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Lakeside Cottage #4
Letting Go at 40
A bereaved widow finds herself with a chance at love after loss with the most unlikely of people: her late husband’s best friend.
Anna Kulis has lost her husband. Their love was a perfect kind of love; a once in a lifetime experience. She never intended to find love again. Never expected to have this attraction stirring inside her. And she never thought her emotions would run wild for the one man she shouldn’t be attracted to - her late husband’s best friend.
Mason Becker has a secret. As a renowned ladies’ man, he’s been in love with his best friend’s wife for twenty-five years. After his friend’s untimely death, and a period of grief, Mason finds himself in a compromising position with the one woman he didn’t think he’d ever have. And that night leads to complications - namely, a desire for more.
Letting go can be one of the hardest tasks for the heart.
Opening up to a second chance at love can be even harder.
Anna Kulis has lost her husband. Their love was a perfect kind of love; a once in a lifetime experience. She never intended to find love again. Never expected to have this attraction stirring inside her. And she never thought her emotions would run wild for the one man she shouldn’t be attracted to - her late husband’s best friend.
Mason Becker has a secret. As a renowned ladies’ man, he’s been in love with his best friend’s wife for twenty-five years. After his friend’s untimely death, and a period of grief, Mason finds himself in a compromising position with the one woman he didn’t think he’d ever have. And that night leads to complications - namely, a desire for more.
Letting go can be one of the hardest tasks for the heart.
Opening up to a second chance at love can be even harder.
325 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2023
250 people are currently reading
2,785 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
85 books3,145 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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
January 26, 2023
5 So Worth The Wait Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This series has been something so very special. It was not like reading any other romance, friendship, or connected series. This one touched me as if I was reading about my own Real Friends and I was part of every gathering, sense of happenings between them all, and moved to real emotions just like all of the characters.
This last entry grabbed me by the heartstrings and never let go until the ending. A work of art.
Living at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Learning at 40 (Lakeside Cottage, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Loving at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Letting Go At 40 (Lakeside Cottage #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This series has been something so very special. It was not like reading any other romance, friendship, or connected series. This one touched me as if I was reading about my own Real Friends and I was part of every gathering, sense of happenings between them all, and moved to real emotions just like all of the characters.
This last entry grabbed me by the heartstrings and never let go until the ending. A work of art.
Living at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Learning at 40 (Lakeside Cottage, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Loving at 40 (Lakeside Cottage #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Letting Go At 40 (Lakeside Cottage #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 21, 2023
Crossing the 40s threshold is a significant and momentous event in everyone's life. A person stands and reflects on life past, promises to adjust and amend the way they've spent their lives and make new resolutions to grab it by both hands.
That could mean falling in love, living to love, learning to love.
In this story its another important lesson Dunbar teaches us.
The Art Of Letting Go
We've met Ben Kulis in Living at 40. Him and Anna host their friends for two weeks. One the friend is Mason Becker, Ben's Close friend and almost a Brother.
“Mason Becker. He’s always been hot but damn . . . In a suit, he’s like chocolate mousse on cookie crumbles.”
The only problem, Ben passes away and his widow Anna is grieving.
And Mason is heartbreakingly in love with her.
The situation sets you up for bucket of tears and painful experience. Anna and Mason are tense and awkward in each other's presence. But living in close proximity gives many chances for them to set teh kindle aflame. Easier said than done because the way back to Anna is paved with eggshells of sentiments for Mason.
It's pracarious and almost uncrossable.
“There is the start.” “And the finish. In between is a journey called life and if anyone would have told you to make the most of every single day, it would have been Ben. That’s the time that matters.
The In Between”
I have to give kudos to Anna for questioning and requestioning her decisions. I'd have done the same.
Loved Mason and loved his devotion towards his promise, Anna, a bevy of kids in a very shape and form and the family.
True to the spirit of earlier books, Thsi one offers another unique look into the lives of the Four Seasons or Four Points of compass
I enjoyed every moment of it.
4.5 stars for a man who made a family
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That could mean falling in love, living to love, learning to love.
In this story its another important lesson Dunbar teaches us.
The Art Of Letting Go
We've met Ben Kulis in Living at 40. Him and Anna host their friends for two weeks. One the friend is Mason Becker, Ben's Close friend and almost a Brother.
“Mason Becker. He’s always been hot but damn . . . In a suit, he’s like chocolate mousse on cookie crumbles.”
The only problem, Ben passes away and his widow Anna is grieving.
And Mason is heartbreakingly in love with her.
The situation sets you up for bucket of tears and painful experience. Anna and Mason are tense and awkward in each other's presence. But living in close proximity gives many chances for them to set teh kindle aflame. Easier said than done because the way back to Anna is paved with eggshells of sentiments for Mason.
It's pracarious and almost uncrossable.
“There is the start.” “And the finish. In between is a journey called life and if anyone would have told you to make the most of every single day, it would have been Ben. That’s the time that matters.
The In Between”
I have to give kudos to Anna for questioning and requestioning her decisions. I'd have done the same.
Loved Mason and loved his devotion towards his promise, Anna, a bevy of kids in a very shape and form and the family.
True to the spirit of earlier books, Thsi one offers another unique look into the lives of the Four Seasons or Four Points of compass
I enjoyed every moment of it.
4.5 stars for a man who made a family
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
January 17, 2023
THIS!! All of this story is exactly what we needed and wanted. It is exactly the story Mason and Anna deserved. This series all together is beautifully heartbreaking and emotional, and this story is even more so. Mason, for all his player status and confidence, has a broken little boy inside that needs some serious healing.
“Why not? What’s wrong with me?” He turns to face me, propping his hands on his hips. “Why am I not good enough?”
