Mr. McBeefcake

Hotties of Saddle Creek #3

by Kat Baxter

Kathryn
Once upon a time Donavon Jewel was the boy next door. Then he became the bane of my high school existence… okay, technically that was his girlfriend. Not that it’s a problem anymore, now that we’re both adults and Donavon doesn’t even live in Saddle Creek anymore (he’s a football superstar in Austin). Except… Now my mom is marrying his dad. Wait, what?

Donavon
I fell in love with the girl next door since I was eleven. Not that Kathryn has given me the time of day since we hit puberty and she caught me ogling her really big … eyes. But I’m a grown man now and I’m certainly not going to grovel where I’m not wanted. Except, she’s about to be my step sister. And our families have tricked us into spending the weekend together to “sort this out once and for all.” Can I spend a weekend with her without telling her how I really feel? Not if she doesn’t stop looking at me like that, I can’t.

Genres: Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Sports

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kat Baxter writes fast-paced, sweet & STEAMY romantic comedies. Readers have dubbed her “The Queen of Adorkable.” and her books “laugh-out-loud funny,” and “hot enough to melt your kindle.” She lives in Texas with her family and a menagerie of animals. Kat is the pseudonym for a bestselling historical romance author.

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Reviews

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

The Hotties of Saddle Creek Series :
❌Mr. McStudmuffin (The Hotties of Saddle Creek #1) - Published September 12, 2024
❌Mr. McHunky (The Hotties of Saddle Creek Book 2) - Expected publication December 9, 2024
❌Mr. McBeefcakes (The Hotties of Saddle Creek Book 3) - Expected publication March 3, 2025

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. McBeefcake (The Hotties of Saddle Creek, Book 3) by Kat Baxter

This small-town romance is packed with childhood crushes, unresolved feelings, and sizzling tension. Kathryn has loved Donavon since they were kids, but in high school, his ex made her life miserable, leaving her convinced she was never more than an afterthought to him. Now, years later, their parents’ surprise engagement forces them back together for a weekend—just long enough for old wounds and buried feelings to resurface.

Donavon never stopped wanting Kathryn, but she’s always kept him at arm’s length. Now that they’re stuck under the same roof, he finally sees the truth—she was never indifferent, just hurt. And this time, he’s not letting her slip away.

With undeniable chemistry, playful banter, and just the right amount of angst, Mr. McBeefcake is a heartfelt, steamy romance that proves love sometimes needs a second chance.

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! OMG. So Kathryn and Donovan Jewel lived next door to each other growing up. They were friends until he came back from camp and started high school. As a football player, most people felt that he and Kathryn were not for each other, but they had the hots for each other from an early age. But, after Donovan’s high school cheerleader gf pulled some mean girl stuff, Kat avoided him whenever she could, even after graduation. Sadly, Kat loved football and kept track of Donovan while he was in college football and then went pro. Finding out that her mother was marrying Donovan’s father, her very preggers sister pulls a fast one on them to get them to stop being so stubborn and avoidy with each other. A lot of misunderstandings are revealed on both sides while they are trapped together. Every time I read a Saddle Creek book it does not disappoint and this one was awesome. Seeing some of the other characters from previous books was fun. I giggled, laughed and squeed a few times. I defo needed the AC on for the steaminess of it all. Yowsers. Once those misunderstandings are out of the way- they admit their feelings for each other and things progress quickly. Donovan firmly believes that enough time has been wasted already. Hoo boy. The book is fun, sweet, romantic and I need my AC on just for thinking about it. lol 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.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

She thought he chose someone else, while he never stopped choosing her.

Kathryn returns to Saddle Creek ready to celebrate her mother's wedding, not discover that the boy who broke her heart is about to become family. Years of silence, misunderstandings, and betrayal convince her that keeping her distance is the safest choice, even when Donavon still looks at her like she's always been the one.

Donavon has built a successful career on the football field, but the future he's always wanted is the one he imagined with Kathryn. A weekend that forces them together cracks open years of buried feelings, revealing that the truth behind their separation is far different than either of them believed. ‍

As old wounds begin to heal, playful banter gives way to honest conversations, undeniable attraction, and the kind of intimacy that can only grow from a lifetime of knowing each other. Every vulnerable confession brings them closer to the love they almost lost, if they're willing to trust it this time.

Kathryn slowly releases the insecurities she's carried for years and believes she's worthy of being loved exactly as she is. Donavon stops hiding behind quiet devotion and finally fights for the future he's always wanted with complete honesty. Together, they rediscover a bond that grows from lifelong friendship into a fiercely passionate partnership built on trust, openness, and unwavering devotion.

