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Love Stories in Sheet Cake, Texas #3.5
Upping the Ante
He's been the grumpiest boss a woman could ask for--or he WAS until I quit.
But former football star Deacon Clark doesn't seem to be getting the memo. Instead, he tags along with me to Sheet Cake, Texas, where I'm hoping to start a new business.
Deacon's only hope is to hire me back as his assistant.
At least, that's what I thought.
Until ... the very clear lines we've always kept start to blur.
I guess that's what happens when you have to share a loft with only one bed...
Upping the Ante is a closed door romcom in the Love Stories from Sheet Cake series. It takes place between The Pocket Pair and The Wild Cart, though it can be read as a standalone.
The ebook is available here: emmastclair dot com /ante
But former football star Deacon Clark doesn't seem to be getting the memo. Instead, he tags along with me to Sheet Cake, Texas, where I'm hoping to start a new business.
Deacon's only hope is to hire me back as his assistant.
At least, that's what I thought.
Until ... the very clear lines we've always kept start to blur.
I guess that's what happens when you have to share a loft with only one bed...
Upping the Ante is a closed door romcom in the Love Stories from Sheet Cake series. It takes place between The Pocket Pair and The Wild Cart, though it can be read as a standalone.
The ebook is available here: emmastclair dot com /ante
130 pages, ebook
Published July 4, 2023
19 people are currently reading
1574 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
63 books3,968 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 15, 2023
Well if that wasn’t the most delicious little number I’ve read!!!
Emma doesn’t miss!!! 👏🏻 This women is the crossover queen!
Sheet Cake, Love Cliches, and Hometown Heartthrobs…SUCH AN ELITE GROUP!
And sooooo weeellll done!!
Yes it was a novella. But it was practically perfect in every way.
I already want to reread it!
5/5 stars!!!!!
Emma doesn’t miss!!! 👏🏻 This women is the crossover queen!
Sheet Cake, Love Cliches, and Hometown Heartthrobs…SUCH AN ELITE GROUP!
And sooooo weeellll done!!
Yes it was a novella. But it was practically perfect in every way.
I already want to reread it!
5/5 stars!!!!!
July 18, 2023
This is a sweet, clean novella. Deacon was a football player, and Kalli was his assistant. Now, she wants to own her own coffee shop and let Deacon fend for himself. Lots of surprises and growth with the characters. Love the realization both characters continue to soon after getting to Sheet Cake. Magic is in that town.
November 16, 2025
3.5 stars
July 18, 2023
Such a cute little novella and a welcome return to Sheet Cake which is always a good time. I loved meeting Deacon and Kalli and watching their business only relationship unravel into something more. It is always fun to see The Grahams and even Thayden pops up. Loved the glimpse of Amy and cannot wait for her book even though I’m hoping for Tank’s soon. Highly recommend this series (and the Love Cliches series) for funny and wholesome romance. This can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend starting at the beginning and falling in love with Sheet Cake, TX!
August 5, 2023
A surprise novella from Emma St Clair and it’s in her Sheet Cake series?! 🎉🎉 Or maybe she had announced it and I missed it…either way it was a surprise to me and I will always want to read a Sheet Cake book. The town, the Grahams, the banter - it’s perfect.
☕️
This is a quick read that reads like a regular full story but of course I want more so I don’t have to leave this world. I’m excited for the new series Emma mentioned in her author’s note. Plus I haven’t read much of the Love Cliches yet.
☕️
Content: closed door, forced proximity, unrequited love, one bed, mention of cancer in the past, some grief from absentee parents
☕️
This is a quick read that reads like a regular full story but of course I want more so I don’t have to leave this world. I’m excited for the new series Emma mentioned in her author’s note. Plus I haven’t read much of the Love Cliches yet.
☕️
Content: closed door, forced proximity, unrequited love, one bed, mention of cancer in the past, some grief from absentee parents
July 17, 2023
What a wonderful novella! I wasn’t done to leave Sheet Cake after reading the latest in the series so I am so glad Emma St. Clair released this novella! Deacon and Kalli fight their feelings so hard but can’t stop giving in to their feelings and fall hard! And I’m totally here for it. I love their connection and their dedication to one another. So sweet! The added bonus of the Graham family appearances made it even better!
