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Lakeside Cottage #3
Loving at 40
Sexy silver alpha hero returns to his family’s lakeside cottage where there’s a single mother in his bed and her presence just might be the second chance he needs at love and family.
Archer McCaryn has been a mystery to his family. At forty-five, he isn’t certain himself who he is anymore. When he returns to the family’s lakeside cottage, he finds there is someone in his garage apartment. In fact, she’s in his bed, and he doesn’t have a problem with the beautiful, single mother staying there as long as she doesn’t want into his heart.
Jenna Davis is self-aware - she’s a teacher, a mother, and a widow. Now in her early forties, this once free-spirited woman considers herself a responsible adult and works hard to keep life all together. So when a college friend invites her and her two little girls to come for a visit, she’s ecstatic about a vacation. Only she’s placed in the garage apartment of her best friend’s older brother. Being attracted to him hadn’t been on her itinerary, but there’s no going back when hearts become reckless.
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Welcome back to Lakeside Cottage.
Archer McCaryn has been a mystery to his family. At forty-five, he isn’t certain himself who he is anymore. When he returns to the family’s lakeside cottage, he finds there is someone in his garage apartment. In fact, she’s in his bed, and he doesn’t have a problem with the beautiful, single mother staying there as long as she doesn’t want into his heart.
Jenna Davis is self-aware - she’s a teacher, a mother, and a widow. Now in her early forties, this once free-spirited woman considers herself a responsible adult and works hard to keep life all together. So when a college friend invites her and her two little girls to come for a visit, she’s ecstatic about a vacation. Only she’s placed in the garage apartment of her best friend’s older brother. Being attracted to him hadn’t been on her itinerary, but there’s no going back when hearts become reckless.
+ + +
Welcome back to Lakeside Cottage.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2022
341 people are currently reading
2424 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
93 books3,293 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 - 30 of 218 reviews
June 5, 2022
Archer is Anna and Autumn’s brother and has been estranged from his family for quite a few years. This means he has been MIA in some of the toughest moments his two sisters have had to face and this has been tough particularly for Anna after she lost her husband Ben. Anna really has no idea where he has been or what he actually does for work, all she knows is that he just hasn’t been around when it counted.
Archer has an apartment over the garage at the family lake house which he considers his home base. This is where he returns to after a grueling assignment that has wiped him out mentally and physically. However, when he crawled into his comfortable bed he was not expecting to find a warm, gorgeous body to wrap himself around…
Jenna is Anna’s best friend, a single, widowed mother of two beautiful girls. She has come to the lake for two weeks to spend time with her best friend. She knows what it’s like to lose the love you thought would last forever and she really wants to be here for her friend. It’s been too long since they spent some quality time together and she is looking forward to the girl time.
Waking up in the middle of the night to a man in her bed is probably one of the most terrifying experiences of Jenna’s life. However, once she realizes that it is Archer, Anna’s brother and just a big misunderstanding her heart rate calms down a bit. Her and the girls are safe, nothing bad has happened, they are all okay.
There is something about Jenna that has Archer completely intrigued. She is absolutely gorgeous, a wonderful mother and her two girls are so cute. The youngest Rosie is inquisitive and seems to have no fear of anything. Talia is the more serious and sensible sister. He hasn’t spent much time around children and really enjoys sharing the apartment with them.
‘It’s more than wanting her, she could eclipse me. Her light could brighten my darkness. Someone like her could restore a poor man’s spirit and allow him to believe he can deserve someone good, happy, and whole. Just be. Be home.’
Jenna doesn’t know what to make of Archer, there is so much mystery around him, so many layers that she wants to peel back and discover. He is a walking wet dream with all his brawny muscles and sexy tattoos. The opposite of her type I guess but there is a huge attraction between them and she finds herself giving into what they both obviously want.
Being with Archer is indescribable, the sexual connection they have is intense and Jenna almost feels whole again. She always puts her girls' needs first and although Archer is amazing with them, she doesn’t know if a future with him is possible. There is a lot of baggage that comes with Archer and some of it scares her. She won’t risk any more hurt in her daughters’ lives so getting attached to someone who could simply disappear again is not a risk she wants to take.
‘I didn’t deserve love, and no one would ever love me, but when I’m with you and the girls, I feel… something vibrating all around you, and I want it wrapped around me.’
Being with Jenna has Archer imagining a future he never thought he could ever have. His last assignment completely messed with him and if he wants to show Jenna that he is all in, he needs to get rid of anything that could stand in their way and just hope he makes it out the other side, not just for his sake but for family life he so desperately hopes for now.
‘I want to be your person. Let me be your second chance. Be my first time at love.’
Well this was a page turning, heart warming read for me :) We hadn’t met either of these main characters in the previous books in this series but Archer’s name has been mentioned several times in passing. This meant that there was lots to discover about them and making all the connections to the rest of this tight knit group of friends. Archer is now my favourite guy, I love how life changing meeting Jenna was for him, he deserved to find her and the girls to mend his beautiful heart.
And can I just say that I cannot wait for the next book, OMG Mason and Anna!!!!!!!!
Archer has an apartment over the garage at the family lake house which he considers his home base. This is where he returns to after a grueling assignment that has wiped him out mentally and physically. However, when he crawled into his comfortable bed he was not expecting to find a warm, gorgeous body to wrap himself around…
Jenna is Anna’s best friend, a single, widowed mother of two beautiful girls. She has come to the lake for two weeks to spend time with her best friend. She knows what it’s like to lose the love you thought would last forever and she really wants to be here for her friend. It’s been too long since they spent some quality time together and she is looking forward to the girl time.
Waking up in the middle of the night to a man in her bed is probably one of the most terrifying experiences of Jenna’s life. However, once she realizes that it is Archer, Anna’s brother and just a big misunderstanding her heart rate calms down a bit. Her and the girls are safe, nothing bad has happened, they are all okay.
There is something about Jenna that has Archer completely intrigued. She is absolutely gorgeous, a wonderful mother and her two girls are so cute. The youngest Rosie is inquisitive and seems to have no fear of anything. Talia is the more serious and sensible sister. He hasn’t spent much time around children and really enjoys sharing the apartment with them.
‘It’s more than wanting her, she could eclipse me. Her light could brighten my darkness. Someone like her could restore a poor man’s spirit and allow him to believe he can deserve someone good, happy, and whole. Just be. Be home.’
Jenna doesn’t know what to make of Archer, there is so much mystery around him, so many layers that she wants to peel back and discover. He is a walking wet dream with all his brawny muscles and sexy tattoos. The opposite of her type I guess but there is a huge attraction between them and she finds herself giving into what they both obviously want.
Being with Archer is indescribable, the sexual connection they have is intense and Jenna almost feels whole again. She always puts her girls' needs first and although Archer is amazing with them, she doesn’t know if a future with him is possible. There is a lot of baggage that comes with Archer and some of it scares her. She won’t risk any more hurt in her daughters’ lives so getting attached to someone who could simply disappear again is not a risk she wants to take.
‘I didn’t deserve love, and no one would ever love me, but when I’m with you and the girls, I feel… something vibrating all around you, and I want it wrapped around me.’
Being with Jenna has Archer imagining a future he never thought he could ever have. His last assignment completely messed with him and if he wants to show Jenna that he is all in, he needs to get rid of anything that could stand in their way and just hope he makes it out the other side, not just for his sake but for family life he so desperately hopes for now.
‘I want to be your person. Let me be your second chance. Be my first time at love.’
Well this was a page turning, heart warming read for me :) We hadn’t met either of these main characters in the previous books in this series but Archer’s name has been mentioned several times in passing. This meant that there was lots to discover about them and making all the connections to the rest of this tight knit group of friends. Archer is now my favourite guy, I love how life changing meeting Jenna was for him, he deserved to find her and the girls to mend his beautiful heart.
And can I just say that I cannot wait for the next book, OMG Mason and Anna!!!!!!!!
January 26, 2023
5 Dunbar Does It Again Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Oh, How I Love Me Some L.B. Dunbar. She has a deft hand when it comes to writing about Grown-Ups! She takes all the sweet, sexy, and complicated and stirs the emotions, and makes you really care about them.
I know there are only three books shown right now but heart of my heart, I truly believe there is another one coming that will be, Oh So Great...
May 13, 2021
What Comes Next...
Loving at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3)- June 2, 2022
Living at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Learning at 40 (Lakeside Cottage, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Loving at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Letting Go At 40 (Lakeside Cottage #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Oh, How I Love Me Some L.B. Dunbar. She has a deft hand when it comes to writing about Grown-Ups! She takes all the sweet, sexy, and complicated and stirs the emotions, and makes you really care about them.
I know there are only three books shown right now but heart of my heart, I truly believe there is another one coming that will be, Oh So Great...
May 13, 2021
What Comes Next...
Loving at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3)- June 2, 2022
Living at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Learning at 40 (Lakeside Cottage, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Loving at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Letting Go At 40 (Lakeside Cottage #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 30, 2022
These 40 something characters that Dunbar creates are mirror images of my soul. Endearing and adorable, these books are so gentle in narrative, they creep slowly and silently till you're engulfed in their sweetness and completely enamoured. A second chance at love and life is explored beautifully.
"Do you really believe in second chances? It took me so long to find my first love, I don’t hold out hope for another round, and a man like Archer McCaryn will not volunteer as tribute. He is . . . Vegas. He’s my layover—a little enjoyment of the local scenery".
Jenna and Archer McCaryn meet one night when the great Bear of a man catches this modern day Goldilocks sleeping in his bed. He's taken aback and taken up by this sleeping beauty looking all Peaceful and angelic.
