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Rose Bend #1
The Road to Rose Bend
If it was only about her, she might never have come back to Rose Bend.
But it’s not only about her anymore.
Sydney Collins left the small Berkshires town of Rose Bend eight years ago, grieving her sister’s death—and heartbroken over her parents’ rejection. But now the rebel is back—newly divorced and pregnant—ready to face her fears and make a home for her child in the caring community she once knew. The last thing she needs is trouble. But trouble just set her body on fire with one hot, hot smile.
Widower and Rose Bend mayor Coltrane Dennison hasn’t smiled in ages. Until a chance run-in with Sydney Collins, who’s all grown-up and making him want what he knows he can’t have. Grief is his only connection to the wife and son he lost, and he won’t give it up. Not for Sydney, not for her child, not for his heart. But when Sydney’s ex threatens to upend everything she’s rebuilt in Rose Bend, Cole and Sydney may find that a little trouble will take them where they never expected to go.
But it’s not only about her anymore.
Sydney Collins left the small Berkshires town of Rose Bend eight years ago, grieving her sister’s death—and heartbroken over her parents’ rejection. But now the rebel is back—newly divorced and pregnant—ready to face her fears and make a home for her child in the caring community she once knew. The last thing she needs is trouble. But trouble just set her body on fire with one hot, hot smile.
Widower and Rose Bend mayor Coltrane Dennison hasn’t smiled in ages. Until a chance run-in with Sydney Collins, who’s all grown-up and making him want what he knows he can’t have. Grief is his only connection to the wife and son he lost, and he won’t give it up. Not for Sydney, not for her child, not for his heart. But when Sydney’s ex threatens to upend everything she’s rebuilt in Rose Bend, Cole and Sydney may find that a little trouble will take them where they never expected to go.
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2021
216 people are currently reading
4359 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
168 books2,130 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
December 21, 2021
This is a Women's Fiction/Romance, and the is the first book in the Rose Bend series. This romance is sexy and steamy at times, but it also has a great storyline with great developed characters. This book is told in the point of view of Sydney, and She is strong well woman with a great sense of humor. I really loved her character. Her character comes to right off the pages of the book. I did not want to put the book down because I really wanted to find out what was going to happen behind Sydney and Coltrane. Coltrane was a good guy that has had to life though losing his wife and child. This book was so well written, and the characters was everything. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin) or author (Naima Simone) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
February 28, 2021
this was a total angst fest, which I wasn't quite expecting from the cover, and I think it was just too much for me. Everyone has heard me say this, but in a romance, I think the recovery needs to be equal to or greater than the trauma or illness. And this just wasn't. There was TOO MUCH suffering, and even though a lot of it was in the past, I didn't feel enough progress was made on healing.
YMMV, but this felt out of balance.
YMMV, but this felt out of balance.
Read
April 28, 2021
DNF @ 65%
If you are looking for easy-going contemporary romance, don't let the cover fool you, The Road to Rose Bend ain't it.
I stuck it out til 65% and I just can't be arsed to read anymore. I've read and loved many books by this author before and even enjoyed the prequel novella for this series, but my god talk about throwing the proverbial trope bucket at it and hoping it all sticks.
I am not a massive angst fan, but I liked Cole & Sydney, so was happy to keep reading, this is a couple that are literally carrying dumpsters of baggage around on each of their shoulders, but as I said I liked them both so carried on reading.
At the halfway point there has been very little romance, so the author decides to add some 'drama' with the inclusion of a 'mean' woman, yay! Even better something I dislike even more than angst. 65% the ex-husband rocks up and makes his less-than-friendly intentions clear, and I've lost the will. Rather than read anymore, I've made up my own ending, which leaves them skipping off into the sunset pushing a buggy. That works for me, if you like a heavy dose of angst and erroneous drama, give it a go!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.
If you are looking for easy-going contemporary romance, don't let the cover fool you, The Road to Rose Bend ain't it.
I stuck it out til 65% and I just can't be arsed to read anymore. I've read and loved many books by this author before and even enjoyed the prequel novella for this series, but my god talk about throwing the proverbial trope bucket at it and hoping it all sticks.
I am not a massive angst fan, but I liked Cole & Sydney, so was happy to keep reading, this is a couple that are literally carrying dumpsters of baggage around on each of their shoulders, but as I said I liked them both so carried on reading.
At the halfway point there has been very little romance, so the author decides to add some 'drama' with the inclusion of a 'mean' woman, yay! Even better something I dislike even more than angst. 65% the ex-husband rocks up and makes his less-than-friendly intentions clear, and I've lost the will. Rather than read anymore, I've made up my own ending, which leaves them skipping off into the sunset pushing a buggy. That works for me, if you like a heavy dose of angst and erroneous drama, give it a go!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.
November 8, 2021
4 1/2 "Be Happy." Stars!
Wow!! This book was so much more than I was expecting. I am not going to lie, I went into this story thinking it would be this steamy, sweet, Hallmark movie type of book. I admit, I based that off the cover. Shame on me. But tbh, I read a lot of books based off the cover. I don't always read blurbs. Anyway, I digress. The point of all that was to say, this book was more than I expected. It was down right gut wrenching at times to be honest. It was poignant and heartbreaking, redeeming and angsty. Beautiful. I hurt so bad for Cole. (And by the way, his name being Coltrane also added to the why I picked this up. *Stay focused, Stacie!*) Cole lost his wife and son 2 years ago. The poor man was struggling so hard with his grief but he was trying so hard to go on without them. To do good with his life. To protect and help his community any way he could. But really he was not doing so good. Along came Sydney back into town after being away for 8 years. She immediately woke something up in him that had been dormant since he lost his family. And the emotional struggle was on.
Sydney was dealing with her own sets of emotional trauma that steamed from her childhood and also an emotionally manipulative ex husband. And guess what!? She's pregnant.
The trauma both these wonderful people had experience... It was a lot. I rooted for these two so hard!
The other thing I absolutely loved about this book was that Rose Bend was a very diverse small town. It felt like where I live. I loved that. Also, Cole's extended family was wonderful. There was a great cast of side characters. The one thing I really missed with this book was an epilogue. That would have bumped this one on into the 5 star category. But even without the epilogue, I really enjoyed reading Cole's and Sydney's story. Just don't let that beautiful picturesque cover fool you. Rose Bend was just that beautiful but this story was so much more. Happy reading!
Wow!! This book was so much more than I was expecting. I am not going to lie, I went into this story thinking it would be this steamy, sweet, Hallmark movie type of book. I admit, I based that off the cover. Shame on me. But tbh, I read a lot of books based off the cover. I don't always read blurbs. Anyway, I digress. The point of all that was to say, this book was more than I expected. It was down right gut wrenching at times to be honest. It was poignant and heartbreaking, redeeming and angsty. Beautiful. I hurt so bad for Cole. (And by the way, his name being Coltrane also added to the why I picked this up. *Stay focused, Stacie!*) Cole lost his wife and son 2 years ago. The poor man was struggling so hard with his grief but he was trying so hard to go on without them. To do good with his life. To protect and help his community any way he could. But really he was not doing so good. Along came Sydney back into town after being away for 8 years. She immediately woke something up in him that had been dormant since he lost his family. And the emotional struggle was on.
Sydney was dealing with her own sets of emotional trauma that steamed from her childhood and also an emotionally manipulative ex husband. And guess what!? She's pregnant.
The trauma both these wonderful people had experience... It was a lot. I rooted for these two so hard!
The other thing I absolutely loved about this book was that Rose Bend was a very diverse small town. It felt like where I live. I loved that. Also, Cole's extended family was wonderful. There was a great cast of side characters. The one thing I really missed with this book was an epilogue. That would have bumped this one on into the 5 star category. But even without the epilogue, I really enjoyed reading Cole's and Sydney's story. Just don't let that beautiful picturesque cover fool you. Rose Bend was just that beautiful but this story was so much more. Happy reading!
