Legacy Canyon

I used to devour Harlequin romances in my late teens and early twenties! And I love reading them every now and again for the nostalgia. This was definitely a great one to pick up!

When Meteorologist Wyatt Larabee decided to adopt twin boys, he didn’t realize just how tough it was going to be. He makes the decision to leave Denver and move back home to Legacy Canyon, TX so he’ll have some help. He gets a lot of attention from women, but he’s just too busy for love.
Pediatrician Madi Brennan has a big decision to make about her career in Boston. She’s in Legacy Canyon, TX helping out her grandmother and clearing her head. She’s had no time for love.
But the “committee” of Legacy Canyon has their sights set on these two. Can Wyatt and Madi keep them from interfering in their lives?

This small-town romance was just what I needed. It was lighthearted, heartwarming, and truly entertaining. There’s a small Texas town, a ranch, fake dating, a single dad, and well-meaning, meddling locals called “the committee.” There was even a little spice! This was seriously just the cutest romance. I loved the characters and loved that they said they were going to be honest with each other, so there was no miscommunication. This is the start of a new series, and I can’t wait to see where it goes. If you’re looking for a quick, sweet romance, I would highly recommend this one🩷

For me nothing feels like home more than a good book, especially, A TEXAS SIZED FAKEOUT by MICHELE DUNAWAY!

Book Review ↝ Reading this made me realize I needed to sit down with a wholesome love story that promised a small town setting with a heaping dose of fake dating, and let me tell you Dunaway delivered. I highly recommend her stories to readers needing a light read with characters that are endearing and kindhearted.

💛 What I Liked

What really worked for me was the tone. This book doesn’t shout it reassures. The single dad angle, which usually makes me hesitate, was handled with tenderness and realism instead of trope overload. The emotional beats felt earned. Nothing rushed. Nothing forced. The writing style is easy, inviting, and very “come sit with us for a while.” I loved how safe this book felt like it trusted the reader to lean in instead of relying on shock value.

🩶 What Didn’t Work for Me

Because this leans cozy and gentle, readers looking for high angst or big twists might find it a little too calm. At times, I wanted just a bit more emotional tension something to dig my nails into but that’s more preference than flaw.

⭐ Overall Review

This was a breath of fresh air for me. Soft romance, kind characters, and a story that knows exactly what it wants to be. If cowboy romances usually aren’t your thing, this might still surprise you like it did me. Highly recommend for readers who want comfort, warmth, and emotional steadiness.

⭐ Rating: 4 stars
🌶️ Spice: Low / gentle
📖 Tropes: Fake relationship, single dad, small-town romance, cozy vibes

If you love fake dating, found family, and single dad romances that hit you right in the feelings, this one is for you!

Wyatt Larrabee moves back to Legacy Canyon, Texas with newly adopted twin boys thinking that’s the hard part. Turns out becoming the town’s most eligible single dad after a TV interview is way worse. Between ranch life, parenting chaos, and nonstop unwanted attention, love is the last thing on his to do list. Madi Brennan, a pediatrician temporarily stuck in Texas before heading back to Boston, agrees to one more setup for her matchmaking grandma and accidentally ends up in a fake dating pact with Wyatt to keep the town’s busybodies off their backs. Except the pretend part does not last…

The vibes are real, the chemistry is loud, and suddenly they are catching feelings they definitely did not plan for. What starts as a fake relationship turns into something way too genuine way too fast, serving small town charm and single dad softness that is cozy, cute, and lowkey emotional in the best way.

This was a fun lighthearted romance about two people with hearts as big as Texas. Madi is visiting her grandma and Wyatt comes home to the Larrabee Ranch in Legacy Canyon. The romance does not start off well, as Madi judges Wyatt for his parenting skills but then they form a bond against the meddling town committee run by their grandmothers. A fun fake dating turned love story.

Well this was absolutely delightful and just the balm I needed after a rough January! I flopped on my couch, ignored all of my responsibilities, told my kids they were on their own and read this one sitting. Could I please have book 2 right now? 

Wyatt Larrabee thought adopting twin boys and moving back home to Legacy Canyon, Texas, would be tough. Turns out, fending off unwanted attention from women after a TV interview about his adorable new sons is even tougher. And now a random blind date? Between daddy duty, ranch chores and his job, love is not in the cards for Wyatt.

Pediatrician Madi Brennan agrees to another date to appease her matchmaking grandmother before Madi must eventually return to Boston. But when she meets Wyatt, a plan forms: pretend to date to discourage nosy meddlers. Spending time together to keep up appearances, Wyatt and Madi realize their attraction is very real. With two hearts at stake, will love call their bluff with a full house?

I was pulled right into the story because I immediately loved the characters and the charming small town setting. Cute babies, a handsome meteorologist, and sizzle…I couldn’t ask for better entertainment. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and I especially love meddlesome, but well meaning grandmothers. This was funny and sweet with not too much spice. I had a smile on my face the whole time and felt like I truly got a break from reality. So fun!

BOOK REVIEW: A Texas-Sized Fake Out (Legacy Canyon Book 1) by Michele Dunaway

This was such a quick, fun read. It definitely gave me Hallmark channel movie vibes. There were some parts that were ridiculous but because this one had a lot of tropes that I love, I still ended up enjoying it! So, if you like fake dating and the single dad tropes, then this one is for you!

Thank you to Harlequin Books for an advanced copy!

Whilst I found the committee of matchmaking ladies a bit over the top, this was a delightful romantic read with an interesting plot and characters. I will certainly look out for more books in this series. Recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.