Jenna is properly affected by this sexy beast too. Her smitten heart warring with her mommy head throughout. Feeling guilt most of the time and aroused at some, I was happy to see the arousal win time and again.
"You live, love, lose and learn.”
Very beautifully written, touching sensitive topics, weaving grief and closure, Dunbar continues to excel in her corner of the mature romance world.
4.5 stars for Pirates & Warriors
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"Do you really believe in second chances? It took me so long to find my first love, I don’t hold out hope for another round, and a man like Archer McCaryn will not volunteer as tribute. He is . . . Vegas. He’s my layover—a little enjoyment of the local scenery".
Jenna and Archer McCaryn meet one night when the great Bear of a man catches this modern day Goldilocks sleeping in his bed. He's taken aback and taken up by this sleeping beauty looking all Peaceful and angelic.
Jenna is properly affected by this sexy beast too. Her smitten heart warring with her mommy head throughout. Feeling guilt most of the time and aroused at some, I was happy to see the arousal win time and again.
"You live, love, lose and learn.”
Very beautifully written, touching sensitive topics, weaving grief and closure, Dunbar continues to excel in her corner of the mature romance world.
4.5 stars for Pirates & Warriors
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
April 4, 2024
One thought comes to mind when thinking of Archer - the AUDACITY!! What a shit MMC. He was a creep and an ass. From the way he crawled over Jenna and grabbed her boob when he first saw her, justifying touching her like that just cause she was in his bed - without her even knowing he freaking existed, to him leaving his gun out and a 3 year old holding it, to leaving a porno on the TV around little kids, the weird shower head bathtub scene, him taking offense when Jenna didn’t trust him around her kids, the forced sleepovers on the couch, the fact they didn’t even know each other for 2 weeks, the bizarre tattoo after his dropping off the planet for 3 months without explanation, then the completely forced and unnecessary student with a gun in school situation to give Archer a character arc - it all was so tacky.
Why in the hell would anyone want this man??? And Jenna hadn’t been with anyone since her husband was killed made it that much worse. And really there wasn’t anything about her dead husband that seemed that great. Jenna should’ve ran the other way immediately. Jenna came across as wishy washy. A simple look or arm grab from Archer was all it ever took for her to falter. Not a cute look for a woman who is supposed to be fiercely independent.
Also, the rationale behind Jenna and her girls staying in the garage apartment was lame and why Ben knew where and who Archer was but not his sister was just dumb.
Additionally, the little girls are 3 and 5 but neither are written as those very young ages. Their physical mannerisms were fine but they way the spoke - not believable at all.
I’m trying to figure out why two very side, peripheral characters needed a story in this series. This was awful.
Why in the hell would anyone want this man??? And Jenna hadn’t been with anyone since her husband was killed made it that much worse. And really there wasn’t anything about her dead husband that seemed that great. Jenna should’ve ran the other way immediately. Jenna came across as wishy washy. A simple look or arm grab from Archer was all it ever took for her to falter. Not a cute look for a woman who is supposed to be fiercely independent.
Also, the rationale behind Jenna and her girls staying in the garage apartment was lame and why Ben knew where and who Archer was but not his sister was just dumb.
Additionally, the little girls are 3 and 5 but neither are written as those very young ages. Their physical mannerisms were fine but they way the spoke - not believable at all.
I’m trying to figure out why two very side, peripheral characters needed a story in this series. This was awful.
June 29, 2022
A long ass book...
Gosh, I couldn't really get into it, the writing was a bit strange for me...I can't really pin point why, but it felt like the fluency of the storytelling was chopped...it was distracting at the least...
The characters, ok, female...oh well, hero - it's a work in progress...I'm still not clear of my thoughts or feelings for this guy...
But it was an interesting concept, an interesting viewing of the issues with a little bit of action and danger tossed to mix things up, and voila...
Gosh, I couldn't really get into it, the writing was a bit strange for me...I can't really pin point why, but it felt like the fluency of the storytelling was chopped...it was distracting at the least...
The characters, ok, female...oh well, hero - it's a work in progress...I'm still not clear of my thoughts or feelings for this guy...
But it was an interesting concept, an interesting viewing of the issues with a little bit of action and danger tossed to mix things up, and voila...
June 12, 2022
*I received a review copy of Loving at Forty. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
I can't even start with all the ways I loved Loving at Forty! I have read the prior books in the series, and while I enjoyed those, I truly adored this one! Archer and Jenna just clicked for me from the very beginning. Jenna had been through hell, and she really didn't think love was still in the cards for her, especially because she was raising her young daughters on her own.
Archer had been through a different kind of hell, where he had done things he never thought he'd do - all in the name of trying to make the world a better place. Even his own family didn't believe in him, so why would he?
I enjoyed returning to the Forty team, especially because I got to see how the couples who started their new lives together in prior books were getting along. But also because there was still the unknown between Anna and Mason... But really, it was Jenna and Archer who took the place of the protagonists in this novel, with Jenna's girls a very close second to the main couple.
There were so many tender moments, and also a lot of doubts, on both Jenna's and Archer's parts. However, I felt like Archer had it even worse than Jenna in some ways, since nobody truly knew what he had been up to these past twenty years, and they had made up their minds that he had been up to no good.
Dunbar delivers on fantastic writing, and I loved the character development as well. The way both Jenna and Archer needed someone special in their lives, but thought that train had come and gone, just made their story all the sweeter.
I can't even start with all the ways I loved Loving at Forty! I have read the prior books in the series, and while I enjoyed those, I truly adored this one! Archer and Jenna just clicked for me from the very beginning. Jenna had been through hell, and she really didn't think love was still in the cards for her, especially because she was raising her young daughters on her own.
Archer had been through a different kind of hell, where he had done things he never thought he'd do - all in the name of trying to make the world a better place. Even his own family didn't believe in him, so why would he?
I enjoyed returning to the Forty team, especially because I got to see how the couples who started their new lives together in prior books were getting along. But also because there was still the unknown between Anna and Mason... But really, it was Jenna and Archer who took the place of the protagonists in this novel, with Jenna's girls a very close second to the main couple.
There were so many tender moments, and also a lot of doubts, on both Jenna's and Archer's parts. However, I felt like Archer had it even worse than Jenna in some ways, since nobody truly knew what he had been up to these past twenty years, and they had made up their minds that he had been up to no good.
Dunbar delivers on fantastic writing, and I loved the character development as well. The way both Jenna and Archer needed someone special in their lives, but thought that train had come and gone, just made their story all the sweeter.
May 31, 2022
5 star review of Loving At 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3) by L. B. Dunbar
I love L .B. Dunbar’s style of written, she writes characters that are strong, flawed, older and easy to relate to. This is Archer McCaryn and single mum Jenna Davis's story and it was an emotional, well written story that ticked all the boxes for me. From the first to the last chapter I was invested in the story that Ms.Dunbar wove.
I really enjoy stories where the main characters are more mature. Returning to his families Lakeside Cottage, Archer is shocked to find Jenna sleeping in his bed. What follows is a story that will draw you in and hold you captive until the very end.
I really liked both these characters. From the moment they meet there is an intense attraction that sizzles between them. Could they both have found their second chance at love?
Ms. Dunbar writing is so descriptive that I found myself transported to Lakeside Cottage and this was a realistic story which I am sure a number of readers can and do relate to.
I love L .B. Dunbar’s style of written, she writes characters that are strong, flawed, older and easy to relate to. This is Archer McCaryn and single mum Jenna Davis's story and it was an emotional, well written story that ticked all the boxes for me. From the first to the last chapter I was invested in the story that Ms.Dunbar wove.
I really enjoy stories where the main characters are more mature. Returning to his families Lakeside Cottage, Archer is shocked to find Jenna sleeping in his bed. What follows is a story that will draw you in and hold you captive until the very end.
I really liked both these characters. From the moment they meet there is an intense attraction that sizzles between them. Could they both have found their second chance at love?
Ms. Dunbar writing is so descriptive that I found myself transported to Lakeside Cottage and this was a realistic story which I am sure a number of readers can and do relate to.
November 26, 2022
Loving at 40 is the first book I have read by L. B. Dunbar. I won an audio code and to say I fell in love with the main characters and the secondary characters is an understatement. This is book 3 of the Lakeside Cottage series. After listening to this book, I am definitely picking up book 1 & 2.
The story of Archer & Jenna is a complicated relationship in the making. This story falls into the following troupes; my best friend's older brother, single mother, and suspenseful romance. I enjoyed every minute who these two reluctant to fall in love individuals manuver their way around each other.
The story of Archer & Jenna is a complicated relationship in the making. This story falls into the following troupes; my best friend's older brother, single mother, and suspenseful romance. I enjoyed every minute who these two reluctant to fall in love individuals manuver their way around each other.
June 2, 2022
LB knows how to bring the steam right from the beginning. This is a story of two fragile hearts. Jenna is a strong single mother, but still healing from the loss of her husband. Archer is on leave from being injured undercover. He has so many secrets. These two are electric together. I love Archer with Jenna's girls. Talk about tugging at my heartstrings. Dunbar does such a great job of writing real, raw characters. You get to touch base with our previous couples in the series and it's all in the family, even when things are messy. Great read! Don't miss this. 4 stars!
June 1, 2022
What a steamy first meet between Archer and Jenna. You could almost feel the sizzle coming off the pages. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. You could feel the tension between the two. The author knows how to pack an emotional punch with her stories and I love that about her books.
