Insta-family By Linda Kage -

: Duke passes away from lung cancer, leaving Lucy unexpectedly pregnant.

is a contemporary romance that explores the messy, emotional intersection of grief and new beginnings. Released on December 8, 2021, the novel serves as a spin-off of the author’s popular Forbidden Men series, following Lucy Olivia—the daughter of Noel and Aspen from To Professor with Love . The Story: A Heartbreaking Setup

: Seeking a sense of family for her child, Lucy turns to Duke’s older brother, Vaughn Merrill. Key Themes & Features Insta-Family by Linda Kage

: Reviews from Goodreads and Amazon describe it as "heart-breaking" yet "heart-warming," balancing intense grief with Kage’s signature humor.

Critics and readers highlight several standout elements of the book: : Duke passes away from lung cancer, leaving

: While the plot features over-the-top drama, the romantic development between Lucy and Vaughn is described as a "steady" and "beautiful" bloom. Reader Perspective

: Kage is praised for creating "imperfect" characters who feel like real people. Vaughn is particularly noted for his depth, struggling with "survivor's guilt" while falling for the one woman he feels he shouldn't. The Story: A Heartbreaking Setup : Seeking a

Readers from Milky Way of Books suggest that while some misunderstandings could have been avoided, the emotional impact makes the story feel like it could easily be adapted into a "Netflix series". Insta-Family by Linda Kage - Goodreads