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A Dash of Desire #3

The Maestro and the Roofer

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Once a star in the music world, Mia Pelletier’s fall from grace was legendary. Now the composer famously known as Maestro Mia has escaped to a coastal cottage, but her plan to create brilliant music that reclaims her legacy is derailed by a debilitating creative roadblock.

However, a storm that damages the cottage’s roof produces an unexpected muse…

Travis Flynn is bold and brash, but Mia finds herself inexplicably drawn to the man tasked with repairing the wreckage. As their attraction grows, she discovers another side of the rough-hewn flirt, and soon, the famous maestro and small-town roofer learn they’re actually in perfect harmony.

But as their convenient fling grows into something deeper, Mia must face the music—either return home to restore her glory or strike a new note with an unlikely love.

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

3 people are currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Brianna Bancroft

5 books39 followers
Brianna Bancroft is a trained playwright turned romance novelist. Born and raised in New Jersey, she enjoys vintage clothing, bourbon, and ballet.

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5 stars
39 (62%)
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18 (29%)
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4 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for GigiReads.
719 reviews220 followers
January 25, 2025
These novellas are such a quick hit of serotonin. The class difference trope is my kryptonite but when it's reversed and she's the one with the money? *Chef's kiss* Like the Librarian and the Mechanic this one has a heroine who is trying to find herself after a bad divorce, the hero owns a construction company and ends up repairing the roof of the cottage she's staying in on vacation. It's perfectly paced, incredibly well developed for something so short and the steam is on point. I really hope this author gets back to writing and that they write a full length contemporary because they have a real talent.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5

Tropes:
Older MCs
Class Difference
Close proximity
Small town
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,540 reviews62 followers
November 16, 2024
The Maestro and the Roofer is Book 3 of A Dash of Desire. It's a short and steamy, instalust, OTT, opposites-attract, midlife, maestro gets her roofer romance. Mia is a 37 year old famous composer who fell from grace after her divorce from her husband and musical partner. She is taking some time off at a cottage in Connecticut to try and reconnect with her music and herself. Travis is the 35 year old hunky, flirty owner of a roofing company. When the cottage she is staying at is damaged in a storm, Travis is one of the roofers repairing the damage. The two are attracted to each other, but their initial meeting is tense as she thinks he is just a worker. When his coworker calls him Boss Man, she realizes her mistake. She tries to avoid him, but they end up crossing paths at a local bar and end up hitting it off. The two develop a friendship, and things get hot and steamy as they seem to have an unspoken agreement to have a fling before she has to return to New York. When real feelings are involved, will she stay or go? Both have their own baggage, but their chemistry was pure fire. I loved their flirty banter, and we ended on a very happy note. I loved this whole series so much.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lillie Alexander.
Author 6 books203 followers
October 19, 2024
I loved reading this fast paced and well written story. Brianna hooked me right in, and I couldn't put it down, so I finished it all in one go. The chemistry between Mia and Travis was electric and practically jumped off the pages.
If you're a fan of opposites attract, small-town romance filled with banter and spice, then go grab this novella! You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended 🤗😍
Profile Image for Amber Grube.
308 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2024
Brianna had me hooked from the start. A very well written story that has me wanting more! The character's chemistry was off the charts from the moment they met. This was a fantastic quick read novella.

Thank you Brianna for an ARC copy. I will definitely be adding her other works to my TBR.
Profile Image for Brianne.
607 reviews
October 14, 2025
Mia and Travis are always a delight! Claire Marlowe's narration is fantastic and adds an extra layer of storytelling.

This book is perfect if you're looking for a quick, cozy, heart-warming listen!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
November 7, 2024
Mia and Travis’ Story . . .

Both her marriage and her sparkling career have crashed and burned. Mia Pelletier, known as Maestro Mia, needs some new inspiration at a quiet coastal cottage. Unfortunately, she has left her “muse” behind and is not making much progress. So it figures that only a few days after her arrival, a nasty storm --the most severe Daymont, Connecticut, has experienced in 10 years -- damages her roof and it needs immediate repair. Two roofing guys were checking the damage inside when Travis Flynn pulls his truck up behind the other one, Robinson & Sons Roofing logo embroidered on his hoodie. She told him the others had already started work and his boss would not appreciate his being tardy, which somehow amused him. But it seemed the two of them are very aware of each other. Then the foreman Eric stepped out of the house and welcomed his boss! Her agent and friend Leslie, who was allowing Mia to stay here for a month, texted her that it would only take 2 days for the repairs, so she decided to stay, despite the embarrassment with the “boss”.

