Waiting For Love

The Love Vixen #11

by Lacey Black

Dear Love Vixen,

You know the saying “always a bridesmaid, never a bride?” That’s me. I’ve stood beside six best friends, with the seventh to marry the man of her dreams in less than a month. I’ve tried everything, from dating apps to websites that promise to find you deep, meaningful love, only to set you up with a dud who leaves you with the whole check. So, I’m done. Throwing in the towel. Over dating. I’m just going to sit here and wait for it to show up on my doorstep like pizza delivery. I’m… Ugh! Sorry, my neighbor is horrible! I wish you could hear how loud and annoying he is. He’s the worst, even if he is slightly gorgeous. The problem is… he knows it. Anyway, back to my issue. I’m tired of looking for love in all the wrong places! (Wow, cue Johnny Lee.) Help!

Sincerely,

Waiting in Washington

Dear Lady in Waiting,

You’re going about this all wrong. Don’t think of it as giving up. Think of it as the perfect time to do some inner soul-searching and find out exactly who you are and what you have to offer those you love. You know I always say, you’ll never find love until you find yourself.
Sweetie, I wish I could tell you a timeline, but there isn’t one. Finding true love could take years or it could be closer than you think.

Good luck, hon!

The ♥️ Vixen

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Romance

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2021

About the author

Avid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little "spice" or hot guys in uniform pants, and I'm a happy woman. There's just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.

Reviews

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about the way that Lacey Black writes that I simply enjoy. I don't know if it's because she laces humor into situations you wouldn't expect or if it's because she gives you characters you feel as if you are already friends with. But whatever it is I know when I pick up one of her books I am in for a great read.

Penelope and Theo have been neighbors for the last two years, and in that time Theo has made it his daily mission to get Penelope riled up. You may wonder why one neighbor would want to annoy another so much and the answer is simple...he thinks she's hot when she's angry LOL

Some may say this is an enemies to lovers romance but I don't know if I would think of it that way because they are both attracted to one another from the very start and while Penelope may be annoyed with Theo I don't think she really hates him, I think she hates the fact that she finds him attractive even when he's annoying her.

I love the banter between the two and the chemistry is great. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a good Steamy Contemporary Romance that they can finish over the weekend.

Happy Reading!!!

Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewWfL



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Dylann Crush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new addition to the Love Vixen series and I'm so sad for the series to be wrapping up. I was cheering for Theo and Penelope the whole way through!

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation

Waiting for Love by Lacey Black is book 11 in the Love Vixen series by various authors. Each book is a standalone with the common theme of writing a letter to the Love Vixen for help in finding missing part of your heart…

Penelope and Theo have been next door enemies (neighbors) for over two years, nit picking, sneaking peaks behind blinds, swooning, sexy tension, sparking flying but never crossing the line. That is until they meet up at her best friend’s wedding, who is marrying Theo’s brother! What happens next will keep you laughing, witty banter, entertaining as we watch their story unfold, friends and family pushing them together, discovering what’s been missing and finding that it’s been right next door all along!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, smexy, low-angst, neighbors-turned-enemies-to-lovers (kinda) love story in the The Love Vixen series by Lacey Black. Lacey never disappoints and Pen and Theo's journey to their HEA is full of all the feels! I loved all the banter between them and also between Pen and her close friends, the kind of banter that only people who know and love you can get away with! I loved how close they both are with their friends and how Theo relates to his close-knit family, especially his older brother, Trevor, who, unbeknownst to him is marrying one of Pen's best girlfriends, Teagan! How they discover this fact is one of my favorite parts of the story!

Once again, Ms. Black has given us a well written, completely captivating, I-didn't-want-it-to-end love story that you REALLY don't want to miss!

One of my fave quotes (near the end of the book):
𝗪𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝘀, 𝗿𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀.

“𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲,” 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀.

“𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵…”

“𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘁.”

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 SMOOCHES!

