Contemporary Midlife Meet Cute Book Review: Dear Red, Be Mine by Bella Greene

Some love stories whisper instead of shout, and those are often the ones that linger the longest. Dear Red, Be Mine is a tender, later-in-life romance that proves connection doesn’t need grand gestures to feel meaningful. With cautious hearts, gentle persistence, and a meet-cute rooted in friendship, this story offers a reminder that love can arrive right when you’re ready to believe in it again.

Title: Dear Red, Be Mine

Author: Bella Greene

Series: Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐

Disclaimer

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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

My Thoughts:

For those that enjoy a later-in-life romance, this is for you! I haven’t read many like this, but I have to say, that I do enjoy them. It’s important to show how love can still happen at any point in life.

Tom is a super sweet guy, not to mention firefighter, that has fallen for Caroline, a wedding planner. Tom is a guy that hasn’t ever had any luck with love, and Caroline has already been married and divorced. They both have some sensitivities when it comes to putting themselves out there, so they both walk cautiously with their flirting and interactions.

Both of these characters haven’t had the best love lives, but they met through their mutual friends and have been texting for a while now. Caroline lives a few hours away so they haven’t seen each other since their first meeting, but with her back in town to help their mutual friends get married, Tom is taking every opportunity to show Caroline how much she means to him.

I felt for Caroline – her marriage wasn’t great and left some self-esteem issues that she tries not to let control her, but they always have a way of rearing their head. Tom is patient and caring, not wanting to come on too strong, but also wanting to make sure she knows he’s interested.

This is a short book so the plot moves very quickly, but that doesn’t take away any of the substance in this one. I enjoyed every second with these two, as they navigate their feelings and insecurities to reach the perfect HEA I had hoped for!

Publisher’s Blurb:

Falling for the best man was definitely not on the wedding checklist.

Tom

I’ve battled flames, but nothing scorches like seeing her walk back into town. Bright dresses. Big laugh. And the one who made last summer unforgettable. We promised to stay in touch, but flirty texts only get you so far. Now she’s back—to plan her best friend’s wedding, stand across from me at the altar, and remind me why I’ve never forgotten her. This time, I’ve got a plan because I’m not letting her go without a fight.

Caroline

Tom’s the kind of charming that should come with a warning label. What started as a summer spark turned into months of late-night texts. Now we’re maid of honor and best man—me planning every detail, him making every moment way too distracting. Cue the wedding chaos, the Valentine’s small-town charm, and one dangerously attractive man who still calls me “Red” like it means more than just the color of my hair. Because if I’m not careful…this firefighter might burn his way into my heart.Dear Red, Be Mine is part of The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here’s what you’ll find:

Kisses-only
Firefighter
Single Mom/Divorcée
Forced Proximity
Maid of Honor/Best Man
Small Lake Town

Where to Buy:

Amazon

GoodReads

If you enjoy romances that feel grounded, hopeful, and quietly affirming, Dear Red, Be Mine is a lovely choice. It’s proof that love doesn’t fade with time – it deepens, softens, and sometimes finds you exactly when you least expect it. A gentle, heart-forward read that left me smiling long after the final page.