***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
He came to Rose Bend to hide. But she’ll help him find everything he’s been missing.
Leontyne Dennison is on a love hiatus. And that’s just fine, because perfectionist Leo is hyperfocused on the success of her family’s Berkshires inn. Volunteering for Rose Bend’s annual spring festival is certain to boost business—and provide the perfect distraction from men—until Leo comes face-to-face with Owen Stafford, the hottest one-night stand of her life.
A retired professional football player, Owen came to Rose Bend to escape after a devastating car accident ended his career. Enter the woman he hasn’t forgotten in the year since their sizzling night together. When Owen’s parents arrive, threatening his low profile, Leo helps keep the peace by pretending to be Owen’s girlfriend. Rose Bend was never part of Owen’s long game, but Leo’s increasingly convincing TLC is starting to give Owen every reason to stay.
Bonus novella!
Rose Bend’s resident bad boy has no business lusting after Korrie Noel, the pastor’s daughter. But Israel Ford can’t help it, even if he’s still bruised from a bitter divorce. When straitlaced Korrie asks him to teach her how to have fun, he’s more than willing. From zip-lining to motorcycle rides, Korrie’s learning to take risks… Will Israel convince her to take the biggest risk of all?
A Rose Bend Novel
Book 1: The Road to Rose Bend
Book 2: Christmas in Rose Bend
Book 3: With Love from Rose Bend
With Love from Rose Bend by Naima Simone is the third book in her Rose Bend Series and can be read as a stand-alone book. This steamy, small town, sports romance is an emotional journey that I found delightful.
Leontyne Dennison (Leo) is dedicated to her family’s inn, situated in the quaint small town of Rose Bend. She works hard and keeps to herself and her family. She gave up on love years ago, and now she just wants to help her family. She decides to volunteer for the Rose Bend annual spring festival to boost visibility for the inn, and she needs a celebrity to judge the wildly popular chili contest.
Owen Strafford retired from the NFL after a car accident caused him to stop playing football. His scarring makes him a hermit and the last thing he wants to do is to make a public appearance, even in a small town.
Leo and Owen also have a history. Over a year ago, they had a one-night stand in Boston and Leo can’t believe her bad luck that Owen is now living in her town.
I liked the characters in this story. Leo, has shut herself off, and she’s a bit difficult to get to know, but eventually, we know her story and I felt for her and was rooting for her to find her way. Owen is also a bit deeper than I expected and although broody at the beginning of the story, once he started to move out of his shell, I found him delightful.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a steamy romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
UK Cover:
UK Publication Date is April 14, 2022
About Naima Simone
Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
WendyW, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I’m just so thrilled you enjoyed With Love from Rose Bend! Thank you for reading! And I honestly can’t pick a favorite between the US and UK covers. They’re both so great and I love them for different reasons. I guess that makes me lucky to have both of them. LOL! Thank you again! You’ve made my day!
Great review Wendy. I read one in this series and although I liked the story and the characters, it was a bit too steamy for me. Glad you enjoyed this one.
I like that you share both the US and the UK cover. I think my favorite one is the US cover. I like the lake and the boat. The books sounds fun and steamy. 🙂
You know, it doesn’t look steamy based on the cover but I love the way the characters sound. It sounds like real life – how you have to spend time with them to figure out what’s going on below a surface that doesn’t reflect their genuine self. Excellent review!
I love sports romance. Thanks for putting this on my radar.
Thank you, Nadene!
The UK cover is so cute! I’m fond of small town romances, and I like a reformed grumpy hero. Great review!
Thank you!
I love that cover, but I agree with Tessa – never would have thought it contained a steamy romance, lol. Nice review, Wendy!
Thank you, Teri. I guess they are right… you can’t judge a book by its cover!
WendyW, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I’m just so thrilled you enjoyed With Love from Rose Bend! Thank you for reading! And I honestly can’t pick a favorite between the US and UK covers. They’re both so great and I love them for different reasons. I guess that makes me lucky to have both of them. LOL! Thank you again! You’ve made my day!
Thank YOU so much. It’s a delightful book that I enjoyed very much.
Fabulous review Wendy! A steamy sports romance!?🤩. Sounds good!❤️❤️
Thank you, Kaceey!
Great review Wendy. I read one in this series and although I liked the story and the characters, it was a bit too steamy for me. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Thank you, Carla!
I already know I’m going to like Leo and Owen just from reading your review. 😀
Thank you, Lark. They are cute.
I haven’t read a sports romance for a while and I do like the book cover. Are all the books in the series sports romances?
Yes, they are all sports romances. Thank you.
This book sounds very charming. I love both the covers. I feel like the US cover should be a puzzle.
Oh, Yes, the US puzzle would make a nice puzzle! What a great idea.
I love the review. I think I would be much more likely to pick up the UK cover. The US cover feels a bit more like the cover of a mystery novel to me.
I think the US cover better represents the story, but I would more likely pick up the UK cover if I were in a store!
I like that you share both the US and the UK cover. I think my favorite one is the US cover. I like the lake and the boat. The books sounds fun and steamy. 🙂
Thank you, Jenni
You know, it doesn’t look steamy based on the cover but I love the way the characters sound. It sounds like real life – how you have to spend time with them to figure out what’s going on below a surface that doesn’t reflect their genuine self. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa. I was surprised it was as steamy too. But, it wasn’t bad
I haven’t read a steamy romance in a while, but this sounds good 💕 great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny!
This sounds like a charming read Wendy! I love both of these covers! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jodie!
I like both covers but prefer the US one because it’s such a peaceful, pretty scene!
Thank you, Cindy. I think the US cover better represents the book. But the UK cover is cute!
The UK cover is a lot of fun. I like when two people can break out of their habits and come together. Great review!
Thank you, Rae!
This sounds like a series I’d enjoy. Another great review! I agree with Mallika, the UK cover suggests a totally different story
Yes, I was surprised to see the UK cover as I found it after I read the book. It has a much lighter vibe.
Sounds a fun read; glad you liked the characters in this one. Great review Wendy 🙂
I think I like the UK cover a touch more for this one.
Yes, I did enjoy these characters, Mallika. The UK cover is much more whimsical.