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Road Trips & Romance #2
Merging Wright
It takes a village, or in the case of this jaded silver fox, he needs a wife to save one. "I need you to marry me." Jane Fox My boss cannot be serious. The ridiculously handsome man I hate-to-crush on has just proposed I pretend to be his wife for a funeral. A funeral! Only, when he dangles a much-coveted position in exchange for my time, I can't refuse. Who am I kidding, though? I seem to have a habit of not saying no to Mr. Wright. Machlan Wright Things spiral out of control the second we reach my small town. A place I swore I'd never return has suddenly become my inheritance. As in, I've inherited an entire town! Only, there's one my hot, top executive pretending to be my wife must marry me for real. What could possibly go wrong? +++ Join Jane and Mach as they road trip to a lovely mountain town where memories haunt and relationships build. And it takes (the restoration of) a village for this marriage of convenience to question the past and change the future. L.B. Dunbar brings you a second standalone in Road Trips & Romance. **Note, the Fox sisters are siblings of Garrett Fox from Wine&Dine, an original #sexysilverfox.
428 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2022
334 people are currently reading
2183 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
96 books3,210 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 184 reviews
October 13, 2022
Delicious as a Big Mach , this Mach-nificient story is B-I-GOn drama.. B-I-G on emotions and B-I-G on life. Dunbar makes two stiff-lipped, workaholic & ambitious characters and puts them on a slow burner. Their personalities warm up, to each other, attractions fizz and pop. chemistry begins to sizzle.
Add in worthy "save the town" cause and them in forced proximity on a "Pretend Marriage Situation" and the pot of sentiments just boileth over.
The Volde-Mach always had feelings for our Jane Fox. She's always crushed on the grumpy ol' Mach-esty. But how she slowly and steadily walks in to his heart, becoming his pulse, his Acushla makes the central plot. In the periphery are Camilla and her silent piner-Landon. They's Myles and his...🤐
Not telling you any more. You can't just dip your toe,you have to Wade right in and let this Mach-nqnimous story just engulf you whole
Beautifully written, a perfect companion to Tucker and Mae's story of Hauling Ashe that starts on a road trip for a cause and enters into a homely cul-de-sac until it's all Wright-in-the-wood
5 stars for Everlasting Heartbeats
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Add in worthy "save the town" cause and them in forced proximity on a "Pretend Marriage Situation" and the pot of sentiments just boileth over.
The Volde-Mach always had feelings for our Jane Fox. She's always crushed on the grumpy ol' Mach-esty. But how she slowly and steadily walks in to his heart, becoming his pulse, his Acushla makes the central plot. In the periphery are Camilla and her silent piner-Landon. They's Myles and his...🤐
Not telling you any more. You can't just dip your toe,you have to Wade right in and let this Mach-nqnimous story just engulf you whole
Beautifully written, a perfect companion to Tucker and Mae's story of Hauling Ashe that starts on a road trip for a cause and enters into a homely cul-de-sac until it's all Wright-in-the-wood
5 stars for Everlasting Heartbeats
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
October 8, 2022
5 star Review Merging Wright (Road trips & Romance #2) by L. B. Dunbar
L.B.Dunbar never fails to deliver a story with characters who are engaging and so easy to relate to; probably because her characters are more mature and I relate to them more.
From the first chapter I was drawn in to the story she wove about Machlan (Mach) Wright and Jane Fox as I love stories that involve road trips. When Jane’s boss Mach ask hers to pretend to be his wife and attend a funeral with him, Jane thinks he has lost his mind, but when he promises her the job she wants, she agrees. It doesn’t help that she has been in love with him for ages and would do just about anything for him.
I loved this book. There were moments where my heart almost broke. Jane has no idea what she has agreed to when they embark on their journey. It was a trip down memory lane which was at times painful and extremely emotional. Their were moments where they seemed to love one another and yet at times they also appeared to hate one another. Their journey was rocky but oh what a journey it was.
Another wonderful read from the very talented L.B. Dunbar
L.B.Dunbar never fails to deliver a story with characters who are engaging and so easy to relate to; probably because her characters are more mature and I relate to them more.
From the first chapter I was drawn in to the story she wove about Machlan (Mach) Wright and Jane Fox as I love stories that involve road trips. When Jane’s boss Mach ask hers to pretend to be his wife and attend a funeral with him, Jane thinks he has lost his mind, but when he promises her the job she wants, she agrees. It doesn’t help that she has been in love with him for ages and would do just about anything for him.
I loved this book. There were moments where my heart almost broke. Jane has no idea what she has agreed to when they embark on their journey. It was a trip down memory lane which was at times painful and extremely emotional. Their were moments where they seemed to love one another and yet at times they also appeared to hate one another. Their journey was rocky but oh what a journey it was.
Another wonderful read from the very talented L.B. Dunbar
December 13, 2024
4.5 Confronting The Feels Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I have already sung my praises for the insightful books L.B. Dunbar does for those who are not in their 20s or 30s. I mention this because she is one of the few who addresses the need for these books as well as portrays those of the older demographics in a true light. Yes, the characters may be a bit older, but they still are interested in connecting and feeling things. Oh, and surprise, surprise...they want and need sex, too!
In Merging Wright, we get all the usual but so much more. There is an understanding of what living a life means, there will be scares and insecurities. There will be past demons that will need to be vanquished. Yet, will all of those issues, there will also be wonderful moments only those who have LIVED can deliver.
This is a welcome addition to the Road Trips & Romance series.
Hauling Ashe (Road Trips & Romance, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Merging Wright (Road Trips & Romance, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books, and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I have already sung my praises for the insightful books L.B. Dunbar does for those who are not in their 20s or 30s. I mention this because she is one of the few who addresses the need for these books as well as portrays those of the older demographics in a true light. Yes, the characters may be a bit older, but they still are interested in connecting and feeling things. Oh, and surprise, surprise...they want and need sex, too!
In Merging Wright, we get all the usual but so much more. There is an understanding of what living a life means, there will be scares and insecurities. There will be past demons that will need to be vanquished. Yet, will all of those issues, there will also be wonderful moments only those who have LIVED can deliver.
This is a welcome addition to the Road Trips & Romance series.
Hauling Ashe (Road Trips & Romance, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Merging Wright (Road Trips & Romance, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books, and Giveaways
October 9, 2022
Another great read from the very talented L.B Dunbar and a chance to fall hard and fast for another swoon worthy silver Fox and to adore a new strong and sassy heroine. This is Machlan (Mach) Wright and Jane Fox’s fake relationship turned to lovers journey.
When Mach asks his assistant Jane to accompany him to a funeral she was shocked but nothing could prepare her for his next proposition….. pretend to be his wife in front of his whole family. Jane’s first thoughts are he has gone crazy but when he offers her a dream job she gives in and agrees. What starts off as fake soon becomes so much more because Jane has been hiding her true feelings for Mach for a while and spending time with him has left her wanting to let him know how she feels. So will a bumpy road trip together that takes them down memory lane lead to a future ….one click to find out.
