What a delightful story, I loved it!

Second chances, small-town romance, a dog, goats, adorable characters, slow burn. I had so much fun with this and ended up with a warm and happy feeling!

My first book from this author and it won’t be my last.

I loved reading Role Playing! So I was too excited to jump into Do Me a Favor by Cathy Yardley.
I absolutely adored this book. This was amazing and I loved it! The characters were great and I was honestly in love with both of them.
Another engaging romance that swept me off my feet!

Thank You NetGalley and Montlake for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Special thanks to the author for providing me with a digital ARC of this book via Montlake on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

TL;DR: Do Me A Favor was a sweet, wholesome and sexy romance featuring older protagonists who just needed a bit of a push to love themselves first. This was a really enjoyable romance to devour (and I didn’t put it down until I finished it)! It gave me great comfort to read and I would recommend it to those who love a soft love story that balances the romance and character growth beautifully, plus a HEA for characters who couldn’t be more deserving of one.

I love Yardley’s writing. I’ll probably say this a million times in my review but there’s such a comforting and cosy quality to her words that makes it so nice to sink into her stories. 

I think what’s also done so well is the balance of the romance and the character’s journeys. Hudson and Willa had events happen in their lives that took them down paths that were different to what they initially planned. Hudson was left to raise his twins “alone” on a farm but got the support of a wonderful small island community and his adorable and doting parents. Willa had plans to take the culinary world by storm but ended up marrying young to an older man with chronic illness who lived a fast-paced, if not reckless, lifestyle. **Just a quick note here to say that, I’ve seen some reviews where people have commented specifically on the rep of Willa’s husband’s illness (Type 1 diabetes) specifically saying that the rep was not good. I cannot speak on this as it’s not my experience but if this is something that could concern you, I’d advise checking those reviews out beforehand.**

Both our MCs are caretakers who put other’s needs before their own and I think this will be relatable for a lot of readers. They had plenty of growing to do—well, it was more like growth in coming to terms with where they are in life and figuring out where they want to go from here as they no longer have the same responsibilities as their younger selves. They’re both in their 40s and contrary to what society says, life does not begin to end at this age. 😂 I honestly love that Yardley’s romances have older protagonists (42M, 46F) and how she creates these realistic down-to-earth characters who are so relatable in their life situations and struggles. Again, there’s a very comforting quality to Yardley’s writing that always makes reading her books feel a little like coming home or receiving a warm hug and I love it so much!

Hudson put his dreams on hold to raise his kids and while he wouldn’t change that for the world, even after they were grown, he continued to shove aside his aspirations to maintain the equilibrium they'd achieved. Although he’s happy living his small-town successful handyman life, he’s been made to feel like he’s not enough and like he should be ashamed of who he is and what he does. I wanted to Godzilla stomp all over those naysayers who made this sweet, loving, cinnamon roll of a man doubt himself when he's so talented and wonderful. I loved his relationship with his kids and parents—it’s so wholesome and heartwarming. The meddling done by his daughter and mother was funny and made these people feel even more real!

On the other hand, following the devastating loss of her husband, Willa has to rebuild her life and make bank to survive. She wouldn’t trade the years she had with her husband, despite it not having been ideal in many ways, but now she needs to relearn to live for herself and to put her needs first. She also wants to remember what it's like to feel sexy in her skin again and I loved the journey she goes on to rediscover her passion, sexiness and joy. I kind of wish we got some of the recipes she worked on in this book and I enjoyed seeing her reconnect with the friends she thought would no longer be there after years of silence.

The romance that grew between Hudson and Willa was so sweet and genuine! Although they have an instant attraction their romance isn’t a hot and fast burn but rather a slow and steady build. It's so satisfying to see Willa learn to open up her heart again and find joy in her body and sexuality, and Hudson was the perfect partner for her. I adored him! He’s a charmer and a sweetheart and I couldn’t get enough of his acts of service and devotion to Willa, but also his love for his kids and family and how naturally they all came together to make this hybrid loving family. There’s so much affection in his actions and we love a man who can walk the talk!

Overall, this was such a great, cosy, heartwarming, feel-good romance. I'm a fan of Yardley's writing, characters and stories. They're full of heart and emotion and I can't wait to read more by this author in the future! 😍

4.5/5

I really enjoyed this one! This was a small town mature/later in life adult romance (both in their 40s) between Willa, a widow and cookbook ghostwriter, and Hudson, a divorcee and small town handyman/contractor. Between the cute meet cute (features a dog!) and just how great Hudson is with Willa, I really ate this one up! Hudson was truly one of the sweetest, most thoughtful, considerate fictional human beings. I really loved how he treated Willa and all the small things he’d do for her. There was more than just romance in this book too—lots of little life lessons and I thought the character growth with Willa was great as well.