February 26, 2021
Overall, this is a confusing book to review. The cover is gorgeous, but is not really reflective of the content. I for one am all about steamy, small town romances, but ymmv.
The blurb on the back does promise high angst and tough topics, which I'm grateful for, but also I neglected to read it before jumping in (which is my fault). I love Naima Simone's writing, and I eat up her words even when the story makes me want to yell. She's a wizard like that.
I loved the immediate chemistry between Sydney and Cole and the sheer uncomfortable anguish and lust Cole struggles with due to his attraction. Sorry, I like to see em' suffer. Sydney is pregnant and never, not once is Sydney judged for her choices by Cole (but oh wow she is by a lot of the other characters in this town).
There is a lot of heavy plot, including Cole's dead wife and baby, Sydney's little sister who died from cancer and whose death Sydney believes her parents blame her for, and Sydney's ex-husband threatening to take legal action to sue for custody rights because she's isn't a "fit parent." I felt a bit overwhelmed by all of these on top of the struggle for Cole to realize he is ready for another romantic relationship. There's also the inclusion of a jealous woman who is awful to Sydney because she wants Cole.
There's so much trauma for everyone that the HEA, when it came, felt really sudden at the end, and we are left without an epilogue to reassure all is still well after the birth of Sydney's baby. This was especially tough for me as Cole lost both his wife and baby to childbirth, so I was left a bit worried about how he would be dealing with that.
All in all, a mixed bag but I definitely was riveted by the writing and wanted to see how it all ended up.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC
The blurb on the back does promise high angst and tough topics, which I'm grateful for, but also I neglected to read it before jumping in (which is my fault). I love Naima Simone's writing, and I eat up her words even when the story makes me want to yell. She's a wizard like that.
I loved the immediate chemistry between Sydney and Cole and the sheer uncomfortable anguish and lust Cole struggles with due to his attraction. Sorry, I like to see em' suffer. Sydney is pregnant and never, not once is Sydney judged for her choices by Cole (but oh wow she is by a lot of the other characters in this town).
There is a lot of heavy plot, including Cole's dead wife and baby, Sydney's little sister who died from cancer and whose death Sydney believes her parents blame her for, and Sydney's ex-husband threatening to take legal action to sue for custody rights because she's isn't a "fit parent." I felt a bit overwhelmed by all of these on top of the struggle for Cole to realize he is ready for another romantic relationship. There's also the inclusion of a jealous woman who is awful to Sydney because she wants Cole.
There's so much trauma for everyone that the HEA, when it came, felt really sudden at the end, and we are left without an epilogue to reassure all is still well after the birth of Sydney's baby. This was especially tough for me as Cole lost both his wife and baby to childbirth, so I was left a bit worried about how he would be dealing with that.
All in all, a mixed bag but I definitely was riveted by the writing and wanted to see how it all ended up.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC
July 1, 2021
My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
Twitter @bookread2day
Even though Naima Simone is an established author who has written many romance novels, The Road to Rose Bend is my first book that I have read.
It was a real pleasure reading The Road to Rose Bend, as this story has a modern day blend added. I couldn’t be more happier as have now found a new author to add to the top of my list to follow.
I thought divorced, pregnant, single mother to be Sydney Collins was rather brave in returning to her childhood home where her parents lived. She had left her home eight years ago, but now she is back. She knows her relationship with her parents became strained since the death of her sister that she is still grieving for. But all she wants is for her parents to love their grandchild. Sydney is worried that now she was back in Rose Bend that no one would accept her.
Sydney was a young woman when she married her husband Daniel, who was much older than her, but although she was pregnant Sydney knew that she had to divorce him. Sydney thought it would easy ending her marriage and moving back to her home town, little did she know that it would cause her upset and worry. Sydney’s mother is interfering and secretly phone’s Sydney’s ex- husband Daniel, telling her daughter that’s its not too late fix things.
Pregnant Sydney knows she can’t live with in parents house and rents a cottage, as she is adamant that she is not going to go back with her husband Daniel. Sydney’s heart was in the right place as she was prepared to keep Daniel in the loop of what’s happening throughout her pregnancy. I felt really sorry for Sydney as her husband just turns up at her cottage with the biggest shock for Sydney, he declares that he is filing for custody of the baby and is going to marry another woman that is in his life. This shocking news upsets Sydney as a mother to be, all she wants is to have her baby and keep it.
The story is willing Sydney to have a better life in her home town Rose Bend. There she meets her friend’s caring brother Cole Dennison. He is grieving for his wife and son that both tragically died. He still thinks Sydney is sexy as hell! Then when Cole sees that she is four months pregnant he presumes that she is married.
The handsome Cole Dennison is falling in love with Sydney and comes up with the perfect plan to stop Daniel from seeking full custody of Sydney’s baby girl.
After reading this lovely romance The Road to Rose Bend, I really want to read Naima Simone’s next book Slow Dance at Rose Bend.
I want to recommend The Road to Rose Bend as it keeps readers guessing near the end if Sydney Collins is staying with the dashing Cole or will she return to her husband?
Twitter @bookread2day
Even though Naima Simone is an established author who has written many romance novels, The Road to Rose Bend is my first book that I have read.
It was a real pleasure reading The Road to Rose Bend, as this story has a modern day blend added. I couldn’t be more happier as have now found a new author to add to the top of my list to follow.
I thought divorced, pregnant, single mother to be Sydney Collins was rather brave in returning to her childhood home where her parents lived. She had left her home eight years ago, but now she is back. She knows her relationship with her parents became strained since the death of her sister that she is still grieving for. But all she wants is for her parents to love their grandchild. Sydney is worried that now she was back in Rose Bend that no one would accept her.
Sydney was a young woman when she married her husband Daniel, who was much older than her, but although she was pregnant Sydney knew that she had to divorce him. Sydney thought it would easy ending her marriage and moving back to her home town, little did she know that it would cause her upset and worry. Sydney’s mother is interfering and secretly phone’s Sydney’s ex- husband Daniel, telling her daughter that’s its not too late fix things.
Pregnant Sydney knows she can’t live with in parents house and rents a cottage, as she is adamant that she is not going to go back with her husband Daniel. Sydney’s heart was in the right place as she was prepared to keep Daniel in the loop of what’s happening throughout her pregnancy. I felt really sorry for Sydney as her husband just turns up at her cottage with the biggest shock for Sydney, he declares that he is filing for custody of the baby and is going to marry another woman that is in his life. This shocking news upsets Sydney as a mother to be, all she wants is to have her baby and keep it.
The story is willing Sydney to have a better life in her home town Rose Bend. There she meets her friend’s caring brother Cole Dennison. He is grieving for his wife and son that both tragically died. He still thinks Sydney is sexy as hell! Then when Cole sees that she is four months pregnant he presumes that she is married.
The handsome Cole Dennison is falling in love with Sydney and comes up with the perfect plan to stop Daniel from seeking full custody of Sydney’s baby girl.
After reading this lovely romance The Road to Rose Bend, I really want to read Naima Simone’s next book Slow Dance at Rose Bend.
I want to recommend The Road to Rose Bend as it keeps readers guessing near the end if Sydney Collins is staying with the dashing Cole or will she return to her husband?
June 7, 2021
This is a Women's Fiction/Romance, and the is the first book in the Rose Bend series. This romance is sexy and steamy at times, but it also has a great storyline with great developed characters. This book is told in the point of view of Sydney, and She is strong well woman with a great sense of humor. I really loved her character. Her character comes to right off the pages of the book. I did not want to put the book down because I really wanted to find out what was going to happen behind Sydney and Coltrane. Coltrane was a good guy that has had to life though losing his wife and child. This book was so well written, and the characters was everything. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin) or author (Naima Simone) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 27, 2021
This book was incredible! I want to live in RoseBend with all its multicultural goodness. The family dynamics, the small town, the diversity from Sydney being a black woman to Cole being Puerto Rican..the whole town is a melting pot of diverseness and I am HERE FOR THIS IN ROMANCE!!
