Celeste & Callan: Bassett Brothers Bourbon

Stoney Creek #0.5

by Mackenzy Fox, Dakotah Fox

A second chance, high school sweethearts, small town romance with a jilted bride heroine and a Mr. Fix It lumberjack, down to earth hero from dynamo writing twins Mackenzy Fox and Dakotah Fox…


It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.

The dress.

The invitations.

The fifty grand my parents lent us for the wedding.

Until he didn’t show up.

Jilted at the altar.

Gone just like that.

I’m a laughingstock.

I’ll never live this down, especially since it made the news.

My only salvation is moving back to my home town, Stoney Creek.



Except my ex and high school sweetheart still lives there.



Callan Bassett isn’t like regular guys. He’s not only tall, dark and handsome, but he can fix anything. Everything except my broken heart.

Now I’m working alongside him at the Bassett Brothers Distillery and things are sure to be awkward.

For one, he’s no longer the boy I left behind. He’s grown into a man who lumbers wood around, is a complete alpha but a teddy bear underneath. And he only seems to have eyes for me.

Then he tells me he never got over me.



My heart has always belonged to him, but so much time has passed.

We’re not the same people we once were.

But Callan Bassett knows what he wants and he isn’t letting this second chance get away.

And he’s going to prove it.

Throw in an adorable dog called Sunny, a wedding dress sacrifice, a man who looks good even covered in mud and it’s safe to say I’m royally screwed.



Celeste & Callan is a heart stopping prequel novella that leads into the exciting brand new series centred around the Southern Bassett Brothers Bourbon.



There will be 5 full length books after this, as each sibling (4 brothers and 1 sister) will have their own books, releasing in 2024. Each book in this Southern , small town series is written as a stand-alone. Every book has a happily ever after.

For mature readers only.

Genres: Second Chance Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2024

About the author

Mackenzy Fox is an author of M.C. badass and contemporary enemies to lovers themed romance novels. When she’s not writing she loves vegan cooking, walking her beloved pooch’s, reading books and is an expert on online shopping.
She’s slightly obsessed with drinking tea, testing bubbly Moscato, watching home decorating shows and has a black belt in origami. She strives to live a quiet and introverted life in Western Australia’s North West with her hubby, twin sister and her dogs.

Reviews

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re safe… when you say that, I want to drop all of my inhibitions and just fall, not even caring where I land.”

This follows Celeste who was left at the altar by her ex-fiancé, which she didn’t see coming. It’s now six months later and she decides to return to her small town, to live with her parents for a little while. This is the town where her first love and high school sweetheart resides. When she gets offered a job at the Bassett Brothers Distillery she knows she would run into Callan at some point. But how long can resist him?

This was such a feel-good prequel novella to get us excited for the new series coming soon. I didn’t know I needed a cinnamon roll MMC who gives off grumpy lumberjack vibes and his internal thoughts about the FMC had me melting. The spice was delicious with this dirty talking man. Loved meeting the Bassett family and Celeste’s family in this southern town to give us a look in to future characters in the series. Looking forward to reading about Grayson and Hartley’s story next as the trope sounds right up my alley. Finally got to read the sisters work and excited to pick more up in the near future.

If you love:

🔹Small Town
🔹Grumpy Sunshine
🔹Second Chance
🔹Jilted Bride
🔹Lumberjack
🔹Perfect Spice

Genre/Type: Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 208
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Prequel New Series Coming Soon The Stoney Creek Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Second Chance, Grumpy Sunshine, Workplace, Jilted Bride, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Intimate Tattoo, It’s Always Been You, Self Doubt, Violence, Sexual Content, Praise and Dirty Talk
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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[Mackenzy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys!!! This is a free e book on my website: www.mackenzyfox.com ❤️

[Sarah Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Celeste Brooks is the one that got away, and I don’t know how to feel about seeing her again”

Celeste and Callan a small town romance and high school sweethearts, but what happens when she moves to LA leaving the love of her life behind?

