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Inn To You
When a sexy silver fox temporarily returns to his hometown, only to discover his heart might not want him to leave again.
Noah Weller never expected to return to Lakeside. After years among the rich and famous as a hotel manager in Chicago, he finds himself taking a position at a historic inn in his former small town. It’s only meant to be temporary. Kissing the feisty innkeeper wasn’t part of his plan, either. Now, she’s all he can think about and it’s messing with his head.
Tessa Brogan loves her family’s inn. And when her uncle wants to sell, she’s in a scramble to save her home. Hiring a new manager was not part of her end goal. Neither was giving into the sexy silver fox one night in room 27. Now, she’s struggling to avoid him and protect her heart.
It’s only a couple kisses, but pesky hearts and unfamiliar emotions can get in the way when someone is into you.
*If you’ve read L.B. Dunbar’s Lakeside Cottage series, Inn To You falls between Learning at 40 and Loving at 40, but can be read as a standalone novella.
Noah Weller never expected to return to Lakeside. After years among the rich and famous as a hotel manager in Chicago, he finds himself taking a position at a historic inn in his former small town. It’s only meant to be temporary. Kissing the feisty innkeeper wasn’t part of his plan, either. Now, she’s all he can think about and it’s messing with his head.
Tessa Brogan loves her family’s inn. And when her uncle wants to sell, she’s in a scramble to save her home. Hiring a new manager was not part of her end goal. Neither was giving into the sexy silver fox one night in room 27. Now, she’s struggling to avoid him and protect her heart.
It’s only a couple kisses, but pesky hearts and unfamiliar emotions can get in the way when someone is into you.
*If you’ve read L.B. Dunbar’s Lakeside Cottage series, Inn To You falls between Learning at 40 and Loving at 40, but can be read as a standalone novella.
ebook
First published January 1, 2022
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93 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
97 books3,280 followersL.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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 16, 2022
This novella is currently free from Prolific Works
3.5 stars
This is a sweet read. It’s a novella that fits into the Lakeside Cottage series, but can easily standalone. A single parent romance between an older couple, it’s got great chemistry and a nice amount of emotion, and I enjoyed this one.
Noah Weller is the older brother of Zach (hero from book #2 in the Lakeside Cottage series, Learning at 40). He left town years ago with big ambitions, and was doing really well for himself as a successful hotel manager in Chicago. But he unexpectedly and unfairly lost his job, and returned to his small home town, temporarily taking up a job at the small local inn until he can figure out his next steps.
Tessa runs her beloved family inn, but she’s only a part owner, her uncle owns the other half and he wants to sell. She’s desperate to find a way to save her legacy and bring the inn back to its former glory, and she is less than impressed when her uncle hires a new manager without consulting her.
There’s a whole lot of tension between Noah and Tessa from the very beginning. She doesn’t want him there, and she makes that very clear, and he has no idea why. But it makes their very inconvenient attraction to each other all kinds of awkward… until the building tension snaps, leading to a very steamy encounter.
Noah is keen for more, Tessa is still keeping him at arm’s length, but when her 5-year-old son comes into the picture, he develops an instant liking to Noah, and when they begin to spend time together, things begin to change. They get to know and understand each other, and feelings start to develop. But Tessa is in for the battle of her life to keep her inn, and though Noah wants to help her, he has no intention of staying in town.
There are some hurdles for this couple as they figure out what they mean to each other, and they both need to battle demons from the past to know what they want for the future. It’s emotional for them, and I was sucked in watching it all unfold. The romance is sweet and sexy with only a little bit of angst, and I enjoyed watching Noah and Tessa find their much-deserved happy ending.
3.5 stars.
This novella is currently free from Prolific Works - https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/5...
3.5 stars
This is a sweet read. It’s a novella that fits into the Lakeside Cottage series, but can easily standalone. A single parent romance between an older couple, it’s got great chemistry and a nice amount of emotion, and I enjoyed this one.
Noah Weller is the older brother of Zach (hero from book #2 in the Lakeside Cottage series, Learning at 40). He left town years ago with big ambitions, and was doing really well for himself as a successful hotel manager in Chicago. But he unexpectedly and unfairly lost his job, and returned to his small home town, temporarily taking up a job at the small local inn until he can figure out his next steps.
