What do you think?
Rate this book
Sexy Silver Foxes #3
Restored Dreams
More romance for the over forty.
Brut Paige needs a life break.
As caretaker to his brother, his business, and his son, he's used to being the man to get things done.
Yet, along the way, he's forgotten how to have fun.
Lily Warren deserves a vacation.
She's worked hard to establish her bakery, a lifelong dream. She's proud of her accomplishments.
But, she knows there's something missing.
A broken heart tore them apart.
A little matchmaking forces them together...
Twenty-two years later.
Funny thing about being over forty—forgiveness and frosting can lead to all kinds of trouble…or restored dreams.
+ + +
If you loved Hank Paige in Midlife Crisis, you'll want to learn more about his brother, Brut, a sexy silver fox mechanic, and the lost woman of his dreams.
Brut Paige needs a life break.
As caretaker to his brother, his business, and his son, he's used to being the man to get things done.
Yet, along the way, he's forgotten how to have fun.
Lily Warren deserves a vacation.
She's worked hard to establish her bakery, a lifelong dream. She's proud of her accomplishments.
But, she knows there's something missing.
A broken heart tore them apart.
A little matchmaking forces them together...
Twenty-two years later.
Funny thing about being over forty—forgiveness and frosting can lead to all kinds of trouble…or restored dreams.
+ + +
If you loved Hank Paige in Midlife Crisis, you'll want to learn more about his brother, Brut, a sexy silver fox mechanic, and the lost woman of his dreams.
Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2018
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
76 books2,784 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author
Receive once-a-month updates and more with Love Notes: http://bit.ly/LoveNotesfromLBDunbar
L.B. Dunbar loves flip flops, sweet tea, and a little heat in her romance reads. A lover of sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns, you’ll find all this and more in her signature work the #sexysilverfox collection. She’s also made Amazon Top 10 in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To stay up-to-date about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.
FB: www.facebook.com/lbdunbarauthor
NL: http://bit.ly/LoveNotesfromLBDunbar
IG: @lbdunbarwrites
FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lovin...
Receive once-a-month updates and more with Love Notes: http://bit.ly/LoveNotesfromLBDunbar
L.B. Dunbar loves flip flops, sweet tea, and a little heat in her romance reads. A lover of sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns, you’ll find all this and more in her signature work the #sexysilverfox collection. She’s also made Amazon Top 10 in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To stay up-to-date about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.
FB: www.facebook.com/lbdunbarauthor
NL: http://bit.ly/LoveNotesfromLBDunbar
IG: @lbdunbarwrites
FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lovin...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
August 25, 2018
NOTE: This coming year I have set a challenge for myself of reading one book a week that takes me out of my comfort zone. A book that may include one (or more) tropes (scenarios) that I avoid like the plague. Cheating. Older women/younger man. OW drama. Just to name a few. Nothing is off limits. I am taking a HUGE step out of the box I usually live in and charting a course into the unknown (HaHa). My reviews for these books will differ slightly from my usual as I will focus more on whether the author wowed me despite it having content I avoid. That said, I will go into each book with an open mind and an open heart and who knows, maybe I will discover a new favorite author on the way!
~THIS BOOK INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING TROPES (SCENARIOS) I USUALLY AVOID~ (don't click if you don't want the book spoiled!!)
Ok, so first off I wasn't going to touch this book after I found out what is contained, but I spoke with someone who convinced me to give it a go, and I have to admit that I ended up enjoying it quite a lot. There were a lot of things that happened, and the author handled them in such a way that I felt confident in this couple's HEA.
I am going to spoiler tag the rest of this review so that I can talk about what worked for me without spoiling it for other reviewers. So enter at your own risk...
So there ya go. Maybe hell has officially frozen over...I don't know. But I enjoyed this one a lot, so kudos to you author for that.
August 27, 2018
*******Spoilers*******
I don’t know what happened to my original review but it was deleted and I didn’t even get a email, notice or smoke signals. This is not cool! That’s one of the reason I have stopped being so much in GR. And if my review was deleted because i didn’t finish then guess what? I finished this shit and it wasn’t good!
Hero slept with the heroine’s sister, got her pregnant while he had “relationship” with the heroine. I use the term relationship loosely because they weren’t really a couple, he called her his booty call they were each other dirty little secret.
“Our relationship was... complicated. We were only fooling around. I guess you could say she was a booty call before those were a thing, but that belittle how I felt for her.”
“somehow, I think that’s how I ended up I. The corner with her. It also might have been how her eyes matched her sister’s. Those damn blue eyes got me in trouble.”
Now you tell me, does that sound like he was really drunk and he couldn’t differentiate between the sister and the heroine? When he said those blue eyes it’s what got to him?
So I guess that makes it ok, and it’s ok then to said that hero didn’t do anything wrong with his cheating because they were only “fooling around” while they were already in love.
Now I have a question, does that makes it ok then? To cheat on someone because she haven’t slept with that person and you were just fooling around, does that not count as cheating? If you say no it doesn’t, please remove you ass from my friend list. BECAUSE I DO CONSIDER THAT CHEATING!!!!
While the heroine moved on with OM, that OM was abusive to the heroine, yeah typical.. we can’t have the heroine be happy in a relationship or in love with someone else other than the hero. So why not leave her nun then? The author practically did.
The heroine doesn’t even met her nephew until he was 15 years old because she was hurt.
Both of them blames the sister because the sister’s man or the man she wanted, wanted the heroine instead so she was jealous that everyone wanted the heroine. So she planned to seduced the hero while he was “drunk”, like I said let’s blamed the sister and not give any blamed for hero because he was very drunk “he couldn’t said no” really?? So basically the author is “implying” that hero was raped or he was taken advantage of.
After all she didn’t get herself pregnant right?
I’m not saying this doesn’t happen to anyone but why the hell he didn’t say anything to the heroine before the sister told her anything? Why stayed quiet when he was taken advantage of?
Does he feel sorry? Yes, of course he does. After all the author is trying redeem his ass.
And of course the “sweet”doormat heroine doesn’t forgive and defends what her sister did but she understand it. Let me repeat that.. SHE UNDERSTAND IT.
Hero is the kind of man that makes fun of another man’s name. But that’s ok because he was only making fun of the abuser. What does it say about him? Do you still think he’s redeemable?
How amazing was this heroine that she was waiting for him to give him her ass. 🙄she also has sex with him without any condoms.
Now, I don’t care that he was too “drunk” and he couldn’t said no. I don’t care that some of you readers said that there’s no cheating because they weren’t really together. Still cheating in my eyes because they were both in love with each other. I don’t care that the heroine is too pathetic and doormat that she forgives him and lived a happily ever after with his cheating ass. At the end of the day this my review and if you flags it because you didn’t like that i said the truth. Then baby keep on hating.
I don’t know what happened to my original review but it was deleted and I didn’t even get a email, notice or smoke signals. This is not cool! That’s one of the reason I have stopped being so much in GR. And if my review was deleted because i didn’t finish then guess what? I finished this shit and it wasn’t good!
Hero slept with the heroine’s sister, got her pregnant while he had “relationship” with the heroine. I use the term relationship loosely because they weren’t really a couple, he called her his booty call they were each other dirty little secret.
“Our relationship was... complicated. We were only fooling around. I guess you could say she was a booty call before those were a thing, but that belittle how I felt for her.”
“somehow, I think that’s how I ended up I. The corner with her. It also might have been how her eyes matched her sister’s. Those damn blue eyes got me in trouble.”
Now you tell me, does that sound like he was really drunk and he couldn’t differentiate between the sister and the heroine? When he said those blue eyes it’s what got to him?
So I guess that makes it ok, and it’s ok then to said that hero didn’t do anything wrong with his cheating because they were only “fooling around” while they were already in love.