Celeste wanted more - sick of the small town of Stoney Creek she leaves and meets someone else…. Only this someone else leaves her at the altar after draining her bank accounts and emptying her apartment, used for a visa and left embarrassed as her story become first page news - left with no choice but to return back home to her family in stoney creek- where her first love still lives.

Callan - the cinnamon roll energy lumberjack. Not a day has passed since he hasn’t forgotten about his first love Celeste - otherwise know as “Sunshine”. When he hears the love of his life has been left at the altar and is returning home he knows he’s not giving her up a second time.

When Celeste moves back home she’s flooded with memories of her past- and then she sees Callan after trying to avoid him, she realises her feelings for him never left and she comes undone.

This short novella is the prequel to the brand new series centred around the 5 basset brothers. Although I enjoyed this small town romance I felt the book was very repetitive especially at the start with how both Callan and Celeste felt about each other being replayed over and over each chapter with nothing else really happening.

I felt the book was to slow paced, and I also would have loved it to include more tension especially earlier in the book. I am however as stated aware that this is a short book and preparing for longer series.

I also did find the ending a little unrealistic when it came to the brothers and finding the ex. I won’t give spoilers but the entire scene felt really over the top.

I did enjoy the aspect of Celeste reflecting on the past with scenes from both Callan and her ex, it painted a great background picture and I really would have loved to have read more of that.

Both Celeste and Callan were likeable in the book, loved the cinnamon roll lumberjack energy from Callan and felt Celeste as a FMC was also likeable, I really enjoyed the whole small town family vibe this book gave too and I’m very much looking forward to reading the series!

[Lauren Nesic · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5 pretty good! there were enjoyable parts and decent chemistry, but it lacked that extra spark to make it really memorable.
🌶️: light spice, with 1 or 2 scenes, focusing mainly on emotional connection and minimal explicit detail.

a runaway groom, a return to her hometown, and a second chance with the one who got away—celeste’s life flips when she’s jilted at the altar and ends up working with her high school sweetheart at his family’s distillery. callan bassett may be muddy and maddening, but he never stopped loving her. with sparks flying, a sweet dog named sunny, and old feelings reignited, celeste has to decide if love is sweeter the second time around.

this was such a sweet, cozy read and the perfect little setup for the series so naturally i’m already invested. callan is total cinnamon roll meets grumpy lumberjack and the way he cared about celeste was just so wholesome and sweet. their dynamic was sickly, soft and protective and the ladies added just enough spice for a novella and to build their connection. the small town vibe was perfect with the big family chaos with the best cast of characters. even if the pacing felt a bit slow at times, i can’t wait to see where the bassett brothers go from here.

tropes: small town, second chance, grumpy x sunshine

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-star review Celeste & Callan (Bassett Brothers Bourbon #0.5) by Mackenzy Fox & Dakotah Fox
Mackenzy Fox and Dakotah Fox are relatively new authors to me Celeste & Callan was a well written, entertaining read that ticked the boxes for me.

When I read the blurb, I knew that this was going to be an entertaining read. It was a witty, passionate, and romantic story that left me with a smile on my face.

The secondary characters are just an engaging as Celeste & Callan and I cannot wait to see what they have in story for this series.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much ! Second chance romances get me in my feels and this one is no exception. Celeste definitely had a horrible experience with someone who used her to gain citizenship is just horrible. The going back to where she met her first love was such a good choice. I love that these two callan and Celeste gave each other another shot. The chemistry between these two in the sheets was great. This was a great novella and I got to see the rest of the characters in the series and I can’t wait to read their stories .

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Celeste & Callan" by the Fox sisters is the short, sweet, and spicy prequel to the Bassett Brothers series. It was a great introduction to the cast of characters and nicely sets the scene for future books. I hope we get to see more about Easton, Gaitley, Brittany, and Trudy! I love getting to know the side characters, maybe a second season of books about the Brook's Ranch?

I really enjoyed reading about how protective Callan and the Bassett family is about Cece, and the Fox sisters did a great job portraying the depth of emotional abuse that she is working to (slowly) overcome (with Callan's help). Callan's inner struggle between being gentle and protective and supportive and "safe" was really well done.