November 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75, rounded up!)
GENRE
-rom-com novella
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: make outs
-⚠️: very indifferent/almost neglectful parents
This was a delightfully quick little read. Deacon and Kalli basically realize that they've been suppressing their love for the entire two years that Kalli has been Deacon's assistant. Now that Kalli has quit, Deacon realizes he can't let her go.
Though this one was lacking in animal shenanigans, there were some very humorous scenes involving furniture breaking!
The only reason this didn't make it to four stars for me was because there were a significant amount of typos, much more than Emma's books usually have. I do realize this was initially not going to be in print, but still. There were more errors than I like to see.
GENRE
-rom-com novella
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: make outs
-⚠️: very indifferent/almost neglectful parents
This was a delightfully quick little read. Deacon and Kalli basically realize that they've been suppressing their love for the entire two years that Kalli has been Deacon's assistant. Now that Kalli has quit, Deacon realizes he can't let her go.
Though this one was lacking in animal shenanigans, there were some very humorous scenes involving furniture breaking!
The only reason this didn't make it to four stars for me was because there were a significant amount of typos, much more than Emma's books usually have. I do realize this was initially not going to be in print, but still. There were more errors than I like to see.
July 6, 2023
Oh my heeeeck!! I loved this cute little novella SO much! It was a short & sweet read about a grumpy football player, Deacon and his cute assistant Kalli! Deacon has always kept firm boundaries in place when it comes to Kalli, but as soon as Kalli tells him she’s quitting, all bets are off! These two are adorable, we get to revisit Sheet Cake, AND hang out with the Grahams!!
This is a MUST read!
This is a MUST read!
August 23, 2023
I used to read romance. Now? I’m more of a mystery or thriller reader. I find that it helps dispel my murderous urges. - Kalli
Okay, but that bed scene 😂
And then the couch, absolutely hilarious 😂♥️
This was such a fun easy read! I loved being able to go back to Sheet Cake, if only for a short while ♥️
Okay, but that bed scene 😂
And then the couch, absolutely hilarious 😂♥️
This was such a fun easy read! I loved being able to go back to Sheet Cake, if only for a short while ♥️
November 13, 2025
This was such a good novella! I ate it up. I honestly wish I had more of it …I just couldn’t get enough of these two. The tropes were great and this one was the perfect quick read.
👍🏻Read If You Like:
-novellas
-small town romances
-only one bed
-boss/employee trope (he’s a football player and she’s his assistant)
🚪closed door
👍🏻Read If You Like:
-novellas
-small town romances
-only one bed
-boss/employee trope (he’s a football player and she’s his assistant)
🚪closed door
February 24, 2024
Quick little novella but related to the other Sheet Cake books. Deacon and Kalli have chemistry, apparently hidden for most of their interactions but that emerges with a vengeance once she is no longer his employee. Clean romance, a full story in a novella length. Definitely a fun read.
July 8, 2023
Has all the essentials: short, sweet, and Sheet Cake! I would’ve loved this to be full length but I enjoyed this novella!
November 11, 2023
Such a fun novella!! It tied in a lot of characters from all of Emma’s series and I loved getting to see little cameos from everyone! Can’t wait for more from Sheet Cake!
September 8, 2024
It’s the first book I’ve read from this author. I enjoyed the author’s writing, I just wasn’t totally into the story, but I will read more of her books.
December 26, 2025
Visiting Sheet Cake, Texas never disappoints!
July 14, 2023
This novella was a fun little getaway to Sheet Cake. I loved Kallie and Deacon's characters and stories and I hope they show up in the other Sheet Cake books!
August 22, 2023
This is a fun novella that takes place in one of my favorite fictional towns, Sheet Cake, Texas. It takes place after the third book in the Sheet Cake series, but it works well as a standalone. The main characters in this novella, Deacon and Kalli, haven’t shown up in the other books in the series yet, but characters from some of Emma’s other books make appearances in this one. I think that’s always fun! I really enjoyed this novella that I got free by signing up for Emma’s newsletter, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this series plays out!
