Category Archives: small town romance

BOOK RELEASE!!! ~ Rescued by the Single Dad (The Single Dads of San Camanez: The Brew Brothers Book 1) by Whitley Cox

Title: Rescued by the Single Dad
Series: The Single Dads of San Camanez: The Brew Brothers Book 1
Author: Whitley Cox
Release Date: April 6, 2023
Title: Rescued by the Single Dad
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: forced proximity, small town, fish out of water, single dad, military, little mermaid rendition, whodunnit, suspense, brotherhood
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206113296
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/rescued-by-the-single-dad-the-single-dads-of-san-camanez-the-brew-brothers-book-1-by-whitley-cox

Blurb:

What happens when the brewery prince falls for the mermaid and ends up endangering his entire kingdom?

Welcome to San Camanez, a humble, peaceful little island in the Puget Sound and home to the McEvoy brothers. Four sexy single fathers—and one childless snack with a beard—who run a brewpub on the beach, raise their kids together, and hope to find love and happiness in the chaos that is life. This is Clint’s story …

Single Dad and brewmaster Clint McEvoy went down to the beach to drink and wallow. He never expected to find a Hollywood starlet naked and unconscious on the rocks. Nor did he expect to learn that someone wants her dead. He’ll do whatever he can to keep Brooke safe, even if that means risking his heart and his family’s peaceful life to do it.

Brooke Barker didn’t see it coming. One minute, she’s on a yacht, celebrating the release of her latest film, the next, she’s fighting for her life in the frigid Puget Sound. Waking up on Clint’s couch was a blessing she’s not sure she deserves. Now, she needs to figure out who pushed her while allowing the world to think she’s dead. One thing that’s alive and well, though? Her attraction to Clint, and her growing affection for his young daughter.

Can Brooke keep her heart out of the equation, and also keep the McEvoy family safe? Or will hiding on the island and in Clint’s bed bring danger to their doorstep?

Buy Links:

Universal: https://books2read.com/RBTSD-BB-SDSC
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TO4g6z

Graphics:

Excerpt

He cupped it gently, and she pushed forward, encouraging him to get a little more forceful.
Taking the nipple between his thumb and finger, he gave the nub a small tug, and she moaned again.
Flicking her gaze up to his, her nod barely discernible. But he saw it.
Oh, fuck, did he see it.
He dipped his head and brought the same nipple into his mouth, sucking and flicking it with his tongue as Brooke arched her back, letting her hair tumble down behind her.
She pressed her breast into his face and another one of those sexy moans rumbled up from the depths of her throat as she rocked against him.
She drove her fingers into his hair and held him in place. Held his face to her chest. His mouth to her nipple. All he could do was move to the other breast, sucking on that delicious raspberry and reveling in her moans and sharp inhales.
“Clint,” she whispered, yanking on his hair, to pull his mouth free and his head up. “Please …” She bit her bottom lip and glanced down between them to where they were dry humping, almost without even thinking about it. His hips rocked of their own volition, and it seemed hers did, too.
He nodded, and she carefully climbed off him, removing the shorts she wore so that she was very quickly naked. It wasn’t like she wore much to begin with. Just shorts and a tank top. No bra, no underwear.
He had a bit more work ahead of him and had to stand up and drop his jeans and boxers. He didn’t remove them completely, but once his cock was free—and much happier because of it—he sat back down. She went to climb on, but he stopped her. “I … I don’t think I have any condoms.”
“I have an IUD, and as soon as I found Flynn cheating, I got tested and haven’t been with anyone since.”
“I’m clean,” he said, his voice gravelly as his hands found her hips and he guided her back into his lap. “I haven’t been with anyone in … well, we had this discussion last night.”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. “Wow.”
“Yeah,” he breathed. “Might be a little rusty.”
Her smile took the last remaining molecules of oxygen from his lungs as she lifted onto her knees, reached between them and grabbed his cock, angling it to her center.
When that first bit of wet heat hit his cockhead, he nearly came on the spot.
Holy fuck.
“Hopefully, it’ll be like riding a bike,” she said, all sexy grins as she sank down, taking all of him inside her.
Her hands found his shoulders, and she started to lift and drop.
It was heaven. Pure. Fucking. Heaven.
She pressed her tits up toward his face, and he dropped his head to capture a nipple again, flicking it with his tongue. But she yanked on his hair hard enough to make him grunt and claimed his mouth again.
This woman took control.
He liked that.
He liked that she initiated things. He wasn’t taking advantage of a confused and vulnerable woman. She was leading this. She was setting the pace.
And Brooke’s pace seemed to be warp-speed, because as soon as their lips collided, she started to ride him less like a bicycle and more like a mechanical bull.
And the woman knew how to ride a mechanical bull.

