The Lake House

Firefly Summer #2

by Lori Foster

Second chances, surprising revelations, and sweet, unexpected love go hand-in-hand in the tiny lakeside town at the heart of this charming series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.

When Pixie Nolan first came to Bramble, Kentucky, the abandoned and desperate young single mother found hope, healing, and a fresh start. With the loving support of her best friends—Marlow Heddings and her handsome Marine husband, Cort—Pixie is now happily raising her toddler son in a cozy cottage, managing Marlow’s thriving boutique, and designing firefly logo t-shirts that are selling like hotcakes. The past is behind her, and life is good.

She never expected to make an electrifying connection with a summer renter, a retired Navy SEAL with his own complicated past . . .

A rugged warrior with scars both seen and unseen, Brogan Rafferty arrives with an adorable baby girl in tow and settles into the lake house next door. And while he’s a stunning addition to the gorgeous scenery, it’s his caring devotion that captures Pixie’s heart—the way he gently snuggles away the precious infant’s cries, or swoops Pixie’s delighted little boy high in the air with his tattooed, muscular arms.

But it’s no coincidence that Brogan has found Pixie, and his startling revelations make it clear she’s the key to healing old regrets and building new dreams. And when a hostile stranger turns up with shocking accusations against Bramble’s new hometown hero, Pixie must put her own fears and heartbreak away for good—and learn what it truly means to trust.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Found Family, Small Town Romance, Chick Lit

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.

•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.

•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.

•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.

•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.

•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.

•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.

•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.

•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.

•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer)]

Brogan Rafferty, a retired Navy SEAL, arrives in Bramble with an adorable baby girl in tow. He is renting out the old cottage that Pixie and her son used before settling next door. While this works as a standalone romance with its own HEA, previous characters and townfolk are woven into the story. If you love that small-town vibe and updates like I do, you’ll want to grab book one first.

Lori Foster delivered a realistic, heartwarming story that unfolded slowly and settled over me like a favorite cozy blanket. Brogan is broody, protective, and carrying baggage. He feels guilty about things even as we learn they were beyond his control. He is very protective and gentle with baby Shayna and the man stole my heart.

Pixie and her adorable son Andy have come along way since they arrived on Marlow’s doorstep. I loved seeing the confidence that has come from being surrounded by her found family. The chemistry is there between her and Brogan, and I loved watching this one unfold. Brogan’s story touched me. Foster has a way of making her characters feel genuine.

Secrets, a little mystery, and some danger kept me reading. Andy and his affection for Shayna, “my baby,” stole scenes and made me smile. We get updates and see Marlow and Cort which delighted me, as well as the townsfolk who embraced these newcomers.

If you are looking for a swoony, feel-good, small-town romance that will leave you with a smile, I recommend packing The Lake House in your tote this summer. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Wendy]

The Lake House is the second book in Lori Foster's "Firefly Summer" series but can certainly be read as a standalone.
Pixie Nolan an abandoned and desperate young single mother found hope and healing in Bramble, Kentucky. She has made a fresh start with the support of her dear friends and never expected to make an instant connection with a retired Navy SEAL with his own complicated past.
A feel good novel of unexpected love and second chances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Terry]

A sweet romance about second chances. This story takes place in a small town by a lake in Kentucky. I loved the characters and the sense of community that the small town evoked.

[Gina]

An enjoyable second chance at romance in a small town. I loved how Lori Foster brings together two people who were not looking for love. This is the story of Pixie, Brogan, Pixie’s son, Andy, and Brogan’s cute niece, Shayna. It’s so cute how Andy quickly gets attached to Shayna and for good reasons. I like it when Lori brings back people from the previous book in the series. I’m so loving this series! You never disappoint Lori!!!