June 2, 2022
What an emotional rollercoaster! After getting just a taste of Archer in the last book, you couldn’t help but be curious about him. Loves the “Little Red Riding Hood” aspect of their meet cute!
These two are definitely an opposites attract romance! Jenna is a widowed single mom of two, and as stable as can be. Archer’s life is a mystery and everyone knows not to count on him at all. But even as Jenna’s head is telling her to be careful, her heart cannot resist this sexy silver fox.
I loved the wild ride that these two took us on. Archer cannot catch a break! That is for sure. And just when you think things are starting to settle down, life gets complicated again.
Loved Archer’s relationship with Jenna’s two kids. Especially sweet little Rosie who never got to know her real dad. She was just the cutest!
Archer deserves everything he gets in the end. Loved it.
I requested an advance copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
These two are definitely an opposites attract romance! Jenna is a widowed single mom of two, and as stable as can be. Archer’s life is a mystery and everyone knows not to count on him at all. But even as Jenna’s head is telling her to be careful, her heart cannot resist this sexy silver fox.
I loved the wild ride that these two took us on. Archer cannot catch a break! That is for sure. And just when you think things are starting to settle down, life gets complicated again.
Loved Archer’s relationship with Jenna’s two kids. Especially sweet little Rosie who never got to know her real dad. She was just the cutest!
Archer deserves everything he gets in the end. Loved it.
I requested an advance copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
June 1, 2022
Absolutely loved Archer and Jenna’s story!
I was engrossed by their journey.
As always, L.B. Dunbar eloquently writes about mature characters in a realistic and compelling way.
Touchingly woven with depth about second chances, grief, commitment to family as opposed to personal yearnings and self determination.
I highly recommend this book!
I was engrossed by their journey.
As always, L.B. Dunbar eloquently writes about mature characters in a realistic and compelling way.
Touchingly woven with depth about second chances, grief, commitment to family as opposed to personal yearnings and self determination.
I highly recommend this book!
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June 2, 2022“She could eclipse me. Her light could brighten my darkness.”
Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️
L.B. Dunbar is easily winning her readers over with her Lakeside Cottage series. Set in a small town in Michigan, it follows four friends brought together when one of them receives a terminal diagnosis. As life happens to these friends, the power of community and friendship carry them through their challenges, oftentimes coming from their ability to love and be loved.
In her newest story, Loving at 40, Dunbar drives us through the story of Jenna and Archer. Jenna is the friend of Anna, the widowed wife whose home in Lakeside is the center of this series. A single mother of two young girls and a teacher, Jenna comes to Anna’s home for vacation and to be supportive of her friend. What she finds quickly is a man waking her in the middle of the night. Archer is Anna’s brother and the mystery man who surprises and frightens Jenna. Having spent a majority of his adult life away, he’s returned home during a time of healing. What he finds is a woman who calls to his soul and two daughters who steal his heart. The back and forth of Jenna and Archer as they fight against and for each other makes for a story that sinks into your soul. From the start, Dunbar draws this couple as fated, soulmates needing a happy ending. Unfortunately, life interjects and threatens to derail them forever.
Loving at 40 furthers the story of the friends and Anna, providing set up for the fourth and, probably, most difficult book of this series. It provides updates for Logan and Zach and their heroines, Autumn and River. It adds more to the Lakeside Cottage adventures, pulling us deeper into these stories. As characters, Archer is the grizzled, alpha male who is drawn to Jenna like a moth to a flame. For much of this book, his fight is with himself and his misunderstanding about his capacity to love. The frustration of his characterization is his willingness to accept and then quickly dismiss Jenna and his adoration for her and her children. This can tend to be repetitive and the reason why I don’t give this story a 5-star rating. Jenna is my favorite character in the book. She’s insightful, willing to give Archer her heart, and a strong heroine. Her daughters provide the heart of this story. Together, Dunbar makes it difficult for Archer to walk away from them because they are the complete loveable package.
My other criticism is the ending. After spending quite a bit of time in her falling action sequence, Dunbar’s ending feels abrupt, launching us into the epilogue which previews the next story in the series. I wanted a bit more foreshadowing of Archer and Jenna’s future. Hopefully, as we find in Loving at 40, tendrils of Jenna and Archer’s story will shade the next book, Letting Go at 40.
One note: L.B. Dunbar has a trigger warning. There are guns in this book with an instance of a gun in a school. It does not have tragic consequences in the sense of our present world. However, if you are sensitive to guns, you might want to avoid this story. You will miss out on the enfolding love of Archer and Jenna, but the other two current books in the series are apt substitutions.
Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️
L.B. Dunbar is easily winning her readers over with her Lakeside Cottage series. Set in a small town in Michigan, it follows four friends brought together when one of them receives a terminal diagnosis. As life happens to these friends, the power of community and friendship carry them through their challenges, oftentimes coming from their ability to love and be loved.
In her newest story, Loving at 40, Dunbar drives us through the story of Jenna and Archer. Jenna is the friend of Anna, the widowed wife whose home in Lakeside is the center of this series. A single mother of two young girls and a teacher, Jenna comes to Anna’s home for vacation and to be supportive of her friend. What she finds quickly is a man waking her in the middle of the night. Archer is Anna’s brother and the mystery man who surprises and frightens Jenna. Having spent a majority of his adult life away, he’s returned home during a time of healing. What he finds is a woman who calls to his soul and two daughters who steal his heart. The back and forth of Jenna and Archer as they fight against and for each other makes for a story that sinks into your soul. From the start, Dunbar draws this couple as fated, soulmates needing a happy ending. Unfortunately, life interjects and threatens to derail them forever.
Loving at 40 furthers the story of the friends and Anna, providing set up for the fourth and, probably, most difficult book of this series. It provides updates for Logan and Zach and their heroines, Autumn and River. It adds more to the Lakeside Cottage adventures, pulling us deeper into these stories. As characters, Archer is the grizzled, alpha male who is drawn to Jenna like a moth to a flame. For much of this book, his fight is with himself and his misunderstanding about his capacity to love. The frustration of his characterization is his willingness to accept and then quickly dismiss Jenna and his adoration for her and her children. This can tend to be repetitive and the reason why I don’t give this story a 5-star rating. Jenna is my favorite character in the book. She’s insightful, willing to give Archer her heart, and a strong heroine. Her daughters provide the heart of this story. Together, Dunbar makes it difficult for Archer to walk away from them because they are the complete loveable package.
My other criticism is the ending. After spending quite a bit of time in her falling action sequence, Dunbar’s ending feels abrupt, launching us into the epilogue which previews the next story in the series. I wanted a bit more foreshadowing of Archer and Jenna’s future. Hopefully, as we find in Loving at 40, tendrils of Jenna and Archer’s story will shade the next book, Letting Go at 40.
One note: L.B. Dunbar has a trigger warning. There are guns in this book with an instance of a gun in a school. It does not have tragic consequences in the sense of our present world. However, if you are sensitive to guns, you might want to avoid this story. You will miss out on the enfolding love of Archer and Jenna, but the other two current books in the series are apt substitutions.
August 2, 2024
Archer’s been away from Lakeside for years. Tasked as an undercover DEA agent to infiltrate the Quintero family, he became entrenched in his assignment, and existed as Hunter Gray, a man involved with a mafia princess. Viviana’s father is gone and she’s taken over the reins of the ‘family’. He’d never trusted her. While she’d revel in her daddy’s riches, she played dirty, and he had no doubt she’d take over if her father disappeared forever.
Archer McCaryn’s is the eldest of the McCaryn’s, but in their family, Anna has always been considered the most dependable. No one understands the responsibilities he’s borne over the years. His parents thought he’d abandoned the pack but for their safety, he was unable to disclose his whereabouts. His father eventually figured out his work was something dangerous—so he shared what he could as he needed someone to claim his body should anything happen to him.
Ben gave each of the guys a directive, like a mission, to complete within a year of receiving them. Ben’s message to Archer BE HOME.
To be undercover successfully, he did and said things he’s not particularly proud of…his job called for pretending, convincingly … devoid of emotions. What was fake had to be made to feel real. Faking can feel real with lines becoming blurred and confusing.
For five years Archer pretended to be in love with Viviana, he asked her to marry him, more staging. The night of the engagement party, his identity as an undercover agent for the DEA was revealed. He asked her to come with him and told her he would protect her. Shocked, everything got all mixed up, he shot Viviana’s father and Viviana shot Archer. She told him, he was a despicable human being and that no woman would ever love him like her. ‘You don’t deserve to be loved’ were her exact words.” He fears he might not be worthy of love.
An undercover DEA agent, he’s on a medically imposed sabbatical, coming to the end of his career after a devastating assignment. He returns home to find someone’s been sleeping in his bed and she’s still in it!
His attempts to connect with his nephews, reconnect and right old wrongs with his sister, Anna. The camaraderie with Ben’s friends and his protectiveness with Thalia and Rosie, Jenna’s two little girls demonstrates a desire to be home from wherever he’s been, whatever he’s endured.
Jenna and Anna are both widows and fellow-teachers. Jenna’s been invited to spend two weeks with her little girls Talia 5 and Rosie 3, during Ben’s annual reunion at Lakeside Cottage. The former college friends remained in touch over the years.
Jenna had been upset her husband Ryan had been out with friends, and she’d been at home all day with the girls. Rosie was only a baby, and she was struggling with the adjustment of having two children. Ryan liked to have a good time, and they had an understanding of one another needing a break. The transition from one child to two had been difficult. She needed baby formula, and Ryan was supposed to get some on his way home. Forgetting, she insisted he go back out (naturally she feels a fair amount of guilt). From the police report, Ryan entered the gas station whilst the holdup was in progress. Startling the gunman as he entered, he was shot.