Tessa runs her beloved family inn, but she’s only a part owner, her uncle owns the other half and he wants to sell. She’s desperate to find a way to save her legacy and bring the inn back to its former glory, and she is less than impressed when her uncle hires a new manager without consulting her.
There’s a whole lot of tension between Noah and Tessa from the very beginning. She doesn’t want him there, and she makes that very clear, and he has no idea why. But it makes their very inconvenient attraction to each other all kinds of awkward… until the building tension snaps, leading to a very steamy encounter.
Noah is keen for more, Tessa is still keeping him at arm’s length, but when her 5-year-old son comes into the picture, he develops an instant liking to Noah, and when they begin to spend time together, things begin to change. They get to know and understand each other, and feelings start to develop. But Tessa is in for the battle of her life to keep her inn, and though Noah wants to help her, he has no intention of staying in town.
There are some hurdles for this couple as they figure out what they mean to each other, and they both need to battle demons from the past to know what they want for the future. It’s emotional for them, and I was sucked in watching it all unfold. The romance is sweet and sexy with only a little bit of angst, and I enjoyed watching Noah and Tessa find their much-deserved happy ending.
3.5 stars.
This novella is currently free from Prolific Works - https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/5...
March 5, 2022
Inn To You
Written by: L.B. Dunbar
I am in love with L.B. Dunbar’s Lakeside Cottage series and was so happy to find that she and Prolific Works had a novella for fans to read.
Noah Weller had never really planned on living in the town he grew up in, but circumstances left him taking a job at the Bluebird Hollow Inn. Use to being the one “in charge” his biggest problem at his new short-term job is the “boss” Tessa Brogan. Half owner of the Inn, single mother Tessa is trying her best to improve the Inn and turn a profit so she can purchase her uncles half.
These two go head to head on a lot of issues, but as Noah begins to gain Tessa and her five year old son Jonas trust, will Noah realize that home might be where he needs to be or will he leave not just his extended family (Zack from Learning at 40, Lakeside Cottage #2) but the two new people who could become his family.
Short, sweet and can be read as a standalone in the Lakeside Cottage series.
Written by: L.B. Dunbar
I am in love with L.B. Dunbar’s Lakeside Cottage series and was so happy to find that she and Prolific Works had a novella for fans to read.
Noah Weller had never really planned on living in the town he grew up in, but circumstances left him taking a job at the Bluebird Hollow Inn. Use to being the one “in charge” his biggest problem at his new short-term job is the “boss” Tessa Brogan. Half owner of the Inn, single mother Tessa is trying her best to improve the Inn and turn a profit so she can purchase her uncles half.
These two go head to head on a lot of issues, but as Noah begins to gain Tessa and her five year old son Jonas trust, will Noah realize that home might be where he needs to be or will he leave not just his extended family (Zack from Learning at 40, Lakeside Cottage #2) but the two new people who could become his family.
Short, sweet and can be read as a standalone in the Lakeside Cottage series.
June 7, 2022
Part of the Lakeside Cottage series. Falls between Learning At 40 and Loving At 40. Noah Weller is Zach’s (Learning At 40) older brother.
Noah worked for an elite hotel in downtown Chicago for fourteen years which fell prey to public violence. One of the properties impacted by their destructive actions was the hotel that he managed.
The lobby windows were smashed, the entrance covered in glass, jewellery they had on display near the front desk was stolen and liquor from the bar confiscated. The owners unjustly held him personally responsible claiming he should have been better prepared and dismissed him, years of loyalty forgotten; the last time a riot took place in Chicago was possibly in 1966, before he was born. Traumatised by the aftermath of events, he returns to his hometown, temporarily, at least…to lick his wounds.
Tessa Brogan is a single mother and part owner of the venture, trying desperately to salvage the inn to the dismay of her uncle as he would prefer to sell outright. Her uncle Joe will turn sixty shortly and he wants to retire then, although he hasn’t done much over the past few years.
I scoff. “He wants me to sell outright. A clean break. A fresh start.”