Naima has an incredible gift, and her personality really shines through in this book. I will love her forever!
Naima has an incredible gift, and her personality really shines through in this book. I will love her forever!
February 7, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE ROAD TO ROSE BEND (A Rose Bend Book #1) by Naima Simone is an emotional contemporary romance that features the return of rebel Sydney Collins to her small hometown in the Berkshires and the widowed mayor of Rose Bend Coltrane “Cole” Dennison. This story brought me to tears in so many scenes and yet it is balanced with happiness and love throughout with an extremely satisfying HEA.
Besides the main romance plot, Sydney is dealing with being pregnant by her ex-husband after their divorce and unresolved issues which lead to her rebellion all through her teen years with her parents after her sister died from cancer when she was younger. Cole is a widower of only two years and besides losing his young wife, he also lost his son. Even with all this angst, Ms. Simone is still able to find moments of joy and love between these two because they really have empathy for each other’s pasts and present problems. The sex scenes are explicit, but not gratuitous.
The entire Denison family is introduced in this book, and they are fully drawn and realistic. I am looking forward to following them in future books in this series.
I love Sydney and Cole, the entire Dennison family, and the small town of Rose Bend. I highly recommend this contemporary romance!
THE ROAD TO ROSE BEND (A Rose Bend Book #1) by Naima Simone is an emotional contemporary romance that features the return of rebel Sydney Collins to her small hometown in the Berkshires and the widowed mayor of Rose Bend Coltrane “Cole” Dennison. This story brought me to tears in so many scenes and yet it is balanced with happiness and love throughout with an extremely satisfying HEA.
Besides the main romance plot, Sydney is dealing with being pregnant by her ex-husband after their divorce and unresolved issues which lead to her rebellion all through her teen years with her parents after her sister died from cancer when she was younger. Cole is a widower of only two years and besides losing his young wife, he also lost his son. Even with all this angst, Ms. Simone is still able to find moments of joy and love between these two because they really have empathy for each other’s pasts and present problems. The sex scenes are explicit, but not gratuitous.
The entire Denison family is introduced in this book, and they are fully drawn and realistic. I am looking forward to following them in future books in this series.
I love Sydney and Cole, the entire Dennison family, and the small town of Rose Bend. I highly recommend this contemporary romance!
March 6, 2022
3.5 Stars
The Road to Rose Bend features a wonderful romance about second chances that is more angsty than the cover implies.
Sydney Collins left her hometown of Rose Bend eight years ago and swore she'd never go back. But now, newly divorced and pregnant, Sydney is looking for a place to raise her child and call home. The last thing she was looking for was an attraction to Rose Bend's widower mayor, Coltrane Dennison. After losing his wife and son, Cole has thrown everything he has into being mayor. Despite his attraction to Sydney, he'll never let go of his grief which is the last connection he has to his family. But when Sydney's ex threatens to take her child, the pair find themselves entering into the most unlikely of bargains.
Sydney was always considered the black sheep of her family and after losing her sister at such a young age, she drifted further from her parents. Sydney lost herself in her marriage and returning home is one of the first things she's done for herself in a long time. I admired Sydney's strength and her willingness to do what's right for her despite pressure from her ex or family. Cole lost his wife and son two years before the start of the story. In that time he has struggled to work through his grief and tends to avoid situations that remind him of the past. Instead he works to an excessive degree to try and keep himself too busy to think of his loss. Cole's pain is tremendous and incredibly hard to read about which I was not expecting going into this book as the cover implies a much lighter tone.
Sydney and Cole's relationship starts out as friendship with an attraction that neither of them wants to act on. I liked getting to see the two become friends again after years apart and I found their friendship to be one of my favorite aspects of their relationship. After the threat from Sydney's ex, the two enter into a relationship believing they're doing so without love being on the table which is a trope I enjoy. Sydney and Cole's physical relationship is incredibly well done with a number of very steamy scenes throughout. Ultimately the only thing I disliked about the story was due to my dislike of pregnancy in romances. I initially picked up this book without reading the description which is my fault, so I was unaware going in that Sydney was pregnant and how large a role it would play in the story. But as my dislike is a personal preference when it comes to books, it shouldn't be an issue for anyone who doesn't share that dislike.
Overall The Road to Rose Bend was a fantastic read that I mostly enjoyed. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind pregnancy in their romances as outside of that I truly did enjoy the book.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
The Road to Rose Bend features a wonderful romance about second chances that is more angsty than the cover implies.
Sydney Collins left her hometown of Rose Bend eight years ago and swore she'd never go back. But now, newly divorced and pregnant, Sydney is looking for a place to raise her child and call home. The last thing she was looking for was an attraction to Rose Bend's widower mayor, Coltrane Dennison. After losing his wife and son, Cole has thrown everything he has into being mayor. Despite his attraction to Sydney, he'll never let go of his grief which is the last connection he has to his family. But when Sydney's ex threatens to take her child, the pair find themselves entering into the most unlikely of bargains.
Sydney was always considered the black sheep of her family and after losing her sister at such a young age, she drifted further from her parents. Sydney lost herself in her marriage and returning home is one of the first things she's done for herself in a long time. I admired Sydney's strength and her willingness to do what's right for her despite pressure from her ex or family. Cole lost his wife and son two years before the start of the story. In that time he has struggled to work through his grief and tends to avoid situations that remind him of the past. Instead he works to an excessive degree to try and keep himself too busy to think of his loss. Cole's pain is tremendous and incredibly hard to read about which I was not expecting going into this book as the cover implies a much lighter tone.
Sydney and Cole's relationship starts out as friendship with an attraction that neither of them wants to act on. I liked getting to see the two become friends again after years apart and I found their friendship to be one of my favorite aspects of their relationship. After the threat from Sydney's ex, the two enter into a relationship believing they're doing so without love being on the table which is a trope I enjoy. Sydney and Cole's physical relationship is incredibly well done with a number of very steamy scenes throughout. Ultimately the only thing I disliked about the story was due to my dislike of pregnancy in romances. I initially picked up this book without reading the description which is my fault, so I was unaware going in that Sydney was pregnant and how large a role it would play in the story. But as my dislike is a personal preference when it comes to books, it shouldn't be an issue for anyone who doesn't share that dislike.
Overall The Road to Rose Bend was a fantastic read that I mostly enjoyed. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind pregnancy in their romances as outside of that I truly did enjoy the book.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
February 18, 2021
Sydney Collins, newly divorced, and pregnant with her ex-husband’s child (long story), has decided it’s time to come home to Rose Bend. While she bolted from her small town existence eight years before, she knows in her heart that this will be a good place to raise her child. Upon her return, she encounters widower Coltrane Dennison, and sparks immediately fly! Both have been traumatized—Cole by his wife and son’s deaths, Sydney by her sister’s death and her parents’ subsequent coldness and dismissal. But, with unconditional support and love from Cole’s family, and despite numerous complex issues, they just may be able to make it work. The protagonists were lovely (and molten!), but I also enjoyed the supporting characters and how they fit into each other’s lives. With a wonderful, diverse cast of characters, Simone aptly demonstrates a strong focus on the adoptive and blended family experience, issues with racism, and all of the different ways that love and devotion can look.
April 29, 2021
*I received a free copy of The Road to Rose Bend from Harlequin. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
Oh. My. Feels!! I'm utterly broken. But I'm also completely happy. Not sure how that's possible, but Ms. Simone managed to do both in this beautifully written, heart-wrenching story!
