Lachlan & Anneliese’s Slow-Burn Is A Somber Story About Deception & Poetic Justice! Their Down-To-Earth Small-Town Romance Blossoms Despite The Bitterness & Heartbreak That Bind Them Following Donovan’s Death.


Anneliese Nielson, in her late twenties, is a kind-hearted beauty who wears her heart on her sleeve. Her constant busyness and endless chatter are quirky yet endearing to those that love her. She has always loved names, and she converted her part-time project into a full-fledged business as a name consultant after college. Falling in love comes easily to her, which has led to a few heartbreaks over the years. Her naivete makes her an easy target for men with one goal in mind, and she has unfortunately been ghosted a few times. Her parents are happily married, and as their only child, she is the center of their world. They had warned her to slow things down with Donovan, but she instead had followed her heart. That led her from Chicago to Arcadia Grove, a beautiful small town in Vermont known as a tourist and wedding destination.

She had met Donovan Byrne on a layover in Minneapolis last June, and he had charmed himself into her life. He was nothing less than perfect. He was a social media manager at a big corporation, and he was also an aspiring writer. When he proposed six months later, there was no hesitation on Anneliese’s part. She readily agreed to follow him to his hometown, where they would renovate his childhood home together. She had to take a significant cut in pay in leaving, but she set up an Etsy shop to pull in new clients and now has part-time work.

Anneliese put her heart, soul, and life savings into the renovation project with Donovan. They had big dreams together. Two months after their move, however, Donovan died. As if that were not bad enough, she later learned that Donovan hadn’t been the perfect fiancé he pretended to be. Instead of opening a joint account as he claimed, she discovered that her name was not on the account in which her savings had been deposited. She has no idea how much of the money is left, but much of it was already invested in the home. An attorney advised her that her best chance of recovery is to find a close relative to inherit the estate and then file a claim against the home. With only a meager income, she is doing her best to finish the project on her own and is hopeful that a relative will be found. With his parents deceased and no siblings, Donovan had no close relatives to speak of.

Lachlan Byrne, twenty-eight, has not looked back since leaving Arcadia Grove a decade ago. He flew to England to get away from his past but also to experience life to its fullest. He loves thrill-seeking and adventure, and he is always up for a good time. His rugged good looks are marked by his long hair, tattoos, and leather jacket. He enjoys pub crawls and beautiful women, but relationships are not his thing. He is a wanderer, picking up odd work here and there, often in the construction trade. He has nothing to tie him down, and he loves the freedom of picking up and starting over on a whim. Whenever he begins to feel comfortable, he knows it is time to move on.

When Lachlan caught wind that his older brother had died, it hadn’t exactly been bad news. Unfortunately, though, it meant that he would be returning to the states and his hometown. With no wife or heirs that he knew of, Lachlan would inherit the family home from his brother. Money means little to him, but he has some fiery plans for the decrepit building that once held happy memories. Lachlan was nine when his mother died, and that was when his life went downhill. His grieving father fell apart in the aftermath, and his home life did as well.

When he discovers that Donovan had a fiancée who is now living in the home, it puts a cramp in his plans. His attorney says it will take several months to get the legal paperwork in order for him to take control of his brother’s estate, but if his brother’s fiancée files a claim, it could slow things down considerably. Lachlan wants nothing more than to return to the UK, but it seems Anneliese may have the power to hold him back. In an unconventional move, he makes her an offer. The couple eventually earns a happy ending.

Wow! Lachlan and Anneliese’s story is laced with bitterness and scorn. Both have been wronged by Donovan, who is a practiced manipulator. Donovan gets away with his deception thanks to his charismatic personality and scheming mind. Anneliese learns some hard lessons when he dies. She uncovers one lie after another, leading her to feel like a fool and question her judgment. Lachlan knows exactly what Donovan was capable of, which was why he was content to never return.

Donovan’s death brings Lachlan and Anneliese together as Lachlan finally faces his past and Anneliese tries to save face by salvaging her savings and then moving on. She has put a lot of love into the rehab project, and finishing the job is the best way to keep her self-respect. Becoming penniless and moving in with her parents at nearly thirty years of age is not an appealing option to her.