I love Lacey Black. She writes wonderful small-town romances, and they’re some of my favorite stories to read. Waiting For Love, an enemies to lovers romance featuring two neighbors, is Lacey Black’s addition to the multi-author Love Vixen series.

I loved the evolution of Theo and Penelope’s relationship so much! They had that frenemies vibe, but there was definitely attraction sizzling below the surface. Their back-and-forth bantering was snappy and quick-witted and basically its own special brand of foreplay. Lacey has a great sense of humor, and she shares it liberally throughout this story. One of the hallmarks of Black’s writing is that she creates these wonderful communities, full of interesting side characters, and it truly makes for a rich and vivid background.

Lighthearted and low angst, Waiting For Love was a sweet and steamy feel-good romance that I devoured in a single sitting. It was engaging, entertaining, full of charming and endearing characters with a sexy, slow-burn romance, and I enjoyed every word of it! Lacey Black’s Waiting For Love gets 4.5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of brilliantly written romances with a touch of humour then you will love Waiting For Love and in the process become a big fan of Lacey Black. Penelope and Theo are a couple that will settle into your heart as you watch in eager anticipation as their romance unfolds. Penelope and Theo have been Neighbours for over 2 years and Theo has managed to rub Pen up the wrong way from day one, but like a boy in the playground who pulls the hair of the girl he likes, and said girl pretends she doesn't like it, these two have been circling around their feelings for each other, but that is about to change as they are thrown together for a weekend. Ms Black never disappoints me as she always throws in a little curve ball here and there that just adds added zing to what already was a must-read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this one. I loved the banter between Theo and Penelope. It was one of my favorite parts of the book. They had me chuckling. I really loved the sense of humor of this one. It made me gobble up the pages along with the great characters. Theo is oh so yummy and he's a great guy. He's definitely top book boyfriend material. He did make me swoon several times. I mean the first time he met Annabelle sold me on Theo from then on. This was a great enemies to lovers story. Theo and Penelope know how to push each other's buttons. I would highly recommend this one. It's the perfect read to leave all your troubles behind. Theo and Penelope are just going to suck you right in.

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Lacey Black has got a brand new release in a brand new series and y'all, what a fun romance. Packed with loads of heart, heat and fun banter.. Waiting For Love was crazy good and gave me with a big ol' smile on my face, the whole time.

Pen and Theo, what a pair these two were. They hooked me hard and fast in their story and stole a sliver of my heart. I mean their chemistry was intoxicating from the start, drawing me in and their unforgettable journey was everything with some of the best moments.

I'm always going to be a huge fan of Lacey and her beautiful characters and words.

I definitely recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Melanie Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who has two thumbs, loves an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, bridesmaids, neighbor romance??? This girl! Penelope has given up on dating so she sends out an SOS to The Love Vixen to help right her love life ship. Cut to a wedding where Miss Penelope is a bridesmaid and Theo, her sexy albeit frustrating neighbor just happens to be the brother of the groom. If that set-up doesn't have your romance spidey senses tingling, I don't know what will. This story is sweet, sexy, and gives you all the feels! Great addition to the Love Vixen series!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story.

Loved the enemies to lovers trope with the added in slow burn. Then the fact that the two main characters are neighbors? Yes please.

Everything about this story was just enjoyable. The book was a quick, easy read and held my attention throughout. That moment of conflict for our characters, egads, what a great choice for the dramatic effect. Then the grand gesture? Fantastic.

I really enjoyed this book from Lacey Black, and am curious about the other books in the Love Vixen series.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in this world and I think I’m going to have to go read the rest of them! I’ve been in kind of a funk lately and Penelope and Theo helped pull me out of it. I laughed and just enjoyed this book so so much. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the other Love Vixen books but now I need to. This was fun, sexy, sweet, and I just loved all the characters. Loved Pen and Theo's banter and the back and forth because it just gave it this real, raw, and totally familiar feeling.

[Jude33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from Lacey and I enjoyed the wonderful characters she created for this 11th vixen book. I really enjoyed Theo’s arc from annoying her to wanting to date her.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

Okay Lacey you had me at hello with this one. Fun, sexy, with a little laughs thrown in. Theo for the win.

