The Black Dove

Edgewater Romance #3

by Evita Wren

He’s her new boss—and the man who just stole her promotion.
She’s the woman who stole his heart two years ago—without even giving her name.
Emma Tucker doesn’t do messy, impulsive, or casual.
Except for that one night at The Black Dove.
But that’s ancient history, and she’s not about to fall for the man she met in the dark. Emma’s waiting for a fairytale, not the kind of guy who goes to a place like that.
Besides, she’s too busy keeping her career intact and planning her brother’s wedding to her best friend to worry about love right now.
Theo West’s job was supposed to be simple: fix the school’s test scores, be the bad guy, and move on.
Except “be the bad guy” wasn’t meant to include accidentally stealing the promotion of the one teacher who can’t stand him—or realizing she’s the same woman who ruined him two years ago.
No names. No faces. No kissing.
Emma Tucker should’ve added one more rule to her application that night: no falling in love with me.
Now Theo has to work side by side with the woman he’s been obsessed with for two years—and she still has no idea who he is.

The Black Dove is a spicy slow burn small town romance in the Edgewater Romance series. It features a secret identity, second chance storyline with a slow burn (and then lots of spice), with a guaranteed HEA.
This is the third book in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, it is best enjoyed after reading the first two books: Harper's Landing and The Blooming Tide.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2026

About the author

Evita Wren is an indie romance author.
She writes heartfelt, spicy, and occasionally funny contemporary (for now!) romance designed to hurt your feelings a little before you get to that sweet HEA.
She enjoys crafting relatable and realistic emotional conflict, character-driven intimacy, and the odd suspense-adjacent twist here and there.
Evita’s favorite things to write are witty banter, well-earned spice after a good slow burn, emotionally resonant character arcs, and realistic bodies (you won’t find washboard abs here unless it fits a character’s lifestyle, which is almost never, sorry!).
She mostly writes MF contemporary, but also MM, FF, and MMF triad/poly relationships (throuples, if you don’t dislike the term like she does).
Her current project is the Edgewater Romance series, beginning with Harper's Landing!

Reviews

[Sara Neves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so incredibly happy to have discovered Evita Wren. This is the third book in the Edgewater series, and once again, I couldn’t put it down. Evita has a real talent for making her stories completely absorbing — I’ve found myself reading each book in one go because they’re just that engaging.

Although The Black Dove is part of a series and can be enjoyed as a standalone, I would strongly recommend reading the series from the beginning. Doing so adds so much depth, especially when it comes to the side characters, whose backstories and growth make the overall experience even more rewarding.

This book focuses primarily on Emma and Theo’s story, and I loved their dynamic. The characters are written in a way that makes you genuinely care about them, and the emotional investment feels effortless. What impressed me most was how Evita continues to develop the other characters alongside the main storyline without ever overshadowing Emma and Theo. It truly feels like each character’s story is slowly unfolding, building toward their own moment in the spotlight — which makes me even more excited for what’s to come.

The banter throughout the book had me giggling more than once, and the writing style is smooth, natural, and incredibly easy to read. It’s the kind of book you sink into without even realizing how quickly the pages are turning.

I can’t wait to continue with this series and follow the journeys of the other characters.

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC reader, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sadie Hales · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review;

It was a good read, I found the FMC to be pretty relatable! The supporting characters were so fun to have around. The story did feel a bit slow to me, but overall I really enjoyed it!

[Kirsty Cavagin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all this is my first book by this author and honestly I will definately read more. Her character development is pretty good and the storyline was a great concept.

I’m such a hopeless romantic and this was a fairytale romance albeit a little unconventional.

Little jack! Omg he’s adorable I want to keep him. Such a cutie.

Now about the actual book. The writing style is a bit long winded at first and really took some getting used to, and I was a bit worried I wasn’t gonna enjoy it… but girl proved me wrong. Not gonna lie though there was a few times I had to look up some words that I really did not understand. Kinda seamed a bit like the good old thesaurus played a big part in the writing but I got there there in the end.

I do feel like the beginning of the story was dragged out a little and far too much emphasis was put on explaining who everyone was and how they knew it other and it did confuse me a little bit. However! This did actually help me in the long run because I knew and understood the emotional attachments to each character and I have to say that I did become quite attached myself. Especially to Nina… like seriously I love that girl! I did also realise this isn’t the first book is this series so I probably should’ve read the others first because there was a lot of character names to get my head around.

