Release Review: By The Time You Leave: Dianna Roman
By The Time You Leave
Broken Hearts #3
Dianna Roman
Amazon | Signed copies
November 10, 2026
Broken Hearts #3
Dianna Roman
Amazon | Signed copies
November 10, 2026
Martin Malone is dying and he has one last wish: to find the perfect man for his son.
Rob is certain Martin chose him for the “job” by mistake. He’s never been with a man let alone understood the world of intimacy the way that others do. The more he gets to know Dylan Malone, however, the more he understands the request he couldn’t find words to decline. Dylan deserves all the love that his father wishes for him.
When time starts running out, Rob finds himself in danger of breaking both men’s hearts and his own. Because even when the heart is willing, the lack of resume speaks for itself.
What do you do with two very talented app and game designers who don’t seem to know their own self-worth and who are a bit socially awkward? Well, for the owner of MalTech, he pushes them together. This matchmaking dad is trying to make sure that his son, Dylan, is okay during his transition into the family company and a new leadership role. So he enlists the help of his most dependable employee, Rob, to take him under his wing and to a tech expo in Dublin, and is hoping that they also might make a love match.
One problem is that Rob is introverted, quiet, and very socially awkward himself and likes to lay low, but also Rob is not really sure how to explain what his own sexuality is…he knows that he is different. Dylan is a bit more outgoing and excitable, to the point that he could be seen as "too much." And now he’s in a new environment with the promise of increased responsibilities and facing his dad‘s failing health, and feels more isolated. He’s a bit overwhelmed and could really use a friend.
When they bond over gaming, it’s more of a comfort thing for them. It helps bring them closer, but it also stirs up questions and unexpected interest on Rob's side and a crush on Dylan's side. These two had such self-worth issues and insecurities that it was sometimes hard for them to see what the other saw in them or believe in the tenuous connection they were building. But they also balanced each other out nicely and gave each other what they needed.
This is a matchmaking father, new boss, fake dating, workplace romance with a big boy and graysexual rep with geeky game designers. I loved them together, and their story is unique and heartfelt. It's more hurt-comfort and sweet than it is spice. But it's about comfort, companionship, understanding, acceptance, support, and inspiration.
It also brings back Rob's friend group from the first two books. They add comic relief but also support as needed. I also loved Rob's sweet, sassy sister who lights up every scene she is in.
When they bond over gaming, it’s more of a comfort thing for them. It helps bring them closer, but it also stirs up questions and unexpected interest on Rob's side and a crush on Dylan's side. These two had such self-worth issues and insecurities that it was sometimes hard for them to see what the other saw in them or believe in the tenuous connection they were building. But they also balanced each other out nicely and gave each other what they needed.
This is a matchmaking father, new boss, fake dating, workplace romance with a big boy and graysexual rep with geeky game designers. I loved them together, and their story is unique and heartfelt. It's more hurt-comfort and sweet than it is spice. But it's about comfort, companionship, understanding, acceptance, support, and inspiration.
It also brings back Rob's friend group from the first two books. They add comic relief but also support as needed. I also loved Rob's sweet, sassy sister who lights up every scene she is in.
Dianna Roman
Romance author, Dianna Roman, believes in laughter, happily-ever-afters, unsung heroes and heroines, internal struggles, chocolate, coffee, fluffiness, talking to yourself, hard work, and above all, love.
She enjoys writing stories set in rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives with her husband and daughter in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.















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