Now I have a question, does that makes it ok then? To cheat on someone because she haven’t slept with that person and you were just fooling around, does that not count as cheating? If you say no it doesn’t, please remove you ass from my friend list. BECAUSE I DO CONSIDER THAT CHEATING!!!!
While the heroine moved on with OM, that OM was abusive to the heroine, yeah typical.. we can’t have the heroine be happy in a relationship or in love with someone else other than the hero. So why not leave her nun then? The author practically did.
The heroine doesn’t even met her nephew until he was 15 years old because she was hurt.
Both of them blames the sister because the sister’s man or the man she wanted, wanted the heroine instead so she was jealous that everyone wanted the heroine. So she planned to seduced the hero while he was “drunk”, like I said let’s blamed the sister and not give any blamed for hero because he was very drunk “he couldn’t said no” really?? So basically the author is “implying” that hero was raped or he was taken advantage of.
After all she didn’t get herself pregnant right?
I’m not saying this doesn’t happen to anyone but why the hell he didn’t say anything to the heroine before the sister told her anything? Why stayed quiet when he was taken advantage of?
Does he feel sorry? Yes, of course he does. After all the author is trying redeem his ass.
And of course the “sweet”
Hero is the kind of man that makes fun of another man’s name. But that’s ok because he was only making fun of the abuser. What does it say about him? Do you still think he’s redeemable?
How amazing was this heroine that she was waiting for him to give him her ass. 🙄she also has sex with him without any condoms.
Now, I don’t care that he was too “drunk” and he couldn’t said no. I don’t care that some of you readers said that there’s no cheating because they weren’t really together. Still cheating in my eyes because they were both in love with each other. I don’t care that the heroine is too pathetic and doormat that she forgives him and lived a happily ever after with his cheating ass. At the end of the day this my review and if you flags it because you didn’t like that i said the truth. Then baby keep on hating.
August 22, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
His abs stack like a pile of books, and I want to read every page.
I feel like a puzzle poured out of the box for the first time. Pieces scattering, nothing matching, waiting to be assembled.
He’s gotten through so many things, but I understand at some point, you wish for more than merely getting by.
I wanted to grow old with you, not wait until I was old to have you.
My Review:
Second chances don’t come around often yet this couple frittered away their second chance but thankfully they heeded the third, and the difference echoed throughout their family and friends. Written in my favorite dual POV, the engaging storylines were well-paced, atomically sexy, easy to follow, and full of feels. The premise was original and interesting and the mature yet vibrant characters were endearing and inspiring human beings. I adored Brut’s kind and caring manner, inventive games, creative use of scrabble tiles, and the supportive and sweet relationship he was determined to forge with his Lily Pad, even if it took him over twenty-two years to get it right.
His abs stack like a pile of books, and I want to read every page.
I feel like a puzzle poured out of the box for the first time. Pieces scattering, nothing matching, waiting to be assembled.
He’s gotten through so many things, but I understand at some point, you wish for more than merely getting by.
I wanted to grow old with you, not wait until I was old to have you.
My Review:
Second chances don’t come around often yet this couple frittered away their second chance but thankfully they heeded the third, and the difference echoed throughout their family and friends. Written in my favorite dual POV, the engaging storylines were well-paced, atomically sexy, easy to follow, and full of feels. The premise was original and interesting and the mature yet vibrant characters were endearing and inspiring human beings. I adored Brut’s kind and caring manner, inventive games, creative use of scrabble tiles, and the supportive and sweet relationship he was determined to forge with his Lily Pad, even if it took him over twenty-two years to get it right.
September 18, 2018
Well, I rather enjoyed that but it would've rated higher if not for the lack of communication. I'm not going to do an in-depth review, that's already been done but what I will say is that this story is not only about cheating. It's about regretting a stupid mistake for the rest of your life, owning that mistake and setting out to put it right. It's about forgiveness and acceptance and having the courage to try again. Yes, Brut cheated but it was not done with intent or gratuitous on his part. The sister-bitch from hell? That's a whole different matter and I think not having her thrown into the story over and over made the whole cheating thing so much easier for me to get over.
What didn't quite work for me and took the shine off was that they didn't TALK to each other. One of my biggest pet peeves when reading is the old lack of or miscommunication trope. That got a bit old in this one and could have been dealt with a lot sooner had they just opened their damn mouths.
3.5 they needed to damn well TALK to each other stars
What didn't quite work for me and took the shine off was that they didn't TALK to each other. One of my biggest pet peeves when reading is the old lack of or miscommunication trope. That got a bit old in this one and could have been dealt with a lot sooner had they just opened their damn mouths.
3.5 they needed to damn well TALK to each other stars
August 23, 2018
4 Hard Won Second Chance Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
How many of us have had to live with the bad decisions we made during early adulthood...I am talking about more then a drunken night and waking up with you worshiping the porcelain bowl...No I am talking about so much more then that...
L.B. Dunbar tackles the life changing events which impacted both Brut Paige and Lily Warren all those years ago. The actions taken by Brut then 23 left Lily 19 staggered. Learning to forgive is one thing but never forget is another.
Each of these two lived their lives, made serious choices and accomplished many things over the years. Well, now is the time, those around them have convinced a beach vacation is in order.
Naturally their paths cross...Hey, this is a romance book, right...
But here is the bonus about this book...The possible second chance is now when these two are in their 40's. Yes, people, a couple who had a love when they were younger, had it stripped away...still can find each other and be able to bring the heat as well as the heart to a relationship.
What they also will bring is years of habits, remorse, feelings and long lost desire just waiting to be redeemed.
This book had all of this. It had a complex tale, a loving woman and man... with both a bit dense at times...but in the end, they were solid as a rock.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free
How many of us have had to live with the bad decisions we made during early adulthood...I am talking about more then a drunken night and waking up with you worshiping the porcelain bowl...No I am talking about so much more then that...
L.B. Dunbar tackles the life changing events which impacted both Brut Paige and Lily Warren all those years ago. The actions taken by Brut then 23 left Lily 19 staggered. Learning to forgive is one thing but never forget is another.
Each of these two lived their lives, made serious choices and accomplished many things over the years. Well, now is the time, those around them have convinced a beach vacation is in order.
Naturally their paths cross...Hey, this is a romance book, right...
But here is the bonus about this book...The possible second chance is now when these two are in their 40's. Yes, people, a couple who had a love when they were younger, had it stripped away...still can find each other and be able to bring the heat as well as the heart to a relationship.
What they also will bring is years of habits, remorse, feelings and long lost desire just waiting to be redeemed.
This book had all of this. It had a complex tale, a loving woman and man... with both a bit dense at times...but in the end, they were solid as a rock.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 25, 2019
Really enjoyed it! I still think the first two were my faves. But I’m really And looking forward to more from the author in her romance for the over 40 books to come.
I love reading YA, NA, Adult of all different genres. Including books centred around characters in their 40’s. I mean these books from Dunbar are hot, emotionally jam-packed/charged and filled with real life issues.
Really greatreading.
I love reading YA, NA, Adult of all different genres. Including books centred around characters in their 40’s. I mean these books from Dunbar are hot, emotionally jam-packed/charged and filled with real life issues.
Really greatreading.
February 2, 2021
Well, I wanted to give this more because I did enjoy quite a bit of it, despite the cheating, but...
Brut and Lily were what??? as young adults (he was 23 and she was 19). I really couldn't figure out what the author was trying to say. Were they fuck buddies that didn't fuck? Were they boyfriend/girlfriend who hadn't gotten to that stage yet? Whatever they were, they both knew there was more between them than 'just friends'. I mean she regularly snuck out of the house to be with him.
Brut loved Lily but didn't want to start a relationship with her because he didn't feel he was good enough for her (yes THAT tired old chestnut where one person ultimately steals the other person's right to make decisions for themself...)