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥.5



This book was hot. hot, hot.

Tension between neighbors Penelope and Theo has been simmering since he moved in and she brought him cookies. Cat -- and we're not talking about Penelope's calico one -- got Theo's tongue that has led to a continuous misunderstanding between the two ever since. It does not help that Theo riles her up because he thinks her fiery side is very cute and that she always misconstrues his flirting as arrogance. Their flirty feud does not stop them from ogling each other, more so with Pen when Theo is in his garage building furniture.

The banter between these two is gold. I enjoy Lacey Black's use of details to establish the attraction and build the tension between our two protagonists. I love that even though he is broody and growly, Theo is a big cinnamon roll who has a massive crush on Penelope. I also enjoy that Penelope keeps him on his toes with her feistiness.

There were fantastic comedic moments. I laughed out loud during Theo and Penelope's dates with different people in the same venue and how they had to deal with their dates' eccentricities.

I would consider this book a slow burn since we don't get any serious action until past the 50% mark, but the tension along the way keeps us entertained and the payoff is so worth it. These two just ignite the pages, and I love it.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. **

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Penelope is feeling so desperate to find that special someone that she even sends in a letter to The Love Vixen looking for advice after blind date set ups and dating site hook ups have failed again and again. The advice she receives is to find herself and that true love may be closer than she thinks.

Theo has had a crush on his neighbor ever since he moved in two years ago. But, she finds him utterly annoying . . .and, it may be because Theo loves watching her flashing green eyes every time he does something to get her riled up. But, how does he go from being the noisy neighbor to something more?

Lacey Black has given readers a real romantic gem with Waiting for Love! It’s light hearted and has all the feels as these neighbors (who have both been staring a little too much out of the windows at one another) are thrown together in an unexpected way that will bring them closer together than ever!

I really enjoyed both characters and how they literally danced around one another while fighting off their attraction without realizing how the other felt. Theo and Penelope were the perfect combination of sweet and sexy, fun and romantic! Maybe love is closer than they think! 5 stars!

[Reading to Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for Love is a cute romance about Theo and Penelope, who have been neighbors for a couple of years, and while Theo gets on Penelope's nerves with how loud and annoying he is interfering with her job during the day, she secretly has the hots for him and can't help but admire him when she sees him out and about working on the furniture he builds.

Luck, or fate steps in, and they find themselves paired together at a wedding and they are able to spend some time away from their homes and see each other in a different light, and the walls they have up start to come down.

This was not my first book by this author, but it was the first I read in this series. I enjoy this author's writing style and enjoyed The Love Vixen aspect of the story and would be interested in reading the other books in the series. I adored both Penelope and Theo as the main characters of the story. It was easy to see how compatible they would be together, even the from start. I loved the back the forth between them and how Theo liked to rile Penelope up because he thought she looked even more beautiful when she was worked up. I liked that there was not a ton of drama and though there was a small conflict, it was handled with maturity and romance and overall the book left my heart feeling full.

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Black. I have enjoyed this series and getting to know new to me authors. I was hooked on the book from the beginning. Theo is a furniture maker and I fell in love with this character from the beginning. He is sexy, handsome, and knows how to push his neighbor's buttons. Pen or Penelope is his next-door neighbor who works as a toy buyer for a department store. Honestly, her job sounds really cool. She and Theo have been living next door to each other for 2 years but it is a bit of a hostile relationship. Not in a physical way, well not in an abusive way. He gets under her skin and enjoys it. There are some funny scenes between the two of them that made me laugh out loud.

This book was a lot of fun and Pen is very relatable to any reader who has had a string of bad dates and wanted to give up on ever finding Mr. Right. Ms. Black adds angst and misunderstandings along the road to love but it is very realistic. I very much enjoyed her style of writing and loved how creative and fun the ending was. I am definitely going to read more of her books.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely adorable romance that made me laugh, cheer, and fall in love with our hero Theo and our vixen letter writer, Penelope.

