Learning at 40

Lakeside Cottage #2

by L.B. Dunbar

She didn’t want a one-night stand. He couldn’t promise more than a ten-day fling. Sometimes compromise is all you need.

Zack Weller is timely, orderly, and meticulous. Too bad his seven-year-old, twin sons are hellions. With his divorce final, a two-week vacation beckons him to his best friend’s cottage. Unfortunately, he can’t help the magnetic pull of memories from the house next door—the one that was once his childhood home—or fight the force of nature in the naked woman sunbathing in that backyard.

River Nagle is a free spirit. She understands the trials and tribulations some people face and offers the compassion to deal with them head on. When she inherits a lakeside home, she takes the blessing for what it’s worth: a gift and a new beginning. Until one day two little boys make themselves at home in the tree fort in her backyard and she meets their hot, growly dad who steals her wine, her time, and her heart.

Newly divorced, single father grump meets a ray of sunshine, next-door neighbor in this small town, second chance romance where learning to love over 40 works with the right teacher.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Childrens, Death, Medical

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2021

About the author

L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.

Reviews

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story owns you, makes you dream and absorbs your attention like a sponge. LB pens drama free stories that are brave and Heartbreaking all at once. If you like emotional stories starring conflicted characters and intense romance, LB should be your go to author.
Lakeside Cottage series reminds you book and book again that life is too short to waste on harboring grudges, waiting for kismet to happen or to undo the wrongs of the past.

“Broken trust is hard to repair,”
“Yes, but it’s still something mendable.”
“It can be fixed and forgiven.”

Dunbar easily captures the true spirit of mature love, paints it in bold and brazen shades and let's it fly, soar in the free sky. It's effervescently joyful and brimming with hopeful positivity in the form of River whose bohemian personality is colored with sensitivity and comapssion.

"He called it flying instead of falling, and I love the difference. Flying feels freeing while falling sounds fearful."



A frazzled guy looking for his roots, a home smelling for happiness and laughter, his haven he is desperate to belong to.
Zack Weller has been searching for a place he was forced to leave in childhood, a family he was forced to take responsibility of on his adolescent shoulders, a door that slammed after a retreating father . He carries big chips on his broad shoulders and a wounded aching heart in his massive chest.

“Home is where you plant your garden and sow your seeds.”
Instead of that house being a special place, I was uprooted as a teen and forced to bloom elsewhere.



Be as sexy and lip-smackingly delicious her heroes are, I'm especially fond of strong, formidable heroines LB creates. They're older, wiser and very comfortable in their own skin. Putting their foot down and standing up for themselves is a lesson they've learnt the hard way, so they don't give it up easily, even in the presence of swoon-worthy alphalicious males



“You’re really mine.”
“I’m really mine, but I belong with you.”

As if she hasn't ruled the over 40 romancelandia like a queen till date, she crosses a step further into penning romances with Children they have adding to the melee. This conjoining of families puts extra factor of family love. Makes it all the more wholesome and sometimes a tough terrain to navigate.



I'm her ardent fan so I'm kinda prejudiced, but trust me, you will fall head over heels in love with Four Points men and the side characters. And I saw Archer McCaryn step in the frame!!!
Seems a time to order shamwow panties in bulk!!😁
5 stars for Negotiations and Compromises
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[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second story in this series focuses on Zack as all of the friends gather in summer for two weeks at Anna and Ben’s lake house.

Zack is recently divorced and now has pretty much full-time custody of his two young sons Oliver and Trevor. He had been unhappy for a long time so it is a relief for him to be free of the loveless marriage he found himself in after a one night stand turned into unexpected parenthood.

Zack has been very focused on his career and his sons, up until now, had mostly been raised by a nanny. He struggles to show his emotions and affection towards them but he does love his boys. It’s almost like he is starting all over again to build a new relationship with his sons.

Zack actually grew up in the lake house next door and he has mixed emotions about this as it was also where his parent’s marriage broke down. It was also the last time he saw his own father. When he unexpectedly becomes a voyeur to the new owner’s naked sunbathing habit, it’s his first introduction to River. The next time is when his boys go missing and he finds them playing in old tree house he used to play in, in River’s backyard.

River doesn’t really know what to make of Zack, she can feel the weight of his anger and infuriation towards not just his sons but her too. It makes her wonder what has happened to him. She knows sorrow and pain so she recognizes it in him. Zack feels completely conflicted about River, he knows he has been short and rude to her but he is also inexplicably drawn to her too.

This feeling of being drawn to her is what has him visiting her backyard once again. He is there to offer up an apology for the terrible first impression he left her with and he also wants to figure out what this pull between them is. River definitely feels it too but is wary of Zack’s mixed signals. Having said that, she is not in the habit of denying herself the things she wants and a little fling with Zack feels like a great idea for now.

Zack was not prepared for how quickly he would fall for River. It feels like it is probably too much too soon but he doesn’t want it to end. He loves how incredible she is with Trevor and Oliver, they too are drawn to this beautifully open, caring woman. She gives of herself so freely. Zack is now beginning to understand the cryptic message that Ben left for him but he is afraid of crash landing, missing out on something long lasting with River.

Okay so I had a hard time connecting with this story and I think it was a case of it’s not you it’s me. Maybe I was not in the right mindset reading it but I found Zack a really difficult person to like or connect with. He was emotionally immature and just downright rude to River. He was an example of someone who probably needed more time to deal with his feelings about his past and previous relationship before he moved on with someone else.

Some of my favourite moments in this story all featured Mason and I cannot wait to read the book that will be dedicated to him. I am looking forward to seeing where this series will go so will definitely be reading more from Lakeside Cottage.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Love This Series Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
L.B. Dunbar has become a favorite author of mine. I appreciate the way she is able to write flawed people and give them the ability to try to see where they have made mistakes in the past, and then work to become better...in whatever way that may need to be. We are there watching, hoping, sometimes annoyed, but always thrilled when they see the light and figure things out.

