Dahlia Made a List

by Jenna McCall

My grumpy landlord prowled toward me like he couldn’t decide whether to leave me in his rearview or haul me up against his chest and kiss me breathless. For the record, I’m all for the breathless option.

Wyatt
My chatterbox tenant was going through a hard time. The sort that explained the clothes tossed off the balcony and decorating the front lawn. Fine. I understood going through a hard time. I’d been through enough on my own. I’m not completely heartless. I just have no intention of getting wrapped up in someone else’s drama.

Until my Grams dangles the deed for The Royal Drive-in as a lure. I’ll do just about anything for that deed, even if that means putting myself at Dahlia’s beck and call.

But with each passing day, her colorful hair, impulsive nature and outlandishly enthralling personality captivate me more. Pull me out of the staid routine I’ve spent years cultivating. Despite my best efforts, I’m thinking about her, wanting to take care of her, be the stability she's never had. And when I close my eyes, those thoughts turn into fantasies filled with her ridiculous hair and her outrageous tongue. On me. In my bed.

But she’s made a list. One I’m bound to help her with if I want my deed. And I might be a first class dickhead, but I’m not going to sabotage Dahlia’s determination to turn over a new leaf by unleashing my carnal fantasies on her.

She’s firing on all cylinders, checking off her list item by item. I’m not the man to give her the future she wants. So I’ll fight back this white-hot need threatening to rip through my discipline.

Dahlia
I’m on a mission: no more bad boyfriends. I have my list. A list of things that are going to make me whole and better and absolutely fabulous.

And it’s a great plan. Until my grumpy landlord kisses me.


Dahlia Made a List is a small town, grumpy-sunshine romance. While it’s the first in the Three Corners series, it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Enemies To Lovers

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2023

Reviews

[Mick C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of two broken people who fit just right. Or at least they should, if they could overcome the obstacles in their lives. Such a well written story with great characters. Be sure to read this book, to see if love truly conquers all.

[Natassja Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a fun read. It was well written and thought out. The story is sweet going from barely knowing someone to friends and then the realization that it’s actually something more. But much like real life, there is an abundance of struggles. Both internal and external.
So if you would like a sweet story with a little bit of spice action this is the book for you!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book. It’s very sweet. There was a lovely sense of community in this book; I liked the two main characters but there were some entertaining, likeable characters in the background of this book, supporting Dahlia and Wyatt on their journey.

Dahlia was a really cute, fun character, and I liked how Wyatt took care of her. Wyatt was a little annoying sometimes but I think that comes with the territory of being a grumpy man in a romance book! Their romance was good – they had nice chemistry and it was entertaining to see their relationship develop from friendship to more over the course of the book. The love scenes were steamy and well-written.

However, I did find the ending a bit blunt – I didn’t feel like there was much resolution between them before it came to an abrupt end. I would have liked a bit more development to make their reunion a bit more believable.

But, overall, this was an easy read. It’s amusing and gentle and fluffy – although there was some content that might be upsetting to some, so please check content warnings!

Content Notes: Bargains/deals/wagers, grumpy/sunshine, small town.

Warnings: Traffic collision (in past), death of a close friend (in past), panic attacks, trauma, anxiety, ableism.

Other: On-page sex, infidelity / cheating (on-page, not between MMC + FMC..

[Bryanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me just tell you... Wyatt Weston can be my landlord no matter the cost of the rent, i'll sell my soul for him. This book was so so so so good. Not only was Wyatt so easy to love but Dahlia was as well. She was strong willed, hearted, and mind. She said she was done with the bull crap of cheating men and it was time to focus on herself.

Not only were the main characters so easy to love but Wyatt's Grandma!!!!!!!!!!! Holy crap, I wish my memaw would b a matchmaker like she was. She wasn't giving up the drive-in till those two were together. Not only did he help her with her list but he fell in love with her at the same time. Not only did he help Dahlia but she helped him. He was no longer this angry man that didn't let anyone in.

This was my first book by Jenna McCall and I loved it! I can not wait to read more books by her.

