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Fixer Upper
I came home from war with a fistful of medals and a limp.
Didn’t expect to find an angel sunbathing on my deck.
This lakehouse was left to me by the best guy I ever knew, but I don’t think he meant to leave me his little sister too.
She can have the cabin. I’m not a monster–I won’t kick her out, but I won’t leave her in a ruin either.
Because it’s a project. A fixer-upper. It’s no good for her to stay here with no hot water and holes in the walls, and when I think about her lying cold in her bed at night, I could howl.
So I’ll fix her lakehouse. I’ll pay my respects to her brother.
And I swear on every last medal I brought home–I will keep my hands off the sweet, lost girl.
The Heart of the Wounded Hero series was created to pay tribute to and raise awareness of wounded heroes. Each of the over eighty authors involved have contributed time, money, and stories to the cause.
These love stories are inspiring and uplifting, showing the sacrifice of our veterans but also giving them the happily ever after they deserve. By increasing awareness through our books, we believe we can in a small part help the wounded heroes that have sacrificed so much. Thank you for reading.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
223 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mint
152 books1,388 followersCassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 12, 2024
4☆ Ignore the generic cover (or don't, he's ripped).
This was a surprisingly sweet and kind of moving short story, especially considering the cover 😆. Yes, it’s a short n’ smutty snack. But it’s about a burly veteran who comes back from the war after his best friend has died in battle and falls in love with his little sister. I loved how they become great friends first as they fix Luis’ old cabin, and are soothing each other’s grief in a healthy way that also lets them move forward. It’s got a tinge of the forbidden and new adult feelings from the sister, with warmhearted undertones and very cozy HEA. Really, what more can you ask for? 💝
This was a surprisingly sweet and kind of moving short story, especially considering the cover 😆. Yes, it’s a short n’ smutty snack. But it’s about a burly veteran who comes back from the war after his best friend has died in battle and falls in love with his little sister. I loved how they become great friends first as they fix Luis’ old cabin, and are soothing each other’s grief in a healthy way that also lets them move forward. It’s got a tinge of the forbidden and new adult feelings from the sister, with warmhearted undertones and very cozy HEA. Really, what more can you ask for? 💝
November 7, 2022
This one's pretty darn good. 4.5 rounded up despite it being so short.
September 27, 2023
Unexpectedly emotional.
I wasn’t expecting to like this story as much as I did. There was some nice pull and push and I need me some conflict so I was super happy with it.
I wasn’t expecting this little novella to make me cry! The stuff about her dead brother/his dead best friend was so well done and so touching it made me totally tear up. Twice.
A great read.
I wasn’t expecting to like this story as much as I did. There was some nice pull and push and I need me some conflict so I was super happy with it.
I wasn’t expecting this little novella to make me cry! The stuff about her dead brother/his dead best friend was so well done and so touching it made me totally tear up. Twice.
A great read.
November 28, 2022
A forbidden best friends litter sister romance
June 11, 2023
4.5 stars. This one is definitely a tearjerker. This guy has inherited his buddy's cabin and finds the buddy's sister there. They are both mourning the guy they loved. And get to know each other and fall in love. It's a short one but also very emotional.
November 7, 2022
5 swooned stars
A heart-warming story about two broken souls mourning the death of one man.
Her brother.
And his best friend.
Absolutely beautiful.
Highly recommend!
A heart-warming story about two broken souls mourning the death of one man.
Her brother.
And his best friend.
Absolutely beautiful.
Highly recommend!
July 15, 2022
I’ve read a few Cassie Mint books and though they are short, they are mighty. This one is about Cade and Riley. Cade was a soldier though we get very little background because these stories are so short. But that fine, they get right to the point. His best friend was killed but he left a small cabin on the lake. When he goes to check it out, he discovers a beautiful young woman there. Turns out it’s Riley, his friends younger sister. The cabin is in terrible shape so Cade figures he’ll fix it up and leave it for her.
But Cade fills an empty space in her heart. She really misses her brother and she’s very lonely. And Riley fills a space in Cades heart too and he doesn’t feel the same kind of loneliness when he’s with her.
So there you have it. A love story about two lonely people who are perfect for each other. I’m finding this author writes the exactly perfect short story and I m glad I discovered her.
But Cade fills an empty space in her heart. She really misses her brother and she’s very lonely. And Riley fills a space in Cades heart too and he doesn’t feel the same kind of loneliness when he’s with her.
So there you have it. A love story about two lonely people who are perfect for each other. I’m finding this author writes the exactly perfect short story and I m glad I discovered her.
February 27, 2023
Not my favorite of Cassie Mint but still a good and cute read.
June 18, 2022
hot book. very cute too! cassie mints short novellas are so incredibly addicting and i don’t think i will stop anytime soon. the Hero is a hot fixer upper and the heroine is the brightest sunshine. they were brought together because her brother was the Hero’s best friend but died. such a cute, warm read.
November 25, 2023
my new motto in life is: when in doubt of what to read next, read a cassie mint novella
August 15, 2023
This book is only like 60 pages so I expected it to be all smut, no plot and I was very wrong in that assumption. It’s most definitely a slow burn (if a novella can really be called that). BUT there’s so much emotion and tension between Cade and Riley that it didn’t feel like it was *only* 60 pages long.
Note: This book does cover grief through the loss of a friend / brother.
Features:
• veteran
• brother’s best friend
• forced proximity
• virgin heroine
Note: This book does cover grief through the loss of a friend / brother.
Features:
• veteran
• brother’s best friend
• forced proximity
• virgin heroine
December 22, 2023
Cassie Mint is my new Jessa Kane. Her books are such great little reads. Simple, uncomplicated, sweet and satisfying.
December 30, 2025
BRAD novella. We know why we’re here on this, the second to last day of the Goodreads 2025 challenge. Some yearning, bad nickname, lots of insta-love.
June 29, 2022
This was cute, but not sure how I feel about it among the other books I have loved from Cassie Mint
June 30, 2023
WOW!! I couldn't put this one down. I absolutely love it!! This was a nice quick, short read.
Cade meet Riley when he goes to the cabin that is left to his by his military buddy, only problem is she's sunbathing on the back deck. Cade tries to wake Riley but she doesn't move, so he speaks louder. When she looks at him he tells her she is trespassing, she tells him this is her brother's cabin. Riley finds out that her brother Luis left his cabin to his buddy, Cade. She tells him she'll leave, he tells her she can stay and keep the cabin he doesn't want it. Riley tells Cade to stay the night, and then help her fix a few things in the morning. After Cade agree Riley asks him to tells her about the time he served. Riley and Cade agree that they'll work on fixing up the cabin together and once that's done he'll move on. Three weeks later, Cade is working on the back deck, he's fixed several things around the cabin. Riley goes for a swim and asks Cade to go with her, but he doesn't want to be tempted. She asks him not to go just yet and he tells her he won't. When Riley thinks about that she could lose Cade if she acted on how she feels, she has a little panic attack, he calms her down. She was just think what would happen if she lost Cade too, but she doesn't tell him. Riley asks Cade to sleep in the bed with her and he tells her no. He wakes up the next morning and she is standing in the kitchen with nothing but his shirt on it takes his breath away. His hand drifts up her sides to her breast then when he bushes against them he pulls back. They head to the grocery store to stock up, Riley asks Cade if they can have pizza. She tells him her brother taught her how to make them. As they are checking out someone tries to get Riley's attention, Cade growls under his breath. When Riley looks at the man he asks her if he's her boyfriend. Riley tells him no he's her husband. When they get out to Cade's truck he presses her up against it and asks her if she's trying to kill him by calling him her husband. She grinds up against him and he grinds into her. They head back to the cabin in silence. Riley knows that Cade wants her he's just being a coward. When Cade tells her he's sorry she tells him she's not. Riley doesn't know what to do so she turns into bed early. She lies in bed crying when she's all cried out she stares at the ceiling, soon she hears her door open. Cade sits on the bed, then crawls up her body. Cade tells her he doesn't think her brother, Luis would like this, but he's going to treat her right. Riley kisses him, she tells him he's not taking it back, he tells her he won't. Cade tells her he's never giving her up, he strips his clothes off then she tells him to take her. He begins to pleasure her, she tells him not to stop, he tells her he won't. Cade thrust deep inside of Riley, he tells her she is his. He tells her he's going to keep her, marry her and have babies with her. Five years later, they had to add on to the cabin. They are now married and have a daughter. They both have to bring each other back to the present when they get lost in thought about Luis. They believe Luis would be happy they found each other, two lost souls became one. Luis brought them together, maybe that was the plan all along.
Cade meet Riley when he goes to the cabin that is left to his by his military buddy, only problem is she's sunbathing on the back deck. Cade tries to wake Riley but she doesn't move, so he speaks louder. When she looks at him he tells her she is trespassing, she tells him this is her brother's cabin. Riley finds out that her brother Luis left his cabin to his buddy, Cade. She tells him she'll leave, he tells her she can stay and keep the cabin he doesn't want it. Riley tells Cade to stay the night, and then help her fix a few things in the morning. After Cade agree Riley asks him to tells her about the time he served. Riley and Cade agree that they'll work on fixing up the cabin together and once that's done he'll move on. Three weeks later, Cade is working on the back deck, he's fixed several things around the cabin. Riley goes for a swim and asks Cade to go with her, but he doesn't want to be tempted. She asks him not to go just yet and he tells her he won't. When Riley thinks about that she could lose Cade if she acted on how she feels, she has a little panic attack, he calms her down. She was just think what would happen if she lost Cade too, but she doesn't tell him. Riley asks Cade to sleep in the bed with her and he tells her no. He wakes up the next morning and she is standing in the kitchen with nothing but his shirt on it takes his breath away. His hand drifts up her sides to her breast then when he bushes against them he pulls back. They head to the grocery store to stock up, Riley asks Cade if they can have pizza. She tells him her brother taught her how to make them. As they are checking out someone tries to get Riley's attention, Cade growls under his breath. When Riley looks at the man he asks her if he's her boyfriend. Riley tells him no he's her husband. When they get out to Cade's truck he presses her up against it and asks her if she's trying to kill him by calling him her husband. She grinds up against him and he grinds into her. They head back to the cabin in silence. Riley knows that Cade wants her he's just being a coward. When Cade tells her he's sorry she tells him she's not. Riley doesn't know what to do so she turns into bed early. She lies in bed crying when she's all cried out she stares at the ceiling, soon she hears her door open. Cade sits on the bed, then crawls up her body. Cade tells her he doesn't think her brother, Luis would like this, but he's going to treat her right. Riley kisses him, she tells him he's not taking it back, he tells her he won't. Cade tells her he's never giving her up, he strips his clothes off then she tells him to take her. He begins to pleasure her, she tells him not to stop, he tells her he won't. Cade thrust deep inside of Riley, he tells her she is his. He tells her he's going to keep her, marry her and have babies with her. Five years later, they had to add on to the cabin. They are now married and have a daughter. They both have to bring each other back to the present when they get lost in thought about Luis. They believe Luis would be happy they found each other, two lost souls became one. Luis brought them together, maybe that was the plan all along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2022
I think Cassie wrote the perfect line to describe this book at the very end of the book.
"...two lost souls found comfort and became one."
Both Riley and Cade have lost a brother. Luis may have been Riley's blood brother, but he was Cade's brother in arms. The man that both went to to tell their dark nitty gritty secrets. He was like a rock for both of them. When he died they both stopped living and were kind of living in an unfeeling state.
Both seemed to find solace in the lakehouse for different reasons. Cade because it was left to him by a man he considered a brother, and Riley because that's where her brother took her during summers after he enlisted.
Riley and Cade may have been left floundering after Luis' death, but together they find comfort. And maybe, just maybe this was Luis' plan all along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"...two lost souls found comfort and became one."
Both Riley and Cade have lost a brother. Luis may have been Riley's blood brother, but he was Cade's brother in arms. The man that both went to to tell their dark nitty gritty secrets. He was like a rock for both of them. When he died they both stopped living and were kind of living in an unfeeling state.
Both seemed to find solace in the lakehouse for different reasons. Cade because it was left to him by a man he considered a brother, and Riley because that's where her brother took her during summers after he enlisted.
Riley and Cade may have been left floundering after Luis' death, but together they find comfort. And maybe, just maybe this was Luis' plan all along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2022
When Cade heads over to the cabin left to him by his friend Luis who died in the military, he spots a woman on the deck. He finds out that it is Luis's sister Riley. Riley lost the last person of her family when Luis died so she came to the cabin to have a connection with him. She didn't know that Luis had gifted the cabin to his friend. Now the two of them are at the cabin working to bring it back to a livable condition. In doing so Cade and Riley will make a personal connection one that will have pledged their love for each other. In the end Cade mentally thanks Luis because he feels that this is what Luis had in plan for him and his sister to be together. This touching story drew me in and had me in Cade's and Riley's corner to get their chance for happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2022
Fixer Upper is part of an amazing series that is unique with each book.
Cade has arrived at the cabin that was left to him by his brother in arms and was what he should have expected - it needed to be fixed up. What he did not expect was the woman lying on the deck.
Riley missed her brother and wanted to have some time for herself. At the cabin, Riley could feel closer to him. When Caden arrived, she did not realize the cabin was left to him.
Riley and Caden's story is a fast friend's sister story that will tug at your heart as they struggle between what they want, their feelings and her brother's respect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cade has arrived at the cabin that was left to him by his brother in arms and was what he should have expected - it needed to be fixed up. What he did not expect was the woman lying on the deck.
Riley missed her brother and wanted to have some time for herself. At the cabin, Riley could feel closer to him. When Caden arrived, she did not realize the cabin was left to him.
Riley and Caden's story is a fast friend's sister story that will tug at your heart as they struggle between what they want, their feelings and her brother's respect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2023
Riley & Cade.
Cade is making his way to the cabin that was left to him by his best friend who died serving. When he makes it there, that cabin already seems occupied by a small and sad girl who Cade immediately feels like he needs to protect. When he realizes she's his friends sister he let's her keep the house since it looks like she needs it more. When Riley offers to let Cade stay, he knows she'll probably never get rid of him, he'll always be close by. This story was really cute and heart-warming. I know we didn't get to see too much of their healing process, but it was nice to see them give each other comfort when they needed it. I liked how forward Riley was and she had every right to be upset with the whiplash Cade was giving her. Glad he finally came to his senses lol would've like to see some groveling on his end though.
Cade is making his way to the cabin that was left to him by his best friend who died serving. When he makes it there, that cabin already seems occupied by a small and sad girl who Cade immediately feels like he needs to protect. When he realizes she's his friends sister he let's her keep the house since it looks like she needs it more. When Riley offers to let Cade stay, he knows she'll probably never get rid of him, he'll always be close by. This story was really cute and heart-warming. I know we didn't get to see too much of their healing process, but it was nice to see them give each other comfort when they needed it. I liked how forward Riley was and she had every right to be upset with the whiplash Cade was giving her. Glad he finally came to his senses lol would've like to see some groveling on his end though.
June 15, 2022
This is a short story as part of a series to pay tribute to wounded hero's. It follows Cade and Riley. Cade has inherited his best friend, Luis, cabin when he shows up he finds his friends sister staying there. Both are impacted by the loss of Luis. Cade decides to let Riley have the cabin as it means so much to her but it needs some work. Cade steps in to help fix it up. As they work together they both start having feelings towards each other. This was a sweet and steamy short story, the perfect vacation read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2022
Cade inherits his best friend's cabin after his death. He is surprised to find the cabin is already occupied by his buddy's younger sister Riley. Both are still grieving the loss her brother Luis and they find solace in spending time together. Only its more than just 2 people finding comfort. The attraction between them is is off the charts hot but Cade knows she would never be happy with an ex military man scarred on the inside and the outside. Riley is insanely attracted to Cade but he keeps resisting. But as they work together renovating the cabin, the harder it becomes to keep his hands off of her. If you enjoy OTT insta romance, you will love their story.
June 16, 2022
I think it's a lost cause for me, I inevitably fall in love with each of this author's characters and her way of writing. It is much more than instant love and happily ever after.
We have Riley coping with her loss and grieving her as best she can with her heart on her sleeve. And Cade with the wounds left by the war and his pain on his shoulders, and with a great sense of duty.
This story has hot scenes, and every page is tinged with steam. But what I like the most is the feelings and depth of the characters and how easy it is to connect with them. I recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have Riley coping with her loss and grieving her as best she can with her heart on her sleeve. And Cade with the wounds left by the war and his pain on his shoulders, and with a great sense of duty.
This story has hot scenes, and every page is tinged with steam. But what I like the most is the feelings and depth of the characters and how easy it is to connect with them. I recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2022
Cade was surprised that Luis left him the lake house, it really was not much of a house, a run down cabin. He never expected to see a beautiful girl there, not just any girl, Riley Luis' sister. She is off limits as his friend's baby sister.
Riley is still trying to work thru her grief of losing her brother, she is now truly alone in the world. When her brother's friend shows up, maybe now she is a little less alone, but he keeps pushing her away.
The more time the two spend together, the lines cross, until Cade cannot hold back anymore.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
Riley is still trying to work thru her grief of losing her brother, she is now truly alone in the world. When her brother's friend shows up, maybe now she is a little less alone, but he keeps pushing her away.
The more time the two spend together, the lines cross, until Cade cannot hold back anymore.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
June 18, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a super sweet romance with some heartache but also some steam. Cade is a veteran who is trying to find his way after leaving the military. Riley's been struggling to live again, but it isn't working too well. The tragic loss of a brother, best friend and confidant is what brings these two together. A few doubts here and there, but they really were perfect together. They can have a home, family and future once again. I hate that it was so short but still a good addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2022
A really good book
Enjoyed reading the love story between Cade and Riley. Cade is suffering from PTSD after his tour overseas, he lost several men along with his best friend, Luis. Luis left him a cabin in the woods which took him a while to go to because he felt he wasn't worthy. When he arrived, Riley was sunbathing on the porch. It was then that he learn she was Luis' sister. They both stay at the cabin making renovations and becoming closer. Cade figured Luis didn't mean for him to have feelings for his sister. They fought their feelings. Read what they go through, hope you enjoy it too. Written by Cindy :)
Enjoyed reading the love story between Cade and Riley. Cade is suffering from PTSD after his tour overseas, he lost several men along with his best friend, Luis. Luis left him a cabin in the woods which took him a while to go to because he felt he wasn't worthy. When he arrived, Riley was sunbathing on the porch. It was then that he learn she was Luis' sister. They both stay at the cabin making renovations and becoming closer. Cade figured Luis didn't mean for him to have feelings for his sister. They fought their feelings. Read what they go through, hope you enjoy it too. Written by Cindy :)
June 14, 2022
Cade has inherited a cabin in the mountain after his friend Luis died. When he gets there, there’s a beautiful girl sleeping. She’s Luis’ sister. They are both capitals red by the other but Cade refuses to act; knowing his buddy wouldn’t have approved. But what if that’s exactly why he’s there? Maybe Luis sent Cade to save more than the cabin. This is an incredibly heartfelt and steamy story about two lost souls finally finding comfort in one another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2022
Riley is at the cabin of her deceased older brother. She changed her whole life and left everything behind to start a new life at the cabin. Cade is military buddy of Riley's brother. He got the cabin after his death and now visits it. As soon as they both meet each other sparks fly, but both of them are hesitant. Cade thinks he doesn't deserve to be happy especially with his buddy's sister. Instalove, sweet, romantic, kind of bittersweet, steamy and safe with a sweet HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍😍 These two made me feel for them and their loss, really awesome👍👍👍
June 16, 2022
Riley was staying at her brothers cabin to feel closer to him after his death. He left the cabin to his best friend, Cade. When Cade arrives he finds Riley there. They are both grief stricken and find comfort being with each other. Cade thinks his best friend would not want him with his sister so tries to keep things platonic out of respect. The love Riley and Cade share is to big to be ignored. Emotional, sweet and steamy. This was a wonderful story with a lovely HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2022
Cassie Mint's novellas never disappoint!
Having that said, veteran's stories always get to me because I'm pretty sure we can't even start to understand the trauma.
Riley feels lonely and a little lost in a cabin that’s falling apart. Cade inherits his best friend's - Luis - cabin after his death and is surprised to find his sister there. They end up finding comfort in each other and theirs is a sweet story. I loved this short story and would recommend it!.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book that I received from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Having that said, veteran's stories always get to me because I'm pretty sure we can't even start to understand the trauma.
Riley feels lonely and a little lost in a cabin that’s falling apart. Cade inherits his best friend's - Luis - cabin after his death and is surprised to find his sister there. They end up finding comfort in each other and theirs is a sweet story. I loved this short story and would recommend it!.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book that I received from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews