and frustration and I truly loved them together. Their communication needed a bit of work in the beginning, but I appreciated how it grew to be healthy and that the priority was on doing the right thing for the sweet boy who found himself in Aster Springs. Their comeback wasn't instant and demanded lot's of work which is what I like to see. Beau's care, loyalty and tenderness for Ollie and Daisy was paramount despite his rough upbringing, that falling for him was inevitable. I loved him sticking it to Daisy's brothers - who pissed me off! - but that was emotional journey all in itself which was natural and rewarding in the end.
"Insane. Destroyed. And so f*cking jealous. I'll hate any man you ever date because they're not me."
If you want a steamy, angsty, second-chance romance with found family, a touch of tough love and an emotional healing journey? Then look no further!
"You don't think it'll get old? You won't want to run off and see the world again?" "Oh, sweetheart. You are my world."
August 26, 2026
Darlin’ was such a gorgeous return to Aster Springs - warm, emotional, full of family, and somehow it unexpectedly made me cry. 🥹
Beau has spent his whole life believing he’ll never amount to anything. But when his sister leaves her ten-year-old son Ollie behind, he steps up. Suddenly he needs a home, stability and a job - and that job happens to be at Silver Leaf Ranch.
His new boss? Daisy Davenport. The woman he loved, left, and never really stopped loving.
I really loved Beau and Daisy together. Through the dual timelines, we slowly uncover their whirlwind first romance, the heartbreak that tore them apart and everything they never managed to say. There’s so much history between them, but also this wonderfully natural connection. Their interactions feel effortless, and they seem to instinctively know what the other needs without having to say it.
Their second chance is actually quite low angst once they finally start being honest with each other. So much of their original heartbreak came down to miscommunication, and there were definitely moments where I thought you two could have saved yourselves a lot of heartache if you’d just talked! 😂 But I loved that once everything was out in the open, they recognised where they’d both gone wrong and decided they weren’t going to let something come between them again.
But Beau absolutely stole my heart. His difficult upbringing has left him believing he’s unreliable and unworthy, yet everything he does for Ollie shows the exact opposite. He’s loyal, hardworking, caring and so determined to give Ollie the stability he never had himself.
Watching Beau, Daisy and Ollie slowly create this safe, warm space together that felt like home was beautiful - and apparently much more emotional than I was prepared for. 🥹
Darlin’ is a sweet, slow-burn second-chance romance full of history, pain, regret, happiness, love and family. It’s about running from your past, trying to prove yourself, finding happiness somewhere that once brought you sadness, and accepting love even when you don’t believe you’re worthy of it.
Beau, Daisy and Ollie had all been through so much, and I loved seeing them find home in each other.
This can be read as a standalone, but the Davenport family is so embedded in these stories that I think they’re infinitely better read in order.
Thanks to Love Notes PR and Samantha Leigh for the eARC.
Tropes: second chance • single guardian • hate to love • boss x employee • cowboy • found family • forced proximity • small town
Beau has spent his whole life believing he’ll never amount to anything. But when his sister leaves her ten-year-old son Ollie behind, he steps up. Suddenly he needs a home, stability and a job - and that job happens to be at Silver Leaf Ranch.
His new boss? Daisy Davenport. The woman he loved, left, and never really stopped loving.
I really loved Beau and Daisy together. Through the dual timelines, we slowly uncover their whirlwind first romance, the heartbreak that tore them apart and everything they never managed to say. There’s so much history between them, but also this wonderfully natural connection. Their interactions feel effortless, and they seem to instinctively know what the other needs without having to say it.
Their second chance is actually quite low angst once they finally start being honest with each other. So much of their original heartbreak came down to miscommunication, and there were definitely moments where I thought you two could have saved yourselves a lot of heartache if you’d just talked! 😂 But I loved that once everything was out in the open, they recognised where they’d both gone wrong and decided they weren’t going to let something come between them again.
But Beau absolutely stole my heart. His difficult upbringing has left him believing he’s unreliable and unworthy, yet everything he does for Ollie shows the exact opposite. He’s loyal, hardworking, caring and so determined to give Ollie the stability he never had himself.
Watching Beau, Daisy and Ollie slowly create this safe, warm space together that felt like home was beautiful - and apparently much more emotional than I was prepared for. 🥹
Darlin’ is a sweet, slow-burn second-chance romance full of history, pain, regret, happiness, love and family. It’s about running from your past, trying to prove yourself, finding happiness somewhere that once brought you sadness, and accepting love even when you don’t believe you’re worthy of it.
Beau, Daisy and Ollie had all been through so much, and I loved seeing them find home in each other.
This can be read as a standalone, but the Davenport family is so embedded in these stories that I think they’re infinitely better read in order.
Thanks to Love Notes PR and Samantha Leigh for the eARC.
Tropes: second chance • single guardian • hate to love • boss x employee • cowboy • found family • forced proximity • small town
August 17, 2026
Samantha has done it again!! I am enjoying this series and I honestly don’t want this to end !
I loved the :
» Tension and yearning!
» The dual timelines from past to present
» Their conflicting emotions
» The jealousy!
» The small town vibes
» The family unit
Daisy and Beau shared a whirlwind romance but although they loved eachother they were wanting a different future. A miscommunication caused a breakup with no closure which soon had them blaming the other ( BUT .. Wait! Hear me out! I usually hate this trope in books but it worked perfectly in their story!)
I liked how they both had a different memory of the past and those conflicting emotion between loving and hating was delicious. It added the perfect amount of tension to their chemistry. Like a simmer pot ready to boil and I was ready for that explosion! She was fiery, he was gentle but they were both hurting. I felt so many emotions! The feeling of happiness, grief , resentment and feeling abandoned. But they soon felt peace with eachother on this beautiful ranch. Their healing journey was also realistic, something many readers could relate to.
I had so much empathy for both. Daisy with her struggles to find a place to call home and be at peace within herself , and for Beau who struggled but was adamant to create a home and safe space for his nephew Ollie. It was refreshing to have the MMC with the financial struggles , and I totally admired his strength and bravery in asking and also for accepting help.
Overall , this was a really cute read! The Davenports are a family that I would love to be a part of! They love and support their own so hard!!
Would I recommend? Yes!! I love this series. It’s very heavy on the found family trope which i adore! So if this is your vibe , definitely check them out!
I loved the :
» Tension and yearning!
» The dual timelines from past to present
» Their conflicting emotions
» The jealousy!
» The small town vibes
» The family unit
Daisy and Beau shared a whirlwind romance but although they loved eachother they were wanting a different future. A miscommunication caused a breakup with no closure which soon had them blaming the other ( BUT .. Wait! Hear me out! I usually hate this trope in books but it worked perfectly in their story!)
I liked how they both had a different memory of the past and those conflicting emotion between loving and hating was delicious. It added the perfect amount of tension to their chemistry. Like a simmer pot ready to boil and I was ready for that explosion! She was fiery, he was gentle but they were both hurting. I felt so many emotions! The feeling of happiness, grief , resentment and feeling abandoned. But they soon felt peace with eachother on this beautiful ranch. Their healing journey was also realistic, something many readers could relate to.
I had so much empathy for both. Daisy with her struggles to find a place to call home and be at peace within herself , and for Beau who struggled but was adamant to create a home and safe space for his nephew Ollie. It was refreshing to have the MMC with the financial struggles , and I totally admired his strength and bravery in asking and also for accepting help.
Overall , this was a really cute read! The Davenports are a family that I would love to be a part of! They love and support their own so hard!!
Would I recommend? Yes!! I love this series. It’s very heavy on the found family trope which i adore! So if this is your vibe , definitely check them out!
September 7, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
ARC Review
Tropes:
Second Chance
Boss x Employee (She's the Boss)
Single Guardian MMC
Small Town
Found Family
Hate to Love
Hot Cowboy
This story broke my heart in the best possible way, then gently put it all back together!
After a year of healing, Daisy is ready to take on a more serious role in her family business. However, she never expected to run into the man who broke her heart on her very first day as boss. Now, both Beau and Daisy must navigate their lives around each other, and what follows is quite the rollercoaster!
I loved this story so much! The character and emotional development added incredible depth. The romantic tension between Daisy and Beau🔥🔥🔥 was palpable. Both of them carried so much hurt—so much pain—that it had turned into almost-hate. Watching them not only discover each other but also find themselves was truly beautiful.
Both Daisy and Beau had been running from their family and past for different reasons, but they reached a point where they could no longer run and had to face their demons. Seeing them both find safety and love in each other was heartwarming and wholesome.
Beau’s love for Ollie tugged at my heartstrings so much! Even though he still carried scars and didn’t always feel worthy of love, he did his best to set a good example for Ollie. He did everything he could to ensure Ollie wouldn’t feel the way he had growing up. He’s truly an amazing father (Uncle)!
Beau’s groveling and asking for forgiveness was incredibly sweet. I don’t think he was entirely in the wrong for what he did—he was hurting and protecting himself the best way he knew how. That said, I do wish Daisy had grovelled a bit more. I was genuinely relieved when she finally realized that their relationship ending wasn’t solely Beau’s fault, and that she also played a part in it.
I’m so happy they found their HEA surrounded by their big, loving family! My heart broke for Charlie, and seeing her fragile, vulnerable side was very different from her previous appearances in the series. I’m so excited for her story next!
ARC Review
Tropes:
Second Chance
Boss x Employee (She's the Boss)
Single Guardian MMC
Small Town
Found Family
Hate to Love
Hot Cowboy
This story broke my heart in the best possible way, then gently put it all back together!
After a year of healing, Daisy is ready to take on a more serious role in her family business. However, she never expected to run into the man who broke her heart on her very first day as boss. Now, both Beau and Daisy must navigate their lives around each other, and what follows is quite the rollercoaster!
I loved this story so much! The character and emotional development added incredible depth. The romantic tension between Daisy and Beau🔥🔥🔥 was palpable. Both of them carried so much hurt—so much pain—that it had turned into almost-hate. Watching them not only discover each other but also find themselves was truly beautiful.
Both Daisy and Beau had been running from their family and past for different reasons, but they reached a point where they could no longer run and had to face their demons. Seeing them both find safety and love in each other was heartwarming and wholesome.
Beau’s love for Ollie tugged at my heartstrings so much! Even though he still carried scars and didn’t always feel worthy of love, he did his best to set a good example for Ollie. He did everything he could to ensure Ollie wouldn’t feel the way he had growing up. He’s truly an amazing father (Uncle)!
Beau’s groveling and asking for forgiveness was incredibly sweet. I don’t think he was entirely in the wrong for what he did—he was hurting and protecting himself the best way he knew how. That said, I do wish Daisy had grovelled a bit more. I was genuinely relieved when she finally realized that their relationship ending wasn’t solely Beau’s fault, and that she also played a part in it.
I’m so happy they found their HEA surrounded by their big, loving family! My heart broke for Charlie, and seeing her fragile, vulnerable side was very different from her previous appearances in the series. I’m so excited for her story next!
September 15, 2026
Huge thanks to Samantha Leigh and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to receive a review copy of Darlin’!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 rounded up - I’ve been chasing the high of Sunshine (Book 2 in the Aster Springs series) since ARC reading it in March 2025, but after finishing the next two books in the series, I’m wondering if that one was a fluke…
Darlin’ had me hooked at the start - I love a second chance romance with flashback chapters! But around the 30% mark, I started finding FMC Daisy insufferable. She is incredibly immature and honestly, feels like she deserves most of the blame for why her and MMC Beau’s relationship didn’t work out the first time around… The middle of the book dragged and my tolerance for Daisy continued its down slide. I feel like it was a little lengthy without much to move things along.
Things came together nicely at the end of the book and there were a few sweet moments that I really enjoyed.