The fact that he doesn't really let anyone in makes it harder for him to Let Go! Going back in time to how it all started with Ben and his friends nearly broke me. Seeing it all from Anna and Mason's perspective is exactly what I needed to heal, not only from this story but also some of my own need to let go.
“Why not? What’s wrong with me?” He turns to face me, propping his hands on his hips. “Why am I not good enough?”
The fact that he doesn't really let anyone in makes it harder for him to Let Go! Going back in time to how it all started with Ben and his friends nearly broke me. Seeing it all from Anna and Mason's perspective is exactly what I needed to heal, not only from this story but also some of my own need to let go.
January 20, 2023
5 stars!
The fourth and final book in the Lakeside Cottage series, this is the long-awaited story for Anna and Mason. A love-after-loss, unrequited love, friends-to-lovers romance, it was everything I was hoping it would be, with so many feels, and I loved this story!
Mason and Anna’s love story was hinted at in the first book of the series, when Anna’s husband announced that he was dying, and his friends gathered around to support the couple through his illness, and after his death. Mason was there for all of it, helping in the most practical of ways, and staying on to support Anna and her children. Though Anna was in no condition to even think about another man, there were hints that Mason felt more for his wife’s friend, and we’ve seen glimpses of that over each of the books in the series.
Now, we get to see all of those little moments in detail, as this book takes us back to the events of the first book of the series, showing us Mason and Anna’s story from the beginning, over the course of three years as Anna crawls out from under her grief, and Mason finally gets his chance to be with the woman he has loved for decades.
Mason is a wonderfully complex character. In the past he’s been a bit of a player, and there are mentions of him having a daughter that he has little to do with, but there is SO much more to him than we know, and I loved this chance to explore him further and really get to know him. My heart ached for all that he was going through, and it made all the ways that he was there for Ben, Anna, and their children, all the more amazing.
The romance is a slow burn, which is absolutely needed to be. Though Mason has loved Anna for years, they’re both grieving, and as their friendship shifts and changes over time, there’s all the expected guilt, shame, fear and heartbreak that they need to deal with. It’s a bit of an angsty ride, which makes sense for their situation, but there are glimpses of what they could be if they both just let go.
Dunbar writes with so much emotion, and I felt so much while reading this book! Though the love between them feels natural, it’s not an easy situation for either of them, and I could understand where both of the characters were coming from, and the challenges they faced. And while Anna is figuring out how to move on, Mason is figuring out how to let go of the past and fight for the life that he wants. And watching the two of them move closer and closer together was so beautiful.
The love story is emotional, passionate, real, raw, and beautifully swoony, and through it all, I loved that Ben, and his relationship with both Anna and with Mason, was respected and cherished. I could feel Anna’s torment, and I thought Mason absolutely shone as the romantic hero fighting for his girl with the utmost respect to her and her past, and I loved seeing these two finally get their happy ending.
The characters from previous books all appear, and it was so good seeing them again. There’s a fantastic dynamic to this group, which has become closer and more important as the series goes on, and I loved seeing them all happy, together, and living their HEAs.
I have loved this series, and this book finishes it off on a huge high. This is a beautifully written story with all the feels, and I absolutely loved it!
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The fourth and final book in the Lakeside Cottage series, this is the long-awaited story for Anna and Mason. A love-after-loss, unrequited love, friends-to-lovers romance, it was everything I was hoping it would be, with so many feels, and I loved this story!
Mason and Anna’s love story was hinted at in the first book of the series, when Anna’s husband announced that he was dying, and his friends gathered around to support the couple through his illness, and after his death. Mason was there for all of it, helping in the most practical of ways, and staying on to support Anna and her children. Though Anna was in no condition to even think about another man, there were hints that Mason felt more for his wife’s friend, and we’ve seen glimpses of that over each of the books in the series.
Now, we get to see all of those little moments in detail, as this book takes us back to the events of the first book of the series, showing us Mason and Anna’s story from the beginning, over the course of three years as Anna crawls out from under her grief, and Mason finally gets his chance to be with the woman he has loved for decades.
Anna is more than a friend. She’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to commitment. I’m dedicated to her, to us, to the potential of what we could be if she’d only let me in.
Mason is a wonderfully complex character. In the past he’s been a bit of a player, and there are mentions of him having a daughter that he has little to do with, but there is SO much more to him than we know, and I loved this chance to explore him further and really get to know him. My heart ached for all that he was going through, and it made all the ways that he was there for Ben, Anna, and their children, all the more amazing.
“I can’t lose you next.”
“Sweetheart.” His quiet groan is a plea … “No one else is leaving, Anna. Especially not me.” He squeezes me tighter. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for you as long as you need me.”
Did I need him? I swore I never would. Oh, how my feelings have changed.
I very much want Mason in my life.
The romance is a slow burn, which is absolutely needed to be. Though Mason has loved Anna for years, they’re both grieving, and as their friendship shifts and changes over time, there’s all the expected guilt, shame, fear and heartbreak that they need to deal with. It’s a bit of an angsty ride, which makes sense for their situation, but there are glimpses of what they could be if they both just let go.
“Mason, we can’t keep doing this.”
“Doing what?”
“Winding each other up, only to walk away.”
“What if I don’t want to walk away?” What if I want to hold tight and never let go?
Dunbar writes with so much emotion, and I felt so much while reading this book! Though the love between them feels natural, it’s not an easy situation for either of them, and I could understand where both of the characters were coming from, and the challenges they faced. And while Anna is figuring out how to move on, Mason is figuring out how to let go of the past and fight for the life that he wants. And watching the two of them move closer and closer together was so beautiful.
“The things you do to me. My body. My heart … You could shatter me, but fuck do I want to be broken by you.”