An ultra-steamy, childhood friends to lovers, second chance, forced proximity, small town romance with forbidden step-sibling tension, mutual pining, and years of unspoken love. It explores trust, body image, vulnerability, family, healing, honesty, and the courage to let go of old wounds. It's about discovering that the greatest love story isn't finding the right person, but finally believing the right person never stopped choosing you.

The Elevator Pitch: A wedding reunion forces two childhood best friends to confront the lie that stole their chance at love and the feelings neither ever truly left behind. As old wounds give way to long-awaited truths, every stolen moment pulls them closer to the future they were always meant to share. With family complications, years of mutual pining, and explosive chemistry standing between them, love finally gets the second chance it never stopped waiting for.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Sweet Second Chance Love!**

*Mr. McBeef Cake* is the third installment in *The Hotties of Saddle Creek* series, and it’s a delightful read! Kathryn and Donavon grew up as best friends, and Kathryn had a major crush on him. Unfortunately, things took a turn when Donavon let his girlfriend humiliate her, causing their friendship to fall apart. The thing is, he never realized what really happened back then!

Fast forward to today: both of them are back in town for their parents’ wedding, and it’s the perfect chance for Donavon to figure out what went wrong. Plus, he wants to explore the feelings he’s always had for Kathryn. As they reconnect and chat about their past, they both start to heal. And let me tell you, the chemistry between them is absolutely sizzling!

This sweet, steamy story is a fun, fast-paced read that you can easily finish in one sitting. I just can’t get enough of Donavon and Kathryn! Enjoy the journey of love and second chances!

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

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the best of senses this is a typical story for Kat Baxter and takes place in this wonderful town Saddle Creek and we even get to meet some people again. Donovan and Kathryn grew up together and crushed on each other, already being best friends. But Donovan being a football player, now famous, but already being a big jock as a teenager, had a girl who was mean to Kathryn and being insecure about her curves and thinking Donovan knew about it, cut contact. Now their parents are marrying and they meet again and Donovan won't let his KitKat get away again.
I loved how sure Donovan is and not caring about society and loving Kathryn' curves and just loving her for who she is and she is one smart loving woman. Also this is a romance novel I like that it adepts the issue of the pressure of society and what it does to the mind, even if you are very succesful and have so much else going for you.

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

[Nicolle Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathryn and Donovan were great friends in high school until one day it all changed. The two never stopped loving and caring for the other, Kathryn even engineered a helmet to keep Quarterbacks safer. Now, they must face their issues because their parents are getting married.
Their friends and family force them to be stuck together in a cabin to work out their issues, and it works out very well.

“You’re freakishly large; you do know that don’t you? If you split me in half, please make up a lie so my mother doesn’t know how I really died.” He laughs, the booming noise filling the space around us. “Fuck, I love you, KitKat.”

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

[Geeky Girl Review Cafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like a total classic Kat Baxter read - the funny, adorkable, pop-culture reference filled short steamy read I've come to love from her.

I couldn't help but swoon for Donovan. He loved his KitKat for exactly who and how she was...he was not letting her slip away again...who could resist that?!?!

The body type difference insecurities that got to Kathryn really resonated with me - and also called out to me some of this same judgement I've seen on social media, so I loved Kat's incorporation of this real-world struggle and balancing it with a muscled pro-footballer who gave no Fs about societal norms/expectations.

I didn't want this story to end. 🩵💜

[Marian. · Rating 2 out of 5]

¿que acabo de leer? 🤣

[Lvsmyfmly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood crush, childhood love, high school drama that splits up the friendship. A decade later. You get the happy ever after.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Beefcakes, the third book in The Hotties of Saddle Creek series, is a spicy, sweet novella by Kat Baxter.
It’s about a clueless guy and an insecure girl, who were great friends growing up. He becomes the high school cliche, a popular football star who’s dating the head cheerleader. She’s the insecure childhood best friend who gets left behind.
After years of refusing to speak to him, they’re forced together to talk it out. What happens is much steamier than just talking, as misunderstandings are explained and hidden feelings are revealed.
As usual, Kat Baxter delivers an engaging story with a lot of heart. Her stories never disappoint and, though novellas, they always seem much fuller. The characters are relatable and realistic, and you feel like you really get to know them.