So when Brut gets drunk (for good reasons) and has sex with Lily's sister (bad idea), Lauren in the bathroom of the bar, supposedly thinking it was Lily... just because their eyes are the same colour... I cry Bullsh*t!
But anyways, there's 3 things that bothered me more about this story.
Fast forward 22 years and Brut's brother contrives to 'set up' Brut and Lily by renting them the same getaway cottage at the same time. Of course they get it on.
And I really didn't hold Brut's mistake as a drunken 23 year old against toooo much. Although I still didn't buy it but he owned it as his own mistake. And Lily forgave him because she knew that Lauren set out to seduce him at his weakest as a way to get back at Lily for being so perfect.
But Lily still doesn't know how Brut felt about her at that time. She still thinks he chose Lauren over her.
And does her disabuse her of this notion?? NOOOoooooo of course not, because then there would be a LOT less angst in the story.
In fact he doesn't tell her he loves her till pretty much the end. It was milked SO MUCH that I got seriously pissed at the author. She had 3 separate people TELL Brut that he needed to tell Lily he loved her. they told him this on several occasions, and he agreed. But He still DIDN't TELL HER TILL THE END.
It also bothered me that Lily would have forgiven him if he'd just got off his self pitying ass and sought her out at ANY TIME IN THE LAST 22 Frickin years.
I mean, where are your cojones man?!?
And last of all, I just don't find the idea of getting pregnant at 41 romantic. More like ouchy and isn't it hard enough going into your 40's without an infant and a stretched out body? But hey, that's just me.
SO, I saw a lot of potential, but Brut's lack of balls was what killed it for me. I would have given it 3 stars and maybe even 4 because there was a lot I liked about it, if only the author hadn't drawn out his ILY for the last 3rd of the book.
Brut and Lily were what??? as young adults (he was 23 and she was 19). I really couldn't figure out what the author was trying to say. Were they fuck buddies that didn't fuck? Were they boyfriend/girlfriend who hadn't gotten to that stage yet? Whatever they were, they both knew there was more between them than 'just friends'. I mean she regularly snuck out of the house to be with him.
Brut loved Lily but didn't want to start a relationship with her because he didn't feel he was good enough for her (yes THAT tired old chestnut where one person ultimately steals the other person's right to make decisions for themself...)
So when Brut gets drunk (for good reasons) and has sex with Lily's sister (bad idea), Lauren in the bathroom of the bar, supposedly thinking it was Lily... just because their eyes are the same colour... I cry Bullsh*t!
But anyways, there's 3 things that bothered me more about this story.
Fast forward 22 years and Brut's brother contrives to 'set up' Brut and Lily by renting them the same getaway cottage at the same time. Of course they get it on.
And I really didn't hold Brut's mistake as a drunken 23 year old against toooo much. Although I still didn't buy it but he owned it as his own mistake. And Lily forgave him because she knew that Lauren set out to seduce him at his weakest as a way to get back at Lily for being so perfect.
But Lily still doesn't know how Brut felt about her at that time. She still thinks he chose Lauren over her.
And does her disabuse her of this notion?? NOOOoooooo of course not, because then there would be a LOT less angst in the story.
In fact he doesn't tell her he loves her till pretty much the end. It was milked SO MUCH that I got seriously pissed at the author. She had 3 separate people TELL Brut that he needed to tell Lily he loved her. they told him this on several occasions, and he agreed. But He still DIDN't TELL HER TILL THE END.
It also bothered me that Lily would have forgiven him if he'd just got off his self pitying ass and sought her out at ANY TIME IN THE LAST 22 Frickin years.
I mean, where are your cojones man?!?
And last of all, I just don't find the idea of getting pregnant at 41 romantic. More like ouchy and isn't it hard enough going into your 40's without an infant and a stretched out body? But hey, that's just me.
SO, I saw a lot of potential, but Brut's lack of balls was what killed it for me. I would have given it 3 stars and maybe even 4 because there was a lot I liked about it, if only the author hadn't drawn out his ILY for the last 3rd of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'dnr'
September 24, 2018OF COURSE!
It's all the sister's fault, let's all us (stupid) women put all the blame on the woman. After all HE can't bare any responsibility for being the CHEATING SLIMEBALL HE WAS. NO, it wasn't this cheater's fault. It was all the sister's fault.
Cheating is not a fucking mistake! It's a revolting betrayal and why exactly?
Eye roll to all the morons that shove all the blame on the woman. Shame on you!
It's all the sister's fault, let's all us (stupid) women put all the blame on the woman. After all HE can't bare any responsibility for being the CHEATING SLIMEBALL HE WAS. NO, it wasn't this cheater's fault. It was all the sister's fault.
Cheating is not a fucking mistake! It's a revolting betrayal and why exactly?
Eye roll to all the morons that shove all the blame on the woman. Shame on you!
July 9, 2019
Two much alcohol and really bad choices broke this couple apart 22 years ago, but scheming family and friends has them sharing a vacation house where they reconnect on many levels, but is it enough when reality comes crashing in once again. I’ve enjoyed L.B. Dunbar’s Silver Foxes series mainly because these people have lived life, they’ve had regrets, they’ve experienced heartbreak before, they’ve made sacrifices, they’ve achieved dreams, and yet they are still hoping to find love.
There’s no doubt Brut made a mess of things with Lily when they were young adults and he’s played by her rules and stayed clear of her until he finds her naked in the shower of his vacation rental home, the same one her friend help her acquire. Realizing they were set up, they vow to make the best of it by staying out of each other’s way, but after a couple of days old feelings begin to resurface and while they agree to just a vacation fling it’s not so easy staying away once you’ve had the one that got away back in your reach.
I enjoyed this story, while they both experienced pain from their breakup and have regrets; they go forward and deal with everything life throws at them as best they can. This is not a perfect, fairytale romance; it is gritty and there are moments of sadness, but despite some of the heavier moments there is also sweetness and light.
A steamy second chance at love two decades plus in the making, Restored Dreams was an extremely enjoyable seasoned romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
There’s no doubt Brut made a mess of things with Lily when they were young adults and he’s played by her rules and stayed clear of her until he finds her naked in the shower of his vacation rental home, the same one her friend help her acquire. Realizing they were set up, they vow to make the best of it by staying out of each other’s way, but after a couple of days old feelings begin to resurface and while they agree to just a vacation fling it’s not so easy staying away once you’ve had the one that got away back in your reach.
I enjoyed this story, while they both experienced pain from their breakup and have regrets; they go forward and deal with everything life throws at them as best they can. This is not a perfect, fairytale romance; it is gritty and there are moments of sadness, but despite some of the heavier moments there is also sweetness and light.
A steamy second chance at love two decades plus in the making, Restored Dreams was an extremely enjoyable seasoned romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 18, 2020
3.5 silver fox goodness stars
I enjoyed this one but it was a bit spoilt for me by the lack of communication. I get so irritated reading a story where all of the conflict could be resolved by one conversation. I liked the style and the smut though so I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
Complete story, available on ku.
I enjoyed this one but it was a bit spoilt for me by the lack of communication. I get so irritated reading a story where all of the conflict could be resolved by one conversation. I liked the style and the smut though so I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
Complete story, available on ku.
August 14, 2018
Brut and Lily had a lust filled love affair when she was 18 and he was 22. She really thought that he was the one and was ready to completely give herself to him. Until he completely broke her heart, leaving her devastated.
Twenty two years later, Brut is a single dad and runs his own workshop. He has spent his entire adult life looking after the people closest to him. He never takes time out to just look after himself, always putting others needs before his own.
Lily realised her dream of opening her own bakery and is fiercely independent. She gave up on her dream of getting married and having a family of her own, choosing to devote all her time and energy into making her business a success.