Merging Wright has all the feels, it’s emotional yet entertaining, it’s heartbreaking and at times witty but what made this a special read was the wonderful characters who I found myself cheering for throughout this wonderful read.
When Mach asks his assistant Jane to accompany him to a funeral she was shocked but nothing could prepare her for his next proposition….. pretend to be his wife in front of his whole family. Jane’s first thoughts are he has gone crazy but when he offers her a dream job she gives in and agrees. What starts off as fake soon becomes so much more because Jane has been hiding her true feelings for Mach for a while and spending time with him has left her wanting to let him know how she feels. So will a bumpy road trip together that takes them down memory lane lead to a future ….one click to find out.
Merging Wright has all the feels, it’s emotional yet entertaining, it’s heartbreaking and at times witty but what made this a special read was the wonderful characters who I found myself cheering for throughout this wonderful read.
October 10, 2022
Mach-nificent! I think is my favorite by L.B. Dunbar! I loved every word and every heart breaking moment that led to the wonderful story of Mach and Jane and the little town of Wrightwood. The ending was just perfect!
October 27, 2022
Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tropes: over 40 romance; workplace romance; fake relationship; marriage of convenience; small-town romance; a bit of suspense
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright returns us to her Road Trips & Romance series with Mach and Jane’s story. Coming into this book, we know that Jane, the story’s FMC, has adored Mach from afar. This isn’t an easy task because he’s ambitious, an overachiever, and immune to Jane. When he receives a delivery from his past, Jane and Mach are on a road trip to his family hometown, Wrightwood. It’s there where the ghosts of Mach’s past reside, and Jane must fight against them to win Mach’s heart. Their journey involves a death, a will reading, a marriage of convenience, a steamy honeymoon, and a grumpy hero who can’t decide from one day to the next if he wants his heroine or needs to keep her at arm’s length. Overall, I enjoyed Merging Writing, finding myself lost in Mach and Jane’s romance…sometimes.
While I enjoyed this story, I struggled with the pacing and inconsistency of Mach’s characterization. Merging Wright was a slow read for me. It took me a bit to get lost in their story, and I never fully fell into it which is disappointing because I normally don’t have that issue with L.B. Dunbar’s stories. This one, though, was a struggle. It mostly has to do with Mach’s character development. In a phrase, Mach gave me whip-lash. One minute, he can’t live without Jane, and the next, he pushes her away. It isn’t that this happens just once or twice. This occurs throughout much of the story. The wash cycle for Merging Writing is overwhelming attraction, $ex, denial, and possessiveness. Over and over again, Mach follows this cycle, which becomes tiring. Even more, his willingness to reside in the hurts of his past for much of the story, I think, is the reason for the slow pacing of this story.
For me, the bright spot of Merging Wright is Jane. She’s decided, intelligent, and, when Mach cannot move beyond his past, creates the space necessary to inspire Mach’s change. She saved the story for me, investing me in her and Mach’s journey. She was everything Mach isn’t initially: compassionate, introspective, and inspired.
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright is more hit than miss, but it needed Mach to resolve his issues sooner. Additionally, while I love spice in romance like any romance reader, the $ex of this book overwhelmed its plot development and characterization. If you’re a Dunbar fan, you should read this newest story in her booklist. It is quintessential Dunbar.
Tropes: over 40 romance; workplace romance; fake relationship; marriage of convenience; small-town romance; a bit of suspense
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright returns us to her Road Trips & Romance series with Mach and Jane’s story. Coming into this book, we know that Jane, the story’s FMC, has adored Mach from afar. This isn’t an easy task because he’s ambitious, an overachiever, and immune to Jane. When he receives a delivery from his past, Jane and Mach are on a road trip to his family hometown, Wrightwood. It’s there where the ghosts of Mach’s past reside, and Jane must fight against them to win Mach’s heart. Their journey involves a death, a will reading, a marriage of convenience, a steamy honeymoon, and a grumpy hero who can’t decide from one day to the next if he wants his heroine or needs to keep her at arm’s length. Overall, I enjoyed Merging Writing, finding myself lost in Mach and Jane’s romance…sometimes.
While I enjoyed this story, I struggled with the pacing and inconsistency of Mach’s characterization. Merging Wright was a slow read for me. It took me a bit to get lost in their story, and I never fully fell into it which is disappointing because I normally don’t have that issue with L.B. Dunbar’s stories. This one, though, was a struggle. It mostly has to do with Mach’s character development. In a phrase, Mach gave me whip-lash. One minute, he can’t live without Jane, and the next, he pushes her away. It isn’t that this happens just once or twice. This occurs throughout much of the story. The wash cycle for Merging Writing is overwhelming attraction, $ex, denial, and possessiveness. Over and over again, Mach follows this cycle, which becomes tiring. Even more, his willingness to reside in the hurts of his past for much of the story, I think, is the reason for the slow pacing of this story.
For me, the bright spot of Merging Wright is Jane. She’s decided, intelligent, and, when Mach cannot move beyond his past, creates the space necessary to inspire Mach’s change. She saved the story for me, investing me in her and Mach’s journey. She was everything Mach isn’t initially: compassionate, introspective, and inspired.
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright is more hit than miss, but it needed Mach to resolve his issues sooner. Additionally, while I love spice in romance like any romance reader, the $ex of this book overwhelmed its plot development and characterization. If you’re a Dunbar fan, you should read this newest story in her booklist. It is quintessential Dunbar.
October 17, 2022
Okay so I went into this with high hopes. Machlan and Jane are both in their mid-40's or older so I had hopes they would act like adults. I was very wrong. Adolescent teenagers sometimes have more sense than these 2. They each have feelings for each other, but neither one of them admits to it. She plays the martyr and he keeps using his past as an excuse to keep her and everyone else at arm's length. He makes her a promise of partnership and she jumps at the chance. In what realm does someone demand someone be married in order to inherit in 2022? No one. The fact that the whole town needed to be re-made was also kind of ridiculous. His brother and he not clearing the air in 25 years, how ridiculous. His mother declaring Jane was his "heart" - huh? She never met her, yet decided to have Jane become part of their scheme to get Mac back to her home. It was too far-fetched and not based in any kind of reality. I would have been okay if these 2 characters had been younger, but the ridiculous behavior and non-communication issues were just not something I was looking for in a "mature" romance. Juvenile behavior is not endearing in people who are in their 40's or older. I almost dnf'd this book because of it. The fact that it was consistent throughout the whole book was just ridiculous.