The love story is emotional, passionate, real, raw, and beautifully swoony, and through it all, I loved that Ben, and his relationship with both Anna and with Mason, was respected and cherished. I could feel Anna’s torment, and I thought Mason absolutely shone as the romantic hero fighting for his girl with the utmost respect to her and her past, and I loved seeing these two finally get their happy ending.
“Anna. I’ve loved you from afar for over twenty-five years. And now, I’d like to love you up close.”
The characters from previous books all appear, and it was so good seeing them again. There’s a fantastic dynamic to this group, which has become closer and more important as the series goes on, and I loved seeing them all happy, together, and living their HEAs.
I have loved this series, and this book finishes it off on a huge high. This is a beautifully written story with all the feels, and I absolutely loved it!
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2023
I've heard great things when it comes to L.B. Dunbar and this is my first time reading and I'm happy that everything I was told checks out.
I came to 30% of this book and I was a sobbing mess. It was really hard to read and not feel bad for Mason. He's been in love with Anna since the moment he laid eyes on her. But she chose his best friend, so he kept his feelings hidden. But now both of their worlds came crashing down, and Mason is determined to make sure she and the kids are safe. But the more time they spend together, the more it becomes harder to keep his feelings in check.
Anna has come to terms with her new reality. She has lost one she loved the most. And relaying on Mason doesn't come easy to her. But with each passing day she learns new things and soon she can't deny she has strong feelings for him.
It was hard to read about the guilt and not feeling good enough for both of them. And my heart was at ease when they finally found peace in each other's arms.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I came to 30% of this book and I was a sobbing mess. It was really hard to read and not feel bad for Mason. He's been in love with Anna since the moment he laid eyes on her. But she chose his best friend, so he kept his feelings hidden. But now both of their worlds came crashing down, and Mason is determined to make sure she and the kids are safe. But the more time they spend together, the more it becomes harder to keep his feelings in check.
Anna has come to terms with her new reality. She has lost one she loved the most. And relaying on Mason doesn't come easy to her. But with each passing day she learns new things and soon she can't deny she has strong feelings for him.
It was hard to read about the guilt and not feeling good enough for both of them. And my heart was at ease when they finally found peace in each other's arms.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
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June 16, 2022Book 4 in the series. January 26, 2023 new release date.
The author’s note:::
“UPDATE on Letting Go at 40
If you follow me on social media, in my reader group on Facebook, you'd know that I was struggling with Letting Go at 40. And I announced that while I planned to publish in September, I didn't see myself making that deadline.
No words came to me in January.
I was on another deadline in February.
I struggled through March.
When the words came in April, they were a slow trickle. I still saw hope and announced in my reader group that I was back on for publishing in September. I put Letting Go at 40 up for pre-order because I knew readers would want it immediately after reading LOVING at 40.
The romance I wrote was A story for Mason and Anna but it wasn't the RIGHT story. I knew it was missing something and after a long talk with one of my wonderful editors, we decided I needed to start over.
I needed to do BETTER for Mason and Anna.
So while 80,000 words complete their tale, it doesn't do them justice and that file will remain on my laptop for all of eternity. I can't publish something that is good enough to end the series but isn't great enough for Mason and Anna. I want great. You deserve great (or at least the best I can do which is better than what I wrote).
SO.....Letting Go at 40's pre-order was canceled. Many of you received emails from Amazon and missed my explanation on social media about this dilemma. Because Amazon doesn't let you just change a date, I had to cancel the current listing and make a NEW ONE to reflect the newer publication date.
LETTING GO at 40 will be coming January 26, 2023.
If you previously pre-ordered, your order has been canceled. You haven't been charged because there isn't a book to be delivered. You will need to RE-PRE-ORDER for the newer date.
While it currently says LETTING GO at 40 is book 5, that's not right, and I'm working with Amazon to correct it. Letting Go at 40 is book 4 and the final romance for four friends, but probably not the end of Lakeside Cottage”.
The author’s note:::
“UPDATE on Letting Go at 40
If you follow me on social media, in my reader group on Facebook, you'd know that I was struggling with Letting Go at 40. And I announced that while I planned to publish in September, I didn't see myself making that deadline.
No words came to me in January.
I was on another deadline in February.
I struggled through March.
When the words came in April, they were a slow trickle. I still saw hope and announced in my reader group that I was back on for publishing in September. I put Letting Go at 40 up for pre-order because I knew readers would want it immediately after reading LOVING at 40.
The romance I wrote was A story for Mason and Anna but it wasn't the RIGHT story. I knew it was missing something and after a long talk with one of my wonderful editors, we decided I needed to start over.
I needed to do BETTER for Mason and Anna.
So while 80,000 words complete their tale, it doesn't do them justice and that file will remain on my laptop for all of eternity. I can't publish something that is good enough to end the series but isn't great enough for Mason and Anna. I want great. You deserve great (or at least the best I can do which is better than what I wrote).
SO.....Letting Go at 40's pre-order was canceled. Many of you received emails from Amazon and missed my explanation on social media about this dilemma. Because Amazon doesn't let you just change a date, I had to cancel the current listing and make a NEW ONE to reflect the newer publication date.
LETTING GO at 40 will be coming January 26, 2023.
If you previously pre-ordered, your order has been canceled. You haven't been charged because there isn't a book to be delivered. You will need to RE-PRE-ORDER for the newer date.
While it currently says LETTING GO at 40 is book 5, that's not right, and I'm working with Amazon to correct it. Letting Go at 40 is book 4 and the final romance for four friends, but probably not the end of Lakeside Cottage”.
May 10, 2023
This is a story about love and loss, and finding love again. The beginning had me sobbing for the loss of Ben, and how that hurt everyone that loved him. It’s already unimaginable with a wife, but there’s also his 3 kids and his close friends. I question my sanity reading a book like this, making me bawl my eyes out. But after the first few chapters, things get better and the words were easier to read.