Ryan was instantly killed, through the heart.
Archer has spent years apart from his siblings, family, and friends to protect them from his work. Having been missing in action for several years…arriving late one night, he discovers an unidentified woman in his bed. Not that he's complaining, but she is clearly terrified until she quickly processes that he is Anna’s elusive brother.
He doesn’t own a home, the apartment over the garage is his sanctuary. Lakeside is the only place he feels at peace. Once the adrenaline rush is over he needs a place to decompress.
Jenna boasted independence and girl power, but she’d wanted to settle down. She needed the right man to settle on her. He had to understand her.
He had to love her. That person had been Ryan.
They were slightly older by their small town’s standards of getting married. She’d been thirty-six when she met Ryan, theirs was an instant connection. Within months, they were married, pregnant, and building a future.
After spilling her story, Jenna hoped he’d open up to her but he didn’t want to tell her anything about himself, and suddenly, realised that he didn’t know who he was. He had nothing but hard topics with hard limits.
Archer’s the type of guy she’d fall for pre-Ryan. The unobtainable one. The one-night-stand man.
After months of sleeping with another woman, whom he’d often roll away from during the night, the desire to curl up against Jenna came as naturally as breathing. She was different than Viviana Quinteros, a mafia princess, socialite. His former lover had been one of the roughest relationships he’d ever experienced.
“You’re a despicable human”, Viviana’s frequent refrain resounding in his head.
Archer’s doesn’t want to be close to another woman having gone through the most tumultuous, destructive relationship for the past five years. The mission had not ended well. They’d temporarily lost Viviana and since he was compromised, he was out. The only intel he’d been given was the little bits the department wished to share. They monitored him, wondering if Viviana would return. If she’d seek retribution. If she’d want him back despite everything. She hadn’t been seen or heard of, in eight months.
Whilst recovering from his wound, he was removed from the investigation. Viviana’s father is dead, the mastermind, but there is always the assumption Vi would take over and she was under surveillance. He was too laid up to be part of the team and spent almost eight months in extensive physical therapy. His superiors were concerned the relationship screwed him up.
“Didn’t it?”
“The harder part is I believed what she said. That I am despicable. I didn’t deserve love. I’d never find someone who loves me. Not that I want someone like her. Just in general.”
“I believed I didn’t deserve the family I had. I no longer had friends. I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance with a normal woman.”
Viviana ultimately puts in an unexpected appearance surprising Archer, he leaves with her, leaving behind a baffled Jenna questioning his loyalties. Anna and Jenna are hurt by revelations in Archer’s past. He’s been at this job for fifteen-plus years, his faith in humanity lost. The Quintero case took a toll, mentally and physically.
“I had to leave, though. I had to keep you safe, and the less time you spent within Vi’s orbit, the safer you were. I needed her to forget you, and the only way to do that was to force her to concentrate on me.”
“But why didn’t you come back?”
“I couldn’t risk her following me or knowing where I’d been staying. I didn’t want to put any of you in danger.”
“It’s been three months. You told the girls your job was finished. What happened?”
“She got me on the boat, but it was being tracked. I took a huge risk and jumped overboard.”
“You jumped off the boat?”
The department had been watching her, and the Coast Guard had been warned of possible drug trafficking up the east side of the lake, they pursued her as the boat was a dark-moving vessel.
Shortly thereafter the boat exploded with everyone on board.
Archer McCaryn’s is the eldest of the McCaryn’s, but in their family, Anna has always been considered the most dependable. No one understands the responsibilities he’s borne over the years. His parents thought he’d abandoned the pack but for their safety, he was unable to disclose his whereabouts. His father eventually figured out his work was something dangerous—so he shared what he could as he needed someone to claim his body should anything happen to him.
Ben gave each of the guys a directive, like a mission, to complete within a year of receiving them. Ben’s message to Archer BE HOME.
To be undercover successfully, he did and said things he’s not particularly proud of…his job called for pretending, convincingly … devoid of emotions. What was fake had to be made to feel real. Faking can feel real with lines becoming blurred and confusing.
For five years Archer pretended to be in love with Viviana, he asked her to marry him, more staging. The night of the engagement party, his identity as an undercover agent for the DEA was revealed. He asked her to come with him and told her he would protect her. Shocked, everything got all mixed up, he shot Viviana’s father and Viviana shot Archer. She told him, he was a despicable human being and that no woman would ever love him like her. ‘You don’t deserve to be loved’ were her exact words.” He fears he might not be worthy of love.
An undercover DEA agent, he’s on a medically imposed sabbatical, coming to the end of his career after a devastating assignment. He returns home to find someone’s been sleeping in his bed and she’s still in it!
His attempts to connect with his nephews, reconnect and right old wrongs with his sister, Anna. The camaraderie with Ben’s friends and his protectiveness with Thalia and Rosie, Jenna’s two little girls demonstrates a desire to be home from wherever he’s been, whatever he’s endured.
Jenna and Anna are both widows and fellow-teachers. Jenna’s been invited to spend two weeks with her little girls Talia 5 and Rosie 3, during Ben’s annual reunion at Lakeside Cottage. The former college friends remained in touch over the years.
Jenna had been upset her husband Ryan had been out with friends, and she’d been at home all day with the girls. Rosie was only a baby, and she was struggling with the adjustment of having two children. Ryan liked to have a good time, and they had an understanding of one another needing a break. The transition from one child to two had been difficult. She needed baby formula, and Ryan was supposed to get some on his way home. Forgetting, she insisted he go back out (naturally she feels a fair amount of guilt). From the police report, Ryan entered the gas station whilst the holdup was in progress. Startling the gunman as he entered, he was shot.
Ryan was instantly killed, through the heart.
Archer has spent years apart from his siblings, family, and friends to protect them from his work. Having been missing in action for several years…arriving late one night, he discovers an unidentified woman in his bed. Not that he's complaining, but she is clearly terrified until she quickly processes that he is Anna’s elusive brother.
He doesn’t own a home, the apartment over the garage is his sanctuary. Lakeside is the only place he feels at peace. Once the adrenaline rush is over he needs a place to decompress.
Jenna boasted independence and girl power, but she’d wanted to settle down. She needed the right man to settle on her. He had to understand her.
He had to love her. That person had been Ryan.
They were slightly older by their small town’s standards of getting married. She’d been thirty-six when she met Ryan, theirs was an instant connection. Within months, they were married, pregnant, and building a future.
After spilling her story, Jenna hoped he’d open up to her but he didn’t want to tell her anything about himself, and suddenly, realised that he didn’t know who he was. He had nothing but hard topics with hard limits.
Archer’s the type of guy she’d fall for pre-Ryan. The unobtainable one. The one-night-stand man.
After months of sleeping with another woman, whom he’d often roll away from during the night, the desire to curl up against Jenna came as naturally as breathing. She was different than Viviana Quinteros, a mafia princess, socialite. His former lover had been one of the roughest relationships he’d ever experienced.
“You’re a despicable human”, Viviana’s frequent refrain resounding in his head.
Archer’s doesn’t want to be close to another woman having gone through the most tumultuous, destructive relationship for the past five years. The mission had not ended well. They’d temporarily lost Viviana and since he was compromised, he was out. The only intel he’d been given was the little bits the department wished to share. They monitored him, wondering if Viviana would return. If she’d seek retribution. If she’d want him back despite everything. She hadn’t been seen or heard of, in eight months.
Whilst recovering from his wound, he was removed from the investigation. Viviana’s father is dead, the mastermind, but there is always the assumption Vi would take over and she was under surveillance. He was too laid up to be part of the team and spent almost eight months in extensive physical therapy. His superiors were concerned the relationship screwed him up.
“Didn’t it?”
“The harder part is I believed what she said. That I am despicable. I didn’t deserve love. I’d never find someone who loves me. Not that I want someone like her. Just in general.”
“I believed I didn’t deserve the family I had. I no longer had friends. I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance with a normal woman.”
Viviana ultimately puts in an unexpected appearance surprising Archer, he leaves with her, leaving behind a baffled Jenna questioning his loyalties. Anna and Jenna are hurt by revelations in Archer’s past. He’s been at this job for fifteen-plus years, his faith in humanity lost. The Quintero case took a toll, mentally and physically.
“I had to leave, though. I had to keep you safe, and the less time you spent within Vi’s orbit, the safer you were. I needed her to forget you, and the only way to do that was to force her to concentrate on me.”
“But why didn’t you come back?”
“I couldn’t risk her following me or knowing where I’d been staying. I didn’t want to put any of you in danger.”
“It’s been three months. You told the girls your job was finished. What happened?”
“She got me on the boat, but it was being tracked. I took a huge risk and jumped overboard.”
“You jumped off the boat?”
The department had been watching her, and the Coast Guard had been warned of possible drug trafficking up the east side of the lake, they pursued her as the boat was a dark-moving vessel.
Shortly thereafter the boat exploded with everyone on board.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
I loved this story!
"While everything in me screamed to look away, I couldn't. I was drawn to him like I haven't been drawn to another man in five years."
Jenna Davis and her two young daughters are staying in the apartment above the garage at Lakeside Cottage. The apartment is normally used by her friend's brother, Archer McCaryn, but he's hardly ever around. So, it's frightening to wake up with him hovering over her. Even more disturbing is how attracted she is to him.
