Locked on Love's Landing by D.E. Malone Review

 Good Morning Sweet Friends :)

I pray today finds you all doing well, and I'm so thankful you've chosen to drop on by The Preppy Book Princess this Monday morning for another book review.

I unfortunately ended up in the emergency room a few days ago, and had a follow up appointment with my doctor this morning. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, I wasn't able to share the blog posts I had planned to last week. 

However, being sick for a few days gave me some extra reading time, and it was a definite plus that I got to curl up with the newest release from one of my favorite clean romance authors.

I hope you'll all keep reading down below to find out what I thought about this title, but first, if you'd like to check out my reviews of the first two titles in the series, you can do so using the links below:

That Woman on Thistledown Lane

Apple Blossom Dreams 

Otherwise, let's jump right into today's review.

Locked on Love's Landing by D. E. Malone:

Source: Complimentary Copy Provided by the Author as Part of Her ARC Team

Publication Date: February 25th, 2025

Genre: Contemporary/Clean Romance

Series: Port Chance

Synopsis:

Sometimes Forever Lives Right Next Door

Free-spirited Kit Wendell ferries people up and down the river through her fledgling business, Muddy Bottom Tours, and steering her own ship, both literally and figuratively, suits her. Never mind the perpetual questions about her relationship status from her close-knit family and nosy neighbors; she expected as much after settling back into her hometown of Port Chance. Then an old, unrequited crush—who’s dreamier than ever— moves into the rental house next door, and falling for her childhood best friend all over again may sink her.

Holden Berne grew up in awe of Kit’s wit and carefree spirit. Even as the golden boy of their small town, his star power felt dim in Kit’s presence. Wistful memories of lazy afternoons floating on the river, shared ice cream sundaes, and buried emotions marked their friendship. But then he left Port Chance—and Kit—behind and didn’t look back—a decision that still haunts him.

Now he’s back in town and walking directly into the path of a Kit-sized hurricane when she finds out his work project will temporarily shut down her tours. Will weathering the storm of hurt feelings and regrets sink Kit and Holden’s future together, or will their tempestuous friendship make way for smooth sailing into the uncharted waters of love?

For fans of clean fiction and small-town romance, discover the magic of a delightful river town and its inhabitants as this sweet, heartfelt love story of friendship and forgiveness unfolds in a new series by D.E. Malone.

(synopsis from goodreads)

My Review:

D.E. Malone is literally one of the queens of small town and clean romances, and I always enjoy getting to pick up her new titles. Her Port Chance series has been a delight from the start, and I couldn't wait to to finally get to read Kit's story.

Kit is definitely a powerhouse of a character, and it was going to take a very special man to finally land her heart. Only, that actually happened years ago, and she's never been able to truly let go of the hurt he caused her. When he reappears two decades later equipped with a business plan that is going to cause her business to have to temporarily shut down, she's determined to believe he's exactly who she always feared he was. Holden will do anything to gain back the best friend he's ever had, but with his business causing Kit nothing but grief, he's left wondering if he'll ever be able to win her heart when she can't see past the hurt.

A beautiful second chance romance that's also the wonderful trope of friends to something more, Locked on Love's Landing was the type of story that you never wanted to see come to an end. The romance was sweet and swoon worthy, with plenty of hijinks thrown in from Kit's personality, and I also loved how strong the familial bond continues to be between the entire Wendell family.  D.E. Malone always does a wonderful job of pulling the reader right into the story, and it continues to amaze me how her books always feel like they come alive on the page to the reader.

I did struggle a bit with certain components of Holden's character, as I didn't feel he handled some situations as well as he could have, but overall I loved this one, and would highly recommend.

Definitely pick this one up if you enjoy second chance romances, small town setting, and adorable HEA's. 

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to D.E. Malone for allowing me to read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her street team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review. 

Thanks so much for reading guys! Have a great rest of your day :)