This is Book 4 in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes and Microtropes:
Boss x Employee
Cowboy Romance
He takes care of her when she has a migraine
Mustache Ride
Second Chance
Single Guardian
Small Town
🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 rounded up - I’ve been chasing the high of Sunshine (Book 2 in the Aster Springs series) since ARC reading it in March 2025, but after finishing the next two books in the series, I’m wondering if that one was a fluke…
Darlin’ had me hooked at the start - I love a second chance romance with flashback chapters! But around the 30% mark, I started finding FMC Daisy insufferable. She is incredibly immature and honestly, feels like she deserves most of the blame for why her and MMC Beau’s relationship didn’t work out the first time around… The middle of the book dragged and my tolerance for Daisy continued its down slide. I feel like it was a little lengthy without much to move things along.
Things came together nicely at the end of the book and there were a few sweet moments that I really enjoyed.
This is Book 4 in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes and Microtropes:
Boss x Employee
Cowboy Romance
He takes care of her when she has a migraine
Mustache Ride
Second Chance
Single Guardian
Small Town
🌶️🌶️.5
August 18, 2026
Another cozy summer read.
I actually didn’t realize it was part of series until finishing this arc.
So excited to explore the other couples stories.
I could easily folllow the story but probably would get more of the context if I read the previous books.
This book has many emotionally charged moments like the note left by beau and the breakdown Daisy had when she found it. I got a bit confused by the beginning since I'm quite new to the second chance trope, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about the level of anger both characters felt.
And if it was normal to slowly read about the event that caused them to break up. Maybe I’m still learning to understand the tropes charm.
The highlights of the books were the kids becoming closer, the emotional scene between Beau and Daisy when Beau asked to visit her family and seeing them become a family and working on their issues.
Overall a nice summer read about family drama, second-chance romance, small town and high angst.
Thank you Love Notes PR and the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
I apologize if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes!
I actually didn’t realize it was part of series until finishing this arc.
So excited to explore the other couples stories.
I could easily folllow the story but probably would get more of the context if I read the previous books.
This book has many emotionally charged moments like the note left by beau and the breakdown Daisy had when she found it. I got a bit confused by the beginning since I'm quite new to the second chance trope, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about the level of anger both characters felt.
And if it was normal to slowly read about the event that caused them to break up. Maybe I’m still learning to understand the tropes charm.
The highlights of the books were the kids becoming closer, the emotional scene between Beau and Daisy when Beau asked to visit her family and seeing them become a family and working on their issues.
Overall a nice summer read about family drama, second-chance romance, small town and high angst.
Thank you Love Notes PR and the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
I apologize if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
...am I the only one who thought Daisy kind of sucked??? Like, justice for Beau, who probably should have left sooner the first go-round. He's pretty much single-handedly the whole reason this is getting 3 stars from me. He and Charlie, who had every right to be annoyed with her wishy-washy sister, grieving or not.
...am I the only one who thought Daisy kind of sucked??? Like, justice for Beau, who probably should have left sooner the first go-round. He's pretty much single-handedly the whole reason this is getting 3 stars from me. He and Charlie, who had every right to be annoyed with her wishy-washy sister, grieving or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2026
🤠❤️ They Spent Years Searching for Home, Then Found It in Each Other ❤️🤠
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Chili Peppers
There’s something about a second chance romance filled with old feelings, unresolved hurt, and enough tension simmering beneath every interaction that gets me every time. Add a hot cowboy, an adorable ten-year-old boy, and the Davenport family into the mix, and Darlin’ had me completely invested. 🥹❤️
Daisy Davenport and Beau Covington once had the kind of whirlwind romance that felt like it could survive anything.
They traveled the world together, working on different ranches, living paycheck to paycheck, and building a life around horses, adventure, and each other. They were deeply in love, and Daisy believed they were heading toward forever.
Until Beau left.
No real explanation.
No closure.
Just two people who loved each other walking away with very different versions of what had gone wrong.
A year later, Daisy is back at Silver Leaf Ranch trying to find her own place within her family's world when the last person she expects walks back into her life.
Beau.
Except this time, he isn't alone.
He's holding the hand of his ten-year-old nephew, Ollie. 🥹
Beau completely won me over in this book.
He grew up believing exactly what his father told him, that a Covington boy would never amount to anything. That belief has followed Beau into adulthood, leaving him with so much shame and doubt about whether he can ever become the dependable man he wants to be.
Then his sister abandons Ollie, and Beau does the one thing he was never taught how to do.
He stays.
He doesn't have much money. He doesn't have a stable home or even a job when he suddenly becomes responsible for this little boy. But Beau is determined to give Ollie everything he never had growing up, especially someone he knows he can count on.
I absolutely loved watching Beau step into that role.
He isn't magically equipped with all the answers, and I appreciated that he sometimes has to swallow his pride, ask for help, and accept it. Everything Beau does for Ollie shows just how wrong his own beliefs about himself really are.
He thinks he's unreliable while becoming the most reliable person in Ollie's life.
He thinks he's a failure while doing everything possible to give a scared little boy a safe place to land.
And then desperation for a job brings Beau to Silver Leaf Ranch.
Where his new boss happens to be Daisy.
Awkward. 😂🤠
Daisy wants him gone immediately, and considering he broke her heart and disappeared without giving her the answers she deserved, I couldn't exactly blame her.
But then she sees Ollie.
I really loved Daisy too. She's feisty, free-spirited, fiercely independent, and completely at home around horses. Yet underneath all that fire is a woman who has spent the last year trying to heal from a relationship she never really understood the ending of.
She's also figuring out what she actually wants for herself.
Daisy has returned to her family's ranch and taken responsibility for running the trail rides, but being back home doesn't automatically mean she's found where she belongs. Her journey becomes about more than deciding whether Beau deserves another chance. She has to decide what she wants her own life to look like.
The dual timeline worked so well for their story.
Instead of simply being told that Daisy and Beau once had something incredible, we get to experience pieces of it alongside their present-day relationship. We see their adventures, how naturally they fit together, the love they shared, and eventually the fears and miscommunication that tore them apart.
That made all the tension in the present feel so much heavier.
Because these two never really stopped loving each other.
They can argue.
Daisy can insist she's done with him.
Beau can try to respect the boundaries she's putting between them.
But that connection is still RIGHT THERE. 😂🔥
And Beau's jealousy certainly doesn't help matters.
The man who left Daisy has some very strong opinions about her flirting with another cowboy, which is incredibly audacious and also very entertaining. 😂
But underneath the jealousy and chemistry is so much unresolved hurt.
Their original breakup came down to fears, insecurities, and communication that failed them when they needed it most. Normally, miscommunication can frustrate me, but it worked here because we get to understand how Daisy and Beau each experienced the past differently.
Neither had the full picture.
When they finally start being honest with each other, everything begins to change.
And I loved that their second chance isn't instant.
They have to talk.
They have to acknowledge their mistakes.
Beau has to confront the belief that loving Daisy means eventually disappointing her.
Daisy has to decide whether she can trust the man who once left her not to run again.
Their comeback takes work, and that made it feel earned. ❤️
But the part that really got me was watching Daisy, Beau, and Ollie slowly become their own little family.
Daisy doesn't simply tolerate Ollie because he comes with Beau. She builds her own relationship with him, and some of their moments together had me feeling so emotional. Ollie has already experienced abandonment, and watching him gradually feel safe with these two added another layer of heart to the romance.
By the time Daisy, Beau, and Ollie begin feeling like a family, I was completely gone. 🥹❤️
And then there are the Davenports.
I adore the family and found-family element of this series. They love hard, interfere enthusiastically, and definitely have opinions about Beau returning after breaking Daisy's heart. Her brothers in particular made the poor man work for his place. 😂
But seeing Beau and Ollie slowly become part of that family was especially meaningful knowing how different Beau's own upbringing had been.
I also loved catching up with familiar faces from the previous books. At this point, returning to Aster Springs and Silver Leaf Ranch feels a little like checking in with old friends, which is one of my favorite things about an interconnected series.
Ultimately, though, Darlin’ felt like a story about three people searching for home in different ways.
Daisy has spent years traveling and trying to figure out where she belongs.
Beau has spent his life believing he isn't capable of building anything permanent.
Ollie simply needs someone who won't leave.
Somehow, at Silver Leaf Ranch, they begin finding the answer in each other.
Beau spends so much of his life wanting to become successful enough to prove his father wrong. But the man he becomes for Ollie and the love Daisy has always seen in him prove something much more important.
His worth was never determined by his bank account, his job, or his father's opinion of him.
He's already becoming the man he wanted to be every single time he chooses to stay. 🥹
Warm, emotional, steamy, full of yearning, and wrapped in that wonderful Davenport family chaos, Darlin’ was such an easy five-star read for me.
Daisy and Beau might have traveled the world together the first time they fell in love.
Their second chance showed them that sometimes home isn't a place you spend your life searching for.
Sometimes it's the people you finally choose to stay for. 🤠❤️
Thank you to Samantha Leigh and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Chili Peppers
There’s something about a second chance romance filled with old feelings, unresolved hurt, and enough tension simmering beneath every interaction that gets me every time. Add a hot cowboy, an adorable ten-year-old boy, and the Davenport family into the mix, and Darlin’ had me completely invested. 🥹❤️
Daisy Davenport and Beau Covington once had the kind of whirlwind romance that felt like it could survive anything.
They traveled the world together, working on different ranches, living paycheck to paycheck, and building a life around horses, adventure, and each other. They were deeply in love, and Daisy believed they were heading toward forever.
Until Beau left.
No real explanation.
No closure.
Just two people who loved each other walking away with very different versions of what had gone wrong.
A year later, Daisy is back at Silver Leaf Ranch trying to find her own place within her family's world when the last person she expects walks back into her life.
Beau.
Except this time, he isn't alone.
He's holding the hand of his ten-year-old nephew, Ollie. 🥹
Beau completely won me over in this book.
He grew up believing exactly what his father told him, that a Covington boy would never amount to anything. That belief has followed Beau into adulthood, leaving him with so much shame and doubt about whether he can ever become the dependable man he wants to be.
Then his sister abandons Ollie, and Beau does the one thing he was never taught how to do.
He stays.
He doesn't have much money. He doesn't have a stable home or even a job when he suddenly becomes responsible for this little boy. But Beau is determined to give Ollie everything he never had growing up, especially someone he knows he can count on.
I absolutely loved watching Beau step into that role.
He isn't magically equipped with all the answers, and I appreciated that he sometimes has to swallow his pride, ask for help, and accept it. Everything Beau does for Ollie shows just how wrong his own beliefs about himself really are.
He thinks he's unreliable while becoming the most reliable person in Ollie's life.
He thinks he's a failure while doing everything possible to give a scared little boy a safe place to land.
And then desperation for a job brings Beau to Silver Leaf Ranch.
Where his new boss happens to be Daisy.
Awkward. 😂🤠
Daisy wants him gone immediately, and considering he broke her heart and disappeared without giving her the answers she deserved, I couldn't exactly blame her.
But then she sees Ollie.
I really loved Daisy too. She's feisty, free-spirited, fiercely independent, and completely at home around horses. Yet underneath all that fire is a woman who has spent the last year trying to heal from a relationship she never really understood the ending of.
She's also figuring out what she actually wants for herself.
Daisy has returned to her family's ranch and taken responsibility for running the trail rides, but being back home doesn't automatically mean she's found where she belongs. Her journey becomes about more than deciding whether Beau deserves another chance. She has to decide what she wants her own life to look like.
The dual timeline worked so well for their story.