Anna’s husband, Ben is diagnosed with prostate cancer and given a year to live. He calls his 3 closest friends together at his wife’s lake house to break the news and make his final requests.
Mason, the first of Ben’s best friends, has been in love with Ben’s wife, Anna, since their childhood. Never thinking he’s good enough, being the man whore that he is, Mason thinks that Anna would never love him. Ben sees the beautiful heart that Mason has, though, and he knows his wife has enough love to give.
This was different from what I’m used to reading. My main genre is dark romance, so whenever there’s an issue, I’m used to the hero throwing the heroine over his shoulder and making things right. This was not that. Anna has grieving to do and she has to come to terms with being attracted to, and starting a relationship with, her deceased husband’s best friend. Mason has to “let go” and realize that he is good enough for Anna, his young daughter Lynlee, and his group of friends. These problems are not solved overnight. There’s communication that needs to be had, hearts that get broken, and pieces that need to be put back together.
This was a beautiful story of second chances and grieving. What comes after you think it all is over. I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
4 Stars
Anna’s husband, Ben is diagnosed with prostate cancer and given a year to live. He calls his 3 closest friends together at his wife’s lake house to break the news and make his final requests.
Mason, the first of Ben’s best friends, has been in love with Ben’s wife, Anna, since their childhood. Never thinking he’s good enough, being the man whore that he is, Mason thinks that Anna would never love him. Ben sees the beautiful heart that Mason has, though, and he knows his wife has enough love to give.
This was different from what I’m used to reading. My main genre is dark romance, so whenever there’s an issue, I’m used to the hero throwing the heroine over his shoulder and making things right. This was not that. Anna has grieving to do and she has to come to terms with being attracted to, and starting a relationship with, her deceased husband’s best friend. Mason has to “let go” and realize that he is good enough for Anna, his young daughter Lynlee, and his group of friends. These problems are not solved overnight. There’s communication that needs to be had, hearts that get broken, and pieces that need to be put back together.
This was a beautiful story of second chances and grieving. What comes after you think it all is over. I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
4 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
Letting Go at 40
(Lakeside Cottage Book 4)
By L.B. Dunbar
I have waited for this book, I knew it would be emotional but I’ve also read the other three books in this series and I knew in my heart that the author would give readers as well as Anna and Mason the story we all deserved.
Author L.B. Dunbar did more, she gave us an emotional ride that had us reliving parts of book one and then one hell of an emotional ride when it came to Anna and Mason. She had me crying through her letter to her readers and in tears as we relived the years from Ben’s diagnosis to the third anniversary of his death.
This story held me captive, learning who Mason really was and who influenced him to be the man he has become, while seeing Anna learn to live, to trust and love again. Letting Go at 40 was beautifully written and there was not one moment that I wanted to put it down.
With their friends and family there for them every step of their journey, you knew that they had the support they would need to get to their ending.
When you stand on the beach at Lakeside Cottage, know that all the stars that are in the sky are what this emotional but beautiful story is deserving of.
**Tissues close at hand are highly recommended.
(Lakeside Cottage Book 4)
By L.B. Dunbar
I have waited for this book, I knew it would be emotional but I’ve also read the other three books in this series and I knew in my heart that the author would give readers as well as Anna and Mason the story we all deserved.
Author L.B. Dunbar did more, she gave us an emotional ride that had us reliving parts of book one and then one hell of an emotional ride when it came to Anna and Mason. She had me crying through her letter to her readers and in tears as we relived the years from Ben’s diagnosis to the third anniversary of his death.
This story held me captive, learning who Mason really was and who influenced him to be the man he has become, while seeing Anna learn to live, to trust and love again. Letting Go at 40 was beautifully written and there was not one moment that I wanted to put it down.
With their friends and family there for them every step of their journey, you knew that they had the support they would need to get to their ending.
When you stand on the beach at Lakeside Cottage, know that all the stars that are in the sky are what this emotional but beautiful story is deserving of.
**Tissues close at hand are highly recommended.
January 25, 2023
What a wonderfully authentic and emotional journey to take with Anna and Mason. I just loved it, even through my tears. Anyone who has read Living at 40 was looking forward to this book, but also knew how impossibly hard it would be to write in order to honor Anna’s relationship with Ben.
This is a second chance romance coming out of the worst way to be single - the death of your spouse. Anna’s rise from the ashes comes with the help of her husband’s best friend, Mason.
I loved how selfless Mason was in this book, but still human. There are no instruction manuals about how to grieve. There are no timelines. He has been quietly loving Anna for 25 years, but his transition to loving her out loud was perfect in its imperfection. No one can get this totally right.
This is the fourth book in the Lakeside Cottage series. You don’t have to read this series in order to love Mason and Anna , but I think you’d love this book even more and appreciate their story more if you did.
This is a second chance romance coming out of the worst way to be single - the death of your spouse. Anna’s rise from the ashes comes with the help of her husband’s best friend, Mason.
I loved how selfless Mason was in this book, but still human. There are no instruction manuals about how to grieve. There are no timelines. He has been quietly loving Anna for 25 years, but his transition to loving her out loud was perfect in its imperfection. No one can get this totally right.
This is the fourth book in the Lakeside Cottage series. You don’t have to read this series in order to love Mason and Anna , but I think you’d love this book even more and appreciate their story more if you did.
January 19, 2023
Do you know how hard it is to read through tears? What an emotional wrap up for this series! Mason and Anna's story was everything I had hoped for. I loved getting snippets of the previous books from different points of view. I loved every word.
