Naomi Winters will be forty—soon-ish—and she’s only been with one man. One night. One time. Long ago. She believes everything happens for a reason, and the universe spoke about Nathan Ryder.Nathan Ryder isn’t the same man who hightailed his bike out of Green Valley eighteen years ago. As a rule breaker, women are one area he acts a fool. Case in point…the local librarian. He can’t get a read on … a read on her, but she’s one risk he’s willing to take. Again.
What do an eccentric librarian and a sexy silver biker have in common? More than you think.
The due date on their love might not be expired after all.
‘Love in Due Time’ is a full-length, contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Green Valley Library series.
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Love in Due Time by L.B. Dunbar is the sixth book in the Smartypants Romance series – a set of interconnected standalones set in the Penny Reid multiverse of awesome romance – and is the first book in the Green Valley Library series.
This was a slow build for me. Naomi is one of the sweeter heroines I’ve come across lately and while Nathan sounds like he should be surly and gruff he is actually kind of a big sweetheart too. Not that he doesn’t have his alpha moments, but between his girls, his reaction to the iron Wraiths and his patience with Naomi he is a silver fox hunk of love! I feel like this book was well and truly ensconced in Green Valley and the occasional sighting or naming of familiar characters was smooth. A wonderful read, told in dual POV with a happy ever after. It made the heartache worth the ride! Enjoy!
I had super high hopes for Love in Due Time when I started reading. If I’m honest, they were based mostly on that cover because I so badly wanted to love the book so I could buy a print copy. Is that wrong? I am who I am. But seriously, there was no way I wasn’t going to love this book once I started it.
One of my favorite things about Love in Due Time was that the characters were more seasoned. (Characters over thirty need HEAs, too!) Naomi was the type of character I feel like most bookworms can relate to. I know I clicked with her almost immediately. Naomi is Wiccan, a religion I’m not all that familiar with, and I enjoyed learning more about it during this story. (I do love when I learn something while reading my favorite genre!)
I’ll admit I side-eyed Nathan in his first on-the-page appearance, but it didn’t take long before I was swooning for him as hard as Naomi was. I’m a sucker for a good single dad story, too, and his daughters were adorable. Ok, Clem was adorable. Dahlia was a bit of a shit, but she grew on me.
I devoured Love in Due Time. I couldn’t get enough of Naomi and Nathan’s story. There was also an undercurrent story with the Iron Wraiths that had me totally invested. Of course, I was also here for the HEA. I love a good slow burn when it burns so good and so hot, but I needed them to get it right this time.
One of the highlights of this book that didn’t include Naomi and Nathan could be a spoiler. But, I can’t NOT mention the appearance of one of my all-time favorite Penny Reid characters. Naturally, I’m talking about Cletus Winston. He’s just the best. But, I’ll let you figure out why on your own. Let me just say the Green Valley Library series is off to a strong start. I’m looking forward to reading the second book very soon!
Favorite Quotes:
“I don’t even know who I am most days, how can I expect you to remember me.”
That’s why I love books. Books are stable and steadfast. Reliable. Books are comfort from heartache and hope from despair.
“Witch or not, Naomi Winters, you’ve put a spell on me, and I don’t want it broken.”
“I’m stuck on you, Naomi, and I think that means I’ve never let you go. I’ve been waiting as well. Waiting to find my way back to you.”
“I think it’s time I let the spirits rest and awaken my heart.”
I love the Green Valley world because it appeals to my quirkiness and it also feels familiar with characters that strikes a chord in me. I was curious how other authors were going to add their own spin about this town and its inhabitants without breaking any tenets. L. B Dunbar is new to me, so but I think she works really well within this world. Love in Due Time is angsty, slow burn but extremely hot. It also works thru a lot of issues for both Naomi and Nathan which not all second chance romances often do. It also has two main leads that are nearing or in their early forties so there is a level of maturity not common to this trope as well. It has all aspects that make Green Valley what it is so it remains true I think to the darker aspect of the Iron Wraiths and so add depth to an already rich world. It took me awhile to get into the story but despite that it helped me appreciate Naomi and Nathan’s romantic journey to a happily ever after.
Is this the beginning of a new series to fall in love with?! I think so! Love in Due Time was such a win with me, I loved that it was an older couple, a second chance (my fave) and why don’t we just throw in single parent to top things off. Plus, hot motorcycle guy and the librarian, what a combo and I was here for it!