Mia made the men a casserole for lunch and hurried out to avoid seeing the boss again. She accidentally fled to the parlor instead of the den, and stared in awe at the gorgeous baby grand Steinway piano she’d been ignoring for days. Instead, she saw on the love seat and ate her lunch. When she finished, she walked over to the piano, sat down, but hesitated, until Boss Man asked if she played? She squealed and stumbled over her words. But he only wanted to say they finished lunch and put the dishes in the dishwasher. He took her empty plate and left the room. There was something about him though, and she probably should avoid him. Yet their attraction gets stronger and a fling turns into more. Will she go back home and try to restart her career? Or has she fallen in love with Boss Man?
Profile Image for Lauryn Young.
217 reviews
September 13, 2024
The third and final installment in the A Dash of Desire novella series, The Maestro and the Roofer is an excellent short read and great conclusion to the trio.

Brianna has a way of packing a lot heart and heat into her novellas, and Mia and Travis' story was no exception. We meet Mia as she has just arrived in a sleepy coastal town for a sabbatical of sorts, on the run after her music career sustains an epic blow. When a storm damages the roof of the cottage where Mia is staying, the roofer who shows up to repair it is, well...inspiring. In many ways. ;)

One thing that I love about Brianna's characters is that they aren't the early- to mid-twenties age range that many romance novels feature. They're in their thirties, several of them have had failed relationships in their past, and they're a little bit jaded. Travis and Mia both fit this mold; in their mid-thirties, they have both been affected by romances that have fizzled out, and they are hard pressed to want to fall in love again.

Travis is thriving in his career as a roofer, whilst Mia is unmoored after she made a big career move which flopped in spectacular fashion. Feeling like she has lost the importance of her career, she finds a bit of solace in Travis one evening at the local watering hole. Sparks begin to fly, tensions run high, and they may just discover that there is more to each other than their initial assessments allowed.

The physical tension between these two practically leaps off of the page, it is SO electric. More than that, though, it is clear from their first interaction that they would connect on a much more base level. It was a case of opposites attract, but their differences made them a great fit.

I loved this addition to the "A Dash of Desire" collection!
Profile Image for ravenblackbird74 .
171 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2025
💖 I love how opposites attract when this famous pianist collides with a man who knows how to use his hands.

📚The Maestro and the Roofer (A Dash of Desire Book 3)
🖋Author ~ Brianna Bancroft
🖋Features: Contemporary Romance, Novella Quick Read, Opposites Attract
⭐️Rating: 5/5

🎼Mia Pelletier—Once the toast of the classical musical world, Mia’s personal life has taken a hard hit. Left reeling, her professional career and reputation are in shambles.

🧰Travis Flynn—Always overlooked by his family, Travis’s quick wit and playful attitude keep everyone from getting too close or getting in too deep. That is, until Mia.

The sparks fly when these two meet! An unruly flirt, Travis and Mia quickly toss barbs and innuendos at each other. Travis’s teasing attitude and humor draw Mia out of her self-imposed isolation. Setting aside the fame, the pressure, and the expectations, Mia can just be herself with Travis. That’s what makes her time with him so special.

https://linktr.ee/ravenblackbird74

🖋Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋Setting: 5. Plot: 5. Characters: 5.

🫦 Marvelous Moments:

“You think your grandmother would’ve liked me?” he asked coyly. Mia threw him a teasing glare and said, “I still don’t even know if I like you.”

#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #BriannaBancroft #TheMaestroandtheRoofer #ContemporaryRomance #Novella #oppositesattract
149 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2024
I had the absolute privilege of beta reading this gorgeous little novella, and I have to say I was fairly useless as I could only list things I adored about it. Brianna does such an amazing job of making her novels so atmospheric and rich in sensory details, from the setting down to the foods, and this one just felt like an autumnal hug. I truly felt as though I was in Daymont, Conneticut enjoying the meals Mia cooked for the roofing crew, or drinking in a dive bar.
I loved how different Mia and Travis were in so many ways, and how this led to some great banter after their initial spark. Mia was such a rich character, which is so impressive in just 80 pages, and I could feel her need for change and escape, and her inner turmoil over her career and personal life taking a downward turn.
The chemistry and tension between the two seems to sizzle away and we are rewarded with an absolutely epic chapter of spice. It's so well written, it feels cathartic for the characters and pulls them so much closer together. I told Brianna this is her horniest novella yet (compliment) and I stand by that.
Brianna is the queen of novellas, and she absolutely killed it with this one.
Profile Image for gabreadsbooks.
897 reviews48 followers
October 23, 2024
This short story is the perfect combo of steamy & sweet. I absolutely loved it!

Mia, while being a bit of a celebrity, is still a relatable character. I really empathized with her journey of trying to decide which direction to take her career. While contemplating this, she's staying at a cottage in seaside Connecticut where a roof is being repaired by none other than the MMC Travis.

There's an instant attraction between Mia & Travis and oh boy was there first time hot! I was expecting some steam based on her other stories but I think this one is her steamiest yet. The dirty talk is great, plus we get a public place scene among others (think bar bathroom & piano bench). I thought their chemistry was fantastic. These two were just hot okay? Haha.

The ending made me swoon! It had a bit of angst which then brought about a beautifully romantic scene. I will be gushing every time I think about it.

If you haven't read her other stories that's okay. This is a complete standalone.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Bitterblue's books.
210 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2024
I'm always in awe to Brianna's ability to create such a beautiful story using so few pages.
It's incredible to witness how she can develop a profound and amazing story that's fully packed, without ever feeling like it's going too fast.

Mia and Travis's chemistry and attraction to each other leaps off the page, and you can feel it!
I would've wanted a bit more arm porn if I have to be honest, but the sex appeal that he exuded was sizzling!
Mia was an incredible, complex, and resilient FMC. She was able to pick herself up and realize that her life had taken a different turn. Instead of being afraid of this new direction, she fully embraced it and made it her own.

I'll always read everything Brianna writes because she's able to capture everything and make you feel every little thing.

I want to thank Brianna for sending me an ARC to give an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,114 reviews27 followers
October 24, 2024
Composer and divorcee Mia is burned out after a very public professional flop. Staying in a quaint country cottage in Connecticut is just the thing she needs to regroup and figure out what her next move should be. What she didn’t count on was being wildly attracted to the gorgeous contractor who spends a few days with his crew.

Roofing contractor Travis was left at the altar so he’s been reticent to dip back into the dating pool. All thoughts flee his mind when he spies the curvy, lovely tenant occupying the cottage he’s working on.

While the pair spend time together, their compatibility is undeniable, but Mia is only in town through the end of the month. Can this possibly be the start of something more? Or was it just a brief idyllic affair?

This was a short, spicy read.

I received an advance reader copy from booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Debbie.
149 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2024
Mia is a musician who has fallen on some hard times professionally and personally. In a last ditch effort to find inspiration and her music again, she hides away in a small coastal town in CT. Travis is a local who just happens to be the roofer hired to fix the cottage after a storm. His sly and rugged personality is the distraction that Mia doesn't need right now. They are from two different worlds, literally and figuratively, but could they be exactly what each other needs?

I was already a fan of Brianna's A Dash of Desire series, and this most recent book did not disappoint. Fast paced, small-town setting with just enough spice. Perfect for a quick read or to pull you out of a reading slump like me!
Profile Image for Rebecca D.
32 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2024
She has done it again! It only took me so long to read because my motherly duties got in the way of reading 🤣 I always relate so well to Brianna’s characters because they are so human. And realistic! I can always put myself in the main characters shoes and not feel weird about it. The story is so well brought to life because I can connect with with a late 30s woman! BRAVO!!

This novella is the perfect amount of small town romance and spice! I absolutely love Mia and connect well with her. The bruiting Travis was her perfect opposite and it’s beautiful how Brianna brings their story together.

If you’re looking for a quicker read that is easily relatable- then DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS ONE!

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This deserves ALL of the stars!!!!
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,679 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2024
The Maestro and the Roofer is such a sweet and sexy read! Travis is a strong and independent man, business owner and builder, with a golden heart and intense past hurts. Despite all he has been through, he is unfailingly a gentleman and beautifully vulnerable. Mia is nursing a broken heart and a professional flop, hiding out and trying to rediscover her mojo. Kind and sassy, saucy and sexy, she and Travis have undeniable chemistry and the sexual tension between them is taughter than a bowstring. Author Brianna Bancroft has crafted a magical and amazing story of two individuals from different worlds that collide in the best of ways. This satisfying and sweet story is absolutely stunning.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel Rowan.
Author 13 books71 followers
October 24, 2024
Brianna writes perfectly formed novellas - just the right amount of depth and heat to be extremely satisfying. She packs so much character and emotion in, and yet it never seems rushed - and these aren’t just cardboard cutout characters, they are fully formed and believable. Mia and Travis’s chemistry was off the scale, and even though I was curious how a flirtatious, cocky (and extremely sexy) roofer could be exactly what the struggling, artistic Mia needed, he revealed layers and heart that proved he really was. Add a wonderful dose of smut, and this is another deeply enjoyable contemporary romance novella from Brianna Bancroft.
3,502 reviews
November 19, 2024
Needing her roof fixed from Storm Mia is waiting for the roofers. One shows of late. Come to find out later he is the owner. This is where the adventure begins with Travis and mia. Mia Who is a maestro in hiding because of the same and Glory that she accumulated with her husband now ex. Why is her best friend the piano now intimidating? Where is she going to go when her lease is up? Is she going to stay there? And why is it that there is an attraction with Travis? She is no cougar but 2 years difference does make her more mature? Hahaha! Good read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,485 reviews
October 29, 2024
“But first the first time in a long time, the promise of tomorrow held weight.”

Mia was hoping to find inspiration but got so much more. She and Travis are a great match. But when Mia’s time in the rented cottage is over, will their relationship stand a chance?
Even though I saw it coming from a mile away, I really loved the ending.
This is such a cute story! It’s well written and the characters are well fleshed out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,533 reviews31 followers
November 9, 2024
Mia is really famous, lately in a bad way because of a bad musical, and Travis is the head of the roofing company fixing the house she’s staying in. They get to know each other during the roofing job and decide to keep going after the roof is finished and discover if what they have is real although there is a deadline. I really liked how the characters are written with respect for each other and a growing care for each other. I hope there are more that will be written in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carrie.
234 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2024
Another cute, easy, heart-warming read! I am continually amazed at the author’s ability to draw us in so quickly and make us care so deeply with a novella.

🔨 Older (mid 30s!) MMC and FMC
🔨 Banter
🔨 Fall vibes
🔨 Forced proximity
🔨 Immediate attraction

Highly recommend for a nice fall read, especially if you’ve been lulling around in a book slump like I was. This was the perfect remedy!

Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for theravingbooknerd.
141 reviews9 followers
October 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️

Ah! This was SO cute and I had a great time reading it! For it to be a short novella (80ish pages) the plot and the spice were so appropriate.

This story follows Travis and Mia as they have an adorable meet-cute when he comes to work on the roof of the cottage she is staying in short-term after a huge musical disaster.

Travis finds her sexy, and she thinks he is gorgeous, and I can agree!

I loved this! Worth the read!
Profile Image for Brittany T.
256 reviews12 followers
October 10, 2024
Loved this book, the emotions that both the main characters have for their families, even though from different backgrounds arr mostly the same, they each have that one person who was always there for them. Both of them coming down from horriable relationships where they had been hurt and belittled. Then to be brought together were they would both be loved whole heartedly, the book was just amazing, and I can't wait to read some of her other books, she is an amazing writer.
Profile Image for Aiku.
54 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2024
forever in awe of brianna's ability to craft these cute and captivating stories into such a compact piece. i immediately loved mia's sense of humor and travis's charisma. their chemistry sparks right from the get go and blooms beautifully as the book goes on. i love small town shenanigans as an extension of my love for forced proximity. oh no, what do you mean there's only one tavern the middle class locale like to go to? 😉😌 mia and travis's sweet and spicy interactions were an absolute joy to read, i'm definitely looking forward to brianna's next book!
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 2 books7 followers
October 27, 2024
Such a fun short read

Brianna stories never disappoint and I've loved every story in the dash of desire series. This was no different. The FMC are relatable and I love thar they are older because women do actually age past their 20s 😅 was a perfect read while I did laundry and just relaxed with my morning coffee. Mia and Travis were absolutely adorable.
Profile Image for Gazelle.
825 reviews10 followers
September 16, 2025
This book is a quick listen. Mia "The Maestro" is trying to refresh after some pretty public embarrassment. The cottage that she's staying at has some roof damage. When the roofer catches her attention, she finds more than she was expecting. I really enjoy the characters and the fact these are quick listens that still get you invested quickly.
Profile Image for Eliza.
38 reviews
October 14, 2024
This short and sweet romance had me kicking my feet, butterflies in my tummy, and a HEA that made me nothing but happy. Mia and Travis are so cute, and the emotions they go through together are raw and healing all at the same time. Loved it! 🥰
Profile Image for Libby Frances.
41 reviews
October 16, 2024
Another wonderful and warm story from Brianna. I am so amazed at her ability to draw you in as if you were reading a 400-page novel. My heart broke with these two characters, and then it was pieced back by the end of the story so beautifully. I loved every bit of it.
Profile Image for Tammy.
237 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2024
Loved this novella! Sweet story with great banter between the MCs and the perfect amount of spice. I adore when characters find love in unexpected places, especially after failed relationships. This one checked all the boxes for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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