January 24, 2023
5 Emotional stars !! This is the book we’ve all been waiting for. We knew Anna and Mason’s book would be emotional but this author did it with so much grace. I wasn’t prepared for how much my heart would hurt for both Mason and Anna. Together these two healed one another. This book will teach you about life, loss and letting of go of our past and everything that ways you down. This will be one of my top reads for 2023!
January 30, 2023
Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️
Tropes: small town romance; husband’s best friend; second chances; band of brothers; single dad; widow
If you’ve read any of L.B. Dunbar’s first three books of her Lakeside Cottage series, you grabbed Letting Go at 40 with two emotions: elation and trepidation. How do you write a story about two characters falling in love in the specter of one of the character’s beloved husbands? Seemingly a challenge, I entered Letting Go at 40 figuratively holding my breath. Ben was beloved. He was the perfect husband for Anna. How would Dunbar successfully craft a story for Anna and the forever-pining Mason, the playboy of the guys’ friend group? With aplomb.
If you’ve been reticent to read this story, don’t be. Dunbar has written the heck out of Mason and Anna’s story. I will say that it isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re not a fan of a slow burn, this story isn’t for you. But the slow burn is necessary for this story. Dunbar has carefully plotted Mason and Anna’s journey with the premise of “two steps forward, one step back.” This was necessary. In doing so, Anna could grieve and begin to understand herself beyond Ben. And Mason could face his own challenges: becoming a better father and realizing that he can be good for Anna. It takes much of Letting Go at 40 to achieve this, but honestly, Anna and Mason had to learn to “let go” of expectations, other dreams, and guilt. While it could sometimes be frustrating for Anna to push Mason away, it was completely necessary to Dunbar’s story.
What you earn at the end of this book is a journey of a thousand miles and the acceptance of Anna with Mason. Dunbar also deftly highlights the complications of friends' and children’s perceptions in this story, and she rewards her readers with a gorgeous happy ending for these long-suffering characters.
Please don’t miss this book. I believe it’s the best of the four Lakeside Cottage series, and here’s to hoping she will write the next generation of love stories for this group.
Tropes: small town romance; husband’s best friend; second chances; band of brothers; single dad; widow
If you’ve read any of L.B. Dunbar’s first three books of her Lakeside Cottage series, you grabbed Letting Go at 40 with two emotions: elation and trepidation. How do you write a story about two characters falling in love in the specter of one of the character’s beloved husbands? Seemingly a challenge, I entered Letting Go at 40 figuratively holding my breath. Ben was beloved. He was the perfect husband for Anna. How would Dunbar successfully craft a story for Anna and the forever-pining Mason, the playboy of the guys’ friend group? With aplomb.
If you’ve been reticent to read this story, don’t be. Dunbar has written the heck out of Mason and Anna’s story. I will say that it isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re not a fan of a slow burn, this story isn’t for you. But the slow burn is necessary for this story. Dunbar has carefully plotted Mason and Anna’s journey with the premise of “two steps forward, one step back.” This was necessary. In doing so, Anna could grieve and begin to understand herself beyond Ben. And Mason could face his own challenges: becoming a better father and realizing that he can be good for Anna. It takes much of Letting Go at 40 to achieve this, but honestly, Anna and Mason had to learn to “let go” of expectations, other dreams, and guilt. While it could sometimes be frustrating for Anna to push Mason away, it was completely necessary to Dunbar’s story.
What you earn at the end of this book is a journey of a thousand miles and the acceptance of Anna with Mason. Dunbar also deftly highlights the complications of friends' and children’s perceptions in this story, and she rewards her readers with a gorgeous happy ending for these long-suffering characters.
Please don’t miss this book. I believe it’s the best of the four Lakeside Cottage series, and here’s to hoping she will write the next generation of love stories for this group.
January 23, 2023
This was an angsty, heartbreaking, raw, and emotional story. I wasn't very far in, and I had already cried (I should say bawled) my eyes out! It's been a while since a book has touched my heart this way. It is a bit of a slow burn, so be patient, but it is necessary due to the circumstances they find themselves in. This is a story about love, loss, letting go, and opening up yourself to the possibility of a second chance at love. It takes you through the stages of grief and learning to lean on those closest to you. I loved the "found family" feel of this book and the wonderful and supportive cast of characters. Mason was so unexpected and I loved him! Anna was broken but stronger than she realized. The plot was engaging and well-written. I couldn't look away from the pages. It is a beautiful love story and I recommend reading it. This is a complete standalone within a series and the last book in the series. You don't have to read the other books to understand what is going on but I think it would enhance your reading experience.
January 17, 2023
The Lakeside Cottage series has been a tough, emotional series to read as this close group of friends works through the devastating illness and then the heart wrenching death of Ben, a spouse for Anna and a beautifully, warm hearted friend to Logan, Zach and Mason. Letting Go at 40, however, the last book in the series brings us full circle and focuses on healing and finding a way to move on, live life yet never forget.
Anna and Mason are right at the forefront of this story as they battle this ever growing need to be friends and maybe more. For Anna it is the battle of opening her heart to another man. For Mason, his heart has always belonged to Anna but because of his friendship with Ben he lived without the love of his life. Now, he has to not only battle his feelings of never being enough, he also has to find a way to live with the ghost of his best friend between them as their relationship grows. Mason has stepped up for Ben’s family through his illness and beyond in not only obvious ways but those sweet subtle ways that warm Anna’s heart and allow her to see a different side of him. My favorite was the heart shaped rocks that she would find left for her and the reason he gave them to her even if she didn’t know it was him.
Mason - “How the rocks represented her to me. Strength. Perseverance. Love. They’d never been from Ben but a message from me that I believed in her. She would make it through the storm of Ben’s passing. Her strength might appear in a new shape, but she’d be resilient and love again.” Mason just wanted that love finally focused on him.