August 19, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this novella can be received by signing up for Emma St. Clair’s newsletter
– timeline-wise this story occurs after The Pocket Pair, but it can be read as a stand-alone without having read any of the books in that series
– this is told from Deacon & Kalli’s points of view
– it is mentioned that Deacon’s sister had cancer as a child (she is a healthy & cancer free adult at this point)
Review:
Though the story is on the shorter side, it is full of Emma St. Clair’s wit and humor that I love so much! I loved that we got some Graham fam & Thayden cameos that made things a little extra fun. I loved Deacon’s sister Amy and how she teased Deacon when Kalli came. I loved that Deacon & Kalli’s story was chock full of random furniture pieces breaking at the oddest of times. And I loved how Deacon & Kalli’s love story developed from boss/employee to ex-boss/employee to more and what the two of them had to do in order to reconcile their thoughts toward each other due to that significant change to their dynamic.
Summary:
Kalli is ready to move on to her own dreams and has made the necessary arrangements to do so. Namely making sure that Deacon (her ex-boss as of yesterday) sees and acknowledges her resignation otherwise he’d likely have no idea Kalli even sent it. As his personal assistant, that was Kalli’s job and she made sure to tell him to read that message for himself when she first sent it, but of course he didn’t do that. Thankfully, legally Kalli is in the clear to leave him behind so that she can look into opening her dream coffee shop in Sheet Cake, Texas. Unfortunately, Deacon doesn’t seem to be about to leave her anytime soon if his sticking around for her meetings with the town’s owner is any indication…
Deacon is shocked when Kalli informs him that she no longer works for him and is about to follow her dream of opening a coffee shop. Not able to let go of her for reasons he’s yet to grasp, Deacon follows Kalli to Sheet Cake in the name of looking out for her best interests. But as they talk about her vision for the place and her intentions of living in the town, Deacon comes to realize why he doesn’t want to let go of Kalli so easily. And it’s not just because of her work ethic as his assistant but instead something he’s been pushing to the side for the sake of being professional when they were only boss and employee…
– this novella can be received by signing up for Emma St. Clair’s newsletter
– timeline-wise this story occurs after The Pocket Pair, but it can be read as a stand-alone without having read any of the books in that series
– this is told from Deacon & Kalli’s points of view
– it is mentioned that Deacon’s sister had cancer as a child (she is a healthy & cancer free adult at this point)
Review:
Though the story is on the shorter side, it is full of Emma St. Clair’s wit and humor that I love so much! I loved that we got some Graham fam & Thayden cameos that made things a little extra fun. I loved Deacon’s sister Amy and how she teased Deacon when Kalli came. I loved that Deacon & Kalli’s story was chock full of random furniture pieces breaking at the oddest of times. And I loved how Deacon & Kalli’s love story developed from boss/employee to ex-boss/employee to more and what the two of them had to do in order to reconcile their thoughts toward each other due to that significant change to their dynamic.
Summary:
Kalli is ready to move on to her own dreams and has made the necessary arrangements to do so. Namely making sure that Deacon (her ex-boss as of yesterday) sees and acknowledges her resignation otherwise he’d likely have no idea Kalli even sent it. As his personal assistant, that was Kalli’s job and she made sure to tell him to read that message for himself when she first sent it, but of course he didn’t do that. Thankfully, legally Kalli is in the clear to leave him behind so that she can look into opening her dream coffee shop in Sheet Cake, Texas. Unfortunately, Deacon doesn’t seem to be about to leave her anytime soon if his sticking around for her meetings with the town’s owner is any indication…
Deacon is shocked when Kalli informs him that she no longer works for him and is about to follow her dream of opening a coffee shop. Not able to let go of her for reasons he’s yet to grasp, Deacon follows Kalli to Sheet Cake in the name of looking out for her best interests. But as they talk about her vision for the place and her intentions of living in the town, Deacon comes to realize why he doesn’t want to let go of Kalli so easily. And it’s not just because of her work ethic as his assistant but instead something he’s been pushing to the side for the sake of being professional when they were only boss and employee…
March 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book.
I rate this book a 5/5, its a clean rom-com, mostly for ages 14+ due to one comment made in the book (Nothing bad, just a comment about a broken bed because the MC is a huge retired football player).