"I like feeling her heartbeat, and it hits me. It's more than wanting her. She could eclipse me. Her light could brighten my darkness. Someone like her could restore a poor man's spirit and allow him to believe he can deserve someone good, happy, and whole. Just be. Be home."
Archer has more or less been missing from his family members' lives. No one knows where he's been or why he's never around. He's a man of mystery and secrets. From the moment he meets Jenna and her 'princesses', he's hooked. No matter how hard he tries to keep his distance, his heart yearns to belong.
"I want to be your person. Let me be your second chance. Be my first time at love."
This story was electric! Archer and Jenna had amazing chemistry. Archer was intense, raw, and also incredibly vulnerable. I wanted him to surround me with his alpha aura, but I also wanted to hold him tight. He really got to me with his need to be worthy of Jenna and to feel deserving of love. Jenna was an incredible mother. I loved the rapport she had with her daughters. She was skittish and wary but I loved how easily she trusted Archer. Those two little girls also melted my heart! Rosie with her warrior heart and Talia with her watchful ways. I adored how they took to Archer. The whole story had me totally hooked. It was sexy, heart-melting, with a touch of suspense. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2H06U8...
"While everything in me screamed to look away, I couldn't. I was drawn to him like I haven't been drawn to another man in five years."
Jenna Davis and her two young daughters are staying in the apartment above the garage at Lakeside Cottage. The apartment is normally used by her friend's brother, Archer McCaryn, but he's hardly ever around. So, it's frightening to wake up with him hovering over her. Even more disturbing is how attracted she is to him.
"I like feeling her heartbeat, and it hits me. It's more than wanting her. She could eclipse me. Her light could brighten my darkness. Someone like her could restore a poor man's spirit and allow him to believe he can deserve someone good, happy, and whole. Just be. Be home."
Archer has more or less been missing from his family members' lives. No one knows where he's been or why he's never around. He's a man of mystery and secrets. From the moment he meets Jenna and her 'princesses', he's hooked. No matter how hard he tries to keep his distance, his heart yearns to belong.
"I want to be your person. Let me be your second chance. Be my first time at love."
This story was electric! Archer and Jenna had amazing chemistry. Archer was intense, raw, and also incredibly vulnerable. I wanted him to surround me with his alpha aura, but I also wanted to hold him tight. He really got to me with his need to be worthy of Jenna and to feel deserving of love. Jenna was an incredible mother. I loved the rapport she had with her daughters. She was skittish and wary but I loved how easily she trusted Archer. Those two little girls also melted my heart! Rosie with her warrior heart and Talia with her watchful ways. I adored how they took to Archer. The whole story had me totally hooked. It was sexy, heart-melting, with a touch of suspense. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2H06U8...
June 2, 2022
Book Three of the Lakeside Cottage Series and another wonderful book of healing and finding home. These wonderful relatable charcters will draw you in with their chemistry and charm, sweet loving girlies are an added bonus to the story.
Archer is returning home for some rest and to heal after this last assignment. True to his normal ways, he doesn't tell anyone he is coming and to his surprise finds a woman in his bed in the apartment over the garage. He struggles a little with his place during the celebration of friends for the anniversary of his brother-in-laws death. He has been gone for so long and he has missed so much, he sometime wonders who he really is without the undercover of his job. He can't explain the draw that Jenna has on him but it's not just her the little princessess of hers are getting under his skin too.
Jenna has arrived for a relaxing holiday with her sweet girls and to help a friend. It's been a hard three years of being a single mom to her two girls. Trying to give them all the love while being a busy teacher. Still struggling over the loss of her husband some days but wanting to move forward. Hoping she can help Anna with her feelings and start her own journey to moving forward.
Ms Dunbar will have your emotions running high as you read this book full of loss, fears, PTSD and so much hope. It's a slow burn romance with a shot of sizzling lust, but the opening of ths hearts is the icing on the cake. Will Archer's past ruin it all for him or will Jenna be able to understand the why's?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Archer is returning home for some rest and to heal after this last assignment. True to his normal ways, he doesn't tell anyone he is coming and to his surprise finds a woman in his bed in the apartment over the garage. He struggles a little with his place during the celebration of friends for the anniversary of his brother-in-laws death. He has been gone for so long and he has missed so much, he sometime wonders who he really is without the undercover of his job. He can't explain the draw that Jenna has on him but it's not just her the little princessess of hers are getting under his skin too.
Jenna has arrived for a relaxing holiday with her sweet girls and to help a friend. It's been a hard three years of being a single mom to her two girls. Trying to give them all the love while being a busy teacher. Still struggling over the loss of her husband some days but wanting to move forward. Hoping she can help Anna with her feelings and start her own journey to moving forward.
Ms Dunbar will have your emotions running high as you read this book full of loss, fears, PTSD and so much hope. It's a slow burn romance with a shot of sizzling lust, but the opening of ths hearts is the icing on the cake. Will Archer's past ruin it all for him or will Jenna be able to understand the why's?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
May 24, 2022
LB Dunbar has a winner….
I am a fan of all her books and received this as an ARC. That being said, this is my honest opinion. Ms Dunbar’s stories have depth and the characters are always well developed. I especially love getting the story from both the H and h perspectives which happens in her books.
In this story we have Archer, the mysterious prodigal brother who shows up unexpectedly at the remembrance gathering of friends for Ben who died of cancer a year past. Our heroine is Jenna, single mother of two young girls who ran on the wild side in college but who happily settled into married life and motherhood only to become a young widow. The meet-cute is fantastic and opens the book with drama. The pair dance around their feelings and each other. The weaving storyline of their respective struggles with the trauma of their pasts and their eventual opening up to each other is masterful. I loved these characters and could totally relate to them…. both to their younger selves and their mature selves.
This story deals with hard topics, which Ms Dunbar frequently does, like drugs, gun violence, and school shootings. She also interjects the psychological trauma that law enforcement agents deal with when undercover and when injured in the line of duty.
My only disappointment was that I missed the friend group. The previous stories in this series had more group involvement. I missed that, although I get it as both these characters were on the outside of the core group. Still.
All in all this another winner for LB Dunbar. A wonderful romance with older characters who are in the midst of change.
I am a fan of all her books and received this as an ARC. That being said, this is my honest opinion. Ms Dunbar’s stories have depth and the characters are always well developed. I especially love getting the story from both the H and h perspectives which happens in her books.
In this story we have Archer, the mysterious prodigal brother who shows up unexpectedly at the remembrance gathering of friends for Ben who died of cancer a year past. Our heroine is Jenna, single mother of two young girls who ran on the wild side in college but who happily settled into married life and motherhood only to become a young widow. The meet-cute is fantastic and opens the book with drama. The pair dance around their feelings and each other. The weaving storyline of their respective struggles with the trauma of their pasts and their eventual opening up to each other is masterful. I loved these characters and could totally relate to them…. both to their younger selves and their mature selves.
This story deals with hard topics, which Ms Dunbar frequently does, like drugs, gun violence, and school shootings. She also interjects the psychological trauma that law enforcement agents deal with when undercover and when injured in the line of duty.
My only disappointment was that I missed the friend group. The previous stories in this series had more group involvement. I missed that, although I get it as both these characters were on the outside of the core group. Still.
All in all this another winner for LB Dunbar. A wonderful romance with older characters who are in the midst of change.
June 9, 2022
I have been reading L.B. Dunbar's books for awhile and that's because I am a huge fan of her over 40 romances. The Lakeside Cottage series has been great so far and Loving at 40 was another wonderful addition. Archer is the older brother of Anna from Living at 40. We have heard his name mentioned often yet he hasn't been around until he pops up this summer. To say that his sister is shocked is an understatement. Where has Archer been all of these years? Why hasn't he kept in contact? Why did he miss not only his parents funerals but Anna's late husband Ben's funeral? So many questions. Anna invited one of her college friends to join them for a short vacation at the lake house this summer and single mother Jenna is staying in Archer's garage apartment with her two young daughters. Jenna is a widow as well and has no desire to get involved with a man who screams "no commitment". Her daughters are the center of her universe and she will do everything in her power to provide a safe, stable and happy home for them. As we get to know Archer we find out that appearances are not what they seem and he slowly lets Jenna get to know him and why he has been so distant. So what happens when a man who has nothing sees the opportunity to become a part of something real? Well you're just going to need to read Loving at 40 to find out! I really enjoyed their story. It was told from dual POV and it is angsty, sweet, funny, heartbreaking, hot and full of love.
May 22, 2022
All of L.B. Dunbar's books are big on feelings but this one is an emotional rollercoaster. Another amazing story with another wonderful couple, you really can't get enough of her realistic and powerful stories. She doesn't shy away from hard, unforseen topics and that's another reason I absolutely love her writing. Add all of these lovely characters (main and side), the cutest kids and the best friends you can imagine, and you'll have a perfect read.
Jenna is a teacher, a widow and the mother of two little girls. She's reserved and afraid she'll never find again what she had with her late husband. But three years after he died Archer McCaryn (Annas brother, we already know them from the other books in this series) stumbles into her life. They are total opposites, but as we all know, opposite attract 😉.
Unexpected feelings, deep emotions, deep-rooted fears and the hope for new beginnings make this book one of my favorites. An absolute must-read. I can't wait for Anna and Masons story and I hope there will be a series for the next generation!!
Jenna is a teacher, a widow and the mother of two little girls. She's reserved and afraid she'll never find again what she had with her late husband. But three years after he died Archer McCaryn (Annas brother, we already know them from the other books in this series) stumbles into her life. They are total opposites, but as we all know, opposite attract 😉.