Instead of simply being told that Daisy and Beau once had something incredible, we get to experience pieces of it alongside their present-day relationship. We see their adventures, how naturally they fit together, the love they shared, and eventually the fears and miscommunication that tore them apart.
That made all the tension in the present feel so much heavier.
Because these two never really stopped loving each other.
They can argue.
Daisy can insist she's done with him.
Beau can try to respect the boundaries she's putting between them.
But that connection is still RIGHT THERE. 😂🔥
And Beau's jealousy certainly doesn't help matters.
The man who left Daisy has some very strong opinions about her flirting with another cowboy, which is incredibly audacious and also very entertaining. 😂
But underneath the jealousy and chemistry is so much unresolved hurt.
Their original breakup came down to fears, insecurities, and communication that failed them when they needed it most. Normally, miscommunication can frustrate me, but it worked here because we get to understand how Daisy and Beau each experienced the past differently.
Neither had the full picture.
When they finally start being honest with each other, everything begins to change.
And I loved that their second chance isn't instant.
They have to talk.
They have to acknowledge their mistakes.
Beau has to confront the belief that loving Daisy means eventually disappointing her.
Daisy has to decide whether she can trust the man who once left her not to run again.
Their comeback takes work, and that made it feel earned. ❤️
But the part that really got me was watching Daisy, Beau, and Ollie slowly become their own little family.
Daisy doesn't simply tolerate Ollie because he comes with Beau. She builds her own relationship with him, and some of their moments together had me feeling so emotional. Ollie has already experienced abandonment, and watching him gradually feel safe with these two added another layer of heart to the romance.
By the time Daisy, Beau, and Ollie begin feeling like a family, I was completely gone. 🥹❤️
And then there are the Davenports.
I adore the family and found-family element of this series. They love hard, interfere enthusiastically, and definitely have opinions about Beau returning after breaking Daisy's heart. Her brothers in particular made the poor man work for his place. 😂
But seeing Beau and Ollie slowly become part of that family was especially meaningful knowing how different Beau's own upbringing had been.
I also loved catching up with familiar faces from the previous books. At this point, returning to Aster Springs and Silver Leaf Ranch feels a little like checking in with old friends, which is one of my favorite things about an interconnected series.
Ultimately, though, Darlin’ felt like a story about three people searching for home in different ways.
Daisy has spent years traveling and trying to figure out where she belongs.
Beau has spent his life believing he isn't capable of building anything permanent.
Ollie simply needs someone who won't leave.
Somehow, at Silver Leaf Ranch, they begin finding the answer in each other.
Beau spends so much of his life wanting to become successful enough to prove his father wrong. But the man he becomes for Ollie and the love Daisy has always seen in him prove something much more important.
His worth was never determined by his bank account, his job, or his father's opinion of him.
He's already becoming the man he wanted to be every single time he chooses to stay. 🥹
Warm, emotional, steamy, full of yearning, and wrapped in that wonderful Davenport family chaos, Darlin’ was such an easy five-star read for me.
Daisy and Beau might have traveled the world together the first time they fell in love.
Their second chance showed them that sometimes home isn't a place you spend your life searching for.
Sometimes it's the people you finally choose to stay for. 🤠❤️
Thank you to Samantha Leigh and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
Beau really said, “I broke her heart, but what if I showed up at her ranch with a child and a truckload of emotional baggage?” SIR, THE AUDACITY. 😭🤠
Daisy has every reason to tell him to take his cowboy boots elsewhere, but watching Beau fight to become the man both she and his nephew deserve? MY HEART. 🥹 The man spent years believing he wasn't good enough, meanwhile he's out here collecting green flags like they're Pokémon cards.
The slow burn, second-chance tension, and Davenport family chaos had me completely invested. And little Ollie? PROTECT THAT CHILD AT ALL COSTS.
Tropes:
Second Chance • Cowboy Romance • Single Guardian • Forced Proximity • Workplace Romance • Found Family • Slow Burn • Hate to Love
Beau really said, “I broke her heart, but what if I showed up at her ranch with a child and a truckload of emotional baggage?” SIR, THE AUDACITY. 😭🤠
Daisy has every reason to tell him to take his cowboy boots elsewhere, but watching Beau fight to become the man both she and his nephew deserve? MY HEART. 🥹 The man spent years believing he wasn't good enough, meanwhile he's out here collecting green flags like they're Pokémon cards.
The slow burn, second-chance tension, and Davenport family chaos had me completely invested. And little Ollie? PROTECT THAT CHILD AT ALL COSTS.
Tropes:
Second Chance • Cowboy Romance • Single Guardian • Forced Proximity • Workplace Romance • Found Family • Slow Burn • Hate to Love
Review of advance copy
4.5!
Daisy has been making me want to know more since we met her. I was so excited to finally have her story. She was heartbroken but still fighting to find a place for herself, to leave the grief behind and the man she loved in her memories. But of course it wouldn't be easy. Beau was no match for time and space.
These two had the angst, tension, and chemistry that had me biting my nails. I wanted them to figure it out, but even I didn't know what had happened. I did want to smack both of them with a very hard stick when everything was revealed. Their flaws made them human and raw, but they also made me incredibly mad.
The growth and change took a second, especially having her family only know her twisted version of things; then again, it will always take a while to adapt to new people in the life of those you care about.
I felt like Samantha handled their feelings so well; it made them real and relatable. The fear of not being enough, of losing someone, of not being loved back...I enjoyed this so much; I cannot wait for the last story this family has to offer.
Fingers crossed Charlie's books come soon because I'm so intrigued as to how it'll play out!
Samantha, LoveNotes, thank you so much for this arc; beyond blessed to be chosen!
Daisy has been making me want to know more since we met her. I was so excited to finally have her story. She was heartbroken but still fighting to find a place for herself, to leave the grief behind and the man she loved in her memories. But of course it wouldn't be easy. Beau was no match for time and space.
These two had the angst, tension, and chemistry that had me biting my nails. I wanted them to figure it out, but even I didn't know what had happened. I did want to smack both of them with a very hard stick when everything was revealed. Their flaws made them human and raw, but they also made me incredibly mad.
The growth and change took a second, especially having her family only know her twisted version of things; then again, it will always take a while to adapt to new people in the life of those you care about.
I felt like Samantha handled their feelings so well; it made them real and relatable. The fear of not being enough, of losing someone, of not being loved back...I enjoyed this so much; I cannot wait for the last story this family has to offer.
Fingers crossed Charlie's books come soon because I'm so intrigued as to how it'll play out!
Samantha, LoveNotes, thank you so much for this arc; beyond blessed to be chosen!
September 5, 2026
4 ⭐️ 2 🌶️ ARC Review ✨ 📖 DARLIN’ 📖 by Samantha Leigh✨ This is book 4 of the Aster Springs series (but can be read as a standalone) set in Sonoma Valley, and my first book by Samantha. I love second chance romance, and this was really enjoyable, with angst (my heart was in my throat), tension, chemistry, big family dynamics, soulmates/it’s always been you vibes, and I especially loved the flashbacks to the past.
Daisy Davenport and Beau Covington met while working on a horse ranch in New Zealand and were together for over a year until he left her without a word. She’s back home at Silver Leaf ranch after 10 years away to manage the stable and trail rides. They haven’t seen each other for a year but Beau just got hired by her sister, Charlie, to work at Silver Leaf. Oops. 😬 He needs a stable job and place to live so he can get permanent guardianship of his nephew, Ollie, but Daisy wants the man that broke her heart gone. She realizes she’s missed him and still loves him, ruining her plans of getting rid of him. Especially after he finds her curled in a ball from a migraine and takes care of her like he used to. He still knows her so well.
I melted every time he called her Darlin’, and I adored her relationship with Ollie. Beau was told by his father he was worthless, and Daisy left home after her mom died, running away because she couldn’t face the grief. She’s been afraid of commitment and isn’t as tough as she acts, and he’s never felt good enough. I felt for both Beau and Daisy—Beau because he never had a real family, and Daisy when she talked about missing her mom. An emotional read about second chances and newfound family. Plus, some of my favorite microtropes: belt-loop pulls, taking care of her when she’s sick, mustache r!des, he kisses her to shut her up, angry love confessions, and the best one—secret tattoo. And the mouth on this man—I love how he talks so much during s-x. Poppy, her best friend, is a great wingwoman, love her so much.
Wear the hat, ride the cowboy.
❤️ silver charm bracelet, daisies
❤️ holding hands in his truck
❤️ looking at the stars ✨ constellations 🌌
❤️ diner, cheeseburger 🍔, fries 🍟, hot fudge sundae
❤️ denim mini skirt, red cowboy boots 👢
❤️ Make pizzas 🍕 together
❤️ He brushes out her hair after a shower
❤️ Good girl
Favorite quotes:
The next morning, I tell myself it was just one night, just one girl, but it's not true. That night, and that girl, change my life forever.
My first kiss with Daisy is the best kiss of my fucking life.
Daisy shoots me a murderous look. "Yes. You got a problem with that?"
I cross my arms and fight a grin. Damn. I love it when she's feisty.
There's a split second between asleep and awake when I forget she's not mine anymore, and then reality hits that much harder. One dream of Daisy, and any hope of getting over her comes undone.
"Because the moment we settle down, everything changes."
“Maybe that'd be a good thing."
"Not for me."
“Why not?"
Because I'm finally happy and want to stay that way. Because home is where the ghosts are, and going back means no more pretending to be okay.
There haven't been other women since her, and there never will be. When I asked her to marry me, I meant it. And she might not have said yes, but it doesn't change how I feel. I'll spend the rest of my life loving Daisy Davenport, whether she wants me to or not.
"And promise number seven: you'll always be my
north star. My direction and my reason for everything. I'll follow you anywhere, Darlin', because there'll never be anyone for me but you."
"I've never had to think about you, Darlin'. I knew I loved you the moment I saw you, and I know I'll keep on loving you forever."
"You don't know what you're talking about!"
"Do you? I'd fucking die for you! Why the hell would I leave the woman I love unless I believed she couldn't possibly love me back?"
"I loved you more! I loved you more than I ever wanted to love any man. I loved you so much it aches where that love used to be. It hurts to think of you. It hurts to breathe! And I hate you for it! I hate you for making me love you, only for you to leave. Why did you leave me? Why?"
"F-ck, this is everything. You're everything. This pu$$y is everything. How the f-ck did I ever think I could live without you?"
"You're going to kill me, Darlin'. I don't know whether to punish you or praise you."
“Why not do both?"
"Good girl.”
What to expect:
*Small town cowboy romance
*Second chance/hate to love
*Secret tattoo
*Single guardian
*Boss x employee
*Independent FMC
*Broken FMC & MMC
*Found family
*Caretaking
*It’s always been you
*Praise
Content warning: child abandonment, grief, migraines
Thank you to Samantha and Love Notes PR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Daisy Davenport and Beau Covington met while working on a horse ranch in New Zealand and were together for over a year until he left her without a word. She’s back home at Silver Leaf ranch after 10 years away to manage the stable and trail rides. They haven’t seen each other for a year but Beau just got hired by her sister, Charlie, to work at Silver Leaf. Oops. 😬 He needs a stable job and place to live so he can get permanent guardianship of his nephew, Ollie, but Daisy wants the man that broke her heart gone. She realizes she’s missed him and still loves him, ruining her plans of getting rid of him. Especially after he finds her curled in a ball from a migraine and takes care of her like he used to. He still knows her so well.
