Starla is a mother in the middle of a divorce and Sawyer is one of the patrons at the library where Starla works. When Starla and her two kids need a place to stay, Sawyer offers up the rental cabin adjacent to his home. Sawyer has admired Starla for years and having her live next door gives him the opportunity he needs to get closer to her.

I enjoyed this story of the spunky librarian and the broody motorcycle mechanic, The characters had good depth to them, but I feel that the author missed an opportunity to delve a bit further into Starla’s relationship with her parents. I’ve read two of the other books In the Timber Falls series, and I appreciated the opportunity to revisit the characters from other books in this novel. I also appreciate that Ms. West includes main characters that are differently abled in her books, as these characters are underrepresented in romance. Overall, this was good read and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

More Than We Bargained For by Fiona West was just the read I needed. A lovely romance with heart. Sawyer has admired Starla from afar for a while. He has noticed that her marriage was not what it should be and found a way to make her happy without her knowing it was him. What librarian wouldn't LOVE finding a free box of books every week on the library doorstep that just happens to include her favorites. He also looks forward to visiting the library once a week and being able to talk to her. He has a serious chronic health condition that has changed the course of his life and makes him believe that he will never be able to live out a life of love with Starla or any other woman. Starla's marriage is all but over and a choice she makes in a moment of weakness has also altered the course of her new life without her husband. She is embarrassed and feeling overwhelmed when Sawyer offers her a short term solution to her problems that brings them closer.

I really loved More Than We Bargained For. Even though it is part of a series, I never felt like I was missing anything while reading. If anything, I am now interested in going back to learn about the other characters and their stories. It was refreshing to read a contemporary romance that didn't depend so much on the physical relationship to fill the pages of the book. I liked that there were deeper issues that were handled in such a way that the story wasn't filled with endless angst. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book and Fiona West has gained a new fan.

My sincere thanks to Tempest and Kite Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and provide my unbiased opinion of it.

I liked this book more as it went along, but I’m a little lukewarm on it overall. It follows Starla, a soon-to-be-divorced mom of two kids in the small town of Timber Falls as she struggles to build a life for herself after the end of her marriage. Her life changes when Sawyer Devereaux, a reclusive mechanic and former doctor, offers her a place to stay in his mountain home.

I’ve never read a romance where the protagonist has kids and is dealing with a divorce, so that was very refreshing. I also liked the progression of Starla and Sawyer’s relationship and especially Sawyer’s relationship with her kids. That said, the writing was a little simplistic and the plotting was a little uneven. It’s also part of a series of novels set in the same small town, so a lot of the townies are mentioned by name pretty frequently; if I’d read the other books in this series it might have been nice, but since I haven’t, it was actually just confusing to keep track of so many names and a little frustrating that side characters and side plots got as much time as they did when that time could have gone into the main relationship. Overall, this book was okay, but I didn’t love it.

More Than We Bargained For is the fourth book in West's Timber Falls series. You can be like me and read it as a stand alone and it works just fine. There are some pretty heavy topics from an unplanned pregnancy to a major health diagnosis and how Starla and Sawyer can come together through it all. The story was good as I enjoy when romance (woman's fiction) stories gives both POV's and it was a quick read but I found some parts lacking and slow which is totally a me thing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for a honest reivew. These thoughts miss spellings and grammar errors are all my own.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Though the beginning of this story is a little predictable and cliche, I ended up devouring this book within hours and I was completely obsessed. I have not read any other books in this series, but I would recommend reading the other books first, just so you know who everyone is. You could do this as a stand-alone, I just feel it would be more enjoyed in order.

A story of two people who oddly find their way to each other in the way of acts of service. I found our main characters’ relationship to be witty and charming. This book is pack with everything from swooning to heartbreaking sobs. The story teaches you about life lessons and that you should live every day to its fullest.

More Than We Bargained For is a very sweet romance. I really liked that there was representation of a serious illness and the symptoms were discussed but they weren't presented as a huge stumbling block. Yes, the character himself thought no one else would want to deal with him and the issues that came along with his illness but the other characters showed him that they loved him and those things didn't define him. The lead female was quite annoying in the beginning with her stubbornness but I didn't mind because that was part of her growth throughout the storyline. I also liked that the author didn't shy away from portraying a mother having a small breakdown. It happens in real life and those little instances are often ignored in romance books. But the romance was what I really enjoyed here. Sawyer was so bashful and sweet, he had a secret crush on Starla that was adorable and she was oblivious. But she was definitely drawn to him too.
This was my first Fiona West book and I will be reading more. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone

E-arc provided by NetGalley/Tempest and Kite Publishing in exchange for honest review. My thoughts on this book are entirely my own.

The first thing that you should know about me is that I am trash for small town romances, even though I don't really live in a small town and most of the times the plot of all small town books somehow look the same to me. But does that discourage me to read them and love them? NO.

First of all, I really liked the setting of the book. I can't begin to geek over how beautiful Timber Falls sounded and the fact that I really want to read all the books in this series. The side characters managed to be intriguing for me because I haven't read the previous books and they constantly urged me to know more about them. Secondly, I appreciated the character development I could see in Starla, Sawyer and even Charlie. Yes, I have heard of the instances where partners don't leave each other because of so and so reasons but honestly if I couldn't keep up with the character of Charlie. Thirdly, I really appreciated how the topics of Divorce, Pregnancy and MS were dealt. And last but not the least, the romance part itself was really good.

I know there are people in this universe who believe that they are the center of everything and despite their wrongdoings, nothing will happen to them but this guy was insufferable. Even after the fact that Starla clearly told him that there was no chance of them getting back together and the fact that he was caught by her in the process of cheating on her, he still had the audacity to pester her about her moving back with him. Does his character improve? Well he did realize his 'mistakes' and was ready to do anything to make Starla forgive him and since it isn't a fantasy novel, I am okay with this development. He was kinda sufferable in the end so I guess it's alright.

As for Starla's character and Sawyer's character, I liked how they functioned. Starla is a fellow bookworm (bonus points) and to put the expression nicely, she is upright and really good. Same goes for Sawyer.

Now I don't know if its just me but I couldn't overlook the statements Starla's parents made to her about how she should go back to Charlie and the fact that he will take her (at least two times I guess). And even when it was clearly displayed how Starla kind of announced to everyone that she's officially no longer her wife and everything, I would have liked I directly statement or something to this particular comment. That's something that kind of bothered me. And another thing was some conservative thoughts here and there which I know were necessary to show that they were conservative but sometimes I just wanted to go in there and punch the townsfolks. No hard feelings.

I guess that's it. The rest of the things were just so beautiful that I finished this book... which is a big thing considering it was the first book that I could read and finish after the reading slump hit me. Ugh, those ugly days when I couldn't read :((

*Setting: 5/5 stars
*Plot: 4.5/5 stars
*Characters: 4/5 stars
*Writing style: 4/5 stars
*Overall: 4.5 stars

This was very well written, unique, and most of all a heartwarming story. First of all this is the first book that I’ve read from this Author Fiona West.

The book was written in the third person with dual point of view. The story took me by surprise, because I didn’t like the first few chapters of this book. But as I continue to read it, I started to like the main characters especially Starla. In the beginning she was a bit weak, but towards the end she remained strong, not a damsel in distress type of woman, and survived all the trials. And the same goes for Sawyer (he has his own issues too). Both of these characters are very relatable, they have their own weaknesses and most of all strengths.

This book was a part of a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Also this is definitely a slow burn with very little action (ahem). So if you’re looking for some cute and clean romance, this is definitely the one.

This book wasn't for me. I loved the premise, the characters and the general vibe but I just cannot deal with these "sweet" and "clea" romances. I really wish there had been a warning that it was "sweet" before I wasted my time on this snoozer.

This was ok but I really struggled because the story seemed to just drag on and on. The writing is good other than that .

The beginning felt a little bit flat and I didn’t find much invested myself. But after a few chapters in, it picked up the pace and I flew over by!
I read a few great reviews of the book, and found myself reading it the next day. Though it comes as the 4th book in a series, anyone can pick the book and enjoy it. Trust me I didn’t even knew that it’s a series!
The female protagonist is a book nerd, mom with 2 kids who recently left her husband, struggling with her job as a librarian. The male protagonist lives in a world of his because he thinks the world’s showering him pity and sympathy because of his illness.
Beautifully written and dramatically taken over! Would definitely be reading the other books in the series.

As I started this book, I thought it would be a light read. And that’s the way it starts.
Then ... hang on! It goes deep! I really liked that surprise.
The main characters are terrific. In fact, I need to read the rest of this series. LOL
One big turn-off for me was having her parents back her cheating ex husband. They kept waiting for her to “go home”. That just made me angry and stopped it from being a 4 star read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely not my usual read, but for someone who really enjoys a low angst read, I’d definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed the fact that these characters are older, more settled in their lives, even if things were in the process of uprooting and changing all around them.
I also really liked that even though Starla’s ex was kind of a jerk in their relationship, he was an excellent dad. That’s the kind of maturity I love to see. No pawns, just two rational adults understanding that their relationship was not endgame and continuing to be good parents despite that fact.
Sawyer & Starla were very much low drama, and I loved the friends to lovers/almost unrequited feel.

Thank you NetGalley, Tempest and Kite Publishing and Fiona West for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Ok first? This cover was so cute and fits perfectly with recent best selling contemporary romances! I've been loving the cover art lately!
This was a quick read that sucked me in from the beginning. Fiona West writes easy to relate to main characters (except Charlie. Yuck!) that made putting the book down hard! I started this on in the morning and by the afternoon I was flipping the last page with a full heart.
Starla is in the middle of a divorce from her cheating, slimey husband Charlie. She has her plate full as a newly single mom with a new home trying to run the local library. She looks forward to Thursdays when library patron and fellowTimber Falls local, Sawyer, comes in to swap his books. He’s mysterious but kind and Starla definitely has a little crush. What she doesn't know is that Sawyer has pined for Starla for years. When Starla’s plate gets too full to handle, it’s Sawyer who swoops in to save the day and help her get back on her feet.
While this book felt quick and the romance was light, Fiona West still gave her characters depth and they all showed growth by the end which can be hard to balance in romances! She did a great job of giving each character multiple sides to them which made them not only more relatable, but also more believable. Charlie was so unlikeable at the beginning of the book that I HATED him, but his character really grew throughout the book and I was really happy with how his relationship with Starla was at the end of the book. I feel like the way everything went down is probably something a lot of women who are going through a divorce/have been through a divorce can relate to! This felt like so much more than a romance and I think it will be popular across the board!