[Bellaturnsthepage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia Made A List BY: Jenna McCall
💫3.5/5 |🌶️ 3/5 | Grumpy x Sunshine | Small Town | Found Family | Slow Burn | Dyslexia & ADHD Rep | TW: Car Accident, Panic Attacks

Thank you so much @jennamccallwrites for sending me PR for Dahlia Made A List. I still have most of the swag sitting on my desk coz everything smells so yummy!

I really liked this feel-good story about 2 broken individuals; one on her journey to self-discovery after a traumatic life event and a slew of bad decisions when it came to her love life; and the other on his journey of self-acceptance. I love the representation on Dyslexia & ADHD! Both our MCs have had quite the experience when it comes to their families, being labeled indifferent and incompetent due to their learning disabilities. Our MCs are very relatable, the timeline for the plot is perfect, and I loved the slow burn and how the MCs took their time to actually get to know each other.

I would have rated the book higher, but I didn’t like the profanity used by the male MC Wyatt – this is completely personal preference. You get the found family trope in this book for our FMC Dahlia and I loved it! Wyatt’s meddling grandmother Minerva is a showstopper and everything you expected. Sweet, nurturing, sassy, and can read you like a book. She is the main reason we get the forced proximity between our MCs. Dahlia is Minerva’s hairdresser, and she opened her doors with an invite to the Shameless Readers book club and it was a hoot especially since there were 2 male members who joined in on reading smutty books. In exchange for a property owned by Minerva, Wyatt agrees to help Dahlia accomplish her list that she created post break-up that starts her journey of self-discovery.

Wyatt, our brooding male MC was a grump through and through. I appreciated the fact he was still very much himself at the end of the book. I loved the inner turmoil he had when it came to Dahlia, I felt the restraint and the protectiveness he had over her while he figured out who she was to him. He had his own struggles which contributed to the push and pull between them, but I liked the impactful conversation he had with Minerva and the swoony “take me back, I want you” moment in the end.

Dahlia is our spunky, energetic, chatterbox sunshine FMC. She’s a hairdresser that full of personality and style. She’s had a slew of bad decisions when it came to her ex-boyfriends and decided to create a list that would distract her from her latest breakup and keep her from falling into bad habits. I loved how she pushed Wyatt’s boundaries. Her journey was beautiful and admirable.

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the beginning of the Three Corner Series but it is a standalone. If you've read Easy, then you'll recognize some familiar characters. The synopsis lets you know what to expect. It's a great opposites attract dual pov slow burn romance.

After another failed relationship, Dahlia decides that she needs to make some changes & comes up with a list of things that she wants to do instead of pursuing a relationship. In her past relationships she always put her partner first conforming to their likes so now she's going to pursue things that she's interested in & will bring her joy. Of course not all things on her list are easy for her to do but she's determined. &, with Wyatt's help, she starts to think that he could be the man for her. It's impossible not to root for her & feel happy for her when she accomplishes something new. Her vulnerability & bubbly personality also makes her endearing.

Because of his family's treatment towards him excluding his grandmother & cousin, Wyatt is reserved & a bit of a grump. His focus is on restoring The Royal Drive-in & finally receiving the deed from his grandmother. Though his grandmother meddling, he finds himself helping Dahlia cross things off her list. But, surprisingly to him, he's not minding spending time with her & letting her read him like no one else can. Though he has a gruff exterior, it's easy for him to be caring & protective towards Dahlia. It's easy to fall in love with the way that he falls in love with Dahlia & you will feel for him as he struggles with his own thoughts concerning a relationship with her.

As I mentioned, it's a slow burn & I enjoyed the pacing of the story because they truly got to know each other. It was nice seeing their own individual growth as their feelings for each other grew. & although it's a slow burn, there was enough tension & spice for readers to enjoy. Aside from their own doubts & fears, there isn't much conflict. The side characters ,especially his subtle matchmaking grandmother, are likeable. There isn't anything I can say I disliked about the story & I know fans of the grumpy & sunshine trope will not be disappointed. It was a great start to the series & I can't wait to read more from it.

[tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all thank you to author @jennamccallwrites for sending me this refreshing read.

✨Small Town Romance
✨Grumpy/Sunshine
✨Deal making
✨landlord/ Tenant Romance
✨Granny Matchmaking

I love it when an Indie author reaches out and introduces their work to me because there and then i know its going to a great read; to me it simply means the author believes that their work is amazing and there and then I simply get excited knowing its going to be a great read.

