Cushions & Cackles

Happy Curves #4

by Megan Wade

Boy meets girl in a dark theater, girl mistakes boy for her friend and steals his snacks! It's a classic case of mistaken identity, but when Sloane starts chattering away, Oliver decides to go with flow and enjoy her company. He even doesn't mind the way she hoards his popcorn. Could this be love at first crunch?

Sloane feels like it's her lucky day. A free movie with her best friend, hoards of popcorn and milk duds--perfection! At least until the lights flick on and she realizes she's been monologuing to the wrong person this whole time. And to make things even more awkward, he's drop-dead gorgeous! How embarrassing!

Needless to say, Sloane hightails it out of there before names or numbers can be exchanged. But fate seems determined to crunch these two kernels together, leading to repeated run-ins involving lost IDs, stolen cells and a dash of family drama to up the stakes.

Can Oliver convince Sloane that their electric connection is more than just static cling? Or will their repeated misadventures leave a bad taste, like stale popcorn from the movie theater floor?

Follow this popped pair's hilarious misadventures in this tasty, destiny-filled, rom-com romp filled with so much sweet, buttery goodness that you won't want to spit it out halfway through the bag.As with all Megan Wade books, this Oakwood Falls romance comes with her Sugar Promise. High heat, low drama, guaranteed.

Genres: Romance, Novella

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2023

About the author

Megan Wade is a USA Today Bestselling Author of curvy billionaire romance featuring confident plus-size heroines and alpha heroes who adore them. With 70+ books published, she's known for steamy love stories with guaranteed happily ever afters. Her signature style: high heat, low drama, and heroines who never have to shrink to find love.

Reviews

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver and Sloane meet when she accidentally sits in the wrong seat at the theater, where Sloane chats away and eats his popcorn . Oliver is immediately smitten, Sloane is mortified and runs. Two more chance encounters and it must be fate right? Oliver thinks he may have just found his new muse. Sloane realizes she does deserve happiness.

[Chasity Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Sloane is working at a local diner and goes to college. Oliver is a photographer. The first time they meet is at a movie. Sloane freaks out and runs away. The second time they meet is by chance. Can these two finally make the connection they both feel? Will there be a HEA?

[Adrienne Klassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Sloane had never wanted to be anything other than a nurse and she was well on her way to making that dream a reality, taking night classes and working twelve-hour shifts at the diner with her best friend Marie, she had been dreaming of a shower and falling into bed but when her mum drops by with two tickets to the movies she jumps at the chance. Promising Marie that she would meet her in the theatre only when she takes her seat, she picks the wrong one, a mistake that only becomes apparent when the lights come on and she realizes that her mistake and the man she has been babbling to and sharing popcorn with is definitely not Marie. Embarrassed at her mistake she disappears into the crowd, but she cannot stop thinking about him, she never expected to see him again, but it appears that fate is on her side when she finds herself with his number and sends him a text, but when her phone is stolen it seems that they just aren’t to be. Has Sloane missed her chance at love, or will she find her way back to him?

Oliver is a professional renowned photographer who has lost his edge, he was in need of an escape to take his mind off everything and what better way that catching an old movie with his sister, he was in need of a catchup, but when she cancels on him at the last minute he decides not to let his ticket go to waste, never did he expect to be sitting with a woman who has clearly sat next to the wrong person and helps herself to his popcorn and milk duds. All too soon the movie is over, and the lights are on, and she realizes her mistake. He loses her before he can find out who she is. But he is determined to find this woman who has captured him so completely and made him want to pick up his camera again. But it seems that everything is against them. Will Oliver find this woman that has made him feel alive again or has fate been as cruel as to show him his ideal only to snatch her away from him?

This was the cutest book I have read in a long time but Megan Wade is the queen of that, you are invested with the characters from the beginning to the end and I think I smiled all the way through, the was something about both Sloane and Oliver that just felt real. Highly recommended 4.5* read. I am hoping that Oliver’s sister and his best friend are getting their own story too.