In Learning At 40, Zack Weller is going through the biggest challenge he has ever faced. He is newly divorced, has twin sons he knows he has not connected with and is at a loss as to how to let them know he loves them. The boys were the surprise result of a one-night stand between two attorneys during a seminar. When Zack was informed about the pregnancy, he was not going to abandon his babies and married into a loveless marriage.

After seven years of being focused on work, with a wife who had affairs, Zack finally took the correct action. He is protective of the kids yet has a difficult time managing them. The good news is he is at Lakeside Cottage for the new tradition of staying with his best friends for a couple of weeks.

These friends have been a family providing each other the support and unconditional love families do. All of these people are mourning the loss of one of their own and it is touching how connected they are.

River Nagle moved into the house next door to Zack's friends' house last year. She never expected to have a home like this but it was willed to her and she found herself there. This is a woman who has lived with pain and suffering daily as an oncology nurse. She came from city life, working at a hospital focused on adults who were fighting cancer. After losing a patient who touched her heart, reminding her of her beloved grandfather, she transferred to children's care.

This new "old home" has land that allows privacy and is perfect for River as she is a free spirit of sorts. She loves to sunbathe au natural and has no worries about coming out at night and enjoying the night on her lounge anyway she wants.

Zack is up in his room which looks out on River's yard and sees more than River ever expected someone would. Zack is so taken by this woman, so moved he cannot think of anything else...she is like an angel in the moonlight.

Things take a real turn for Zack when his boys discover how to get to River's yard and climb up an old treehouse that is there. Zack freaks for a number of reasons and is rude in his way of interacting with River. This is not a great first impression and shows all the flaws he has to River.

Knowing he messed up, later that night Zack comes to River's yard while she is there. Zack is clumsy yet so direct in his attraction to this woman. Both know there is something there but how they want to go about it is the challenge. River is not a fling woman, Zack only has 10 days for this coupling.

Oh, there is so much to this book. Real-life lessons are addressed; accusations of deceit, learning who you are, and learning to let go of pain from the past. Those are the heavy stuff...

But Oh, the loving stuff is so good. These two are perfect together. Grownups having grown-up sex and loving every moment of it. It is emotional, sexy, dirty, pushy, and fun.

I loved River, she was a strong amazing woman who deserved a partner who was equal to her. Zack didn't start out that way but as he grew and discovered how to be a better man through his time with River...He became that partner she deserved.

Ms. Dunbar creates characters who are not perfect but feel real. More entries are coming and I will be front and center for all of them.


Living at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Learning at 40 (Lakeside Cottage, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Loving at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Letting Go At 40 (Lakeside Cottage #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Arc provided in exchange for an honest review

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the Lakeside Cottage series. Zack is a single dad with a bit of chip on his shoulder. He never loved his ex wife and he has trouble truly relating to his kids. He falls in lust with the next door neighbor, River, and learns a lot about being a better human.

This story is told with such honesty. There are a lot of flawed characters, conflicting emotions and complex life situations. Everyone is real: the kids are acting out because their mom abandoned them, Zack has zero game with the River and everyone has trust issues. Welcome to real life!

Zack may have zero flirting game at first, but he can certainly bring the dirty talk with River and they have smoking chemistry.

I loved the journey that these characters all took together and loved the glimpses into the lives of the other Four Points fellows. And, I am super excited for Archer’s story as we’ve not seen him before! Loved the sneak peek!

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and these are my honest opinions.

[Cyndi Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in LB Dunbar's Lakeside Cottage series picks up a year after book one, Living At Forty. The story is centered on Zack and the new neighbor next door to Anna's and Ben's house. River, said neighbor, has recently inherited the property, and becomes an instant fascination of the visiting Zack. She's a showy girl , but otherwise keeps her history hush-hush, and Zack offers exactly what she needs to feel alive.

These two share an immediate attraction for each other. There's frequent "don't really know ya sexy-times" and in this case, frequent sexy times leads to two people developing deeper feelings for each other. The entire affair has an expiration date on it, making it a it easier to decry the extent of their emotions and to keep their hearts guarded for far too long, and the relationship at a surface level.

I do love the fact that Dunbar focuses on characters in the upper thirties and early forties. In this case, the couple fell flat for me. Zack is a bit of a hot head and his bossiness was not attractive. River is nice enough and her predicament, the rumor's surrounding her inheritance, is just not that impeding and makes for a silly reason for Zack to be put-off of her. I just didn't find myself that interested in them, I was more concerned about Mason and Anna (not a couple), and Zack's twin boys. But, not loving the focus couple didn't stop me from enjoying where the story takes the other characters, for that I'll give it 4 Stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is the second book in the Lakeside Cottage series, an opposites-attract romance that is fast moving but full of emotion, and a beautiful story of family and fresh starts.

Zack is a serious and broody, newly divorced workaholic with rambunctious seven-year-old twin boys. He is somewhat detached from his kids, but they’re taking a two week family vacation back to the small town of Lakeside, where they will reunite with his best friends for their annual getaway. The house where they are staying belongs to his best friend, and he grew up in the house next door, before his family imploded. So while he’s glad to be with his friends again, seeing the house next door brings up bad memories… until he sees the new owner sunbathing naked in the backyard.

River is a free spirited nurse who has recently inherited the beautiful cliffside cottage, and she’s making the most of her new home. It’s a fresh start for her after enduring heartbreak, and she’s cherishing every moment. So when two little boys come crashing into her yard and claim the backyard tree-fort as their own, she’s happy to let them. And then their growly, grumpy father comes along.

