Step into the heart-pounding world of the Simple Man series, where rugged alpha heroes and fiery heroines collide in a whirlwind of romance, action, and suspense! Penned by USA Today bestselling author Lani Lynn Vale, this contemporary romance series spins tales of broken souls finding redemption and love amidst danger and drama. Perfect for fans of steamy love stories with a thrilling edge, Simple Man delivers unforgettable characters and plots that keep you glued to the page.
A spin-off from Vale’s Freebirds series, Simple Man follows the grown-up children of those original couples, blending nostalgia with fresh, standalone stories. With its Texas small-town setting and a knack for weaving humor, heart, and heat, this series has carved a special place in the hearts of romance readers.
How Simple Man Began
Lani Lynn Vale, a Texas native with a passion for romance, launched the Simple Man series in 2018 as a love letter to her loyal fans. Inspired by the success of her Freebirds series, she crafted Simple Man to focus on the 'Free Kids'—the next generation navigating their own rocky paths to love. Vale’s signature style, blending gritty suspense with quirky humor, shines through, drawing from her love for creating complex characters who overcome real-world struggles.
Vale’s personal life, including her marriage to her high school sweetheart and her experiences as a mother, infuses her stories with authenticity. Her knack for writing relatable, flawed characters stems from her belief that everyone deserves a shot at redemption, a theme that anchors the Simple Man series.
The Heart of Simple Man
The Simple Man series comprises five gripping books, each a standalone romance with interconnected characters. Kinda Don’t Care kicks things off with Rafe Luis and Janie Allen, a May-December romance packed with protective instincts and heart-wrenching twists. Janie’s journey from heartbreak to love, set against a backdrop of suspense, sets the tone for the series. Maybe Don’t Wanna follows Peter 'Parker' Penn and Kayla Nash, where a brooding anti-hero finds salvation through a quirky heroine’s unwavering honesty.
Get You Some introduces Johnny Mackenzie and June Common, whose chemistry ignites despite small-town gossip and personal demons. Finally, Ain’t Doin’ It pairs Coke Solomon with Cora Maldonado, a fiery romance where neighbors overcome past traumas to find peace. Themes of redemption, second chances, and resilience run deep, with Vale’s Texas settings—think small towns and tight-knit communities—adding charm. Her blend of steamy romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and pulse-pounding action keeps readers hooked.
Vale’s stories stand out for their emotional depth and crossover appeal. Fans love the cameos from Freebirds characters, creating a soap-opera-like universe where past and present intertwine. Whether it’s a hero battling inner demons or a heroine defying odds, Simple Man celebrates love’s power to heal.
Why Simple Man Resonates
The Simple Man series has struck a chord with romance fans for its raw, relatable storytelling. Readers praise Vale’s ability to balance intense suspense with humor and heart, making each book a rollercoaster of emotions. The series’ focus on second-generation characters adds a layer of nostalgia, while its standalone format welcomes new readers. Its impact lies in its portrayal of flawed, everyday people—soldiers, neighbors, dreamers—who find strength in love.
Vale’s dedicated fanbase cherishes the series’ ability to tackle serious issues like trauma and loss with sensitivity, all while delivering satisfying happily-ever-afters. As one reviewer noted, Simple Man is 'a perfect mix of angst, humor, and a tear or two,' cementing its place in contemporary romance.
- Publication Years: 2018–2019
- Number of Books: 5
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Ready to fall in love with Simple Man’s steamy, suspenseful world? Grab Kinda Don’t Care and dive into Lani Lynn Vale’s Texas-sized romance adventure!