In this story you are cordially invited to the wedding of Theo's older brother, Tristan to Teagan who is Penelope's close friend where she is a bridesmaid in Seattle.

Theo and Pen are not strangers they are neighbors and they get the biggest shock when they find out they are at the same wedding and broth are in the bridal party. It gives Theo ideas on how he can get his crush to give him a shot at love.

Meanwhile Pen is also lusting after Theo but lets say they have a love/hate neighbor relationship. Can they get together at the wedding? Can they make it work? Can it be more? Well you will have to read this book to find out.

I absolutely adored this book and I loved when they find out they are at the same wedding and they both are close to the bride and groom. I also loved how the Love Vixen is involved in the story. This was a really adorable story and so romantic.

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc for an honest review.

This is the first book I read from the Love Vixen series. I love enemy to lovers characters. This book did almost not disappoint. At the beginning when neighbours Penelope and Theo were getting on each other’s nerves was entertaining and Theo doing it just to see Pen get wild up was such a man thing lol. Unaware they go to the same wedding, you could feel their attraction as time goes and finally get together. What disappointed me was the next day. Penelope is such a strong woman and stands up to Theo at home but becomes a weak person when she walks in to the brunch. I didn’t realize the Love Vixen had to get them back together, I was thinking more “really? Go show Theo you saw it and are not happy about it. It was still a great book. I’m married to someone who used to build furniture and know how heavy a table can be and I was wondering - why send a desk that will end up next door to the store only have the store “deliver it” to your neighbor. It must be love!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neighbours Penelope and Theo both work from home and Theo continually aggravates her. But their verbal sparring feels more like foreplay than actual hatred. Neither has had much success on the relationship front. Penelope is the last single friend in her group standing which means that her friends are constantly trying to set up on dates but she has had enough.

Theo's brother is about to get married and he has set Theo up with the only single bridesmaid...who just happens to be Penelope. These two haven't really spent the time getting to know each other outside of the disagreements they have about the amount of noise he makes whilst making furniture whilst she is also trying to work. He tries to improve their relationship but it is an uphill battle.

This was a fun read with the enemies to lovers trope. The chemistry between these two is obvious from the get-go but it takes them a while longer for them to realise it and act on it. I enjoyed the ways that their lives interconnected without them realising it and how it brought them together.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun and cute read!! Penelope can’t stand her neighbor, he is distracting, to her inconsiderate, and annoys her. She works from home and Theo builds furniture so the noises he has to make with equipment drives her insane all the time. These two were fun to read because their back and forth was just a taste of their true feelings and attraction to each other. Theo was such a sweetheart that would help anyone at anytime, but nothing makes him happier than getting a rise out of his neighbor. Even Penelope couldn’t disagree with how generous and caring this man is. Penelope has had bad luck in the dating department so when things heat up between them she gets scared and takes off but can Theo convince her that they are good together and to take a chance on them? Or will Penelope convince herself she is just doomed when it comes to finding love? This book was such a fun and amazing read and I enjoyed all the characters, especially Theo he was the epitome of book boyfriends.

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for love (The love vixen 11)

This is the eleventh book in the Love Vixen series by various authors. Each book is a stand alone read with the theme of a letter to Love Vixen. This story follows the characters Penelope and Theo, they have a love/hate relationship but the sexual tension comes through. These two characters have intense chemistry between them. This story has plenty of swoon worthy moments, funny banter and hot and steamy scenes. This is an amazing story from this author, which will have you reading long into the night.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
www.obsessedbookreviews.com