October 3, 2022
With issues such as abandonment, jealousy, loss and betrayal Mach is a workaholic serial dater, he never wants to return to the town he grew up in but a call changes everything with a "bring a wife". Jane has also been a workaholic but she has loved Mach from a distance while proving herself worthy of a partnership in the firm. I really enjoyed this story, watching the growth and understanding of all the characters as they deal with all the issues thrown up from the call. The biggest by far is Mach, his past with the town and people hadn't been good so as he knuckled down almost by force seeing him slowly open up and expand his thinking, start seeing or having conversations that really change what his thoughts had been before. Jane was a tower of strength and understanding, loyal but questioning, pushing a bit if she felt it was needed, definitely loving and giving so much of herself unless it was detrimental to her own well being. I found myself just soaking up this story, adoring the characters, though at times I wanted to shout at Mach "Zip it!". I loved the development of not just the town but the people, it was inspiring to really see Mach come to life. The ending is romantic and beautiful. I love the relationship that Jane has with her siblings which is in such contrast to Myles and Mach, the support and loyalty and the caring. Well written with a steady pace and a few twists to help keep it interesting, great plot and characters to fall in love with. Author smashed it.
October 16, 2022
Merging Wright is the 2nd book in the Road Trips and Romance series and like the first book I loved it. This fake relationship/marriage of convenience tale featuring over forty characters had me hooked from beginning to end and I could not put it down. Mach and Jane's heartfelt story was emotional and will give you all the feels yet you will also be entertained. They were both relatable characters and the author took us on quite a journey with them as their romance had it ups and downs. They both had issues to work out before they got their HEA and I loved seeing their growth as the story progressed. This was another fantastic tale from this author and I would highly recommend it to romance lovers.
October 13, 2022
Loved this one! Mach and Jane were one fascinating couple and their romance certainly had its ups and downs. What starts as a marriage of convenience to save Mach’s hometown, becomes anything but convenient! Mach has hardened his heart to love and Jane is falling in love with both Mach and his town, and maybe not in that order!
I loved how we got snippets of Mach’s history woven throughout the story to really round out his character development and help us understand his stoicism. When you find out his full back story, you cannot help but root for a second chance in love for Mach!
While Mach, may not want to fall in love, he certainly admits there’s chemistry between Jane and him. These two are fire and Dunbar writes some of the steamiest scenes for them!
Once Mach sees what a blessing Jane is to him, and not just to his business; they have the sweetest happily ever after. Loved it. His heartbeat, indeed.
I requested an early reader copy and these are my honest opinions.
I loved how we got snippets of Mach’s history woven throughout the story to really round out his character development and help us understand his stoicism. When you find out his full back story, you cannot help but root for a second chance in love for Mach!
While Mach, may not want to fall in love, he certainly admits there’s chemistry between Jane and him. These two are fire and Dunbar writes some of the steamiest scenes for them!
Once Mach sees what a blessing Jane is to him, and not just to his business; they have the sweetest happily ever after. Loved it. His heartbeat, indeed.
I requested an early reader copy and these are my honest opinions.
October 10, 2022
Utterly fantastic. Jane and Mach have been dancing around each other for eight years. It takes his grandfather's death to bring Mach home, but he needs a wife, and he needs to have a heart transformation. Jane refuses to be a decoration on any man's arm and although things happen the way she never planned, so found her purpose and her heartbeat simultaneously. This story has so many layers of emotion. Mach and Jane heat up the pages while rescuing a town. They find love and their future together. I am in love with this story.
October 10, 2022
I loved this book. Mach Wright and Jane Fox work in the same company. Jane has been secretly in love with Mach, her boss, for years. When he approaches her to be his fake wife so that he can receive his inheritance from his grandfather, she says yes. I love how this couple went from hating each other to caring. Mach finally sees Jane and the love she bears for him in how she builds up his home town. This is a feel good love story.
October 13, 2022
The story of Mach and Jane is amazing. L.B. Dunbar has another hit on her hands. Small town magic is real. I definitely recommend to those that love the silver fox and late in life love stories.
October 18, 2022
Ugh
I hated the MMC for pretty much the whole book. Why did the FMC even like him? He treated her terribly. He seemed to go through life making unfair snap judgements, thinking everyone is out to get him, being an angry, rude, obnoxious jerk to a woman who is putting her life and career on hold to help him. And why is he so hateful towards her? She tries to move on and he's like, "oh no, gotta mess with her again, then pull away again because of dumb reasons".
If you like an unlikeable MMC and pointless angst, this is the book for you.
I hated the MMC for pretty much the whole book. Why did the FMC even like him? He treated her terribly. He seemed to go through life making unfair snap judgements, thinking everyone is out to get him, being an angry, rude, obnoxious jerk to a woman who is putting her life and career on hold to help him. And why is he so hateful towards her? She tries to move on and he's like, "oh no, gotta mess with her again, then pull away again because of dumb reasons".
If you like an unlikeable MMC and pointless angst, this is the book for you.
Read
December 31, 2022This was possibly the most ridiculous plot I’ve ever read… but I still read the whole thing and moderately enjoyed it
October 15, 2022
Excellent!
Each book by this author is so good. Her characters are mature with some history that they are dealing with but there’s also hot sexy romance there too. She deals a good story and it’s well written. Enjoy!
Each book by this author is so good. Her characters are mature with some history that they are dealing with but there’s also hot sexy romance there too. She deals a good story and it’s well written. Enjoy!
September 30, 2022
Absolutely loved everything about this book from the first page right up to the last. The different emotions you experience by reading Mach & Jane’s story will having you laughing out loud, shedding a tear and everything in between.
Two people who want different things can’t help the pull that the heartstrings will do. Mach has hardened his heart and Jane’s is always open to the possibility of love. Can they heal each other or will there be no hope. Cheering this couple on and hoping they can find a way to heal the other is just an amazing experience you will have getting to know this incredible couple but also hoping they can find a HEA.
Two people who want different things can’t help the pull that the heartstrings will do. Mach has hardened his heart and Jane’s is always open to the possibility of love. Can they heal each other or will there be no hope. Cheering this couple on and hoping they can find a way to heal the other is just an amazing experience you will have getting to know this incredible couple but also hoping they can find a HEA.
October 15, 2022
I absolutely loved Jane and Mach's story. The storyline really got me. It's an interesting take on the marriage of convenience/fake marriage trope. And then there's the tension between Jane and Mach because they kind of have a hate/love working relationship before they had to pretend they're married. I loved their banter and the chemistry between them. Their story also gets emotional because of Mach's past. And it does get frustrating because they couldn't just admit their feelings or just talk. Still, I enjoyed their story.
October 13, 2022
LB Dunbar feeds my soul with her realistic stories of mature love. It takes a special insight and life experiences to touch on subjects that relate so much to so many and LB Dunbar innately possesses that ability.
Mach and Jane’s story brought out some deeply moving emotions, especially after knowing Jane’s backstory. Their attraction was palpable and the premise of the story, fake marriage with real undertones that could not be denied, held me captivated. I loved these characters so much especially cute little Willow!
Read this series, starting with Hauling Ashe, to meet these and subsequent characters and you will definitely be back for more from this author!
Mach and Jane’s story brought out some deeply moving emotions, especially after knowing Jane’s backstory. Their attraction was palpable and the premise of the story, fake marriage with real undertones that could not be denied, held me captivated. I loved these characters so much especially cute little Willow!