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

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Donavon and Kathryn knew one another growing up, they were best friends. Until Donavon went away and came back ripped, then started dating someone. Kathryn went and got her Phd, while Donavon plays football and landed with the Texas Armadillos. When they both come back to Saddle Creek for their parents getting married to one another Kathryn is tricked by her sister Kelli Scars and Stripes. Kathryn is taken to Donavon's father's cabin where she's told they need to get wedding favors together, but then is left. When Kathryn walks in she finds Donavon walking out of the shower with just a towel on. They both find out they are stranded at the cabin, without a vehicle to get back to Saddle Creek. They get working on the wedding favors while they are talking. Kathryn tells Donavon about her patent that was bought to help quarterbacks with head injuries. Donavon wants to know from Kathryn what he did that made her hate him. Kathryn tells him how when he came back he started dating a girl who was very mean to her. Donavon tells her that he only seen his then girlfriend being nice to her but Kathryn tells him what mean things she did to her. Donavon tells Kathryn that if he would have known what his girlfriend was doing he would have put a stop to it. Donavon tells her that he would have never put up with someone being mean to her, Kathryn tells him about being an engineer. Donavon asks Kathryn if she remembers their first kiss, and she tells him barely. Donavon tells her he remembers everything about it, Kathryn tells him she's not that dumb. Donavon tells her he wanted to kiss her so that she would be his first kiss, Kathryn tells him she's glad he was her first kiss. Kathryn tells Donavon that she had a crush on him back then, but they never made sense together. Donavon wants to know more about the crush Kathryn had on him. Donavon tells her he had the biggest crush on her but she ghosted him. Donavon pick up Kathryn and set her on the counter then pulls her close to him. Then Donavon kisses Kathryn, he asks her if she has a boyfriend. Then Donavon deepens the kiss, and Kathryn pulls him into her. Donavon asks Kathryn if she wants him as bad as he wants her. Then Donavon takes off some of Kathryn's clothes as he takes off his own. Donavon carries Kathryn into the one bedroom in the cabin. Kathryn thinks this is only for one night, but Donavon wants her for the rest of his. Donavon pleasures Kathryn then he comes he tells her that he came when she did. They lye next to one another for a while, then Donavon tells Kathryn to ride him. When Donavon wakes up the next morning Kathryn is gone, he sends a message to Jude Mr. McHunky to bring him his truck. Donavon tells Jude he needs to take him on a few errands, first is the jewelry store. Kathryn knew she had to leave before Donavon woke up so she called her friend Lily Lily's Forest who took her back into town. After Kathryn talks to Lily about Donavon she decides she'll talk to him at their parents rehearsal dinner. Donavon arrives and talks to his father and Kathryn's mother about what he wants to do and they give him their blessing. Donavon announces to everyone at the rehearsal dinner that he's glad his dad has someone now after his mother passed. Donavon tells everyone how he screw up with Kathryn and wants a second chance with her when he walks to her he goes down on one knee and asks her to marry him, she tells him yes. Kathryn tells him she loves him and Donavon tells him he loves her. Kathryn tells him she's always loved him, Donavon tells her she's always been his. Two years later, Donavon wins the Super Bowl. Kathryn is pregnant with their first child. Donavon is planning his retirement, while Kathryn is planning her next big invention.

[Suelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn e Donovan

4.5 ⭐

Já comentei algumas vezes aqui que não sou muito fã de histórias sobre segundas chances, mas fiquei muito empolgada com essa sinopse. Ao começar a leitura, fiquei ainda mais empolgada, pois fui conquistada de cara. Era claro como o dia que Kathryn e Donovan se amavam, mas alguma coisa deu errado ainda no colégio que acabou destruindo não só o relacionamento que estava começando a nascer, mas também a amizade e cumplicidade de longa data que eles tinham. Depois de anos sem se verem, nem se falarem, finalmente eles estavam frente a frente - e presos debaixo do mesmo teto. Eu gostei que Donovan não perdeu tempo em procurar saber o que havia acontecido para Kathryn se afastar dele. Gostei da conversa sincera que eles tiveram, e como não hesitaram em recuperar o tempo perdido. Ainda bem que tudo deu certo para eles no final.