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey as always delivers a story with all the feels, and this one did just that! 5 love vixen stars for this one!
Penelope, always a bridesmaid never a bride as of yet, has watched all her friends find their happily ever after, and she's wondering why does she keep making bad choices while trying to find hers. She's also got this neighbor, Theo, who's the loudest neighbor by far, irritating her at every turn. He picks ungodly hours to work in his workshop making beautiful furniture. She takes to writing to the love vixen, who advises her what to do to change her thinking and dig deep inside to find herself.
This is the only book I've read in this series, written by various authors, and I'm going to have to read them all because this one was so good! I love Lacey's stories, she's always a go to author for me! Don't miss out on this enemies to lovers story, grab it asap!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Penelope might be my favorite couple in the Love Vixen series.
At the start of the book, Penelope is just about done dating after a string of nights with duds. Hoping for a bit of help, she writes into our beloved Love Vixen. Soon after, she heads off to her good friend's wedding, the Love Vixen's words ringing in her ears. There she comes face-to-face with her next-door neighbor, a man that sends her pulse racing even though he drives her slightly crazy. Theo didn't expect to find the women who he's been attracted to for the past two years in his brother's wedding party. But, since she's there, he takes the opportunity to make his move. Soon whatever differences they've had in the past no longer seem to matter. But will the woman who's been a bridesmaid seven times finally get her Happily Ever After?

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 11th book in this amazing series and is Theo and Penelope’s story. Theo is a furniture maker while Penelope is a toy buyer in a department store, and they are neighbours. Penelope finds Theo highly annoying with his noisy workshop, and he loves pushing her buttons. Feeling jaded about dating and always being the bridesmaid, she reaches out to the “Love Vixen” and is advised to look within herself. The icing on the cake is when Pen is yet another bridesmaid, they end up at the same wedding as Theo is the grooms’ brother, and the sparks fly between them. This is a well written fun story which has engaging and relatable characters, and is filled with witty banter, humor, a tad angst, emotions, and is an entertaining and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Becca Stanfield Vernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was intriguing from the start. The views Penelope had while getting aggravated by her neighbor were written so beautifully. You could feel the love/hate relationship blooming long before it ever happens. Theo is sweet & I enjoyed his character, but there were parts that I was questioning his alpha side. He was a bit too sweet & cheesy. I didn’t like the winning her back part as much as I usually do. It didn’t come off as a way I thought his character would do it completely. It’s hard to explain, but it only mildly took away from the story for me. Otherwise I enjoyed the pull between these 2 as the build up happens then how they end up together was great.
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.

[Kathryn Linke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting For Love is the eleventh title in The Love Vixen series but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the previous books in this anthology by various authors but found Theo and Penelope’s story to be completely captivating and fun. This title is a sweet and sexy, neighbours’ enemies to lover’s romance.
I was enthralled by this pair, and their witty, fun, flirty and antagonistic banter. Theo is a sexy, sweet, furniture maker who loves nothing more than pushing Penelope’s buttons. Penelope is a toy buyer, who is desperate to find a happy ever after like all her friends.
With Lacey Black’s signature blend of heat, heart and humour this title is sure to leave you with a smile upon your face.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet read! The writing was great and it was easy to devour the book in just a few short hours. I found myself rooting for Penelope and Theo from the very beginning. Their banter was on point and you could tell if they just gave in they could be great. Fate had many tricks up her sleeve to get these two together.

I love the concept of the Love Vixen and her show where she reads letters her listeners send her about their love lives. It reminds me of the romantic comedy movies that were released in the 90s that I find are a true comfort every time you watch them like Sleepless in Seattle and You've got Mail.

This was the first book I read in this series and I will now go back to read the others.

[Tina Buchberger Oase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books by Lacey Black and was happy that she joined the Love Vixen series.
This is tale of love thy neighbor. No, not really!
Penelope is a person that enjoys her quiet days while she works from home. Theo also works from home, but his job is anything but quiet. He is a woodworker and his work shop is right next to where Penny takes her meetings. His work makes sure that her garage is always covered in dust when she forgets to close the door. This doesnt mean that they both dont find the other attractive, just annoying.
They both go to attend a friends wedding neither knowing that the other will be there. Thier friends see the tension between them and help give them a nudge in the right direction.
Will this just be a weekend fling or something longer?