[KY Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cushions and Cackels is the fourth book in the Happy Curves Series by Megan Wade. 

When Sloane sits down at the movie theater and starts sharing snacks and movie insight with the person next to her, that person is supposed to be her best friend. But when the movie ends and the lights come on, she 
realizes it is not her friend, but the most handsome guy.

Oliver is completely enchanted by the woman who has taken the seat next to him at the movie. She digs into his popcorn and starts talking nonstop about the movie they are watching. He is charmed.  He immediately feels a connection like nothing he has before.  Unfortunately,  when the lights come on and she realizes what she's done, she is so embarrassed and takes off before he can get even get her name. Luckily,  she left one small clue. Then, after several missteps,  fate finally puts them in the same place, and neither of them will let the opportunity pass. 

There was so much I liked about this cute story. The way they met was adorable. Both main characters were great as well. I struggled a bit with them getting “together” so quickly,  since they had really only even had one conversation. Because of this, their chemistry felt a bit forced at that point. Later in the story, it got better. Overall, it was good. I am a fan of this author's writing and always read her stories.

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review. 

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

a chance encounter brings a lifetime of love

Megan Wade has done it again! I never tire of reading her romances. They are always new and refreshing with the absolute best characters, minimal drama, no third act breakup, tons of spice, and a beautiful ending!

Sloane and Oliver have possibly the funnest meet-cute that I’ve read in awhile. Followed by a few more “meets” and stumbles along the way. Oliver is instantly my favorite. I loved his deep reflective personality and the moment his soul recognized his other half. Sloane is also immediately lovable as the sweet hearted beauty with a laugh that warms the soul.

Oliver is a photographer missing direction. Sloane is a waitress and nursing night student. They meet when Sloane sits in the wrong seat at an old timey movie theater. It will take some time for them to meet up again but it will be worth the wait. Sloane becomes the muse Oliver needed to return to his passion. The scene of these two taking pictures together is HOT! There are quite a few spicy scenes that were written exceptionally well. Their story is beautiful and everything I have come to love in a Megan Wade romance. Definitely give this one a read today!!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old movies, popcorn and milk duds....the perfect way to meet

Cushions & Cackles is the fourth book in the Happy Curves series and I really loved this chance meeting, lost phones, Breakfast at Tiffany's, crossed doors story. Sloane is in her late twenties, works as a waitress and goes to community college to become a nurse. Oliver is a professional photographer who has a keen eye and the ability to make his photos come alive and tell a story. They meet when she sits next to him at a movie theater and starts to eat his popcorn and chat all through the movie. He is amused by her and does not want to break the spell so he does not say anything, even offering her some of his milk duds. When the lights come on Sloane gets a very big surprise when she hears her friend calling her from a couple rows away, the same friend she was supposed to be sitting next too. When Oliver actually sees Sloane's eyes he knows he has to get to know her more and that she is about to awaken his passion again. Before he can even ask her name she bolts out of the theater leaving only a breadcrumb on the floor, her student ID. Now he has a way to find her...maybe. What happens next is a sweet, fun and naughty story.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The meet cutes - yes, plural are all destined. It starts with Sloane sitting in the wrong seat in a movie theater and ends up next to Oliver instead of her friend. Sloane helps herself to his popcorn and talks about her favorite parts of the vintage film. Oliver is amused by her and finds her breathtaking. He is a professional photographer who does scenery, nature and people at times. He sees his muse in Sloane. When the lights of the theater come on and Sloane realizes her mistake, she is absolutely mortified. She cannot get out of there fast enough. Oliver tries to chase her but the crowd of people prevent that.
This book had its moments of lol and ugh times. Luckily, destiny is on their side and finally brings them together. This book was steamy and enjoyable but who would expect anything less from Megan Wade!.