[Alexa Kim {Osaragi My Queen}]

“Sometimes, when we run out of options and we have no idea what to do, the most unlikely answer turns out to be the right one.”

lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı.
Now Playing: Something Stupid - Nicole Kidman and Robbie Williams
0:28 ———♡——— 2:44
◁◁ ▐ ▌ ▷▷

The only minus of this book is that it ended.

I loved the small-town vibe, the conflicts and difficulties, the dialogue and ordinary moments, and, of course, the love. The love frankly deserves another star, because this slow-burn is so amazing that I'd read it over and over... I'm not even joking.

~Notable mentions~
- Brogan Rafferty
Typically, men like him aren't my type, but THIS ONE... *dreamy sigh* I would very much like to have in my life. Kind, empathetic, absolutely selfless, and strong. Don't we all want a man like that? ;)

- Pixie Nolan
After surviving so many hardships, she's still standing. +1000 aura.

- Andy and Shayna
The most adorable babies! (I honestly really love watching baby videos...)

- Cort and Marlow
Now I'm going to read the first book in the series faster, I want to know their love story too!

Want small-town romance and slow-burn? Try this.

[Rebekah Cadorette]

I reallyreally like Lori Foster but this book was treacly sweet and had no real depth to the story. Mostly it was page after page of describing the daily routines of childcare interspersed with declarations of adoration for the babies and intense admiration of each other's qualities. About 25% of the way through I began skimming for dialogue to see what there was of the plot play out.

I also got really tired of the main male character insisting over and over again what a terrible person he was and how could anybody admire him and he wasn't a hero blah blah blah when he was painted in every way as an exemplary man with an heroic background.

It was a shallow short story padded out with detailed washing the baby's face, kissing toes, feeding bottles, bath time... all parts of a full and joyous life, but not particularly riveting for page on end

[Jackie Wright]

The Lake House is single mum Pixie Nolan and single dad and former SEAL, Brogan Rafferty’s sweet, entertaining and heartwarming story. It’s book two in the Firefly Summer Series and I loved everything about this book.
Pixie is raising her son with the help of her best friend and her husband after arriving in Bramble, Kentucky sick and with no where to go.
Brogan is a retired SEAL who rents a house in Bramble with his baby girl for the summer but what are his real reasons for being in Bramble and renting the Lake House…….
This story drew me in and didn’t let me go, I fell hard and fast for this couple and I found myself cheering them on. The Lake House is a well written, sweet yet steamy, heartwarming story with great characters.

[Abbie Withrow]

What a great book. I won it in a giveaway on Goodreads, I didn’t realize it was book two of a series but that was completely okay. Book one is now on my TBR list lol !
It was a great summer read. When I realized it was based in a small Kentucky town I was all in. But the writing has a way of hooking you in and keeping you reading! It covers some serious topics yet does so in a soft way and it has a way of keeping a positive perspective through all the though times.

[Gail]

A fun loving beach read.

[Joanne]

Was looking forward to this #2 in the series, but I found myself skimming about a third of the way through to get things moving. Every page went into childcare routine (got pretty sick of hearing about diaper changes—yes, we know they’re needed constantly but I didn’t pick up this book to read about them on every page). Just not for me.

[Vickie]

Pixie Nolan is a single mom living her best life in the little town of Bramble and leaning heavily on her best friend Marlow and Marlow’s husband Cort to support her. When a stranger rents the lake house next to her, she is enchanted by his good looks but really loves the baby girl that he is the guardian for. Pixie and Brogan bond over their single parenthood and find out that they have a great deal in common. In fact, Brogan is guarding a secret that makes them even closer than Pixie knows. With a vindictive stepmother visiting Bramble to try to cause havoc for Brogan, Marlow, Cort and Pixie circle around Brogan and support him like the military hero veteran that he is. The characters were well-developed, relatable and lovable. The plot was fast-paced with a few surprises and a lot of character-based drama. This is a book that begs to be read in one setting because it is so hard to put down. I was completely invested in everyone finding their happily ever after, especially the cutie-pie kids.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Darcy]

This one drew me in right away. I liked Brogan, wondered about his mission in Bramble, so glad that it turned out to be a good thing. The way that he and Pixie connected from the start was great! While it took a bit for Brogan to come clean with Pixie about things, she took it well. I think the time they spent together helped, she knew he was a good man. When Pixie got an up close look at what Brogan had dealt with in the past, it seemed to spur her on to fully accept what Brogan told her and see it as a positive thing.

