Cooper

by Sandra Alex

A fake name. A sudden fake life. A very real love. And an unmistakable miracle just in time for Christmas.

I grab a beat on the drums for Wade, while we get ready to play at the best armpit dive in town called Mingles. It’s where the Christmas beer runs green and the garland hanging over my drum kit is fastened with last year’s tape. It’s also where a new girl has started working, and from behind the glasses and bottles, she’s not your average bar maid. No flirtation in the eyes, no attitude, no intimidation. Wade suggests steering clear of this girl named Stella, but something about her is like a goddamn magnet to me. Strange, when I call her name, she doesn’t respond. When I secretly find out why, the answer would make most run…but, stupidly, I do the opposite.

***

It's just Bean and I, in this new town, and in the worst part of it, too. After just a couple of nights at the house, and after meeting a few new friends at the bar, I’m abruptly moved…by Cooper, a man I hardly know. He’s a man I’d love to share all my secrets with, but he’s the only person who accepts that I can’t. In the past, trusting has led to nothing good. The same nothing good that’s left me in this predicament. The same nothing good that sits behind bars, and not the kind you drink at, either. It’s also the same nothing good that gave me the one gift I’d never take back, aside from all the rest. Which is why the early Christmas gift that I receive is so conflicting. But do I get to enjoy my Christmas miracle, or will it all be taken away by nothing good again?

Holiday romance
Christmas romance
Steamy romance
Protector romance
Cinnamon roll hero
Rock star romance
Cliffhanger ending

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2024

About the author

Sandra Alex is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, and immigrated to the United States in 1978, to attend an intensive English course in Iowa City, IA, with additional training in transcription of spoken recordings, book editing, and English-Portuguese-English translations. She then moved to Los Angeles, where she currently lives with her husband. An entrepreneur turned creative writer, Sandra worked for ten years towards the publication of her first book while raising a daughter, starting up and running a successful software business with two partners, and consulting for major television studios. Currently, Sandra runs the small production company, Shoot to Film (www.shoottofilm.com), and has launched Livre Press, Inc. (www.livrepress.net) to support her career as a self-publishing author.

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐s On the run. 

Cooper Walters is the drummer for the band Take Risks, which is booked at Mingles, the oldest and a rather rundown bar in town. Fights are a normal occurrence there due to owner Blake's clientele. But this night, there's a new waitress, Stella. She seems to be nervous and, unlike most women, ignores Wade Ford, the lead singer. Cooper, thinking her to be the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, is immediately drawn to her. It doesn't take him long to sense that there's something off with her. 

Cooper is an elementary school music teacher. Although he loves teaching kids how to play a variety of instruments, being in the band fills his soul. The next day at school, he's surprised to learn his new student, Nicole, is Stella's daughter. 

Stella saw the help wanted notice on the window at Mingles and was hired. Right now, she needs a job where she can be paid under the table. She can't leave a paper trail. She has so many secrets that she must keep. Her life and her daughter's life depend upon it. 

She had been married to a man she really loved, and he seemed to love her once. Then his company consumed all of his time. He also seemed to be excited to be a father until he became one. He became withdrawn from Nicole and left her confused, thinking she'd done something wrong. But that was nothing compared to what he did to his wife. They co-owned a company; where he embezzled millions of dollars and made it look as if she was the embezzler. She divorced him, but some of his victims are still looking for her. 

Worried about Stella, especially when he learns about Nicole, Blake allows him access to his personnel files. He's shocked to discover where she's living. It's not a safe area of town. There are no other women or children living there. He goes to see her, but when gunshots are heard, he calls the Ford brothers to come and help move her out of her rental and into his house. 

Soon Cooper begins to work his way through her defenses and into the hearts of both her and Nicole. Cooper has figured out parts of her secrets, especially with the help of a PI he's hired to look into her background. Wade and his brothers also step in to help protect her and Nicole. 

Just when she thinks the nightmare might be over for her, she's kidnapped! Her ex is in prison, but they think she can lead them to all of the money, not just their share. They're wrong, but they don't believe her when she tells them that. Cooper and the Ford brothers need to find her quickly! 