Read this series, starting with Hauling Ashe, to meet these and subsequent characters and you will definitely be back for more from this author!
October 10, 2022
A great first scene in a book hooks you from the start. This one starts with the delivery of a 1976 Chevrolet Cheyenne pickup truck on the street in front of Machlan Wright's downtown Chicago office. Seems like an unwelcome ghost from Mach's (as in "Mack") past has arrived upon his doorstep. His last memory of the truck was of a wreck of broken glass and hideously large dents just before he left home, but someone restored it to pristine condition. He tries to refuse the delivery. "Never trust a gift; there's always a stipulation attached."
The truck is part of a message from his mother. Fischer Wright, Mach's grandfather, had died, and Mach's mother needs him for the funeral and reading of the will. The cryptic part of the letter said, "Mach, come home. Bring a wife." The old man had been an asshole to the town bearing his name, Wrightwood (West Virginia), and his family suffered the same abuse. Even from the grave, his grandfather continued to dictate the path of their lives.
Jane crushes on Mach, and he suffers secret fantasies about Jane. But for eight years, neither will act upon their desires for different reasons. Giving up weekends, vacations, and family time on demand, Jane strives to reach the goal of becoming a partner in the company. When Mach tells her he will need a few days off to deal with matters, she thinks he wants her to cover for him. But instead, he drops a bombshell. "I need you to pretend to be my wife."
Mach knows Jane's likely to refuse, but he knows what she wants. "I'll make you a partner if you do this." Deeply offended, she stated she couldn't pretend something of that scale especially since neither one of them knew the slightest details about the other. But a knock on the door interrupted their discussion when Tucker's assistant needs answers to some questions. Mach slyly begins to ask her for the favor. It's playing dirty, but she's the only one he can trust. Jane capitulates.
The next morning, they begin their journey...in the 1976 Chevy truck. Driving it was a "stipulation". During the trip, they play a game they call "Five Facts" to learn about each other, but what can you learn in nine hours when each has long-held secrets? The reading of the will quickly reveal the other stipulations. Mach inherits the town. but must rebuild it with his wife within one year or ownership of the land goes to the state. Fischer Wright owned the land where the citizens of the town run their businesses. Losing the land jeopardizes those businesses, and Wrightwood becomes a ghost town. Could Mach and Jane work together to save the town?
Another road trip book from L.B. Dunbar, and it's not a cookie-cutter version of the first novel in the series. Dunbar creates unique stories and striking yet relatable characters with real-life issues that capture and hold a reader's interest until the last word. And she generates impatience for the next book.
The truck is part of a message from his mother. Fischer Wright, Mach's grandfather, had died, and Mach's mother needs him for the funeral and reading of the will. The cryptic part of the letter said, "Mach, come home. Bring a wife." The old man had been an asshole to the town bearing his name, Wrightwood (West Virginia), and his family suffered the same abuse. Even from the grave, his grandfather continued to dictate the path of their lives.
Jane crushes on Mach, and he suffers secret fantasies about Jane. But for eight years, neither will act upon their desires for different reasons. Giving up weekends, vacations, and family time on demand, Jane strives to reach the goal of becoming a partner in the company. When Mach tells her he will need a few days off to deal with matters, she thinks he wants her to cover for him. But instead, he drops a bombshell. "I need you to pretend to be my wife."
Mach knows Jane's likely to refuse, but he knows what she wants. "I'll make you a partner if you do this." Deeply offended, she stated she couldn't pretend something of that scale especially since neither one of them knew the slightest details about the other. But a knock on the door interrupted their discussion when Tucker's assistant needs answers to some questions. Mach slyly begins to ask her for the favor. It's playing dirty, but she's the only one he can trust. Jane capitulates.
The next morning, they begin their journey...in the 1976 Chevy truck. Driving it was a "stipulation". During the trip, they play a game they call "Five Facts" to learn about each other, but what can you learn in nine hours when each has long-held secrets? The reading of the will quickly reveal the other stipulations. Mach inherits the town. but must rebuild it with his wife within one year or ownership of the land goes to the state. Fischer Wright owned the land where the citizens of the town run their businesses. Losing the land jeopardizes those businesses, and Wrightwood becomes a ghost town. Could Mach and Jane work together to save the town?
Another road trip book from L.B. Dunbar, and it's not a cookie-cutter version of the first novel in the series. Dunbar creates unique stories and striking yet relatable characters with real-life issues that capture and hold a reader's interest until the last word. And she generates impatience for the next book.
April 26, 2025
3.5 – Started strong — but the hero’s angst and emotional immaturity wore thin.
I really wanted to love this one and was invested in it — and for a good stretch, I did.
Merging Wright had so much going for it: older leads (Mach is 48, Jane mid-40s), strong chemistry, and characters with real life baggage — the kind of setup that should have delivered a mature, grounded romance.
And the attraction wasn’t a slow burn — it sparked early, and it was believable.
But from almost the start, Mach’s mindset grated. He was constantly in his head, convinced everyone was out to get him, carrying around a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. His defensiveness wasn’t just with Jane — it bled into how he treated everyone around him, including his own brother, which was hard to hear.
The last 25%?
I wanted to scream.
So much of the drama could have been cleared up with basic communication. Mach treated Jane terribly — not because he was cruel, but because he was so emotionally unavailable it was painful to listen to. She spent almost the entire book believing her feelings were unrequited, stuck in limbo, while he alternated between pushing her away and pulling her closer without ever giving her clarity which didn’t get cleared up to the end.
Final thoughts:
There’s a lot to love here early on — especially the emotional potential between two older, layered characters. But if you need a hero who actually acts his age — or communicates before the last page? Prepare to be frustrated.
—
My Rating Scale
⭐ 1 – Not for Me: Struggled to finish or didn’t finish. The writing, characters, pacing, or narration (if audiobook) really didn’t work for me.
⭐ 2 – Disappointing: Had some good elements (world-building, action, romance, etc.), but too many issues kept me from fully enjoying it. Either the character choices, writing, or narration pulled me out of the story too much.
⭐ 3 – Good / Solid: A normal, enjoyable read. Glad I read it, and it was solid overall, but nothing particularly standout. Might have had some things I didn’t love, but I still had a good time with it.
⭐ 3.5 – Better Than Good: A strong read with clear standout moments — whether in character dynamics, world-building, or writing. Maybe not a full favorite, but it left a positive impression and I’d recommend it to the right reader.
⭐ 4 – Amazing: A strong read with very little wrong, but just didn’t quite hit that rare, reread-worthy 5. Still an excellent book I’d easily recommend.
⭐ 5 – Flawless / Unforgettable: One of my absolute favorites. A book I’d reread and still love just as much. Perfect blend of storytelling, characters, romance, and action. Sticks with me long after I finish. I don’t give this rating often!
I really wanted to love this one and was invested in it — and for a good stretch, I did.