When Lily gets the opportunity to get away for a week for some well deserved down time at a friends beach house, she is super excited to get away and enjoy some alone time. Alone time is exactly what Brut is looking for when he arrives at the same house with his surf board in tow. He never expected to find Lily, the girl he has never forgotten - naked in the shower. Maybe it’s fate or is he dreaming?
Needless to say, things are about to get very interesting! So much has happened since the night that Lily walked away from Brut and all of the memories come rushing back to the surface. Brut has gotten even better looking with age and the desire for him is still there. Lily is even more beautiful than Brut remembers and he can’t even think straight around her.
Maybe seeing each other again is their second chance to make the dreams they had so many years ago come true?
This is the third story in the Silver Foxes series by this author but the first one I have read. This can be read as a complete stand alone story. However, now that I have read this I definitely want to read more from this author because it’s so wonderful to read about people in their forties falling in love!
Twenty two years later, Brut is a single dad and runs his own workshop. He has spent his entire adult life looking after the people closest to him. He never takes time out to just look after himself, always putting others needs before his own.
Lily realised her dream of opening her own bakery and is fiercely independent. She gave up on her dream of getting married and having a family of her own, choosing to devote all her time and energy into making her business a success.
When Lily gets the opportunity to get away for a week for some well deserved down time at a friends beach house, she is super excited to get away and enjoy some alone time. Alone time is exactly what Brut is looking for when he arrives at the same house with his surf board in tow. He never expected to find Lily, the girl he has never forgotten - naked in the shower. Maybe it’s fate or is he dreaming?
Needless to say, things are about to get very interesting! So much has happened since the night that Lily walked away from Brut and all of the memories come rushing back to the surface. Brut has gotten even better looking with age and the desire for him is still there. Lily is even more beautiful than Brut remembers and he can’t even think straight around her.
Maybe seeing each other again is their second chance to make the dreams they had so many years ago come true?
This is the third story in the Silver Foxes series by this author but the first one I have read. This can be read as a complete stand alone story. However, now that I have read this I definitely want to read more from this author because it’s so wonderful to read about people in their forties falling in love!
January 29, 2022
An unwanted and unpredictable meeting between Lily and Brut rekindles long denied and long-lost feelings. Old memories resurface, and it is endearing, for me as the seemingly uninvolved but emotionally involved reader, to watch this resurrection of a relationship that ended quite abruptly in the past …
I found it refreshing how both protagonists address their past feelings and faults… how they never beat around the bush … how they are honest to each other and true to their feelings and convictions …
They share many moments, both adorable and embarrassing, sometimes even hilarious, and that made the protagonists even more loveable in my book.
But it also was painful to read about all those hurt feelings …
The plot was really twisted with quite some unexpected turns, thrilling sensual, comical …
I LOVED this second chance novel with its warm and authentic characters so much that I almost am at a loss for words …
This is one of my book highlights this year!
I found it refreshing how both protagonists address their past feelings and faults… how they never beat around the bush … how they are honest to each other and true to their feelings and convictions …
They share many moments, both adorable and embarrassing, sometimes even hilarious, and that made the protagonists even more loveable in my book.
But it also was painful to read about all those hurt feelings …
The plot was really twisted with quite some unexpected turns, thrilling sensual, comical …
I LOVED this second chance novel with its warm and authentic characters so much that I almost am at a loss for words …
This is one of my book highlights this year!
August 30, 2018
4.5
Really enjoyed this book! The steamy scenes were HOT! Can’t wait to check out more by this author.
Really enjoyed this book! The steamy scenes were HOT! Can’t wait to check out more by this author.
August 20, 2018
ARC provided for an honest review
Restored Dreams is book 3 in The Silver Foxes series and although you can read it as a standalone I suggest you read After Care and Midlife Crisis first. Why? Because these over 40 romance books are amazing and Restored Dreams is my favourite 😍.
I love the writing, the whole storyline and the characters.
Lily Warren, 41, is an independent and strong bakery owner who lost the love of her life 22 years ago but she took her life into her own hands and opened Because Cupcakes, her dream. She never gave up and loves life even if she misses to have her own family. She's a positive person, she's an amazing baker, she stays fit and found her own way. She wants a man but she doesn't need one 😉.
Brut Paige, 45, is Hanks (Midlife Crisis) older brother and we already heard a lot about him in book 2. He's a mechanic and also owns his own shop, but other than Lily this was never his dream. He wanted to be a teacher and he wanted Lily. But he never felt good enough for her and at the age of 23 he made a huge mistake and lost her. He's grown into a good man who always takes responsibility for those he loves. That's a really good trait and makes me like him so much.
After 22 years they meet on a deserved vacation and from the first moment you can feel their connection and their love for each other. They spend a heavenly week together. Brut always wanted Lily back and now he wants her even more. Lily forgives him for what he's done but she's not sure forgiveness is enough.
L.B. Dunbar writes amazing stories about amazing people. I love this story so much. Her characters are so real and normal. I enjoyed to read After Care and Midlife Crisis and the author has not disappointed with this book. Brut and Lily are special, they are (or were) not famous, they are like your neighbor, like you and me. I love to read comprehensible stories and that the characters are all grown up and have already built their lifes. I also love that the author is able to show that people over 40 can be hot as hell. This story has everything: beautiful writing, adorable characters, great storyline, sexy scenes, humor, tears, love.
I highly recommend this book 😍!
Restored Dreams is book 3 in The Silver Foxes series and although you can read it as a standalone I suggest you read After Care and Midlife Crisis first. Why? Because these over 40 romance books are amazing and Restored Dreams is my favourite 😍.
I love the writing, the whole storyline and the characters.
Lily Warren, 41, is an independent and strong bakery owner who lost the love of her life 22 years ago but she took her life into her own hands and opened Because Cupcakes, her dream. She never gave up and loves life even if she misses to have her own family. She's a positive person, she's an amazing baker, she stays fit and found her own way. She wants a man but she doesn't need one 😉.
Brut Paige, 45, is Hanks (Midlife Crisis) older brother and we already heard a lot about him in book 2. He's a mechanic and also owns his own shop, but other than Lily this was never his dream. He wanted to be a teacher and he wanted Lily. But he never felt good enough for her and at the age of 23 he made a huge mistake and lost her. He's grown into a good man who always takes responsibility for those he loves. That's a really good trait and makes me like him so much.
After 22 years they meet on a deserved vacation and from the first moment you can feel their connection and their love for each other. They spend a heavenly week together. Brut always wanted Lily back and now he wants her even more. Lily forgives him for what he's done but she's not sure forgiveness is enough.
L.B. Dunbar writes amazing stories about amazing people. I love this story so much. Her characters are so real and normal. I enjoyed to read After Care and Midlife Crisis and the author has not disappointed with this book. Brut and Lily are special, they are (or were) not famous, they are like your neighbor, like you and me. I love to read comprehensible stories and that the characters are all grown up and have already built their lifes. I also love that the author is able to show that people over 40 can be hot as hell. This story has everything: beautiful writing, adorable characters, great storyline, sexy scenes, humor, tears, love.
I highly recommend this book 😍!
August 17, 2018
Brut & Lily's story is here! And it is "everything and beyond", L.B. Dunbar is on to something with the "love over 40", and ok, maybe I am so enamored because I am over 40 and hey - love has no age limit! I took my time, savored the words on every page, loving these characters hard, wanting a Brut of my own....wanting to share parts of this book with the hubs to say "see, romance is still alive and well...hint hint". Ah...I digress there is swooning, smiles, hurting heart, the unexpected, this one is just all around feels book. I have loved all of L.B. Dunbar's Romance Over 40 books from The Sex Education of M.E. (my first), After Care and Mid-Life Crisis and I can now add Restored Dreams - I love them, all for different reasons with one thing in common: reality. These characters feel real and are dealing with daily life issues and have endured pasts that many of us can relate.