Zack and River have chemistry from the start. Sparks fly from their first encounter, which is full of banter, teasing and flirting, and when they agree to a short-term fling while Zack is in town, they get right into exploring all of that attraction, and oh holy hotness!

River has a wild streak, and I want her to help me reclaim mine.

These two are on fire together, and all of that sexual tension quickly develops into more as River is welcomed into Zack’s group of friends and the two of them begin to spend non-naked time together. River is a natural with Zack’s kids, who naturally and instantly bond with her, and Zack begins to see what he’s been missing – in love and with his children, and suddenly he’s reassessing everything in his life, and River is at the very heart of that.

The woman shocks me to my core, but I love it, and I’m at great risk of falling for her.
Or flying.

It’s such a beautiful story. Zack is pretty much blind going into the thing with River. He’s spent years in a loveless marriage, he’s never felt anything like he feels for River, and his willingness to just let go and embrace it is gorgeous!

“I want to be with you. There’s no doubt I want between your thighs and inside you, but let me be clear, it’s more than fucking you. I want to know who you are and why you’re so kind. I want to understand how my boys fell in love with you so fast and if I can get there too because I am falling. Definitely falling.”

He throws himself into the role of boyfriend, and his possessiveness and protectiveness is so entertaining. And I loved the character growth we see as Zack opens himself up to all that River has to offer, and allows her to help him move on from his past, reconnect with his boys, and open up to love for the first time in his life.

“Please push me … Push me to be a better man. Push me to be what you see in me.”

River is such a great heroine. She’s been through her own dramas, but her strength and perseverance have carried her through, and she has kept her sunny disposition and positive outlook on life. I love her outlook, I love the way she doesn’t hold back from going for what she wants, and she also doesn’t hold back from putting Zack in his place when he needs it. Watching the two of them open up to each other is so gorgeous, and I loved how easily she accepted him, and all that she feels for him.

I wonder briefly if anyone considers the other. The one who quickly falls in love with both children and father. What happens to her when her heart bursts with feelings for more than one Weller boy?

There is family drama, and a little bit of romantic drama, but for the most parts, it’s an angst-free love story. Zack and River have things they need to overcome, and River is right there, pushing Zack through it, and he learns and grow so much, and I loved watching their love story develop.

“God, I love you so much. I never thought I’d feel so free…free to just love.”

Zack’s boys, Oliver and Trevor, are so sweet. There are some moments between the boys and their Dad, and the boys and River, that really pull at the heartstrings, and I really enjoyed the strong theme of family and friendship that continues on from the first book.

We get to see all of the main characters from the series, and just quietly, I am SO freaking excited for Mason’s book. The next book detours away from the main group to tell the story of newcomer, Asher, but the build-up for Mason is there, and I am here for it!

Such a sweet love story, I loved it!

4 stars!

An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review of Learning At 40 (Lakeside Cottage #2) by L. B. Dunbar
 
Learning At 40 is book two in the latest Lakeside Cottage series, from L B Dunbar and although it can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend you read the first book in the series, Living At 40 first as I think you would get a better enjoyment of the books. After the emotional roller coaster that was book one, I was anxious to see what she had in store for Zack Weller and River Nagle’s story.

Finally divorced from his horrible ex, Zack is a single dad to his 7 year old twin sons, Oliver and Trevor, who are out of control. Returning to Lakeside Cottage for a much need holiday, Zack is intrigued by his neighbour River.

When they are brought together by his sons, Zack is struggling with the upcoming anniversary of Ben’s death. Not only is he still reeling from the bitter divorce but he is struggling with the emotions that this anniversary is bringing to the surface. River could be just the ray of sunshine that he needs to help bring him back into the light.

Emotions are running high amongst the friends and this story will tug at your heart. They are all determined to keep Ben’s spirit alive and yet they all feel as though they are failing in their own lives. Zack has trouble relating to his boys and feels lost. As they try to deal with their grief and moving on, it was emotional to watch the story unfold.

I loved Zack and River and the relationship that she develops with Oliver and Trevor was heartwarming; it was also wonderful to watch her help and guide Zack to a better relationship with the boys. Learning at 40 is a story of learning to trust, forgive and love again.

Another well written, emotional roller coaster of a read from Ms.Dunbar that will draw you in, rip you apart and put you back together again.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of Learning at 40. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*

3.5 stars

I enjoy this series quite a bit, but I find the characters - who are supposedly in their very late 30s or early 40s to be very immature in some ways. And they sure have some baggage they're carrying around, and this was especially the fact when it comes to Zack. It felt like River was there to save him, even if I did believe in their romance and their budding relationship.

Learning at 40 is well-written, and while there is some light and laughter, there are also some pretty heavy themes going on as well.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pure joy. I have fallen in love with all these characters. We met Zack in Book 1 as part of a college 4 some of friends. He sure had a lot on his plate with young twin boys and a marriage falling apart. I was thrilled that this was his moment to shine.

River comes into his life like a gift. She is the kindness to his closed-offness. She brings hope and has this wonderful connection with his boys. She teaches him that love is not a weakness. I highly recommend this book, full of emotion. It was a pleasure watching Zack learn to "fly in love".

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story by LB Dunbar! Zack was a little bit too hot and cold for my liking, but I loved River! She was calm and loving. I could easily see myself being friends with her.

That second epilogue has me dying for the next book. And let's not forget Mason. And Anna. And the possibility of Mason and Anna together. She will feel soooo guilty.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

Not going to lie, I was really looking forward to Zach's story after reading Logan's. But I don't really connect with either of the MCs.