There’s a lot going on in this book aswell which is great. Yes it’s a love story and that’s the main premise… well it was to me anyway. But this author really does seam to care a lot about what she’s writing, the FMC is a strong candidate for standing up for the rights of people who don’t fit the standard mold. Especially in this instance kids on the spectrum (ADHD) she rights with passion and genuinely understanding about the struggles that neurodivergent children and adults go through day to day. She doesn’t just write this as a passing character attribute but as a real life long advocate. I love that she made Emma stand up for this children and really fight their corner. Never backing down no matter what!

As for Theo and Emma. God I love them! The back and forth between them is fabulous. I love that she has a comeback for everything. She’s witty and strong willed and I think that’s great especially when she seams shy and withdrawn a little to start. It was nice to see her realise for herself that she is a strong women and she can and is the boss… not just in the bedroom 😉 Theo is a big teddy bear bless him. He’s so in control and prim and proper but them with Emma he just melts and I love it. Oh and the searching for her bra scene. ‘What’s in the package?’ A full f**king set of copper-bottom saucepans, Theo, what do you think?’ I was creased 🤣

As for the ending. I feel like that last maybe 150 pages felt rushed. Like the author knew what she wanted to happen and just had to get it all in in so many pages. However this for me wasn’t a bad thing because I’m always so desperate to know whats gonna happen and it was great that I didn’t have to read a load of filler content to get to the good parts.

Overall I did really enjoy this and the characters were cute and relatable in a strange way. I look forward to reading more from this author and I would love to know what happened with Theo and Emma because I really hope they get everything they ever wanted 🥰

[Caitlinn Annis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

My only problem with this book was that work and sleep got in the way of my reading!

Now, I'm not a huge written reviewer. I doubt I will post something as amazing as those below...but if there is one thing you take from my review, it's that you give this book a read!

Honestly, I often have a hard time getting through small town romances. However, the Edgewater Series has been the only series that has kept me HOOKED! The Black Dove alone has checked all my boxes.
The storyline? Yes.
The FML and MML? Yes! (I loved their meet-cute a little too much)
The spice? OMG YES.

It is one of those books that demand your attention and you give it!!

I would recommend reading all the books in this series in order, but to be honest, you didn't really need to. It was so special on it's own!

Thank you Evita Wren for my late nights and really tired work days!
It was WORTH it.

[Salina Casabona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly lucky to be selected as an ARC reader for this wonderful book, and I want to start by saying thank you. I absolutely devoured it.
Avita Wren clearly went to great lengths to provide thoughtful and authentic representation of ADHD, neurodivergence, and other medical conditions. It hit especially close to home for me, as someone who struggled through school with undiagnosed ADHD. I truly wish I’d had someone in my corner the way these characters do.
The two main characters have fantastic banter, undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of angst. The slow burn is delicious, and when the spice finally hits, it completely caught me by surprise—in the best way. The story delivers all the right emotional beats without ever feeling too heavy.
I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need everyone to understand that the second The Black Dove hit my inbox, I immediately stopped what I was doing. No sarting it later. No self-control. Evita Wren has very quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors in the last year, and getting Emma’s story and returning to Edgewater had me seated. Buckled in. READY TO GO.

First things first, and this matters to me a lot: Evita’s commitment to representation is everything. ADHD, migraines, Raynaud’s, neurodivergence... this isn’t surface level or thrown in for points. It’s real, intentional, and deeply woven into the story. The heart of this book revolves around fighting for the rights of neurodivergent kids, and as someone who is neurodivergent, this storyline hit me in my very core. I felt seen in a way that doesn’t happen often. This book means something, and I know it’s going to resonate so deeply with so many readers. It might be a romance, but it is SO much more than that.

Now... Emma and Theo. Let’s talk about them because I am not okay.

Their dynamic was truly ELECTRIC and I do not say that lightly. The banter was elite. The back and forth between them was a serious game of tug of war, in the best possible way. They’re forced to work together, there’s tension, there’s frustration, there’s this underlying enemies-ish vibe, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. They are absolutely down bad for each other (Theo especially), and watching that slow realization unfold was delicious.