The title got me at first, I am dyslexic so when I read the title of this book to begin reading I had read "Upping the Auntie", at the end of this book it made no sense to me lol. For those who don't know, and 'Ante' is a stake put up by a player in poker and similar games before receiving cards. Which makes a lot more sense.
The book is about the MMC losing his assistant, who he has had do everything for him, his entire career. She wants to start her own coffee shop, in a small town called 'sheet cake'. This town has its own series, so for those who like that, this series is great for you. I love that I can go into this book and read it without context though, because while reading, I didn't know about the other books.
I absolutely love how slowed down, yet exciting, the story was and how the relationship was built. It shows not everyone is perfect, and sometimes we think we may lose the thing we love most, even if we JUST found out how much it means to us. Its a sorta relatable story, to a point. This makes readers engage in every word written.
Definitely a book I didn't set down, and would recommend to everyone. If you like rom-coms that aren't too corny, this book is for you.
I rate this book a 5/5, its a clean rom-com, mostly for ages 14+ due to one comment made in the book (Nothing bad, just a comment about a broken bed because the MC is a huge retired football player).
The title got me at first, I am dyslexic so when I read the title of this book to begin reading I had read "Upping the Auntie", at the end of this book it made no sense to me lol. For those who don't know, and 'Ante' is a stake put up by a player in poker and similar games before receiving cards. Which makes a lot more sense.
The book is about the MMC losing his assistant, who he has had do everything for him, his entire career. She wants to start her own coffee shop, in a small town called 'sheet cake'. This town has its own series, so for those who like that, this series is great for you. I love that I can go into this book and read it without context though, because while reading, I didn't know about the other books.
I absolutely love how slowed down, yet exciting, the story was and how the relationship was built. It shows not everyone is perfect, and sometimes we think we may lose the thing we love most, even if we JUST found out how much it means to us. Its a sorta relatable story, to a point. This makes readers engage in every word written.
Definitely a book I didn't set down, and would recommend to everyone. If you like rom-coms that aren't too corny, this book is for you.
July 17, 2023
Well if this wasn't the most adorable little novella ever?
This story connects THREE of Emma St. Clair's series - Love Cliches, Love Stories in Sheet Cake, and Hometown Heartthrobs. Basically, this is the one Emma book to rule them all.
Kelli has decided to quit as an assistant to grumpy boss, retired pro football player Deacon, in order to open a coffee shop in the small town of Sheet Cake Texas. But now that she no longer works for him, Duncan realizes just how much Kelli means to him...and not just as an employee.
What to love:
Grumpy/sunshine
Unrequited crush
Boss/employee
Forced proximity
One bed
Graham Brothers!
Super swoony first kiss
Small-town vibes
This may be a short read but it is packed with soooo much awesomeness! The only part I didn't like was that it ended, lol.
This is a perfect book for someone wanting to try this author's books or for anyone who is already a fan. Best news is that you can get this book for free by signing up for Emma's newsletter!
This story connects THREE of Emma St. Clair's series - Love Cliches, Love Stories in Sheet Cake, and Hometown Heartthrobs. Basically, this is the one Emma book to rule them all.
Kelli has decided to quit as an assistant to grumpy boss, retired pro football player Deacon, in order to open a coffee shop in the small town of Sheet Cake Texas. But now that she no longer works for him, Duncan realizes just how much Kelli means to him...and not just as an employee.
What to love:
Grumpy/sunshine
Unrequited crush
Boss/employee
Forced proximity
One bed
Graham Brothers!
Super swoony first kiss
Small-town vibes
This may be a short read but it is packed with soooo much awesomeness! The only part I didn't like was that it ended, lol.
This is a perfect book for someone wanting to try this author's books or for anyone who is already a fan. Best news is that you can get this book for free by signing up for Emma's newsletter!
August 1, 2023
If you've been here longer than a hot minute, you know I am a huge fan of Emma St. Clair. When Upping the Ante dropped into my inbox a few weeks ago, I immediately wanted to read it. Finally, I found the time.
Upping the Ante is a quick read. I read it in one sitting. Some of our favorite Sheeters make appearances, and I loved meeting Deacon and Kalli. You do not have to read the other stories in the series to enjoy this one, but you should 😆.