What I really loved with the single parent trope is the relationship development and interactions between the kids and the person they're interested in. And as much as I loved how River is with Zach's kids, I wanted more of those interactions. And I wished there was more development in his relationship with his kids shown and how much he has changed. I don't even know why he's so jealous that River wants to spend a day with his kids without him.

Not my favourite, this one, but I'm looking forward to Archer and Jenna's story next.

[Caroline F · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-Flying-In-Love-Stars!

Zack is one hot daddy!

”River has a wild streak, and I want her to help me reclaim mine.”

Zack Weller married the mother of his twin boys for all the wrong reasons. Now divorced, he’s struggling to deal with his hellion kids and life in general. And forget about dating. On an annual visit to his best friend’s lakeside cottage, he spies a beautiful angel of a woman in the garden next door…the garden of the house that he lived in as a kid. A house that holds both happy and painful memories. He’s helpless against the pull towards the woman who seems different from anyone else he’s ever known, and also appears to have a gentle way with his boys. Before long, he’s finding himself intruding into her garden to spend time with her. However, his life and home is three hours away and he can’t offer more than a ten-day fling. But as the days pass, he feels himself falling hard…until the past rears its ugly head and makes him question his feelings.

”I don’t need the likes of Zack Weller bulldozing my life. I don’t want to be dazzled by him.”

River Nagle is something of a free spirit. She inherited her house from a generous benefactor. It needs work and some TLC. The same could be said about Zack and his boys. Her job is draining and she doesn’t have time for relationships. However, when sexy Zack offers her a fling for the duration of his stay at the cottage next door, she can’t resist him. As the days pass, it becomes increasingly clear that their connection is deeper than mere attraction, but how can things work between them when they don’t even live in the same place?

”When I’m with you, I’m soaring. It’s a high I’ve never felt before. It’s freeing and scary, but, River, I love it.”

I adored this story! Zack and River were opposites. Zack in his slacks and dress shirts and River in her hippie-style free-flowing dresses – or, none, as the case may be! I loved how Zack was out of practice with flirting and seemed adorably awkward but, OMG! When he found his groove, he was hella hot! That man was pretty much sex on a stick! *fans self*. River was practical, gentle and caring but she wasn’t a pushover either. I liked when she stood her ground yet her depth of understanding of the human spirit was inspiring. I loved her fondness for the twins and her patience with them, and how clearly she saw that Zack was lost and that he needed to find himself again. This was such a fantastic, sexy, heartfelt story. Looking forward to the next book!

[Anakalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Dunbar is a painter, an artist, and a magician with words. She has a way of describing people, nature and scenery in such great detail that I can picture them as if I were standing in front of a painting, studying it.
Her words touch a chord in me that resonates for weeks and weeks after I finish one of her books. There is so much wisdom in her characters and in the way she expresses what I consider to be her own way of seeing the world.
This is not her first book where she uses a deceased relative of a main character to pass on sound advice and words of wisdom, words that are treasures in their own right and worth remembering.

This book is about love and friendship and the comfort and support found in friendship and love, about trying to grow into the person you want to be but may not be able to without outside help.

I love the friendship that develops between Anna and River as they share similar yet very different experiences, and I love how Zack grows into the man he wants and needs to be. I love the twins, Trevor and Oliver, who are little hell raisers but so endearing in their need for love and stability. And don't even get me started on the hot chemistry between River and Zack.

But what I love most is the complexity of the characters, their conflicting emotions, their struggles in life.
It all works together in such a way that every word in this story feels more authentic than in other novels by different authors, making the story feel more real and reliable, and that only adds to the charm of Ms. Dunbar's books and the magic and enchantment they exude.

[Monica Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love the story of Zack and River. They are two people that have been hurt in the past and are trying to make sure it doesn’t happen again. They use compromise and negotiation to get what they want from each other - without compromising themselves. Zack is a recently divorced dad with twin boys, who are trying to navigate the world without their mom around. Zack is leery of love, but is actually running towards it. River is a bit of a free spirit, but she has her secrets too. And she is scared to give her heart to someone who won’t stay. Read this book, and you will fall in love with the whole lot of them…..

[Jenny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an epic journey with this read with all the feels. I love how the characters are older in life and I found them so easy to relate to. Zack is just a lost man who is going through the motions without realizing what is missing. River is the sunshine in his life he didn’t know was missing. Their story had incredible build up and truly stole my heart

I loved all the supporting characters too and so need to know more about mason and Anna

[Arabesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

And now I have to wait for next summer when the next book in series comes out. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LB Dunbar's Lakeside Cottage series has become one of my new favorites! I fell in love with this place- and the people- in Living at 40, and love getting to know them better. Learning at 40 continues one year later, shortly after Ben died, when the friends return to spend a few weeks with each other. River is Anna's neighbor, and takes a liking to Zack's twins right from the start, and these two together are perfect! They truly bring out the best in each other, and I love how Zack really grows as a person throughout the book.

I can't wait for Archer's story after reading the epilogue!!

[amberreadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book is why I love L.B. Dunbar's work! Learning at 40 is by far my favorite in the Lakeside Cottage series!

I loved both Zack and River. Zack is a bit of a hardass and does lose his temper at times but River and her calm demeanor were about to help him bring it down a couple of notches. Zack has 2 twin boys that clearly miss their mother's presence in their lives so it was beautiful to watch River come in gracefully and make a huge impression on them and Zack. Zack is a struggling father who has trouble displaying affection and talking to his boys but over time you see him get better and better thanks to River. She truly brings the best out of him. It was beautiful to watch them learn and grow together!

Oh and L.B. Dunbar never disappoints when it comes to the steamy scenes. I felt like they were much better in this book vs book #1.