September 17, 2018
If you follow me at all, you know there are two tropes that suck me in like a black hole: secret baby, and second chance. I’m also fond of those for the “over 40” since, ehem, I’m in that category.
So when I came across this second chance story about a couple in their 40s, I dropped the book I was reading (it wasn’t a hard decision - I’ve been reading it for over two weeks now), and checked out the sample. It was okay. But buoyed by the reviews of a couple of reviewers I follow, I decided to go ahead and buy the book anyway. It’s hard to resist a book with a sexy silver fox on the cover! However, I should have trusted my initial opinion.
Lily and Brut met and fell in love when she was 19 and he was 23. She was young, naive and had the world at her feet. He had the responsibility for his world on his shoulders. And in a moment of weakness, makes his first terrible mistake. Then makes his second one by not telling Lily about it. The repercussions of that mistake followed them both for 22 years.
But now, thanks to Brut’s brother and sister-in-law, Lily and Brut end up spending their vacation at the same beach house. Of course, the fire between them is reunited.
The thing I like about books about older couples is that they are mature. They’ve learned from their mistakes, and given a second chance they do things better. They don’t continue to do the same things wrong they did when they were in their 20s.
Well, they do unless they’re THIS couple.
This could have been such a good story. Instead, it was just a bunch of sex in between the hero and heroine NOT talking about how they feel now. Which is exactly what happened when they were younger. It’s okay to do stupid stuff when you’re in your 20s. It’s not okay to keep making those same mistakes when you’re 40. And this couple, even though she’s now 40 and he’s 44 are behaving like young adult characters with their non-communication and angsty “he doesn’t want to marry me for the right reasons” and “she doesn’t love me” malarky. PUT ON YOUR BIG BOY BOXERS/BIG GIRL PANTIES AND HAVE A FREAKIN’ CONVERSATION!
You’re adults. Act like it.
This couple had major issues to work through that could have been compelling and heartwarming. But nope, I just wanted to beat my head with my Kindle. I was looking forward to reading the other two books by this author that are for the over 40 crowd, but no thanks, I’ll pass.
So when I came across this second chance story about a couple in their 40s, I dropped the book I was reading (it wasn’t a hard decision - I’ve been reading it for over two weeks now), and checked out the sample. It was okay. But buoyed by the reviews of a couple of reviewers I follow, I decided to go ahead and buy the book anyway. It’s hard to resist a book with a sexy silver fox on the cover! However, I should have trusted my initial opinion.
Lily and Brut met and fell in love when she was 19 and he was 23. She was young, naive and had the world at her feet. He had the responsibility for his world on his shoulders. And in a moment of weakness, makes his first terrible mistake. Then makes his second one by not telling Lily about it. The repercussions of that mistake followed them both for 22 years.
But now, thanks to Brut’s brother and sister-in-law, Lily and Brut end up spending their vacation at the same beach house. Of course, the fire between them is reunited.
The thing I like about books about older couples is that they are mature. They’ve learned from their mistakes, and given a second chance they do things better. They don’t continue to do the same things wrong they did when they were in their 20s.
Well, they do unless they’re THIS couple.
This could have been such a good story. Instead, it was just a bunch of sex in between the hero and heroine NOT talking about how they feel now. Which is exactly what happened when they were younger. It’s okay to do stupid stuff when you’re in your 20s. It’s not okay to keep making those same mistakes when you’re 40. And this couple, even though she’s now 40 and he’s 44 are behaving like young adult characters with their non-communication and angsty “he doesn’t want to marry me for the right reasons” and “she doesn’t love me” malarky. PUT ON YOUR BIG BOY BOXERS/BIG GIRL PANTIES AND HAVE A FREAKIN’ CONVERSATION!
You’re adults. Act like it.
This couple had major issues to work through that could have been compelling and heartwarming. But nope, I just wanted to beat my head with my Kindle. I was looking forward to reading the other two books by this author that are for the over 40 crowd, but no thanks, I’ll pass.
August 19, 2018
I wish I knew her noises
Dreams that were left untended long time ago are restored again to bring them to life now in the present times. Brut and Lily are that unfinished dream which was shattered by a mistake that Brut made, way back when he was 23 and Lily 19. There was a fork in the road and he chose the path that was correct, seeing those circumstances and in the process got separated form his fate.
It was the biggest mistake of my life. Epic. Colossal. Unthinkable. I’ve hated myself ever since, but eventually, I had to forgive myself because it gave me Chopper.
And happy people spread happiness. Hank (Brut's brother) has found love in Midge (friend of Lily) and now they wanna play Cupid to Brut & Lily.
They both end up at the same beach house on the same week....coincidence 😉
Rekindling & reawakening of some old feelings that haven't died down completely are being fanned into a flame. He teaches her to surf, she opens up her heart, albeit with enough persuasion and rest as they say is an Ideal Romance of 40 something's.
I've catalogued her noises
There's an agreement to enjoy the week without any guilt.
Pajama days, Apple cupcakes, dirty words scramble and smoke alarms ensue.and things take tragic then surprising turn where Lily shows her mettle, she may be all cupcakes and sweetness but she's responsible and accepting too.
that might have been my favourite sound of all the sounds you've made
Kudos to L.B. for writing mature romances without the usual frivolity of YA/NA. (Not there's anything wrong with that!) I enjoyed each and every book in the series and really appreciate authors who give older people a chance in their books.
4.5 "739" stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
Dreams that were left untended long time ago are restored again to bring them to life now in the present times. Brut and Lily are that unfinished dream which was shattered by a mistake that Brut made, way back when he was 23 and Lily 19. There was a fork in the road and he chose the path that was correct, seeing those circumstances and in the process got separated form his fate.
It was the biggest mistake of my life. Epic. Colossal. Unthinkable. I’ve hated myself ever since, but eventually, I had to forgive myself because it gave me Chopper.
And happy people spread happiness. Hank (Brut's brother) has found love in Midge (friend of Lily) and now they wanna play Cupid to Brut & Lily.
They both end up at the same beach house on the same week....coincidence 😉
Rekindling & reawakening of some old feelings that haven't died down completely are being fanned into a flame. He teaches her to surf, she opens up her heart, albeit with enough persuasion and rest as they say is an Ideal Romance of 40 something's.
I've catalogued her noises
There's an agreement to enjoy the week without any guilt.
Pajama days, Apple cupcakes, dirty words scramble and smoke alarms ensue.and things take tragic then surprising turn where Lily shows her mettle, she may be all cupcakes and sweetness but she's responsible and accepting too.
that might have been my favourite sound of all the sounds you've made
Kudos to L.B. for writing mature romances without the usual frivolity of YA/NA. (Not there's anything wrong with that!) I enjoyed each and every book in the series and really appreciate authors who give older people a chance in their books.
4.5 "739" stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
August 12, 2018
Restored Dreams
By: L.B. Dunbar
4.5 Cupcake Stars
I absolutely love reading L.B. Dunbar’s over 40 books. Totally relatable to real life happenings when you are in that age category. Not that I am but yanno… 😉
Brut Paige has lived the past 21 years with regret. Regret for that one night things got away from him and caused him to veer off the path he was trying to pave. He’s done well for himself running his auto shop. Raising his son. One thing is missing… Having fun.
Lily Warren is so proud of her accomplishment in life, she’s a small business owner. Working nonstop to bake those cupcakes every day. But working so hard has left her ‘bucket list’ with many unchecked items.
Can two people who were in love back when they were 19 and 23 actually reconnect again after the day that tore them apart those years ago? Or will the ability to forget and forgive be too hard for one to accept that people change and there is more to the story.
A vacation is what they both are in need of. Can a surprise meeting on the beach be what they both needed after all these years?