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

[CrazyGal609 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate sure worked overtime to get these two connected…lol🥰🥰
At events like at the Gallery, I wish there were (skin safe-cause I’m not a monster) pre-made rectangle ducted tape stickers in red & black with word “DANGER” that one could slap over someone’s mouth so others know vile things will come outta there if opened…lol, it would be like “living art” at the Gallery🤪😈🤭
💘What a sweet love story 💘

❤️ : “Her chatter and popcorn crunching is adorable, and when I open the Milk Duds and shake them at her, she just takes them without even glancing at me, eyes glued to the screen as the movie starts. I'm endlessly amused by her”

🍿🤣 Marie is awesome: "Just say thank you and let's go, you weirdo” (about Sloane eating the strangers snacks by mistake)

😆 “skin on skin—or cock in vag as those of us a little more crass like to say” … sometimes crass is just more honest, and at the right time hot (and yummy dirty..lol)😈

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver converted his laundry room into a dark room to develope his prints. Normally, he met up with his sister monthly for a dinner and a movie and she was into Audrey Hepburn. But, something at school keeps her from coming and he doesn’t want to waste the ticket. Oliver is having trouble with inspiration, he is still living in Oakwood Falls. So he goes to the movie anyway. Sloane works at a diner and her mom is a nurse and since one of the patients couldn’t go to the matinee, they gave Sloane’s mom the tickets. So Sloane and her buddy Marie go. With the lights down low, it’s hard to see the numbers on the rows or seats. I’ll leave it at that, so after the meet cute, the world conspires against Sloane and Oliver. Some crazy stuff happens. But there are also things that keep bringing them together and taking them apart. Lol. It’s really funny and I really feel for the characters. I’d go nuts too. I really enjoyed the book, it had me laughing, giggling, squeeing, and yelling at the book, lol. I can’t wait to read the next book.

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

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Potential spoilers below***

Love at first sight that takes over 3 months to develop - a strange concept, but surprisingly it works beautifully in this book. I loved Sloane and Oliver's meet cute, their second meet cute and lastly their third. Because of course the third time is the charm. Then there's the incredibly intense build up make out scene that finally ends in pleasure. Nothing rushed there...it was several chapters long and boy it was worth the build up. I loved the proposal that tied everything back together from their first meet cute. This whole book just had me gushing happiness the whole time reading it. I could almost see the rom-com movie playing in my head and the words unfolded on the page.

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

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

Cushions & Cackles is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Sloane is a curvy waitress and nursing student in her late 20s. Oliver is a hunky photographer in his late 30s. When Sloane accidentally sits next to him at the movie theater, she talks and eats her way through the movie with him, not realizing it's not her friend until the lights come on. She runs off embarrassed, but Oliver is already head over heels for her. It takes some time and a series of events before fate finds them together again. But it gets hot and steamy fast when they do. Their chemistry was pure fire. Combine that with lots of laughs and a great HEA, and you have this wonderful, feel-good romance. I loved everything about it!!.

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

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet short read. Sloane is a curvy waitress and college student. She is working hard to put herself through school.
Oliver is a photographer. When Sloane sits in the wrong seat of a theatre and shares steals the popcorn and milk duds from a total stranger she is mortified.
Can this chance encounter lead to something more.
I love that Oliver so intrigued with Sloane . He found her enlightening. Sloane even with some of her insecurities she was still
Fierce.
Great swoon worthy short read with a big ole cinnamon roll hero.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Wade can weave words together in a way that makes you feel as if you're right there in the scene. Cushions and Cackles, the fourth book in her Happy Curves series, is almost lyrical, so well written that you will fall in love at first sight with both Oliver and Sloane. Their instalove romance is sweet and steamy, but also so incredibly sensual at moments. I feel like we could all be Sloane, and have hope that we'll all find our Oliver. Another fabulous read from Ms Wade.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funniest meet cute, ever! Absolutely delightful. Sloane and Oliver, share popcorn and milk duds in a dark movie theatre. Oliver enjoys Sloane's company so much he doesn't mention they are strangers. Sloane, doesn't see Oliver is not who she thinks he is. When the lights come up, Sloane realizes her mistakes and disappears before digits are shared. Sloane and Oliver are on an amazing adventure that flows through accidental meetings that just seem right. Absolutely enjoyable story, hysterically funny. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane and Oliver are too cute for words. They meet when she accidentally sits beside him in the movie theatre and proceeds to eat his snacks during the movie. Oliver is smitten from the moment Sloane sits down beside him and can’t wait to actually talk to the beautiful woman beside him. These two had a rocky start. From mixed up seats to stolen phones finally fate puts them together a third time and this time it’s a charm. An instant attraction story with plenty of steamy goodness. I received an arc copy of this book.

[Ana Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.3⭐️ libro corto, Cute y más original, es decir existe lo de el destino pero esto fue divertido y Ligero, fresco incluso. Lo único que criticaría fue el final tan rápido, entiendo todo lo de nos vemos la primera vez ya nos enamoramos pero de ahí a casarse en una semana me parece un montón, yo lo hubiera puesto como epílogo y hablando de epílogo no me gustó tanto porque básicamente decía que sí nos conocí una semana y hoy nuestra relación es perfecta pero seguimos juntos y el segundo peligro lo mismo, a altos y bajo etc., Está bien en una oración pero no en cada párrafo.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was cute, unknowingly sitting next to a stranger at the theater and proceeding to eat his snacks and then of course falling in love with said stranger was a cute idea to me for something new. However, this book quickly took a turn for the worse in all the hurdles the author then put in the way of these two actually going on a date. I think this book would have benefitted from being longer and the plot actually being developed.

[Casey Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute read of serendipitous proportions. Two parties end up at a cinematic showing of a classic film through various means and meet and connect by absolute fluke. Paths partially cross fleetingly again increasing interest until the timing is correct for the romance to blossom and build. Sweet turns hot and steamy whilst all being captured in memory and in pictures.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The intricacies of fate, serendipity. I enjoyed reading this instant attraction romance story. The characters are very likeable, the drama is low, love his determination, patience, supportive and encouraging personality. Sweetly romantic and a little steamy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a funny chance meeting at the movie theater, Oliver wants a chance with Sloane but they keep missing each other. After 3 months of nothing Oliver sees Sloane again at the diner where she works and they get straighten of the past and have a chance at a future in this sweet tale.

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

[Judith Murr · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Loved It!

So surprisingly sweet and delicious. Absolutely the most beautifully written book I have read in a long time. The sexy parts were very poetic and eloquent vs. Explicit. The flow of the writing was clean and sharp. Loved the characters! They worked super well off each other! Excellent read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane and Oliver meet in a fun and interesting way and I loved it. From the humor and great storyline to the steam and happily ever after Cushions & Cackles is a fun addition to the Happy Curves series. Megan Wade writes the best rom-coms, so if you're looking for something fun and sweet to read check out her book list. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Stefanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was almost okay

I know when I selected this book it would be an instalove type thing but holy cow. This was so fast. Very little of them being together. I felt more connected to the characters in the epilogues then the main story.

I almost DNFD at 42% but thought that was crazy since the book is only 100 pages.

This book did not hit but her other do. I will try her next one.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloane is at a movie theater with her best friend when she accidentally seats herself next to a stranger while thinking it's her friend. Oliver sees Sloane and is instantly captivated by her but fate has other plans for them. After finding each other again they finally get their chance to get their HEA. Instalove, sweet, romantic , with a bit steam and safe with a sweet HEA and no drama 😍😍

[Liz Aguirre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Oliver and Sloane meet and how life is determined to bring them together. It's a great romance with good characters who share good chemistry.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read! Oliver meets Sloane and they hit it off as they watch a movie together. She loses her phone and with that his number. Three months later they run into each other and realize that they have strong feelings for each other.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Destiny has to work hard to get Sloane and Oliver together even with them helping. I liked that they finally get together and even more that Oliver's proposal was where they first met.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Sloane and Oliver. The story keeps us turning the pages with humor, instant connection and steam.

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

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, cute insta-love romance. The characters were likeable and there's almost no angst. A good choice for when you want something light to read.

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