Neither Lachlan nor Anneliese is in a good place in this somber story that centers on Lachlan’s childhood home. It is the worst possible time to fall in love. For Anneliese, the idea of falling for another Byrne is not appealing, and Lachlan has no designs on winning over his brother’s would-be widow. The ending surprised me, but in a good way. It was not predictable. I loved the epilogue. It was nice to see something a little more upbeat after such a difficult beginning. I would love to have read more about their future together.

Lachlan and Anneliese’s slow-burn is a somber story about deception and poetic justice. It is a step away from the billionaire romances so popular today – more down-to-earth and small-town – and the romance blossoms despite the bitterness and heartbreak that overwhelm the couple. The story is very well-written. The plot is somewhat simple. The characters are very well-defined and realistic. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Lachlan and Anneliese. I rate this book 4.5 stars.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is such a touching story. Anneliese is dealing with the aftermath of her fiancé passing and learning that she never really knew him, along with being in the middle of renovating his childhood home that she’s put her life savings into. When Lachlan shows up at her door, revealing that he’s the brother of her fiancé that she never knew existed. And since there was no will the house is his. And he plans to donate it to the fire station for a burn. Having put so much money and effort into the house, Anneliese will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening. When Lachlan compromises with her to let him stay at the house, and he will help renovate it. And at the end he’ll decide weather to sell the house or burn it. But as time passes and the more they are around each other, their attraction grows. Winter does such a good job at character development. You feel their pain and heartbreak. This is a book that will stay with you.

Two unlikely people. Two people who were not destined to be but who came into each other’s life when needed most!


The way this book started off I had some strong feelings towards the hero because my heart hurt for the heroine! They were both places in a very tough circumstance brought on by a selfish man but in the end it all worked in a way I didn’t think would happen!!

We meet Anneliese when she is down on her luck and really trying to figure out her next steps when in comes Lachlan! They butt heads and their meeting isn’t a good one but time together and uncovered truths bring them together!!

Really loved this story and the connection formed between the two main characters!

This was a good read and definitely makes me interested in reading more of Winter Renshaw's books (The Dirty Truth was my first foray into her books and I loved that one). This one was an enemies to lovers romance but had the added factor that Anneliese was engaged to Lachlan's brother previously (not my favorite trope by any stretch) and only found out how awful the brother Donovan was after his death. The way that Anneliese was written made her out to be quite naive and too trusting and as her relationship with Lachlan evolved, I started to get turned off her character because she still seemed like she "believed" good things about Donovan. But otherwise, I enjoyed how their relationship progressed, although this is definitely in the category of slow burn. it felt more plodding but still well written and definitely drew me into their burgeoning relationship. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an early read.

3.5 Stars!

Love and Kerosene is one contemporary romance that I didn’t see coming. From damaged characters to an intriguing plot, this story will captivate and intrigue readers right until the end.

Anneliese was living the dream until the sudden passing of her fiance. Her eyes have been opened to disappointing secrets and hits that never seem to stop coming. The latest hit, discovering that her dead fiance not only has a brother she’s never heard about but learns that the home she’s been renovating belongs to him. For Anneliese and Donovan, what started off as hate at first sight, quickly turns into more…

Overall, I thought this book was a good read. I was really intrigued by the premise of this story and was excited to see this author’s take on the “falling for your dead exes brother” trope. The sparks between Anneliese and Donovan were instant. I enjoyed their love/hate relationship and the entertaining banter it brought along with it. I think this story offered some good mystery and I enjoyed the unraveling of secrets and the past.

However, despite the instant sparks between our two main characters, their story is a definite slow burn. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good build-up/anticipation as much as the next person, but this was a little much for me. And as much as I enjoyed these characters and their story, I found some parts of their story to be lacking; like it just needed to be fleshed out a little more and not rushed.

Despite my issues with this book, I did find it to be an enjoyable read. The story wasn’t over the top or overly dramatic. I think the author delivered when it came to the angst and romance, I was just left wanting more from the characters and their story.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me and I had to DNF it due to the slow pacing. But there were several things I absolutely loved about the book and will definitely recommend this book to people who I think might like it.

