Making the Cut

Sticks & Stones Beach Rom Com #2

by Ash Keller

Forty is the new twenty.

“How’s your love life?” Four little words designed to cut to the quick. Who knew mean girls grew up to be PTA moms?

Besides a short summer fling when I was 19, which resulted in the birth of my son, Jared, I’ve had no love life to speak of—and everyone knows it.

What they don’t know is that I’m head-over-heels in love with my brother’s best friend. Unfortunately, Bishop has always treated me like a surrogate little sister. But lately, things between us have felt … different.

Could it be true what they say? Does life begin at forty?

Making the Cut is a short and sweet romcom sugar bomb! It's a standalone novella. Low angst. Low heat. All the feels.

Genres: Romance, Ebooks, Novella, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Rom Com, Fiction

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2023

About the author

Ash Keller writes clean contemporary romance and romantic comedies. Her books are sweet on heat but big on heart. She lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her wonderful husband, three mischievous cats, and a couple of bossy backyard chickens that peck on the door to demand treats. For the latest news and exclusive content, subscribe to her newsletter.

Reviews

[Margo]

Except for when she was 19 when she conceived her son she hasn’t had a love life. She is now 40. She has just been waiting for that magic manhood to finally teach her what it means to be a woman, presumably.

Well I ain’t here for it.

[Samm 🍄🥀🌙🪐⚡️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much potential I just needed more depth.

[Jes Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really breezy romcom with a beachfront setting. Tropes include later-in-life romance and brother's best friend.

I really emphasized with the heroine, who feels time passing her by, and watches everyone around her moving on with their lives while she is trapped in the same place. What she doesn't realize is that Bishop is trapped there right along with her. I wish I could have seen more of her interactions with a character introduced later, but I loved the chemistry between her and Bishop.

Note to more sensitive readers: heroine had a son out of wedlock 19 years ago; also, she learns that her mother has a boyfriend in a very awkward way.

All in all, a short, sweet story that is absolutely perfect to take with you to the beach.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt unfinished

[Andrea Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop and Hazel

I really enjoyed this short romcom. I laughed and I choked and I cried and I cringed. I absolutely adored the massive growth in Hazel's character. I really, really think this was a great story.

I would highly recommend this TOTALLY CLEAN Sweet Romance for everyone.

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ash Keller! She describes her books as rom-com sugar bombs and I’d say that’s an accurate description: short and sweet!

Making the Cut was a quick read about Hazel and Bishop, and their it’s-about-time love story. I will say that I felt like A LOT happened and I wish there would’ve more to flesh out some of the things that occurred in the end. Overall, a cute read!

Check this one out, if you’re a fan of:
♥️small Southern towns
🏝️ beach romances
♥️older characters (40s)
🏝️the brother’s best friend trope

Favorite Quote:
👗 I've never understood why she doesn't
wear clothes that match her personality—cheerful and bright. Instead, she tries to blend in.
She fails, of course. Her beauty is a star. It shines on its own.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

הספר השני בסדרה, וההמשך של "Suited for Love".
הספר הזה מוקדש להייזל, אחותו של טאק מהספר הראשון, ולבישוף, חברו הטוב של טאק מהספר הראשון.
הייזל היא תופרת ואם יחידנית לנער בן 19 בשם ג'רד. הייזל נכנסה להיריון מרומן קיץ וגידלה את הילד לבדה כל השנים האלו, בעודה גרה אצל אימא שלה ועובדת כתופרת ומעצבת אקססוריז. עכשיו, כשהיא כמעט בת 40 ובנה לומד בקולג' ולא גר בבית, הייזל מרגישה תקועה בחייה ומנסה בחייה.
לאחר שמסתבר שלאימא שלה יש רומן עם מפקד המשטרה המקומי, הייזל עוזבת את בית אמה ועוברת לגור בשכנות לבישוף. הייזל ובישוף היו מאוהבים אחד בשנייה בסתר עוד מימי התיכון, אבל כל אחד מהם פחד לעשות צעד כלשהו מחשש שטאק וג'רד יתנגדו לכך. הייזל מחליטה שהיא צריכה להעז יותר בחייה, וזה כולל ניסיון לשינוי קריירה וגם אולי שינוי בחיי האהבה שלה...
נובלה קצרה, מתוקה וכיפית לקריאה. נהניתי לקרוא ואני ממשיכה לספר השלישי בסדרה.