I loved the ending, loved how Brogan got to see the town fully accept him and think so great of him, something that up to now had been lacking in his life. Better was that with this new start came Pixie and Andy, their little family of 4 perfect!

[Shari Summers]

I didn't realize when I picked up The Lake House that it was the second book in a series, and I do wonder if reading the first book would have helped me connect more deeply with the story and characters.

There were definitely things I enjoyed. Pixie and Brogan were both likable characters, and I appreciated the sense of community and friendship that ran throughout the book. There were also several story elements that had a lot of potential and could have been especially compelling if they had been developed a bit further.

For me, though, the pacing felt uneven. Some parts of the story seemed repetitive, and I found myself wishing certain plot points had been explored in more depth. The romance also felt a little rushed, and some of the dialogue between the main characters came across as somewhat awkward or cheesy, making it difficult for me to fully invest in their relationship.

Overall, this was an okay read for me. While it didn't completely hold my attention, I liked the characters enough to finish the book, and I'm still curious about the first installment in the series. I've heard many readers feel the story is more fully developed there, so I may go back and give it a try sometime. If you enjoy small-town romances with themes of healing, friendship, and second chances, this one may work better for you than it did for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Loved it! Would reread… if my TBR wasn’t out of control. Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Great read! Really enjoyed it and would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Good read! Glad I picked it up.
⭐️⭐️ – Just okay. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it.
⭐️ – Not for me. Wouldn’t recommend.

[Nɪᴋᴋɪ❤️]

I just love second chance romance, small town, and heart warming books! This was a perfect summer read and can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn’t realize this was book 2 in a series but book #1 is now on my TBR!!

[Mostly Bookish Mel]

RTC

[Wanda]

A great beach read! A loving and uplifting small town romance with kindness at every turn. some quirky characters that come in and out of Pixie and Brogans life will make you smile with all its cuteness. Thank you Goodreads and Kensington Publishing for this ARC book.

[The Bookish Narwhal]

Foster delivers a quietly addictive read, blending emotional depth, romantic tension, and a strong sense of place into a story that’s both comforting and compelling.

The atmosphere is immersive from the start: serene on the surface, yet charged with unspoken history and longing underneath.

Foster’s characters feel authentic and layered, their connections unfolding with a natural ease that makes every interaction matter.

The pacing is smooth and confident, allowing relationships and emotional stakes to develop without ever feeling rushed.

Warm, engaging, and deeply satisfying, this is the kind of novel that pulls you in gently and leaves a lasting impression.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a temporary e-ARC!

[Barbara Selman]

Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful early copy for my honest review. I just love everything Lori Fosters books but the Lake House is one of my favorites of hers. It grabbed me from the very beginning. There were some secrets revealed and I certainly didn’t see it coming. You will love Brogan and Pixies story and I loved being along on their journey along with their two precious baby’s. Pixie and Brogan both have quite the past that no one wants but together they learn to become each others best friend and even more. But most of all they figure out how to move forward and support one another through it all and it’s a lot. You won’t want to put his book down as you will want to know what happens next and when the end comes……you will want more. Don’t miss this special heartfelt book and be sure to have your tissue ready.

[Pennie Morgan]

We are back in Bramble, Kentucky, and Pixie and her toddler son have settled in and surrounded themselves with good friends and for the first time in a long time Pixie is flourishing. At least she thinks she is until she meets her new neighbor and his baby daughter and the rug is pulled out from under her when she sees how gentle this rugged, tattooed man is with his baby girl. She didn't think it was possible. He also brings that same gentleness to her son and when he turns that on to her, she is a goner. I highly recommend this one.

**Received this ARC for review from the author and publisher via NetGalley**

[Getpast40pages]

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. It's not the worst book, but it's not the best either. It reads more like a mass paperback Harlequin romance quality book. And there was a lot about the book that seemed icky (like the fact that the MMC purposely seeks out the FMC but doesn't tell her he knows her) or far fetched (like the town "rules" that outsiders can't live there 🤦‍♀️). It's kinda slow, zero spice, slowwww as molasses burn, and some out of nowhere plot changes that had no leading up to it for a smooth character journey.

[Kimberly]

Everything is calm on the surface, but underneath? Secrets, second chances, and one emotionally guarded Navy SEAL with a baby are about to flip an entire small town upside down—and I was not emotionally prepared. The Lake House by Lori Foster quietly wrecked me in that slow, sneaky way where you don’t realize you’re attached until it’s too late. Published by Kensington Publishing—huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

This story doesn’t come in loud—it settles in. It’s that gentle, layered kind of romance that builds through trust, through shared glances, through showing up when it matters. Pixie Nolan is no longer the woman who arrived in Bramble broken and desperate—she’s rebuilding, raising her son Andy, working, creating, and finally starting to believe she deserves something steady. And then Brogan Rafferty shows up next door with his baby niece Shayna and a past that feels like it’s breathing down his neck.

And listen… I love a broody, protective man as much as the next reader—but Brogan? He’s not just broody. He’s carrying grief, guilt, responsibility… and still somehow shows up with this quiet, steady tenderness that makes you trust him before you even mean to. The way he cares for Shayna? The way he instinctively protects Pixie and Andy without overstepping? Yeah… that’s the kind of emotional slow burn that hits different.

What really got me, though, was how real this felt. There’s no over-the-top drama, no unnecessary chaos—just two people who have every reason to hold back… choosing not to. And the kids? Andy and Shayna completely own this story. Their little bond, the way Andy proudly calls her “my baby,” the way their worlds start to blend without anyone forcing it—it’s soft in the best way, like watching something right fall into place.

And then there’s Bramble itself—the kind of town that feels like a character. A little nosy, a lot loyal, and always ready to circle the wagons when one of their own is threatened. Because yes… there’s a thread of tension running underneath it all. Brogan didn’t just land here by accident, and when the truth starts to surface, it doesn’t explode into chaos—it deepens everything. It forces honesty. It tests trust. And somehow… it makes the connection stronger instead of breaking it.

“At some point, you have to stop surviving and start living.”

That line didn’t just hit—it lingered. Because that’s what this story is really about. Not just falling in love, but allowing yourself to believe you deserve a life that feels safe, steady… and maybe even a little bit beautiful.

This is for the reader who doesn’t need high drama to feel invested. The one who loves found family, quiet healing, single parents figuring it out one day at a time, and a romance that feels earned instead of rushed. If you like your love stories wrapped in warmth with just enough emotional weight to make it stick—this one delivers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A solid 4-star read for me—comforting, heartfelt, and the kind of story you sink into when you want to feel something real without completely falling apart.

So tell me—are you picking the peaceful small-town life with a second chance at love… or are you still chasing the chaos? 👀

#TheLakeHouse #LoriFoster #FireflySummer #ContemporaryRomance #SmallTownRomance #FoundFamily #SingleParentRomance #SlowBurnRomance #Bookstagram #ARCReview #NetGalleyReads #RomanceReaders #CozyReads #EmotionalReads #MustReadRomance

[Happily Ever After Romance]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

The Lake House is the second story in the Firefly Summer series, this time giving us Pixie’s well-deserved romance. I loved Pixie in Marlow and Cort’s story in The Guest Cottage, the first story in this series. I’m beyond delighted to have her story now, and that we also get to visit once again with Marlow and Cort. While I feel that Pixie’s story can stand on its own, I strongly believe that you’ll enjoy the first title as well, for background, yes, but it’s such a lovely, well-written romance on its own.

Pixie’s life is finally becoming settled. She has her adorable toddler son, Andy, to keep her on her toes, and a job she loves managing Marlow’s boutique, plus a beautiful home on the lake to enjoy. Her life is good now, far different from when she first landed in Bramble, Kentucky. She’s happy, content, and if she’s sworn off men for good… knowing what happened to her, can anyone blame her for that decision? Yet, fate has something else in mind when Brogan and wee tiny baby Shayna arrive as temporary summer guests renting Marlow and Cort’s nearby property. While a friendship, and perhaps more, begins to grow between Pixie and Brogan, it soon becomes obvious that this stranger and baby girl didn’t arrive in town by chance. Brogan has an agenda, but will he hesitate too long before revealing the true reason he’s in town?

I loved The Lake House so much. I don’t want to give away more than you’d find in the cover blurb, so I’ll keep this review short. The emotions in Pixie and Brogan’s romance can be felt through the pages (or the screen) quite easily. From laughter to tears, to suspicions to found love and family, you’ll experience all the feels in this one. Their romance is well-written (but I expect that from Ms. Foster), deeply emotional, with passion, laughter, and the delightful antics of a toddler and baby’s bonding. We have a vile villainess to deal with who deserves what is coming her way. In all, I absolutely loved being back in this world for another realistic romance, and have my fingers crossed that there are more tales to be told ahead in this series. If that sounds like your kind of romance, then you’re going to love Pixie and Brogan’s story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Margaret]

2.5 rounded down to 2
When I read the description and saw that this book took place in "Bramble KY" I was in. I knew it would be a train wreck, but I had to see it through.

First off, I thought I had read Lori Foster before, but after skip-reading this book, I realized that I was confusing Lori Foster with Jill Shalvis for no reason whatsoever.

I really hope Lori is also writing for a daytime drama because if she isn't, her talents are being wasted in traditional book publication. I told my colleagues about this book at work, and I ended up making the most complicated diagram of the characters and their relationships, so without a doubt, I WAS ENTERTAINED!

Here's some of the components:
-This is the 2nd book of the series.
-The MFC, Pixie Nolan, moved to Bramble KY in the first book. She arrived very ill with a small baby, Andy (toddler - maybe 15 months). Andy was result of an affair Pixie had with Dylan. In Bramble, she was helped by Marlowe who was the wife of Dylan at the time of the cheating. Marlowe is now married to Cort -also first book (retired Marine). And Dylan has died. before all of this.
-Brogan Rafferty (former marine with scars "inside and out") arrives in Bramble with his ward, Shayna (about 3 months old). He is moving into the small lake house down the street from Pixie. Both Pixie and Brogan rent their timey cottages from Marlowe and Cort.
-A lot of the book is focused on Brogan and Pixie co-parenting these two babies while they fall in love. There's lots of diaper changes, walks in strollers, naps, etc.
-The reader learns right away that Brogan knows who Pixie is and he needs to talk to her about SOMETHING, and he hopes that SHE WILL FORGIVE HIM when she learns what it is.
-Shayna is Brogan's estranged sister, Connie's, child. She died, and it took 2 months to find Brogram who Connie had chosen as the Guardian. Turns out that Shayna is ALSO A LOVE CHILD OF DYLAN'S as Connie had an affair with Dylan after Pixie. SO ANDY AND SHAYNA ARE HALF SIBLINGS.
-I the meantime, Brogan saves a little boys life when an alcholic boater slams into the dock of a restaurant on the lake and the little boy get whacked by the propeller.

There's so much more going on!! That's just enough information to wet your palette. Of course there is an HEA, and because Brogan is a hero, he and Pixie are allowed to expand one of the little cottages into a home big enough for them and the two kids. Prior to this, no additional buildings were permitted in Bramble.

[Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥]

★★★★★

Returning to Bramble, Kentucky felt a little like coming home.

After meeting Pixie Nolan in The Guest Cottage, I was excited to see her get her own story, and Lori Foster did not disappoint. The Lake House is a heartfelt romance filled with healing, found family, second chances, and the kind of emotional connection that develops naturally and feels completely earned.

Pixie has worked hard to rebuild her life and create a safe, happy future for herself and her son, Andy. She is stronger than she realizes, but her past still lingers beneath the surface. When retired Navy SEAL Brogan Rafferty arrives next door with his infant niece Shayna, neither of them is looking for love. Yet their connection grows through shared responsibilities, trust, and a genuine understanding of what it means to carry emotional scars while still hoping for something better.

One of my favorite aspects of this story was the children. Andy and Shayna are not simply side characters—they become the heart of the story in many ways. Watching their bond develop added warmth, humor, and emotional depth to every interaction between Pixie and Brogan.

Brogan was exactly the kind of hero I love reading about. Protective without being overbearing, strong yet vulnerable, and completely devoted to the little girl depending on him. His quiet tenderness made him impossible not to root for.

One of my favorite quotes from the book was:

“You’re everything good that I never imagined in my life. I want this life, with you in it.”

That line perfectly captures the emotional heart of this story. The Lake House is about more than romance—it is about learning to trust, accepting that you deserve happiness, and finding family in unexpected places.

The small-town setting, supportive community, lovable characters, and emotional depth made this a wonderful reading experience. If you enjoy small-town romance, found family, protective heroes, and stories about healing and second chances, I highly recommend this one.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To read the full review and more, come visit me at Forever Book Lover.

[Cathy Geha]

The Lake House by Lori Foster
Firefly Summer #2

~ Family can be a blessing or a curse ~ sometimes people who come into our lives can become a close-knit group that is the closets “family” of all ~

What I liked:
* Brogan Rafferty: retired Navy SEAL, single parent of infant niece (Shayna Raye), difficult childhood, joined military young, dealing with survivor’s guilt, strong, inteeligent, aware, safety & protection oriented, loves his niece, has a plan that includes Pixie and her son
* Pixie Nolan: single mother of Andy, manager of a boutique, creative, artistic, empathetic, good friend, supportive, positive, loving mother, responsible, honest, settling into her new stronger identity in Bramble, arrived in the series in book one, attracted to Brogan
* Andy Nolan: Shayna’s son, biological father was a philanderer now deceased, claims Shayna as “My Baby”
* Shayna: infant, assigned Brogan as her guardian, daughter of Brogan’s deceased half-sister Connie, provides impetus for Brogan’s visit to Bramble Kentucky
* Watching the interactions between Brogan and Pixie and seeing their relationship grow
* The love that abounded in this story: between friends, community, parents and their children, couples, and those that were soon to be couples
* The way Brogan stepped into warrior-protector-rescue mode more than once in the story
* Being reminded of a summer on a lake where my sister could have been Benny and how lucky Benny was while others in his situation have not been
* The small-town community feeling that is there for one another
* The open honest mature communication between Pixie and Brogan and also they way they communicated with the children
* The side romance that might be brewing between officer Flynn and Ellen (Benny’s mother)
* Wondering if perhaps Erin will star in the next book of the series
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about how difficult the lives of both Brogan and Pixie were in the past

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars

[Donna Repsher]

The Lake House, by Lori Foster, marks my first visit to small town of Bramble, Kentucky, the second novel in her Firefly Summer series, the first being her novel, The Guest House, which I've not yet read, so the characters in this advanced reader copy of the novel from Netgalley, are all new to me, and what wonderful characters they are, and what a charming, addictive, lovely, and heartwarming second chance .novel this is. It get 5 stars from this reviewer.

We first meet Brogan Rafferty, a former, wounded Navy SEAL, filled with guilt at the loss of his teammates and who is mourning the death of his estranged half-sister, Connie, who named him as guardian in her will. He on his way to Bramble, where he's rented the titular lake house for the summer, bringing with him his 2-month-old niece, Shayna, and regretting that it took 2 months for him to recover from his injuries and be located by Connie's lawyer.

Bramble is a picture perfect small town, and waiting on the doorstep of the tiny house he's rented is Pixie Nolan, a petite blonde, and a friend of the owner, who couldn't be there to pass along the key. She's a single mother, raising her 14-month-old son, Andy, and, who we later learn comes from a broken home and a backstory not dissimilar to Brogan's. She's immediately taken with tiny Shayna, and it's clear that's the attraction between herself and Brogan is mutual, although unstated early on.

What follows is as sweet and charming a second chance novel as you're likely to find, as these two characters slowly get acquainted and slowly bond over the love, care, and protection of their two adorable babies, and where Brogan, as Pixie clearly did in the previous novel, finally finds the home and sense of belonging he's never before experienced outside of his former and deceased SEAL team brotherhood and just a warning, the road to their HEA ending is not without incident or challenges, but those challenges only bring them closer. Quite simply The Lake House is a wonderful read that I'm happy to recommend.

As previously stated, my thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated herein are my own.

[Carma]

The Lake House, by Lori Foster, is the second novel in the Firefly Summer series. We stop again in the small Kentucky town of Bramble, where everything feels and seems picture perfect, but we all know looks can sometimes be deceiving. People struggling behind the scenes or even right out in public eye, you gravitate towards it. Or sometimes you run full steam in the other direction. Either way you handle Bramble, you will quickly find your place and way through.

Pixie Nolan is a single mom who has been trying to rebuild herself slowly into the woman she needs to become. Her growth page to page had me cheering for her, and for Andy, to finally have the family circle they need and deserve. Pixie hasn’t had an easy life but she doesn’t let it define her, she makes each moment count for her and her child.

Brogan Rafferty is a former Navy SEAL, wounded in more ways than one and angry at the world. Guilt should be his middle name at this point, guilt over losing his teammates, guilt over losing his sister, guilt finding out it took months for him to recover and months for his sister’s lawyer to find him and award custody of his niece Shayna to him.

Brogan arrives in Bramble and finds Pixie, who gives him the key to the rental he found for the summer. The two of them start a slow, sweet second chance at life friendship to romance, which doesn’t happen without a few more challenges along the way. When Pixie finds out Brogan didn’t arrive in town by accident, it threatens the very foundation they started building. The small town of Bramble, Kentucky is just what these two people need, and it provides them with a way to begin again and forge their new paths towards strength, rebirth and family.

The Lake House is the perfect summer read, it stands alone in the series but character cross over is always part of series stories. I would highly recommend you pick up book one, The Guest Cottage, meet Marlow and Cort and be swept away by Bramble once more. This story had so many wonderful quotes woven throughout but one that stood out was “At some point, you have to stop surviving and start living”. That hit deep at this stage of my own life.

[Sandy S]

THE LAKE HOUSE is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult FIREFLY SUMMER romance series focusing on the people of Bramble, Kentucky. This is former US Navy SEAL and single father Brogan Rafferty, and twenty-one year old, single mother and boutique manager Joanna ‘ Pixie’ Nolan’s story line. THE LAKE HOUSE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book one THE GUEST COTTAGE for back story and cohesion. Pixie was first introduced in book one.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Pixie and Brogan) THE LAKE HOUSE follows in the wake of the arrival of Brogan Rafferty to Bramble Kentucky. After his last mission went all to h*ll, Brogan never expected to discover he was about to become a father in the aftermath of even more devastating news. Moving to Bramble, Kentucky Brogan found solace and help in the guise of his neighbor Pixie Nolan, the woman with whom Brogan will fall in love but Brogan is keeping secrets, and those secrets will change the direction of Pixie’s life.

The world building reveals the heart breaking backstories for our story line couple but none more so than for Brogan Rafferty. Believing he left his past behind, Brogan begins to settle with the help of our story line heroine, help he may lose when he reveals the truth.

The relationship between Brogan and Pixie is one of immediate attraction. Neighbors to friends to lovers in the wake of mutual circumstances, and even closer ties is about to become entangled when the past returns, threatening any chance for a happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied and fades to black.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and animated. We are introduced to attorney Erin, as well as the return of Cort Easton and Marlowe Heddings (The Guest Cottage), and several townsfolk.

THE LAKE HOUSE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and greed, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is inviting and sensitive; the romance is subtle; the characters are desperate and determined.

copy supplied for review

[Katrina]

The people of Bramble continue to shine as the heart of this series, embodying the true meaning of community—steadfast, supportive, and always ready to lift one another up. Returning to this world felt like coming home, especially because I was thrilled to spend more time with Pixie and her son, Andy. They completely won me over in the previous book, and this story deepened my affection for them even more.

Pixie Nolan’s journey has been one of resilience and quiet strength. She’s overcome so much, and seeing her finally surrounded by the home, friends, and family she deserves is incredibly rewarding. Her growth since her introduction is remarkable—she’s thriving in Bramble, and it’s beautiful to witness.

Brogan, on the other hand, enters the story weighed down by loss and uncertainty. Becoming guardian to his sister’s baby girl, Shayna, gives him a new sense of purpose, but also a new set of fears. His decision to travel to Bramble—hoping to connect Shayna with more family after seeing her bond with Andy—sets the stage for a summer that changes everything. Shayna is the light that pulls Brogan forward, and their relationship is tender and deeply moving.

Neither Pixie nor Brogan planned on opening their hearts again, let alone to each other. But life in Bramble has a way of nudging people toward the connections they need most. Their chemistry is sweet, their vulnerabilities feel real, and the family drama that complicates their path adds just enough tension to keep the pages turning. The question becomes whether they’re willing to risk their hard‑won stability for the chance at something extraordinary—maybe even the ultimate fantasy.

This story is a perfect feel‑good read, full of warmth, healing, and the kind of love that grows from trust and community.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

[Anne]

The Lake House by Lori Foster — A Review
If you're looking for a romance that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a rainy afternoon, The Lake House is exactly that book.

Lori Foster takes us back to the charming little lakeside town of Bramble, Kentucky, and honestly? I never wanted to leave. This is Book 2 in the Firefly Summer series, and while it works as a standalone, I'd recommend grabbing The Guest Cottage first — you'll love seeing familiar faces woven through the story.

Our heroine, Pixie Nolan, is a single mom who arrived in Bramble broken and desperate, and has slowly rebuilt herself into someone strong, capable, and surrounded by a found family who truly loves her. Watching her growth from where she started to where she stands in this book is genuinely moving. She's the kind of woman you root for from page one.

Then Brogan Rafferty rolls into town — a retired Navy SEAL with a precious baby girl, a brooding presence, and more emotional baggage than he'd ever admit. But here's the thing about Brogan: underneath all that tough exterior is a man who is tender. The way he cares for that baby girl, and the way he sees Pixie for who she truly is, makes him completely irresistible.

Foster does something I love — she doesn't rush them. This romance unfolds slowly and naturally, letting the trust build the way real feelings do. There's warmth, there's tension, there's a little bit of mystery, and when the story picks up pace in the second half, you won't be putting this book down.

If you love small-town charm, strong women who've been through the fire, protective (but not overbearing) heroes, and adorable babies stealing every scene they're in — this one is for you. It's the kind of story that reminds you that second chances are real and that love can find you even when you've stopped looking.

Lori Foster, you've done it again. 🌟