This is a quick paced, second chance romance. I totally enjoyed reading it! As with the other books in this series, they can all be read as standalones. It’s absolutely wonderful that we get updates on everyone in each book.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
By: L.B. Dunbar
4.5 Cupcake Stars
I absolutely love reading L.B. Dunbar’s over 40 books. Totally relatable to real life happenings when you are in that age category. Not that I am but yanno… 😉
Brut Paige has lived the past 21 years with regret. Regret for that one night things got away from him and caused him to veer off the path he was trying to pave. He’s done well for himself running his auto shop. Raising his son. One thing is missing… Having fun.
Lily Warren is so proud of her accomplishment in life, she’s a small business owner. Working nonstop to bake those cupcakes every day. But working so hard has left her ‘bucket list’ with many unchecked items.
Can two people who were in love back when they were 19 and 23 actually reconnect again after the day that tore them apart those years ago? Or will the ability to forget and forgive be too hard for one to accept that people change and there is more to the story.
A vacation is what they both are in need of. Can a surprise meeting on the beach be what they both needed after all these years?
This is a quick paced, second chance romance. I totally enjoyed reading it! As with the other books in this series, they can all be read as standalones. It’s absolutely wonderful that we get updates on everyone in each book.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
January 24, 2019
This would have been a five star read except for one thing: author deliberately sets up miscommunication. It's my number one pet peeve, and it's bad here bc of the length of time it goes on. Without her manipulation there isn't a story, therefore, no story.
August 18, 2018
Restored Dreams was a heart-breaking second chance romance full of wonderful romantic moments, heart-crushing events, grief and smiles, shocks and surprises, forgiveness and love. It has it all, every element to make it a fantastic story and it captured my heart from the very beginning.
This is book 3 in a series of stand-alone spinoffs. The author has done an absolutely superb job of keeping the reader up to speed on all the family characters from the previous books and she has made certain you could pick up this one or any of the others in any order. Personally, I'm glad I've read them all in order as it gave me a bit of extra background knowledge about all the characters and I already had an attachment and a connection to them.
Brut and Lily have had it rough, mostly of their own doing, and they are both equally stubborn. So much of their heartache could have been avoided had they just got their crap together a little sooner. Thankfully, they have loving family that saw the sparkling glimmer in their eyes and recognized the potential of a future for them and helped push them to the right place at the right time.
I loved Brut even though he really made some huge mistakes. In the end, he redeemed himself in my eyes. I describe him as such a man! Full of the fixer mentality and oblivious to the needs of his woman. These were the characteristics that really endeared me to him. Probably because I'm married to such a man. He'd do anything for you but you might need to push him in the right direction to get things started.
Lily is an amazing woman. She is kind and sweet and you just want to hug her. Even though she had been crushed beyond belief, she still manages to love and forgive. It is a long time in coming but the old saying 'better late than never' certainly rings true here.
I totally recommend this book as well as the whole series if you're into men who are over forty with a little silver in their scruff. These books are so relatable as their characters have been through one life, just like me, and are now starting on their second chance to frost it right. Why? Because cupcakes make everything better.
This is book 3 in a series of stand-alone spinoffs. The author has done an absolutely superb job of keeping the reader up to speed on all the family characters from the previous books and she has made certain you could pick up this one or any of the others in any order. Personally, I'm glad I've read them all in order as it gave me a bit of extra background knowledge about all the characters and I already had an attachment and a connection to them.
Brut and Lily have had it rough, mostly of their own doing, and they are both equally stubborn. So much of their heartache could have been avoided had they just got their crap together a little sooner. Thankfully, they have loving family that saw the sparkling glimmer in their eyes and recognized the potential of a future for them and helped push them to the right place at the right time.
I loved Brut even though he really made some huge mistakes. In the end, he redeemed himself in my eyes. I describe him as such a man! Full of the fixer mentality and oblivious to the needs of his woman. These were the characteristics that really endeared me to him. Probably because I'm married to such a man. He'd do anything for you but you might need to push him in the right direction to get things started.
Lily is an amazing woman. She is kind and sweet and you just want to hug her. Even though she had been crushed beyond belief, she still manages to love and forgive. It is a long time in coming but the old saying 'better late than never' certainly rings true here.
I totally recommend this book as well as the whole series if you're into men who are over forty with a little silver in their scruff. These books are so relatable as their characters have been through one life, just like me, and are now starting on their second chance to frost it right. Why? Because cupcakes make everything better.
November 29, 2020
It was refreshing to read about two mature characters (40+) finding love. Bonus points for a second chance romance!
August 19, 2018
Restored Dreams - L B Dunbar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another wonderful story in the Silver Foxes - Love Over 40 Series by LB Dunbar.
Lily and Brute have history. Very young, very passionate but very secret history and that history came to a crashing end when Brute broke Lily’s heart. They were just kids but their passion was very real, but fate and one very evil sister had a hand in tearing them apart.
Fast forward twenty two years and Brute and Lily are thrust back into each other’s life. Will this be the second chance at love and happiness that they both deserve? Well I’m not giving anything away but suffice to say, this was a wonderful story with so much emotion, feeling and angst but equal amounts of lust, passion and scorching sex.
This Series has become a firm favourite of mine and every book in the series is a wonderful work in its own right. I highly recommend reading the series in order.
After Care, Midlife Crisis, Restored Dreams.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another wonderful story in the Silver Foxes - Love Over 40 Series by LB Dunbar.
Lily and Brute have history. Very young, very passionate but very secret history and that history came to a crashing end when Brute broke Lily’s heart. They were just kids but their passion was very real, but fate and one very evil sister had a hand in tearing them apart.
Fast forward twenty two years and Brute and Lily are thrust back into each other’s life. Will this be the second chance at love and happiness that they both deserve? Well I’m not giving anything away but suffice to say, this was a wonderful story with so much emotion, feeling and angst but equal amounts of lust, passion and scorching sex.
This Series has become a firm favourite of mine and every book in the series is a wonderful work in its own right. I highly recommend reading the series in order.
After Care, Midlife Crisis, Restored Dreams.
August 12, 2018
I adored this book!! Let me first say, I discovered Ms. Dunbar when I read The History of Us and again with After Care, which both I loved.
Restored Dreams is the story of Brut and Lily and their history. What I loved about this book? Well that is easy, 1.) the characters and 2) it's a second chance romance which I ADORE!
Ms. Dunbar writes book with older, mature characters, which again, I love because as I get older, those are the characters I can relate to and want to read. She nailed it with Restored Dreams. I highly recommend.
Restored Dreams is the story of Brut and Lily and their history. What I loved about this book? Well that is easy, 1.) the characters and 2) it's a second chance romance which I ADORE!
Ms. Dunbar writes book with older, mature characters, which again, I love because as I get older, those are the characters I can relate to and want to read. She nailed it with Restored Dreams. I highly recommend.
February 23, 2020
My Mostly Spoiler Free Review
My tags for this contemporary romance novel are…
Easy-to-read / listen to * | Entertaining | Romantic | Steamy | Happily Ever After ending | Sweet Epilogue
Format read: Unabridged Audiobook via Authors Direct platform
Narrated by: Tim Paige and Anneliese Rennie
Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
Release Date: 01-16-20
Publisher: L.B. Dunbar Writes, Ltd.
Writing style: Dual POVs
Cover and chapter designs: I love this cover! This silver fox model representing our hero Brut sure made me anticipate his POV chapters even more.
Collected in Dual Formats – Yes or No? Yes! I own a Kindle copy and also received a freebie audiobook download code from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ratings
Overall ★★★★☆ I was elated when L.B. Dunbar announced that Brut's story was finally available in audiobook format earlier this year.
Performances (2 narrators*) -
Tim Paige's Performance ★★★★★ He was awesome as Brut and was able to emote well for both male and female characters equally. This was the first time I remember listening to an audiobook featuring him, but it won't be my last hopefully. Bravo, sir!