I'm thankful to the author and publishers for providing an ARC via Netgalley. I did get very invested in the book. So I had a LOT of feelings while reading. I've got to say, Sawyer is the perfect man! Maybe that's why I hated Starla at a lot of moments, in comparison. What's with authors writing flawless men and oblivious, messy women?? I mean, he is a medically trained professional, he is good with his hands both in that way and with fixing stuff, rides a motorcycle, owns property on a mountain without pesky neighbours, and reads a LOT!

I think it's worth reading if you enjoy cute small town settings and colourful world building. I haven't read the other books in the series, but it was still fun to see the various characters who clearly have their own cute stories pop up. It can function as a standalone.

Spoilers ahead
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Starla honestly made me nearly DNF the book early on, but I'm so glad I did. When she FINALLY realised she's pregnant, and acted all "my life is ruined but the guilt of abortion would kill me?", it was incredibly disappointing. Especially cause Starla supposedly has feminist values as she claims later on. I hope the final book removes all these hateful aspects of Starla. I get that it was honest, and a lot of women would understand it, as was the resentment she clearly felt toward her kids, but in the protagonist of a romance in 2020, it's pretty unappealing.

She had a comeback moment for me, when she handled the incontinence incident so well at the hospital. But then she made me hate her again with her reactionary behaviour when she decided to leave the town. The town was not the problem, she had people there who cared about her and she apparently needed to move away just to realise how much nicer her life could be while surrounded by those people. What a shocker. I feel like this was an incrediblt done-to-death plot line, and really unnecessary to the story. It just seemed like obstinacy on her part, when she didn't want to move and hurt everyone with it, including herself!

Her reason is to avoid speculation and presumably judgement, but it seemed like she judged people the MOST in this entire book, especially herself. I understood her, but she was so incredibly annoying.

More Than We Bargained For was engaging, sweet, and gave me all the feels!

This book handled some very touchy subjects wonderfully. First, it was beyond refreshing to see divorced adults act like adults. Yes, Charlie cheated on Starla and she rightly left him, but he's not made out to be a villain. He's a good dad who loves his kids, cares about his ex, and wants the best for her and their kids. This is certainly not a norm in fiction, and should be more common place in real life as well.. Second, I love how Sawyer's illness was approached. The realities of living with his particular diagnosis weren't glossed over or sugarcoated, but it also didn't define Sawyer as a character. I adored Sawyer and Starla and my only complaint was that the book wasn't longer so we could see more of them.

More Than We Bargained For is part of a series, but I have not read the previous books, and it did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of this book in the slightest. I will, however, be adding the other books to my TBR list.

Loved Starla and Sawyer’s story and thought the secondary character were amazing as well. The family dynamics was great and really worked out in the end.

I did not love this book at all. I couldn't get behind her sleeping with her ex and then falling for the new guy. I was expecting something more along the lines of Penny Reid/Smartypants Romance and this book definitely wasn't it.

What a fabulous read!! Usually I don't give a synopsis of the book because the publishers blurb seems to to a way better job then I ever could. But this time, while the description is completely accurate; the story is way more than that. They must be trying to give you more than you bargained for!

I loved the way the story and characters didn't seem to follow a set pattern or theme. It was a very lovely change to read this story. And it was funny! Laughed & kept giggling several times.

I know have to go back and read the first four books because this was worth it!!

I received and ARC from NetGalley to prepare this honest review.

Den Verlauf der Geschichte muss man mögen

Im Rückblick muss ich gestehen, dass ich beim Lesen der Synopsis nicht gut genug aufgepasst habe, denn sonst wäre mir etwas aufgefallen, was ich in Liebesromanen nicht mag. Und zwar wenn ein Ex noch zu sehr mit in die Geschichte involviert ist.

Genau das ist der Fall in "More than we bargained for" und für mich hat dieser Bestandteil der Geschichte nicht funktioniert. Hätte ich den Rest des Buches absolut umwerfend gefunden, hätte ich damit vielleicht leben können. Da ich die Charaktere und ihre Geschichte aber nur als gutes Mittelmaß empfand, konnte ich darüber nicht hinwegsehen.

Vor dem Lesen sollte man sich die Synopsis wirklich genau anschauen und überlegen, ob das, was angedeutet wird, für einen passt. Wenn ja, erwartet einen ein Liebesroman, in den eine Menge gepackt wurde (vielleicht etwas zu viel) und der keine 08/15 - Geschichte beinhaltet.