Cole and Sydney were everything. Cole thought his heart was made of stone after his wife, Tania, and his son Mateo, died during Mateo's birth. And Sydney had felt like she was never first - especially after her dear sister died when Sydney was still very young.
When these to met again, there was definitely chemistry from the start. However, it seemed as if fate herself as against them. Sydney was divorced, but pregnant with her former husband's child. And Cole was still grieving for his wife and son. It really didn't feel like anything good could happen for either of them. Star crossed lovers, anyone? That's what I thought I would get.
Plus, don't get me started on Sydney's parents. I wanted to hit both of them at the back of the head more than once. Of course, I have no idea how it feels to lose a child. But at the same time, they did still have Sydney - and she felt like she should have either died along with her sister, or died instead of her. And that hadn't changed even after the time Sydney had been gone.
The Road to Rose Bend is a humongous emotional rollercoaster. My heart soared in some places, and plummeted so low in others it ached more than it has from a novel in a very, very long time. (And yes, I loved that.) Between tentative hope, sizzling hotness, friendship, love, fear, and some characters that only deserve the worst life can ever give them, I still have trouble sharing any kind of coherent thoughts of this.
Apart from maybe - run and get it! If your heart can take all the feels, you'll thank me later.
Oh. My. Feels!! I'm utterly broken. But I'm also completely happy. Not sure how that's possible, but Ms. Simone managed to do both in this beautifully written, heart-wrenching story!
Cole and Sydney were everything. Cole thought his heart was made of stone after his wife, Tania, and his son Mateo, died during Mateo's birth. And Sydney had felt like she was never first - especially after her dear sister died when Sydney was still very young.
When these to met again, there was definitely chemistry from the start. However, it seemed as if fate herself as against them. Sydney was divorced, but pregnant with her former husband's child. And Cole was still grieving for his wife and son. It really didn't feel like anything good could happen for either of them. Star crossed lovers, anyone? That's what I thought I would get.
Plus, don't get me started on Sydney's parents. I wanted to hit both of them at the back of the head more than once. Of course, I have no idea how it feels to lose a child. But at the same time, they did still have Sydney - and she felt like she should have either died along with her sister, or died instead of her. And that hadn't changed even after the time Sydney had been gone.
The Road to Rose Bend is a humongous emotional rollercoaster. My heart soared in some places, and plummeted so low in others it ached more than it has from a novel in a very, very long time. (And yes, I loved that.) Between tentative hope, sizzling hotness, friendship, love, fear, and some characters that only deserve the worst life can ever give them, I still have trouble sharing any kind of coherent thoughts of this.
Apart from maybe - run and get it! If your heart can take all the feels, you'll thank me later.
February 20, 2021
I cannot even express how unbelievably beautiful this book is!
Sydney, of sweet and strong Sydney, she took my heart and she can gladly have it. So strong, so determined, so knocked down, set aside, and disregarded at every step for most of her life, yet, still hopeful, willing to live her best life, and giving with her heart and soul. Sydney is an empath, it is so clear, and even when her battery is empty, she gives what little she has for others. She is no pushover, she stands up for herself, but that she has learned to expect so little from others caused a physical ache in me.
Cole was, quite simply, heartbreaking. His path to this point was overwhelming, and understandably so. His reactions were normal, expected, and not anything that I help against him. For Cole, coming to the realization of where he is in life, and where he is ready to go in life, is full of pain, remembrance, and love. He has been in self-survival mode so long, coming out of that is not easy, or even something he wants to do. For every bit of progress he thinks he makes, he has two setbacks.
With the love and support of each other, their friends, their family, and unintentionally, those who do not support them, these two weave a tale with many tears, a few laughs, an undeniably attraction, and love that grows and has a life of its’ own, which is exactly how they needed and wanted it to do. Simply a stunning love story of overcoming loss and finding your path in life
Sydney, of sweet and strong Sydney, she took my heart and she can gladly have it. So strong, so determined, so knocked down, set aside, and disregarded at every step for most of her life, yet, still hopeful, willing to live her best life, and giving with her heart and soul. Sydney is an empath, it is so clear, and even when her battery is empty, she gives what little she has for others. She is no pushover, she stands up for herself, but that she has learned to expect so little from others caused a physical ache in me.
Cole was, quite simply, heartbreaking. His path to this point was overwhelming, and understandably so. His reactions were normal, expected, and not anything that I help against him. For Cole, coming to the realization of where he is in life, and where he is ready to go in life, is full of pain, remembrance, and love. He has been in self-survival mode so long, coming out of that is not easy, or even something he wants to do. For every bit of progress he thinks he makes, he has two setbacks.
With the love and support of each other, their friends, their family, and unintentionally, those who do not support them, these two weave a tale with many tears, a few laughs, an undeniably attraction, and love that grows and has a life of its’ own, which is exactly how they needed and wanted it to do. Simply a stunning love story of overcoming loss and finding your path in life
May 6, 2021
3.5 stars.
I am still trying to figure out how to explain how I feel about this book. I liked it but I also found it frustrating.
Sydney Collins went home to Rose Bend to try and figure out her next steps in life because she was pregnant yet going through a divorce. First thing she did when she got home to Rose bend (North Carolina) was visit her sister's grave site and she ran into Coltrane "Cole" Dennison. Sydney was best friends with Cole's sister and there seemed to be some old undercurrent of past attraction, but there was a lot going on and they were both in bad emotional and mental shape.
When Sydney's ex-husband threatens to sue her for sole custody of their unborn child citing that Sydney is an unfit mother, Cole jumps in to help Sydney by offering to marry her and present a two parent home establishing stability. On top of this marriage of convenience, Sydney has to deal with the estrangement with her parents, other women in the community who had designs on Cole, a vindictive ex-husband and her own feelings of guilt etc.
Cole is still drowning in his own pain from loss, while dealing with childhood issues steaming from his adoption, and the communities expectations. This guy had serious PTSD but he was such a standup man.
I was rooting for them but there was a lot of sub-issues that were just was serious as the pregnancy and frankly, they should have been addressed more in depth rather than focus on the romance. These are two people that need individual healing as much as passionate love. So while I liked the marriage of convenience plot, even the best friend's brother trope, there was a good deal of unresolved baggage that weighed the story down for me.
The good thing is that it ends in an HEA so Sydney and Cole do settle down with love and a baby
I am still trying to figure out how to explain how I feel about this book. I liked it but I also found it frustrating.
Sydney Collins went home to Rose Bend to try and figure out her next steps in life because she was pregnant yet going through a divorce. First thing she did when she got home to Rose bend (North Carolina) was visit her sister's grave site and she ran into Coltrane "Cole" Dennison. Sydney was best friends with Cole's sister and there seemed to be some old undercurrent of past attraction, but there was a lot going on and they were both in bad emotional and mental shape.
When Sydney's ex-husband threatens to sue her for sole custody of their unborn child citing that Sydney is an unfit mother, Cole jumps in to help Sydney by offering to marry her and present a two parent home establishing stability. On top of this marriage of convenience, Sydney has to deal with the estrangement with her parents, other women in the community who had designs on Cole, a vindictive ex-husband and her own feelings of guilt etc.
Cole is still drowning in his own pain from loss, while dealing with childhood issues steaming from his adoption, and the communities expectations. This guy had serious PTSD but he was such a standup man.
I was rooting for them but there was a lot of sub-issues that were just was serious as the pregnancy and frankly, they should have been addressed more in depth rather than focus on the romance. These are two people that need individual healing as much as passionate love. So while I liked the marriage of convenience plot, even the best friend's brother trope, there was a good deal of unresolved baggage that weighed the story down for me.
The good thing is that it ends in an HEA so Sydney and Cole do settle down with love and a baby
December 23, 2020
Sydney is just AMAZING, Cole is pretty awesome (although he needed a slap with the hug I wanted to give him), and the side characters were mostly incredible, too. I loved their story, even as it broke my heart and put it back together again. I cannot wait to read more about this town!