I loved Anneliese's profession/hobby. I also loved the words and their definitions at the beginning of each chapter and I absolutely loved Winter Renshaw's writing style and will definitely be checking out her backlist soon

Page Turning SUSPENSE
Twists and turn and page turning suspense kept me addicted and reading for hours. You get loss, betrayal and heartache with a slow burn romance that is sexy and sweet. This story pulls you in so many directions and keeps you captivated feeling the pain and happiness that flows through the words with great storytelling. It's a fantastic story well written and has a sweet HEA that had me tickled and sporting a hug smiley face.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review and opinion. Winter Renshaw pulls at your heart with this book. The raw nature of betrayal builds up to a beautiful romance once healing beings.

The premise of the story is intriguing but the story lacked depth. Certain parts were rushed and overall there wasn’t anything believable. The spice level which was one of the reasons i picked this author was seriously depressing.

What a great story that keeps you on your toes. When we first start we have Anneliese who believes she sees her dead fiancé but come to find out it is his brother who has come back to town to claim what is rightfully his. Problem is, Anneliese believes she deserves the home she has poured not only sweat and tears into but also her life savings. These two are total opposites but being forced together shows that maybe there is healing that can come from this old house and who knows where the future will take them.

This was a great slow burn between two strong personalities that know what they want and are willing to fight to get there but when they discover they want each other just as bad then they will have to learn to also give in order to find their happily ever after. I felt for both Anneliese and Lachlan as they both have hurts to mend. I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. This was great and I recommend this book. I received an early copy to read and review with my honest opinion. It was 5 stars for me.

This book surprised me with its depth and emotional maturity. I loved the two main characters, Anneliese and Lachlan, both their background stories and the slow burn romance between them. You also get a bit of a mystery and a twist with this one. Love and Kerosene was a compulsive read that I devoured in one sitting. I definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for access to this arc.

This was something different, but very enjoyable. Just when you thought you knew where it was going-plot twist! This was a page turner, with several interesting characters in the mix. I was surprised that there wasn't much by way of sex, really just mentions than actual scenes. I've read several books by this author and I thought she wrote sex scenes, but I could be wrong. Not that it was a problem, the story is definitely strong enough to stand on its own without the bedroom stuff. It's definitely not a cookie cutter story, I absolutely recommend it, especially if you're tired of reading the same old thing.

What an amazing story between Lachlan and Anneliese. Anneliese was happy, in love and engaged to the man she loved and when tragedy struck she was not prepared for what came next. Devastated, heartbroken, and betrayed in the worst way, she marches forward to reclaim her life, that is until Lachlan shows up on her doorstep with demands, claiming he’s Donovan’s brother and the house she is renovating is now his. Lachlan is a mystery and so many things hide behind his gorgeous eyes. These two are in for a battle of wills of who keeps the house, but can they keep their hand to themselves? Secrets, lies and truths come out, which is a good thing, right? You never thought you’d find that person who makes you feel loved, wanted and listened to, until they are staring you right in the face. Another outstanding read by this author. I found this book on Netgalley.

This book is not for the Saint of heart - I'll just tell you that now. I've read this author before but this book was really well-written and well-thought-out. I'm definitely gonna be reading her again.

So this book is a bit different. Usually Winters books I feel as if I am part of the story this one wasn't like that. Don't get me wrong I loved the book the story line was good because it had plot twist and Lachlan was a story writer(mighty good story teller as well) and he was the brother of the deceased fiance. If your looking for a book that makes you feel what they feel this isn't it but the story line is good.

Winters characters are always so well crafted you walk away feeling like you ‘knew’ them. Anneliese has a trusting heart and a warm personality filled with optimism. Donovan her dead fiancé was a lying cheating womanizer (you love to hate him). Along comes Dons younger brother Lachlan who Anneliese knows nothing about.

Without reiterating the story- here are the things I liked:

Although Anneliese has been royally screwed over- she allows love to guide her heart. It would have been so easy to hate any man after what happened to her.

Lachlans childhood has not been easy. His family has treated him very unkind after the loss of his mother. Lachlan could have been bitter but the sweet loving Anneliese allows him to love her so easily.