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Christmas With The Ford Brother’s Series and it is Cooper and London’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Cooper is a music teacher and also part of the band called Take Risks and they play at the local bars and when Cooper meets Stella (London) for the first time he is instantly attracted to her but he feels that she is hiding something which makes him feel protective of her and he doesn’t know why he feels that way and he realised that he wanted to get to know her and see if he can help in anyway. When London is put into witness protection because of a dangerous situation she changed her name to Stella to try and hide her identity and keep her daughter Bean ( Nicole) who is her whole world safe and out of the limelight to protect them both but when she meets Cooper her life becomes a little bit better but also complicated because she can’t tell him anything about her past as it would put them all in danger but when something happens and danger surrounds London and Bean because of where they live Cooper decides that they will be safer staying with him and he will be able to protect them better with the help of the people around him. London and Cooper have a chemistry that is unable to be denied and the more time that they spend together the harder they fall in love but with the secrets surrounding London and danger is a lot closer than they think so the threat will have to be eliminated if London and Cooper are ever going to get the chance of being together and having the future that they both want and deserve and also become a family. I absolutely love this book and Cooper, London and Bean make the most beautiful family right from the start and Cooper was such a loving, caring and protective person right from the moment that they met and with everything that London and Bean had been through in their lives they definitely deserved a settled future which is just what they got with Cooper. This story pulls you in and keeps your attention throughout and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed. This book has a cliffhanger ending and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series which is Luke’s story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary Christmas holiday romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with Cooper in Christmas with the Ford brothers, a winter wonder land that begins not so wonderful from a beat on the drums in the best dive in town called Mingles, protector romance, cinnamon roll hero, rock star romance, humor that will have readers laughing so hard they may need some Kleenex/Puffs to wipe their tears away, a cliffhanger ending, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, action, adventure, heartfelt emotions, danger, suspense, secrets, deception, and more. I recommend reading this Christmas holiday romance that is written by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers’ hearts and attention with humor and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is a winter wonderland, wild, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, like so many of Sandra's, grabbed me right from the start. The characters, oh wow! Cooper was absolutely amazing. Where can I find one of him? OMG, and Stella/London, she was so strong and determined. Fear and anxiety could easily have crippled her at any moment, yet she not only kept her head up, but a smile on her face. Bean/Nicole, I'm sure played a significant part in that, as momma bears will do darn near anything to protect their little ones, but those two sure went through a bunch in a short time.

I felt for Cooper. He knew something was causing her distress, yet understood he couldn't push her to talk about it. UGH! At least Sandra didn't let readers stew on that for long, as she kept the drama and romance of the story continue to unfold while the mystery played in the background. As a result, it kept my undevided attention from start to finish, and I can't wait to jump into Luke's story next!

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book and highly recommend it.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooper is Book 1 in Christmas with the Ford Brothers series. It's a steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, secret identity, forced-proximity, Christmas themed, girl gets her hunk, romantic suspense. London, aka Stella, is a single mom to 8 year old Nicole after her ex put her in a dangerous position. Cooper is a hunky drummer and music teacher. The two meet at the bar, Mingles, when Cooper's band is performing. Stella is a new waitress at the bar. Cooper is drawn to her, and it's clear she is in trouble. He wants to help her and ends up inviting them to stay with him after seeing the unsafe place she was living. Can she learn to trust Cooper? And can he keep her and her daughter safe when trouble comes? This story had a lot of drama and mystery along with scorching chemistry. We end on a happy note for our couple, but the story itself ends in a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooper is a drummer, he’s sweet, kind and when he lays his eyes on Stella he can’t stop thinking about her. He’s also a music teacher and that’s where he meets Stella’s daughter. He also bumps into Stella at school and when he calls out her name a few times and she doesn’t respond, he realizes that’s not her name. When he confronts her, she tells him her name is London. He promises to keep her secret even though she won’t tell him her problem. I found it kind of weird that she jumped his bones the first day they met. That same day he moves her to his place. The next day he tells her he loves her, and she tells him she loves him too. I know this is just a love story, but come on! It has to seem a little bit more realistic. Anyway, there’s a mystery with London that gets unraveled nicely. I liked the ending, I’m giving it four stars and recommend it.