The way they originally met??? Actual jaw drop. Like… excuse me??? I won’t spoil it because it is worth reading for that alone, but *that* line where Theo talks about how he met Emma? OH, WHAT A MEET CUTE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE. And then putting them on opposite sides while still fighting for the same goal? So smart. So fun. So painful in the best way. I love how Emma NEVER backed down once from fighting for the wellbeing of her kids. She is so fierce! Also, Theo going through the packages had me LOSING IT. I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard.

This book made me laugh (Theo was hilarious), made me emotional (kids like Jack and Carrie), made my heart hurt a little (the fight for representation and a world where everyone is seen and helped and heard and loved), and then made it absolutely RACE. The balance between humor, tension, tenderness, and longing and yearning was perfect. And the spice… yeah. It’s that good. Slow burn done right, payoff delivered. And that motorcycle scene? I’m not saying anything except: if you know, you know. 🫠

I loved this book. Like, truly, deeply loved it. Evita Wren just doesn’t miss for me, and The Black Dove might be one of my favorites from her yet. She is truly so talented and gifted and crafts such amazing books that are not just romance, but actually mean something. I already need the next book in this series injected into my veins. Edgewater has my whole heart. 🖤

Thank you to Evita Wren for the eARC of this book.

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Dove hooked me with one of my favorite setups: two masked strangers at a sex club, drawn to each other with that instant, electric pull… only to vanish from each other’s lives before names are ever exchanged. It’s intimate, anonymous, and unforgettable. It’s exactly the kind of encounter that I live for!

Years later, Emma thinks that night is long behind her. She’s focused on her students, on advocating for kids who learn differently, and on fighting a school system that wants to bulldoze nuance with standardized testing. Theo walks in as her new principal. Polished. Controlled. A little too observant. And absolutely, unmistakably the man behind the mask, though she has no idea.. yet!

The tension that builds from that secret alone is delicious. Theo recognizes her instantly when she says something that he immediately correlates with his masked stranger, and every interaction becomes a game of restraint and memory. Their banter snaps. Their chemistry simmers. And when the truth finally cracks open, the spice is every bit as good as the slow-burn anticipation that you feel building.

What surprised me most is how grounded the school storyline feels. Wren doesn’t shy away from the real stakes: how testing policies impact kids who learn or function differently (the representation is INSANE and so intentional, it’ll make you cry), how teachers like Emma fight for individualized support, and how administrators like Theo are caught between bureaucracy and what’s actually right. It adds depth, purpose, and a sense of a shared mission that makes their second chance feel bigger than just a romance; it’s about rebuilding trust, rebuilding systems, and rebuilding themselves.

If you’re the kind of romance reader who lives for anonymous‑hookup‑turned‑workplace‑reunion tension, a MMC who falls first and recognizes her long before she pieces it together, a FMC who fights fiercely for her students, banter that crackles, spice that absolutely sizzles and emotional stakes rooted in real‑world education issues, Black Dove hits every single one of those buttons in the best way.

A huge thank you to Evita Wren for the early copy!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Black Dove is a charming, emotionally grounded romance that blends second-chance tension with workplace rivals and just the right dash of fate. It feels refreshingly classic—miscommunication, longing, and two people circling each other while pretending they’re absolutely not doing that.

Emma is practical, driven, and determined to keep her life tidy. That one anonymous night at The Black Dove? A blip. A mistake. Definitely not something she’s building a fairytale around. Her focus on career, family, and responsibility makes her easy to root for, especially when the promotion she worked for is yanked out from under her by her new boss. Enter Theo.

Theo is the quietly smitten kind of hero—the type who’s already fallen and is just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. His realization that Emma is her—the woman who’s haunted him for two years—is deliciously painful, and being forced to work beside her while keeping that secret cranks the tension up page by page. He’s not flashy or cruel, just human and trying to do his job while his heart actively betrays him.

What makes this story shine is the slow build. The glances, the irritation, the sparks neither of them want to acknowledge—it all feels earned. The anonymity of their past adds a romantic, almost old-fashioned twist, making their connection feel destined rather than coincidental.