O que eu não gostei nessa confusão no passado deles foi Donovan num dia estar pensando em pedir Kathryn em namoro, e no momento seguinte, ao primeiro sinal de problema, já ter saído com outra garota. Que amor era esse que ele dizia sentir, que nem foi procurar saber o que tinha acontecido e já foi logo caindo nos braços de outra, acreditando em suas mentiras, duvidando de sua melhor amiga? Isso eu não consegui perdoar, nem esquecer. Sem falar da questão dele não saber tudo o que a namoradinha dele fazia com a Kathryn. Não fez o menor sentido ele não saber o que a piriguete aprontava, sendo que ela fazia isso em público, no colégio em que todos eles estudavam. As pessoas falam, as notícias correm, não fazia sentido ele não saber o que estava acontecendo com a melhor amiga. Achei um furo isso aí. Mas minha bronca maior mesmo foi Donovan ter se envolvido com essa mulher enquanto jurava de pé junto que amava a Kathryn. Se não fosse por isso, o livro teria entrado na minha lista de favoritos. Com certeza foi o que eu mais gostei da série.

Mesmo com esse ponto que me incomodou, foi uma ótima história e eu simplesmente a devorei, não consegui largar enquanto não cheguei ao final. Claro que eu recomendo!

[Nova]

I received a free copy of this book that I am voluntarily reviewing.

Kathryn is returning home to Saddle Creek for her mother’s shock engagement to Mr. Jewel their neighbour and none other than the father of Donovan Jewel who apart from being her once best friend and the love of her life but also the star Quarterback for the Armadillos. We had gone from being inseparable to his girlfriend Mona making it plain that she was no longer welcome, and Donovan never seemed to care how upset she was. No matter how much she has tried Donovan has always been the man that she measured all others by and the reason for her now sold prototype helmet she created to minimize concussions. Now that they are going to be step siblings can she ignore the feelings that she still has for him, or could the future be about to change again?

Donovan Jewel has always thought of Kathryn as the one that got away, but to this day he has no idea what he did for things to change the way that they did. He went away for the summer and when he returned home, she could not have been more distant, and once he started seeing Mona there seemed to be no way back. The last real interaction they had was on the night that his mother died, and he spent the night in Kathryn’s arms. For years he has wondered why she walked away from him, and he now wants answers especially as they are about to become Stepbrother and Stepsister. So, when his friends and her sister leave them trapped in a cabin, he knows that now he has KitKat back in his life that there is no way he is letting her walk away this time he wants forever?

There was so much to like about this story the characters had some amusing banter and fantastic chemistry and one thing that seemed clear to me all the way through was how much the author enjoyed their story. Cannot recommend this author more, her books are amusing with all the steam and romance that you could want in a short read. 4.5*

[lowkeyreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. McBeefcake is a sweet and steamy second chance romance packed with childhood crushes, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt moments. Kat Baxter’s writing captures the tension between Donovan and Kathryn perfectly—a pair who were inseparable as kids but drifted apart after high school due to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Their forced weekend together to work through the past leads to some seriously heated moments and emotional breakthroughs.

I loved how Donovan’s unwavering devotion and confidence contrasted with Kathryn’s vulnerability and strength as she confronted old wounds and insecurities. The slow rebuild of their connection felt genuine and satisfying, and the witty banter added a light, enjoyable touch to the story. The inclusion of themes like body positivity and dealing with societal pressures made the characters’ journey feel even more meaningful.

While the novella format means some plot points moved quickly, the story still delivered a full and engaging experience with plenty of steam and heart. If you enjoy cozy small-town romances with second chances, playful chemistry, and relatable characters, Mr. McBeefcake is definitely worth a read. I’m excited to follow more stories from the Saddle Creek world!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beaut read by Kat Baxter. Old wounds that were buried are unearthed but does this lead to mirth and merriment long after the engagement or are they still in disengagement status? Not friends nor nothing else . Left on a shelf . Just this thing is , both of them have to put on a brave face and stand there face to face for their parents on their big day . It’s so not about them anyway ,right? But here’s the thing if you hold on tight to your hopes and dreams , well you’ll see that sometimes ….happiness it brings. Donovan Jewel you dog you ,go for your girl Kathryn ,it’s gone too far ,not knowing where you are. Go fetch your woman ,enough time has passed ,time to make her your lass at last. This Beefcake is all up on everything Kathryn and no mistake . Why have burgers when you can eat steak? Prime and juicy as is this book with all the nook and all . All out edge of your seat reading ,with those characters I am pleasing . Kat Baxter this book is awesome ,your storytelling a dream , cherry atop and cream too . I love your writing I do . Always an enjoyable,immersive read I devour with greed

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

small town romance.
Kathryn is a young woman who has just finished her thesis and sold it. While she thinks about returning to her hometown and enjoying a little rest, she did not expect to learn of her mother's marriage to the father of her childhood crush Donavon. Donavon who broke her heart when he let his girlfriend insult and humiliate Kathryn in front of their entire school since she hates him.
Donavon is a famous football player who has a huge childhood crush on the beautiful Kathryn and her generous curves. But does not understand why she has hated him for years. So when his father announces his marriage to Kathryn's mother, he knows he missed his chance to be with her. That was until he finds himself locked up with her in his father's country house to solve their problem.
Will Kathryn and Donavon be able to explain themselves and live a beautiful story or will they leave more angry...