Definitely one of my fav books of the year!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Badass Bloggettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning at 40 is the second book in L.B. Dunbar’s Lakeside Cottage series. The friends come back to Anne and Ben’s house at Lakeside to comfort Anne on the anniversary of Ben’s death. Ben wish for the people he left behind is to celebrate life not wallow in his death. To help them, Ben left his friends a note to read on this anniversary. Each note has a suggestion of something to work on to make them happier.

Zack is a complicated man. He often appears to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is working hard to figure out how to be a single parent to is twin boys. Zack’s fear is letting people down like his family let him down, but he isn’t having much success so far. Zack married Jeannie after a drunken, one-night stand that go her pregnant. He immediately asked Jeanie to marry him even though they didn’t love each other. Even though it is obvious that they don’t love each other Zack wouldn’t quit; he promised himself he would never abandon his children. Unfortunately, both Zack and Jeanie spent more time advancing their careers than raising their twins. Now Zack is a single dad, trying to learn how to be a hands-on father.

River recently inherited the cottage next door to Anne. Zack is drawn to this woman, but the house where she lives was his family’s home before his world fell apart. River is working through some personal issues too, however, she is doing much better than Zack. It is easy to see from the start that River can be a positive influence on Zack and the boys.

I love this series mainly because the characters are older and act it. This doesn’t mean mistakes aren’t made. Zack’s friends are good, solid men, and women to lean on. Sadly, Zack is so damaged by his childhood and his bad marriage; he doesn’t know which end it up half the time. When River comes into his life at Lakeside, she introduces him to new possibilities. River is a great character with a great attitude. She sees mistakes that Zack is making with his boys, and in his personal life. I love her attitude.

If that isn’t enough, there is the small-town feel of Lakeside. I was not disappointed with Zack’s book. We get both Zack and River’s points of view. There are times that I wanted to give Zack a good talking too, but I never gave up on him. The chemistry with River was hot. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I wish there was a little less sexy time, and more one-on-one time with this couple outside the sex. Their banter is fun and enlightening, and I wanted more. All in all, this is a good series with great characters, realistic situations, and satisfying endings. I’m looking forward to more fun times at Lakeside in the future.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.

Learning at 40 by L.B. Dunbar is book two of the Lakeside Cottage series. There are not enough words to describe how much I LOVE this series. L.B. Dunbar is always a one click purchase for me.

I knew that this book was going to get me in all the feelings. And it did not disappoint. This series follows some 40-something friends as they navigate life changes after the loss of their north star. This book will make you laugh and cry but it's all worth it. As someone who is going through these life changes, I can say that L.B. Dunbar has captured the moments.

Zack happens upon River when he's at a vulnerable time in his life. He feels adrift and she's a life preserver. He didn't know that he was saving her at the same time.

This book has an equal balance of hot and sexy times with sweet and tender moments.

[Vfc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zach and River - after Ben’s death following a short life and a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer, as a final promise, they’re to return every summer for the first two weeks of August to Lakeside Cottage.

Zach Weller is the only one returning with his twin sons, Oliver and Trevor. Mason remained to help Ben and Anna during the last year of his life and Logan is a newly transplanted resident.

On Ben’s anniversary, Autumn was instructed to deliver an envelope (written by Ben prior to his death) to Mason, Logan, Zach and Archer (Anna’s brother).

Zack at 40, is at crossroads. He sees himself as a failure, divorced a year ago recognising that he’s become an absentee father. He doesn’t want to be any of those things, but he doesn’t know how to change. He doesn’t know what to do or what he wants. He simply recognises his desire to be better.

River is an Paediatric Oncology nurse and lives in the house that was once Zach’s childhood home complete with unhappy memories. She develops a relationship with Zach’s twins Trevor and Oliver, desperately in need of mothering.

The relationship shared amongst Zack, Mason, Logan, Anna, Autumn and the late Ben is one to be envied. A bond we all wish for in life but rarely attain.

READY TO FLY - Ben’s cryptic pearls of wisdom for Zach.

Anna’s mother and Zach’s were best friends. Her father was a sausage king in Chicago, and when the lakehouse came on the market, her parents purchased it as a second home. Zach’s childhood home was next door and their mothers were fast friends, thrilled to be neighbours for at least part of the year. As friendly as siblings, there was never a chance of kindling a romantic interest.

Zach’s father was in prison. He was an accountant and embezzled more than a million dollars from the company he worked for. Anna’s mother and his were lifelong best friends. His parents were originally from Chicago like Anna’s family but moved here around the time his brother Noah was born. My father Robert had been offered a job he felt he couldn’t refuse. Unfortunately, they lived above their means. He’d fallen into debt and started slowly taking money from the company he worked for. They could have moved. They could have sold their home and lived more within his income. He could have gotten help. However, his mother defended him. She blamed herself. So did he. He felt he needed to keep up with Anna’s parents. Her father made his money in the sausage industry, and when they bought the house next door as a second home, his father wanted to prove himself. He always wanted more, a bigger house. A better car. More money. When he was arrested, they were broke. He’d gambled away what he’d embezzled. His father was released from prison shortly before he met Jeanine at a conference.

He married her, a one-night stand when she got her pregnant. Last year he discovered she’d been having a torrid affair with a young intern in her office. At seven, his twin sons are deprived of affection - longing for attention, raised by countless nannies, inflicted by a missing mother, a mother guilty of cancelling appointed, scheduled visits.
Trevor is the leader and Oliver the follower.
Zach accepted the need to reinvest in his boys.

“Did you ever see your dad again?”
“Somehow, he found me after his release. I was a successful lawyer. I’d married Jeanine. We had the boys. He wanted to reconnect. I didn’t want him anywhere near my children. I assumed he wanted money. He’d been a gold seeker his entire life. He loved money more than his family.”
“Twenty years. I didn’t know him anymore. He wasn’t the man I remembered, and I wouldn’t have recognized him if he hadn’t come to me. He divorced my mother during his incarceration. She would have waited for him if he hadn’t. She would have taken him back had he not done her the favor of letting her go. The divorce was the final blow. She wanted a new life. One as far from here as she could get. She moved to Arizona.”