Merging Wright had so much going for it: older leads (Mach is 48, Jane mid-40s), strong chemistry, and characters with real life baggage — the kind of setup that should have delivered a mature, grounded romance.
And the attraction wasn’t a slow burn — it sparked early, and it was believable.
But from almost the start, Mach’s mindset grated. He was constantly in his head, convinced everyone was out to get him, carrying around a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. His defensiveness wasn’t just with Jane — it bled into how he treated everyone around him, including his own brother, which was hard to hear.
The last 25%?
I wanted to scream.
So much of the drama could have been cleared up with basic communication. Mach treated Jane terribly — not because he was cruel, but because he was so emotionally unavailable it was painful to listen to. She spent almost the entire book believing her feelings were unrequited, stuck in limbo, while he alternated between pushing her away and pulling her closer without ever giving her clarity which didn’t get cleared up to the end.
Final thoughts:
There’s a lot to love here early on — especially the emotional potential between two older, layered characters. But if you need a hero who actually acts his age — or communicates before the last page? Prepare to be frustrated.
—
My Rating Scale
⭐ 1 – Not for Me: Struggled to finish or didn’t finish. The writing, characters, pacing, or narration (if audiobook) really didn’t work for me.
⭐ 2 – Disappointing: Had some good elements (world-building, action, romance, etc.), but too many issues kept me from fully enjoying it. Either the character choices, writing, or narration pulled me out of the story too much.
⭐ 3 – Good / Solid: A normal, enjoyable read. Glad I read it, and it was solid overall, but nothing particularly standout. Might have had some things I didn’t love, but I still had a good time with it.
⭐ 3.5 – Better Than Good: A strong read with clear standout moments — whether in character dynamics, world-building, or writing. Maybe not a full favorite, but it left a positive impression and I’d recommend it to the right reader.
⭐ 4 – Amazing: A strong read with very little wrong, but just didn’t quite hit that rare, reread-worthy 5. Still an excellent book I’d easily recommend.
⭐ 5 – Flawless / Unforgettable: One of my absolute favorites. A book I’d reread and still love just as much. Perfect blend of storytelling, characters, romance, and action. Sticks with me long after I finish. I don’t give this rating often!
October 10, 2022
Merging Wright
(Road Trips & Romance 2)
By L. B. Dunbar
I was so excited to read book two of Author L. B. Dunbar’s Road Trips & Romance series.
I had a sneaking suspicion that Mach and Jane were going to be one of my new favourite couples and low and behold, they moved on to my top 10 list.
Merging Wright did not just contain merging, there was an all out collision not just between Mach and Jane, it included everyone in the town of Wrightwood. With these two characters and the fact that for the last eight years they have lusted after each other, yet never mentioned it (can you see where we are probably heading) and Mach’s new inheritance from his grandfather (who he has always hated) we have the setting of what is going to be one explosive “fake” marriage. Let me tell you they explode very well when it is just them (ok when they are talking) no I take that back when they are communicating like they do at work…oh do you see the complications that stand in their way.
Add into the complications, a twin brother (don’t ask you’ll find out for yourself) and wonderful mother who is bound and determined to get her city son back in Wrightwood where her world will be settled. If that isn’t enough there is the most darling little girl, her name is Willow and she may just play the biggest part in Jane and Mach’s lives.
Between secrets, and there are so many, to the attraction that draws Mach and Jane close but never close enough to feel safe, a “fake” marriage (it might not be fake) and so many other events that take place, Merging Wright is full of humour, steamy nights, a rescue from a fast moving river and both Mach and Jane learning not just about each other but about themselves. Their histories, their heartbreaks and facing their truths. Will they end up together, will they finish their project and where does Willow fit in?
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to give them both a piece of my mind, instead I took this amazing road trip along with them and have to say, Author L.B. Dunbar has given readers another fantastic read! Merging Wright is getting all of my stars, each one was earned and I have no issue giving them to this story.
It sounds like there is going to be a third book in this series…and I am now going to sit just over there, waiting to find out when its coming!
(Road Trips & Romance 2)
By L. B. Dunbar
I was so excited to read book two of Author L. B. Dunbar’s Road Trips & Romance series.
I had a sneaking suspicion that Mach and Jane were going to be one of my new favourite couples and low and behold, they moved on to my top 10 list.
Merging Wright did not just contain merging, there was an all out collision not just between Mach and Jane, it included everyone in the town of Wrightwood. With these two characters and the fact that for the last eight years they have lusted after each other, yet never mentioned it (can you see where we are probably heading) and Mach’s new inheritance from his grandfather (who he has always hated) we have the setting of what is going to be one explosive “fake” marriage. Let me tell you they explode very well when it is just them (ok when they are talking) no I take that back when they are communicating like they do at work…oh do you see the complications that stand in their way.
Add into the complications, a twin brother (don’t ask you’ll find out for yourself) and wonderful mother who is bound and determined to get her city son back in Wrightwood where her world will be settled. If that isn’t enough there is the most darling little girl, her name is Willow and she may just play the biggest part in Jane and Mach’s lives.
Between secrets, and there are so many, to the attraction that draws Mach and Jane close but never close enough to feel safe, a “fake” marriage (it might not be fake) and so many other events that take place, Merging Wright is full of humour, steamy nights, a rescue from a fast moving river and both Mach and Jane learning not just about each other but about themselves. Their histories, their heartbreaks and facing their truths. Will they end up together, will they finish their project and where does Willow fit in?
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to give them both a piece of my mind, instead I took this amazing road trip along with them and have to say, Author L.B. Dunbar has given readers another fantastic read! Merging Wright is getting all of my stars, each one was earned and I have no issue giving them to this story.
It sounds like there is going to be a third book in this series…and I am now going to sit just over there, waiting to find out when its coming!
October 13, 2022
Loved every bit of this story. Sexy and emotional - it completely captivated me.
"As our top account executive, she's a line I don't intend to cross, despite wanting to trace all her curves, zigzag over her planes, and unravel her lines before stringing them back together."
Machlan Wright hasn't been back to his hometown for 25 years. When an unexpected delivery turns up at his office, along with a letter, he needs to return to Wrightwood...and bring a wife. Except, he's not married, but he knows the perfect woman to be his fake wife.
"He hates it when I call him Mr. Wright. I hate how ridiculously handsome he is."
Jane Fox has a lust-hate relationship with Mach. When he promises to reward her with her dream role at his company, she decides to step up for him. One long road trip and a shocking reading of the will later, and Jane finds herself a marrying Mach for real. And, that's just the beginning.
"The chemistry between us was what I'd always fantasized. The emotional connection was what I hadn't expected."