This was a first time read by Dunbar and I’m going to have to go back and read more of her books! I loved that she wrote a story of two very different characters that was so easy for us to fall in love with. And there were moments where I found Dunbar’s writing very thoughtful and poetic.
Naomi was such a unique character and I enjoyed every minute reading about her! And I know zilch about Wiccan, so that was an interesting topic to learn about through Nae.
And Nathan! I loved how accepting and supporting he was of Naomi. I liked that these two have history from 18 years ago and have always had each other on their minds since the first day they met.
Love in Due Time was such a solid start to the Green Valley Library series. There was a little spoiler that was mentioned that I couldn’t help, but laser focus on, but that’s all I’ll say on THAT matter.
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM SOCIAL BUTTERFLY PR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**
An emotionally thrilling, fun, engaging and action packed journey filled with interesting charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and undeniable passion…… a exciting read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed this quirky and emotional adventure!
Love in Due Time is a second chance romance with a twist! My heart wasn’t prepared for how much I’d fall for the characters in this book. Fair warning – this book was not as light-hearted as I expected, so you might need a tissue or two, but it’s one journey you don’t want to miss. The perfect mix with two of my favorite tropes: second chance romance and single dad – this story had me from the start!
Favorite Quote:
I don’t want any second-guesses about my intentions. Only second chances.
My Review:
This captivating tale was unusually cast and singularly crafted. It featured a second chance romance for a tenderhearted small-town Wiccan librarian that was circling forty, socially awkward, peculiarly clad, and practically a virgin – how more original or creative could a premise be? Written in my favorite dual POV, the writing was thoughtfully observant, painstakingly insightful, and fraught with angst, interpersonal and familial conflicts, throbbing loins, sexual tension, and decades of regret as well as unexpected slivers of amusing and smirk-worthy levity amidst all that other stuff. The wily Ms. Dunbar has brought her uniquely gifted skill set to Smartypants Romance for an engaging, somewhat arduous, highly evocative, and uncommonly satisfying fusion of synergy.
As a librarian, I knew that I had to read all of the books in this series. And one thing that got me from the very start was how each chapter began with a Dewey Decimal number and a definition for what it was. I also really liked that it was an older couple, but the woman was still single and never been married, as that totally is me in a way. We got a lot of the whole Green Valley world with favorite characters such as the Winstons, Deputy Jackson James, and the Iron Wraiths. Of course with this being a librarian as a main character, another thing that is a connection for me, we got lots of talk about Bethany Winston, who we know and love from the Winston Brother series. It was so realistic seeing a library have to struggle for funds, sad, but real. And even more real was having the one librarian that had been there forever and who was struggling with all the changes going on as libraries evolve over time. Part of the older couple romance I enjoyed was that Naomi was still somewhat innocent. While I don’t completely connect to that from my past, these days, as long as it’s been for me, it totally reminded me of myself there too. I love how she kept saying she was going to be bad at things, and that Nathan would at first take it as she was “being bad”, like naughty as opposed to not being good at whatever it was. And not that she was bad, he enjoyed it all just fine. The romance was sweet, the steamy scenes were hot, and I really did love the whole world. I don’t have a problem with the Wiccan aspect of the story, just didn’t quite care for as much of it as there was, almost like any other religion becoming too much a part of a story in a way for my taste. I’m very excited to go on with this series in the SmartyPants Romance books. Also, call me crazy, but I would kind of like to see Jackson James find an HEA one of these days. He might be a little smarmy, but I still kinda like his character, and he’s not all bad.
Any chance I get to head back to Green Valley, I’m all for, and the fact that I get to meet some of its other residents with several mentions of the Winston family in the midst of the storyline is an added bonus.
I’m no stranger to L.B. Dunbar’s writing, so I was excited to hear that she was a part of the PennyVerse and then when I read the blurb and the ages of the hero and heroine, I knew there was no other author for Love in Due Time.
Imagine how much your fine would be for a library book that was 18 years overdue. How about the loneliness that you would feel when the person you thought could be your everything, even after one night, left without a word, and comes back 18 years later wanting the chance that he couldn’t take back then due to extenuating circumstances? While this comparison may not make any sense to most, Naomi Winters equates her life according to these two ideas as a Green Valley librarian and as an almost 40 year old woman who gave herself fully to a man she didn’t know well but is still hoping for his return.