People change, but I knew he didn’t want to hear it. Perhaps his father had turned over a new leaf. Maybe he really did want to reconnect with his son. Maybe he did want money and could pay it back this time. None of it seems to matter, as Zack has no sympathy for his father. The bitterness in his tone speaks of the hurt.
“Where did he go? After he saw you that one time?”
“I have no idea, and I don’t care.”
“You’ve never tried to find him or contact him?” I question.
“For what purpose? So he can try to harass me into giving him money? He took everything from us. We lost this house, our pride, everything.”
“You need to forgive him. If not for him, for yourself. Maybe forgiving him will allow you to have a . . . better relationship with your boys. Allowing you to to give them what you want to give them.”

Zach overhears two gossips, misinterpreted what he heard, and then overreacted. Rather than asking River, he jumps to conclusions and accuses her of being a gold digger. The accusations were familiar as Quincy’s children thought the same thing.

Dennis Quincy had been her patient. His body wouldn’t have handled surgery. Not wanting to end his days in a vegetative state, he’d gone blind.
“He asked me to marry him. I thought he was joking. Then one day, he told me he was serious. He wanted to gift me something, and he thought it best if I was his wife. I couldn’t agree. I declined.”
(It’s an ethics code violation for a nurse to receive something substantial as compensation for simply performing their job).
Quincy had reminded her of her late, beloved grandfather.

Quincy’s children came forward accusing her of manipulating their father once the will was read. The will had been contested but found authentic. She inherited the house through Quincy’s generosity. Daniel and his siblings couldn’t appreciate the gift.
Eventually, the hospital had concerns, and she was asked to quietly leave. The Quincy Corporation was a major contributor to the hospital.

Broken trust is hard to repair, he hadn’t trusted her and that was difficult to accept. She’d been wrong before in her assessment of a relationship. Is a ten-day fling grounds for a relationship? Both reluctant to admit that they’re looking for more than a few nights from each other.

In Zach’s words to Ben “I’m learning to fly. It’s frightening and fantastic, and I only wish you were here to see me”.

Minor grammatical errors.

The child inside him feels abandoned by his father. Unfortunately, his father needed limits back then and he needed to learn acceptance. Needed to trust his wife’s love, she wouldn’t have thought any less of him. They would have all made changes and sacrificed like Calvin and Bryce did for Ben. That’s what families do.

That’s what he learnt from his friends. They were his family. A group of friends who became a family despite not being connected by blood.

[Roxs Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Lakeside Cottage was an emotional ride that left me feeling connected to amazing characters. The feelings and emotions that were brought out in Learning at 40 gave me a sense of accomplishment, as if I had read a book filled with meaningful moments that left me a little wiser. The story broke my heart and put me through the wringer, but in the end, it gave me hope and filled my heart with happiness.

This is an awesome series to listen to on audible. The emotions are brought out 10-fold by narrators Stephen Dexter and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. I love when the voices match the characters for me, and in this case, they definitely did. I was able to read and listen at the same time which totally lets me escape and become one with the story. I highly recommend giving it a try.

Second-chance romance is my kryptonite, and LB’s over 40 stories are always perfect. She knows how to pen stories that those of us who have experienced a little more life than others can really immerse ourselves in. Possibly even live vicariously through. Her words always hit home. They always resonate deep within my soul while they bring my imagination to life.

River is the perfect sunny companion to stand alongside the newly divorced, single father, Zack, and help him heal while he builds a new life. He doesn’t exactly make it easy on her, and he may not even deserve her friendship, but lucky for him, she stays the course and helps him see things through a totally different set of eyes. Her optimism and outlook gives Zack a whole other side of seeing things.

I enjoyed this couple and summer vacation lakeside cottage stories get me every time. Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with Living at 40 to really enhance your overall enjoyment and love of the characters.

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Well, L.B. Dunbar has done it again. She has written a story in her newest series, Lakeside Cottage, that, once again, will steal your heart. When she left us in Living at 40, Autumn and Logan had found their happy ending under the specter of Ben’s diagnosis. How will Ben’s situation haunt the newest book of the series, Learning at 40? It continues to be the thread that binds these stories together. In this book, Zack, the newly divorced, dad to twins, is trying to make sense of life. Dealing with Ben’s situation, trying to find himself after the divorce, and raising his energetic twin boys mostly on his own, Zack doesn’t know who he is. One night, while looking at his old house from the upper window of his friends’ house next door to it, Zack sees his “angel.” The next-door neighbor seems otherworldly. When his sons escape to the house next door and find his old treehouse, Zack meets his angel, while trying to hide his interest in her behind his gruff exterior. River, the lovely neighbor, has a spine of steel and a compassionate demeanor, thankfully. This entices Zack to want more of her. When he bulldozes through River’s boundaries, both literally and figuratively, these two begin to fall deeply in love...in the span of ten days. However, their pasts haunt their present, and you wonder if these ten days will be all they get, or will Zack end up with his soulmate?

There is so much I adored about Learning at 40, but I want to first begin with the one most imposing thought I had about this book:

It was difficult for me to enjoy Zack. Honestly, it took most of Learning at 40 to appreciate him. And I get it. He has an unresolved issue from his past that he has failed to handle. As such, his emotions are stunted. Yet, time and time again, Zack reads like an out-of-control temperamental beast, much like the behavior of his sons in Living at 40. He loses his temper quickly, and he spends much of this book doing two things: apologizing for losing control or bedding River. This wouldn’t be such an issue if River wasn’t so amazing. Without River, Zack would be almost beyond redemption.

Therefore, the best part of Learning at 40 is Dunbar’s heroine, River. And while she has a bit of a secret, she has immense patience, a caring, beautiful soul, and a compassion for people that, honestly, save this book. Her ability to help Zack evolve into a better man is the best part of this book. I challenge you NOT to fall in love with River. It will be impossible because, at the most basic level, she teaches him to be a better father and a better man.

Additionally, the continuing story of the Four Points is a draw to this book. There is more Ben, Anna, Mason, Logan, and Autumn. There are also more clues to the next book in this series, Loving at 40, and I’m intrigued to see where this goes. I’m impatient for Mason’s story, wondering if the series is going where I think it’s going to go with him. And given Dunbar’s immense capacity to make us fall in love with characters and situations that seem impossible to love, I’m acutely anticipatory for the future stories of this series.

So, here’s the bottom line for L.B. Dunbar’s Learning at 40. If you adore a grumpy, controlling hero who REQUIRES a heroine with a soft hand but a firm sense of self to help him find personal redemption, then you will ADORE this story.

[Vallsykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
The overarching conflict and theme is life after death of a loved one or family member, which runs throughout the four books in this series.

For Zach and River, the couple of this book, both are moving on and in need of second chances.

As I stated in my review of the first book, the male leads in bks 1 & 2 are already parents and have had failed marriages. The women they fall for have to be right for their children and worth diving in again. Therefore, Zach comes as a pre-made package of him and his twin boys, who are "adorbs." Zach has never been in love, just "in-obligation." He is trying to handle how to show love to his boys, though he shows them consistency, structure, and dedication as a parent. Those parts? He has down.

Seeing River, for the first time, "calling down the sun" in all her birthday glory from the window of his friends' next door lakeside home just adds more emotions to handle for Zach! FYI, emotions are what Zach is not so good at handling.

River, like her name, flows free. She is a nurse, who has done hospice care and seen lives end, so she comes home now to her safe haven and relishes her down time, while also being welcoming to two cute little boys who love to come over to play in the tree fort in her backyard.

Suffice to say, the reader can predict how River and Zach meet. The link is created by the children, but the lust between them comes swiftly.

And this one, again, has Dunbar's predictable hero who has to have that moment to decide whether or not the heroine is his all-or-nothing once things get deep, so yes, Zach fumbles a bit and judges his lady prematurely too ( he did not do enough groveling for that one, IMO).

Despite predictability, Dunbar does a good job building these characters and having them navigate the ruins, beautiful ruins, of loss. The found family aspect and the factor of age are two additional characters here that make up for seeing the formulaic plotline, I think.

Happy Reading.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for this real life look at love and family!

This book is heart-wrenching ... just like the first book in the series. My heart was all over the place ... it was happy, sad, frustrated and it melted. Zack and River are such opposites ... but you know the old saying "opposites attract". And wow ... there was definitely chemistry between them. I loved River ... her demeanour is so laid back and nurturing. It hurt my heart how awkward Zack was with his boys. He wanted to have a better relationship with them, but he just didn't know how. Zack had a lot to learn from River. I love it when there are kids in a book ... they just give it a realistic feel. The banter between the characters is just amazing ... I want to be in their circle of friends.

After the death of one of the friends, the other three promised him that they would meet for 2 weeks in August every year to take a step back from their everyday life and remember the family that the friends have formed. Zack is recently divorced and has custody of his twin 7-year-old hellions ... oops, I mean boys. While on vacation at his friends house, he looks over at the house next door (his childhood home) and sees a beautiful angel that absolutely captivates him.

River moved into the house she inherited a year ago and she's trying to fix up the run down lakefront property. She needed a new start and this was her chance. But between working at the hospital and fixing up the cottage, she hasn't had time to meet any of the people in her community. One day she hears 2 little boys playing in the old tree house in her backyard and decides to let them be, as their laughter warms her soul. But when their grumpy father comes barrelling into her yard and yelling at them, she takes it upon herself to try and set him straight.

Even though this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend to start at the beginning because you learn the dynamics of the group of friends that this series follows. I can't wait for the next book. You just have to read this series ... it will show you that you don't have to be related by blood to be family.

I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back for book two of the Lakeside Cottage series and it is great to see old friends once again. We find Zack learning to let go of the past, finding a way to let love back into his life while learning to connect with his twin boys and not let work be his main focus.

Zack has carried his chip on his shoulder for a long time and it is time to let it go, he just doesn't know it yet. Though he loves spending time with his besties, he doesn't like the skeletons that haunt him while he is there. The house next door to Anna & Ben's place holds many memories, the bad overshadowing the good. Finally free of his loveless marriage he is determined to reconnect with his 7 yr old twin boys during this vacation. He certainly wasn't counting on the beautiful neighbor next door or Ben's cryptic message.

River finds herself starting a new and fighting for what was given to her. She loves her job as a nurse and helping people but it has taken its toll on her over the years. Hoping this fresh start in a fresh town will be just what the doctor ordered. She is a quiet person who keeps to herself and doesn't have many friends in her new town. When the twin boys come crashing into her yard, she is drawn to them and sees their need for affection. The grumpy but sexy dad was not on her radar, but she sees something deep below the surface she want to let free.

There is a strong chemistry between Zack and River from the very beginning and the banter keeps bringing that smile back as they deal with the hurts of the past, the loss of trust that is so hard to win back. Zack tries to barrel through and take care of River but she is a strong woman and doesn't want to be handled, she is looking for someone to enjoy the journey together with. Can they find a compromise?

I am enjoying this series and excited to see where Archer takes us next.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Lorraine Brattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is almost too much! Loads of love and heartfelt moments.

