Love in Due Time

“I’m stuck on you.” This phrase has multiple meanings for the amazing couple in this sweet second chance romance. It also is one of the cutest ways Naomi and Nathan express their feelings to each other later on. I adore those scenes of them literally getting stuck together so much in so many ways. For an older couple they definitely go through some awkward and innocent moments besides the steamy and sexy times. It has been 18 years since they have seen each other and they didn’t exactly have a typical ending. The past definitely shaped who Naomi is now and she is so not the same as her 21 year old self by a long shot. Nathan is different now too. He’s a dad to two girls. He is a very protective man which is what draws him even more to Naomi. To watch him and Naomi reconnect and work through and deal with the past and issues in the present too is such a wonderful and hopeful story. It isn’t easy that’s for sure but somehow they get through it and find their HEA with each other. 4 1/2 stars for this wonderful love story by LB Dunbar.

Love in Due Time is an unusual second-chance romance with intriguing characters. Nathan and Naomi had a very interesting night together as young adults; however, that night changed both of their lives in unexpected and not necessarily good ways. Skip forward 18 years and Nathan and Naomi are once again in the same space with the same feelings ricocheting between them. On the surface, Naomi and Nathan appear complete opposites and yet they have a connection that cannot be denied. Unfortunately, the night they spent together resulted in a repercussions which unwittingly tie them together further. The events of the night 18 years ago are revealed in small pieces allowing the reader to put the pieces together before they are disclosed within the narrative. I adored the depiction of Wicca within the plot and how different beliefs can be feared and therefore persecuted by others. Of course, I had to adore Naomi being a librarian myself, consequently, the inclusion of the library highlighted the plight of public libraries through lack of funding alongside the precarious career situation librarians constantly find themselves in. The Iron Wraiths play an integral part within Love in Due Time especially with regard to the events separating Naomi and Nathan for the past 18 years. Although, personally, I was hoping to see the end of the motorcycle gang; LB Dunbar also managed to explain the draw of such gangs to those that don’t have family support or feel as if they don’t belong. Love in Due Time is a slow-burn second chance romance with the added benefit of seeing the main characters bloom into the people they were always destined to become ❤

4 stars — This book started REALLY strong, and I was laughing out loud at some of the inner thoughts of Naomi. There were still a lot of things I loved about the story, but I also sort of got tripped up by the writing on occasion. I’m not sure what exactly about it, sometimes I really can’t clarify, you know? But it made it harder to stay connected to the characters and their journey. Naomi was a strange heroine for me. I felt so much for her, what she went through growing up, as well as the tragedies and guilt/shame she was carrying around. But I think the fact that she was so much older, that she had so many years of life under her belt, made it harder for me to understand her lack of movement. She carried an awful burden for 18 years, and as such, sometimes it was like being in the head of a much younger woman. It stunted her growth. I’m not saying it’s not realistic, just that I, personally, had a harder time connecting with her because of it. I enjoyed the silver fox of Nathan as the hero. I appreciated that we got to see vulnerability in this big biker guy. He was sensitive and felt a lot, and I loved how earnestly he pursued Naomi. About the only thing that didn’t quite work for me is that I wouldn’t have minded seeing him interacting with his daughters a bit more throughout the story…they spent more time on the periphery. The romance between Nathan and Naomi was surprisingly sweet *and* steamy. I enjoyed their dates, their little daily interactions, seeing them get to know one another. That poem pretty much sold me on Nathan though, SWOON city. I appreciated the look we got, through Naomi, into the life of a Wiccan, and what some of those beliefs might entail. It was an interesting balance in the book, b/c she was mocked because of it, and even Nathan teased her on a few things, but in general I thought it was presented with respect. I’ve read 3 different stories now in the Smartypants Romance Universe, and it was interesting to see how each author chose to integrate their stories in the world. In this one it felt like the major characters of the Winston Brothers existed very much in the background of the story, and it was more about the world of Green Valley. I didn’t mind this, but I will admit my preference is for more significant cameos…but that’s just me. All in all, this was a solid romance read for me. And I will admit, I really appreciated having older main characters to follow, especially ones not daunted by their age.