K L Crear delivers a refreshing and entertaining romantic comedy that dares to centre a woman in her late forties who’s unapologetically living life on her own terms. Lila Glover Wants a Lover is a witty exploration of self-discovery, second chances, and the realisation that sometimes what we need has been right in front of us all along.
Lila is a brilliantly crafted protagonist—confident, fun-loving, and refreshingly honest about her dating preferences. Crear captures that particular moment of transition beautifully: when the excitement of casual dating fades and something deeper starts calling. The premise is simple but effective: Lila has overlooked the dependable, “too nice” Seb for so long that she only sees him when he’s suddenly unavailable, transformed by the attention of her frenemy.
The strength of this novel lies in its authentic portrayal of realistic women navigating life with humour and determination. Crear’s dialogue crackles with believability, and the characters feel like people you’d actually want to spend time with. The humour is sharp without being cruel, and the romance develops with just the right mix of tension and warmth. The pacing generally keeps you turning pages, invested in whether Lila will get out of her own way in time.
Where the book occasionally stumbles is in its handling of continuity from previous works. While the update on Lottie from an earlier book is a thoughtful touch for returning readers, the reminders about her storyline become excessive in parts. These passages slow the narrative momentum at times when we’re most eager to stay with Lila’s journey. A lighter touch with the backstory would have kept the focus sharper.
That said, this is overall a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable read. Crear has crafted a love story that feels both familiar and fresh, proving that romantic comedy doesn’t need to be the exclusive domain of twenty-somethings. Lila’s journey of self-awareness is both humorous and touching, and her eventual realisation about Seb feels earned rather than contrived.
Perfect for readers looking for smart, funny romance featuring mature characters, Lila Glover Wants a Lover is a charming reminder that it’s never too late to open your eyes to new possibilities—or to finally see clearly what was always there.
Recommended for: Fans of contemporary romance, readers who appreciate older protagonists, and anyone who enjoys witty dialogue and relatable characters navigating the messy business of love and self-discovery.
I award 5 stars