Callan to self: take it slow, she is still healing, don't scare her away.
Cal blurting out to Cece: "I never stopped loving you Sunshine, let me put a baby in you and keep you safe... I mean ... It's nice to see you again friend."

The Fox sisters also did an amazing job discussing how heartbreaking it is to lose your dog. Cal clearly still loves Diesel, and misses him every day, people with a deep bond understand.

Overall, worth the prequel read! Time for those Bassett Brothers & Georgia Blue too!

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction with the synopsis is so cute and adorable that I wanted to dive in right that moment and never come out. Small towns and big families with Alpha vibes make addicting stories and the Fox sisters leave no stone unturned in making it right.

I am Awe right now with all the sweetness here. The story is realistic and consuming from the start till the end and sets up a good base for the book series to take off. I am very excited to see the Bassett Brothers in their own books and how Georgia will do in her own.

All the characters are funny and have something to offer. They lighten up the mood and leave an everlasting impression. As a reader, I really enjoyed this short story and fell in love with the Main characters. The story is beautifully written and projected.

I loved every sentence and “Sunshine” suits Celeste perfectly. Callan is a dream man for sure and his ideologies are pretty clear and he is very vocal about his thoughts. I adore how he took care of Celeste and at the same time, he was clear of his feelings too. I want more of them.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything the fox sisters write is always good. And this little sneak peek into the new series just proves it


Celeste was left at the altar by her ex fiance, who was an absolute control freak and just wanted her money and a green card. He cleaned her out and left.
She returns home after 6 months to her small town where her friends and family, and her first love and high school sweetheart are. Her besty offers her a job to work at their familys distillery, Bassett Brothers Bourbon.

Callan, who's always loved Celeste and has never hidden his feelings for her, makes it known he wants her, wants it all with her. Avoiding each other is impossible when they both work at the distillery.

This book was so darn cute 😍 it definitely is a feel-good novella.
Celeste and Callan are just perfect for each other.

I can not wait to read the new series

🔹️small town
🔹️ second chance romance
🔹️spice

This is definitely R18
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
It is a stand-alone. It is best to read before you start the series so you can get aqantited with all the characters in the series

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste and Callan is the prequel to the new Bassett Brothers Bourbon Series set in Nashville, Tennessee. I have to say this novella is exactly what you want a prequel to do, it gives you just enough of an insight into what’s coming and leaves you wanting more. This is jilted bride Celeste and her Highschool sweetheart Callan’s second chance love story.
Callan never forgot Celeste so when she turns up broken hearted it’s not long before he lends her a shoulder to cry on. From the moment they start spending time together feeling start to come into play so will Celeste risk her heart again…..
The Fox sisters, Mackenzy and Dakotah did a fantastic job introducing us to the Bassett brothers and their Bourbon Distillery World and If this novella is anything to go by they will certainly have a hit series on their hands. If you love small town romances look no further than this great read because I’m sure like me you will be left excited for what’s to come in this new series.

[Kate Deeds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story: 7/10
Spice: 2/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door

Celeste gets left at the altar and then it becomes a social media sensation. She goes back to her small home town in Tennessee. She of course runs into her high school sweetheart and they both still feel the pull to each other. But Celeste’s previous relationship has her questioning if she ever wants a relationship again. But Callan only wants Celeste. Any way he can have her while showing her how to find her sunshine again.

I mean, Callan is a dream. I am glad I got to meet these characters before starting their cousins upcoming series too. The flashbacks of these two really helped show how connected they were in the past while reading about them in the present.

I read it because I got the ARC for the first book in the series and it said it was a prequel novella. At 208 pages, it read more like a story and less like a novella so keep that in mind. Overall I liked the story. It was second chance after a run-away bride situation.

[Sienna Gypsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 A Heartwarming Second-Chance Romance

I absolutely loved Celeste and Callum, the prelude to the Stony Creek series by Mackenzie Fox and Dakotah Fox. The story had me hooked from start to finish with its perfect pacing and heartfelt moments.