I feel like I haven’t read many more mature in age romances since I’m in my 20s myself, but I really enjoyed this one!

Upped to 4.5, I adore Cathy Yardley and appreciate her specific genre of older generation couples (though 40+'s shouldn't be considered by any means) In a way, she does paint a beautiful tapestry of characters who in their own unique ways may not know what they're looking for but are seeking their second chance not with each other but in life which is how I pictured the two main characters in this novel. The immediate physical chemistry was certainly there, the stakes of each character as well was leveled and worked for the small town (in this case island) scenario. I was definitely engaged with the story though found myself wondering if there were things that could have been summarized rather than drawn. There were often times where the FMC's flusteration was a bit much but overall she does come into her own once out of the mud of her own mind and what'd shed endured.

A slow-burn, second chance at love and life romance, Do Me A Favor had me absolutely glued to the page! Willa is a food scientist-turned-cookbook ghostwriter trying to figure out life after her husband passed away. Hudson is a handyman and a single dad of (adult) twins who always tends to put others first. Could they find what they've always needed in each other? I adore a romance with 40+ year old characters, and Cathy Yardley writes them so well! Willa and Hudson were so supportive of each other and their chemistry was SO good. Family, support, and love are big themes in this romance, and the small town island life was a dream of a location. Five stars was so easy to give to Do Me a Favor! I highly recommend this one.

Do Me a Favor is a wonderful small town romance. Willa has moved to a small island in the Pacific Northwest to find her footing again after becoming a widow, where she meets Hudson a single dad also in his forties. The pace, dialogue, and side characters made the story such a pleasure to read. This is a quiet romance, filled with tenderness and tough conversations. A slow burn that builds to a wonderful HEA!

Do Me A Favor is the first book that I have read by this author but won’t be the last. I enjoyed the writing style and appreciated the fact that the main characters were older. I really connected with Willa and could feel her emotions as she tried to make a new life for herself after her husband’s death. After moving to a new place and taking on more that she could handle she finds herself getting closer to her new neighbor, Hudson. I absolutely loved Hudson and how he helped Willa and was there for her. This was a beautiful story and out love, loss, grief and finding love again later in life. I am looking forward to reading more by this author!

3.5 stars.

I love that Cathy Yardley specializes in later in life romances. We need more authors who focus on elder millennials and Gen-Xers finding love! "Do Me a Favor" is a middle-aged small-town romance featuring two main characters with terrific chemistry. Willa and Hudson have great banter with one another. As they slowly get to know each other, their attraction is palpable, and eventually, fiery! I liked them together a lot. Their romance was sweet and cute and captivating. The part at the part when Willa eats the whole cookie?! HILARIOUS! Made me laugh out loud. I like how Hudson and Willa eventually share their dreams with one another as they get closer, with no judgment. I also liked the side characters, including Hudson's twins Jeremy and Kimber. Some of the scenes and some of the dialogue is a little unrealistic, but hey, it's a romance novel, it's ok! There are not a whole lot of stakes for Willa and Hudson as a couple, so people who like lots of tension likely won't be pleased with this one. What I didn't like was the whole type-1 diabetes thing as it related to Willa's deceased husband. The book says he dies from it, which makes it seem like T1 diabetes is a death sentence. It felt a little overly dramatic to me? I know plenty of people with diabetes who live a fairly normal life where it is not a death sentence to them! The end is a little rushed, in my opinion. Still, I did enjoy this book overall.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cathy Yardley, and Montlake for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

🔨👩🏻‍🍳 Do Me A Favor by Cathy Yardley 👩🏻‍🍳🔨

Willa moves to a small island in the Pacific Northwest following her husband’s death and inheriting a house from a distant relative. She’s basically starting over at 46 and unsure of what comes next in her life. When a lost dog wanders into her yard, Willa contacts the owner and ends up meeting her neighbor, single dad and island handyman Hudson. Neither of them are looking for a relationship but can’t deny that there’s a spark between them.

I love reading about romantic interests in their 40s, and Cathy Yardley is consistently representing this demographic! I always enjoy her books and this one was no exception.

Recommended if you enjoy:
Slight age gap (5 years)
Single dad
Foodie talk
Diversity
Hurt/comfort
40s romance

Do Me A Favor by Cathy Yardley
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 7/23

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Montlake for my advanced copy. "Do Me A Favor" is a delightful rom-com that hits all the right notes about love and second chances.