August 27, 2023
I liked this! It handled some of my least favorite romance things with a lot of grace (complicated families, return to hometown), but I was left with the nagging feeling that it was two books in one. The first half was very tame and then the second half was where all the spicy (sorry, can't help the tiktok vernacular here) stuff was and they maybe weren't as well combined as I would have wanted? But I really like the set up for the series here and I will probably check the rest of them out later this fall.
May 9, 2021
As mentioned in other reviews, the book cover evokes the feeling of a sweet small town romance. This is not that story!
When newly divorced Sydney arrives in town, the first person she sees is Colt. The brother of her childhood best friend. She’s there to visit her sister’s grave and she’s shocked to find out he’s there to visit the grave of his dead wife and child.
When Colt visually discovers Syd’s pregnant, he’s rocked to his very core and he emotionally shuts down and in reaction to his reaction, so does Syd. Days later, Sydney begins to reacquaint herself with Rose Bend and its residents. A town, 10 years ago she’d sworn she would permanently leave in her rear view mirror.
Get out your tissues, this is an angst ridden tale of enormous loss. You feel for these two people, both full of guilt and remorse for things out of their control. Unfortunately, they suffer in silence instead of seeking professional help. Here is where the story suffers, because then we have to buy in that there are some people that can heal themselves with the power of love from family.
Syd is also dealing with her judgmental parents and some town folks that can’t let go of her past. When Syd runs scared after talking to her ex-husband, she runs straight to Colt who is a lawyer. He frustratedly runs hot and cold—so much so, I wanted him to snap out of it. He refuses to allow himself to feel anything for Syd, or her baby. He spirals from the sheer guilt of having it all go wrong. Instead of discussing his feelings with a therapist, he hides.
When Syd needs his expertise again, he comes up with an outrageous plan. One that will bring them together or completely destroy the friendship they’ve built.
This story is not perfect, and yes you have to suspend disbelief on a couple of occasions, but I still enjoyed the journey. I like my stories neatly wrapped up—complete with a house, a baby and a dog. There is something that doesn’t happen that I think is vital to this story. Why it wasn’t addressed is beyond me, because it would have been the cherry on top, so to speak.
I like this town and I like some of the people, particularly—Ms. Eva, The Dennison’s and The Narvaez’s. Don’t let my perception of this story stop you from reading it, because I still ... highly recommend you read it and judge for yourself!
When newly divorced Sydney arrives in town, the first person she sees is Colt. The brother of her childhood best friend. She’s there to visit her sister’s grave and she’s shocked to find out he’s there to visit the grave of his dead wife and child.
When Colt visually discovers Syd’s pregnant, he’s rocked to his very core and he emotionally shuts down and in reaction to his reaction, so does Syd. Days later, Sydney begins to reacquaint herself with Rose Bend and its residents. A town, 10 years ago she’d sworn she would permanently leave in her rear view mirror.
Get out your tissues, this is an angst ridden tale of enormous loss. You feel for these two people, both full of guilt and remorse for things out of their control. Unfortunately, they suffer in silence instead of seeking professional help. Here is where the story suffers, because then we have to buy in that there are some people that can heal themselves with the power of love from family.
Syd is also dealing with her judgmental parents and some town folks that can’t let go of her past. When Syd runs scared after talking to her ex-husband, she runs straight to Colt who is a lawyer. He frustratedly runs hot and cold—so much so, I wanted him to snap out of it. He refuses to allow himself to feel anything for Syd, or her baby. He spirals from the sheer guilt of having it all go wrong. Instead of discussing his feelings with a therapist, he hides.
When Syd needs his expertise again, he comes up with an outrageous plan. One that will bring them together or completely destroy the friendship they’ve built.
This story is not perfect, and yes you have to suspend disbelief on a couple of occasions, but I still enjoyed the journey. I like my stories neatly wrapped up—complete with a house, a baby and a dog. There is something that doesn’t happen that I think is vital to this story. Why it wasn’t addressed is beyond me, because it would have been the cherry on top, so to speak.
I like this town and I like some of the people, particularly—Ms. Eva, The Dennison’s and The Narvaez’s. Don’t let my perception of this story stop you from reading it, because I still ... highly recommend you read it and judge for yourself!
April 27, 2021
Sydney has returned home divorced, pregnant, and ready to put on her big girl panties in order to giver her baby the happy home and family she remembered from her childhood...even when she felt she lost it as a teenager. I loved Sydney. She was a misunderstood, sarcastically quipped, emotionally damaged woman who paid for past mistakes and was learning to navigate life while figuring out her value and where she belonged.
Cole knows grief up close and personal. After losing his wife and baby, he’s thrown himself head first into work, doing everything he can to avoid the loneliness and guilt he feels for things beyond his control. Props to Cole for being an emotionally damaged guy who..mostly owned up to his issues, but always seemed to be a hair’s breath too late at times. His guilt complex sometimes overrode his own common sense, but I’ll give him credit for trying to fix things with Sydney.
The Road to Rose Bend is similar to a Hallmark movie but with a fantastically diverse characters, understandable family dynamics and situations, and a lovely romance (okay, I admit I’d have liked more groveling from Cole because...you’ll see...!) ar any rate, I am in love with this new series and am looking forward to Wolf’s book!!
Bonus short story—Slow Dance at Rose Bend—Cherrie and Maddox were a brief mention in the book when Sydney meets them at a rally and I loved their cuteness! So double yay for short stories and gingers;) This short explains Cherrie and Maddox’s hilarious first meeting and obvious chemistry while laying the groundwork for the very promising relationship Sydney got to witness in person. I hope to see future updates on this couple!
I received an advance reader copy from the Harlequin/Netgalley. This is my honest review.
Cole knows grief up close and personal. After losing his wife and baby, he’s thrown himself head first into work, doing everything he can to avoid the loneliness and guilt he feels for things beyond his control. Props to Cole for being an emotionally damaged guy who..mostly owned up to his issues, but always seemed to be a hair’s breath too late at times. His guilt complex sometimes overrode his own common sense, but I’ll give him credit for trying to fix things with Sydney.
The Road to Rose Bend is similar to a Hallmark movie but with a fantastically diverse characters, understandable family dynamics and situations, and a lovely romance (okay, I admit I’d have liked more groveling from Cole because...you’ll see...!) ar any rate, I am in love with this new series and am looking forward to Wolf’s book!!
Bonus short story—Slow Dance at Rose Bend—Cherrie and Maddox were a brief mention in the book when Sydney meets them at a rally and I loved their cuteness! So double yay for short stories and gingers;) This short explains Cherrie and Maddox’s hilarious first meeting and obvious chemistry while laying the groundwork for the very promising relationship Sydney got to witness in person. I hope to see future updates on this couple!
I received an advance reader copy from the Harlequin/Netgalley. This is my honest review.
April 24, 2021
All the stars!!! I loved this book. Small town romance is my favorite because I always find myself feeling like I’m in the story and a part of the town. Rose Bend is no exception I truly felt like I was there with these characters!
The Road to Rose Bend follows Sydney who has returned to her hometown of Rose Bend for the first time in eight years, and is now divorced pregnant, and looking for a safe place to land without complications. But then she runs into Coltrane Dennison his smile sets her world on fire suggesting a complication she isn’t ready for. Cole is practically drowning in the grief after the loss of his wife and son, barely keeping his head above water, but when he runs into Sydney she awakens something inside him he thought was long dead. And when Sydney’s Ex husband turns up making threats it’s Cole Sydney turns taking the two somewhere they never expected to go!