I am a sucker for broken people who find their love together heals past wounds.

Lesson learned - do not let the past and the relationships of people who are narcissists to destroy what can be good and rewarding in your own life.

When Anneliese loses her fiancé, she quickly finds out that he had lied to her. Then when her fiancé’s brother returns home and wants her home, she is faced with all sorts of emotions and feelings. Lachlan is almost identical in looks to his brother but is he just as much of a liar? Lachlan of course has his own trauma and emotions to sort through. Once the pair moves in together to finish renovating the home, truths are revealed and hearts begin to heal. The healing process leads to an unexpected love story and leaves the reader with a warm feeling.

Great romance! Winter Renshaw’s latest novel Love and Kerosene has everything I love in romance novels- sweet, sass, and steam! I knew from the synopsis that this novel would be right up my alley and in true Winter Renshaw fashion, I finished it in record time! Centering around two main characters that have both been not so lucky in the love department, I was really on the hook to see how their story would play out. As per usual, I loved what Winter Renshaw had in mind for these two! This 4.5 star novel is a standalone, but I would love to see Winter turn it into a series!

3.5 stars
Anneliese is dealing with the aftermath of her dead fiancé's deception. After being swindled out of her life's savings by the man she thought she knew and would marry, her only way to recover any financial losses is to finish the renovations of his old family home and sell it. She's got a plan but doesn't count on his brother showing up to claim the house. A brother she never knew existed. A brother who wants the house simply to burn it to the ground.

Lachlan is a writer. A lover of unusual words. He's broody but has an easy-going style about him. He's honest and doesn't play games. Beneath the calm and cool surface is a man struggling with demons. And my heart broke as he revealed the truths from his childhood.

There is something spellbinding about these two. A certain ease that transitions quickly between them. I enjoyed reading their slow-building connection forming and I didn't mind the low heat in the story. But I stumbled with the story's pacing nearing the end. There just wasn't enough time to solidify the relationship once they connected and those last handful of chapters switched gears from a leisurely pace to whiplash speed far too abruptly. Regardless of any stumbling blocks I encountered, I've read enough books from this author to know that I'll be first in line to read the next one.

/I received an early edition of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the book or content of my review./

Anneliese was engaged to a man that she thought was her soul mate, Donovan Byrne. They invested a lot of money into refurbishing his childhood home in Arcadia Grove, Vermont. Unfortunately, he died in a car accident several months earlier, and now she is left with all of her savings invested in this home. She wants to finish the job and sell the house to try to recoup her investment. It turns out her former fiancé was a liar and a manipulator. He lied about his intentions and he lied about his life. Anneliese is spitting mad about it, and when she sees a guy who looks almost exactly like her former flame, she freaks out a bit. It turns out that Donovan had a brother, Lachlan, after telling her he was an only child. Lachlan left their hometown at 18 and has made a good life for himself. He and Donovan had a contentious relationship, and initially Anneliese thinks Lachlan is a bad guy, but eventually figures out that he is honest and decent, and quite different from his brother. Lachlan wants to burn the house to the ground to obliterate the unhappy memories from his childhood—most of which were caused by Donovan and his lies. When he discovers Annaliese living in the house, he offers to help with the renovation in exchange for giving him a place to stay for the time it will take to determine the fate of the house, which could take a few months.

As usual, Winter Renshaw tells a well-crafted story. She is known for adding unexpected plot twists and for doling out details sparingly, then springing them on readers where they will create the most impact. This story is no exception. We learn why Lachlan left and the heartache that accompanied his exit well into the story. This type of thoughtfully-designed story-crafting elevates this writer well above the rest of the pack. Her books always make readers think, and they often open our eyes to different perspectives. She is able to keep readers interested in the outcome, while keeping the tension and pacing on point.

This book is a fascinating look at the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, contrasted with the healthy interactions that occur within Anneliese’s family. It is easy to spot the overactive ego that is part and parcel of Donovan Byrne. It is also easy to recognize the truth and goodness of Lachlan, once he starts communicating. This is a story that readers will still be thinking about long after the final page is turned!