With Love from Rose Bend by Naima Simone is the third book in the Rose Bend series. The two previous 
stories were about two of Leo’s brothers, Coltrane and Wolf. They appear in this story, and some of their backstory is hinted at, but I don’t feel like readers who are new to the series will feel like they’re missing anything if they haven’t read them. I would recommend reading them if you want more of a background into the Dennison family and their dynamics though.
Leontyne Dennison is determined to keep her family’s inn a success. After a tragic loss that she kept from everyone, she works hard, plays by the rules, and stays in control, until one night when she let herself let loose. When her mother, who was on the planning commission for Rose Bend’s annual spring festival, gets hurt, Leo steps into her place. Her task? Get the newest Rose Bend resident, a reclusive former football player, to be a judge in the chili contest. When she knocks on his door, she doesn’t expect to see the man she spent one wild night with, not only looking different with scars on his face, but a completely different attitude and a lack of memory of who she was.
Owen Stafford went escaped to Rose Bend after a car accident that not only left him scarred, but had him leaving his career behind as he didn’t want to deal with the attention. He remembers his one night with Leo, the one night when he gave her a fake name to avoid being recognized. However, he feels if he pretends he doesn’t, she’ll give up on her plans to get him involved in the town. What he doesn’t count on is Leo’s determination.
Leo soon finds herself on a mission to get Owen out of his reclusive ways. She wants to show him that his scars don’t matter. Before he knows it, Owen finds himself getting out into town more and rediscovers his love of football, but he also feels Leo is hiding her own secrets behind her need to always be in control. Will he be able to find a way to help her the way she worked to help him?
Leo and Owen are both wounded souls; while Leo dealt with her pain by locking it up tight, Owen had to watch his be put on public display. They’re both characters readers will sympathize with and will root for. Leo is also very sassy, and I found myself laughing at some of the things she came out with.
With Love from Rose Bend is a story of acceptance, healing, family, friends, and love that tugs on the heartstrings while providing some light-hearted moments as well. I can easily say that this has become my favorite book of the series and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for the residents of Rose Bend. I recommend it to readers who enjoy small-town romances and one-night stands turning into something more.
Book Info:
Publication: March 29th, 2022 | HQN Books | Rose Bend #3
Leontyne Dennison is on a love hiatus. And that’s just fine, because perfectionist Leo is hyperfocused on the success of her family’s southern 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.