The second-chance romance between Celeste and Cal was beautifully written. After Celeste’s experience with a terrible ex, her reunion with Cal felt even more meaningful. Cal is the ultimate cinnamon roll—kind, caring, and exactly the partner she deserved.

I also loved how both their families played a big role in the story. Celeste’s brothers and Cal’s brothers coming together to stand up against her ex was such a satisfying moment. And Cal’s unwavering support for Celeste made their love story even more special.

This novella is full of heart and feels, and it’s the perfect setup for the Stony Creek series. I can’t wait to dive into more! Highly recommend for fans of second-chance romance.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read other books by Mackenzy Fox, I went into Celeste and Callan with certain expectations. For me those expectations were not met, but that doesn't mean that they won't be met for you.

For me this book was too slow paced and had a lot of unnecessary filler. Yes I know this is setting up a new series, but I don't feel as though I know Celeste and Callan all that well. I don't have that connection to them that has me wanting more from them. Is the desire to continue the series still there? Absolutely. My curiosity is piqued.

Now I did enjoy the coming home aspect, and the second chance romance. I just wish there was more time with Celeste and Callan (not in the bedroom) where we were able to see their relationship blossom.

But again this is just my opinion .

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste and Callan is a small town high school sweethearts second chance romance and is such a great start for a new series. Needless to say I loved it because I love a second chance romance. A lot. After her heartbreaking experience Celeste is moving back to Stoney Creek. And she has to work together with Callan, her ex . They clear the air between them but Callan never got over Celeste and wants her back. He's a man on a mission and you can bet that he's so swoon worthy. And is so good with Celeste. After all she compared everyone to him. And they're so good together and the chemistry between them is of the charts. And Callan could be gentle and thoughtful that he can melt your heart. But dirty talking Callan is something entirely different and you'll love him. And loved that Callan always had Celeste's back. So don't cross the Brooks and the Bassett because they'll make sure Karma do its job. Now I can't wait for the next book in the Stoney Creek series.

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written second chance lovestory.
The Bassett Brother Bourbon Series 4 brothers and 1 sister make up the BBB including the cousins of the Bassetts, and neighbouring families.

Callan Bassett is one of the Bassett cousins that work alongside of the Stoney Creek Bourbon Distillery and the child hood sweetheart of Celeste Brooks "Cece" "Sunshine ". Celeste moved away to LA to chase her passion of fashion and design.

Time passes and after Celeste is left at the church on her wedding day, she feels no ther option but to return to the small town of Stoney Creek to try and rebuild her life.

Wonderful characters and I can't wait to read more about all the members of the Bassett family including the cousins and of course definitely more about Celeste's brothers.
I anticipate this series will be epic.

[Anoesjka Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this feel good, small town, second chance romance. The story of Celeste after her devastation of being left at the altar, and she is forced to move back home to her small town that she grew up in, gives you all the feels to make you smile, and be happy. Like Sunshine! Obviously the attraction between Callan and Celeste has never gone away, and i loved how they found each other again despite the roadblocks along the way. I loved her fierce best friend Georgia-Blue, and their brothers and the way they're all a family coming together and helping each other. I loved this prelude to this new series about Basset Brothers Bourbon and the small town of Stoney Creek and can't wait to read the rest of this series!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

On the day of her wedding, Celeste finds out that her fiancé basically left her at the altar and took all of her money.

Six months later, she's moving back home to Stoney Creek, Tennessee where she is now working at the retail store at Bassett Brothers Bourbon, her best friend's family distillery. The only thing is her ex works there too.
They never stopped loving each other and they can't stop the attraction and chemistry they have for each other, and they're together once again.

While I enjoyed the storyline and characters, I found some parts to be repetitive. I liked the camaraderie and family dynamics between Celeste and Callan's family. I enjoyed the banter between the characters. I loved Celeste and Callan's relationship and their intense attraction towards one another.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celeste & Callan by Mackenzy Fox & Dakotah Fox

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

👰‍♀️ Jilted Bride
💜 High School Sweethearts
☀️ Grump/Sunshine
👩‍❤️‍👨 Second Chance
🌳 Small Town

This is the novella for a brand new series (coming soon) from the Fox sister’s. Book 1 is coming in March!

After being left at the alter, Cece moved back home to her small town she grew up in. She goes to work with her best friend at their families bourbon distillery! She runs into her ex boyfriend/high school sweetheart and she realizes the grass is never greener on the other side.

Run and grab your copies before the first book comes out. You won’t be disappointed!

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste and Callan

-Celeste gets jilted at the altar to someone that she has been dating in LA, she’s originally from TN. After the shocker after everything, she moves back home after six months. She lives in the in law behind her parents house and her best friend gets her a job at her family’s bourbon distillery. She just isn’t up to crossing paths with her boyfriend from high school just yet. They still care about each other and you get to see their growth as individuals as they both realize they were meant to be together forever. I loved this intro into the Bassett Brothers family.

[Scishellgmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet second chance, small town, steamy romance.

Celeste had her heart ripped out when her fiance left her jilted at the alter. So she decides to go home to Stoney Creek where she would be surrunded by her family and friends and she would be safe. She was unsure how she would feel seeing her highschool boyfriend again, but from the moment they set eyes on each other, sparks fly and they quickly realise they were always meant to be together.
The sizzling love story between Celeste and Callan will have you wishing you had a romantic, rugged, country carpenter all of your own.

[redreads4861 · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Smalltown
* Second Chance
*Cinnamon Roll Hero

Celeste and Callan..... Such a good book. I love how they got their second chance after Celeste went through something so humiliating. Callan is such a sweet guy. They were just meant to be.. I loved how he was there for her and told her he'd always be there even if it was just as a friend.
If you like any of the tropes above I would recommend reading this one.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a quick, cute read that made me super excited for the upcoming 5 book series.

After being left at the altar, Celeste comes home to Stoney Creek only to immediately be in the orbit of Callan her first love and the old feelings can't be kept away.

This book immediately gives you all the feels while settling up the characters for the upcoming series. The Fox sisters write in a way that draws you in and makes you want to read more of these small town Tennessee people.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celeste & Callan is a romantic and sweet little novella that is destined warm your heart. The moment these two wandered onto to the page I found myself smitten with them, the story they had to tell was quite captivating and left me excited for next installment in the series!! If you like sweet small town romances then I have no doubt you will love what you find between the pages here! Highly recommend!

[Tiffany Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this beginning book of this new small town series!!

Celeste & Callan were high school sweethearts, and now she’s back!! I loved how nervous they were both to see each other again! You could definitely feel the emotions.

"Nothing and nobody can compare to his girl. By some miracle, I now have the woman I lost back in my arms."

This is the prequel to this series, and I'm so excited for the next one!!

[Wendy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing read. I absolutely loved Callan and Celeste’s story ❤️❤️❤️ moving home after a disastrous relationship Celeste is nervous about coming face to face with her ex Callan, he too is nervous having never stopped loving her. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful second chance romance and I loved it. Celeste returns to her small hometown and reconnects with her first love Callan. Callan regrets not following Celeste when she left to purse her dreams years ago. He hurts for her but he wants another chance to show her that she is the love of his life.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read but got me excited for this series. I loved Celeste and Callan! Callan was just a sweetie that I just couldn’t get enough of him. I’m hoping we get a glimpse of their future in the rest of the series.

[Desiree Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Novella is the perfect introduction to Stoney Creek. I'm already in love with the Bassett Brothers and I cannot wait to read the next book. This Novella was a page-turner and I could not put it down. The characters are well-rounded and the world-building is wholesome and complete. The journey of Celeste and Callen was a second-chance romance with a bit of spice sprinkled in. I look forward to reading my next Bassett journey.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bourbon Family from Tennessee! I’m so in for this series! I love The Fox sisters and their Mafia series! Can’t wait for the next book to come out!!!!

[Linds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute second chance romance. A very good small town romance.