Unexpected feelings, deep emotions, deep-rooted fears and the hope for new beginnings make this book one of my favorites. An absolute must-read. I can't wait for Anna and Masons story and I hope there will be a series for the next generation!!
May 29, 2022
Another amazing story in the Lakeside Cottage series! I always love revisiting these characters, and it really feels like I am visiting them, as if I am a witness to their love stories. I loved watching Jenna and Archer get to know each other and slowly fall in love. Jenna is a very guarded person. She is a widow with two young girls. Archer is also guarded, because of his job. Can Archer and Jenna open their hearts and let love in? I can't wait for Mason's story!
June 5, 2022
Its a sexy read. I like Archer and Jenna. I have two gripes, 1)The story is a tad too long 2) the school scenario is a bit eye rolling. Overall, 4 solid stars!
October 30, 2022
Absolutely loved it I couldn’t stop reading I was up all night.
November 9, 2022
I enjoyed returning to Lakeside Cottage to meet a new couple in the series. One of my favorite aspects of this series is that the characters are older with real-life experiences. Loving at 40 follows that format. Archer McCaryn is Anna’s older brother with a questionable past. Anna is angry with him because he didn’t return home for her husband, Ben’s, funeral. She doesn’t know what to think about him, but she knows he keeps secrets.
Jenna Davis is Anna’s friend. She is at Lakeside to unwind and rethink her life several years after the death of her husband. Jenna is dealing with life as a single mother with her two beautiful daughters. Jenna is still dealing with the guilt of sending her husband to the store on the night he was murdered. Archer is dealing with guilt from his last mission that didn’t go as expected.
These two come together to help each other work through their regrets and, hopefully, find a way to move forward. Some of my favorite scenes are with Archer, Talia, and Rosie. The little girls stole his heart and mine. I expected the twist, but not exactly as it happened. I was disappointed in how Archer or his bosses required him to disappear again. It didn��t make sense, but the ending is rewarding.
For the most part, this story worked for me and touched my heart. I love the way the characters are developed. I enjoyed the update on the couples from the previous books, even if the characters aren’t as present as I expected. I also love the teaser included in the epilogue that hints at the next book in the series. I can’t wait for the next couple.
Jenna Davis is Anna’s friend. She is at Lakeside to unwind and rethink her life several years after the death of her husband. Jenna is dealing with life as a single mother with her two beautiful daughters. Jenna is still dealing with the guilt of sending her husband to the store on the night he was murdered. Archer is dealing with guilt from his last mission that didn’t go as expected.
These two come together to help each other work through their regrets and, hopefully, find a way to move forward. Some of my favorite scenes are with Archer, Talia, and Rosie. The little girls stole his heart and mine. I expected the twist, but not exactly as it happened. I was disappointed in how Archer or his bosses required him to disappear again. It didn��t make sense, but the ending is rewarding.
For the most part, this story worked for me and touched my heart. I love the way the characters are developed. I enjoyed the update on the couples from the previous books, even if the characters aren’t as present as I expected. I also love the teaser included in the epilogue that hints at the next book in the series. I can’t wait for the next couple.
June 28, 2022
TW: guns, gun violence, gun at school, child with a gun.
Touching story of finding love when you least expect it. Jenna lost her husband three years ago, then she meets her friend's older brother who returns home after being gone for over 10 years. Lots of complications with exes, jobs, kids, emotional availability, etc.
I thought this was a good story about trusting your heart and letting someone in. I liked their chemistry and connection and the small moments of affection. I enjoyed the characters but the story felt a little clunky. It really lagged in the middle. I got a lil bored with the repetition of why they shouldn't be together, yea we get it. The extraneous elements about his job detracted from the story, especially with the incident toward the end, and in light of recent events. I also hated that the epilogue was another character prepping us for the next book. Even though it's the one I've been waiting for.
Touching story of finding love when you least expect it. Jenna lost her husband three years ago, then she meets her friend's older brother who returns home after being gone for over 10 years. Lots of complications with exes, jobs, kids, emotional availability, etc.
I thought this was a good story about trusting your heart and letting someone in. I liked their chemistry and connection and the small moments of affection. I enjoyed the characters but the story felt a little clunky. It really lagged in the middle. I got a lil bored with the repetition of why they shouldn't be together, yea we get it. The extraneous elements about his job detracted from the story, especially with the incident toward the end, and in light of recent events. I also hated that the epilogue was another character prepping us for the next book. Even though it's the one I've been waiting for.
January 14, 2023
4.5 stars!
The third book in the Lakeside Cottage series, this is a gorgeously emotional romance for a widowed single mother, and a complex hero with a secretive life. It’s a beautiful story of love, family and second chances, and I loved it!
Archer is the older brother of Anna, whose husband’s death was a focal point of the first book in the series, though this is his first appearance. Though Archer ‘lives’ in the apartment above the garage at the family’s lake house, he is rarely there. His life is a complete mystery to his family, they have no idea of what he does or where he goes, or when he is going to show up, and he’s seen as a bit of a flake because of it. In reality, he lives a dangerous life and he’s just walked away from five years undercover, physically wounded and emotionally wrecked from all that he’s been through.
Jenna is Anna’s best friend. She is the widowed single mother of two little girls, and she’s been invited to join Jenna and her friends at the lake house for their annual reunion, where they gather to remember Anna’s late husband, and spend quality time together. Jenna and her girls are staying in the garage apartment, and she gets the shock of her life when Archer rocks up in the middle of the night.
They are both stunned by the presence of the other, but when they figure out the misunderstanding and realise that there is nowhere else for Jenna and her girls to stay, Archer invites them to share his apartment for the two weeks they are in town. So, the scene is set for a chemistry-filled, close proximity romance, and sparks are immediately flying!
The attraction between Archer and Jenna is instant, and though Archer feels unworthy and is in no state of mind to enter a relationship (not that he’s interested in having one), he knows that there could easily be more between them. He senses that Jenna could be the person who reaches him like nobody has before, and he’s not sure whether he wants that, or if he’s deserving of it. It’s intense, and every little moment between them feels so meaningful because of it.
It’s fast moving, and Archer is immediately possessive over Jenna and her daughters, and I loved seeing such a standoffish guy get taken to his knees by the three females who have entered his life.
Jenna is feeling everything that Archer is, and it’s only a matter of time before they give in to the chemistry between them, and it’s romantic, emotional and full of passion, and I loved watching them come together so easily.
But even though they so easily fall, the realities of Archer’s life are far from simple. He never intended on staying in town, and there is still danger lurking. Jenna also has real life away from the lake house that she needs to get back to. There are some surprising developments, but I loved the direction that the story took, really bringing the feels, and I loved watching them figure it all out.
This is a beautifully romantic story. It’s a great addition to the series, and I loved catching up with the previous couples, as well as seeing more of Mason and Anna, whose long-awaited story will feature in the next book of the series. This is a great bunch of characters with entertaining dynamics (Archer and Mason, in particular, have fantastically antagonistic snark going on), and I’m looking forward to seeing them all come together one final time for the last book.
Such a great read – 4.5 stars!
The third book in the Lakeside Cottage series, this is a gorgeously emotional romance for a widowed single mother, and a complex hero with a secretive life. It’s a beautiful story of love, family and second chances, and I loved it!
Archer is the older brother of Anna, whose husband’s death was a focal point of the first book in the series, though this is his first appearance. Though Archer ‘lives’ in the apartment above the garage at the family’s lake house, he is rarely there. His life is a complete mystery to his family, they have no idea of what he does or where he goes, or when he is going to show up, and he’s seen as a bit of a flake because of it. In reality, he lives a dangerous life and he’s just walked away from five years undercover, physically wounded and emotionally wrecked from all that he’s been through.
Jenna is Anna’s best friend. She is the widowed single mother of two little girls, and she’s been invited to join Jenna and her friends at the lake house for their annual reunion, where they gather to remember Anna’s late husband, and spend quality time together. Jenna and her girls are staying in the garage apartment, and she gets the shock of her life when Archer rocks up in the middle of the night.
They are both stunned by the presence of the other, but when they figure out the misunderstanding and realise that there is nowhere else for Jenna and her girls to stay, Archer invites them to share his apartment for the two weeks they are in town. So, the scene is set for a chemistry-filled, close proximity romance, and sparks are immediately flying!
How difficult could it be to share an apartment with a man I hardly know but sense could rock my body and spin my heart topsy-turvy?
The attraction between Archer and Jenna is instant, and though Archer feels unworthy and is in no state of mind to enter a relationship (not that he’s interested in having one), he knows that there could easily be more between them. He senses that Jenna could be the person who reaches him like nobody has before, and he’s not sure whether he wants that, or if he’s deserving of it. It’s intense, and every little moment between them feels so meaningful because of it.
My hands haven’t left her hair, but one slides down her neck and finds its place above her left breast. Feeling that heartbeat under her skin. Knowing it beats for me, for her. We are both living, but I want that heart to love me.
My eyes close on the dangerous thought.
She’ll break me if she does. Heartbreaker and ball-buster all rolled into one. This woman could shatter me because I’ve never wanted anything more than to deserve her.
It’s fast moving, and Archer is immediately possessive over Jenna and her daughters, and I loved seeing such a standoffish guy get taken to his knees by the three females who have entered his life.
I can’t walk away from her or her girls.
She’s mine, and I’ll do everything to make certain she accepts me as hers.
Jenna is feeling everything that Archer is, and it’s only a matter of time before they give in to the chemistry between them, and it’s romantic, emotional and full of passion, and I loved watching them come together so easily.