Gah! This story was Mach-nificient! For a guy who vowed never to marry, he sure did enjoy calling and referring to Jane as 'my wife' or 'Mrs Wright'. They'd rubbed along in the office for eight long years - their relationship was fiery but worked well. Jane had her reasons for keeping her distance and Mach had his - not least the no-fraternising company rule. However, neither can deny to themselves that they positively craved the other. Their wedding night was SO HOT! My heart melted - no, everything melted! LOL They had a real connection, as well as crazy sexual compatibility. I loved the way Mach was surprised at the feelings Jane evoked in him. Both had a lot of trust issues to work through but I adored every minute of their evolving relationship, how they became addicted to each other, and finally how they worked through their problems. This was SUCH a fabulous story. I was fully invested in Jane and Mach, the town of Wrightwood, and little Willow - for them all to get their HEA. I thoroughly, thoroughly recommend it!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RQZBIM8...
"As our top account executive, she's a line I don't intend to cross, despite wanting to trace all her curves, zigzag over her planes, and unravel her lines before stringing them back together."
Machlan Wright hasn't been back to his hometown for 25 years. When an unexpected delivery turns up at his office, along with a letter, he needs to return to Wrightwood...and bring a wife. Except, he's not married, but he knows the perfect woman to be his fake wife.
"He hates it when I call him Mr. Wright. I hate how ridiculously handsome he is."
Jane Fox has a lust-hate relationship with Mach. When he promises to reward her with her dream role at his company, she decides to step up for him. One long road trip and a shocking reading of the will later, and Jane finds herself a marrying Mach for real. And, that's just the beginning.
"The chemistry between us was what I'd always fantasized. The emotional connection was what I hadn't expected."
Gah! This story was Mach-nificient! For a guy who vowed never to marry, he sure did enjoy calling and referring to Jane as 'my wife' or 'Mrs Wright'. They'd rubbed along in the office for eight long years - their relationship was fiery but worked well. Jane had her reasons for keeping her distance and Mach had his - not least the no-fraternising company rule. However, neither can deny to themselves that they positively craved the other. Their wedding night was SO HOT! My heart melted - no, everything melted! LOL They had a real connection, as well as crazy sexual compatibility. I loved the way Mach was surprised at the feelings Jane evoked in him. Both had a lot of trust issues to work through but I adored every minute of their evolving relationship, how they became addicted to each other, and finally how they worked through their problems. This was SUCH a fabulous story. I was fully invested in Jane and Mach, the town of Wrightwood, and little Willow - for them all to get their HEA. I thoroughly, thoroughly recommend it!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RQZBIM8...
October 27, 2022
Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tropes: over 40 romance; workplace romance; fake relationship; marriage of convenience; small-town romance; a bit of suspense
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright returns us to her Road Trips & Romance series with Mach and Jane’s story. Coming into this book, we know that Jane, the story’s FMC, has adored Mach from afar. This isn’t an easy task because he’s ambitious, an overachiever, and immune to Jane. When he receives a delivery from his past, Jane and Mach are on a road trip to his family hometown, Wrightwood. It’s there where the ghosts of Mach’s past reside, and Jane must fight against them to win Mach’s heart. Their journey involves a death, a will reading, a marriage of convenience, a steamy honeymoon, and a grumpy hero who can’t decide from one day to the next if he wants his heroine or needs to keep her at arm’s length. Overall, I enjoyed Merging Writing, finding myself lost in Mach and Jane’s romance…sometimes.
While I enjoyed this story, I struggled with the pacing and inconsistency of Mach’s characterization. Merging Wright was a slow read for me. It took me a bit to get lost in their story, and I never fully fell into it which is disappointing because I normally don’t have that issue with L.B. Dunbar’s stories. This one, though, was a struggle. It mostly has to do with Mach’s character development. In a phrase, Mach gave me whip-lash. One minute, he can’t live without Jane, and the next, he pushes her away. It isn’t that this happens just once or twice. This occurs throughout much of the story. The wash cycle for Merging Writing is overwhelming attraction, $ex, denial, and possessiveness. Over and over again, Mach follows this cycle, which becomes tiring. Even more, his willingness to reside in the hurts of his past for much of the story, I think, is the reason for the slow pacing of this story.
For me, the bright spot of Merging Wright is Jane. She’s decided, intelligent, and, when Mach cannot move beyond his past, creates the space necessary to inspire Mach’s change. She saved the story for me, investing me in her and Mach’s journey. She was everything Mach isn’t initially: compassionate, introspective, and inspired.
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright is more hit than miss, but it needed Mach to resolve his issues sooner. Additionally, while I love spice in romance like any romance reader, the $ex of this book overwhelmed its plot development and characterization. If you’re a Dunbar fan, you should read this newest story in her booklist. It is quintessential Dunbar.
Tropes: over 40 romance; workplace romance; fake relationship; marriage of convenience; small-town romance; a bit of suspense
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright returns us to her Road Trips & Romance series with Mach and Jane’s story. Coming into this book, we know that Jane, the story’s FMC, has adored Mach from afar. This isn’t an easy task because he’s ambitious, an overachiever, and immune to Jane. When he receives a delivery from his past, Jane and Mach are on a road trip to his family hometown, Wrightwood. It’s there where the ghosts of Mach’s past reside, and Jane must fight against them to win Mach’s heart. Their journey involves a death, a will reading, a marriage of convenience, a steamy honeymoon, and a grumpy hero who can’t decide from one day to the next if he wants his heroine or needs to keep her at arm’s length. Overall, I enjoyed Merging Writing, finding myself lost in Mach and Jane’s romance…sometimes.
While I enjoyed this story, I struggled with the pacing and inconsistency of Mach’s characterization. Merging Wright was a slow read for me. It took me a bit to get lost in their story, and I never fully fell into it which is disappointing because I normally don’t have that issue with L.B. Dunbar’s stories. This one, though, was a struggle. It mostly has to do with Mach’s character development. In a phrase, Mach gave me whip-lash. One minute, he can’t live without Jane, and the next, he pushes her away. It isn’t that this happens just once or twice. This occurs throughout much of the story. The wash cycle for Merging Writing is overwhelming attraction, $ex, denial, and possessiveness. Over and over again, Mach follows this cycle, which becomes tiring. Even more, his willingness to reside in the hurts of his past for much of the story, I think, is the reason for the slow pacing of this story.
For me, the bright spot of Merging Wright is Jane. She’s decided, intelligent, and, when Mach cannot move beyond his past, creates the space necessary to inspire Mach’s change. She saved the story for me, investing me in her and Mach’s journey. She was everything Mach isn’t initially: compassionate, introspective, and inspired.
L.B. Dunbar’s Merging Wright is more hit than miss, but it needed Mach to resolve his issues sooner. Additionally, while I love spice in romance like any romance reader, the $ex of this book overwhelmed its plot development and characterization. If you’re a Dunbar fan, you should read this newest story in her booklist. It is quintessential Dunbar.
October 10, 2022
What a book LB Dunbar delivers another fantastic silver fox for us to fall in love with.
Things spiral out of control the second we reach my small town. A place I swore I’d never return has suddenly become my inheritance. As in, I’ve inherited an entire town! Only, there’s one condition: my hot, top executive pretending to be my wife must marry me for real. What could possibly go wrong?
Jane Fox has worked for her sexy silver fox boss for 8 years and in all that time she has kept it professional, yes her boss is hot moody and demanding, but how far will she go to make her boss happy.