Willa is a widowed cookbook ghostwriter who moves from California to the Pacific Northwest to start fresh. Struggling with her career, Willa’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets her new neighbor, Hudson Daws, a divorced handyman with a lively family life.

Hudson’s world is a fun mix of barbecues, goats with big personalities, and a mischievous dog, all set in a charming small town. His sexy smile and deep voice immediately catch Willa’s attention, leading to a fun back-and-forth of favors and undeniable chemistry. Both Willa and Hudson have pasts to deal with, but their journey shows that it’s never too late for a new beginning.

What makes this book special is its focus on characters in their forties, breaking away from typical romance stereotypes. Yardley blends love, family, and personal growth, making the characters feel real and relatable.

The story starts off a bit slow, but the pacing helps build a deeper connection to Willa and Hudson’s growing relationship. I loved the well-developed supporting characters and the small-town setting.

Overall, Hudson’s great communication and Willa’s bravery and growth make them a couple to cheer for. "Do Me A Favor" is a sweet reminder that love and new beginnings can happen at any age.

Read if you like:
*adorable meet-cutes
*mature MC’s (in their forties)
*opposites attract
*forced proximity
*dual POV
*open door spice

I love how the author has given us a bit of a later in life love story. Both characters have had a first marriage and lost their significant other due to divorce or death. One has kids, one is floundering and unsure where to go at this point. The story takes place in a small town with a fun cast of supporting characters.

Willa is reserved, still dealing with her husband’s death, she’s unsure how to move about in this new world and new reality. She married pretty young, against her parents’ wishes, and her life never became the steady, safe one they’d always wanted her to have. Now she’s kind of trying to move on, to start a new life on her own, with the luck of her great-aunt’s home in this small town. The first job opportunity that might actually help her get on her feet comes along, but it’s not an easy one. The antics with trying to come up with “sexy” recipes for this influencer’s cookbook is so much fun. Even as I could feel the stress Willa was dealing with to complete it.

Then there is Hudson. He’s the flirty divorcee, with two grown kids, because he also got married at a young age. He’s a few years younger than Willa, but also at a point in his life where he thinks he wants to be. But as he gets to know Willa, and learn about her life, he does start to wonder about a few of his own misses in his life. However he is a giver, he’s there to help out anyone, and so that has always come first, like raising his kids when his wife left them. His family is a blast. His daughter and his mom, and even his dad. All of them just want him to be happy, and of course are shocked when it seems he’s interested in this new woman on the island.

The romance progresses at a slow pace, both attracted, but Willa unsure and not wanting to accept help, and Hudson worried about scaring her away if he moves too fast. When Willa visits her family, it makes sense why she feels the way she does. But I love how she makes her decision on what to do next.

Another thing I loved about the story is that we don’t get that third act break up really. There is a bit of the disaster we need to move the story along of course, but the two of them are able to figure that out, and then we have other things to worry about messing up their relationship, or them figuring out what they are going to do and how they can move on.

Another sweet romance, with a little bit of spice from Cathy Yardley.

4.5 stars rounded up

I've been loving Cathy Yardley's romances featuring more mature adults! Do Me a Favor follows two characters in their 40's who find love when they least expect it. Willa is trying to start over after the death of her husband, moving into the house on an island her aunt left to her, and working on ghost-writing a cookbook. Hudson is her new neighbor, a handyman who raised his now-adult children alone and hasn't had a real relationship in decades. When his son's dog gets lost in a storm and ends up at Willa's house, they meet when he picks the dog up. And so begins a lovely slow-burn romance between complicated adults finding who they are in this later stage of life. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but overall I really enjoyed this and would recommend it. The audio narrators do a great job with each of the characters. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

This book was ok. The writing was alright but in my opinion some things should have been reconsidered. It takes a while for them to make any real progress. I dont mind a slow burn but usually feelings are atleast acknowledged.

I quite liked this contemporary romance.

This will be a short pros and cons type of review.
What I liked:
-older MCs who are still looking for the right direction in their lives, basically they have to start anew for various reasons
- slow-burn romance
- strong internal conflict and character growth
- multi-faceted side characters - no evil ex-wife or a terrible deceased husband. Just people who did some good things and some bad things but the experience of being with them was meaningful and important for the MCs
- great family (his), not so great (hers)
- i would call this second-chance romance, not in the sense that they were together before and split and now are together again but rather, they had big romantic relationships in the past and had given up on romantic love/long-term relationship and now are in a big romantic relationship again to their own surprise

What I didn't like very much:
- the scene ||where the heroine gets high accidentally didn't sit right with me. I felt his family should have warned her about the quantity and potential effect. Getting high in this way put her in a very vulnerable position and I didn't like it. Like, her openness and honesty in talking with the hero felt forced because of the pot and not because she trusted him quite so much so early in their relationship||
- I liked how they got the time to sort things for themselves before ending up in a committed relationship but that ending was so rushed and abrupt. I really needed more time of them together after his return from Europe.

Overall, I enjoyed this story quite a lot. It was vibrant and multilayered, with just the right amount of angst and sex that felt genuine for those characters.

CW: teenage pregnancy (in the past), her husband died of a chronic illness (in the past), mild drug use, grief, being a caregiver for a loved one

After losing her husband, Willa is attempting to start over. But taking on a new house while trying to simultaneously revive her career as a cookbook ghostwriter feels like biting off more than she can chew.

Hudson is the handyman next door who unexpectedly enters Willa’s life. While the single dad has a hard time hiding his growing affection, the widowed Willa remains on guard. However, the more work he does on the house, the more even Willa’s walls begin to crumble.

Do Me A Favor is a sweet, second romance from author, Cathy Yardley. I appreciated this was a love story about people who were a little bit older, and perhaps had more reason to be jaded. It’s a breath of fresh air to read about middle aged meetings very once and awhile. Although I will never warm up to the quick switch in lovey dovey terminology in stories like these, I still suggest doing yourself a favor and picking up this reset take on romance.

Thanks to Montlake and Cathy Yardley for sending this free ARC! Here are my honest thoughts!

When Role Playing came out, it was easily one of my favorite books. I also read that book early via ARC, and it was phenomenal. I loved that the characters were older. I love the demisexual rep! I loved the whole thing. It wasn’t that I was expecting this book to match that level. However, I definitely had high hopes for Do Me A Favor.

Safe to say, it met those expectations. I really enjoyed this book! It had a small town feel that made it warm and cozy. The characters were well rounded, each with dreams and lives outside of one another. The side characters were well developed. They weren’t just there to be there. The vibes were great.

The build up of Hudson and Willa’s relationship was beautiful. The fact that this man simply wanted to do things for her and help her was actually the cutest thing. His care and love for Willa were a shining light throughout this book. His willingness to go at her speed and make sure she felt safe was JUST SO GOOD UGH.

My only thought was that Willa’s husband’s death felt odd. I have little experience with Type 1 diabetes, so I’m only going off of that. But I didn’t think that it was considered a “terminal illness” unless you simply chose to ignore it and refuse to take care of yourself? Even then, I wasn’t sure the timeline on that. It seemed strange to me, even knowing as little as I do. However, after reading other reviews I see that there were people who do have experience with it that took issue with how it was portrayed. Upon receiving Cathy’s newest newsletter email, I saw that her husband has Type 1 Diabetes. So, maybe I’m way off base, and it’s all just a case by case thing.

Other than that, this book was great! I can’t wait to read more from Cathy!

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book wasn't my favorite but I didn't hate it. My main thought with this book was that it felt so slow. Part of me feels like nothing actually happens in this book.

Why I read it: I read Role Playing by Cathy Yardley last year and loved it, so I was excited to see and read another book from her. I grabbed this one from NetGalley. (Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy! This is my honest review.)

Review #insixwords: Just a fun small town romance.

More:

Willa is a widower from another state who is trying to find her way after her husband’s death. Hudson is a lifer on the island who happens to live nearby and fix things, like whatever breaks or needs TLC in her house.

Fun and funny times: Willa accidentally eat a “special” cookies, there is an escape artist dog, and goat. Actually, more than one goat!

Feeling time ticking down to when she’ll need some money, Willa takes on a ghostwriting project for a cookbook. Except she’s not really feeling inspired. Except when Hudson is around.

Lots of food and food science talk. Food as a way to show love? Maybe!

Willa and Hudson both have character arcs that take them on an individual journey before their happily ever after, and they’re stronger for it in the end. This resolution of character arcs reminded me a bit of Courtney Milan’s The Devil Comes Courting (a book that I adored)

Recommendation: If you’re looking for fun contemporary romance books with older characters, go pick up a Cathy Yardley book! Between Role Playing and Do Me a Favor, you can’t go wrong.

This is my first book by this author and I can safely say it won’t be my last.

I’m really enjoying this audiobook and it has accompanied me throughout the week during trips in my car. 🚙💨 🎵

Everything about this read has been enjoyable to me so far - from hottie handyman Hudson, the Asian rep 🙌, Diabetes rep, his family’s dog Noodle, and the found family theme I’m finding within.

My full review to come soon! I’ll drop a short description below 👇. Also, highly recommend this heartwarming book to all my rom-com peeps! 🐥