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

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! This is such an awesome ebook. I absolutely loved it. Kathryn and Donovan grew up together living next door to each other. They had such a very close relationship. Years later their parents are trying the knot and want Kathryn and Donovan to get along by pranking them. Their connection is still undeniable and their chemistry is off the charts spicy hot. Will Donovan and Kathyn get together and realize that they were always meant to be together? Can Kathryn deal with Donovan becoming her step brother with the intense feelings of forever she still has for him? Does Donovan help Kathryn get over her insecurities and prove that she's had his heart since they were kids? Would they both decide their forever starts now? This truly amazing author will have your interest from the beginning with long held feelings, witty back and forth banter, and well meaning pranksters. I absolutely encourage you to get this fiery sizzling hot
5 ⭐️ hit.I really loved it and so will you.

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

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn and Donovan were best friends from the moment she moved in next door to him. All through high school they were inseparable even though he was the hot football player and she was the nerdy girl. Suddenly things changed between them and neither knew what the actual issue was. Now, twelve years later they’re heading back to town because Kathryn’s mom is marrying Donovan’s dad. Kathryn/KitKat is nervous about spending time with Donovan and when her sister tricks her into being stranded with him, she decides to tell him what happened at school years ago. Donovan can’t believe his luck that he’s been given a second chance to make things right with his KitKat. He was blown away by what actually happened to her during school as he had no idea and thought she didn’t want to be around him. These twos were always meant to be together. The chemistry never died between them and they always felt something was missing in their lives. A great part of this series. I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wormhole to another dimension please!

It's finally their time, a second chance for first love and Donovan will not be leaving without his girl. He has loved her for as long as he can remember...now he just has to show her. I love Donovan's teasing, his conviction that they belong together and his determination. Go big or go home, he knows he has to offer his heart publicly and in a way that cannot be misunderstood, so he just hijacks an event to claim his future!
Kathryn is packed with sass, hilarious one liners delivered deadpan and more self doubt than anyone should have. But she is everything Donovan ever wanted, everything he still wants, she just has to claim him!
It's not really instalove, more a reclaimed love that moves at hyperspeed to make up for all the years lost. Sexy, steamy and fun, not only do I really like Donovan and Kathryn, but I like all the Hotties and their wives too. A great read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has always been the nerdy brainiac. She is home for her mother's wedding, to the "one that got away" dad. She hasn't seen him in years, and when she last did, he stood by while his girlfriend made her life hell. She wants to get in and get out and not have to dredge up old wounds. He went pro after high school and is playing professional football. He loved her then and was devastated when she broke it off with him. He still doesn't know why, but he is determined to find out once and for all.....so he can win her back. This is a short story format so you don't expect complicated plot lines or complex character development but the author gave you two endearing characters. They have old hurts to heal, and and old relationship to rekindle with some sweetness and spice along the way. This was an overall feelgood quickie.

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

[Sharon McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next door neighbors growing up, both Kathryn and Donovan were friends but also interested in “being more” not knowing they were both thinking the same thing. As a football player and one as good as Donovan, there were certain expectations and people didn’t think that the two of them good together. Typical footballer had a typical mean cheerleader girlfriend that made it very clear to Kat so she avoided him even though he never knew the reason why. But Kat always liked football and still secretly tracked Donovan’s career. However, their parents gave them the shock of their lives when they announced their engagement to each other which forces Kathryn and Donovan together for a weekend. I love that they reconnect and talk about some of the miscommunications of their past and I swooned when he started calling her KitKat. It was a quick and steamy romance that I really enjoyed. I think I want to visit Saddle Creek when I grow up

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dive into the Hotties of Saddle Creek def leaves an impression. This isn't the most conventional.

Kathryn is forced to come back to town because her mom is getting married to her childhood crushes father. I don't think anyone saw that coming. Certainly now Donovan, who's also home for the wedding. These two get tricked into a weekend where her family wants her to work out the issues between them. Umm.....safe to say that was NOT goiing to happen.

I love that Donovan is ALL in with his bestie "KitKat" (great nickname!). It turns out their outs was a bunch of miscommunications and redirects. I love how made Donovan is about that, and how he is not letting her get far enough away to make another issue. These two are like two magnets drawn together, as well as like hot lavas molting together.

Their story is fast, furious, HOT, sincere, and the HEA no one in the family saw coming. You will get caught up with Donovan's bossy domination and Kathyrns sassy retorts.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat Baxter continues The Hotties of Saddle Creek series with the fabulously entertaining (and swoon-worthy) Mr. McBeefcake. Kathryn is back in town after completing her doctorate with her mother's impending marriage upon her - and her soon-to-be stepfather just happens to be the dad to the boy-next-door that she never got over. Donovan is the star quarterback for the state's NFL team and excited to be back home for his dad's wedding - but he's especially anxious to see Kathryn again and solve the mystery of what went wrong with them back in high school. When friends and siblings conspire to force the two together to work through their issues, old feelings quickly return and sparks fly at such a pace your Kindle just might melt. A fun, steamy and swoon-worthy read, just as I've come to expect from Ms Baxter.

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

[Veronica Sandoval · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I would give the two other books in this series five stars. I am giving this one three because I got frustrated with Donovan dating a girl who bullied his supposed best friend and he never knew. I also didn’t find it too believable that she would suddenly stop talking to you when you start dating this girl, and you never investigated. But what bothers me the most is him dating someone else when he supposed liked her so much. I got very frustrated. Still the book was redeemed some and got three stars.But be aware that Donovan is kind of a little clueless and he felt like he was with plenty of women while she has limited experience. I would have given it four stars but the Mona stuff really gave me the ick. I feel like second chance books need groveling and there is literally none. But I would still read this series and I would reread the first two that’s how much I liked them. And I want to check out more books by this author because I liked those two books so much.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat Baxter always manages to do well with short stories. Her storylines follow the regular themes and her characters tend to blend in, but it all comes together well and despite bring short, covers all the necessary details found in a longer novel.
Meet old friends from childhood, who became distant when Donovan began dating Mona, the mean girl. He is now a professional football player and Kathryn, the nerdy geek, is now an engineer. A wedding is the catalyst to them both admitting their fears and feelings. The only thing I didn't get is how Donovan didn't know, didn't ask or wasn't told, about Mona's behaviour, considering he and Kathryn were very close, best friends....but then, there would be no story.

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

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donovan and Kathryn were neighbors and best friends when they were kids. But something had happened between them when they were teens that he still didn't understand, and he had spent the last twelve years without the one person he needed in his life.
Now Kathryn's mother was marrying Donovan's father, and they were going to have to learn how to be civil. A little trick got them stranded in a cabin together. But was what tore them apart more than a decade ago still going to keep them from each other?
This was a yummy little second chance romance, with two people who always belonged together, and everybody knew it. But time and other people had gotten in the way. They just had to figure out what was important.
A fast, enjoyable read.

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

[Sarah Poulton-Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet and steamy. KB always delivers with her quick read novellas. A perfectly played out trope within 10 or so chapters.

This is Kathryn and Donavan's story. They were once high school best friends with innocent first kisses. They've been out of contact for many years but are forced back together when their parents announce they have found love again with each other. So they are about to become family. This new status forces them to confront the emotion and lost love between them.

Donovan is so determined to win Kathryn back. It is adorable to read. I love that within a novella there is no time to waste on miscommunication. Donovan gets straight down to the business of making her fall back in love with him.

A great second chance, best friends to lovers steamy quick read.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!

This is book three in the author’s Hotties of Saddle Creek series and, just like all the other books in the Saddle Creek world, it’s also got tons of steam.

Inseparable as kids, misunderstandings came between them and ended their friendship twelve years ago and they each went their separate ways. Now, Donovan is a professional football player and Katherine is an engineer but suddenly they’re being forced back into each other’s lives.

This novella length read, though it was twelve years in the making, was full of steam and had lots of dirty talk courtesy of the MMC resulting in a long overdue HEA. It was an easy, quick read, one that I enjoyed immensely and recommend to everyone.

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

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn and Donovan are in back in town. They were inseparable when younger until high school and a girl wanting to date Donovan gets in their way. Both had feelings for each other without the other knowing. Now they are thrown together into his dad’s mountain cabin with only one bed and no vehicles to settle their differences before their parents get married. As they revel their feelings and things get steamy, Kathryn is unsure and quickly leaves the cabin in the morning. Donovan hatches a plan and goes for his girl!
Loved this story and this author has great storylines. Love the body positivity with them!.

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