Anna and Mason are right at the forefront of this story as they battle this ever growing need to be friends and maybe more. For Anna it is the battle of opening her heart to another man. For Mason, his heart has always belonged to Anna but because of his friendship with Ben he lived without the love of his life. Now, he has to not only battle his feelings of never being enough, he also has to find a way to live with the ghost of his best friend between them as their relationship grows. Mason has stepped up for Ben’s family through his illness and beyond in not only obvious ways but those sweet subtle ways that warm Anna’s heart and allow her to see a different side of him. My favorite was the heart shaped rocks that she would find left for her and the reason he gave them to her even if she didn’t know it was him.
Mason - “How the rocks represented her to me. Strength. Perseverance. Love. They’d never been from Ben but a message from me that I believed in her. She would make it through the storm of Ben’s passing. Her strength might appear in a new shape, but she’d be resilient and love again.” Mason just wanted that love finally focused on him.
January 19, 2023
Letting Go at 40 - L B Dunbar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 in this incredible Lakeside Cottage series by LB Dunbar and by far the most heart wrenching and emotional journey thus far.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Mason, always sitting on the outskirts of his friends relationships as the single guy but pining for Anna for years. Mason has fulfilled his obligation and ‘promise to Ben but will he get his unrequited connection with Anna after everything she’s been through.
Adding to Masons turmoil is his burgeoning relationship with his daughter, one he’s had very little to do with and even less experience as a dad, because of his estranged ex - Samantha.
Anna is going through the motions of living but her heart aches, not only for her lost love Ben, but also for the the confusing feelings she has for Mason.
L B Dunbar has beautifully captured their tumultuous emotional and at times comically confused journey to new love.
Every character, every word, written with such dedication and devotion leads the reader to a roller coaster ride, culminating in………. Sorry…. No spoilers but just read this book, this series and you will understand my devotion to it.
A special series, written with so much love, it’s palpable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 in this incredible Lakeside Cottage series by LB Dunbar and by far the most heart wrenching and emotional journey thus far.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Mason, always sitting on the outskirts of his friends relationships as the single guy but pining for Anna for years. Mason has fulfilled his obligation and ‘promise to Ben but will he get his unrequited connection with Anna after everything she’s been through.
Adding to Masons turmoil is his burgeoning relationship with his daughter, one he’s had very little to do with and even less experience as a dad, because of his estranged ex - Samantha.
Anna is going through the motions of living but her heart aches, not only for her lost love Ben, but also for the the confusing feelings she has for Mason.
L B Dunbar has beautifully captured their tumultuous emotional and at times comically confused journey to new love.
Every character, every word, written with such dedication and devotion leads the reader to a roller coaster ride, culminating in………. Sorry…. No spoilers but just read this book, this series and you will understand my devotion to it.
A special series, written with so much love, it’s palpable
January 19, 2023
Apologies are not necessary Ms. Dunbar! This highly anticipated story in the Lakeside series was absolute heart-wrenching perfection.
From "Let go" to heart-shaped rocks, this is the story of Anna and Mason.
The highs and lows of feelings from the two of them is realistic. Ms. Dunbar tackles the subject of loss and finding love again with grace, dignity, and respect. And as always, she fills it with a steaminess and swooniness that absolutely made me melt.
The timeline is perfect, flashing back to the past and seeing both Mason and Anna's points of view during the most challenging time in both their lives and how they navigate through it.
I was looking forward to this story, the deep dive into the man that Mason is, and the feelings he had harbored for decades. To read Anna's pure anguish and how she could finally see a future in front of her. Gahhh! Ms. Dunbar will take your heart and slowly pull it apart, only to put it back together, a little scared, a bit bruised and stronger than ever.
From "Let go" to heart-shaped rocks, this is the story of Anna and Mason.
The highs and lows of feelings from the two of them is realistic. Ms. Dunbar tackles the subject of loss and finding love again with grace, dignity, and respect. And as always, she fills it with a steaminess and swooniness that absolutely made me melt.
The timeline is perfect, flashing back to the past and seeing both Mason and Anna's points of view during the most challenging time in both their lives and how they navigate through it.
I was looking forward to this story, the deep dive into the man that Mason is, and the feelings he had harbored for decades. To read Anna's pure anguish and how she could finally see a future in front of her. Gahhh! Ms. Dunbar will take your heart and slowly pull it apart, only to put it back together, a little scared, a bit bruised and stronger than ever.
January 20, 2023
5 Stars! I have loved the Lakeside Cottage series so much! Reading Anna and Mason's story was at times heartbreaking, and heartwarming. When Anna lost her husband Ben, she thought she would never get over his loss. Ben was her best friend, her first love. Mason's first love has always been Anna, even when he thought he could never be with her. Ben loved her first, and Mason settled for loving and longing from afar. As time goes by, Anna slowly starts to move on and sees Mason differently. There's a chemistry that wasn't there before. A part of her feels guilty, as if she's cheating on Ben. Will Anna ever be ready to let go and love again, or will the memory of Ben haunt her forever? Can Mason help her move on and convince her that it's ok to be happy again? I have loved watching these friends fall in love and have their happy ever afters. I can't wait to read more happy ever afters from L.B. Dunbar.
January 16, 2023
Oh my gosh, this story didn't just break Anna and Mason and everyone around them, it broke me. I've been an incredibly emotional wreck reading this story, the battle, the loss and grief, the longing and the love, then the living and letting go. What a rollercoaster of ups and downs. I loved Ben and Anna, they were strong and so in love, it was hard to imagine she could even think about someone else. But poor Mason had loved her just as long as Ben had, he loved Ben too. With everything in his life so hard at times he really deserved his happy ending, as did Anna and little Lynlee. But she sure made him work for it. What a climatic ending to a series that started filled with pain and loss, the friendship and family have grown, expanding and bonding even tighter over the few years, each of the three men left have finally found their own deep loves, the older children are finding their way into lives of their own as they grow and move through school into college. This was a tying up of loose ends and giving two people something neither ever thought they would have. I have now finally stopped sobbing. Fabulous characters and series, I need to go to a beach and find a heart shaped rock.