I loved everything about this book. The characters, all the family aspects, the found family and the blood family. This is a story of overcoming the unexpected, there were so many moments that just had my cheeks wet with tears. I also loved the diversity in this book not only with Sydney and Cole’s multicultural relationship but the whole town is full of beautiful people of all races, and walks of life and Naima doesn’t shy away from showing us this beautiful colorful town and even the complications that may come with that.
Naima’s writing is beautiful. Her ability to craft an unforgettable story with amazing characters is just everything! I know I’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time. I can not wait for the next book in this series but in the mean time of you need me I’ll be reading my way through Naima’s backlist!
The Road to Rose Bend follows Sydney who has returned to her hometown of Rose Bend for the first time in eight years, and is now divorced pregnant, and looking for a safe place to land without complications. But then she runs into Coltrane Dennison his smile sets her world on fire suggesting a complication she isn’t ready for. Cole is practically drowning in the grief after the loss of his wife and son, barely keeping his head above water, but when he runs into Sydney she awakens something inside him he thought was long dead. And when Sydney’s Ex husband turns up making threats it’s Cole Sydney turns taking the two somewhere they never expected to go!
I loved everything about this book. The characters, all the family aspects, the found family and the blood family. This is a story of overcoming the unexpected, there were so many moments that just had my cheeks wet with tears. I also loved the diversity in this book not only with Sydney and Cole’s multicultural relationship but the whole town is full of beautiful people of all races, and walks of life and Naima doesn’t shy away from showing us this beautiful colorful town and even the complications that may come with that.
Naima’s writing is beautiful. Her ability to craft an unforgettable story with amazing characters is just everything! I know I’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time. I can not wait for the next book in this series but in the mean time of you need me I’ll be reading my way through Naima’s backlist!
February 15, 2021
From the cover and description I thought this would be a Hallmark Channel type of read. I got that and more. Sydney returns to her small hometown, Rose Bend in the Berkshires, after being gone eight years. Divorced and pregnant she is determined to have her child raised with a sense of family and community. Sydney's best friend Leo and family welcome her more than her own parents. Leo's brother Cole, is a lawyer and the towns first non-white mayor. Sydney turns to Cole when her ex-husband threatens her plans for the future. Cole has his own issues. For two years he has lived in grief for his wife and unborn son. But Sydney sparks something within him and he wants to help.
I especially enjoyed the diversity in the population of Rose Bend. The chief of police, mayor, doctor and more are people of color. I was new to the author and was not expecting the amount of heat between the two main characters. The story was well written dealing with issues of grief, loss, race, mean girls and parenting. On the downside, every time Cole calls Sydney "Baby girl", I vomited a little in my mouth. The first time he says it she is seeking his advice professionally as a lawyer and I wanted to scream "run girl". I liked the grand gesture and the scene in the doctors office but Cole's last request (trying not to spoil) seems odd and unneeded.
This is the start of a new series and I will be looking forward to future books. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC ebook in exchange for a honest review.
I especially enjoyed the diversity in the population of Rose Bend. The chief of police, mayor, doctor and more are people of color. I was new to the author and was not expecting the amount of heat between the two main characters. The story was well written dealing with issues of grief, loss, race, mean girls and parenting. On the downside, every time Cole calls Sydney "Baby girl", I vomited a little in my mouth. The first time he says it she is seeking his advice professionally as a lawyer and I wanted to scream "run girl". I liked the grand gesture and the scene in the doctors office but Cole's last request (trying not to spoil) seems odd and unneeded.
This is the start of a new series and I will be looking forward to future books. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC ebook in exchange for a honest review.
April 26, 2021
There’s a saying that you can’t go home, well that is exactly what Sydney does, she returns home to Rose Bend. From the moment Sydney crests the ridge into Rose Bend and sees the beauty of her home town until the very end, Sydney encounters a long, winding, and twisted road.
Pregnant, divorced, and returning home, Sydney seeks the comfort of coming home, to raise her baby in the small town she was raised in. To her estranged family and her friend Leo and Leo’s welcoming family. All except for Cole, Coltrane Dennison, her friends brother.
Cole and Sydney have both suffered losses, and feel the burden of failure, but somehow they form a bond together for the benefit of Sydney’s baby...... and eventually they heal through their connections, their chemistry, and learning to be brave and let go of past hurts in order to accept new love. Not a replacement love, but a new and growing love.
A must read, it reminds all of us that you can go home... things may change and be different than you remember, but where there is love, there is ‘home’.
Pregnant, divorced, and returning home, Sydney seeks the comfort of coming home, to raise her baby in the small town she was raised in. To her estranged family and her friend Leo and Leo’s welcoming family. All except for Cole, Coltrane Dennison, her friends brother.
Cole and Sydney have both suffered losses, and feel the burden of failure, but somehow they form a bond together for the benefit of Sydney’s baby...... and eventually they heal through their connections, their chemistry, and learning to be brave and let go of past hurts in order to accept new love. Not a replacement love, but a new and growing love.
A must read, it reminds all of us that you can go home... things may change and be different than you remember, but where there is love, there is ‘home’.
October 25, 2022
4 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
Sydney and Coltrane start us on the journey of learning about the families in Rose Bend. Sydney is pregnant when she returns to her hometown after her divorce, and her family dynamic is not supportive and gives her a hard time. Coltrane still grieves his wife and son but throws himself into being the town's mayor and a supporting family member. To make Sydney's life a little easier, Coltrane agrees to marry Sydney, but they take that journey super slow and with loads of caution.
CW: Grief, Unsettled Ex, Marriage of Convenience, Childhood Crush
Video review available in Week 23: Jun 5 – Jun 11, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Sydney and Coltrane start us on the journey of learning about the families in Rose Bend. Sydney is pregnant when she returns to her hometown after her divorce, and her family dynamic is not supportive and gives her a hard time. Coltrane still grieves his wife and son but throws himself into being the town's mayor and a supporting family member. To make Sydney's life a little easier, Coltrane agrees to marry Sydney, but they take that journey super slow and with loads of caution.
CW: Grief, Unsettled Ex, Marriage of Convenience, Childhood Crush
Video review available in Week 23: Jun 5 – Jun 11, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
August 30, 2021
Don’t let this cover fool you, this is a fun, spicy, and super angsty read! It’s also sweet, heartfelt and poignant. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’ll definitely be reading more from Naima Simone!
May 3, 2021
If Naima Simone is an author you haven’t read or heard of before, I strongly recommend that you remedy that now. I’ve been a fan of hers for years. Her stories are solid, with pop culture references, strong friendship/family bonds, sassy and spunky heroines, and heroes who make you want to throttle them, while at the same time weak in the knees. Oh, and I can’t forget about the passionate smexy times. Naima is an author who brings it all.
Naima makes her full-length Harlequin HQN novel debut with The Road to Rose Bend. The story is different from Naima’s other books, but she still includes everything I love her for. She just adds more family and different dynamics.
In The Road to Rose Bend, Sydney Collins is returning to Rose Bend, MA, eight years after leaving and swearing she would never return. “Family. Acceptance. A sense of belonging. Those had never been hers to have in her hometown.” But when she finds herself divorced and pregnant with her ex-husband’s baby, she’s hoping her parents and the town she knows is capable of loving will welcome its black sheep and child into their loving fold. Cole Dennison has overcome the tragic death of his parents and is now an attorney and newly elected mayor of Rose Bend. He’s also a loved son and brother. From the outside, and only looking on the surface, Cole seems to be a happy man. At times, he is. In those moments when no one is looking, Cole is a grieving man who believes in faking it until he makes it. Two years after the tragic death of his wife and son, Cole still grieves for them and all that he’s lost.
Cole’s world is turned upside down when he runs into Sydney, his younger sister’s childhood best friend. He’s not prepared for the feelings Sydney awakens in him. Sydney isn’t looking for anything from Cole besides his friendship. But she can’t deny the pull she feels towards him. When Sydney’s ex informs her that he’s not on board with her plans, it’s Cole who jumps to her rescue and proposes a marriage of convenience. Can two people who have endured more than their share of tragedy let go of the past and find love?