If you love workplace romance, second chances, and stories where love waits patiently until the timing is finally right, The Black Dove is a sweet, satisfying read with heart, humor, and just enough angst to keep things interesting. 🖤🕊️

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to Edgewater we go! Trying to explain my thoughts without spoiling is going to be a tricky one for me, but man...Evita did it again. Emma and Theo “meet” in a sex club after being talked into visiting it by someone in their lives (for Theo it’s his sister, to let loose, for Emma, it’s her best friend). The reason I say “meet” is the room is completely dark, no names, no kissing. It’s not until two years later, when he ends up her boss, that he figures out that the woman he is working with on a new assessment project – that is meant to help keep her school open – is her. The woman he’s been looking for. Emma doesn’t find out as quickly, and oof, her sass towards him is fantastic. In her eyes, Theo took her job. She has no idea that he’s the man she’s been thinking about for two years. As usual with Evita’s writing, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, turning the digital page just wanting to see what our two MCs were going to do and when Emma was going to FINALLY learn the truth. I do believe this is the *first* book Evita has written that I didn’t absolutely lose my shit with, though I was very close. And I do mean *very close*. The feelings are always there. The rollercoaster of emotions are still there. I don’t know how she manages it, but she nails it every time. It was great to revisit Edgewater again, and I can’t wait for book 4 and see what shenanigans happen in this small town next! As always I most definitely recommend.

[Andrea Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 ARC REVIEW | THE BLACK DOVE 🖤
thank you to the author for the early copy.

this book had me hooked from the premise alone—and it absolutely delivered.

emma and theo’s story is built on tension that feels earned: a stolen promotion, a shared past neither of them can forget, and one night at the black dove that quietly changed everything. the hidden identity element adds such a delicious layer of ache, especially as theo realizes exactly who emma is… long before she knows who he is.

the slow burn here is immaculate. rivals-to-lovers with second-chance energy, forced proximity, and that constant push-pull where attraction and resentment exist at the same time. every interaction between emma and theo is loaded—history, longing, frustration, and the fear of wanting someone who could break you.

the coastal small-town setting adds warmth and intimacy, grounding the story beautifully. the angst is achy without being overwhelming, and when the spice finally hits, it’s confident, intentional, and worth the wait. sensual, a little kinky, but always rooted in emotion.

this is the kind of romance that hurts just enough before it heals you. tender, swoony, and deeply satisfying—with a sweet HEA that feels earned after the journey.

🕯️🌊⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
slow burn. second chance. emma & theo forever.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. The views expressed are all my own. I really loved this story. I had such a hard time putting it down. The MFC Emma was so amazing. I loved her spunk and ability to stand up for what she believes in. Her advocating for her students was so well written, and shows the importance of helping kids who have disabilities or disadvantages. She meets Theo, her school’s new principal and my word the chemistry between them is amazing. I loved seeing her go toe to toe against someone she thought was only there to meet the status quo.

Theo is also such a cute character. He is only planning on being at the school for a short time, but that will obviously not be happening. He truly does have a heart for children, and I love seeing him and Emma work out their differences.

This is the third book in the series, but it was the first one I read from this author. I will definitely be going back and reading the earlier ones. I was a little overwhelmed by the all the characters names in the beginning, until I realized that there were two earlier books in the series. But it didn’t stop me from loving this book, and it didn’t take away my enjoyment from it. I would highly recommend The Black Dove

[Elena Andorfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!!! ❤️ I am so happy I found Evita Wren on FB!! I hadn't read anything by her, let alone knew of her. I came across her post to be an arc reader and I couldn't be happier that I was chosen to receive an early addition, read and review it. I wanted to read the books from the beginning of the series as this is book 3. So down the rabbit hole I went. 😊

This book is about 2 strangers who meet in the dark for one night of sexual mischief, 😉, and then part their separate ways. 2 years later the magic happens. I love their sexual tension, their back and forth playful snarks at each other, and the forced proximity. Theo is a man who puts everyone's needs above and before him, which is not always the answer as he soon finds out with the mystery woman from 2 years ago, Emma.

This book had me giggling and blushing 😊 the whole time. I was smiling throughout the book and couldn't put it down. I loved how Evita took real issues and brought attention and knowledge through the characters and into the reader. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

If you want to find out what happens, pick up the book/series and find out what happens to the men and women of Edgewater! I promise you won't be disappointed!

[Carly Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Dove is another fabulous addition to the Edgewater romance series.

Theo is martyr who falls on his sword so many times he should look like Swiss cheese - not a fairytale wet dream. Emma is a boss bitch who discovers she’s a bit of a switch in the bedroom - thanks to her anonymous one night stand at The Black Dove. When the fates align & these two strangers meet again, one phrase from Emma’s mouth connects the dots for Theo. She’s who he’s been searching for, for two years. But Emma is none the wiser, & Theo isn’t able to voice their connection. After all, how do you tell someone they’re the one that pegged you in an adult club? As the weeks go by, they grow closer, until one phrase from Theo’s mouth connects the dots for Emma. Initially frustrated Theo didn’t say anything (understandable!), the two years of lusting after each other catches light & together they explode.

This anonymous one night stand, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, super spicy romance with a MMC who is a total goner for his woman (once they get past the enemies bit) is delicious. I couldn’t put this book down, & was swept up in the small town romance between Emma & Theo.

[Rebecca Newman]

I wasn't raised a quitter!

The third instalment in the Edgewater Romance Series focuses on Theo and Emma who met two years ago but have no idea. They are forced to work together after Theo is given the promotion Emma was promised. It is a slow burn Romance, until it wasn't and then the spice hit HARD! It's giving Fia and Cade after dark (IYKYK).

Much like Evita's other works, representation of ADHD, Migraines, Raynauds and neurodiversity is woven within the story at such a deep and real level. The good and ugly sides are shown and handled so well. For anyone who has needed someone advocating for them, Emma Tucker will hold a special place in your heart.

The whole story had me feeling so many emotions in the best kind of way. Although it could be read as a standalone, having read books 1 and 2 (also fantastic books!) makes you feel like you're truly in the world of Edgewater. I honestly cant wait to read what comes next.

As always, there are some hard themes throughout this book so please read the trigger warnings mapped out at the front of the book and if you have a bike... DON'T try it at home (IYKYK ;))

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma works as a teacher, focusing on helping neurodivergent students be successful. Theo is the new superintendent hired to help fix test scores. These two clash from the very beginning, but must work together to come up with a plan to help all students. But, they have met before, two years ago at the Black Dove, though the room was dark and no names exchanged, so they don't realize it. Theo has been searching for her ever since. There was so much bander and I loved that while both characters initially battle for control, cand give it up to each other. If was a refreshing change to see him give up his control, instead of it always being the female character. There was some definite spice in this book, though it comes in the last third of the book. Definitely want to read more from this author.
I will say it would have been helpful to read the previous books in the series to go in with a better understanding of the other relationships in the book, but it is not necessary.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Evita Wren and I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I tried not to take any stars off for typos, errors, poor sentence structure, etc. since it was an ARC.

I thought it was a cute story with a bit of humor and suspense thrown in to keep it exciting.

I will say I did not read the first two books, so at first I was very overwhelmed by all the character names & felt lost by page 3 lol. But I do think if I'd read the other books first, I could've avoided that confusion.

I do feel like some scenes were overly, unnecessarily descriptive and it pulled away from the flow of the story. There were also a few random things that I found distracting, for example, mentioning the "sodium vapor" lights about half a dozen times.

Personally, I would've liked a little more backstory on the main characters, but what was included I enjoyed.

Overall, I did really like this romance and would consider reading another book by Evita.

[Alisha Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I first discovered Evita Wren from her spicy Christmas book and I’m so glad I did.

Reading the third book in this series was just what I needed to get out of my reading slump. It has comedy, spice and everything in between.

The beginning took me a while to get into but I’m not sure that’s because I haven’t finished the first two books first. You don’t need to but I definitely recommend it as there’s what seems to be call backs I just didn’t understand.

I feel like some of the plot elements were quickly forgotten as soon as Theo and Emma got together. Such as the hybrid plan, I would’ve loved to have seen them hashing that out and using their relationship to jokingly manipulate the other to get what they wanted.

Overall this book is great and I love the character development.

I’m betting on book four being Rebecca and Caleb 👀

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost I have to say a huge thank you to Evita for sending me the ARC form after it had closed ❤️ she truly didn’t have to go above and beyond, but she did. And I am so glad, because I’ve never read any of her books before. So this is my first, and I’m sold! This book literally covered everything I would hope to read in a book with so much more. Emma and Theo were awesome. I loved their night out that two years ago, neither realizing who the other was. The small town won me over. As well as how well written this was. The ADHD, and other conditions were written so respectfully and with delicacy. I laughed and had to cool myself off with those spicy scenes. But overall, I really loved the writing style and the story in general.

[Pamela Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I am glad I read the other two first because it helps with knowing the characters.

Theo sounds so hot, add a motorcycle and someone who only took the schooling he did to protect his sister. perfect man. I cant imagine looking for someone for 2 years.