There are so many questions in those dark eyes, and I lean down to quickly kiss his lips.
“Archer,” I whisper, answering all of his concerns.
Yes, I’m okay with this.
Yes, I want him.
Yes, I could love him if he’d let me.
But even though they so easily fall, the realities of Archer’s life are far from simple. He never intended on staying in town, and there is still danger lurking. Jenna also has real life away from the lake house that she needs to get back to. There are some surprising developments, but I loved the direction that the story took, really bringing the feels, and I loved watching them figure it all out.
“I want to be your person. Let me be your second chance. Be my first time at love.”
This is a beautifully romantic story. It’s a great addition to the series, and I loved catching up with the previous couples, as well as seeing more of Mason and Anna, whose long-awaited story will feature in the next book of the series. This is a great bunch of characters with entertaining dynamics (Archer and Mason, in particular, have fantastically antagonistic snark going on), and I’m looking forward to seeing them all come together one final time for the last book.
Our hearts race, and my hand pauses on his chest, covering that sacred spot.
“It beats for you,” Archer whispers, and my breath catches.
“Same with mine,” I whisper back.
Such a great read – 4.5 stars!
June 12, 2023
the weakest in the series
This installment of the Lakeside Cottage series introduced two characters who were either barely mentioned or referred to in very vague ways, in the previous books. Jenna Davis comes out of nowhere as a very good friend of Anna Kulis, a main character of the series: a part of the original friend and family group whose lives shaped this series. And Archer McCaryn, Anna's older brother, who was close to her late husband, comes back to town as the black sheep of his family.
Archer meets Jenna for the first time by treating her like an interloper because she and her two daughters are occupying an apartment that has always been his on his family's property. After, the initial rancor of their not-so-meet-cute, there is an agreement that Archer can just share the apartment with Jenna and her girls, as other spaces are already taken by the annual summer reunion that brings his family and their friends together in order to commemorate the life and legacy of his baby sister's husband, the father of the nephews and niece that Archer has yet to bond with or step up to be a good uncle and help them continue to grow up.
Bottom line? Archer has been away from his family due to dedicating his life to being a cop and being in covert operations. But he by no means takes a trophy on being a protector hero, a responsible man, or a man who has strong conviction or a plan for the rest of his life. So he wasn't real sexy in the way a reader like me wants: alpha, confident, in charge of his life, getting things done, being stoic or set on redemption. Put Archer in a romantic suspense where he is showing his covert ops skills? I'd be more likely to swoon for him. However, Dunbar puts him as a prospect for a single mom, a widower, with two little girls in a small town romance setting, and let's just say...yeah, there was no swooning.
Jenna does not need Archer, but she is attracted to him, and the close proximity they are put in is the only reason, for me, that they even have interactions or temptations.
Other than that, I didn't feel like Archer had to try to hard and he didn't make grand gestures until the end. In this series, the other male leads could probably get away with that, though they didn't, because they had already had history with their love interests, or they had more chemistry. Yet, with Archer and Jenna? Nope. I wasn't buying it or feeling it.
This installment of the Lakeside Cottage series introduced two characters who were either barely mentioned or referred to in very vague ways, in the previous books. Jenna Davis comes out of nowhere as a very good friend of Anna Kulis, a main character of the series: a part of the original friend and family group whose lives shaped this series. And Archer McCaryn, Anna's older brother, who was close to her late husband, comes back to town as the black sheep of his family.
Archer meets Jenna for the first time by treating her like an interloper because she and her two daughters are occupying an apartment that has always been his on his family's property. After, the initial rancor of their not-so-meet-cute, there is an agreement that Archer can just share the apartment with Jenna and her girls, as other spaces are already taken by the annual summer reunion that brings his family and their friends together in order to commemorate the life and legacy of his baby sister's husband, the father of the nephews and niece that Archer has yet to bond with or step up to be a good uncle and help them continue to grow up.
Bottom line? Archer has been away from his family due to dedicating his life to being a cop and being in covert operations. But he by no means takes a trophy on being a protector hero, a responsible man, or a man who has strong conviction or a plan for the rest of his life. So he wasn't real sexy in the way a reader like me wants: alpha, confident, in charge of his life, getting things done, being stoic or set on redemption. Put Archer in a romantic suspense where he is showing his covert ops skills? I'd be more likely to swoon for him. However, Dunbar puts him as a prospect for a single mom, a widower, with two little girls in a small town romance setting, and let's just say...yeah, there was no swooning.
Jenna does not need Archer, but she is attracted to him, and the close proximity they are put in is the only reason, for me, that they even have interactions or temptations.
Other than that, I didn't feel like Archer had to try to hard and he didn't make grand gestures until the end. In this series, the other male leads could probably get away with that, though they didn't, because they had already had history with their love interests, or they had more chemistry. Yet, with Archer and Jenna? Nope. I wasn't buying it or feeling it.
May 30, 2022
In the "Lakeside Cottage" series, L.B. Dunbar's third book lives up to its predecessors. Archer and Jenna's story draws readers into the group reunited by the death of long-time friend, Ben Kulis. Years ago, Archer, Ben's brother-in-law drew away from the 40-somethings after college when he entered the police academy. He spent two years on the police force and then disappeared growing estranged from his family. More than a year after Ben's death, Archer shows up unexpectedly and finds someone sleeping in his bed. Raven-haired, she'd never be called Goldilocks, but the Three Bears fairy tale still prompts him to christen her as 'Locks.
Jenna Davis brought her two little girls, Talia and Rosie, to spend two weeks with her college friend, Anna Kulis. Anna and Ben's friends gathered for the one-year anniversary of Ben's death, and Anna needed the extra buffer Jenna and her girls could provide while seeking the chance to see her old friend. Anna offered the garage apartment to Jenna for the stay, and Jenna never dreamed Archer would show up in the middle of the night and scare the "frickity fracking shitake" out of her. (Jenna's trained herself not to spew bad language because of her children and the teenagers she teaches at her local high school.) After spending the rest of the night in the girls' room, the day gets off to a dangerous start and the rocky meet isn't improved. Still, after talking to Anna about her crowded house, Jenna and Archer agree to share a roof.
Archer's been living a dangerous life. Recovering from a gunshot wound, he traveled to Anna's house which is actually their parents' home on the Great Lakes. Ben left messages behind for the guys when he died, and he'd left one for Archer, too. A message he didn't understand and thought the spent time at the cottage trying to mentally recover from his hidden past might enlighten him about the message as well. He didn't count on Jenna in the mix.
A woman in his recent past declared, "You don't deserve to be loved", and it messed with his head. Feelings (and couch meetings) with Jenna made him want more. And Jenna was confused by this absolute jerk of a man. "He's there, circling me, watching me...the yearning in his eyes is hard to dismiss." Compounding the situation, danger from the past appears and may wreck everything building between them.
Dunbar's series never contain cookie-cutter books, a nod to her talent as a writer. She skillfully weaves a story and takes readers along until the satisfying end usually in unexpected ways. I impatiently await the next book.
Jenna Davis brought her two little girls, Talia and Rosie, to spend two weeks with her college friend, Anna Kulis. Anna and Ben's friends gathered for the one-year anniversary of Ben's death, and Anna needed the extra buffer Jenna and her girls could provide while seeking the chance to see her old friend. Anna offered the garage apartment to Jenna for the stay, and Jenna never dreamed Archer would show up in the middle of the night and scare the "frickity fracking shitake" out of her. (Jenna's trained herself not to spew bad language because of her children and the teenagers she teaches at her local high school.) After spending the rest of the night in the girls' room, the day gets off to a dangerous start and the rocky meet isn't improved. Still, after talking to Anna about her crowded house, Jenna and Archer agree to share a roof.
Archer's been living a dangerous life. Recovering from a gunshot wound, he traveled to Anna's house which is actually their parents' home on the Great Lakes. Ben left messages behind for the guys when he died, and he'd left one for Archer, too. A message he didn't understand and thought the spent time at the cottage trying to mentally recover from his hidden past might enlighten him about the message as well. He didn't count on Jenna in the mix.
A woman in his recent past declared, "You don't deserve to be loved", and it messed with his head. Feelings (and couch meetings) with Jenna made him want more. And Jenna was confused by this absolute jerk of a man. "He's there, circling me, watching me...the yearning in his eyes is hard to dismiss." Compounding the situation, danger from the past appears and may wreck everything building between them.
Dunbar's series never contain cookie-cutter books, a nod to her talent as a writer. She skillfully weaves a story and takes readers along until the satisfying end usually in unexpected ways. I impatiently await the next book.
May 22, 2022
I received this ebook ARC, from the author, on the condition that I write an honest review.
L. B. Dunbar did an excellent job of writing about a couple that are meant to be, but different situations cause misunderstandings. She handled the story of the loss of a family member, the tragedy of guns, and second chance love, with her exceptional writing. I’ve read many books written by L. B., and have always enjoyed her
writing style, and I always get lost in her stories.
Everyone has once again gathered at Anna’s house in honor of their annual celebration of Ben, Anna’s deceased husband, and close friend of Logan, Zack, and Mason.
Archer is Anna’s brother, is an undercover DEA specialist, and has been gone from his sisters, for several years, while working a case. He returns home to try to recuperate from an injury, and finds a woman in his garage apartment. The woman is a close friend of Anna, Archer’s sister, and she is temporarily staying there with her two daughters.