I melted every time he called her Darlin’, and I adored her relationship with Ollie. Beau was told by his father he was worthless, and Daisy left home after her mom died, running away because she couldn’t face the grief. She’s been afraid of commitment and isn’t as tough as she acts, and he’s never felt good enough. I felt for both Beau and Daisy—Beau because he never had a real family, and Daisy when she talked about missing her mom. An emotional read about second chances and newfound family. Plus, some of my favorite microtropes: belt-loop pulls, taking care of her when she’s sick, mustache r!des, he kisses her to shut her up, angry love confessions, and the best one—secret tattoo. And the mouth on this man—I love how he talks so much during s-x. Poppy, her best friend, is a great wingwoman, love her so much.
Wear the hat, ride the cowboy.
❤️ silver charm bracelet, daisies
❤️ holding hands in his truck
❤️ looking at the stars ✨ constellations 🌌
❤️ diner, cheeseburger 🍔, fries 🍟, hot fudge sundae
❤️ denim mini skirt, red cowboy boots 👢
❤️ Make pizzas 🍕 together
❤️ He brushes out her hair after a shower
❤️ Good girl
Favorite quotes:
The next morning, I tell myself it was just one night, just one girl, but it's not true. That night, and that girl, change my life forever.
My first kiss with Daisy is the best kiss of my fucking life.
Daisy shoots me a murderous look. "Yes. You got a problem with that?"
I cross my arms and fight a grin. Damn. I love it when she's feisty.
There's a split second between asleep and awake when I forget she's not mine anymore, and then reality hits that much harder. One dream of Daisy, and any hope of getting over her comes undone.
"Because the moment we settle down, everything changes."
“Maybe that'd be a good thing."
"Not for me."
“Why not?"
Because I'm finally happy and want to stay that way. Because home is where the ghosts are, and going back means no more pretending to be okay.
There haven't been other women since her, and there never will be. When I asked her to marry me, I meant it. And she might not have said yes, but it doesn't change how I feel. I'll spend the rest of my life loving Daisy Davenport, whether she wants me to or not.
"And promise number seven: you'll always be my
north star. My direction and my reason for everything. I'll follow you anywhere, Darlin', because there'll never be anyone for me but you."
"I've never had to think about you, Darlin'. I knew I loved you the moment I saw you, and I know I'll keep on loving you forever."
"You don't know what you're talking about!"
"Do you? I'd fucking die for you! Why the hell would I leave the woman I love unless I believed she couldn't possibly love me back?"
"I loved you more! I loved you more than I ever wanted to love any man. I loved you so much it aches where that love used to be. It hurts to think of you. It hurts to breathe! And I hate you for it! I hate you for making me love you, only for you to leave. Why did you leave me? Why?"
"F-ck, this is everything. You're everything. This pu$$y is everything. How the f-ck did I ever think I could live without you?"
"You're going to kill me, Darlin'. I don't know whether to punish you or praise you."
“Why not do both?"
"Good girl.”
What to expect:
*Small town cowboy romance
*Second chance/hate to love
*Secret tattoo
*Single guardian
*Boss x employee
*Independent FMC
*Broken FMC & MMC
*Found family
*Caretaking
*It’s always been you
*Praise
Content warning: child abandonment, grief, migraines
Thank you to Samantha and Love Notes PR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I luuurve Daisy and Beau so much. Like, so freaking much. It might be hard to find the right words but here we go.
I think I've been (im)patiently waiting for Daisy's story since the very first book in this series, and I've read them all. So when I finally got my hands on Darlin', I was hooked from the first chapter. Ugh. I wanted to know EVERYTHING. The tension and chemistry between Daisy and Beau? Yeah. You could feel it from the start. And I had questions burning in my brain that I NEEDED answers to.
The Silver Leaf Ranch setting in the cozy little town of Aster Springs is exactly the kind of place I want to escape to. Add in the Davenport family, found family, hot cowboys, and all those small-town feels, and I was already sold.
Then there's Beau.
He's the guardian to his ten-year-old nephew, Ollie, protective and so, so loyal, and a hot cowboy with an attitude and some serious broken-boy vibes. He broke Daisy's heart because he didn't think he was good enough for her, and his love language is definitely acts of service. And can I just say... FINALLY we get a guy who, even when separated from the love of his life, kept it in his pants. Can I get an amen? 🙌🏻 🤣
And Daisy? She's a horse girl who runs the trail rides on her family's ranch, and she's feisty, free-spirited, fiercely independent, and the baby of the family. She's afraid of commitment without quite realizing it, and her love language is quality time. These two just FIT. Even when they were apart, that connection never really disappeared.
We get both past and present timelines, so we get the backstory we desperately want one little piece at a time. Watching their story unfold this way made me desperate to know what happened between them and why their insecurities and fears drove them apart. And then watching them find their way back to each other? So darn good.
I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to inhale every single second of their story all at once. I was one-more-chaptering my husband when it was time for dinner. 😂 We get their exhilarating first days, their heartbreaking middle, and then we get to go right along with them as they find their new beginning. How was I supposed to stop reading that?
This is fairly low angst, but don't mistake that for low conflict. There is definitely enough going on to have your heart racing and leave you a little teary. The difference is that this time, the conflict comes from outside their relationship. Beau and Daisy are scared, sure, but they're willing to fight for what they want with their second chance. And I loved that.
Daisy. Beau. Ollie. The Davenport family. Silver Leaf Ranch. Those are basically all the ingredients you need to make this delightful story. It's just such a sweet, heartfelt story about two people who love each other deeply and are willing to do the work to earn their HEA. I wanted everything to work out for them and sweet little Ollie so badly.
And catching up with Dylan and Poppy, Izzy, Finn and Rosie, Chord and Violet, and Charlie, who I cannot WAIT to see find her own HEA, felt like checking in with friends too. I love when a series gets to that point where the characters don't feel like side characters anymore. They feel like people you've been keeping up with.
Is this a completely new concept? Nope. But honestly, I don't care. This is exactly the kind of comforting romance I love. Real, relatable characters you can get behind. A second chance at an "it's always been you" kind of love. Family that makes you feel like you belong. A quintessential small-town ranch setting that makes everything feel like home. And all those feel-good romance emotions that leave you smiling with maybe just a little sting behind your eyes.
It's heartfelt. It's hot. 🥵 It's healing. It's happily ever after.
And true love is the answer every time. 💜
I think I've been (im)patiently waiting for Daisy's story since the very first book in this series, and I've read them all. So when I finally got my hands on Darlin', I was hooked from the first chapter. Ugh. I wanted to know EVERYTHING. The tension and chemistry between Daisy and Beau? Yeah. You could feel it from the start. And I had questions burning in my brain that I NEEDED answers to.
The Silver Leaf Ranch setting in the cozy little town of Aster Springs is exactly the kind of place I want to escape to. Add in the Davenport family, found family, hot cowboys, and all those small-town feels, and I was already sold.
Then there's Beau.
He's the guardian to his ten-year-old nephew, Ollie, protective and so, so loyal, and a hot cowboy with an attitude and some serious broken-boy vibes. He broke Daisy's heart because he didn't think he was good enough for her, and his love language is definitely acts of service. And can I just say... FINALLY we get a guy who, even when separated from the love of his life, kept it in his pants. Can I get an amen? 🙌🏻 🤣
And Daisy? She's a horse girl who runs the trail rides on her family's ranch, and she's feisty, free-spirited, fiercely independent, and the baby of the family. She's afraid of commitment without quite realizing it, and her love language is quality time. These two just FIT. Even when they were apart, that connection never really disappeared.
We get both past and present timelines, so we get the backstory we desperately want one little piece at a time. Watching their story unfold this way made me desperate to know what happened between them and why their insecurities and fears drove them apart. And then watching them find their way back to each other? So darn good.
I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to inhale every single second of their story all at once. I was one-more-chaptering my husband when it was time for dinner. 😂 We get their exhilarating first days, their heartbreaking middle, and then we get to go right along with them as they find their new beginning. How was I supposed to stop reading that?
This is fairly low angst, but don't mistake that for low conflict. There is definitely enough going on to have your heart racing and leave you a little teary. The difference is that this time, the conflict comes from outside their relationship. Beau and Daisy are scared, sure, but they're willing to fight for what they want with their second chance. And I loved that.
Daisy. Beau. Ollie. The Davenport family. Silver Leaf Ranch. Those are basically all the ingredients you need to make this delightful story. It's just such a sweet, heartfelt story about two people who love each other deeply and are willing to do the work to earn their HEA. I wanted everything to work out for them and sweet little Ollie so badly.
And catching up with Dylan and Poppy, Izzy, Finn and Rosie, Chord and Violet, and Charlie, who I cannot WAIT to see find her own HEA, felt like checking in with friends too. I love when a series gets to that point where the characters don't feel like side characters anymore. They feel like people you've been keeping up with.
Is this a completely new concept? Nope. But honestly, I don't care. This is exactly the kind of comforting romance I love. Real, relatable characters you can get behind. A second chance at an "it's always been you" kind of love. Family that makes you feel like you belong. A quintessential small-town ranch setting that makes everything feel like home. And all those feel-good romance emotions that leave you smiling with maybe just a little sting behind your eyes.
It's heartfelt. It's hot. 🥵 It's healing. It's happily ever after.
And true love is the answer every time. 💜
October 13, 2026
He left her once. Now he’s back, trying to become the man he always wanted to be—and the woman he never stopped loving might be the one thing he can’t afford to lose. 😭❤️
Okay, but can we talk about a man who finally decides to step up, not just for himself, but for a little boy who needs him? Because Beau already has my attention. 🥹
What stands out to me most about Beau is that he isn't returning to Daisy's life as some perfectly put-together cowboy who has everything figured out. He's a man carrying years of insecurity, regret, and the belief that he'll never amount to anything. His father made him feel like a failure, and now he's fighting to prove that he can be better. But what makes his journey so compelling is that he's not just chasing success for himself anymore. He's taking responsibility for his nephew, and that changes everything.
The unexpected guardian trope gets me every time. 🥹❤️ There's something so special about a character who steps up when a child needs someone, even when he's still trying to figure out his own life. Beau wanting to give his nephew stability and a home makes him so much more interesting than the typical cowboy hero. He's learning how to be dependable while trying to repair the damage he's done to the relationship that still matters most to him.
And Daisy? Oh, this woman has EVERY reason to be guarded. 🔥 She loved Beau, and he walked away. Now he's back on her ranch, working for her, looking at her like she's still the woman he wants, while she's trying very hard not to give him another chance. I can already imagine the tension between them! She's sworn off love, he's determined to prove himself, and neither seems capable of pretending their feelings have disappeared.
I'm especially drawn to the fact that Beau's redemption isn't just about saying the right things. It's about showing up. Taking care of Daisy when she's sick. Being there when she needs someone. Facing the consequences of his past choices instead of expecting her to forget them. I want the kind of second-chance romance where the hero has to earn back the trust he broke, and Beau sounds like he's going to have to work for every bit of Daisy's forgiveness. 🤎
And let's not ignore the jealousy when Daisy starts flirting with another cowboy. 👀🤠 A little possessiveness, unresolved feelings, and two people who are clearly not over each other? Yes, please! But what makes this story even more interesting is that the biggest obstacle isn't simply whether Daisy will take Beau back. It's whether Beau can believe he's worthy of the life and love he's trying to build.
That final choice sounds like the emotional heart of the whole story. Beau has spent so long trying to prove his father wrong that I really want to see him discover that becoming a good man isn't about winning someone else's approval. It's about deciding who he wants to be—and recognizing what truly matters when the opportunity to change his life finally arrives.
And his nephew already calling Daisy's name in his sleep? Excuse me while my heart melts. 🥹❤️ The idea of this little boy becoming attached to her adds another layer to the stakes. Beau isn't just considering a future with the woman he loves; he's considering the kind of home and family he wants to create.
If you love second-chance romance, cowboy heroes, ranch romance, single-guardian dynamics, found family, childhood wounds, jealous heroes, forced proximity, grovel-worthy redemption, and a man who has to choose between chasing success and choosing love, Darlin' sounds like one to add to your TBR. 🤠🌾❤️
Because sometimes the bravest thing a man can do isn't proving the world wrong. It's finally believing he deserves the love that's been waiting for him all along. ❤️🩹
Okay, but can we talk about a man who finally decides to step up, not just for himself, but for a little boy who needs him? Because Beau already has my attention. 🥹
What stands out to me most about Beau is that he isn't returning to Daisy's life as some perfectly put-together cowboy who has everything figured out. He's a man carrying years of insecurity, regret, and the belief that he'll never amount to anything. His father made him feel like a failure, and now he's fighting to prove that he can be better. But what makes his journey so compelling is that he's not just chasing success for himself anymore. He's taking responsibility for his nephew, and that changes everything.
The unexpected guardian trope gets me every time. 🥹❤️ There's something so special about a character who steps up when a child needs someone, even when he's still trying to figure out his own life. Beau wanting to give his nephew stability and a home makes him so much more interesting than the typical cowboy hero. He's learning how to be dependable while trying to repair the damage he's done to the relationship that still matters most to him.
And Daisy? Oh, this woman has EVERY reason to be guarded. 🔥 She loved Beau, and he walked away. Now he's back on her ranch, working for her, looking at her like she's still the woman he wants, while she's trying very hard not to give him another chance. I can already imagine the tension between them! She's sworn off love, he's determined to prove himself, and neither seems capable of pretending their feelings have disappeared.
I'm especially drawn to the fact that Beau's redemption isn't just about saying the right things. It's about showing up. Taking care of Daisy when she's sick. Being there when she needs someone. Facing the consequences of his past choices instead of expecting her to forget them. I want the kind of second-chance romance where the hero has to earn back the trust he broke, and Beau sounds like he's going to have to work for every bit of Daisy's forgiveness. 🤎
And let's not ignore the jealousy when Daisy starts flirting with another cowboy. 👀🤠 A little possessiveness, unresolved feelings, and two people who are clearly not over each other? Yes, please! But what makes this story even more interesting is that the biggest obstacle isn't simply whether Daisy will take Beau back. It's whether Beau can believe he's worthy of the life and love he's trying to build.
That final choice sounds like the emotional heart of the whole story. Beau has spent so long trying to prove his father wrong that I really want to see him discover that becoming a good man isn't about winning someone else's approval. It's about deciding who he wants to be—and recognizing what truly matters when the opportunity to change his life finally arrives.
And his nephew already calling Daisy's name in his sleep? Excuse me while my heart melts. 🥹❤️ The idea of this little boy becoming attached to her adds another layer to the stakes. Beau isn't just considering a future with the woman he loves; he's considering the kind of home and family he wants to create.
If you love second-chance romance, cowboy heroes, ranch romance, single-guardian dynamics, found family, childhood wounds, jealous heroes, forced proximity, grovel-worthy redemption, and a man who has to choose between chasing success and choosing love, Darlin' sounds like one to add to your TBR. 🤠🌾❤️
Because sometimes the bravest thing a man can do isn't proving the world wrong. It's finally believing he deserves the love that's been waiting for him all along. ❤️🩹
September 2, 2026
I wish I loved this book but I did not, and my main issue is lying with Daisy and her character. This girl had no character development at all.
First thing first, I felt everything happened too quickly and the pacing felt off to me. The dual timeline is my opinion was not needed; or at least, it could have been added later on, not in the first few chapters. Them forgiving each other did not feel earned and I wish they spent more time getting to know each other again.
Now, the main issue I disliked this book - Daisy! She was and still is by the end of the book is a very irresponsible and childish. She left Silver Leaf because she was running away from her grief, but she also never worked it through? She only spoke about it with Beau and that's it. No healing, nothing! She came back home once again because she was running from being hurt, not because she wanted to be home. She decided to be more involved with the family business, so she took over the whole side of it, to then get bored and decide that's not what she is meant to do, but also, hey, I did it because I was angry and hurt after my relationship ended, so now because we are fine, I don't want to do business side anymore! I want to be outside, on the horse, and the person I hated just yesterday can be responsible for managing everything else. And hey, don't hate him anymore because even though I told you how he broke my heart and left him, I still love him and want to be with him. But oh wait, he is leaving to go work for another ranch, so I'll just leave you all behind and everything that I pushed you to make me responsible for, and go be with him because that's what I want! And omg, he was given a potion that I once again was pushing you all to give him, so now I can stay ONCE AGAIN!
Like girl! Come on! She was expecting her family to bend over backwards for her and her needs, and was getting angry at them when they were being realistic! I felt so bad for Charlie and I agreed when she asked Daisy "when will you grow up?".
And don't get me started on the break up between Daisy and Beau! She was so afraid of commitment and reality, that she did not see how she is the main problem when it came to relationship break down. She wanted to continue living in a delulu land until Beau grew out of it and wanted more. When I thought I finally saw a flicker of self-growth from Daisy, where she started to think, maybe our break up has more to do with me, it got extinguished when in the next breath she once again was could not understand why he left her. And they got back together like nothing happened.
Daisy was frustrating me so much, I could not stop rolling my eyes at her and her antics. I also did not believe the whole "found family" because again to me it felt forced. It felt like the Davenport family wanted Daisy to stay at the ranch, so they had to be nice to Beau. There was no relationship development between him and the rest of the family.
I think the only reason I liked this book was the relationship between Beau and Ollie and them as characters.
First thing first, I felt everything happened too quickly and the pacing felt off to me. The dual timeline is my opinion was not needed; or at least, it could have been added later on, not in the first few chapters. Them forgiving each other did not feel earned and I wish they spent more time getting to know each other again.
Now, the main issue I disliked this book - Daisy! She was and still is by the end of the book is a very irresponsible and childish. She left Silver Leaf because she was running away from her grief, but she also never worked it through? She only spoke about it with Beau and that's it. No healing, nothing! She came back home once again because she was running from being hurt, not because she wanted to be home. She decided to be more involved with the family business, so she took over the whole side of it, to then get bored and decide that's not what she is meant to do, but also, hey, I did it because I was angry and hurt after my relationship ended, so now because we are fine, I don't want to do business side anymore! I want to be outside, on the horse, and the person I hated just yesterday can be responsible for managing everything else. And hey, don't hate him anymore because even though I told you how he broke my heart and left him, I still love him and want to be with him. But oh wait, he is leaving to go work for another ranch, so I'll just leave you all behind and everything that I pushed you to make me responsible for, and go be with him because that's what I want! And omg, he was given a potion that I once again was pushing you all to give him, so now I can stay ONCE AGAIN!
Like girl! Come on! She was expecting her family to bend over backwards for her and her needs, and was getting angry at them when they were being realistic! I felt so bad for Charlie and I agreed when she asked Daisy "when will you grow up?".
And don't get me started on the break up between Daisy and Beau! She was so afraid of commitment and reality, that she did not see how she is the main problem when it came to relationship break down. She wanted to continue living in a delulu land until Beau grew out of it and wanted more. When I thought I finally saw a flicker of self-growth from Daisy, where she started to think, maybe our break up has more to do with me, it got extinguished when in the next breath she once again was could not understand why he left her. And they got back together like nothing happened.
Daisy was frustrating me so much, I could not stop rolling my eyes at her and her antics. I also did not believe the whole "found family" because again to me it felt forced. It felt like the Davenport family wanted Daisy to stay at the ranch, so they had to be nice to Beau. There was no relationship development between him and the rest of the family.
I think the only reason I liked this book was the relationship between Beau and Ollie and them as characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I swear, if you crave second chance romances that bruise a little before they heal, Darlin’ is a knockout! I was all sorts of sad and angry before Daisy and Beau got their much deserved HEA.
Daisy and Beau spend over a full year traveling together; falling in love in that wild, wandering way that makes you believe nothing could ever break them. And then Beau does the unthinkable: he leaves. No explanation. No goodbye. Just heartbreak carved out of a miscommunication that should never have had that much power.
A year later, Daisy’s trying to rebuild her life on her family ranch, Silver Leaf, when Beau shows up on her doorstep… hired by her sister, carrying the weight of regret, and raising his ten year old nephew, Ollie. The moment they see each other again, you feel everything: the hate, the longing, the hurt, the want. Neither of them moved on. Neither of them even tried. Now, Daisy is Beau’s boss and she can’t try to get him off her ranch fast enough.
Their chemistry is unreal. The kind that snaps and sparks even when they’re furious. And when they finally give in the spice is perfection. It’s charged, intimate, and soaked in all the history they never stopped carrying. Beau aims to please and wants to be the only man for Daisy.
Daisy is doing her best to process her grief, even though being back home is hard. She loves her siblings but it’s difficult to plant roots because of all the memories she has tied to the ranch. Her second chance with Beau is much needed. She’s totally an FMC you can connect with, her pain, anger, and love are emotions you can feel through the page. Her bond with Ollie was SO cute! I loved that she became someone he could rely on in the midst of everything that was happening.
Beau is the kind of MMC who gets under your skin: protective, gentle, trying so hard to do the right thing even when he’s terrified he’s already ruined everything. Daisy it is for him and he knows it. He calls her darlin’, takes care of her when migraines knock her down, and shows up for her anyway he can.
“There’s nobody like you, Daisy Darlin’. Don’t ever change.”
Daisy’s family is slow to trust and quick to protect their own. Eventually they see the truth right before their eyes with a small push from Daisy. She fights hard to keep them at Silver Leaf Ranch. Ultimately, they accept Beau and Ollie not because the story demands it, but because the emotional work earns it and because if they don’t they lose Daisy too.
I seriously cried at the ending. How sweet!! Daisy gets the love of her life and sweet bonus with Ollie, while Beau and Ollie get the family they always wanted. In the end, all are truly loved and cared for unconditionally.
Darlin’ is angsty, emotional, beautifully messy, and full of that rare kind of love that survives distance, mistakes, and time. Such a gorgeous second chance story that lingers long after the last page.
A huge thank you to Samantha Leigh & LoveNotes PR for the early copy!
Daisy and Beau spend over a full year traveling together; falling in love in that wild, wandering way that makes you believe nothing could ever break them. And then Beau does the unthinkable: he leaves. No explanation. No goodbye. Just heartbreak carved out of a miscommunication that should never have had that much power.
A year later, Daisy’s trying to rebuild her life on her family ranch, Silver Leaf, when Beau shows up on her doorstep… hired by her sister, carrying the weight of regret, and raising his ten year old nephew, Ollie. The moment they see each other again, you feel everything: the hate, the longing, the hurt, the want. Neither of them moved on. Neither of them even tried. Now, Daisy is Beau’s boss and she can’t try to get him off her ranch fast enough.
Their chemistry is unreal. The kind that snaps and sparks even when they’re furious. And when they finally give in the spice is perfection. It’s charged, intimate, and soaked in all the history they never stopped carrying. Beau aims to please and wants to be the only man for Daisy.
Daisy is doing her best to process her grief, even though being back home is hard. She loves her siblings but it’s difficult to plant roots because of all the memories she has tied to the ranch. Her second chance with Beau is much needed. She’s totally an FMC you can connect with, her pain, anger, and love are emotions you can feel through the page. Her bond with Ollie was SO cute! I loved that she became someone he could rely on in the midst of everything that was happening.
Beau is the kind of MMC who gets under your skin: protective, gentle, trying so hard to do the right thing even when he’s terrified he’s already ruined everything. Daisy it is for him and he knows it. He calls her darlin’, takes care of her when migraines knock her down, and shows up for her anyway he can.
“There’s nobody like you, Daisy Darlin’. Don’t ever change.”