[Liz M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, there was a lot going on here. It really kept me on my toes.
London is new in town and works at the bar where Cooper's band plays. She's skittish, though, and something about it has Cooper concerned. When she brings her 8 year old daughter into Cooper's music class, it peaks his interest more. When he finds out about the unsafe place they're living, he moves them in with him.
Turns out London's got something to hide, something big, but even though Cooper has been so good to her, she can't afford to tell him how bad her situation is.
There are half truths and intrigue, plenty of twists and turns, and an adorable 8 year old who is way too smart and outspoken.
This was a fun read that I did not see coming. I can't wait to see how the series unfolds!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we say hot!? In this 5⭐️ebook London and her daughter aren't who they say they are. London goes to work at a bar. Cooper is a drummer who's band plays at the bar. When Cooper sees London aka Stella, it's like he's struck by lightning. Their chemistry just sizzles. Will Cooper realize he can't get enough of London or does the danger surrounding her cause him to back off? Can London continue to keep her secret to protect the ones she loves? This truly amazing author has you on the edge of your seat not only because of the danger, but because of the extra surprises. So if it's excitement, danger, and intense passion you want then you definitely need to get this ebook. You will be so glad you did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of the Christmas with the Ford Brothers series. This is my first time reading any books from this order and I am so excited that I did. This book was fantastic. There is action, suspense, drama and steamy, heartwarming. London is a waitress at a bar called Mingles where Cooper is playing with his band and is a music teacher. They meet there and there was instant attraction. London has secrets and she needs to keep her daughter and herself save. Cooper knows it's something, but it doesn't let it stop him to get his girl. These two have a few bumps in the road but these two really complete each other. It was a great story, and you are going to love this book and starting this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper and Stella. Hes a drummer and when he sees Stella hes smitten right away and cant quite thinking about her. Hes also her daughter's music teacher. When he sees her at school, he tries to get her attention but ignores him making believe that's not her name. He asks her and she admits her name is London, but she doesn't say why she goes by Stella. Now hes concerned for her and when he sees where she is living, he knows it's not safe and takes her home with him. She gets emotional and he knows he will protect her with everything he has. There's intrigue and some friends from previous books. Mystery and suspense and secrets. But alas we have to wait for the next book to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[arieste323 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this authors work and I am very happy I did so. This book was wonderful. There is lots of action, suspense and it is very steamy yet heartwarming. London and Cooper meet at the bar Mingles and there is instant attraction. London is keeping many secrets but Cooper doesn't let it stop him. These two have a few bumps in the road but these two really complete each other. Definitely a 4.5 star wonderful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Cooper and London. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with attraction and steam and kept me turning the pages with the secrets, mystery, kidnapping and danger. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with characters that kept you engaged in their story. London and Cooper were great together, through the storyline and the writing style the author gave us a story with chemistry and attraction between them is great. Lots of twists and unexpected moments, action, danger, secrets and enough steam.


I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to this series, loved the many characters with an intriguing storyline that will capture your interest. Enjoyed all the support from the Ford brothers, especially little Bean, who has some of the funniest moments on calling out her mom. Liked all the banter with all these guys, as they tease each other, but always willing to be there when needed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper & (Stella) London: Book 1 of Christmas with the Ford Brothers: Single mom and the music teacher/ new bartender and drummer in the band/ fake name, guarded & hiding out/ spicy holiday romance: Insta love short novella. Continues on with Luke’s story next. Good start to a new quickie holiday series. Sandra Alex did a great job with character development, and I can’t wait to read book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirlgig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - lots of mystery that kept my interest. I liked Cooper and all of his friends; always someone who had his back and would help out immediately.

Stella had a lot of problems but Cooper was there to help her. I didn't like the name London; I think Stella suits her much better, especially since it's a woman's name not a city.

Bean is adorable, but way too grown up for her age.

[Jovie Howland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful book, filled with romance and suspense. This was the first book I have read by Sandra Alex, but I can promise that it won’t be the last. I was at the edge of my seat throughout the story, and was so happy with the end of it. I will definitely be recommending this book again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

London and Cooper meet in an unexpected place and get to know each other. As they’re working on their relationship there are some surprising twists and turns that kept me riveted and made it so that I couldn’t put the book down. A great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story in Ford brothers universe - this time, of Cooper, a member of Wade’s band - placed before their big break.
This is not only a Christmas story - with glitter and mistletoe.
It have mystery, some twists, a little thrill and danger.
And of course love, fun and steam.
A really enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper, drummer extraordinaire, meets Stella (London) when the band plays a gig at the bar where she works. He knows she's keeping a secret, but has no idea just how big it is. It's huge, and he's doing his best to keep her and her daughter safe. The pajama conversation alone makes this book worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella and Cooper's story is a steamy love affair. A protective man, Cooper is a softy in love with a woman and her daughter with plenty of secrets in tow. A great read in the lead up to Christmas. A cliffy ending that leads into the next book...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Woodham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, with a mother and daughter hiding a secret in a new town when they meet a drummer/ music teacher. I will be reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper
Book 1 of Christmas with the Ford Brothers
Sandra Alex

The story and characters are well written with chemistry, passion and substance. I enjoyed the journey this book took me on. Good read.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to come across the Ford brothers once again.
Enjoyed it from the beginning. Involved with all the personalities of the characters.
None stop action.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Great storyline with danger, lots of secrets and of course, STEAM. Great characters including a cute little girl. Look forward to the next books in the series.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

a strong 2.75
liked the characters and the plot was fun, but the writing could use some finessing