Jenna is a widow, and best friend of Anna, she has been permitted to stay in the garage apartment, but is not aware that the owner is returning. The misunderstandings, between Archer and Jenna, begin as soon as he surprises her in his bed. Jenna is very protective of her daughters, and a gun incident causes more grief for her. There is immediate attraction between Archer and Jenna, but they both resist, because Jenna still misses her husband. Archer resists Jenna, because of his type of job, and some bad memories from his last job.
The closeness among the men and women, begins to lead to a closeness between Archer and Jenna. He gets close to Jenna’s girls, and shows that he is a good man, with a good heart. While out on a date together, Archer runs into his ex, and leaves with his ex, abandoning Jenna at the restaurant. He never returns home, and Jenna and her girls leave to go to their home.
After several months, Archer appears suddenly, at Jenna’s home, and attempts to reunite with her and the girls. He explains everything that happened, and moves in with Jenna, and helps with the girls. They return to Anna’s house for Christmas, and he explains his life situation to Anna. While there, he proposes to Jenna, and she accepts, and they finally obtain their HEA.
As I said earlier, I’ve loved every book that I’ve read, by L. B. Dunbar, and I always recommend everyone of her books.
L. B. Dunbar did an excellent job of writing about a couple that are meant to be, but different situations cause misunderstandings. She handled the story of the loss of a family member, the tragedy of guns, and second chance love, with her exceptional writing. I’ve read many books written by L. B., and have always enjoyed her
writing style, and I always get lost in her stories.
Everyone has once again gathered at Anna’s house in honor of their annual celebration of Ben, Anna’s deceased husband, and close friend of Logan, Zack, and Mason.
Archer is Anna’s brother, is an undercover DEA specialist, and has been gone from his sisters, for several years, while working a case. He returns home to try to recuperate from an injury, and finds a woman in his garage apartment. The woman is a close friend of Anna, Archer’s sister, and she is temporarily staying there with her two daughters.
Jenna is a widow, and best friend of Anna, she has been permitted to stay in the garage apartment, but is not aware that the owner is returning. The misunderstandings, between Archer and Jenna, begin as soon as he surprises her in his bed. Jenna is very protective of her daughters, and a gun incident causes more grief for her. There is immediate attraction between Archer and Jenna, but they both resist, because Jenna still misses her husband. Archer resists Jenna, because of his type of job, and some bad memories from his last job.
The closeness among the men and women, begins to lead to a closeness between Archer and Jenna. He gets close to Jenna’s girls, and shows that he is a good man, with a good heart. While out on a date together, Archer runs into his ex, and leaves with his ex, abandoning Jenna at the restaurant. He never returns home, and Jenna and her girls leave to go to their home.
After several months, Archer appears suddenly, at Jenna’s home, and attempts to reunite with her and the girls. He explains everything that happened, and moves in with Jenna, and helps with the girls. They return to Anna’s house for Christmas, and he explains his life situation to Anna. While there, he proposes to Jenna, and she accepts, and they finally obtain their HEA.
As I said earlier, I’ve loved every book that I’ve read, by L. B. Dunbar, and I always recommend everyone of her books.
May 23, 2022
5+ Stars for this gut-wrenching roller-coaster!
Honestly, I wish I could give this book more stars! I was drawn in from the first chapter to the bittersweet end. The writing makes me feel like I'm right there in the story with the characters ... it's just so realistic. The banter between the character is amazing and I love that characters from previous books are in this story. Jenna is so strong after the death of her husband, but I felt sorry for her to have to carry the responsibility of her daughters alone. Archer didn't give himself enough credit. He was a natural protector ... the exact component of a great husband and father ... but he just couldn't picture himself in those roles. I love it when there are kids in a book and this one is twice as sweet because there are two of them. Talia and Rosie are so cute and so different ... Talia is the motherly type, while Rosie is the warrior. I have absolutely LOVED this series and can't wait for Anna and Mason's book next ... I've been waiting for it since the first book.
Jenna is a high school teacher and a mother of two little girls. Her husband was killed shortly after their youngest daughter was born. Three years later, Jenna is barely holding it together. So, when her college friend (Anna) asks her to join her family and friends for two weeks at Lakeside Cottage before the school year is back in session, she jumps at the chance. Her and the girls will be staying in a separate apartment over the garage, so they can have alone time if needed. She just never expected an angry man on top of her the first night she's there. Archer is a DEA Agent, but his family knows nothing about it ... only his father and brother-in-law did, but they are both deceased now. His sister Anna thinks he's a drug addict because he's been MIA for most of his adult life. He's been deep undercover for over five years. But after being shot a year ago, he's on medical leave until his leg heals and his head is back on straight. When he arrives home to Lakeside Cottage and finds a woman in his bed, he's furious. Even though he finds out the next morning that she has two small daughters, he still can't get Jenna out of his head. He's not meant for relationships, never mind being a father.
I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
Honestly, I wish I could give this book more stars! I was drawn in from the first chapter to the bittersweet end. The writing makes me feel like I'm right there in the story with the characters ... it's just so realistic. The banter between the character is amazing and I love that characters from previous books are in this story. Jenna is so strong after the death of her husband, but I felt sorry for her to have to carry the responsibility of her daughters alone. Archer didn't give himself enough credit. He was a natural protector ... the exact component of a great husband and father ... but he just couldn't picture himself in those roles. I love it when there are kids in a book and this one is twice as sweet because there are two of them. Talia and Rosie are so cute and so different ... Talia is the motherly type, while Rosie is the warrior. I have absolutely LOVED this series and can't wait for Anna and Mason's book next ... I've been waiting for it since the first book.
Jenna is a high school teacher and a mother of two little girls. Her husband was killed shortly after their youngest daughter was born. Three years later, Jenna is barely holding it together. So, when her college friend (Anna) asks her to join her family and friends for two weeks at Lakeside Cottage before the school year is back in session, she jumps at the chance. Her and the girls will be staying in a separate apartment over the garage, so they can have alone time if needed. She just never expected an angry man on top of her the first night she's there. Archer is a DEA Agent, but his family knows nothing about it ... only his father and brother-in-law did, but they are both deceased now. His sister Anna thinks he's a drug addict because he's been MIA for most of his adult life. He's been deep undercover for over five years. But after being shot a year ago, he's on medical leave until his leg heals and his head is back on straight. When he arrives home to Lakeside Cottage and finds a woman in his bed, he's furious. Even though he finds out the next morning that she has two small daughters, he still can't get Jenna out of his head. He's not meant for relationships, never mind being a father.
I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
June 3, 2022
I'm seriously going to need to catch up on everything I've been missing as far as the Lakeside Cottage series is concerned because after having just finished Loving at 40, which is the third book in the aforementioned series, I obviously need to keep better tabs on what some of my favorite authors are up to! L.B. Dunbar is my go-to author when it comes to romances with main characters who are in their forties. Now, I don't make it a habit of diving into the middle of an on-going series. I prefer to read a series from the beginning, but I read the blurb for this book, and I knew that this was going to be one of those extremely rare occasions where I was going to break my rule, and I'm so glad I did.
At forty-five, Archer McCaryn is proud of everything he's achieved when it comes to his work, but he's begun to feel tired and weary. He hopes to find solace in the family-owned Lakeside Cottage; instead, he finds a raven-haired widow with two daughters in the apartment above the garage that he considers his. Jenna Davis is a forty-two-year-old high school teacher who needed a vacation as much as she wanted to be there for her best friend--one of Archer's sisters--who was still mourning the death of her husband. Archer knows becoming involved with her would be ill-advised, but this tempting woman and her girls, Talia and Rosie, are calling to a side of him that he thought ceased to exist.
This book totally gave me the FEELS! I loved everything about it. There's a whole lot of romance and tension alongside a healthy dose of wit and angst plus a dash of suspense. The great thing about it is that everything melded so darn well, never feeling as if these elements were dumped together and the author hoped for the best. But then, this is L.B. Dunbar we're talking about, and she's proven time and again that she knows how to deliver a story worth reading and characters worth cheering for. I loved seeing Archer and Jenna lower their defenses and embrace the possibility of them. I appreciated that Dunbar didn't make Jenna's late husband into a villain. The bits I got of the other couples definitely has me wanting to read the first two books before the fourth and final Lakeside Cottage novel is out in September, which I'm also excited for. Five stars go to Loving at 40.
At forty-five, Archer McCaryn is proud of everything he's achieved when it comes to his work, but he's begun to feel tired and weary. He hopes to find solace in the family-owned Lakeside Cottage; instead, he finds a raven-haired widow with two daughters in the apartment above the garage that he considers his. Jenna Davis is a forty-two-year-old high school teacher who needed a vacation as much as she wanted to be there for her best friend--one of Archer's sisters--who was still mourning the death of her husband. Archer knows becoming involved with her would be ill-advised, but this tempting woman and her girls, Talia and Rosie, are calling to a side of him that he thought ceased to exist.
This book totally gave me the FEELS! I loved everything about it. There's a whole lot of romance and tension alongside a healthy dose of wit and angst plus a dash of suspense. The great thing about it is that everything melded so darn well, never feeling as if these elements were dumped together and the author hoped for the best. But then, this is L.B. Dunbar we're talking about, and she's proven time and again that she knows how to deliver a story worth reading and characters worth cheering for. I loved seeing Archer and Jenna lower their defenses and embrace the possibility of them. I appreciated that Dunbar didn't make Jenna's late husband into a villain. The bits I got of the other couples definitely has me wanting to read the first two books before the fourth and final Lakeside Cottage novel is out in September, which I'm also excited for. Five stars go to Loving at 40.
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