I’m all about a silver fox biker, and while Nathan Ryder has made a litany of bad decisions, when he reconnects with Naomi, he makes it his mission to prove himself to her and even though she’s not the girl he remembers from all those years ago and is quite a bit more closed off and afraid, there’s something about her that still calls to him even after all this time, and despite her hesitances, a past he needs to make amends for, two daughters he needs to do right by, and a previous mistakes that threatens the very relationship he desperately wants, Nathan proves the kind of man he is and why, even though their chance for love is long overdue, it’s worth the risk.
I love how unique L.B. Dunbar made her female lead; Naomi’s eccentricities are endearing and while other townspeople don’t understand her or judge her based on some of her beliefs, she’s worthy of everything her heart desires and more. The Naomi Nathan knew and the one he reacquaints himself with may not be identical, but the connection he felt to her 18 years ago is still present, even if Naomi’s not as carefree or rebellious as she used to be.
I really enjoyed Love in Due Time; there’s a great connection to the Winston family and their matriarch; the bond that Naomi shared with Bethany was a driving force of good in her life amidst the mistreatment of her by her parents. And, Nathan’s purpose in being back in Green Valley and what he hopes to build with Naomi makes him the perfect silver fox biker for his perfectly amazing librarian.
4 Poison Apples
Love in Due Time is a sweet and swoony romance that perfectly captures Penny Reid’s Green Valley universe and its characters as well as my heart. I’m a huge fan of L.B. Dunbar and she proved, once again, that people over the age of thirty-five are captivating, sexy, fun, and still possess a healthy libido. Naomi is beautifully written with layer upon layer of complexity that reveals a woman shaped by her parents’ strict religious upbringing and subsequently the misinterpretation of small minds. In spite of it all, she embraces her chosen life path with love and enthusiasm and accepts the notion that the Universe intends for that all too brief encounter with Nathan Ryder eighteen years ago to be the beginning and end of romance for her.
Nathan had me clutching my heart at the tender way he gently but insistently reenters Naomi’s life, accepts her beliefs and concerns, and proceeds to prove that sometimes the Universe can be persuaded to change its mind.
Love in Due Time is beautifully written and rich in detail, poignant ( I cried a few times), steamy, so much fun, and one of the best books I’ve read by L.B. Dunbar.
First off, is don’t let anyone ever say hot things don’t happen in libraries because they haven’t met Naomi and Nathan. I swear from the first awkward meeting these two have the sparks were poppin! L.B Dunbar did such a great job writing a nicely complex and layered story between the shy librarian and the blast from her past, single dad silver fox. Secondly, this is not your average romantic comedy because there was so many things happening that brought all the emotions. Naomi is so shy and withdrawn at times, but she still has this inner strength. The flirting between she and Nathan was so sweet, but then so steam inducing with eighteen years of pent up longing. I loved the flashbacks that you see from both of them, which I thought really brought a fullness to the story. The suspenseful elements were a bit of a surprise, but again brought so much to the story that I didn’t see coming but made it even more than I hoped. Throw in Nathan’s polar opposite children, Naomi’s sister and her drama (hello L.B. I think I need this story), and two people who never forgot the connection that changed so much. This story had it all!! I don’t wanna give anything away, so I’ll just say I laughed and cried and sighed and maybe shed a tear or two. Just read it. 4.75 Stars
A one-night stand, and meeting again 18 years later for a second-chance: this pretty much sums up the story of Naomi and Nathan. But besides our couple getting back together, there is so much more going on in Love in Due Time… I have enjoyed reading this book very much.
When Naomi and Nathan first met, they were young and wild. Nowadays Nathan is still a bit wild (and a responsible dad), but Naomi is living a very quiet, solitary life. Her past has shaped her, making her think a relationship is not for her. In the past, Nathan hasn’t always made the right choices, but now he’s a responsible guy, raising his two girls by himself. Naomi and Nathan both know they have changed a lot over the years, but what hasn’t changed is the chemistry between them.
At first sight, Naomi seems to be a bit odd. A lonely librarian, practicing Wiccan and the center of some town gossip. But as the story progresses, and more about Naomi’s past is revealed, I felt so sorry for her. It also explains so much about her, about her thoughts and actions. Nathan is a single guy, but his main focus are his daughters. I love how Nathan doesn’t give up on Naomi, and that Naomi finally finds the happiness she so much deserves.
Love in Due Time is my first book by this author, and I’ve enjoyed reading it. It has a great leading couple, a whole set of interesting side characters, a bit of suspense, really a bit of everything. It took me a bit to get used to the writing, but once I ‘was in’, I couldn’t put the book down (yes, I finished it in one sitting). This is certainly not my last book by L.D. Dunbar, and I can’t wait for the other books in the series.
I love Naomi and Nathan, and their second-chance at love. I give their story 4 stars.
5 freakin stars isn’t enough for this book!!! Because Maya has done it again!!!! This woman never fails to draw me into her world. When I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down but that’s normal for a Maya book. Nix and Elle are absolutely adorkable together. And all the things that happen to them is so funny. I absolutely love Maya’s words and recommend any book of hers that is out there!!! By Tina
What a beautiful, heartfelt, second chance romance with a touch of tragedy and heartbreak. Two young people meet by chance at a bar and the attraction is strong. But fate had different plans and 18 years later one has spent that time alone, and the other has lived a life, but not the one he had imagined. The attraction though, that is still there and they just have to be strong enough to take a chance. Even of one of them is terrified it will all come crashing down, just like last time. The epic, unforgettable world of Penny Reid has gained new characters and their stories are perfect and I could not have enjoyed this romance more. Well done to the author, it even had me shedding a tear or two
5 stuck-on-you stars!
A friend told me that this is new-to-me author was fantastic at writing stories featuring slightly older characters than my usual staple of twenty-somethings, and I must say that I absolutely loved it!
“Nathan Ryder and me equals catastrophe.”
Naomi is a nearly 40YO, Wiccan (not a witch) and librarian, who’s been single all her life. She had a brief intense encounter with a biker guy when she was 21, on one of the best and worst nights of her life, which steered the rest of her life. Eighteen years later, when she bumps into that same guy, her world tilts again. She’s not sure if she can trust him after he left her hanging once before, but there’s no denying the sizzling attraction between them.
“I remember her. Under me, she was once curves and skin and life. Vibrant. Electric. Blooming.”
Nathan has been back in Green Valley for a couple of years but he’s only just bumped into the girl he’s never forgotten. Now that he’s seen her again, he can’t seem to stay away from her. However, she’s skittish and very unlike the young girl he met. He’s determined to help that daring sexy siren resurface from beneath the serious woman he sees now, because underneath her eccentric, dowdy facade, Naomi’s “lick-me” eyes beckon him irresistibly.
“I’m all tangled up inside over you. I’m…I’m stuck on you.”
I couldn’t put Nathan and Naomi’s story down! She’s a woman who’s happy walking her own path. She’s strong, independent and has a good heart, but also a little bit vulnerable and sometimes lonely. Nathan has baggage but he keeps his head down and works hard for his family. These two coming back together is the universe pushing them towards a future and a life that they should have had all along. I loved Naomi’s bravery and quirkiness. She made me laugh with her innocent gaucheness. Nathan was pretty swoony! I loved his alpha tendancies, his thoughtfulness, and his protectiveness. I loved his sexy thoughts about Naomi and how beautiful he found her. Such a fabulous story that made me look up further books by this author!
What a great feel-good, second chance romance relating to a more mature couple. I love it! Naomi and Nathan, the good girl librarian and the bad boy biker….
An element that I really enjoyed is Naomi’s practice of Wiccan rituals. Although for the town she lived in, everybody translated it to being a witch instead. Misunderstanding in beliefs steer a lot of this story for Naomi’s side fueling actions and feelings. However this is typical for small town living.
Nathan has returned to Green Valley after being gone for years and after running into Naomi things start to look up for him, although not so much for Naomi. This silver fox biker has turned his life around and is exceptionally romantic and bad boy all wrapped up in one hot package.
These two danced around each other like the Samhain ritual with fire and hope. Even though their history was full of hurt and sadness, they both remembered one unforgettable night in each others arms that provided the chemistry to propel them forward into a precious romance that was very enjoyable to read.
I don’t usually notice chapter titles, but these were so cute. All based on the Dewey Decimal reference system. It surely took me back to my childhood and the class we had with the librarian every year in elementary school to learn how to use the card catalog. My how things have changed! Ch 31 306.73. Culturally Typical Patterns of *** Relationships and Behavior. One of my favorite chapters too!
Love In Due Time by L.B. Dunbar is part of Penny Reid’s Green Valley World but can be read as a standalone and I loved that our heroes are older and mature. A second chance romance where two people who were their own person and lived liked they wanted. Naomi was quirky and unique. Nathan was strong, determined and caring. They knew each other years ago and then life got in the way. Can this be their second chance? Love in Due Time by L.B. Dunbar was a charming second chance romance that was funny and emotional book about finding yourself and acceptance.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
***5 ‘I’m Stuck On You’ Stars***
Unputdownable!
I shouldn’t admit that since I was supposed to be doing that whole #workthing but sometimes you just have to break the rules a tinsy bit. But I got sucked into Naomi and Nathan’s journey and loved every awkward, sweet, smexy and heartbreaking moment and wasn’t all that happy when there were no more words to read.
I adored Naomi and Nathan. Naomi is an interesting mix of a woman owning who she is all while not letting herself actually be all that she is. I know, you’re thinking “How can that be? If she owns herself then…” It’s hard to explain without spoilers, but when you meet her and get to know her you’ll understand. But beneath all that is a really good and genuine heart. Nathan is all kinds of determined, sweet smexyness. He isn’t perfect by any means, but he is a good man who wants to be more.
I thoroughly enjoyed Naomi and Nathan’s second chance romance. The awkwardness was real with these two, but it was also sweet and I loved watching as they got to truly know each other. They may have been opposites in a lot of ways, but they had a flow, a connection that was undeniable. The roadblock in their relationship was a big one, and let me tell you, my heart broke for both of them when the hit it, but I did like how everything ended up working out for them.
This was such a great read. A lot goes on in this book, but it only served to give Nathan and Naomi’s journey more depth for me. There are few triggers in here, but they are handled well and are important to the story and the characters development. As for the secondary cast of characters ~ I am crossing my toes that we see more of Sabrina, Todd, Bev and Jedd as the Pennyverse grows because I really want to know them all a lot better!
~ Copy provided by Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
I loved this book. Beautifully quirky, tender and unexpected, it tells a love story that has patience and devotion at its heart. Learning to trust again, dealing with suspicion because of perceived difference, acceptance and second chances, all meet to deliver a read which wrapped me up and made me feel so much better. That is a gift for which I am always grateful.
I am a fan of L.B. Dunbar’s romances featuring main characters in their 40s, so there was no way I was going to miss out on reading LOVE IN DUE TIME. It’s part of Penny Reid’s Smartypants Romance world and is set in Green Valley, the place where we first met Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers.
This book can definitely be read as a standalone but I urge Penny Reid fans who are familiar with Green Valley and its inhabitants to read this as soon as you can get your mitts on it. The revelations will BLOW. YOUR. MIND!!! That’s all I am saying, because it’s back to the main feature.
LOVE IN DUE TIME is a second chance romance for Naomi Winters and Nathan Ryder. These star-crossed lovers meet again after 18 years. They’re somewhat greyer but the embers of attraction are still warm and it doesn’t take much for these two to catch fire. Their continued attraction is undeniable, but it’s paired with the excitement and awkwardness of a new love. And the at-times awkwardness between these two is delightful. I had a good laugh at some of the unintended scrapes they got themselves into.
This romance does not come without troubles, though. Nathan’s decision to return to Green Valley causes friction with members of the Iron Wraiths Motorcycle Club. There are reasons for his departure all those years ago and those reasons remain. Naomi may have stayed in Green Valley but she’s been battling her own demons as she carries the guilt of an event that split her family apart many years ago. Her salvation has been her long-standing job at the local library but even this is under threat as government budgetary cuts may signal the end of the library altogether. And if that’s not enough, as a long-practising Wiccan, she’s been the ideal target for intimidation by the town’s less accepting residents.
I am not familiar with Wiccan practises, and its inclusion in the storyline was informative rather than irritating to me; I typically avoid romance books where established religions and belief systems are a running theme. On a lighter note, as important as Wicca is to Naomi, she’s able to joke about it, especially when it involves her cauldron and Nathan’s wand. *snort*
LOVE IN DUE TIME is romantic, funny, informative and entertaining. Highly recommended.