Title: Well Aware
Series: Don't Date Him #9
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Tropes: One Night Stand, Sports Romance
Workplace Romance, Boss/Employee
Release Date: September 8, 2026
BLURB
A one-night stand, agreed on by both parties, was supposed to be just that. One night.
The next day, when Magnolia Baker walked in to the first practice for her last season of professional soccer with the Cowgirls, she expected it to go pretty smoothly. She was a veteran player, nothing surprised her anymore.
At least, until her one night stand walks through the door.
Her new boss, Beaufort Vanderbilt.
The man that set her blood on fire, and made words stutter from her mouth.
For eight months, they fight the connection, acting like they don’t feel a thing for each other.
Then tragedy hits Beau’s life, and she forgets that she’s supposed to remain professional. She forgets that she’s supposed to be the player and him the owner.
Lines are crossed, and soon, they can’t hide a thing from the people around them.
But Beau’s only partial owner of the team she desperately needs to play to remain hidden from her previous life. The other half-owner is dead set on tearing them apart, and making an example out of her. An example that will be a bright, shining warning flag to all future players to never follow in her footsteps.
Not if they want to ever play professional soccer again.
PURCHASE LINKS
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Review of the Heartfelt Romance Between Beaufort Vanderbilt and Magnolia Baker
Beaufort Vanderbilt and Magnolia Baker’s love story, nestled within a beloved series, offers us a compelling mix of romance, mystery, and emotional depth. This book shines not only because of its tender exploration of love but also due to the intricate layers of suspense and family drama woven throughout. As a fan of the series, this installment stands out, warranting a thoughtful review for its memorable characters and unexpected twists.
At the heart of the plot is Beaufort Vanderbilt, a character who embodies kindness and protectiveness, making him an undeniably swoon-worthy leading man. His evolving relationship with Magnolia, a renowned soccer player whose external grace matches her inner strength, is beautifully rendered with genuine warmth. Their connection, sparked by chance and deepened gradually under complex circumstances, captures the bittersweet essence of love tested by loyalty, secrets, and personal sacrifice. The chemistry between them is palpable and enriches the story’s emotional core.
Adding depth and charm is Iris, a small but pivotal character who steals many scenes. Her presence truly completes the makeshift family dynamic and lends heart to the story’s more tender moments. The author handles these relationships with care, ensuring that each character’s growth feels earned and authentic.
Beyond the romance, the plot engages with weighty themes such as domestic abuse, family rivalry, and sacrifice, all while threading a suspenseful mystery that culminates in a surprise twist. This twist not only heightens the stakes but also enhances the plot's complexity, preventing the story from settling into predictability. The supporting cast—including Apollo and Beau’s club teammates—rounds out a mixture of loyalty and camaraderie, further grounding the drama in a believable social circle.
The straightforward storytelling with evocative moments that pull the reader in without overwhelming. While romance is central, the tension and stakes add necessary texture, making it more than just a love story.
This story is an emotionally rich, well-crafted romance that will appeal to fans of character-driven plots layered with suspense and heartfelt moments. If you appreciate swoon-worthy heroes, strong heroines, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is a rewarding read. It reminds us that love often involves sacrifice and that family, whether by blood or choice, is essential for enduring life’s challenges. Beaufort, Magnolia, and Iris’s journey leaves you reflecting on the unpredictable nature of love and the courage it takes to protect it.
ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE
DON'T DATE HIM SERIES
COMING SOON
Releasing October 6
AUTHOR BIO
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
AUTHOR LINKS
FACEBOOK
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