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet story! I find novellas so fun and perfect for when you are feeling overwhelmed or in a reading slump. I have really enjoyed Ms. Keller's other books and was excited to read this one! As always, it was bright, fun, and positive. Hazel was so sweet! I loved her brightness. Bishop was a sweetheart! I love romances that grow from friendships. And the town of Friendly is hilarious! I love all the personalities and the quirky town. This is the perfect pick-me-up with themes of having confidence and joy with yourself, and plus-sized rep!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

[koi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5

* arc review *

This was the cutest book ever 🥹

Bishop being so terribly in love with Hazel for so long and will legit do anything for her is the loveliest thing i swear!

I love Friendly it’s such a cute little town and everyone (save for two individuals) is like family.

Wish there were more scenes with Jared in them but that’s okay.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable

The characters of friendly are absolutely adorable, minus Sara Jean 😅. Bishop and Hazel have been a long time coming and the two of them are so cute together.
I hope this series is longer than 3 books I enjoy hearing about the previous characters from the previous book and seeing how there all doing.

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bishop & Hazel's sweet, caring ,long time yearning love, swoony story!

[Teddy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast, fun read from Ash Keller!
This cute and quirky little town and it’s sweet residency will win you over!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's lovely to be revisiting Friendly on this occasion we have Hazel and Bishop. Hazel is a single mum who still lives at home with her own mother the mayor. Bishop is not only her brothers best friend but has always felt like part of the family. He keeps his feelings for her hidden as Tuck told him to never date his sister, but he's struggling to hide his feels. Hazel has always dreamed of being more but hides behind boring clothes and staying silent when anyone pulls her down. When it comes out that her mum and Coop have been together for years. She swaps houses and moves in to Coops next door to Bishop. Will they finally admit how they feel or will fate deal another option. I love the characters and can't praise Ash for yet another brilliant book which I couldn't put down. I recieved this as an ARC copy and this is my own honest and personal opinion I hope you'll enjoy it just as much as I have.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Fitzherbert Bishop, or Bishop, has been in love with his best friend’s sister Hazel Tuck for as long as he can remember. He’s always been too afraid to tell her how he feels and to lose his best friend. As fate would have it, Hazel becoming his next-door neighbor might be the push he needs after all these years. Hazel Tuck was not expecting to accidentally walk in on the town's sheriff showering at the home she shares with her mother or that he would propose to her mother the second she returned home. However, everyone in her life seemed to be moving on and finding love. Even her son Jared, whose off at college, has someone. So why can’t she? Her brother’s best friend, Bishop, has always been right there, but there’s no way that he could ever feel the same way for her, right? Since the small town of Friendly isn’t big enough for Hazel to magically find a place, she is more than happy to swap places and settle for moving into Sheriff Coop’s house. Especially since it means that she can be next-door neighbors with Bishop, it’s been a long time since they’ve been this close, and it’s just been the two of them, so between small-town mayhem and wild animals, what could possibly go wrong?

* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this book is the fact that it’s about dang time! As someone patiently waiting for Hazel and Bishop’s book and for these characters to get together, I was not disappointed. Although this book is fast-paced, the storyline does not feel lacking as these characters have known each other all their lives. Between seeing Hazel finally go toward her dreams and Bishop realizing that maybe he’s impacted the people around him in ways he hasn’t considered, I was drawn into the story – hook, line, and sinker. While this book is part of a series, which does help give more background on the characters and the town of Friendly, it can equally stand on its own.

[Happy Reading Watching]

Making the Cut: A Sweet Small Town Romantic Comedy
(Sticks & Stones Beach Rom Com Book 2)

Pub Date: August 21/2023

If you enjoy...

☀️HEA
☀️Short Stories (85 pages)
☀️Small Town romance
☀️Fast-paced stories
☀️2nd chance at love trope
☀️Charcters that are in their 30s or older.

Then, I recommend looking into this one and this series overall.
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC. All thoughts and review are my own. ♡




Book Synopsis:
"One man is a blast from the past. The other is my brother’s best friend. Will one of them make the cut?

“How’s your love life?” Four little words designed to cut to the quick. Who knew mean girls grew up to be PTA moms?

Besides a short summer fling when I was 19, I’ve had no love life to speak of—and everyone knows it. But there are a couple of things they don’t know:

That I have feelings for my brother’s best friend. I’ve always been sure that Bishop saw me only as a surrogate little sister. But lately, things between us have felt…different.