It has almost everything we have come to love from St. Clair's books:
grumpy/sunshine
protective male
witty banter
embarrassing scenes
return characters
The only thing missing? A wild animal scene!! Did I miss it?! Such a cute, fun read. I highly recommend it! I hope Deacon and Kalli will show up in the rest of the series.
Thank you to Emma St. Clair for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to write a review. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Upping the Ante is a quick read. I read it in one sitting. Some of our favorite Sheeters make appearances, and I loved meeting Deacon and Kalli. You do not have to read the other stories in the series to enjoy this one, but you should 😆.
It has almost everything we have come to love from St. Clair's books:
grumpy/sunshine
protective male
witty banter
embarrassing scenes
return characters
The only thing missing? A wild animal scene!! Did I miss it?! Such a cute, fun read. I highly recommend it! I hope Deacon and Kalli will show up in the rest of the series.
Thank you to Emma St. Clair for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to write a review. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 11, 2023
I don't usually review books that you can only get from an author's newsletter sign up. But this one by Emma St Clair is a special case.
I loved everything about this one. Deacon and Callie. Sheetcake, Texas, the Graham family. You just plain need to read it. So, you'd better go sign up for Emma's newsletter right away.
Deacon is a football buddy of Collin Graham. Callie is his assistant. Well, sort of his assistant. You'll have to read the novella to find out more about that.
Callie wants to open her own coffee shop in Sheetcake. It was fun to see just how jealous Deacon got of Collin Graham taking her there. Deacon is the kind of guy who is hard to read. And hides his feelings.
Callie is the kind of girl who needs to see some feelings, or she's out the door. I loved her pluck. I really loved what she did when she found out all that Deacon had done for her.
I'm purposely being vague. You really need to read this one for yourself. It's a quick read. And you won't regret it. If you haven't read all of Emma's Sheetcake books, you need to!
I loved everything about this one. Deacon and Callie. Sheetcake, Texas, the Graham family. You just plain need to read it. So, you'd better go sign up for Emma's newsletter right away.
Deacon is a football buddy of Collin Graham. Callie is his assistant. Well, sort of his assistant. You'll have to read the novella to find out more about that.
Callie wants to open her own coffee shop in Sheetcake. It was fun to see just how jealous Deacon got of Collin Graham taking her there. Deacon is the kind of guy who is hard to read. And hides his feelings.
Callie is the kind of girl who needs to see some feelings, or she's out the door. I loved her pluck. I really loved what she did when she found out all that Deacon had done for her.
I'm purposely being vague. You really need to read this one for yourself. It's a quick read. And you won't regret it. If you haven't read all of Emma's Sheetcake books, you need to!
January 12, 2025
📚 Series: Love Stories in Sheet Cake
(Novella 3.5)
🎭 Genre: Romcom
🥜 In a Nutshell: A former football player loses his assistant when she quits suddenly to pursue her dream of opening a coffee shop in Sheet Cake. He then realizes how much he needs her so he follows her to Sheet Cake to win her heart.
✅ Boss/Assistant Relationship
✅ Only One Bed
✅ Poker Games with the Sheeters
This was a short and sweet novella that I really enjoyed. Even though Kalli was only Deacon's assistant for a short time at the beginning, you could see how well they knew each other because of that relationship. They had an easy and fun way of interacting, reading each other's facial expressions and knowing each other's quirks. And maybe it's just because the prior book in the series was a slow burn but I liked that these two didn't sit on their feelings and acted on them instead. I really loved the chemistry between the two of them. There were also some humorous moments scattered in. All in all, a small taste of Sheet Cake with good chemistry and fun hijinks.
(Novella 3.5)
🎭 Genre: Romcom
🥜 In a Nutshell: A former football player loses his assistant when she quits suddenly to pursue her dream of opening a coffee shop in Sheet Cake. He then realizes how much he needs her so he follows her to Sheet Cake to win her heart.
✅ Boss/Assistant Relationship
✅ Only One Bed
✅ Poker Games with the Sheeters
This was a short and sweet novella that I really enjoyed. Even though Kalli was only Deacon's assistant for a short time at the beginning, you could see how well they knew each other because of that relationship. They had an easy and fun way of interacting, reading each other's facial expressions and knowing each other's quirks. And maybe it's just because the prior book in the series was a slow burn but I liked that these two didn't sit on their feelings and acted on them instead. I really loved the chemistry between the two of them. There were also some humorous moments scattered in. All in all, a small taste of Sheet Cake with good chemistry and fun hijinks.
August 10, 2023
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Kalli’s been working for professional athlete Deacon for years, catering to his every grumpy whim. But when she lets him know she emailed her two week notice to him more than two weeks ago and is going her own way, it knocks him. He knows he’s been keeping the feelings for her in the “appropriate” zone, but he’s not sure how he can keep her in his life. Kalli’s determined to open a coffee shop, and Sheet Cake Texas seems like the best spot.
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Aw, if you have read Emma St Clair’s Love Cliche and Sheet Cake series, you won’t want to miss out on this cute novella that contains all the Easter eggs from both of these series. And then there is the fun involved with getting to know the feisty and absolutely capable Kalli, and the soft and caring side of Deacon. And the bed that breaks and the sofa that gives up the ghost 😆
Read a copy shared by the author with her newsletter subscribers
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Kalli’s been working for professional athlete Deacon for years, catering to his every grumpy whim. But when she lets him know she emailed her two week notice to him more than two weeks ago and is going her own way, it knocks him. He knows he’s been keeping the feelings for her in the “appropriate” zone, but he’s not sure how he can keep her in his life. Kalli’s determined to open a coffee shop, and Sheet Cake Texas seems like the best spot.
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Aw, if you have read Emma St Clair’s Love Cliche and Sheet Cake series, you won’t want to miss out on this cute novella that contains all the Easter eggs from both of these series. And then there is the fun involved with getting to know the feisty and absolutely capable Kalli, and the soft and caring side of Deacon. And the bed that breaks and the sofa that gives up the ghost 😆
Read a copy shared by the author with her newsletter subscribers
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
September 18, 2023
Deacon is a former NFL player, grumpy and set in his ways. At least he was a grump until Kalli, his assistant, quits. Now he's going out of his way to try and make sure Kalli isn't out of his life for good. The professional lines they have always drawn are now getting a bit blurry...
-----
What a fun novella. I think a one bed trope in the hands of a skillful sweet romance author can be one of the best things. You feel all the tension without having to skim. Deacon and Kalli had such a good rapport as employee and employer, so when their relationship changes and leaves them both baffled, it makes for some interesting internal musings. I flew through this.
Set in the Sheet Cake universe, this book works as a stand alone, but it's more fun when you already know the characters who show up as side characters here.
This is a novella just for subscribers to Emma St Clair's newsletter! Sign up and get this goodness today.
-----
What a fun novella. I think a one bed trope in the hands of a skillful sweet romance author can be one of the best things. You feel all the tension without having to skim. Deacon and Kalli had such a good rapport as employee and employer, so when their relationship changes and leaves them both baffled, it makes for some interesting internal musings. I flew through this.
Set in the Sheet Cake universe, this book works as a stand alone, but it's more fun when you already know the characters who show up as side characters here.
This is a novella just for subscribers to Emma St Clair's newsletter! Sign up and get this goodness today.
April 10, 2024
Emma St. Clair's novel "The Buy-In" is a delightful rom-com set in the small town of Sheet Cake, Texas. The story revolves around ex-NFL player Pat and Lindy, a woman bound by duty to her niece. Their relationship rekindles through a marriage of convenience, weaving humor, and heartwarming moments amidst the challenges of forgiveness and growth. St. Clair masterfully balances witty banter and the small-town charm, making "The Buy-In" a recommended read for those who enjoy clean, humorous romances【6†source】【8†source】.
"The Pocket Pair" is another gem by St. Clair, offering a sweet, tension-filled narrative between Val and Chevy, highlighting themes of unrequited love and the fear of commitment. Set in Sheet Cake, Texas, this novel provides laughs, a slow-burn romance, and quirky town dynamics, capturing the essence of friendship turning into love. It's recommended for fans of small-town quirks and rom-coms with heart【7†source】.
"The Pocket Pair" is another gem by St. Clair, offering a sweet, tension-filled narrative between Val and Chevy, highlighting themes of unrequited love and the fear of commitment. Set in Sheet Cake, Texas, this novel provides laughs, a slow-burn romance, and quirky town dynamics, capturing the essence of friendship turning into love. It's recommended for fans of small-town quirks and rom-coms with heart【7†source】.
August 13, 2025
[4.5 stars]
This is an entertaining novella, and a cute addition to the Sheet Cake series. I liked the characters and story (a grumpy-sunshine, workplace romance-com). It did feel fast, with the entire story takes place in a roughly 24-hour period. The characters have a history together, so it’s not portrayed as an insta-love romance, but I would have liked to have seen it built out more (a full length novel rather than a novella).
Separately, I think it’s safe to say I’ve identified Emma St. Clair’s favorite plot device: only-one-bed. Considering it now, I’m pretty sure every book of hers I’ve read has had a single-bed scene in it. I’ve only read a half-dozen or so, but still…
Anyhow, this one is quite good if you’re into novellas.
Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. There’s some ogling and light innuendos, but the romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
This is an entertaining novella, and a cute addition to the Sheet Cake series. I liked the characters and story (a grumpy-sunshine, workplace romance-com). It did feel fast, with the entire story takes place in a roughly 24-hour period. The characters have a history together, so it’s not portrayed as an insta-love romance, but I would have liked to have seen it built out more (a full length novel rather than a novella).
Separately, I think it’s safe to say I’ve identified Emma St. Clair’s favorite plot device: only-one-bed. Considering it now, I’m pretty sure every book of hers I’ve read has had a single-bed scene in it. I’ve only read a half-dozen or so, but still…
Anyhow, this one is quite good if you’re into novellas.
Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. There’s some ogling and light innuendos, but the romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
July 8, 2023
Deacon and Kalli's story is:
•Grumpy/sunshine goodness!
•Alpha/protective hero
•Retired Pro Football player
•Boss/Employee trope
•'Love Off-Limits' - she's his assistant!
•one bed!
•Two Weeks Notice vibes
•Seeing other characters we know & love!
I absolutely adored this novella and I cannot wait to get it in paperback and add to my Sheet Cake collection!
I loved the slow-burn realization of their true feelings and then how everything came together! They both knew each other SO well and it was the cutest!
All the stars from me! And if you've been loving Sheet Cake & the Graham brothers too, you don't want to miss out on this one!
•Grumpy/sunshine goodness!
•Alpha/protective hero
•Retired Pro Football player
•Boss/Employee trope
•'Love Off-Limits' - she's his assistant!
•one bed!
•Two Weeks Notice vibes
•Seeing other characters we know & love!
I absolutely adored this novella and I cannot wait to get it in paperback and add to my Sheet Cake collection!
I loved the slow-burn realization of their true feelings and then how everything came together! They both knew each other SO well and it was the cutest!
All the stars from me! And if you've been loving Sheet Cake & the Graham brothers too, you don't want to miss out on this one!
August 1, 2023
Oh my heck, I loved this delightful novella! I loved the dynamic between Deacon and Kalli! He’s a pro football player and she acts totally unimpressed and it was the best! I felt connected to the characters and absolutely adored their story. How did I become so invested in these characters in the short time I had with them in a novella?!
If you’re an Emma fan, you’ll love seeing characters you know from her other books. I’m obsessed with the whole Graham family and it was so fun to see them from an outsider (and a bit of a fan)’s point of view. I have so many highlights because this little story is so well written and it made me so happy!
If you’re an Emma fan, you’ll love seeing characters you know from her other books. I’m obsessed with the whole Graham family and it was so fun to see them from an outsider (and a bit of a fan)’s point of view. I have so many highlights because this little story is so well written and it made me so happy!
June 19, 2024
Deacon and Kalli were fantastic characters in this romance novella- I could have used a full length book about them. They had great personalities, unique issues and fire chemistry. This story was a fun way to continue to build more of the town of Sheet Cake, Texas, the setting for this series (that doesn’t have to be read in order to enjoy this novella). Very much disliked the epilogue though. Spoiler alert, their entire future was shoved into a couple of paragraphs and my goodness not every love story needs to end with a baby on the way. I would have much rather been able to imagine their future for myself.
Content: steamy clean kissing
Content: steamy clean kissing
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