Daisy’s family is slow to trust and quick to protect their own. Eventually they see the truth right before their eyes with a small push from Daisy. She fights hard to keep them at Silver Leaf Ranch. Ultimately, they accept Beau and Ollie not because the story demands it, but because the emotional work earns it and because if they don’t they lose Daisy too.
I seriously cried at the ending. How sweet!! Daisy gets the love of her life and sweet bonus with Ollie, while Beau and Ollie get the family they always wanted. In the end, all are truly loved and cared for unconditionally.
Darlin’ is angsty, emotional, beautifully messy, and full of that rare kind of love that survives distance, mistakes, and time. Such a gorgeous second chance story that lingers long after the last page.
A huge thank you to Samantha Leigh & LoveNotes PR for the early copy!
September 10, 2026
Well I would say I have enjoyed this book the least in this series and that is not to say its not good just not a troupe that I love second chance / Miss or no communication. One of the things that I did like that really this was an example where they were both kind of in the wrong however Beau leaving really just set me on edge as this is a really bad coping technic however understanding a little more about his character did kind of set me at ease.
Beau has had a horrible childhood and he doesn't really know what a real family is however he falls for Daisy immediately even chasing her to the airport when she tries to be sensible when they have only been together 6 weeks. Beau has a lot of insecurity around his worth due to his fathers constant abuse and the fact he doesn't come from a rich family and the lifestyle he has chosen doesn't make much.
Daisy is running from the grief of loosing her parents and hasn't been home in many years she loves Beau however she doesn't want to mix her 2 worlds as she thinks her grief will taint the joy she finds with Beau. Daisy is a little flaky and really even with all her travelling hasn't managed to find herself and it did kind f feel like she needed a and to be able to do this.
Everything is fine with them both wanting to travel and work and love each other then Beau wants to slow down and settle down and he finds out Daisy hasn't told her family about him. Then he does a rubbish pressured proposal and is surprised when she doesn't answer. Then he leaves with just a note in the middle of the night before they have had an unemotionally fuel conversation. Both are devastated and really this was a normal argument however made worse by Daisy's inability to articulate her grief and Beaus inability to see his worth. Beau blocks her and doesn't answer her calls.
Its a year later and Beau has accepted a job at a ranch not knowing its her family's ranch. He did this by accident and this was maybe why I couldn't get on board with their romance if it was up to Beau he would never of seen her again this is what he wanted what he clearly stated. However as obvious they start to work together and have an actual conversation and they work it out however Beau's insecurities and his need to provide for his nephew that he has guardianship over are ruling his head.
Obviously Daisy's family dislike Beau he broke her heart and they don't really know the full story however they come around pretty quickly and it all works out.
Beau has had a horrible childhood and he doesn't really know what a real family is however he falls for Daisy immediately even chasing her to the airport when she tries to be sensible when they have only been together 6 weeks. Beau has a lot of insecurity around his worth due to his fathers constant abuse and the fact he doesn't come from a rich family and the lifestyle he has chosen doesn't make much.
Daisy is running from the grief of loosing her parents and hasn't been home in many years she loves Beau however she doesn't want to mix her 2 worlds as she thinks her grief will taint the joy she finds with Beau. Daisy is a little flaky and really even with all her travelling hasn't managed to find herself and it did kind f feel like she needed a and to be able to do this.
Everything is fine with them both wanting to travel and work and love each other then Beau wants to slow down and settle down and he finds out Daisy hasn't told her family about him. Then he does a rubbish pressured proposal and is surprised when she doesn't answer. Then he leaves with just a note in the middle of the night before they have had an unemotionally fuel conversation. Both are devastated and really this was a normal argument however made worse by Daisy's inability to articulate her grief and Beaus inability to see his worth. Beau blocks her and doesn't answer her calls.
Its a year later and Beau has accepted a job at a ranch not knowing its her family's ranch. He did this by accident and this was maybe why I couldn't get on board with their romance if it was up to Beau he would never of seen her again this is what he wanted what he clearly stated. However as obvious they start to work together and have an actual conversation and they work it out however Beau's insecurities and his need to provide for his nephew that he has guardianship over are ruling his head.
Obviously Daisy's family dislike Beau he broke her heart and they don't really know the full story however they come around pretty quickly and it all works out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Darlin'🐎
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Samantha Leigh for trusting me with this ARC!🌟
a past decision is hunting Beau & two eyes that he cannot forget burst into his life again,while he has to navigate fatherhood alone.
Daisy is ready to fire him.Until she sees a little boy holding his hand,and starting to believe that a second chance may be given.
What an incredible love story this was.
Literally,the perfect book to binge,while giggling your feet for the 100% of the time (still do while writing this).Since page 1,I could sense a 5 star putting itself together,and the way the romance,the characters & the tropes unfolded left me no space for doubt.Leigh's writing had me amazed,was easy to read and follow,while having that something which I am always looking for when I read those deeply yearning romances.
Daisy,was a woman of her own kind.Strong,unable to put in a cage,or make her stay in a place for too long,who once upon a time was deeply in love,had those passionate feelings about for one and only man,until everything collapsed,side by side with her chances to fall in love again.Since that she became a fortress,with few people able to pass her guards.However,since the return of Beau in her life,we see how can someone believe in its feelings again,and that a woman returning to love is not one that suddenly became soft or lost her fierce way of looking at life.Apart from that,I loved her energy and spirit,with her being truly the fmc this book needed.Wonderful job done by Leigh.
Beau,was a man of his word.Already,terrible in love with Daisy & that man did EVERYTHING in his power to get her back,and SHOW her how many things he never stopped feeling.Also,we saw him become a dad in a very admiring way,loving this little boy with his whole heart & becoming what can I only describe as man material.
Fore the romance,a little words can be said and many things can be felt.It was from the ones that honestly had me in aw & got me so good that I truly felt it in my heart,and wanted only the best for those two.
So,if you are searching for that deeply yearning feeling,an amazing book to binge,those cowboy vibes or just everything put together,Darlin' is the perfect book for you.🪵
Out On Aug,27th🍯
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Samantha Leigh for trusting me with this ARC!🌟
a past decision is hunting Beau & two eyes that he cannot forget burst into his life again,while he has to navigate fatherhood alone.
Daisy is ready to fire him.Until she sees a little boy holding his hand,and starting to believe that a second chance may be given.
What an incredible love story this was.
Literally,the perfect book to binge,while giggling your feet for the 100% of the time (still do while writing this).Since page 1,I could sense a 5 star putting itself together,and the way the romance,the characters & the tropes unfolded left me no space for doubt.Leigh's writing had me amazed,was easy to read and follow,while having that something which I am always looking for when I read those deeply yearning romances.
Daisy,was a woman of her own kind.Strong,unable to put in a cage,or make her stay in a place for too long,who once upon a time was deeply in love,had those passionate feelings about for one and only man,until everything collapsed,side by side with her chances to fall in love again.Since that she became a fortress,with few people able to pass her guards.However,since the return of Beau in her life,we see how can someone believe in its feelings again,and that a woman returning to love is not one that suddenly became soft or lost her fierce way of looking at life.Apart from that,I loved her energy and spirit,with her being truly the fmc this book needed.Wonderful job done by Leigh.
Beau,was a man of his word.Already,terrible in love with Daisy & that man did EVERYTHING in his power to get her back,and SHOW her how many things he never stopped feeling.Also,we saw him become a dad in a very admiring way,loving this little boy with his whole heart & becoming what can I only describe as man material.
Fore the romance,a little words can be said and many things can be felt.It was from the ones that honestly had me in aw & got me so good that I truly felt it in my heart,and wanted only the best for those two.
So,if you are searching for that deeply yearning feeling,an amazing book to binge,those cowboy vibes or just everything put together,Darlin' is the perfect book for you.🪵
Out On Aug,27th🍯
5⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was one of those soft, sweet, easy to read books. It is a second-chance romance with a slow-burn. It is full of history, pain, regret, happiness, love, family and life challenges. Its running from the past, trying to prove yourself, finding happiness in a place that once only brought sadness and accepting love even when you see yourself as unworthy. Beau, Daisy and Ollie had all been through so much in their lives, and coming together they were all able to create this safe, warm space that felt like home. For Beau & Daisy they were able to get that second chance they never thought they would have and in doing so it added two more people to the crazy, big, loving unit that is the Davenport family.
Beau & Daisy's relationship started off like a whirlwind, then some miscommunication tore them a part. There was a lot of hate on Daisy's side, which made sense when she didn't have all the facts. But once things were explained they both realised they each contributed to the original breakdown. You could feel that they worked so well together. Their interactions were effortless. They knew what the other needed without words and they decided to never let something get in between them again. It was a very sweet connection connection they had. But them getting back together did feel a little too easy and simple. Basically, if they had those conversations back then, everything would have been fine. I guess that's why I didn't feel as emotionally invested in the characters.
I love the way the Davenport family always have such a big part to play in each book. Although Beau didn't get off on the right foot with them all, him and Ollie grew to be a part of the family. And the Davenports showed him this in the most them way.
I will admit, this one didn't grip me as much as I was hoping. Did it blow me away? No. But it was still a good enough book that I stuck around until the end. I think it just felt a little slow with its pacing at times. I did love all the found family elements and deep down I am still sucker for this series because of how much I adored book 1 & 2. Overall this one was a 4 ⭐️ read for me.
Thank you to Samantha Leigh & Love Notes PR for providing me with an arc.
Beau & Daisy's relationship started off like a whirlwind, then some miscommunication tore them a part. There was a lot of hate on Daisy's side, which made sense when she didn't have all the facts. But once things were explained they both realised they each contributed to the original breakdown. You could feel that they worked so well together. Their interactions were effortless. They knew what the other needed without words and they decided to never let something get in between them again. It was a very sweet connection connection they had. But them getting back together did feel a little too easy and simple. Basically, if they had those conversations back then, everything would have been fine. I guess that's why I didn't feel as emotionally invested in the characters.
I love the way the Davenport family always have such a big part to play in each book. Although Beau didn't get off on the right foot with them all, him and Ollie grew to be a part of the family. And the Davenports showed him this in the most them way.
I will admit, this one didn't grip me as much as I was hoping. Did it blow me away? No. But it was still a good enough book that I stuck around until the end. I think it just felt a little slow with its pacing at times. I did love all the found family elements and deep down I am still sucker for this series because of how much I adored book 1 & 2. Overall this one was a 4 ⭐️ read for me.
Thank you to Samantha Leigh & Love Notes PR for providing me with an arc.
Review of advance copy
Darlin’ is a sweet, emotional, and deeply satisfying romance about two people learning from their mistakes, choosing each other again, and creating the family they've always wanted. With lovable characters, a charming ranch setting, adorable nephew moments, and a beautifully written second chance love story, it's a standout installment in the Aster Springs series.
A heartfelt, emotional second chance cowboy romance that combines lost love, family, healing, and small town charm. The story follows Daisy Davenport and Beau, two people who never stopped loving each other despite a painful breakup caused by grief, insecurity, and miscommunication.
A year after Daisy returned home heartbroken, Beau unexpectedly reappears at Silver Leaf Ranch after becoming the guardian of his young nephew, Ollie. Forced back into each other's lives, they must confront the past, unpack old wounds, and decide whether their love deserves another chance.
One of the biggest strengths of the novel is the relationship between Daisy and Beau. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it's the emotional connection beneath it that makes their story so compelling. Through dual timelines, it slowly uncover the whirlwind romance they once shared, the heartbreak that tore them apart, and the reasons they struggled to find their way back to each other.
Beau stands out as a deeply lovable hero. Despite his difficult upbringing and feelings of inadequacy, he's loyal, hardworking, and incredibly devoted. His role as guardian to Ollie showcases his caring nature and provides some of the book's most heartwarming moments. Daisy is equally strong and relatable, balancing her independence with her fear of commitment and unresolved feelings for Beau.
The Davenport family and the residents of Aster Springs add warmth, humor, and a strong sense of community. The found family atmosphere, ranch setting, and memorable side characters make the story feel comforting and immersive.
While the romance is relatively low angst, the emotional stakes remain high. The conflict comes mostly from external circumstances and personal insecurities rather than unnecessary relationship drama, making the reconciliation feel mature and satisfying.
Thankyou Samantha and LoveNotes PR for this ARC!!
A heartfelt, emotional second chance cowboy romance that combines lost love, family, healing, and small town charm. The story follows Daisy Davenport and Beau, two people who never stopped loving each other despite a painful breakup caused by grief, insecurity, and miscommunication.
A year after Daisy returned home heartbroken, Beau unexpectedly reappears at Silver Leaf Ranch after becoming the guardian of his young nephew, Ollie. Forced back into each other's lives, they must confront the past, unpack old wounds, and decide whether their love deserves another chance.
One of the biggest strengths of the novel is the relationship between Daisy and Beau. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it's the emotional connection beneath it that makes their story so compelling. Through dual timelines, it slowly uncover the whirlwind romance they once shared, the heartbreak that tore them apart, and the reasons they struggled to find their way back to each other.
Beau stands out as a deeply lovable hero. Despite his difficult upbringing and feelings of inadequacy, he's loyal, hardworking, and incredibly devoted. His role as guardian to Ollie showcases his caring nature and provides some of the book's most heartwarming moments. Daisy is equally strong and relatable, balancing her independence with her fear of commitment and unresolved feelings for Beau.
The Davenport family and the residents of Aster Springs add warmth, humor, and a strong sense of community. The found family atmosphere, ranch setting, and memorable side characters make the story feel comforting and immersive.
While the romance is relatively low angst, the emotional stakes remain high. The conflict comes mostly from external circumstances and personal insecurities rather than unnecessary relationship drama, making the reconciliation feel mature and satisfying.
Thankyou Samantha and LoveNotes PR for this ARC!!
August 24, 2026
I fell head over heels for Beau from the first time he called her “darlin” in that southern cowboy accent and from then on I was in a spell. Not only did this book attack my ovaries (because he is a killer father figure to his nephew who he has legal guardianship of) but also my emotions because I was a crying mess by the time the book ended. I’m not usually a big fan of time changes in between chapters but my one exception is second chance where there’s flashbacks of their first time being in a relationship with each other. The parallels and differences between the then and now of Daisy and Beau’s relationship had me crying from how beautiful their past relationship was and mourning the loss. But it also made me love them so much more and root for them with all my heart. Gosh when they meet again after a year the heartbreak and longing cuts so damn deep and raw, and it’s written so well that I felt for them through the pages. Their first romance was very “right person wrong time” but also major miscommunication on both their parts. It was amazing seeing them work past the insecurities that led to their “breakup” and finally communicating with each other in the end for their HEA. The found family also got so damn hard because the class difference between them was a major issue or insecurity for Beau, and although her brothers hated him for hurting Daisy at the start, they loved and accepted him and his nephew Ollie. Why you ask? Because he made Daisy happier than shroud been since their parents died. Ollie, Beau’s nephew, was also the sweetest little kid and deserved so much better than to be left behind by his bio mother, and the way Daisy supported him from the start was beautiful. Despite all of Beau’s struggles that he’ll never be worth anything, I think how he stepped up for Ollie proves everything. This book is an emotional wreck so prepare your tissues because there are crazy and heartbreaking plot twists, that in the end, make their happy ending even more heartwarming. I’m still crying as I write this review because I fell so deeply for both Daisy and Beau, and I give this a 5/5
August 27, 2026
Daisy and Beau’s story is both sweet and spicy with lots of angst and yearning. They met while working on a ranch in New Zealand two and a half years ago. An instant attraction soon turned to love. They spent the next eighteen months together while travelling the world, working on a ranch for a few months, before moving onto another. A year ago, Beau broke both of their hearts when he left in the middle of the night, with a note saying it was over between them. Daisy had left her family‘s ranch in California at just eighteen to escape the pain of losing both of her parents and, ironically, it’s the pain of losing Beau that brought her back home to her family a decade later.
Now Beau is back in Daisy’s life as the new stable hand that her sister hired without consulting her. She wants to fire him immediately, but Beau pleads his case. He needs stable work and a place to stay in order to assume permanent custody of the young nephew he has with him. Daisy can’t in good conscience send him away without making sure he has another job lined up. She doesn’t want to punish young Ollie for his uncle’s actions, but she tells Beau to start looking for that other job and she will too. She does get another job lined up for Beau, but it doesn’t start for two months. Daisy tells Beau to do his work and stay out of her way. Of course that is impossible when they are both working in the stables with the horses.
As their story unfolds, Beau and Daisy finally hash out what happened between them, especially the breakup and why he left her the way he did. Neither has stopped loving each other, but there is so much angst and hurt between them, as well as his need to prove himself worthy of her. Daisy has her own need to prove herself to her family after being gone for a decade and leaving the ranch for them to manage. Her protective family is also watching, intent on protecting Daisy from being hurt again, and not exactly making things easy for Beau. It is young Ollie, with his eagerness to please and his joy in being on the ranch, who ends up uniting everyone.
This well written and very engaging book has my heartfelt recommendation.
Now Beau is back in Daisy’s life as the new stable hand that her sister hired without consulting her. She wants to fire him immediately, but Beau pleads his case. He needs stable work and a place to stay in order to assume permanent custody of the young nephew he has with him. Daisy can’t in good conscience send him away without making sure he has another job lined up. She doesn’t want to punish young Ollie for his uncle’s actions, but she tells Beau to start looking for that other job and she will too. She does get another job lined up for Beau, but it doesn’t start for two months. Daisy tells Beau to do his work and stay out of her way. Of course that is impossible when they are both working in the stables with the horses.
As their story unfolds, Beau and Daisy finally hash out what happened between them, especially the breakup and why he left her the way he did. Neither has stopped loving each other, but there is so much angst and hurt between them, as well as his need to prove himself worthy of her. Daisy has her own need to prove herself to her family after being gone for a decade and leaving the ranch for them to manage. Her protective family is also watching, intent on protecting Daisy from being hurt again, and not exactly making things easy for Beau. It is young Ollie, with his eagerness to please and his joy in being on the ranch, who ends up uniting everyone.
This well written and very engaging book has my heartfelt recommendation.
August 27, 2026
🤠 "I've never had to think about you, Darlin'. I knew I loved you the moment I saw you, and I know I'll keep on loving you forever." 🤠
“I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” — Paul Coelho, The Alchemist 🤍
Daisy and Beau’s story has everything I love in a romance: love at first sight, undeniable chemistry, steamy moments, secrets, hidden feelings, and a heartbreaking separation that left them both carrying painful wounds 💔🥺
When they meet again years later and get a second chance at love, all those old feelings come rushing back—both the good and the bad ❤️🩹
Daisy is beautiful, talented, and strong woman 💖 After years away, she returns to her family’s ranch, searching for her place in the world and a chance to finally do what she loves 🐎🤠🎀🤎
Beau has had to leave his life as a drifter behind after becoming the guardian of his nephew, Ollie. Now, his number one priority is giving this little boy a safe, happy, and stable home 🥹❤️
And Beau... I absolutely adored him 🫠 He is protective, patient, understanding, and hardworking, and I love that Ollie’s happiness always comes first. He would do absolutely anything for him 🫶🏻
I also loved watching Daisy and Beau’s relationship evolve 😍 Their journey from hate to love was slow, emotional, and full of tension. The chemistry, the physical attraction, the yearning, the jealousy… 🔥🥵 Everything was there! And I especially loved that, deep down, neither of them ever stopped believing that they were meant to be together forever ❤️
Daisy fighting for their future and refusing to give up on them was one of my favorite parts 🥰 She never stopped hoping that somehow, they would find their way to be with each other 🥹💕
And the bond between Beau and Ollie, as well as Daisy and Ollie, completely melted my heart 🥹🫠 The three of them fit together so beautifully, and watching them become this sweet little family was everything 💜
I highly recommend this book, especially if you love second chance romance, single guardian, hate to love, cowboy romance, and found family 🐎🤠🏡
📖 Darlin' by Samantha Leigh (ARC) 💜
“I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” — Paul Coelho, The Alchemist 🤍
Daisy and Beau’s story has everything I love in a romance: love at first sight, undeniable chemistry, steamy moments, secrets, hidden feelings, and a heartbreaking separation that left them both carrying painful wounds 💔🥺
When they meet again years later and get a second chance at love, all those old feelings come rushing back—both the good and the bad ❤️🩹
Daisy is beautiful, talented, and strong woman 💖 After years away, she returns to her family’s ranch, searching for her place in the world and a chance to finally do what she loves 🐎🤠🎀🤎
Beau has had to leave his life as a drifter behind after becoming the guardian of his nephew, Ollie. Now, his number one priority is giving this little boy a safe, happy, and stable home 🥹❤️
And Beau... I absolutely adored him 🫠 He is protective, patient, understanding, and hardworking, and I love that Ollie’s happiness always comes first. He would do absolutely anything for him 🫶🏻
I also loved watching Daisy and Beau’s relationship evolve 😍 Their journey from hate to love was slow, emotional, and full of tension. The chemistry, the physical attraction, the yearning, the jealousy… 🔥🥵 Everything was there! And I especially loved that, deep down, neither of them ever stopped believing that they were meant to be together forever ❤️
Daisy fighting for their future and refusing to give up on them was one of my favorite parts 🥰 She never stopped hoping that somehow, they would find their way to be with each other 🥹💕
And the bond between Beau and Ollie, as well as Daisy and Ollie, completely melted my heart 🥹🫠 The three of them fit together so beautifully, and watching them become this sweet little family was everything 💜
I highly recommend this book, especially if you love second chance romance, single guardian, hate to love, cowboy romance, and found family 🐎🤠🏡
📖 Darlin' by Samantha Leigh (ARC) 💜
September 4, 2026
This is my first book from Samantha Leigh and it is absolutely precious!
When the past shows up at your front door, literally... it's hard to escape.
I'm here for a strong FMC who isn't looking to mold herself into something she isn't interested in. She doesn't need someone to stand up for her, but doesn't turn it down when people do. Once upon a time, she was madly in love while traveling the world with Beau by her side. She was always itching to keep moving, never wanting to stay in one place too long. Beau was along for that ride and enjoyed the constant moving, until he didn't. He wanted to settle down... he wanted to marry her... and then he left.
She put up her walls and became a full-on fortress to protect herself. When Beau shows up at her family ranch with a 10-year-old boy in tow, her world comes crashing down. He's now responsible for his nephew and wasn't aware that he was coming to Silver Leaf Ranch that is owned by Daisy's family -- they never discussed the ranch's name. She wants him gone, as soon as possible, but she has a soft spot for this little boy.
This novel is an amazing representation of developing a relationship between the MCs. The chemistry between Daisy and Beau is undeniable. Honestly? What makes it even better is the emotional connection. They do their best to communicate and work through the past and focus on the future. I also love how protective her family was of her and worked through their own struggles with trusting him. It felt realistic in so many ways.
Another perk of this story is the amazing side characters, from the Davenport family, the residents of Aster Springs and the young man himself, Ollie. They really set the stage for these two to reconnect and develop family of their own.
Be prepared with tissues and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.
Thank you to Samantha Leigh and Lovenotes PR for this ARC opportunity!
TL:DR
⭐️ 5/5
🐎 Small town ranch
💙 Single guardian
🔁 Second chance
🤠 Cowboys
❤️🩹 Emotional healing
🟩 He's a walking green flag
❤️🔥 Undeniable chemistry
🫂 Definition of found family
💁🏻♀️ She's a determined, free spirit, strong young lady
🌶️ 3/5
When the past shows up at your front door, literally... it's hard to escape.
I'm here for a strong FMC who isn't looking to mold herself into something she isn't interested in. She doesn't need someone to stand up for her, but doesn't turn it down when people do. Once upon a time, she was madly in love while traveling the world with Beau by her side. She was always itching to keep moving, never wanting to stay in one place too long. Beau was along for that ride and enjoyed the constant moving, until he didn't. He wanted to settle down... he wanted to marry her... and then he left.
She put up her walls and became a full-on fortress to protect herself. When Beau shows up at her family ranch with a 10-year-old boy in tow, her world comes crashing down. He's now responsible for his nephew and wasn't aware that he was coming to Silver Leaf Ranch that is owned by Daisy's family -- they never discussed the ranch's name. She wants him gone, as soon as possible, but she has a soft spot for this little boy.
This novel is an amazing representation of developing a relationship between the MCs. The chemistry between Daisy and Beau is undeniable. Honestly? What makes it even better is the emotional connection. They do their best to communicate and work through the past and focus on the future. I also love how protective her family was of her and worked through their own struggles with trusting him. It felt realistic in so many ways.
Another perk of this story is the amazing side characters, from the Davenport family, the residents of Aster Springs and the young man himself, Ollie. They really set the stage for these two to reconnect and develop family of their own.
Be prepared with tissues and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.
Thank you to Samantha Leigh and Lovenotes PR for this ARC opportunity!
TL:DR
⭐️ 5/5
🐎 Small town ranch
💙 Single guardian
🔁 Second chance
🤠 Cowboys
❤️🩹 Emotional healing
🟩 He's a walking green flag
❤️🔥 Undeniable chemistry
🫂 Definition of found family
💁🏻♀️ She's a determined, free spirit, strong young lady
🌶️ 3/5
September 1, 2026
~eARC~
Darlin' by Samantha Leigh
Book 4 in Aster Springs
This one was one of those books that was a 5 star read based on vibes and enjoyment but, I had enough *eye rolls* and *huh?* moments that I need to knock it back to 4 stars.
I've loved Samantha Leigh's writing style and the Aster Springs series as a whole. Particularly seeing the siblings and their partners pull together and build the found family support network they are for each other. I'd like to think I can see crumbs for a spin-off series up the road after Charlie gets her long awaited story.
Darlin' certainly ticks the boxes for cosiness and low angst. Daisy was an interesting character to watch go from fiercely independent and self isolating to leaning into who she can be with family and Beau at her side.
I found myself with the odd tear that I couldn't explain. Maybe it was recognising something in Beau and his feelings of inadequacy? Or maybe it was the second chance relationship he built with Daisy and the insta-family that Ollie was wrapped up in? This is where my reluctance to go full 5 star feels trivial but, the elements I loved were also the elements that had me take stock. One, Ollie whom I loved as a character, read more like a 4 or 5 year old. I live with a 10 year old boy and Ollie just missed the mark for some behaviours and choices.
Beau, for the hardworking, big loving character he was, his self-saboutaging language 'I'm not good enough schtick' got tired. Particularly as I pictured him in his 30s. I'll be interested to see glimpses of his character in future books.
Finally, well, if you told me the property was 2000acres I wouldn't have baulked. But wowsers that family packs a huge amount into 200 acres! Good on them if they can fit a winery, stock, trail rides, an event space and a couple of homes and...and...and...
An ever consistent offering from Samantha Leigh.
My thanks to the author, and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this eARC ahead of publication.
All grammar mistakes are done by me with no AI
Darlin' by Samantha Leigh
Book 4 in Aster Springs
This one was one of those books that was a 5 star read based on vibes and enjoyment but, I had enough *eye rolls* and *huh?* moments that I need to knock it back to 4 stars.
I've loved Samantha Leigh's writing style and the Aster Springs series as a whole. Particularly seeing the siblings and their partners pull together and build the found family support network they are for each other. I'd like to think I can see crumbs for a spin-off series up the road after Charlie gets her long awaited story.
Darlin' certainly ticks the boxes for cosiness and low angst. Daisy was an interesting character to watch go from fiercely independent and self isolating to leaning into who she can be with family and Beau at her side.
I found myself with the odd tear that I couldn't explain. Maybe it was recognising something in Beau and his feelings of inadequacy? Or maybe it was the second chance relationship he built with Daisy and the insta-family that Ollie was wrapped up in? This is where my reluctance to go full 5 star feels trivial but, the elements I loved were also the elements that had me take stock. One, Ollie whom I loved as a character, read more like a 4 or 5 year old. I live with a 10 year old boy and Ollie just missed the mark for some behaviours and choices.
Beau, for the hardworking, big loving character he was, his self-saboutaging language 'I'm not good enough schtick' got tired. Particularly as I pictured him in his 30s. I'll be interested to see glimpses of his character in future books.
Finally, well, if you told me the property was 2000acres I wouldn't have baulked. But wowsers that family packs a huge amount into 200 acres! Good on them if they can fit a winery, stock, trail rides, an event space and a couple of homes and...and...and...
An ever consistent offering from Samantha Leigh.
My thanks to the author, and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this eARC ahead of publication.
All grammar mistakes are done by me with no AI
September 5, 2026
Sit down, strap in and let me ramble for a moment about the moustache owning, forearm flexing, cowboy hat wearing MMC that sauntered into my life and re-entered Daisy’s.
For the past 3 books readers would have met the carefree spirit that is Daisy Davenport. She’s loyal, fun, fiery, and the best aunt / friend / sister that anyone could ask for. But this girl has been hurt and hurt bad. She’s running from her grief and is terrified to let anyone get too close. (Re)Enter Beau Covington. Beau was everything I wanted for Daisy and I’m so glad they got a second chance. They were each other’s safe place to land, they just needed to learn a few things and grow a little first.
The duel timeline worked really well as you got to see depth of the connection between Beau and Daisy before their breakup and how that impacts their relationship in the present day. Their chemistry was palpable and just waiting for match to strike causing an explosion. Their unresolved pain, abandonment, hurt, grief, resentment, love, happiness was just more fuel to an already burning pot. I was equal part sweating and sobbing. They simultaneously broke and healed me in every way. The yearning, the tension, the acts of service… I can go on and on.
Now Beau as I said isn’t perfect and no amount of moustache owning, forearm flexing, cowboy hat wearing will distract me from that (although Sam tried really hard!!) He enters the list of hot single dads written by Sam and I’m refusing to say who’s my favourite🤐 His relationship with Ollie was fun to see and how he handled stepping into a role he didn’t expect to have.
I will forever be grateful to Sam for having me along for the ride, I don’t take being her beta reader from granted. Aster Springs is one of my favourite small town series and I’m so excited for Charlie’s HEA!
💜Single Dad / Guardian
💜Second Chance
💜Hate to Love
💜Hot Cowboy (w/ a sexy southern drawl!)
💜Boss x Employee
💜Found Family
💜Steamy small town romance
For the past 3 books readers would have met the carefree spirit that is Daisy Davenport. She’s loyal, fun, fiery, and the best aunt / friend / sister that anyone could ask for. But this girl has been hurt and hurt bad. She’s running from her grief and is terrified to let anyone get too close. (Re)Enter Beau Covington. Beau was everything I wanted for Daisy and I’m so glad they got a second chance. They were each other’s safe place to land, they just needed to learn a few things and grow a little first.
The duel timeline worked really well as you got to see depth of the connection between Beau and Daisy before their breakup and how that impacts their relationship in the present day. Their chemistry was palpable and just waiting for match to strike causing an explosion. Their unresolved pain, abandonment, hurt, grief, resentment, love, happiness was just more fuel to an already burning pot. I was equal part sweating and sobbing. They simultaneously broke and healed me in every way. The yearning, the tension, the acts of service… I can go on and on.
Now Beau as I said isn’t perfect and no amount of moustache owning, forearm flexing, cowboy hat wearing will distract me from that (although Sam tried really hard!!) He enters the list of hot single dads written by Sam and I’m refusing to say who’s my favourite🤐 His relationship with Ollie was fun to see and how he handled stepping into a role he didn’t expect to have.
I will forever be grateful to Sam for having me along for the ride, I don’t take being her beta reader from granted. Aster Springs is one of my favourite small town series and I’m so excited for Charlie’s HEA!
💜Single Dad / Guardian
💜Second Chance
💜Hate to Love
💜Hot Cowboy (w/ a sexy southern drawl!)
💜Boss x Employee
💜Found Family
💜Steamy small town romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
5⭐|2🌶️|4%🌶️frequency
If you don't know it, I am an empath. I feel the pain of characters when I read it. But also the joy 😉 So, of course I cried a lot reading this book.
Daisy and Beau's story is just so extremely wonderful but also sad. I knew Daisy was suffering a huge heartbreak when she came back to Silver Leaf Ranch a year ago. It was clear in the previous books. I was curious about what happened. And OMG, I expect a lot, but not that. Not the chemistry she and Beau have and had. It's more than just chemistry. It's the whole shebang. They are made for each other. Obviously, I cried so much when the breakup in the past happened. The book has a dual timeline, so there are a few chapters from the past in between present-day chapters.
Beau is a wonderful man. He's all green flags. But he's also broken. His childhood wasn't the best. Now he wants to do it completely differently with his nephew. God, he's so cute with him. I can see him with more kids.
I loved seeing the whole gang again. Sure, this family has its "fights" sometimes, but they hold together. Nobody comes between them. That's what I love so much about the Davenports 🩷
I need to come to an end, even though I don't want to 🙈 But let me say one more thing...
I absolutely LOVED the names of all the horses on the ranch. God, they couldn't be more perfect, and they are also funny 😂
OK, one more thing, but that's the last thing...
I'm so looking forward to Charlie's book. I didn't see any hints so far about what her story could be, but I'm soo excited and hope it won't take too long. I'm not a patient girl 🙈
Thanks to the author and Love Notes PR for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
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5⭐|2🌶️|4%🌶️frequency
If you don't know it, I am an empath. I feel the pain of characters when I read it. But also the joy 😉 So, of course I cried a lot reading this book.
Daisy and Beau's story is just so extremely wonderful but also sad. I knew Daisy was suffering a huge heartbreak when she came back to Silver Leaf Ranch a year ago. It was clear in the previous books. I was curious about what happened. And OMG, I expect a lot, but not that. Not the chemistry she and Beau have and had. It's more than just chemistry. It's the whole shebang. They are made for each other. Obviously, I cried so much when the breakup in the past happened. The book has a dual timeline, so there are a few chapters from the past in between present-day chapters.
Beau is a wonderful man. He's all green flags. But he's also broken. His childhood wasn't the best. Now he wants to do it completely differently with his nephew. God, he's so cute with him. I can see him with more kids.
I loved seeing the whole gang again. Sure, this family has its "fights" sometimes, but they hold together. Nobody comes between them. That's what I love so much about the Davenports 🩷
I need to come to an end, even though I don't want to 🙈 But let me say one more thing...
I absolutely LOVED the names of all the horses on the ranch. God, they couldn't be more perfect, and they are also funny 😂
OK, one more thing, but that's the last thing...
I'm so looking forward to Charlie's book. I didn't see any hints so far about what her story could be, but I'm soo excited and hope it won't take too long. I'm not a patient girl 🙈
Thanks to the author and Love Notes PR for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
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