January 26, 2023
When I first met Mason Becker in book 1 of this series, I was not impressed. I judged him unfairly. As the series progressed, I got to know different parts of him. Anna Kulis never quite understood why her husband Ben left a letter for everyone but her. Each of the letters were cryptic to the recipient and over the course of their story, we learn just what Ben's final words to each were and why they were important. Of the 4 books in this series, this one hit me the hardest. Maybe it's because I will soon hit the 50 mark in life and have realized throughout my 40s there has been a lot of love and loss. The losses have cemented the fact that we live on borrowed time, that none of us are invincible. While it pained me that Ben had to pass for Mason to get his forever love, it brought me joy that Mason finally got to experience the companionship and partnership each of his friends had found. His transformation from playboy to stable, single father was a slow progression, much of which mimicked real life.
"For the first time in my life, I want forever. I want all the hours in a day and all the nights in a week. I want months and years with this woman."
LB Dunbar truly knows how to write these realistic, relatable stories that touch a part of my soul.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
"For the first time in my life, I want forever. I want all the hours in a day and all the nights in a week. I want months and years with this woman."
LB Dunbar truly knows how to write these realistic, relatable stories that touch a part of my soul.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
January 26, 2023
L. B. Dunbar has written the perfect 5 Star ending to the Lakeside Cottage series. Anna may have lost her husband, best friend, lover and the father of her children, but Mason also lost one of his best friends and the person who was the brother he never had. Can the good girl who has only ever been with one man and the playboy of their group of friends get through their mutual grief together and find happiness and maybe even their own happily ever after? It’s an emotional roller coaster of a journey and I felt every emotion that they felt. I laughed, I cried, I was mad and frustrated right along with them both, but it was so worth it in the end.
If you haven’t read the first three books in the series I’d recommend that you read them in order, so you too can take this journey from the beginning to the end.
Ms. Dunbar did a brilliant job of taking the story back to the beginning and summarizing and building on it, but from both Anna and Masons point of view. It’s worth repeating- the perfect ending to this series.
If you haven’t read the first three books in the series I’d recommend that you read them in order, so you too can take this journey from the beginning to the end.
Ms. Dunbar did a brilliant job of taking the story back to the beginning and summarizing and building on it, but from both Anna and Masons point of view. It’s worth repeating- the perfect ending to this series.
January 16, 2023
Emotional, heart breaking, reaffirming - this book has it all. I don't often cry at books but my goodness, I did with Letting Go At 40. We've waited a while for this one and it was worth every second of the wait. Once I started I could not put it down. It was everything we wanted and more.
Anna and Mason's story was always going to be a challenge for both of them, but we really got to see what a good person Mason is and how Anna has always been the only woman for him. I cried for him and for Anna, both dealing with their grief at the loss of Anna's husband Ben. But maybe learning to love again, together.
This series is one of my absolute favourites and I cannot recommend it enough. But Letting Go at 40 was special and will stay with me for a long time.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book and this is my honest review.
A 5* read which is a must for all romance readers.
Anna and Mason's story was always going to be a challenge for both of them, but we really got to see what a good person Mason is and how Anna has always been the only woman for him. I cried for him and for Anna, both dealing with their grief at the loss of Anna's husband Ben. But maybe learning to love again, together.
This series is one of my absolute favourites and I cannot recommend it enough. But Letting Go at 40 was special and will stay with me for a long time.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book and this is my honest review.
A 5* read which is a must for all romance readers.
January 16, 2023
This… this is honestly what’s been building up to and it was PERFECT!! I have to say I’m still crying as I’m typing this out but I loved this so much!! I’m such a big fan of this author and this story just shook my core!
I knew Mason would be different from what we’ve witnessed. We wouldn’t understand the entire story of him and I couldn’t wait to read it! The learning of more of his daughter just tore me up but the way he dedicated himself and Anna stepped up too! Amazing!
I always worried for Anna but to be honest I was upset with her at times like Mason. I could feel and see the pain she was in but I couldn’t also understand the pain she was giving. Life is worth living and not taking those chances could’ve hurt even worse!
I am in awe of this series! I have wants of more of connecting characters and the kids but I will be patient to wait and see. I just love this group so much and the love that comes off all of them! Congrats on an amazing book!!
I knew Mason would be different from what we’ve witnessed. We wouldn’t understand the entire story of him and I couldn’t wait to read it! The learning of more of his daughter just tore me up but the way he dedicated himself and Anna stepped up too! Amazing!
I always worried for Anna but to be honest I was upset with her at times like Mason. I could feel and see the pain she was in but I couldn’t also understand the pain she was giving. Life is worth living and not taking those chances could’ve hurt even worse!
I am in awe of this series! I have wants of more of connecting characters and the kids but I will be patient to wait and see. I just love this group so much and the love that comes off all of them! Congrats on an amazing book!!
January 19, 2023
This story broke my heart and put it back together again. Mason and Anna are two lost souls that are trying a navigate the death of Anna’s husband and Mason’s best friend, Ben. Also, Mason has loved Anna from afar for 25 years. So there is a lot to wade through with this story but Ms. Dunbar does it beautifully. There is no insta-love here. There is loss, attraction, companionship, and guilt, so much guilt. This story flows so well and the scenes between Ben and Mason just broke my heart. It was such a great friendship, because Ben saw in Mason what others didn’t. I loved meeting all these characters in the Lakeside Cottage series and it was so nice to see them all gather again here for Mason and Anna. Well done.
January 15, 2023
One of my first reads of 2023 and it will probably be one of my best. Letting Go at 40 is the final book in the Lakeside Cottage series and what a heartbreakingly and heartwarming experience it has been.
Anna is still struggling with the loss of her beloved Ben, navigating life without him, raising her children, working and just getting through each day but with Mason being a shadow and being a support system for her she starts to see him in a totally different light.
Mason has loved Anna from afar for the past 25 years, being the one friend who always was the “player” in the group but when Ben entrusts his friend to take care of his family he knows that his heart will become heavily involved in their lives.
Anna & Mason are going to have to endure a lot of heartbreaking moments that they will have to navigate through but when they realize that they can make so many heartwarming ones they know that they can find a HEA after it all.
Anna is still struggling with the loss of her beloved Ben, navigating life without him, raising her children, working and just getting through each day but with Mason being a shadow and being a support system for her she starts to see him in a totally different light.
Mason has loved Anna from afar for the past 25 years, being the one friend who always was the “player” in the group but when Ben entrusts his friend to take care of his family he knows that his heart will become heavily involved in their lives.
Anna & Mason are going to have to endure a lot of heartbreaking moments that they will have to navigate through but when they realize that they can make so many heartwarming ones they know that they can find a HEA after it all.
January 19, 2023
Letting Go at 40
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review. That being said, LB Dunbar is a favorite and I usually read all her books with some I like more than others. This book is the fourth in this series and I had a difficult time with it. As a reader of the previous 3 books you know exactly what is happening but you rehash all the events, over the 3 year period, from Anna and Mason’s perspectives. While full of angst and insight into these two characters, this book was not my favorite. Still. A worthy ending to the series.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review. That being said, LB Dunbar is a favorite and I usually read all her books with some I like more than others. This book is the fourth in this series and I had a difficult time with it. As a reader of the previous 3 books you know exactly what is happening but you rehash all the events, over the 3 year period, from Anna and Mason’s perspectives. While full of angst and insight into these two characters, this book was not my favorite. Still. A worthy ending to the series.
July 10, 2024
Read this if you want to cry.
January 16, 2023
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
Moving on after the loss of her husband Ben seems impossible for Anna. But Ben’s best friend Mason promised her husband to take care of his family. Taking care of Anna and the kids is both a blessing and a curse since he has been in love with her for over20 years.
Finding a way to learn to live, really live is daunting, but Anna knows it is her only choice. But how can she be attracted to Mason? He has always been a player, but he is so good to them. Does she really know him?
“Let Go” is the message Ben left for Mason, but let go of what, his mistakes, screwups, his love for Anna?
This book has all the feels, great love, loss, confusion, attraction and new love. Another amazing book by L.B. Dunbar! Grab it now! You won’t be sorry!
Moving on after the loss of her husband Ben seems impossible for Anna. But Ben’s best friend Mason promised her husband to take care of his family. Taking care of Anna and the kids is both a blessing and a curse since he has been in love with her for over20 years.
Finding a way to learn to live, really live is daunting, but Anna knows it is her only choice. But how can she be attracted to Mason? He has always been a player, but he is so good to them. Does she really know him?
“Let Go” is the message Ben left for Mason, but let go of what, his mistakes, screwups, his love for Anna?
This book has all the feels, great love, loss, confusion, attraction and new love. Another amazing book by L.B. Dunbar! Grab it now! You won’t be sorry!
January 17, 2023
I received this ebook ARC, from the author, on the condition that I write an honest review.
It’s hard to do justice to this book, because my review will never describe the emotions, and heartfelt love in this book. Having read the entire series, this book ended the series with all the character’s reaching their happiness. From the beginning chapter, I was hooked, and didn’t want the story to end. L. B. Dunbar has always written beautiful, emotional characters,and especially couples over 40.
Mason and Anna finally realize that they were meant to be together, but they have several struggles to overcome first. With the help of their friends and family, they finally obtain their HEA.
It’s hard to do justice to this book, because my review will never describe the emotions, and heartfelt love in this book. Having read the entire series, this book ended the series with all the character’s reaching their happiness. From the beginning chapter, I was hooked, and didn’t want the story to end. L. B. Dunbar has always written beautiful, emotional characters,and especially couples over 40.
Mason and Anna finally realize that they were meant to be together, but they have several struggles to overcome first. With the help of their friends and family, they finally obtain their HEA.
January 18, 2023
This was one of the best books by this author. An emotional journey for two people through grief, guilt, friendship and love. Mason and Anna's story is powerful and fraught with twists and turns. It speaks to so many emotions associated with grief and the journey through it, and navigating the emotional minefield of children and friends and family. It shows the resilience of the human spirit and finding the light at the end of the tunnel.
January 16, 2023
Letting Go at 40 by L.B. Dunbar is book four in the Lakeside Cottage Series.
Mason and Anna's story is raw and gritty, gripping, heart-wrenchingly beautiful, a tearjerker.
Mason is in love with Anna since forever.
Anna was married to the love of her life, Ben. They have two sons and everything could be peachy, but karma has other plans and Anna is the one staying behind. Just writing this sentence has me in tears again.
A wonderful story about second chances at love, healing, finding love - 5 beautiful stars.
Mason and Anna's story is raw and gritty, gripping, heart-wrenchingly beautiful, a tearjerker.
Mason is in love with Anna since forever.
Anna was married to the love of her life, Ben. They have two sons and everything could be peachy, but karma has other plans and Anna is the one staying behind. Just writing this sentence has me in tears again.
A wonderful story about second chances at love, healing, finding love - 5 beautiful stars.
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