“Dahlia made a list” is an exciting story about Dahlia (FMC) and Wyatt (MMC). Dahlia rents one of Wyatts appartment and suddenly happens to have an altercation with her cheating boyfriend. They’ve been living together but after finding out he’s cheating she throws his staff out of the house through the balcony and changes the lock.

While at work at her salon her ex-boyfriend shows up at the house and tries getting in only to realize that Dahlia has changed the locks.

She then calls Wyatt for access but Wyatt also doesn’t have the spare keys and so they call Dahlia from work to sort out and explain the situation which is where Dahlia and Wyatt officially meet.

Wyatt’s grandma happens to be at the salon at the moment. During then she learns about Dahlia’s unfortunate breakup. She advices her to go to an address she gives her just to ease up and reset her mind.

On getting there Dahlia realizes its actually a bookclub. She makes new friends who then advise her to make a to-do-list of the things she wants to accomplish instead of having sex which she has sworn not to do after the breakup. Wyatt is then asked to drop her home.

Although they don’t get along Wyatt realizes his grandma cherishes Dahlia and because he has a sale contract that he needs his grandma to sign over; he decides being nice to Dahlia might actually be the key to his grandmas good side.

Hid grandma then asks him to help Dahlia with her to do list and he does it so well. They start to get along and hang out more often Wyatt teaching Dahlia how to drive and overcome her panic attacks from fear of driving and she cooks for him as a way of looking for her signature dish that she could take to meetings and bookclub!

They start off easy and chilled but their story gets even more intriguing and interesting as you read along.

Do you think they’ll end up together?? 😛Well am not going to spoil it for you 😂

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rom Com with Heart & Soul

This book was a Surprise Read! I knew from the description that I would enjoy this book because there is nothing like a Grump meets Sunshine to bring out the Comedy in any Romance. And, WOW did I get what I was promised! I found the Sunshiniest of Sunshine characters with Dahlia and the Grumpiest of Grumps with her landlord Wyatt. Their chemistry is off the charts from the first time Wyatt sees her leaning over the second floor railing dropping her soon to be ex’s prized Pilsner to the ground, to the moment that Wyatt helps her get her driver’s license. Although there is great humor in this book, there is also a keen eye for detail and the richness of this story is immediately apparent when, after their Meet Cute, Wyatt sees hints of Dahlia’s vulnerability that she hides which her sunshine smile just can’t quite cover and, without realizing it, he falls into the role of her biggest supporter as she works to finish her List. But in the Dual POV HEA, Wyatt himself receives this same nuanced development, as we learn what is the cause of his Grump. Here is a man whose caring knows no bounds and whose keen perception allows him to support Dahlia, and whose openness allows him to accept her help in uncovering the man that the world sees. As you can guess, there are many twists, turns, surprises, and moments where you will just stop reading to savor a phrase or revel in a scene between Dahlia and Wyatt. Wyatt’s matchmaking Grandmother and her book club, The Shameless Readers, steal every scene and provide the needed reality checks and advice that both parts of this pair need to understand before they can finally add Finding Lasting Romance to Dahlia’s List.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good grumpy/sunshine dynamic and this book delivers that and more. Wyatt is the grumpy, gruff hero with a huge guarded heart who keeps to himself and keeps talking to a minimum. Dahlia is the sunshiny and feisty heroine with a wary heart of her own and who just happens to be rather chatty normally. She has sworn off men at the moment after another disappointing relationship ended. A bookclub meeting ends with Dahlia making a list of the things she wants to do instead of getting involved (intimately or otherwise) with another man, a bucket list of sorts. Included are items like learn to cook, stay in a yurt and start a garden as well as few other weird and wonderful items. There is also a mysterious #3 item she is loathe to reveal to Wyatt when his grandmother ropes him into helping Dahlia work her way through her list. His matchmaking grandmother is using a bit of blackmail to get him to do her bidding with the hope that he and Dahlia will be a good match.

Helping Dahlia do the items or tasks on her list proves to be a lesson on control for both Dahlia and Wyatt. Both struggle to control and hide their attraction, their desire and soon the deeper feelings filling their hearts. Both have trust issues, as well as hidden disabilities that weigh heavily on them, making them feel vulnerable and less worthy. Will they be able to let go of the past and the self-doubts in order to reach toward the love and each other?

Dahlia and Wyatt’s story is funny, flirty and emotional. It is also very entertaining and a fantastic read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE a book with representation of disabilities, learning, physical, mental it doesn’t matter, because we deserve our stories to be told. So thank you for that Jenna. Wyatt’s dyslexia and how he was never taught to accept it and change approaches to work through it just made my heart ache. His family however made me want to set them on fire from the garbage way they treat him and how they dismiss him as leech. I’d dismiss them alright. Well minus Mrs Minerva I’d love to be in her book club. Dahlia coming into her own and building her own found family is such an inspiration. Dahlia with her ADHD, her abundance of energy was disconnected from how she really felt. As someone with depression I related hard to feeling like you’re wearing a mask to make sure no one could see how upset or scared or sad you really are. It’s simultaneously one of the hardest things to keep up and the easiest out by avoiding having to talk things through or think about it. My emotions were already high since I just lost my furbaby Theodore, and I felt the emotional turmoil from both Wyatt and Dahlia in a way that channeled my own. I don’t know how much sense that makes but their conclusion to the emotional journey gave me some peace, so thank you for that as well. The list is something maybe more of us should consider writing out to grow with the new experiences it will bring. Self discovery is an experience that not a lot of people even consider very important but there’s a reason we have wanderlust coursing through us. I believe that energy comes from the soul wanting the experiences to make us understand life, the world, ourselves, and other beings.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are making a list of books TO BE READ then you definitely want to include Dahlia Made a List but I wouldn’t wait, I suggest you read it NOW! It marked off everything on my what makes a great romance book list. A female who has been wounded but can still stand up for herself in a most comical way, a male who sees the wounded woman and feels the need to help and protect while he falls in love. Friends who become lovers and friends who are there when you need them and encourage you every step of the way. The ability to overcome your weaknesses and not see weaknesses in others as flaws that can’t be overcome. This book has drama, break-ups, dysfunctional families, wacky and nosey neighbors, a romance novel book club you won’t believe, steamy love scenes and the most remarkable thing is experiencing the wonderful friendship of two flawed people as they fall in love with each other. It deals with the learning disabilities of dyslexia and ADHD, anxiety attacks, a car accident leading to two deaths and a cheating boyfriend. It deals with life, with the things that build us up and the things that pull us down. Dahlia made a list to take charge of her life and a long the way she impacted the lives of others while finding herself. Yes, you want to read this book. I’m an ARC reviewer: reading for the enjoyment with no monetary compensation and voluntarily reviewing so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to like about this romance.

Pros: The FL was interesting. She was clearly trying to find herself and a place for her after a childhood with very indifferent parents and some tragic losses. She's also made a string of bad decisions regarding men and is working to make improvements to care better about herself. She's a little odd, which comes off charming and not like many female leads these days. The ML is also charming under that damaged exterior and is quite drawn to the FL. The plot is very low-key, with little action other than emotional changes, and that is just fine. There are a number of interesting and believable secondary characters who add color to the story. And the sex is pretty smokin. Mainly, this is a romance and involves the FL and ML.

Cons: Because the plot is so low-key, I feel the ending was quite rushed. Kinda like "Oh! The end." The things that went on for many pages were quickly wrapped up in like 2 or 3 pages. It felt abrupt. The epilogue type piece was also more than silly, involving a buffoon of a local cop. It wasn't necessary, wasn't at all believable, and missed the mark on cuteness. There was also no resolution on some pretty big issues involving ugly, abusive relationships in the ML's family. I at least expected some verbal showdowns, but nope. This just added to the abruptness of the ending. It's not a showstopper, but something better sketched out would have made this a 5 star book instead of a 4 star.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Dahlia, the female lead, has been cheated on by yet another boyfriend and has decided that she’s definitively going to make lasting changes this time. Changing town was not enough; she needs to do more than change her location to change herself. Wyatt, the male lead, has been “encouraged” by his grandmother to provide Dahlia a helping hand on her change pathway in exchange for finalising the agreed transfer of family property to him. He thinks he’s going to hate every moment of the exercise and he knows he can’t be the right person for her longterm goals but he’s going to enjoy what time he can have with her!

This story is dual POV, well written, and an interesting contemporary, dealing with disabilities, opposites attract romance. I appreciated the author’s frank approach to Wyatt’s struggle with his own disability. I empathised with both lead characters’ struggle to deal with the wounds from their families of origin. I enjoyed Dahlia’s determination to actively change her approach to life. I enjoyed Wyatt’s grudging personal development. I enjoyed their intimacy and the ending and the active acknowledgment that disability doesn’t make you bad or mean you shouldn’t be a parent; it simply makes you different.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my biggest complaints with a grumpy/sunshine romance novel is that the grump turns their frown into a smile way too fast. That is not the case with this book! I loved how that wasn’t an attribute of Wyatt’s that changed. It made him even more endearing and fun to read. I think it’s often looked at as a flaw when in reality, it’s a part of who they are. Jenna McCall did an excellent job of not making either character’s struggles darken or lessen who they are as people.

Dahlia is such a ray of sunshine and I love how infectious her personality is for those around her. She’s had a bad streak of men and writes them off for good, but as fate would have it, her perfect match comes along at precisely the right moment. I loved her list and how brazenly she approached each task.

These two are a perfect fit for one another and due to the trauma they’ve faced by feeling rejected by their own families, they fail to see the potential for a relationship with the other. Once you learn the trauma they’ve faced, a lot more of their behaviors and reactions will make sense. I love how they’re not directly known and give us a slow build alongside the romance. You get to know and love them for exactly who they are.

I received a complimentary ARC for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

[belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the encouragement of other book club members on her visit Dahlia MFC is encouraged to make a list (not unlike a bucket list) the list is designed to undertake different activities to avoid having sex after her disastrous past relationships that seem to fail in the same repeating pattern of being cheated on.
What she doesn’t realise is the meddling Minerva ropes her very grumpy grandson Wyatt MMC into helping Dahlia fulfil her list with absolute good intentions despite Wyatt feeling of being somewhat manipulated.
The list of 10 in itself is fantastic from joining a roller derby team to staying in a yurt, but it’s number 3 that is left a secret with Dahlia believing that it would be impossible to fulfil
The plot was fantastic and really well written, the characters and their development throughout the story was excellent, the book was so entertaining l loved it.
Including dyslexia and ADHD into the story was a little bit magical showing nothing should impair one’s ability to find love and be loved.
I will certainly look forward to reading other books by Ms McCall.

[K_IndieWoods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia Made a List by Jenna McCall is a fun, fast, flirty read. Hairstylist Dahlia Whitcombe has had enough of bad boy boyfriends. When the latest loser fails to come home at night Dahlia realizes she needs to make a change. She has spent a lifetime trying to be please everyone else, always acting the way she thinks they want her to be. With the latest disaster in front of her she decides to give up dating altogether and finally focus on her own needs and desires. Encouraged by some strong female friends, Dahlia creates a list of things that she wants to accomplish in a bid to find her true self. This is a "No Sex" list that she intends to complete before she'll even consider dating again. As Dahlia works to complete this list she faces past fears, builds stronger ties to her new community and best of all learns to love herself.
This book features a cast of lovable characters including the formidable Ms. Minerva, a matriarch of the small town and one of Dahlia's favorite clients. Wyatt Weston, Dahlia's no nonsense landlord and the black sheep grandson of Ms. Minerva. Plus a whole bookclub full of humorous friends called the Shamelss Readers, who love to meet once a week to discuss their latest saucy romance read. The town may be small in this story but the characters are larger than life.
What I loved most about this book is how its main focus isn't about the romance but about the actual betterment of the mc. Not only does Dahlia find her strength as she completes her list, she inspires Wyatt to do a bit of the same. Although not revealed from the beginning, these characters face challenges with ADHD and dyslexia that have left each feeling 'less than' throughout their lives. I love seeing their transformations and self acceptance. This book was so inspiring to me it made me want to make my own list to push me out of my routine and add a little color to my life. This was my first time reading Jenna McCall and I am excited to see what else she has to offer!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are sincere and my own.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia is a bundle of energy and she's had one bad relationship after another. She befriends an elderly woman, who is her client at a hair salon. Although Dahlia has low expectations for her relationships, she is encouraged to make a list of challenges to expand her world and her expectations.

Wyatt, her landlord, has been roped into helping Dahlia by his grandmother, who happens to be Dahlia's client. Although he's a very successful business man, you'd never know it. He has an embarrassing secret and he's been bullied by some of his family members for many years. Wyatt is so sweet and absolutely smitten by Dahlia, but he's sure he's the wrong man for her.

This is a fun romantic comedy, with some laugh out loud moments. However, there is sexual content that might be too much for some readers. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, my first by this author.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia and her friends have inspired me to make my own list. Not exactly for the same reasons as though. This book reminded me we have to put ourselves first and not water ourselves down. Be yourself, take chances, be honest, and great things happen.

This was a fun, cute, feel good, slow burn, small town romance. There’s even a meddling grandma that seems innocent enough but knows more then you think.

Wyatt is a thoughtful, gentleman determined to help Dahlia with her list. At first it was per his grandmother's request but then it became more than that. He’s more of a quiet, sweetheart type of book boyfriend. It was easy to fall for him.

Both Dahlia and Wyatt are inspirational. They are opposite and have grumpy/sunshine vibes. But they just work so well together. They both doubt themselves and that’s the biggest thing holding them back.

Will they continue to doubt themselves? Will they take a chance on each other? Will Dahlia complete her list?

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book is written in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. I loved Wyatt, Dahlia and Ms. Minerva. I related with both Wyatt and Dahlia in many different ways.

I laughed and cried. My heart broke for both of them. Wyatt and Dahlia reminded me of me and my husband sooo much. Wyatt’s secret is the same as my husband and knowing the struggles they both have to go through but doesn’t let it stop them from succeeding, made me love Wyatt and love my hubby even more. Most of the stuff on Dahlia’s list is a lot of what I want to master too.

I can’t wait to read more of this series and get to know more characters. I am definitely excited to go back and read the rest of the stories that have already been published in this series.

I received an advanced readers copy via BookFunnel from the author. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own enjoyment.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Opposite Attracts, Grumpy /Sunshine, Landlord/Tennant and Small Town Tropes.
This was such a beautiful story. It really tugs at your heart string, with, love, sorrow and understanding.
This book covered stuff about Adhd and Dyslexia. Dahlia had Adhd and Wyatt had Dyslexia.
You can tell it was all well researched or maybe author knows from 1st hand experience because it was good.
I like that the female has it, because females get over looked when it comes to things like this. It makes sense why Dahlia is all chaotic but such a wonderful character.
They both connect from their own experience with disappointed families..
He doesn't want a relationship and she has sworn off men. But their attraction is combustible, so hot.
So it was just meant to be friends with benefits and no feelings, but the heart wants what it wants.
You have to read this small town feel good Romance. You will not be disappointed.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about two broken people on a journey of self discovery and their path to love and happiness.

I loved the representation-Dahlia and Wy were not perfect. In fact, they felt more like neighbors.

I love the small town trope where nobody minds their business but are down their noses in others. I love reading about all of the characters, especially the Shameless Readers Club.

I loved the idea of Dahlia’s list and cannot wait to try out something similar.

I enjoyed the dual POVs as it helped get in the heads of the characters.

It was fun to read but a tad too long as I noticed there were some repetitive thoughts that were not needed.

I will recommend to anyone looking for a romance with imperfect characters.

I received an advanced copy from the author and the review is entirely mine.

[Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahlia makes a list to try to make changes in her life to recover from yet another bad relationship and find her joy in her life, she brings her grumpy landlord along for the ride. I don't mind grumpy/sunshine's for the most part, this one was one I really enjoyed. I like Dahlia's abuntantly joyful point of view that masks and helps her get over her insecurities and Wyatt's grump is real and endearing--and he doesn't suddenly become sunshine because of Dahlia. Wyatt helps Dahlia complete her list and workthrough some major trauma. I really enjoyed the supporting cast as well, Wyatt's grandmother is my absolute favorite. Meddling Grandmother for the win!
This book is worth the read and has a quality story.

I received an advanced readers copy for my honest review.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down the cutest story I have ever read! It was heartwarming, real and had my smiling like a fool!

Dahlia and Wy couldn’t be more opposite! She’s bubbly, talkative and aspires for more! Wyatt is a grump! He doesn’t talk unless he has too, and is content with what he has, but when Dahlia’s world comes crashing down Wyatt finds himself right there helping her piece it all together!

I loved the list Dahlia created and how it was a list of things for her. Something to help her gain more from life! Minerva is they type of grandma I wish we all could have because that woman had a plan from the start! Gotta love a good reading club that becomes like family!

This is a first book in a series and I can’t wait for more because this town is definitely my new home!

[jenn_loves_2_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️

Dahlia and Wyatt are like a good many people who are affected by the things their families have said and done throughout their lives. They both bear the stigma from those hurtful encounters. The difference is Dahlia has made up her mind to change and move past the self loathing her parents caused her with their careless words and actions. Wyatt is less open to change, mostly because he doesn’t recognize in himself why he is the way he is. At least not fully. Wyatt watches and helps Dahlia grow and bloom, supporting her determination to make it through her list. However, he feels like he doesn’t deserve her and makes a mess of things. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and definitely recommend!

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia is fairly new in town and has just found out that her boyfriend cheated on her. She decides to stay away from relationships and makes a list of things to achieve for herself. While trying to fulfill her goals she has a lot of help from her landlord Wyatt. They become friends and could be more but Wyatt has a secret that makes him feel like he is not the right man for Dahlia.
I enjoyed reading this book set in a small town and full of intetesting characters. I rooted for Dahlia and Wyatt from the start and couldn't wait for their HEA.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rae Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet grumpy/sunshine about a girl on the heels of a breakup who lives life loudly and her gruff landlord who is hiding his struggles from the world. At the request of his meddling grandmother, Wyatt agrees to help Dahlia accomplish a laundry list of things to accomplish following her break up - some easy, some difficult, one secret.

I loved the interplay between the characters, the grumpy/sunshine aspect - but also the interaction with the secondary characters like Ms. Minerva and the Shameless Readers book club. The development and growth of both Wyatt and Dahlia from beginning to end was sweet.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kindly received this arc for an honest review. I adored this book it was a fun read that dealt with disabilities in a very sensitive manner . This was a slow burn opposites attract friendship that lead to a deep love. Dahlia is the bubbly sunshine chatterbox and Wyatt is the quiet grump that grunted more than he spoke. Although their personalities are so different they share the same insecurities, and both have family ( bar Wyatt’s grandmother and cousin) that treat them as if they were a disappointment. This book brought out so many emotions, I laughed and cried with them and I loved with them and fell in love with them. Enjoyed the concept of a to do list and how Wyatt helped her accomplish it especially number 3!! a wonderful, beautiful ending. Written in dual povs with humour, great characters and heat. Wyatt has my heart and I will remember this book for a long time.

[Edward Blangsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing an advanced readers copy.

Let me preface by saying that I'm not the intended audience for this book. So I was amazed that I loved this book.
Dahlia and Wyatt are two very relatable characters. With the romance chemistry coming naturally as the story progressed.
It has enough roadblocks, from Dahlia afraid she's falling into old habits, to Wyatt thinking he's not good enough, from years of negative impressions from the majority of his family.

While I won't say it got me into romance, I will say, I am willing to open myself up more diverse genre's.

Excellent story
Great characters
As long as it needed to be
5 stars

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, the author did a wonderful job with this book, making you want to read it from start to finish without stopping. Dahlia was so different in her looks and the way she behaves, Wyatt was an uptight business man with blinders on. Put them together and you get a sweet mixture. With the help from his Grandmother and other characters, he sees himself falling in love for her. She makes a list of what the man in her life needs to be and he has to live up to it. Add the rejection they both have suffered and you get to see their romance and love build. A must read, a great book. Would recommend this book to everyone.

I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story! I enjoyed this book a lot.

After throwing all of her former boyfriend's belongings off the balcony and changing the locks, Dahlia's landlord Wyatt is slightly amused. This latest relationship failure has Dahlia re-evaluating her future. She vows to stay single and her book club helps her create a list of thing she can do in place of getting involved again. One of the book club members is Wyatt's grandmother, who volunteers him to go through the list with Dahlia.

Working through the list reveals their attraction for each other. Will Dahlia take another chance on love?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.