I've already recommended him to contemporary romance author Stina Lindenblatt who is researching audiobook narrators who might be suitable for her novels that she's considering self-producing in audiobook format.
★★☆☆☆ for Anneliese Rennie -
Her acting overall was just barely okay to my ears. To be brutally honest, I realized early on that I disliked her voice which seemed wrong for how I imagined Lily would sound.
Ultimately, Ms. Rennie's vocal delivery (rate, volume, pitch, articulation, pronunciation, and fluency) didn't work well for me. I had trouble re-adjusting to her narration every single time the POV changed from Lily's to Brut's. Therefore, I would think twice about buying a future audiobook featuring her as the female lead narrator again. When I reread parts of this audiobook today, I had to skip her POV chapters 100%.
Story ★★★★☆ I enjoyed this second chance romance. It was very layered, and male narrator Tim Paige really enhanced my reading experience during all of his Brut POV chapters.
My favorite standout elements:
The chapter titles. I really like when authors label their chapters with a hint of what's to come.
The cupcake jokes were so cute! I loved them in all their corny and sweet goodness.
Lily's relationship with Brut's son Chopper who is also her nephew. I admired the fact that Lily didn't all bitterness and resentment to settle into her heart even though her sister broke sibling code and did the nasty with Brut which resulted in their son, Chopper and an end to Lily and Brut's budding romance when they were younger.
Lily's baking business and Brut's mechanic and handyman abilities. I admire people with practical skills like being mechanically inclined or baking / cooking. Those are skills I tried but failed at mastering at a high level. I loved that Lily had her own bakery. Being able to continue a family business like Brut and his brother Hank did with their father's repair shop together was so cool to me. I also loved that Brut renovated his home himself with Lily and their future together in mind.
The text conversations. Brut's ignorance of text speak was too funny. I enjoyed laughing at him as he learned what IDK and ROTFL both mean in full written English.
My Final Thoughts:
I loved Brut as a secondary character in his brother Hank's novel
Midlife Crisis: another romance for the over 40 , so I was very eager to read about his second chance at love.
Currently, about 95%-99% of my reading is done via audiobook format. My e-book reading pace is now down to about 2-5 months to complete a novel. Needless to say, I was super excited that author L.B. Dunbar decided to self-produce this novel in audiobook format finally this year.
And although female narrator Anneliese Rennie was a poor choice for the heroine, male narrator Tim Paige more than made up for her. I'm hoping that better female narrators audition for future Romance Over 40 novels so that L.B. Dunbar will continue to produce audiobooks with more talented voice actors so that her readers who are audiobook junkies don't have to miss out on all of the mature love goodness she writes.
Overall, I'd recommend this novel in audiobook format still but with a caveat. I would suggest dual format reading for easy switching back and forth to any audiophile who struggles with the female narrator Anneliese Rennie's voice. Don't let her weaker performance discourage you from reading this wonderful second chance romance.
My tags for this contemporary romance novel are…
Easy-to-read / listen to * | Entertaining | Romantic | Steamy | Happily Ever After ending | Sweet Epilogue
Format read: Unabridged Audiobook via Authors Direct platform
Narrated by: Tim Paige and Anneliese Rennie
Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
Release Date: 01-16-20
Publisher: L.B. Dunbar Writes, Ltd.
Writing style: Dual POVs
Cover and chapter designs: I love this cover! This silver fox model representing our hero Brut sure made me anticipate his POV chapters even more.
Collected in Dual Formats – Yes or No? Yes! I own a Kindle copy and also received a freebie audiobook download code from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ratings
Overall ★★★★☆ I was elated when L.B. Dunbar announced that Brut's story was finally available in audiobook format earlier this year.
Performances (2 narrators*) -
Tim Paige's Performance ★★★★★ He was awesome as Brut and was able to emote well for both male and female characters equally. This was the first time I remember listening to an audiobook featuring him, but it won't be my last hopefully. Bravo, sir!
I've already recommended him to contemporary romance author Stina Lindenblatt who is researching audiobook narrators who might be suitable for her novels that she's considering self-producing in audiobook format.
★★☆☆☆ for Anneliese Rennie -
Her acting overall was just barely okay to my ears. To be brutally honest, I realized early on that I disliked her voice which seemed wrong for how I imagined Lily would sound.
Ultimately, Ms. Rennie's vocal delivery (rate, volume, pitch, articulation, pronunciation, and fluency) didn't work well for me. I had trouble re-adjusting to her narration every single time the POV changed from Lily's to Brut's. Therefore, I would think twice about buying a future audiobook featuring her as the female lead narrator again. When I reread parts of this audiobook today, I had to skip her POV chapters 100%.
Story ★★★★☆ I enjoyed this second chance romance. It was very layered, and male narrator Tim Paige really enhanced my reading experience during all of his Brut POV chapters.
My favorite standout elements:
The chapter titles. I really like when authors label their chapters with a hint of what's to come.
The cupcake jokes were so cute! I loved them in all their corny and sweet goodness.
Lily's relationship with Brut's son Chopper who is also her nephew. I admired the fact that Lily didn't all bitterness and resentment to settle into her heart even though her sister broke sibling code and did the nasty with Brut which resulted in their son, Chopper and an end to Lily and Brut's budding romance when they were younger.
Lily's baking business and Brut's mechanic and handyman abilities. I admire people with practical skills like being mechanically inclined or baking / cooking. Those are skills I tried but failed at mastering at a high level. I loved that Lily had her own bakery. Being able to continue a family business like Brut and his brother Hank did with their father's repair shop together was so cool to me. I also loved that Brut renovated his home himself with Lily and their future together in mind.
The text conversations. Brut's ignorance of text speak was too funny. I enjoyed laughing at him as he learned what IDK and ROTFL both mean in full written English.
My Final Thoughts:
I loved Brut as a secondary character in his brother Hank's novel
Midlife Crisis: another romance for the over 40 , so I was very eager to read about his second chance at love.
Currently, about 95%-99% of my reading is done via audiobook format. My e-book reading pace is now down to about 2-5 months to complete a novel. Needless to say, I was super excited that author L.B. Dunbar decided to self-produce this novel in audiobook format finally this year.
And although female narrator Anneliese Rennie was a poor choice for the heroine, male narrator Tim Paige more than made up for her. I'm hoping that better female narrators audition for future Romance Over 40 novels so that L.B. Dunbar will continue to produce audiobooks with more talented voice actors so that her readers who are audiobook junkies don't have to miss out on all of the mature love goodness she writes.
Overall, I'd recommend this novel in audiobook format still but with a caveat. I would suggest dual format reading for easy switching back and forth to any audiophile who struggles with the female narrator Anneliese Rennie's voice. Don't let her weaker performance discourage you from reading this wonderful second chance romance.
August 21, 2018
All Brut Paige has ever done is take care of his family. He lost the love of his life after a mistake he made... a seriously bad mistake! He has raised his son Chopper all by himself since the boy was 2 weeks old. There were many growing pains, hard times, and dreams he would never realize. But Chopper was his life!
Going on vacation for the first time in memory brings him face to face to the love of his life. Lily is the girl he loved twenty two years ago. Now that they are both over forty and still single, is there a chance they might reconnect?
Just let me say Brut ( just like his name indicates) is a brute in the sense that he never had a romantic relationship. After all these years, having been surrounded by men, he lacks the social skills to woo a girl and share his feelings. His saving grace is that he is a man who has a heart of gold. His only sin is that he is clueless as to how let Lily know that after all these years, he still loves her with all his heart.
This is a great over forty story. For those of us who have been away from the dating scene for a "few" years (cough), this is a story of the awkwardness and sensibilities of reconnecting with an old flame. Loved it!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Going on vacation for the first time in memory brings him face to face to the love of his life. Lily is the girl he loved twenty two years ago. Now that they are both over forty and still single, is there a chance they might reconnect?