This is the return to Lakeside Cottage, and the 3 returning best friends make the most of the anniversary of their dear friend Ben. Each of them gets an envelope that was written by Ben prior to his death. This is all about Zack and his mischievous 7 year old twins.

A year ago, on the night Ben died, Zack turned towards the neighbors house which happened to be the house he grew up in. In the sunset, he saw a vision of what he thought could have been an angel. A woman who was wearing an almost sheer looking summer dress but from the distance he could not see her face.

Now a year later, he hears a sound outside coming from the neighbors house and gets out of bed and walks to the window that's on the 2nd floor of Anna's house and is mesmerized by the vision of the neighbor dancing in her back yard then as she settles on her lounge chair he witnessed something he could not take his eyes from.

Now a day or so later he looks out his window again and she is actually sunbathing nude. His friends wonder what's going on as they pass by and see him staring out the window. He tries to cover their eyes just as Ben's teenage son comes in and tells them all he knew what was going on and said he was told not to work on her yard today because that was her plan.

Zack later starts looking for his boys and comes to find them at the neighbors house playing in tree house at the back of her property. Zack is quite gruff with her as he tells his boys to leave and to keep her clothes on.

This neighbor named River takes offense of his comments and tells him to lighten up.

I loved this story!! Those twins are truly endearing and I just wanted to reach out and hug them! Zack really has gone through so much with his father and ex-wife. He needed someone good for him and those boys!

Ready to learn more about Archer as he makes his first appearance in the next book. Enjoy!!

[Frances Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ebook ARC, from the author, on the condition that I write an honest review.
Every book that I’ve read, by L. B. Dunbar, has captured my heart, and this one does not fail to do so, again. Her books always have such great characters, they are emotional, loving, and just meant to be together. This one had me crying in several chapters, but I was so happy with the ending in this book.
Zack is emotionally closed off to his ex-wife, and his own sons. His past family history affected him when growing up. He was raised in a well-to-do family, but that came crashing down. He has made himself a better person, and is now a lawyer. He returns with his boys, and his friends, to reunite in memory of their dead friend Ben. He is looking out his rooms bedroom window, and he sees a beautiful Angel in the next door neighbor’s backyard. The Angel is the woman living next door. There is an immediate attraction to her.
River owns the house that used to be Zack’s home. She is an Oncology nurse, and inherited the house from a former patient. She is a bit of a free soul, usually wearing light clothes/naked, in her backyard. Zack’s sons invade her yard, to play in the old treehouse, that used to be Zack’s and his brother. They are drawn to her, along with their father, because she treats them well. Zack and River begin a short fling, but several complications occur, along with misunderstandings.
Zack returns to his hometown to his job, but misses River, as well as the boys miss her. He seeks her out, and they realize that the fling has become more, and they love each other. Eventually all is resolved, and book ends in a beautiful epilogue. I highly recommend this book.

[Nicky Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newly divorced, single father grump meets a ray of sunshine, next-door neighbour in this small town, second chance romance where learning to love over 40 works with the right teacher.

Welcome back to Lakeside Cottage.

And what a welcome back it is, Zack Weller a father of two hyper twins Oliver & Trevor.

He made a promise to Ben that once a year he would go back and spend time with Anna the kids and his other best friend.

The four points as they called thereselves Ben, Zack, Logan & Mason.

Sadly now that Ben has gone they all feel lost without him, how do they move on how do they finish the dream that they all started together.

What Zack didn't expect was too met the women of his dreams and one that would turn his world upside down River Nagle

River lives in Zack old childhood home, one that holds a lot of happy memories but mostly for him bad ones.

The chemistry they have from the start is hot as hell, and the way she treats the twins makes Zack realise he has missed out on so much with his beloved twins, his messy divorce from a loveless marriage and just living his life.

River awakens something in Zack that has been missing for so long, loving someone needing someone and more than anything learning to live once again.

This book will take you on an emotional journey, and one i have to say i loved i couldn't turn them pages fast enough, as alway LB delivers a beautiful and heartfelt story and gives you wonderful characters you can relate to.

Looking forward to the next book which is Archers Anna brother, and what an introduction we got to him.

A 5 star read from me loved it.

[Sunny Shelly Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another absolutely charming story in LB Dunbar's Lakeside Cottage series. In a sea of contemporary romance books featuring heroes and heroines in their 20s and 30s, I really appreciate her over-40 books.

In Learning at 40, we return to the lakeside cottage for Ben's funeral. The remaining three points are trying to find their way through life without him, as are his widow Anna and teenage sons and sister. This book focuses on Zack, and his struggles to adapt to being a single dad of rambunctious twins as well as the death of his best friend. The night of Ben's funeral, he swears he sees an angel in the yard next door -- the house that was once his childhood home. Returning a few months later for the group's two-week vacation, he again sees the free-spirited woman, but when he finally meets her, he and River definitely get off on the wrong foot.

But the chemistry! So much chemistry! But what do you do when he's only there for two weeks and she's not interested in one-night stand? By the time the two weeks are up, neither one of them can walk away -- and Zack finds that the last thing he thought he wanted was exactly what he needed.

I loved how River brought out the best in Zack, and how well she handled the twins. She calmed his rough edges and soothed him when he got anxious.

Learning at 40 isn't as much of an emotional rollercoaster as the first book was, simply because it doesn't involve Ben's illness. But this story still packs quite an emotional punch as Zack learns how to fall in love with River. He started off as so rude and grumpy and a dude with so many issues, but there is a really nice arc for his character as he falls hard and fast for the neighbor.

This book ends with an intriguing epilogue for Anna's brother, Asher, who I figure will be the focus of the next book, but I really can't wait for Mason's story!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.