Emma the protector is great at her job she truly advocates for those kids and I am glad she uses her voice.

Theo and Emma are a cute (hot) couple. Had to look up a few things but at the end of the day it was me not knowing things.

The spice was great. The leather pants (fan my face) while I know that scene would be unsafe it was also hot.

[Courtney Crann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a hard time getting through small town romances. I often find them hard to get through, too dragged out, too slow burn. This one tho, I was obsessed, I absolutely loved the story, I powered through all 3 in no time!
I would recommend reading all the books in this series in order, but I didn’t have an issue reading this book before the first two, I did have to go back and read the first two after looooving this one! So take as you will from my review, but you will NOT regret this series. Evita Wren absolutely nailed these books ❤️

Thank you Evita Wren for allowing me to be a part of the arc team for this book 🥰

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read.

This slow burn small town romance is going to blow your socks off. Quite literally.

The fire between our main characters shows throughout the book. As much as they try to work together… the tension is THICK like maple syrup. These two manage to have witty arse banter while working on a project to improve testing for the children. As tensions run deep the story dives deeper as we see glimpses of each characters background, their control issues & just how much they may need one another even if they won’t admit it.

More incoming… initial thoughts.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.
This incredible second-chance slow-burn nearly killed me, in the best way possible.

He's her new boss, and she's standing up for the kids in her school. Over time, they realize they can achieve so much more by working together, both at work and at home (wink wink).

This has been my favorite book in the Edgewater series so far. The first two books in the series are also amazing, don't get me wrong, but they tackle some really heavy themes. This book was intense in a different way, and I couldn't put it down.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this book (the entire series actually). As a Neurospicy girl myself, I really appreciated the characters. I love how Evita brought both humor and the pains of reality that can be experienced for non neurotypical people. I love that her characters have very human flaws but are all so lovable. The spicy bits were well written and HOT. This book has left me wanting more!!

[Megan Key-Holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Emma!! Wow!! They have such an unconventional relationship journey. I think that just makes them even more interesting. I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. Theo is accustomed to sacrificing his wants for other people, and Emma often forgets to take care of herself while taking care of everyone else. Luckily, they can be their true selves with each other. This is another top notch installment is the series!

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this ARC. The Black Dove is a slow-burn that hurts so good—loaded with tension, obsession, and the kind of chemistry that feels borderline illegal. Emma and Theo’s history, the power dynamics, the yearning??

Absolutely feral. Every interaction crackles, the angst claws at your chest, and when the spice finally hits, it hits. The coastal small-town vibes only make it more intoxicating, and the sweet, healing HEA was exactly what my emotionally wrecked heart needed.

[Cali Lohrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oh my this book had me waiting to hear about that night at the club 2 years ago from page one!!! These two in this book are like magnets. I planned to read the first two books of this series prior to reading this but things didn't go my way this month. But man did this book make me want to go read the other books. The series is an interconnected standalone but this book definitely referenced things that happened in the past books for the side characters. It was so awesome to see Emma as a teacher fighting for the kids! This was perfect!!!

[Joann Cutler · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC) I really enjoyed this book. There were a couple chapters that were a bit more than I prefer. It is memories of when the parties met and had a bit more Sub/Dom detail than I prefer (not that I am squeamish about s*xual details, but just not my trope area). The overarching story was awesome and the inclusion of how school approach “standardized” testing and accommodations for those who don’t fit in the “normal” box was phenomenal!

[Lyndsey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual I sped read this in one sitting! I love Evitas love stories!

They are beautiful unique and have representation of so many different types of people.

I love Theo and Emma together. It’s a rivals to lovers, longing, he falls first all the goodness!

I love diving back into each different couple in this series and I loved being able to see glimpses of the past couples. I can’t wait to find out who is next in the series!

[Danielle Rader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg omg omg Evita is making it harder and harder to pick a top book. But it’s set in stone that Theo West is my top MMC in Edgewater! He may have come off Mister Grumpy at first but the long term pining he does for Emma ughhhhh so stinking sweet 🥰🥹 Also Emma coming in hot being an advocate for all her students! Love that! Another great read from Evita!

[Stephanie Routhier · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


Well excuse me.. who was going to tell me that this would some of the best spice I’ve read all year?

The motorcycle, god the motorcycle. I can’t get over it.

This book is part of a series, and i haven’t read the first two, but will be changing that asap!