Just let me say Brut ( just like his name indicates) is a brute in the sense that he never had a romantic relationship. After all these years, having been surrounded by men, he lacks the social skills to woo a girl and share his feelings. His saving grace is that he is a man who has a heart of gold. His only sin is that he is clueless as to how let Lily know that after all these years, he still loves her with all his heart.
This is a great over forty story. For those of us who have been away from the dating scene for a "few" years (cough), this is a story of the awkwardness and sensibilities of reconnecting with an old flame. Loved it!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
August 28, 2018
This book had ALL THE FEELS!! These romance after 40 books are amazing. I love LB Dunbars books but she has found her niche with these stories. This one I have to say for me had some of her best writing. Some of the scenes hit me hard and had me a blubbering mess.
I was so curious about these characters in the last book. They had a history I needed to know. I didn't expect the emotional rollercoaster their past, current and future would put me on. Seriously there were a few chapters that I couldn't read through all my tears. I had to put my Kindle down and catch my breath. But it wasn't all sad, this couple was fun and don'tlet their age fool you THEY WERE HOT! I enjoyed their flirty banter and smiled through tears at their touching moments. I loved it and couldn't stop reading!
Being over 40 myself it is refreshing to read about people my age with real life problems. I hope she continues writing more over 40 stories, more silver foxes, more ladies who aren't twenty, tan, perfectly toned and more real life issues. I will devour them all!
I was so curious about these characters in the last book. They had a history I needed to know. I didn't expect the emotional rollercoaster their past, current and future would put me on. Seriously there were a few chapters that I couldn't read through all my tears. I had to put my Kindle down and catch my breath. But it wasn't all sad, this couple was fun and don'tlet their age fool you THEY WERE HOT! I enjoyed their flirty banter and smiled through tears at their touching moments. I loved it and couldn't stop reading!
Being over 40 myself it is refreshing to read about people my age with real life problems. I hope she continues writing more over 40 stories, more silver foxes, more ladies who aren't twenty, tan, perfectly toned and more real life issues. I will devour them all!
August 13, 2018
Ms. Dunbar is the queen of over 40 romances! I am declaring it now, I have to work on a sash and tiara for her.
Restored Dreams is the story of Brut and Lily. While this story can totally be read as a stand alone, I highly suggest you read After Care and Midlife Crisis. Burt is the brother of Hank, the hero in the story of Midlife Crisis and we see small glimpses of other characters too.
Burt and Lily have such a agonizing history. A horrible mistake and consequences separate the two. Years pass and from the sly help of family, they are reunited. This story takes the old saying "You can forgive, but you can never forget" to a whole new level.
Ms. Dunbar really knows how to write words that will make you melt, make you swoon and make you want a Brut of your own! From "I don't know your sounds" to "Everything and beyond..." She also makes you laugh with the new to me code "739"! I may have to use that one!
I can't tell you how happy I am that I was introduced to her work! She is truly an amazing author and I plan on stalking her forever! (In a respectful, responsible way, I promise!!)
Get your hands on this must read! This fabulous story is in the running for my "Best of 2018 Reads!!"
Restored Dreams is the story of Brut and Lily. While this story can totally be read as a stand alone, I highly suggest you read After Care and Midlife Crisis. Burt is the brother of Hank, the hero in the story of Midlife Crisis and we see small glimpses of other characters too.
Burt and Lily have such a agonizing history. A horrible mistake and consequences separate the two. Years pass and from the sly help of family, they are reunited. This story takes the old saying "You can forgive, but you can never forget" to a whole new level.
Ms. Dunbar really knows how to write words that will make you melt, make you swoon and make you want a Brut of your own! From "I don't know your sounds" to "Everything and beyond..." She also makes you laugh with the new to me code "739"! I may have to use that one!
I can't tell you how happy I am that I was introduced to her work! She is truly an amazing author and I plan on stalking her forever! (In a respectful, responsible way, I promise!!)
Get your hands on this must read! This fabulous story is in the running for my "Best of 2018 Reads!!"
August 10, 2018
Restored Dreams by L.B. Dunbar is book three in her Silver Foxes/Former Rock Stars Series. Every book in the series, while connected can easily be read as a standalone. The previous books are After Care - my favorite; and Midlife Crisis.
Lily Warren is a 41 year old bakery owner. She´s in love with Brut for a long time.
Brut is co-owner of a body shop, in his fourties and regrets what happened many years ago. He wanted a future with Lily, but his dumb actions let her to leaving him.
Meddling acquaintances bring them together at a vacation home and they get reaquanted. But back in real life, life simply happens. Both have to fight for their HEA.
Restored Dreams is a beautiful second chances story, a great romance with wonderful characters.
I loved the writing and liked the characters and the story. I give 4,5 stars.
Lily Warren is a 41 year old bakery owner. She´s in love with Brut for a long time.
Brut is co-owner of a body shop, in his fourties and regrets what happened many years ago. He wanted a future with Lily, but his dumb actions let her to leaving him.
Meddling acquaintances bring them together at a vacation home and they get reaquanted. But back in real life, life simply happens. Both have to fight for their HEA.
Restored Dreams is a beautiful second chances story, a great romance with wonderful characters.
I loved the writing and liked the characters and the story. I give 4,5 stars.
January 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! It gave me laughs, had some sizzling tension and also a feel good story!
I loved both Brut and Lily!
Its as if getting older and somewhat wiser has helped in seeing how things should be! But what happens when the other person doesn’t know how you truly feel!
I loved everything about this over 40’s story that touched my heart in such a big way as I felt I could relate to some things! Being that age doesn’t mean you should miss out on what’s really important in life!
I felt so many emotions whilst reading and came to adore the characters, their frustrations and I loved how family helped in their stubbornness!
So much to love about this book! Can’t wait for more in this series! A book about love, family and perhaps leaving the past behind and looking to the future should take precedence!
August 17, 2018
Loved it! My face hurt from all the smiling I did while reading this book. This book is about first loves, second chances and how life throws you many curveballs but if you fight for it you can get the HEA you so badly missed out on that first go around.
L.B. Dunbar did such a great job with this book. Her leading characters are relatable. The book is well written and will keep you enthralled throughout and you will be laughing out loud at some of the humor.
Lily Warren deserved an HEA more than most heroines I have read lately. This woman had missed out on the love of her life twenty years ago. She had moved on and devoted her time to her bakery that was taking off. She was a good person but just needed to find that right someone to settle down with.
Then there was Burt Paige/ There were so many things I loved about Burt. He was a great father. He was an honest man who put his family and the family business first. But boy did I want to smack him numerous times when it came to Lily aka his Lily Pad. He was an absolute screw up when it came to his girl sometimes.
Burt and Lily have a hurtful past they must work through, but one thing is always present even if they will not admit it to the other and that is that they have always loved the other one.
This story is sweet, funny and will leave you feeling right with the world. I cannot read more books from L.B. Dunbar.
L.B. Dunbar did such a great job with this book. Her leading characters are relatable. The book is well written and will keep you enthralled throughout and you will be laughing out loud at some of the humor.
Lily Warren deserved an HEA more than most heroines I have read lately. This woman had missed out on the love of her life twenty years ago. She had moved on and devoted her time to her bakery that was taking off. She was a good person but just needed to find that right someone to settle down with.
Then there was Burt Paige/ There were so many things I loved about Burt. He was a great father. He was an honest man who put his family and the family business first. But boy did I want to smack him numerous times when it came to Lily aka his Lily Pad. He was an absolute screw up when it came to his girl sometimes.
Burt and Lily have a hurtful past they must work through, but one thing is always present even if they will not admit it to the other and that is that they have always loved the other one.
This story is sweet, funny and will leave you feeling right with the world. I cannot read more books from L.B. Dunbar.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews