Oh, Toni Aleo… she really knows how to make us fall in love with a small town, doesn’t she? Starting Over with You takes us back to Thistlebrook—a place where firefighters come armed with dad jokes, raccoons start turf wars at the library, and love always finds a way (no matter how messy).
Kenni Colburn is finally reclaiming her life after years of putting everyone else first. She spent nineteen years married to a man who chipped away at her spirit—and while raising twins who adore her, she quietly carried the weight of his betrayal. (Yep, the jerk had another family on the side. Double trash. 🙄) Once her boys headed off to college, Kenni decided it was finally her turn—to take back her name, her joy, and her freedom.
What she didn’t expect? Coming face-to-face with Dean Moore—the firefighter single dad, her teenage crush, and the man she thought would never see her that way. Turns out, Dean has been carrying the same torch all along. Their history is complicated (Dean’s daughter is also Kenni’s niece, courtesy of a regrettable night years ago), but their chemistry? Off the charts.
What I adored most was the small-town magic. Everyone knows everyone, which means plenty of hilarious meddling, heartfelt moments, and, of course, Shenanigans Inc. Kenni, Missy, and Sadie had me laughing one moment and tearing up the next. Their chaos is pure gold, and honestly, poor Dean deserves a medal for surviving them all his life—but also bonus points because he never hesitates to show up for Kenni. That man is everything.
And let’s talk about the side stories for a second—the cousins’ group chat was a chef’s kiss touch. Skyye, Ash, and Flint cracked me up so much I could read a whole spin-off of just their antics. It was such a clever way to add levity while showing how strong and playful family ties can be.
As for Dean and Kenni? Their romance is the very definition of worth the wait. Dean is the ultimate cinnamon-roll firefighter hero (with just the right edge of dirty talk), and Kenni’s mix of strength and vulnerability made her so relatable. Their slow-burn build had me swooning, and when they finally give in—🔥 fireworks.
Toni Aleo delivers it all here: heartfelt second chances, laugh-out-loud small-town chaos, found family, and plenty of swoony spice. By the end, I was smiling through tears and already wishing for my next trip back to Thistlebrook.
Starting Over with You is about rediscovering yourself, finding joy after heartbreak, and falling (again) for the one who’s always been there. Warm, funny, and beautifully emotional—I couldn’t put it down.
Happy reading!
- Would I recommend this book: Yes.
- Would I re-read this book: Already done 🙂
- Would I read future books by this author: Always, without hesitation.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
🛒 Amazon
Read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Meet the Author
Toni Aleo is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of the Assassins Series. She enjoys hockey, hockey, and hockey. When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel. Aleo lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog.
Where to Find Toni:
Mia Book Addict 
Leave a comment