Naima shows the creativeness and amazing things that truly brilliant authors can do. She’s written a story with characters you want to embrace and have in your life. She’s given them wisdom and depth, making them multi-dimensional. She manages to bring out a variety of emotions; from anger and sadness to laughter and love. And I can’t forget about the tears. There are definitely moments when the tears flow freely. I’ve thought in the past that Naima couldn’t outdo herself. I was wrong. She can and she has. Naima has set up her Rose Bend series very well. I’m looking forward to more of the Dennison family and watching them all find and fall in love.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
Naima makes her full-length Harlequin HQN novel debut with The Road to Rose Bend. The story is different from Naima’s other books, but she still includes everything I love her for. She just adds more family and different dynamics.
In The Road to Rose Bend, Sydney Collins is returning to Rose Bend, MA, eight years after leaving and swearing she would never return. “Family. Acceptance. A sense of belonging. Those had never been hers to have in her hometown.” But when she finds herself divorced and pregnant with her ex-husband’s baby, she’s hoping her parents and the town she knows is capable of loving will welcome its black sheep and child into their loving fold. Cole Dennison has overcome the tragic death of his parents and is now an attorney and newly elected mayor of Rose Bend. He’s also a loved son and brother. From the outside, and only looking on the surface, Cole seems to be a happy man. At times, he is. In those moments when no one is looking, Cole is a grieving man who believes in faking it until he makes it. Two years after the tragic death of his wife and son, Cole still grieves for them and all that he’s lost.
Cole’s world is turned upside down when he runs into Sydney, his younger sister’s childhood best friend. He’s not prepared for the feelings Sydney awakens in him. Sydney isn’t looking for anything from Cole besides his friendship. But she can’t deny the pull she feels towards him. When Sydney’s ex informs her that he’s not on board with her plans, it’s Cole who jumps to her rescue and proposes a marriage of convenience. Can two people who have endured more than their share of tragedy let go of the past and find love?
Naima shows the creativeness and amazing things that truly brilliant authors can do. She’s written a story with characters you want to embrace and have in your life. She’s given them wisdom and depth, making them multi-dimensional. She manages to bring out a variety of emotions; from anger and sadness to laughter and love. And I can’t forget about the tears. There are definitely moments when the tears flow freely. I’ve thought in the past that Naima couldn’t outdo herself. I was wrong. She can and she has. Naima has set up her Rose Bend series very well. I’m looking forward to more of the Dennison family and watching them all find and fall in love.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
May 9, 2021
I received a copy of The Road to Rose Bend from the publisher in exchange for review.
Although pretty, don’t let this serene cover convince you this romance isn’t filled with heat. It was such a pleasant surprise! I love the traditional story of a character returning to their hometown, and The Road to Rose Bend really delivered with such heart.
Recently divorced, pregnant, and back in Rose Bend after eight years, Sydney simply wants to give her baby the opportunity of a warm and safe environment to thrive in. Despite her parents disproval, I loved seeing Sydney take ownership of her happiness, refuse to settle for companionship over love, and finally put herself first in her own life.
There she is reacquainted with Cole, the local mayor who lost his wife and child two years prior. As his attraction to Sydney causes his guilt and fears to fester, my heart absolutely broke for his resistant to find love again. He was such a protective hero and I loved his journey, including his role as mayor.
If I had to critique anything, it would be the constant use of “baby girl” as a term of endearment. It distracted me from enjoying a few scenes, but of course that’s just a personal preference. Overall, this was a great small-town romance with real-world conflicts and such a satisfying conclusion.
Although pretty, don’t let this serene cover convince you this romance isn’t filled with heat. It was such a pleasant surprise! I love the traditional story of a character returning to their hometown, and The Road to Rose Bend really delivered with such heart.
Recently divorced, pregnant, and back in Rose Bend after eight years, Sydney simply wants to give her baby the opportunity of a warm and safe environment to thrive in. Despite her parents disproval, I loved seeing Sydney take ownership of her happiness, refuse to settle for companionship over love, and finally put herself first in her own life.
There she is reacquainted with Cole, the local mayor who lost his wife and child two years prior. As his attraction to Sydney causes his guilt and fears to fester, my heart absolutely broke for his resistant to find love again. He was such a protective hero and I loved his journey, including his role as mayor.
If I had to critique anything, it would be the constant use of “baby girl” as a term of endearment. It distracted me from enjoying a few scenes, but of course that’s just a personal preference. Overall, this was a great small-town romance with real-world conflicts and such a satisfying conclusion.
December 18, 2021
I'm not going to lie. I came close to not finishing this book a few times because of the subject matter of loss, which is something I have been all too familiar with. It's why I hate Harlequin romances and Hallmark movies. I can't imagine finding happiness and it's probably why I'm so drawn to dark books. In dark books things can be so realistic that even with the HEA you can still feel that the characters have a lot to still work through. In one year about twelve years ago I buried my mother who died of cancer, and then my marriage broke up so this was heavy for me. I have to say I'm glad I kept reading it. It's a beautiful story about redemption and finding love in the midst of so much pain. Naima is a beautiful writer and I encourage anyone who wants to take the plunge into looking at two people come to grips with pain and loss to read this book. You will see things in a different light. You never forget the people you lose or bury, but you do come to the realization that you are entitled to move on and be happy too.
September 4, 2024
Beautiful start to this small town romance series 🫶🏾
dnf-d
April 30, 2021EDITED APRIL 30, 2021: I've read the prequel novella, SLOW DANCE AT ROSE BEND, and I loved it. None of the issues presented in this review are present there.
REVIEW:
DNF @ 45%
I have previously read and enjoyed 12 of Naima Simone’s books. What I'm about to say re: THE ROAD TO ROSE BEND, does not transfer to her other work.
I have three main issues with this book: 1) The portrayal of trauma 2) Some of the internal logic the book is asking us to accept 3) Marketing decisions by Harlequin (HQN)
THE PORTRAYAL OF TRAUMA
The Hero and Heroine are individuals with heaps of trauma in their lives. Here are the examples I saw in the 45% that I read:
Hero - orphaned at a young age, adopted, of Puerto Rican heritage in a mostly white small town, lost his wife and child two years ago in childbirth, in a memory we learn that the Hero sat in the nursery with a gun in his hands contemplating suicide, receiving end of micro-aggressions
Heroine - sister dies at 13, when heroine was 8, Heroine was asked to have countless painful procedures/surgeries in her first 8 years to save her sister, heroine at age 8 had a screaming fit on the floor of the hospital when she was asked and refused to have another surgery and painful recovery this time to give her sister a partial kidney - ever since she blames herself for her sisters death and feels her parents have regarded her as selfish - she has never even been able to visit her sister’s grave, married at 21 and divorced by 26, pregnant by her exhusband, everyone in her family questions her life choices, receiving end of micro-aggressions
By 45% I had written in my notes 5 times "IF THESE TWO DON'T GO TO THERAPY, I'LL NEVER BELIEVE AN HEA". Here’s why I say that. People who have been traumatized, but have not successfully processed that trauma, will do things and behave in ways at times that make no sense to anyone, including themselves. Depending on the trauma, they may have trouble connecting with people, they may have may have trouble trusting people, they may have trouble sleeping, they may have self-esteem issues, they may have addiction issues, they may have trouble keeping and maintaining romantic relationships, they may feel lost and scared in their still-all-to-real feeling dreams/nightmares.
None of these issues can be worked out without the help of a therapist and specifically a trauma therapist. I know this issue intimately, as I started working with a Trauma Psychologist in September of 2020. I checked with another reviewer friend who had read the whole book. Neither of these two characters go to therapy. Therefore, no matter what else happens in this book, I don’t believe in their HEA. Especially because the Heroine is due to give birth, and the sleep-deprivation that comes with being a new parent will only exasperate her trauma more.
In the future, if one is going to write two characters with this much trauma, please employ a 'Trauma Sensitivity' reader, as I think it's a very dangerous notion to put in to the world, that trauma of this magnitude can be healed by romantic love. Very dangerous.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC, I SUGGEST YOU LISTEN TO THE AUGUST 12, 2020 “FATED MATES" PODCAST TITLED "Representation of Trauma Survivors In Romance: Adriana Herrera and Jen Prokop". It changed my life.
INTERNAL LOGIC
The heroine of this book is pregnant by her ex-husband. She has left North Carolina, where she and her ex lived, to move back home to Massachusetts. I’m not sure legally, that you can cross state lines without the father’s permission. The book attempts to tell us why she is allowed, but it still didn’t make sense to me.
Also, the logic about if the father wanting to be present at the sonogram appointment was confusing. He wanted to be there, but couldn’t. She agreed to film the appointment for him. Then, the author states that 'the father of her baby couldn’t be bothered to come to her doctors appointment when they were figuring out the sex of the baby. It's humiliating because contains a kernel of truth'. Which, what now? Then she forgets to film the appointment, which upsets the father, understandably. She takes responsibility for this. If he didn’t care to be there, than why was he so upset?
MARKETING BY HQN
This cover to me feels like a bait-and-switch. It does not say 'misery-fest with two traumatized people, one of whom is Puerto Rican and the other, who is Black, with high sexytimes heat'. I think some people will be shocked. The book cover I most compare it to was MEET CUTE by Helena Hunting. That adorable cartoon cover did nothing to prepare you for the heavy topics and subject matter held within. It’s the same here.
I've already mentioned that a 'Trauma' sensitivity reader was needed. But this book also needs Content Warnings. It’s cruel to not include them, especially for big-ticket issues like childhood cancer, loss of a sibling to cancer, orphaned as a child, loss of wife and child in childbirth. This is not a Naima Simone issue. It's a Harlequin issue (HQN).
Two last points. One, I see many people calling this an 'Angst Fest'. The word I would use is misery. I love my romances angsty. The angsty-er, the better. But this is not that. It’s just layering misery on top of misery that left me feeling not much of anything. Two, this is not the review I wanted to write, or expected to write for that matter, about a book with Naima Simone's name on the cover. I will continue to read her work and I look forward to whatever she writes next.
I received an ARC in return for a fair review. I am friendly with the author on various social media platforms.
REVIEW:
DNF @ 45%
I have previously read and enjoyed 12 of Naima Simone’s books. What I'm about to say re: THE ROAD TO ROSE BEND, does not transfer to her other work.
I have three main issues with this book: 1) The portrayal of trauma 2) Some of the internal logic the book is asking us to accept 3) Marketing decisions by Harlequin (HQN)
THE PORTRAYAL OF TRAUMA
The Hero and Heroine are individuals with heaps of trauma in their lives. Here are the examples I saw in the 45% that I read:
Hero - orphaned at a young age, adopted, of Puerto Rican heritage in a mostly white small town, lost his wife and child two years ago in childbirth, in a memory we learn that the Hero sat in the nursery with a gun in his hands contemplating suicide, receiving end of micro-aggressions
Heroine - sister dies at 13, when heroine was 8, Heroine was asked to have countless painful procedures/surgeries in her first 8 years to save her sister, heroine at age 8 had a screaming fit on the floor of the hospital when she was asked and refused to have another surgery and painful recovery this time to give her sister a partial kidney - ever since she blames herself for her sisters death and feels her parents have regarded her as selfish - she has never even been able to visit her sister’s grave, married at 21 and divorced by 26, pregnant by her exhusband, everyone in her family questions her life choices, receiving end of micro-aggressions
By 45% I had written in my notes 5 times "IF THESE TWO DON'T GO TO THERAPY, I'LL NEVER BELIEVE AN HEA". Here’s why I say that. People who have been traumatized, but have not successfully processed that trauma, will do things and behave in ways at times that make no sense to anyone, including themselves. Depending on the trauma, they may have trouble connecting with people, they may have may have trouble trusting people, they may have trouble sleeping, they may have self-esteem issues, they may have addiction issues, they may have trouble keeping and maintaining romantic relationships, they may feel lost and scared in their still-all-to-real feeling dreams/nightmares.
None of these issues can be worked out without the help of a therapist and specifically a trauma therapist. I know this issue intimately, as I started working with a Trauma Psychologist in September of 2020. I checked with another reviewer friend who had read the whole book. Neither of these two characters go to therapy. Therefore, no matter what else happens in this book, I don’t believe in their HEA. Especially because the Heroine is due to give birth, and the sleep-deprivation that comes with being a new parent will only exasperate her trauma more.
In the future, if one is going to write two characters with this much trauma, please employ a 'Trauma Sensitivity' reader, as I think it's a very dangerous notion to put in to the world, that trauma of this magnitude can be healed by romantic love. Very dangerous.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC, I SUGGEST YOU LISTEN TO THE AUGUST 12, 2020 “FATED MATES" PODCAST TITLED "Representation of Trauma Survivors In Romance: Adriana Herrera and Jen Prokop". It changed my life.
INTERNAL LOGIC
The heroine of this book is pregnant by her ex-husband. She has left North Carolina, where she and her ex lived, to move back home to Massachusetts. I’m not sure legally, that you can cross state lines without the father’s permission. The book attempts to tell us why she is allowed, but it still didn’t make sense to me.
Also, the logic about if the father wanting to be present at the sonogram appointment was confusing. He wanted to be there, but couldn’t. She agreed to film the appointment for him. Then, the author states that 'the father of her baby couldn’t be bothered to come to her doctors appointment when they were figuring out the sex of the baby. It's humiliating because contains a kernel of truth'. Which, what now? Then she forgets to film the appointment, which upsets the father, understandably. She takes responsibility for this. If he didn’t care to be there, than why was he so upset?
MARKETING BY HQN
This cover to me feels like a bait-and-switch. It does not say 'misery-fest with two traumatized people, one of whom is Puerto Rican and the other, who is Black, with high sexytimes heat'. I think some people will be shocked. The book cover I most compare it to was MEET CUTE by Helena Hunting. That adorable cartoon cover did nothing to prepare you for the heavy topics and subject matter held within. It’s the same here.
I've already mentioned that a 'Trauma' sensitivity reader was needed. But this book also needs Content Warnings. It’s cruel to not include them, especially for big-ticket issues like childhood cancer, loss of a sibling to cancer, orphaned as a child, loss of wife and child in childbirth. This is not a Naima Simone issue. It's a Harlequin issue (HQN).
Two last points. One, I see many people calling this an 'Angst Fest'. The word I would use is misery. I love my romances angsty. The angsty-er, the better. But this is not that. It’s just layering misery on top of misery that left me feeling not much of anything. Two, this is not the review I wanted to write, or expected to write for that matter, about a book with Naima Simone's name on the cover. I will continue to read her work and I look forward to whatever she writes next.
I received an ARC in return for a fair review. I am friendly with the author on various social media platforms.
March 31, 2021
Rated 3.5 Stars
The Road To Rose Bend was angsty and sweet. It was also sexy and an enjoyable read despite the subject matter. However it left me dissatisfied, wanting more from Cole and Sydney’s relationship and more of their story. That said I liked the town and family dynamics so I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Copy provided by author
The Road To Rose Bend was angsty and sweet. It was also sexy and an enjoyable read despite the subject matter. However it left me dissatisfied, wanting more from Cole and Sydney’s relationship and more of their story. That said I liked the town and family dynamics so I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Copy provided by author
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