Praise for the novel:
“This book has it all, it’s full of love and family loyalty, it’s full of passion and once you add in the danger and suspense you get the perfect read. I fell hard and fast for Clint and I’m excited to get to know his brothers better, I adored Brooke but it was the love for Talia that took this read to another level. Wonderful start to the new series. ~Jackie Wright (5-star Goodreads Review)

“Mystery, Romance, a bit of heartache! This book gives me Disney Moana or The Little Mermaid vibes as it takes place on an island. She is a Hollywood starlet. Come and dive into this 1st book of a new series!!! ~ Shelley (5-star Goodreads Review)

“Wow! What a great start to a new series! It’s an emotional roller coaster ride! With murder, secrets, mayhem and steamy sexiness you get a great story! I loved Clint and Brooke’s story! Will a brew master and a Hollywood star make a relationship work? Clint, Brooke and Clint’s daughter Talia make a perfect family! Rescued by the Single Dad is a romantic mystery with heart and love.” ~ Cindy Hughes (5-star Amazon Review)

“Whitley Cox expertly weaves a tale of growing attraction and unexpected twists, leaving readers on the edge of their seats and reaching for their tissues. “Rescued by the Single Dad” is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, showcasing Ms Cox’s talent for crafting compelling characters and heart-pounding storylines, this is going to be a not to be missed new series. ~ Caroline Podger-Scott (5-star Amazon Review)

“I am a huge Disney fan and this story gives off some major Little Mermaid/ Moana vibes. The story of Clint, Brooke and Talia will forever live rent free in my head. This was the story I didn’t know I needed. The twists and turns had me guessing multiple scenarios. I can’t wait for the next one Whitley! ~ Crystal Felker-Onions (5-star Goodreads Review)

About the Whitley Cox

A Canadian West Coast baby born and raised, Whitley is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they have two beautiful daughters and a fluffy dog. She spends her days making food that gets thrown on the floor, vacuuming Cheerios out from under the couch and making sure that the dog food doesn’t end up in the air conditioner. But when nap time comes, and it’s not quite wine o’clock, Whitley sits down, avoids the pile of laundry on the couch, and writes.
A lover of all things decadent; wine, cheese, chocolate and spicy erotic romance, Whitley brings the humorous side of sex, the ridiculous side of relationships and the suspense of everyday life into her stories. With single dads, firefighters, Navy SEALs, mommy wars, body issues, threesomes, bondage and role-playing, Whitley’s books have all the funny and fabulously filthy words you could hope for.

Whitley Cox Social Media Links:

Website: WhitleyCox.com

Twitter: @WhitleyCoxBooks

Instagram: @CoxWhitley

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoxWhitley/

Blog: https://whitleycox.blogspot.ca/

Multi-Author Blog: https://romancewritersbehavingbadly.blogspot.com

Exclusive Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/234716323653592/

Booksprout: https://booksprout.co/author/994/whitley-cox

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/whitley-cox

Spotlight Tour!! ~ Sweet Southern Memories by C.A. Harms

Title: Single Southern Memories
Series: Magnolia Grove
Author: C.A. Harms
Genre/Tropes: Second Chance -Small Town Romance – Single Mom – Hot Doctor – Friends to Lovers – Angst
Release Date: February 8, 2024
Cover Design: Sarah Paige
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200855296-sweet-southern-memories
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/sweet-southern-memories-by-c-a-harms

Blurb: 

Zoey

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, a lesson I learned the hard way during my divorce. My first love returns home just in time to watch me pick up the pieces, and the moment I lay eyes on him every memory rushes back.

Jayson Lincoln, the man who still makes my heart beat fast, after all these years. But he’s Doctor Lincoln now and I’m a far cry from the carefree girl he left behind.

I’m learning to navigate life as a single mother of twin girls and he’s reluctantly home to take over the family practice. We may be back in the same small town, but we’re still worlds apart.

Jayson

It’s always been her. No one could ever measure up to Zoey Harding.

And I’ll always regret walking away from her and our hometown, for the big city to chase my dreams.

The longer I’m back, the more the echoes of our past whisper what could have been. But it’s not just about us, and her daughters steal my heart and mend what’s been broken for far too long.

Zoey’s afraid to trust me, but I’m determined to heal the fractures of her heart and prove that this time I’m not going anywhere.

Buy Links: Kindle Unlimited

Universal: https://mybook.to/SweetSouthernMemories

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3SB4VHY

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CLZ747QQ

Continue reading Spotlight Tour!! ~ Sweet Southern Memories by C.A. Harms

New Release & Review!!! ~ Sweet Southern Memories (Magnolia Grove) by C.A. Harms

Title: Sweet Southern Memories
Series: Magnolia Grove
Author: C.A. Harms
Genre/Tropes: Second Chance -Small Town Romance – Single Mom – Hot Doctor – Friends to Lovers – Angst
Release Date: February 8, 2024
Cover Design: Sarah Paige
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200855296-sweet-southern-memories
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/sweet-southern-memories-by-c-a-harms

Blurb: 

Zoey

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, a lesson I learned the hard way during my divorce. My first love returns home just in time to watch me pick up the pieces, and the moment I lay eyes on him every memory rushes back.

Jayson Lincoln, the man who still makes my heart beat fast, after all these years. But he’s Doctor Lincoln now and I’m a far cry from the carefree girl he left behind.

I’m learning to navigate life as a single mother of twin girls and he’s reluctantly home to take over the family practice. We may be back in the same small town, but we’re still worlds apart.

Jayson

It’s always been her. No one could ever measure up to Zoey Harding.

And I’ll always regret walking away from her and our hometown, for the big city to chase my dreams.

The longer I’m back, the more the echoes of our past whisper what could have been. But it’s not just about us, and her daughters steal my heart and mend what’s been broken for far too long.

Zoey’s afraid to trust me, but I’m determined to heal the fractures of her heart and prove that this time I’m not going anywhere.

Buy Links: Kindle Unlimited

Universal: https://mybook.to/SweetSouthernMemories

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3SB4VHY

Continue reading New Release & Review!!! ~ Sweet Southern Memories (Magnolia Grove) by C.A. Harms

Small Town Romance NOW on KOBO! ~ Let It Be Love (Mustang Prairie Book 5) by N.D. Jackson

Hello readers, reviewers and fellow book lovers! Just dropping in to tell you that book 5 in my Mustang Prairie series, Let It Be Love is now on Kobo. Technically it’s on Kobo again but either way, it’s there and if Kobo is your preferred retailer for romance books you can get it here.

ABOUT LET IT BE LOVE

Eric
Falling in love with a pop starlet has its drawbacks
Lack of privacy, for one
Gossip, for another
But falling in love with Kiki Ramirez was the best thing I’ve ever done
And the stupidest
One story planted by her agent and now I look like a fool
Played by the starlet
Looking like a simp for the world to see
But none of its true and I can’t defend my woman how I want
The urge to fight for her, to defend her is too strong
Even against the Hollywood machine working hard to keep us apart

Kiki
Falling in love with a civilian wasn’t part of the plan
I didn’t believe in love
Not for me and not for my life
But a small town mayor was the man who’d torn down my walls
Snuck past my defenses
And now with our future hanging in the balance its up to me to find a way to make it all work
A crazy agent
A ravenous paparazzi
And a pregnant belly I’m powerless to hide
I want Eric and the life I see for us
But how can I invite this madness into his quiet, small town life?

AVAILABLE in paperback & e-book ~ https://books2read.com/u/mg7xK6

Continue reading Small Town Romance NOW on KOBO! ~ Let It Be Love (Mustang Prairie Book 5) by N.D. Jackson

Release Blitz!!! ~ Fitting the Financier by Rebecca Austin

In this small town romance, a woman must find a way to keep her home, resist the charms of her best friend’s father while dodging a nosey neighbor and avoid being caught under mistletoes. Readers who love rags to riches romance will enjoy Fitting the Financier by Robecca Austin, a steamy, small town, billionaire, age gap, IR romance.

Buy Now or Read FREE with KindleUnlimited!

Amazon https://amzn.to/3RpdFjR

She’s made for me.
The perfect combination of sassy, sweet, and sexy, with generous thighs to cushion my heartache. She’s also my daughter’s best friend, forbidden.
Despite my daughter’s wishes, I have no plans to visit the small town or partake in the festivities of mistletoes and pumpkin spice lattes this Christmas. For good reason. One look into her best friend’s stormy gray eyes and I’ll want no one except her to fill the void in my life.
But when Naomi needs my protection, how can I say no?
She thinks I’m helping her out of charity, but she’s wrong. I can crush bullies, and using that power is the distraction I need to break my desires for her.

Continue reading Release Blitz!!! ~ Fitting the Financier by Rebecca Austin

Cuddle Up With A Sexy Single Dad This Holiday Season!

It’s that time of year again when the weather is cold, fires are roaring and hot chocolate and mulled wine are permanently on the menu, so what better way to pass a few hours or even a day, than a small town holiday romance?!?!

🔥💖🔥Welcome to Mustang Prairie🔥💖🔥
Trixie is a Mustang Prairie girl, born and raised. At least until her parents up and moved her to a commune in Oregon and far away from the love of her young life. Jack Thorpe.

But grownup Trixie is back in Mustang Prairie and ready for the next chapter in her life, which includes her lingerie store Under the Skirt and starting her own line of sexy lacy things. When her past collides with her present in the form of a tall, blonde artist, Trixie has to wonder if her girlish crush could be the answer to her grownup dreams?

Jack married his high school sweetheart, only it didn’t turn out so sweet and he never got to tell her it was over. Now he has to smile and pretend while the world goes on and on about how great Marissa was, especially now that he’d brought his girls back to Mustang Prairie for good.

The one bright spot in town was the new and improved girl next door. Little Trixie wasn’t so little and Jack was more than a little interested. Too bad he wasn’t interested in another round of the rollercoaster known as love and commitment.

Too bad he can’t stay away.

It Must Be Love Buy LINKS:

Universal: mybook.to/MustBeLove
US: http://amzn.to/2hFSIzw
UK: http://amzn.to/2k8vAdA
AU: http://amzn.to/2jHwwc3
CA: http://amzn.to/2jfWgJ8

NEW RELEASE!!! ~ Coming Down Her Chimney by Imani Jay

Kareem spent his teen years fighting his growing desires for his sister’s best friend, Amy. Now, he’s taking part in a charity bachelor auction and his sister wins the bid… for her bestie. Readers who love holiday romances with bachelor auctions will enjoy Coming Down Her Chimney by Imani Jay, a steamy, small town, sister’s best friend, second chance romance.

Buy Now or Read FREE with KindleUnlimited!

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3T1sR9p

Amy
My bestie dragged me to the lovely beach town where her parents retired. What she failed to mention is her brother, superstar basketball player (and my lifelong crush…), Kareem, is also here…

Kareem
I spent my teens fighting my growing desires for my sister’s best friend. And seeing Amy again after all this time? She looks even better. And she’s still the sweet, funny, smart girl I could never forget…

What happens when Kareem takes part in the local Charity Bachelor Auction and his sister wins the bid… for her bestie.

Tag along for a safe, steamy, second chance romance with no cheating, no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA!

Add to Goodreads Here!

Goodreads https://bit.ly/46QrHli

Continue reading NEW RELEASE!!! ~ Coming Down Her Chimney by Imani Jay

RELEASE BOOST!! ~ Grumpy Little Christmas by Marika Ray

Title: Grumpy Little Christmas
Author: Marika Ray
Genre: Small Town Romantic Comedy
Release Date: November 14, 2023
Cover Design: Shanoff Designs





My country music career is going downhill fast, and my very public breakup isn’t helping. All I want is to hide away at a cozy ski lodge this Christmas, avoid anything festive, and figure out what to do with my life. Is that so much to ask?

Aksel Lund is a modern-day Viking who should be gracing magazine covers with his smoldery frown, not running the Havenkirk Ski Lodge like a tyrant. Unbeknownst to me, this map-dot town in Idaho doesn’t have a spa or know how to be chill about Christmas. Aksel’s eight-year-old daughter drags me to every single Snowmass celebration because I don’t have the heart to tell her no.

Her grinch of a father though? He has no heart. When he’s not criticizing my music, or saving me from hurtling down the slopes, or arguing with me over my excessive luggage—it’s only five suitcases, calm down—he’s dodging my questions about why he’s a single dad and who keeps calling about his debts.

I may be a celebrity— which basically makes me a scrooge in his eyes—but I know a thing or two about hard times. And it looks like Havenkirk will be sold to some rich developer the minute the tinsel comes down. If only Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Brooding would let me help save the lodge.

And if only Aksel didn’t make my heart twist painfully in my chest and leave me panting whenever he turns that glower on me. If only I truly loved the season and could pull a Christmas miracle out of my guitar.

Turns out a miracle is what I need to get Aksel out of my heart, too.






Marika Ray is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy and sweet RomComs, spending her time behind a computer crafting stories, walking any beach she can find, and making healthy food for her kids and husband whether they like it or not. Prior to writing novels, Marika held various jobs in the finance industry, with private start-up companies, and then in health & fitness. Cats may have nine lives, but Marika believes everyone should have nine careers to keep things spicy. All her books come with a money-back guarantee that you’ll smile at least once with every book.

More information can be found at www.marikaray.com



HOSTED BY:

NEW RELEASE!! ~ Grumpy Little Christmas by Marika Ray

Title: Grumpy Little Christmas
Author: Marika Ray
Genre: Small Town Romantic Comedy
Release Date: November 14, 2023
Cover Design: Shanoff Designs




★★★★★ “These two have amazing banter, dialogue and passion…wow…they burn up the pages once they finally give into their feelings. This book will definitely get you in the holiday spirit.” Kristie Reads Books

★★★★★ “Are you looking for an adorable, yet steamy, book to get you in the mood for the holidays? Then look no further than this one by Marika Ray! This was fast paced (thank goodness no slow burn!) and I loved every second of it.” Booked.Up.With.Emily

★★★★★ “I enjoyed the absolute heck out of this! It was such a fun Christmas romance! The definition of a feel good romance.” – Romance Book In Review



My country music career is going downhill fast, and my very public breakup isn’t helping. All I want is to hide away at a cozy ski lodge this Christmas, avoid anything festive, and figure out what to do with my life. Is that so much to ask?

Aksel Lund is a modern-day Viking who should be gracing magazine covers with his smoldery frown, not running the Havenkirk Ski Lodge like a tyrant. Unbeknownst to me, this map-dot town in Idaho doesn’t have a spa or know how to be chill about Christmas. Aksel’s eight-year-old daughter drags me to every single Snowmass celebration because I don’t have the heart to tell her no.

Her grinch of a father though? He has no heart. When he’s not criticizing my music, or saving me from hurtling down the slopes, or arguing with me over my excessive luggage—it’s only five suitcases, calm down—he’s dodging my questions about why he’s a single dad and who keeps calling about his debts.

I may be a celebrity— which basically makes me a scrooge in his eyes—but I know a thing or two about hard times. And it looks like Havenkirk will be sold to some rich developer the minute the tinsel comes down. If only Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Brooding would let me help save the lodge.

And if only Aksel didn’t make my heart twist painfully in my chest and leave me panting whenever he turns that glower on me. If only I truly loved the season and could pull a Christmas miracle out of my guitar.

Turns out a miracle is what I need to get Aksel out of my heart, too.







Marika Ray is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy and sweet RomComs, spending her time behind a computer crafting stories, walking any beach she can find, and making healthy food for her kids and husband whether they like it or not. Prior to writing novels, Marika held various jobs in the finance industry, with private start-up companies, and then in health & fitness. Cats may have nine lives, but Marika believes everyone should have nine careers to keep things spicy. All her books come with a money-back guarantee that you’ll smile at least once with every book.

More information can be found at www.marikaray.com



HOSTED BY:

Release Blitz!! ~ Hot Stuff by Ashton Brooks

This man of the month has it all, but his world goes up in smoke when a saucy out-of-town woman crashes into his life. If only she would let him capture her heart. Readers who love Sweet on Wilde by Fabiola Francisco and Something That Could Last by Ashley Cade will enjoy Hot Stuff by Ashton Brooks, a steamy, small town, enemies-to-lovers, cinnamon roll hero, thriller, found family romance.

Buy Now or Read FREE with KindleUnlimited!

This man of the month has it all. His own pizza restaurant, a family of five loving sisters and a mother who dotes on him, best friends he can always count on, and he’s one of the town’s most eligible bachelors. Watch as his world goes up in smoke when a saucy out-of-town woman crashes into his life. If only she would let him capture her heart.

Add to Goodreads Here!

Excerpt
Copyright 2023 Ashton Brooks

“CalSone Day?” I read the banner that is currently being hung up outside our family restaurant in preparation for the big celebration that is a week away. 
“Joseph, it’s Cal-Zone. With a Z!” I yell up at him, and watch his body sway slightly on the ladder. He looks over it and checks his phone.
“That is a Z,” he shouts back and waves his hand over the sign.
“It’s a fucking S.” I growl back. “Hold on.” I leave him and head into the restaurant to find my backup. Thank god all five of my sisters are in today so they can back me up. Our mother is in the kitchen preparing for the big event, so I won’t bug her, but the rest of them are needed. 
“Rosie, I need you all,” I whistle at her from behind the register, waving her outside. The look she shoots me is as sharp as daggers, but I know it’s only because I dared call her in such a manner. She must see the frustration on my face though, because her scowl quickly turns to concern. 
I hear her yell for the others and I let the door shut while I keep an eye on Joseph. He’s mumbling to himself, words I can’t hear, but the redness on his cheeks shows he must have realized he’s wrong. 
“What the heck, Rome?” My oldest sister, Romi, flings her hands up in the air. She’s scowling at me, and I meet her raised brows with my own. The rest of them follow out and stand amongst each other. 
“What happened?” Rumer asks, and I love that, as usual, she remains the calmest in the chaos. She’s the second oldest child and she has always been the peacekeeper. 
“I don’t know, he flipped a lid inside and said we all had to be out here,” Rosie lifts her shoulders. She is the youngest in our family so I can’t help but smile at her, even though she isn’t helping me. 
“The sign,” I point up at it and all five sets of dark eyes, the one trait we all share, jump to where the hanging red tarp is. 
“Cal..Sone Day,” Reagan reads, and I see her brow furrow. “With an S?”
“Ahh, fuck,” Remi, the sister closest to me in age, laughs, “Joseph, what the hell did you do?” She is the wildest of my sisters, and she cusses about as much as I do, much to our mother’s dismay. 
“It says Calsone Day!” He yells down at all of us. 
“Calzone is spelt with a Z, Joseph,” Romi snaps back, her big- sister voice coming out. She sounds scarily like our mother when she does that, and Joseph is speechless.
“Baby,” Joseph calls to her, “My phone says S. I’ll change it, I’ll change it.” He throws his hands in the air and starts taking down the sign. 
I wait him out, my hands on my hips, standing next to Romi. Joseph is her new fiancé, and he’s been trying to help out around the restaurant, but he still gets on my nerves. 
“Quit scowling at him,” She whispers next to me and nudges her elbow into my side. 
I grunt from the impact and turn to her with a smirk, “It’s not my fault the guy can’t spell Calzone right. And he wants to work here? Take over a share?”
“He doesn’t want a share,” She sighs and stomps her foot, something all the women in my family are known for, “He just wants to be part of the business with us. I would think that is what you all would want. We need the extra hands. Rumer’s baby is due in a month, and her shift will need to be picked up.”
“Romi,” I slide my arm around her shoulders, “It will be fine. And leave Joseph to me. He needs to learn just like Tommy did for Rumer. And now look, he’s the best meat guy in the town.”
“I know you mean well Rome, but we both know that Joseph will never be good enough in your eyes. You hold grudges like no one else, and the fact that he ran over your bike tire when you were ten still makes you mad,” She argues, and I see the turmoil in her eyes. 
“It was a great bike,” I shrug my shoulders.
“Roman!”
“I’m kidding,” I give her a squeeze, “I will try and take it easier on him. Once he fixes the damn sign.”
Romi huffs, shaking her head, but I do see a small smile on her lips. She heads back into the restaurant, and my gaze finds its way back to Joseph, who is rolling up the sign and tapping away on his phone. 
“Are we good?”
His eyes shoot up to mine, “I ordered a new one, with rush delivery. It will get here before Wednesday.”
“Great. We can hang it up right as everyone is walking in,” I grunt and shake my head. Joseph grabs his bag and his ladder, and scurries to his work truck. I watch him drive away and try to remember to breathe in and out. 
Calzone Day needs to be perfect. It’s a staple holiday at Mohagen’s, and has been since my grandfather first built it here in Candy Cane Key.  My father, Rebel, inherited it from him, and when he married mother, they took it over. Their wedding reception was hosted here, all six of us were raised in these kitchens, and took afternoon naps in the booth. The sign needs to be perfect. We can’t not have Calzone Day.

Buy Now or Read FREE with KindleUnlimited!

About Ashton Brooks

Ashton Brooks is an author with a variety of stories that are in Contemporary Romance and New Adult romance. Her writing style is suspenseful and sometimes leads to heart-wrenching conclusions. With a background in forensic psychology she really goes for those investigative, dark and twisty feels. And of course, lots of love!
Brooks enjoys reading as much as writing. Television shows such as Criminal Minds, Scandal, and One Tree Hill are her go-to binge worthy series. She loves spending time with her friends and family with a good glass of beer or wine. If she isn’t reading or writing, Brooks is Pinteresting future home projects for her wonderful husband to accomplish.

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