Machlan Wright all he cares about is his company and getting the job done, but that all changes when he gets a special delivery to his office.
A truck and an envelope that is about to change his perfect life once and for all. His grandfather has passed away he needs to return home to attend the funeral. A place he has not been for a very long time but he also needs to return with a wife. Who better to ask than Jane his top executive will she willing agree to pretend to be his wife.
I was not expecting Mach and Jane's story to take me on such an emotional journey but it sure did pack a lot of punches, its emotional for them both they have to deal with issues they both had in their past and try to pretend to the outside world they are happily married and in love how hard can it be.
What starts out as pretend turns into so much more for them both, have they finally found happiness got their second chance that they both deserved.
There are so many great characters in this book and I for one hope I see a few more of them with their own books. 📚
This book is emotional I loved and devoured every single page, I laughed cried and rooted for them both. A must read if you love books for over 40 then download it now you won't regret it I promise you.
Things spiral out of control the second we reach my small town. A place I swore I’d never return has suddenly become my inheritance. As in, I’ve inherited an entire town! Only, there’s one condition: my hot, top executive pretending to be my wife must marry me for real. What could possibly go wrong?
Jane Fox has worked for her sexy silver fox boss for 8 years and in all that time she has kept it professional, yes her boss is hot moody and demanding, but how far will she go to make her boss happy.
Machlan Wright all he cares about is his company and getting the job done, but that all changes when he gets a special delivery to his office.
A truck and an envelope that is about to change his perfect life once and for all. His grandfather has passed away he needs to return home to attend the funeral. A place he has not been for a very long time but he also needs to return with a wife. Who better to ask than Jane his top executive will she willing agree to pretend to be his wife.
I was not expecting Mach and Jane's story to take me on such an emotional journey but it sure did pack a lot of punches, its emotional for them both they have to deal with issues they both had in their past and try to pretend to the outside world they are happily married and in love how hard can it be.
What starts out as pretend turns into so much more for them both, have they finally found happiness got their second chance that they both deserved.
There are so many great characters in this book and I for one hope I see a few more of them with their own books. 📚
This book is emotional I loved and devoured every single page, I laughed cried and rooted for them both. A must read if you love books for over 40 then download it now you won't regret it I promise you.
October 13, 2022
4.5 Stars
I am loving this series and these sexy silver foxes who have a little bit of soul healing that needs tending to. Pulling them from their normal of work and more work seems to be the key. The journey of healing brings many emotions and it's hard seeing such a strong force fight with those emotions.
Mach left his past in the dust when he left his home town all those years ago. Never to return, the losses that happened there were just to much to handle. Sure he thinks he has moved on, becoming a very successful business man. A serial dater who never let anyone get too close, he was certainly never going there again. When news of his grandfather's death comes with a warning of returning home and bring a wife, he knows something is up, but what. Who will he take as his wife?
Jane has spent the last 8 years of her life working her ass off in the hopes of partnership. She loves the work she does but sometimes feels her work goes unnoticed. After a long relationship that was anything but what she thought it was, she isn't quick to jump back in. She has silently been crushing on her boss for years but knows he would never cross that line. Will she cross this line again and be what he needs?
The chemistry and banter between Mach and Jane jump from the pages giving this emotional book the full circle and drawing the reader in. Will they be able to play pretend and not let their hearts get involved? Can they save the small town from demise of another huge factory taking over? Could mending the town also mend old wounds, and make the heartbeat again?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
I am loving this series and these sexy silver foxes who have a little bit of soul healing that needs tending to. Pulling them from their normal of work and more work seems to be the key. The journey of healing brings many emotions and it's hard seeing such a strong force fight with those emotions.
Mach left his past in the dust when he left his home town all those years ago. Never to return, the losses that happened there were just to much to handle. Sure he thinks he has moved on, becoming a very successful business man. A serial dater who never let anyone get too close, he was certainly never going there again. When news of his grandfather's death comes with a warning of returning home and bring a wife, he knows something is up, but what. Who will he take as his wife?
Jane has spent the last 8 years of her life working her ass off in the hopes of partnership. She loves the work she does but sometimes feels her work goes unnoticed. After a long relationship that was anything but what she thought it was, she isn't quick to jump back in. She has silently been crushing on her boss for years but knows he would never cross that line. Will she cross this line again and be what he needs?
The chemistry and banter between Mach and Jane jump from the pages giving this emotional book the full circle and drawing the reader in. Will they be able to play pretend and not let their hearts get involved? Can they save the small town from demise of another huge factory taking over? Could mending the town also mend old wounds, and make the heartbeat again?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
October 13, 2022
Having read Ms.Dunbar's work many times before i always look so forward to picking up more of her books! Ever since this one was announced, i wanted to read it! The synopsis caught my eye immediately. I started reading it and got right into the Road Trips & Romance world! I so enjoyed this story!
Jane and Mach's journey grabbed my attention right from the very get go! Mach is Jane's boss. He needs her help and asks her to be his fake wife. As they hit the road to Wrightwood, can they handle the real and sparks between them? I couldn't wait to find out!
I really liked the different way Jane and Mach were brought together. I got into their story quickly. I was so glad that i got to jump into both of their minds and dig deeper with them. I didn't know everything to expect in their journey. I wasn't sure how they'd tackle everything, especially when it came to their current situation, truths, and their feelings.
The chemistry between Mach and Jane was undeniable and heat filled! I found both characters to have such humanness to them and i liked getting to uncover more to these two. Both Mach and Jane had me feeling so many things from start to finish!
It was so great getting into the Road Trips & Romance world for the first time! I enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Merging Wright, Ms.Dunbar has created such a good read with feels that'll pull you in! I definitely need to go back and read the first book, Hauling Ashe! I'm so looking forward to more from this author and Road Trips & Romance world!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Jane and Mach's journey grabbed my attention right from the very get go! Mach is Jane's boss. He needs her help and asks her to be his fake wife. As they hit the road to Wrightwood, can they handle the real and sparks between them? I couldn't wait to find out!
I really liked the different way Jane and Mach were brought together. I got into their story quickly. I was so glad that i got to jump into both of their minds and dig deeper with them. I didn't know everything to expect in their journey. I wasn't sure how they'd tackle everything, especially when it came to their current situation, truths, and their feelings.
The chemistry between Mach and Jane was undeniable and heat filled! I found both characters to have such humanness to them and i liked getting to uncover more to these two. Both Mach and Jane had me feeling so many things from start to finish!
It was so great getting into the Road Trips & Romance world for the first time! I enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Merging Wright, Ms.Dunbar has created such a good read with feels that'll pull you in! I definitely need to go back and read the first book, Hauling Ashe! I'm so looking forward to more from this author and Road Trips & Romance world!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
October 5, 2022
My day is made when L.B. Dunbar publishes a new book!! As I clear my schedule and begin reading I know I will be entertained, challenged and swept away by her passionate characters and emotional storylines. Mach and Jane’s road trip was filled with old memories, upbeat melodies and silent interludes. Poor Jane had no idea what she was driving into, but she was ready for anything.