The profit will be higher for him. If she buys him out, it’s only one-half the appraised value of the property and buildings. A clause about the sale of Bluebird Hollow Inn in their incorporation papers was her safety net. If both parties didn’t agree to sell, the document stipulated that one could buy out the other half of ownership at the fair and reasonable appraised value versus the real estate market value.
Noah continues to watch me. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
I shrug. “You’re here for a temporary position. Why would you care?”
Noah’s brows severely pinch. He’s been caring all day in an unspoken way, but that isn’t the same thing. “You could make a lot of money off a sale.”
“You sound like my uncle, and it’s one reason he wants to sell to someone else. If he sells only to me, he’ll get appraised value, not market value, so he’ll earn less. However, this is my home. I love this place, and there isn’t a dollar amount I can put on my happiness.”
Living at the inn on borrowed time and awaiting the bank’s response to her loan application, Noah begins to develop feelings for Tessa and her son, Jonas.
The father of her son Isaiah had stolen money from the inn, and he was later charged with embezzling funds. Upon his arrest, she was conflicted having been taken advantage of. But Noah was by her side reassuring her that it wasn’t her fault. She’d given her heart to the wrong man. She’d wanted to believe in Isaiah, but he’d proven her wrong when he’d abandoned his son.
As for the inn, the back taxes were put on a payment plan that might take years to repay.
Noah bought into the Bluebird Hollow Inn and they were now business partners.
He offered her uncle a fair and equitable price and told him to take it or leave it.
Noah worked for an elite hotel in downtown Chicago for fourteen years which fell prey to public violence. One of the properties impacted by their destructive actions was the hotel that he managed.
The lobby windows were smashed, the entrance covered in glass, jewellery they had on display near the front desk was stolen and liquor from the bar confiscated. The owners unjustly held him personally responsible claiming he should have been better prepared and dismissed him, years of loyalty forgotten; the last time a riot took place in Chicago was possibly in 1966, before he was born. Traumatised by the aftermath of events, he returns to his hometown, temporarily, at least…to lick his wounds.
Tessa Brogan is a single mother and part owner of the venture, trying desperately to salvage the inn to the dismay of her uncle as he would prefer to sell outright. Her uncle Joe will turn sixty shortly and he wants to retire then, although he hasn’t done much over the past few years.
I scoff. “He wants me to sell outright. A clean break. A fresh start.”
The profit will be higher for him. If she buys him out, it’s only one-half the appraised value of the property and buildings. A clause about the sale of Bluebird Hollow Inn in their incorporation papers was her safety net. If both parties didn’t agree to sell, the document stipulated that one could buy out the other half of ownership at the fair and reasonable appraised value versus the real estate market value.
Noah continues to watch me. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
I shrug. “You’re here for a temporary position. Why would you care?”
Noah’s brows severely pinch. He’s been caring all day in an unspoken way, but that isn’t the same thing. “You could make a lot of money off a sale.”
“You sound like my uncle, and it’s one reason he wants to sell to someone else. If he sells only to me, he’ll get appraised value, not market value, so he’ll earn less. However, this is my home. I love this place, and there isn’t a dollar amount I can put on my happiness.”
Living at the inn on borrowed time and awaiting the bank’s response to her loan application, Noah begins to develop feelings for Tessa and her son, Jonas.
The father of her son Isaiah had stolen money from the inn, and he was later charged with embezzling funds. Upon his arrest, she was conflicted having been taken advantage of. But Noah was by her side reassuring her that it wasn’t her fault. She’d given her heart to the wrong man. She’d wanted to believe in Isaiah, but he’d proven her wrong when he’d abandoned his son.
As for the inn, the back taxes were put on a payment plan that might take years to repay.
Noah bought into the Bluebird Hollow Inn and they were now business partners.
He offered her uncle a fair and equitable price and told him to take it or leave it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2022
I love LB's Lakeside Cottage series and it was a nice surprise with this novella. This was a short and sexy story with a cute little story. Just enough story and romance to feed your heart.