The identity of my teenage son’s father. Honestly, I’d like to know, too. When I found out I was pregnant, I’d tried to track him down at his university, only to discover that no one with his name had ever been enrolled.

The thing about towns as small as Friendly is that secrets never stay buried forever. And this summer, mine are all coming to the surface. Whether I’m ready or not.

Making the Cut is a short and sweet romcom sugar bomb! It's a standalone novella. Low angst. Low heat. All the feels."

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Hazel & Bishop’s points of views

– it is mentioned that someone accidentally saw someone else in the shower (no details beyond seeing the other person and that they covered themselves quickly with an object)

– Hazel had her son after having a fling with someone who was only around for the summer (son is now an adult)

Review:

I love how quick Ash Keller’s romances are as they quickly give me the happily ever after I’m hoping for! I was hoping a little for some more tension between Bishop and the unexpected suitor that was looking for Hazel’s attention, but it wasn’t really necessary since Hazel made her mind up early on. I loved the brother’s best friend trope being in this particular story, especially since Bishop was there for all of Hazel & her son Jared’s life making it so they were both happy around him. He was already so ingrained that it just made sense to everyone for them to be together.

Summary:

Hazel has only had a romantic love feeling for someone twice in her life. Once with the man that gave her Jared and the other with her brother’s best friend Bishop. But no one else knows this part. All they know is the perpetually single young mother. And Bishop has always referred to her as being like a younger sister to him. Until one day, things seem to shift and Bishop is no longer looking at her the same way…

Bishop fell for Hazel, her tenacity for life, and caring for her son as a single parent. But Bishop wasn’t about to pursue her after her brother, who is also his best friend, practically told him not to. But that doesn’t stop Bishop from going out of his way each morning just to get the chance to see Hazel…

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making the Cut is the second book in the Sticks and Stones Rom Com series. While those who have read the previous book with enjoy revisiting Friendly and getting to catch up on some familiar character in this new story, I definitely think it could be read just fine as a standalone as well.

At under 100 pages, this is a super quick read--- easily read in just one sitting. Despite its short length though, it's not short on story. I definitely enjoyed the characters enough that I'd have enjoyed a full-length novel as well... but I didn't feel like anything was incomplete or lacking. Instead, it felt like just the perfect bite-sized romance... and a super satisfying bite at that! I really enjoyed getting to know Hazel better and seeing her romance with Bishop blossom. In true Rom Com fashion, it seemed every time they were just about to come together, something chaotic would happen. It made that actual first kiss all that much better, but also kept me laughing throughout!

If you're looking for a quick and fun beach read, this is definitely one worth checking out! I look forward to seeing what happens next in the series.

Making the Cut is a closed-door romance, with nothing beyond kisses and no language.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother’s best friend to more

Overall rating: 5/5 stars
Sweet and clean, I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series and I will look forward to reading the rest. Humorous animals, and friends to more.

Plot: 4/5, I enjoyed the story, I would have loved even more, but it is a fun quick read! I look forward to reading more about the MCs and their HEA in future books in this series.

Spice: relatively low, which is 5/5 for me, because my personal preference is adherence to traditional Christian standards

Characters: 5/5 I liked the main characters, as well as the supporting cast and animals, especially as most carried over from the last book in this series

MC: Hazel & Bishop

Key subjects/tropes: friends to more, single parent, love in 30s/40s, small town life

In series: yes, this is the debut book

Overall review: I recommend reading this rom com short novel. It’s the best kind of brain candy, and the town of Friendly gets better with each book!

***I received a free ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review; all opinions stated in this review are my own ***

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick and easy read. Ash Keller knows how to make me laugh, which is I why I enjoy her books so much. There is a particularly humorous scene at the beginning that will give you the giggles. You will have to read the book to find out. Hazel has watched everyone around her get married and move on into what she would classify as adulthood. Poor Hazel lives with her mom and her 19 year old son has more of a love life than she has. Bishop is Hazel's brother's best friend. It is very apparent from the beginning that he is admiring her from afar. This is their story.

I admired Hazel so much. She had raised a son on her own and worked hard. She did not fully appreciate her beauty and her worth. The romance is sweet and the characters will make you smile. One of my favorites was the local hero which was a heron they had nicknamed Hank Heron. He was the town's mascot who often caused a ruckus. The town of Friendly, Georgia on the beach sounded divine as well. There is nothing better for this southern girl than a good, Southern romcom.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an easy breezy sweet romcom set in Friendly, a small-town beach community. Hazel is starting to feel like life is passing her by, she is approaching 40 and other than a short fling 19 years ago her love life has been rather uneventful and the whole town is well aware.

I am a big sucker for friends to lovers and it was so fun both Hazel and Bishop had been pinning for each other. There were some hilarious scenes courtesy of Hazel’s cat – who doesn’t love a pet! They came close to kissing a few times before finally locking lips, making it even sweeter.

This book is part of a series but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone and offers a fun glimpse into Friendly and its quirky characters. This is a novella and while you can easily read it in one sitting I felt it offered just enough to feel complete but also left you wanting more. I would absolutely read the other two books in this series and get to know more about the people of Friendly.

Thank you to author Ash Keller for the review copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Moni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read and I'm interested in reading more from her. It's book 2 in the Sticks & Stones Beach Rom Com Series but can be read as a standalone. The book's blurb is straightforward. It's a good brother's best friend first person dual pov romance.

Hazel is a single mother with an adult child watching everyone around her live out their dreams so she decides it's time for her to do the same. Meanwhile, Bishop is the town's lawyer and her brother's best friend who has had a secret crush on her for years. Their romance is clean and a fun one to read. I liked the feel of the town, the author's comedic tone, and how it was easy to be interested in the story since the start. This did read as if it was the bones for a full length novel and it would've been even better if it was longer. However, if you're in the mood for a quick read to lighten up your mood, especially after something heavy, then this is definitely one you want to read.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a sweet, small town romance and this one was the perfect summer snack.

Bishop and Hazel are wonderful characters. Bishop is Hazel's brother's best friend and was told years ago to stay away from his sister, but when her son's father unexpectedly shows up, it's a race for the heart.

Ash Keller has written a short and sweet story that is a great addition to the Sticks & Stones Beach series. Although less than 100 pages, I laughed, I swooned, I was entertained, and I got to know these characters a little more.

Things to love:

🐚Forbidden romance between brother's best friend and sister
🐚Single parent
🐚Next-door neighbors
🐚Awkwardly embarrassing moments
🐚Funny and sweet
🐚Twists and turns
🐚Swoony almost kisses
🐚The beach!

This is the perfect read for one sitting and I really enjoyed it and I can't wait for the next story in the series!

Content: mild romance; off page talk of teen/unwed pregnancy; vague and hilarious shower scene

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love so many things about Ash Keller's books. One thing I really love is that they are short, so you can enjoy them quickly. I feel like sometimes short books sacrifice character development. But that's not the case here. At. All. I love this author's characters.

I loved that we got to have Hazel's story. She's older with a grown son. Hazel has always kind of just gone with the flow when it comes to those around her. She kind of got walked all over. I loved how she decided she was done with that. And she becomes her own person in this book.

And then there's Bishop. He's the local town lawyer. And he's a genuinely good guy. It was fun seeing things through his eyes. I loved the way he always saw Hazel, even when she didn't want to be seen.

The little town of Friendly is also so great! There is a huge cast of zany characters here, including the local animals. Friendly always makes me smile. Hoping I get to take another virtual trip here soon!

I was sent an e-copy of Making the Cut as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute little romance novella. I really enjoyed the first novella in the series and I enjoyed this one too. It’s a quick, easy read. Easily read in one sitting. The story provides a satisfying romance in spite of the short length. It helps that the two main characters are already in love, and have been for two decades (an awfully long time), but need some kind of push to finally act on their feelings. Hazel, a single mom of a young adult son, has raised her son in the town she grew up in, and still lives with her mother. Bishop is her older brother’s best friend and returned to home after law school to be near Hazel and help her and her son throughout the years. When a variety of events push Hazel to make changes, it just might be the push that they both need. “If you don’t want to drown in the darkness, it’s time to swim toward the light.” This series celebrates curvy heroines, and there are some cute animal antics too. This is a closed door story with no harsh language.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read short stories/novellas, I’m often left feeling like I am missing so much of the story that I NEED to feel fulfilled by a story. But Ash Keller made me a true believer in her short and sweet stories. She aced it!

I’m a happily married woman knocking on 40’s door, but I have a lot of friends who are currently treading the dating grounds. It’s not easy from what I’ve told. It was nice to get a couple who is closer to my age and relatable. Hazel’s character has such a fantastic growth arc from start to finish and I could see a lot of my friends in her while reading.

In addition to love, I adore a book that makes me laugh. And laugh I did with this one! It’s sweet and closed door, giving us a chance to appreciate the humor on a whole new level. When Hazel and Bishop’s friendship grew, it gives you the warmth of a good swoon. Absolutely a charming read!

I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Avalos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel Tuck has always been conservative and timid. Make focus as a single mother was to provide and raise a fine young man. Now he’s 18 with his own business and she is left questioning what her next steps are…

Bishop is a successful lawyer that has been in love with his best friends sister for as long as he can remember. Respectful and timid his feelings are growing and when an unexpected member of Hazel’s past comes back into her life, feelings stir. Will he finally speak up or forever hold his peace?

I absolutely devoured this short story in one sitting. The characters are so relatable in more ways than one! Feeling as though they are stuck in the same space while others move on with their life, luckily for the reader this is something many can relate to.

Wrap up summer with this quick beach read while we get ready for Fall in the next story of this Stick & Stones Beach Rom Com

Quote:

"If you don’t want to drown in the darkness, it’s time to swim toward the light.”

[Reagan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel. She is freaking amazing. At 40 years old she raised her son as a single mom💙, kept up her fantastic spirit 🥳, is an amazing seamstress 🪡🧵, and has hidden her love for her bothers best friend for years👀. When her designs seem to take off 📈, and so does her love life🎢, she handles it well and is an amazing example of loving yourself and embracing your “diva” 👒🎀side.

Bishop. The small town lawyer 👨🏻‍⚖️ who’s had it bad 😍 for his best friends little sister for years. That would explain why he’s mid-forties and never been married. Not only is he hopelessly in the brother-zone😟 (worse than the friend zone), he is also in the uncle-zone by Hazel’s adult son. Regardless, Bishop has spend his career helping out his community 🏘️, and in particular a struggling kid who’s parents neglect has caused some majorly bad life choices 🚓.

This book was so fun! I read it in 1️⃣ sitting and it was such a feel good 😊 , happy read! I’m excited to see what happens between some of the characters (no spoilers but one looks like a gladiator and the other is learning to accept change). I 💯 recommend this short, sweet, and clean 🧼 novella to anyone wanting to read an uplifting ☺️and romantic🥰 read!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Cute romcom. I loved the story but found it hard to believe that a 44 year old man would still think his best friend's 40 year old sister is off limits. He's a grown man and doesn't need brother's permission anyway. I'm choosing to overlook that issue. So other than that fact I enjoyed the story. I liked the main characters and really, pretty much all the secondary ones too. I love the small town. And I particularly like that Hazel came out of her shell and started channeling her diva.
This is a really short story and can easily be read in one sitting. I wouldn't have complained if it had been a little bit longer but it was still a complete story as is.

Sex: reference to son's conception 19 years earlier
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Lindsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Read it in a couple hours.
Honestly I wanted more from this story. Felt a little rushed especially with some of the characters. It gave me love triangle vibes when I read the blurb but honestly I wouldn’t call this a love triangle.
Hazel has decided to finally move out of her mothers house…quickly because she just saw her mothers boyfriend in the nude. Except she didn’t know it was her mothers boyfriend at the time.
She’s also a single mother dealing with feelings for her brothers best friend. He is also dealing with feelings for her and the fact that he only moved back to Friendly for Hazel. Turns out there’s a twist in this story that the blurb spoils for you a little.
I definitely wish he had spoken up sooner but I liked the banter between everyone and the animal mishaps.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making the Cut is the second book in this sweet, small town romance series about the citizens of Friendly. This is Hazel and Bishop’s story and it does not disappoint. Hazel and Bishop have known each other their whole lives and Bishop is Hazel’s brother’s best friend, but they haven’t spent much time together in years. When Friendly’s sheriff proposes to Hazel’s mom, it seems the best course of action is for Hazel and the sheriff to switch homes so her mom can live with him.

The benefit of this arrangement for Hazel is her new neighbor is none other than Bishop, who has been in love with Hazel for years. These two adorable people now have the chance to really get to know one another and become close, but will they realize they are perfect for each? I enjoyed reading Making the Cut and I’m excited for the next in the series already.