Mach and Jane’s passion had been bubbling since the first time she walked into his office. Mach had a strict policy of not indulging in an office romance and he had spent the last eight years lusting after the brilliant and beautiful, Jane. His revolving door of much younger women drove Jane crazy and she was resigned to the fact that he would never give her a second look. Mach’s gruff personality and strictly-business attitude was nothing new for Jane. It was only when Mach asked her for a big favor did Jane realize that there was a side to him that she knew nothing about. Jane was thrilled that he had confided in her and she knew it was hard for him to admit that he needed her help.
To me, Jane is the star of the book because she dropped everything and agreed to a fake marriage in order to make Mach happy while also saving the hometown he desperately wanted to leave in his past. In typical L.B. Dunbar fashion, Mach and Jane’s relationship vacillated between love and hate, friends and adversaries and fantasy and reality. The few times Jane thought Mach was warming up to the idea of them as a couple he would turn right around and lie to her with a straight face, like it was no big deal, which infuriated her to no end. She was disappointed, disillusioned and ready to give up because she just couldn’t deal with a broken heart. No man was worth it, not even the mighty Machlan Wright.
Mach and Jane’s passion had been bubbling since the first time she walked into his office. Mach had a strict policy of not indulging in an office romance and he had spent the last eight years lusting after the brilliant and beautiful, Jane. His revolving door of much younger women drove Jane crazy and she was resigned to the fact that he would never give her a second look. Mach’s gruff personality and strictly-business attitude was nothing new for Jane. It was only when Mach asked her for a big favor did Jane realize that there was a side to him that she knew nothing about. Jane was thrilled that he had confided in her and she knew it was hard for him to admit that he needed her help.
To me, Jane is the star of the book because she dropped everything and agreed to a fake marriage in order to make Mach happy while also saving the hometown he desperately wanted to leave in his past. In typical L.B. Dunbar fashion, Mach and Jane’s relationship vacillated between love and hate, friends and adversaries and fantasy and reality. The few times Jane thought Mach was warming up to the idea of them as a couple he would turn right around and lie to her with a straight face, like it was no big deal, which infuriated her to no end. She was disappointed, disillusioned and ready to give up because she just couldn’t deal with a broken heart. No man was worth it, not even the mighty Machlan Wright.
October 5, 2022
Fact Number 5: "I want you to love me."
They say you can never go home again. Hailing from a small town with very little opportunity myself, I was drawn to this book for a lot of different reasons. Some of your people will be proud you’ve made something of yourself while others will always feel you’ve left everyone behind and become too big for your britches. It’s a quandary. But while I’ve always chosen to go back when I can to visit, Mach stayed away until he was forced to go back. But this time, he took Jane with him. …as his ‘wife’.
And its a couple we can’t help but root for! What follows is the revitalization of a dying town, eccentric small-town characters, and convoluted family dynamics. As the two band together to do what they do best and rebrand the town, they fall in love with each other and the people they are there to help. Mach finally realizing he has fallen in love with his wife is truly a beautiful moment. The five facts AFTER the fact is beyond adorable. I’m a sucker for an unconventional love note.
And as with Hauling Ashe, the road trip playlist is fantastic!
Dunbar always manages to write seasoned characters as the complex beings we are. We don’t have everything figured out yet, we make brash decisions, we fall in love, we have sex, and we continue to evolve. But with age does come a certain wisdom. We can decide to course correct, to forge a new path, to fall in love again. ...and sometimes it even leads us home.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
They say you can never go home again. Hailing from a small town with very little opportunity myself, I was drawn to this book for a lot of different reasons. Some of your people will be proud you’ve made something of yourself while others will always feel you’ve left everyone behind and become too big for your britches. It’s a quandary. But while I’ve always chosen to go back when I can to visit, Mach stayed away until he was forced to go back. But this time, he took Jane with him. …as his ‘wife’.
And its a couple we can’t help but root for! What follows is the revitalization of a dying town, eccentric small-town characters, and convoluted family dynamics. As the two band together to do what they do best and rebrand the town, they fall in love with each other and the people they are there to help. Mach finally realizing he has fallen in love with his wife is truly a beautiful moment. The five facts AFTER the fact is beyond adorable. I’m a sucker for an unconventional love note.
And as with Hauling Ashe, the road trip playlist is fantastic!
Dunbar always manages to write seasoned characters as the complex beings we are. We don’t have everything figured out yet, we make brash decisions, we fall in love, we have sex, and we continue to evolve. But with age does come a certain wisdom. We can decide to course correct, to forge a new path, to fall in love again. ...and sometimes it even leads us home.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
You know how you are anticipating a story and worry that it cannot possible live up to your expectations? This one totally met those expectations and surpassed them! Merging Wright was about unrequited love, broken hearts, estranged family and rebuilding.
Mach and Jane went from professional colleagues to a fake relationship to real feelings and it felt just right. I loved the small town, the unraveling of the history while they rebuilt both literally and figuratively on old memories and structures. LB Dunbar is the queen of "seasoned" romance with heart and so much freaking steam. I mean the things that these two characters did all over that town were mega spicy.
Jane's was one of my favorite of LB Dunbar's heroines because of her quiet strength and perseverance. She jumps at the opportunity to save something that isn't even hers and she throws herself into the project with passion and fire. Mach on the other hand starts out as that cocksure guy who thinks he can go through life with out entanglements until he realizes that's not a life. But getting him there was the fun part.
The romance itself felt raw and real full of unexpected feelings, com promise and pain and so much hope. But the rest of the story and the supporting cast really helped set the tone and build the tension. I loved that we got cameos from her siblings, Garrett and Mae who had their own HEAs in previous books and that we got to meet Jane's other sister, Lindee!
This book is for you if you want real heart and depth with your HEA which also happens to be super spicy and fun!
Mach and Jane went from professional colleagues to a fake relationship to real feelings and it felt just right. I loved the small town, the unraveling of the history while they rebuilt both literally and figuratively on old memories and structures. LB Dunbar is the queen of "seasoned" romance with heart and so much freaking steam. I mean the things that these two characters did all over that town were mega spicy.
Jane's was one of my favorite of LB Dunbar's heroines because of her quiet strength and perseverance. She jumps at the opportunity to save something that isn't even hers and she throws herself into the project with passion and fire. Mach on the other hand starts out as that cocksure guy who thinks he can go through life with out entanglements until he realizes that's not a life. But getting him there was the fun part.
The romance itself felt raw and real full of unexpected feelings, com promise and pain and so much hope. But the rest of the story and the supporting cast really helped set the tone and build the tension. I loved that we got cameos from her siblings, Garrett and Mae who had their own HEAs in previous books and that we got to meet Jane's other sister, Lindee!
This book is for you if you want real heart and depth with your HEA which also happens to be super spicy and fun!
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