June 16, 2023
I didn’t know this novella existed, but while reviewing book reading order on Ms. Dunbar’s site, I saw a link to “Free Books”. Lo and behold, another snippet of the lovely Lakeside folks!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Noah Weller was only a side character within Zack Weller’s story. The older brother who was so disillusioned by their father, he left. But he’s come back to Lakeside due to circumstances beyond his control and still hasn’t let go of his anger about what happened to his family. And he holds himself back from any close relationships, even from Zack.
When he accepts a temporary position with a local single-mother innkeeper in Lakeside, his plan was never to stay. But there is just something about Tessa that catches at him, as well as her young son, Jonas.
This is a quick read, with surprisingly strong characters and sweet scenes, plenty of hotness, plus a little glimpse of real estate attorney brother, Zack, and Autumn of the local, familiar coffee shop & cafe and now wife of Logan.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Noah Weller was only a side character within Zack Weller’s story. The older brother who was so disillusioned by their father, he left. But he’s come back to Lakeside due to circumstances beyond his control and still hasn’t let go of his anger about what happened to his family. And he holds himself back from any close relationships, even from Zack.
When he accepts a temporary position with a local single-mother innkeeper in Lakeside, his plan was never to stay. But there is just something about Tessa that catches at him, as well as her young son, Jonas.
This is a quick read, with surprisingly strong characters and sweet scenes, plenty of hotness, plus a little glimpse of real estate attorney brother, Zack, and Autumn of the local, familiar coffee shop & cafe and now wife of Logan.
September 25, 2023
Lovely spin off from the Lakeside series, I enjoyed getting glimpses of characters from the main series, Noah is brother to Zeke so it's still Family. The inn is rundown and needs some work to bring it back to it's beauty, it's a historical building so that does mean limits. It's popular and seems to do well but there doesn't appear to be a whole lot of money to do the fixing up needed. Tessa wants to buy out her uncle but for some reason the bank won't talk to her about a loan. There are some twists and a little angst, a sweet little boy who wins the heart of a dark broody temporary manager, who never thought going back to his hometown could be the change he needed. It's romantic in the shuttle way the two learn to trust and open up to each other, the little things Noah does to help make life both easier and more efficient for Tessa, and the help he brings for her. I knew early o n they would somehow solve the problems but it was still wonderful reading with emotional turmoil and beautiful settings, characters I loved and wishes to come true
March 7, 2022
I came close to not finishing this book after Chapter 2 because it was so immature how the two adults, 37 and 45, were acting between each other. The first time they meet is when they get locked in a closet and all they think about is sex with each other. They acted like high schoolers instead of adults. The sexual frustration/fantasy went on throughout the story.
When a story finally starts to develop it got better however it did go back and forth with Noah and his erection. I'm not sure what was mentioned more in this story, Noah's erection or him saying he's not staying and will be moving on very soon.
I like romance novels to establish a friendship/relationship before heading on to the sex. Unfortunately this did not happen here.
When a story finally starts to develop it got better however it did go back and forth with Noah and his erection. I'm not sure what was mentioned more in this story, Noah's erection or him saying he's not staying and will be moving on very soon.
I like romance novels to establish a friendship/relationship before heading on to the sex. Unfortunately this did not happen here.
March 23, 2022
Noah has returned to Lakeside while he decides his future. Tessa is trying to save the family Inn and create a great future for her son.
Well to start out I had a love/hate relationship with Noah throughout this read. Sometimes I wanted to give him a swift kick in the butt. Other times I wanted to hug him. He was hot and cold and I felt sorry for poor Tessa. These two has to come to the conclusion that they both deserved to be happy. Their chemistry was off the charts. I had to fan myself from some of their kisses. This was a down to earth realistic true to life story of two people who had to find themselves before committing to each other.
Well to start out I had a love/hate relationship with Noah throughout this read. Sometimes I wanted to give him a swift kick in the butt. Other times I wanted to hug him. He was hot and cold and I felt sorry for poor Tessa. These two has to come to the conclusion that they both deserved to be happy. Their chemistry was off the charts. I had to fan myself from some of their kisses. This was a down to earth realistic true to life story of two people who had to find themselves before committing to each other.
August 10, 2022
I always wanted more of Noah and Tessa ever since he was introduced and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Talk about finding your person and place. Learning the truth about people when you put trust and they felt so little of you. My heart broke for Tessa because she wanted what was her legacy and kept getting the run around and then the out-right betrayal. No wonder she spaced out and got in her head. The world was on her shoulders and all she wanted was her dad.
Noah... Yeah kudos to Zach for telling it to him raw and opening up his eyes to what he needed. Live for him and not the ideals of his father that held no truths.
Welcome to you next love birds. You were missed.
Talk about finding your person and place. Learning the truth about people when you put trust and they felt so little of you. My heart broke for Tessa because she wanted what was her legacy and kept getting the run around and then the out-right betrayal. No wonder she spaced out and got in her head. The world was on her shoulders and all she wanted was her dad.
Noah... Yeah kudos to Zach for telling it to him raw and opening up his eyes to what he needed. Live for him and not the ideals of his father that held no truths.
Welcome to you next love birds. You were missed.
March 5, 2022
This book thrives on the same warmth and depth as the books in the Lakeside Cottage series to which it ties.
I loved Noah and Tessa's characters, their struggles with life expectations and accepting their feelings. It's something you can really relate to as a reader.
Their chemistry seemed to spill over from fiction to reality and was almost tangible.
I love the way Ms. Dunbar describes everything so real and how she incorporates little bits of real life into her stories.
I only wish this story was a full-length novel because I would so love to read more about Noah and Tessa!
I loved Noah and Tessa's characters, their struggles with life expectations and accepting their feelings. It's something you can really relate to as a reader.
Their chemistry seemed to spill over from fiction to reality and was almost tangible.
I love the way Ms. Dunbar describes everything so real and how she incorporates little bits of real life into her stories.
I only wish this story was a full-length novel because I would so love to read more about Noah and Tessa!
March 4, 2022
I loved this little novella. Zach's brother, Noah returns to Lakeside to accept a job at an local Inn. Where he meets the beautiful Tessa. Lots of lust and attraction. Can't forget about he M & C, nor Jonas for that matter.
That cover is perfect for this story.
That cover is perfect for this story.
March 20, 2022
Loved Noah and Tessa! Noah is coming from Chicago to a small town inn. This is just temporary. Until he meets Tessa, a single mom running the inn. Her kisses do not feel temporary and Jonas her son is definitely not temporary. Can these two find a permanent happily ever after?
April 18, 2022
I enjoyed this novella of Noah and Tessa. Tessa is looking to save her inn while Noah is looking for a job until something better comes along. I loved their instant chemistry and how Noah evolved from someone who didn’t want a relationship to someone who knew what he was missing.
May 30, 2022
2.5 stars. I really enjoyed the premise of this book, but I got pretty frustrated at times, especially by Noah. He was hot and cold and domineering (not in a sexy way) and Tessa seemed very naive, so the combination was annoying.
July 4, 2023
Received this book free from Prolific Works, and I am willingly leaving an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Noah and Tessa's story. It's a great intro to the Lakeside Cottage series.
Lovely characters, great storyline, and a wonderful HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Noah and Tessa's story. It's a great intro to the Lakeside Cottage series.
Lovely characters, great storyline, and a wonderful HEA.
March 4, 2022
I fell in love with Noah, Tessa, and Jonas. We go back to Lakeside for Inn To You. It’s a fun quick read. Highly recommend you read it!
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March 5, 2022I received a free copy from the author today.
pw-fgtcybb-nab
March 9, 2022March 11, 2022
Small town love story...with Tessa trying to save her family's Inn. Noah shows up in town. Will he help or hinder. Enjoyed this short book and its characters.
May 7, 2022
Okay short read. Needs better editing.
May 31, 2022
What a great quick read. I absolutely loved Tessa and Noah. They had such a chemistry. I loved how she was his little bird. Sigh...
June 28, 2022
A great small town romance. Tessa and Noah's story grabs your attention, pulling you in. It is a quick read with likable characters. Overall it is an enjoyable story.
March 10, 2022
This novella was a complete surprise that Dunbar released! I loved every minute of Noah and Tessa's disagreements--but more importantly how quick he was to care for Tessa's son. It had just enough steam and in general, was a quick, but lovely read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews