Mr. McStudmuffin

Hotties of Saddle Creek #1

by Kat Baxter

Chelsea

Have you ever told a lie, an insignificant untruth, that takes on a life of its own. That's what happened three years ago when I told my new boss that I had a boyfriend. At the time, I had good reasons, but now I'm wondering if my fib has kept me in the boardroom when I could have been in JD’s bedroom.

JD

OFF limits. Already taken. Not mine. These are thoughts that Run through my mind when I look at my assistant. Still, I can't shake the feeling that she belongs to me. When I find out she’s been lying to me and her “boyfriend” isn’t real, all bets are off. It’s time to make her mine.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Workplace Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn

89 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

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.

Connect with Kat online.

www.katbaxterauthor.com

Join her newsletter for FREEBIES & insider details: https://katbaxterauthor.com/newsletter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kat.baxter.1848

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katbaxterau...

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katbaxterau...

Twitter: @KatBaxter9

Baxter Babes (FB Reader’s group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/45568...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kat-b...

Reviews

[Kate V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 stars!

A cute story about missed opportunities that work out in the end. Chelsea starts a new job and meets the CEO which also happens to be the man of her dreams. But she’s warned away from JD, wrongly thinking he’s a player.

JD can’t believe the woman of his every fantasy has walked into his life but she’s unavailable. These two have so much miscommunication…until they don’t.

“Because the only fate is the one you make…”

I enjoyed this sweet story. I do wish these two had settled their misconceptions about each other earlier because we don’t get a whole lot of smut but the way they built their relationship was lovely. And the banter had me laughing. Overall, a short and cute story.

ARC provided for an honest review

[꧁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

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good 3.5 Stars

Safety and Spoilers

Safe. No ow/om drama. I’m pretty sure H was a player before h. I wish I could remember his character in Lone Star Playboy. I wasn’t impressed with his story about ow Brenda and an ex girlfriend mentioned for no reason. h had a reason to be cautious of H and his behaviour before her. There was a lot of miscommunication between them and H really wanted h to see stuff that wasn’t said. h wasn’t a virgin but it had been a bit for her. I’m glad the H was celibate during the three years the h was in his life. H was a little upset h believed gossip about him but if you’re going to be a player you should expect people are going to talk about your exploits.
No abuse or cheating.

[Kate Russo ❦ (Rina Kent’s Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ⭐️

This was so cute and hot omg!! I didn’t love the whole bf lie and how long it went on for also didn’t like how she judged him of being this man whore even after knowing him

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE Kat Baxter’s books! If I see a new one, I don’t even bother reading the synopsis. I know it’s gonna be good.

This one’s one of the best (aren’t they all?). Terrific characters, a fun plot, and steamy spice. It’s a novella, so you get to the “good stuff” in a short time but it’s written so well that you don’t realize you’re reading a novella, until you’re done.

Book one of the Hotties of Saddle Creek, left me smiling and eager for the next one.

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

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and fun read that I really enjoyed as the storyline unfolded. Chelsea has just a new job as a personal assistant to JD who is very sexy but she knows he is a player and so to protect her heart and job she lies and tells him she has a boyfriend and he backs off straight away but tthe attraction is burning hot between them and as they get to know each other Chelsea thinks she has made a big mistake put them inn the friends zone. JD has hired a new personal assistant who is a sexy as sin and he wants to be with her but when she tells him she is taken he backs off but he is crushed and hopes he will get a chance someday but for now they are friends and the closer they get working together it gets harder to stay just friends but JD learns that she lied and first he is mad but now all bets are off and she will be his because he has waited 2yrs but not anymore. How does it all turn out when you make a mistake and lie but wish to have more.

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

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. When Chelsea, the female lead, started work, she spotted a hot guy who was exactly her speed. Then she learned JD, the male lead, was both her boss and a playboy and immediately told the lie that she had a boyfriend.

JD was more than intrigued by Chelsea but never going to poach. Now, three years later, he gives up and moves to his small town home.

When he refuses to engage with Chelsea, she follows him…

This short story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet boss/employee romantic comedy with steam at the end. I empathised with Chelsea’s concerns and understood why she chose to lie to JD. I appreciated JD’s respect for her theoretical existing relationship. I enjoyed the close non-romantic relationship they developed. I was amused by the revelation and the speedy way they sorted themselves out at the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Varney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love work from Kat Baxter. Mister-McStudmuffin did not disappoint. JD and Chelsea are hilarious, festive, and I simply couldn't stop reading - Read in one sitting!! I feel like Charlie and I are the same person with the same humor. We all need a friend like her. I can't wait for the next installment!!!.

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

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

This was a great read. I loved how head over heels JD was for Chelsea but I did feel kind of bad for him. Though, once he found out the truth, I thought it was pretty funny how he treated her that day. Going on the reread shelf.

[effin surrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope..Disgusting manwhore

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

No creo que sea irracional querer un poco de desarrollo y romance en una novela romántica, ¿verdad?

[BookFox · Rating 2 out of 5]

It says it’s the first in the series yet you learn of so many different characters from other series and it’s like you’re supposed to know who they are. I didn’t really feel the connection between the main characters since it took place over 3 years.

[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.

JD and Chelsea met three years ago when she came to work at H & J Funds. JD and Hayes Lone Star Playboy comes and introduces himself to Chelsea right away. Chelsea tells JD that she has a boyfriend but she does not. Chelsea hears rummers about JD around the office and thinks he dates his employees. Two months later JD moves Chelsea into his office so that she can be his assistant and he wants to mentor her while she goes to college. Two years later, Chelsea still tells JD that she has a boyfriend named Mike, but he's never seen him. JD makes a point to tell Chelsea that he's seen all his employees partners expect hers. JD and Chelsea usually stay late at work especially on Friday nights. They know what each other likes and get lost in talking about their favorite movies. When Chelsea finds out she got the highest score on her test JD asks her if she wants to celebrate. As they are drinking JD slips and almost kisses Chelsea. Chelsea finally decides she needs to tell JD that she doesn't have a boyfriend named Mike. When Chelsea gets to the office Monday morning she goes to talk to JD but he asks her if it can wait since he has a big announcement. Chelsea finds out that JD is moving the offices to Saddle Creek, but the main office will still be in Austin and any employee can follow them to Saddle Creek. Two weeks later, Chelsea is trying to get a hold of JD but he won't answer her, so she decides to head to Saddle Creek. While Chelsea is on her way her sister Charlie Hot Shot sends JD messages telling him that her sister is on her way and that she's been lying about a boyfriend. Chelsea doesn't stop along the way to Saddle Creek, when she arrives and heads to knock on JD's door he swings it open. JD kisses Chelsea then tells her they're going to a wedding. Along the way Chelsea asks about the wedding and JD explains it's his friend Dane Whitmore who's marring Shelby Redeem My Heart. JD introduces Chelsea as his girlfriend to everyone he knows. On the way home Chelsea asks JD why he say she was his girlfriend, but he asks her to wait to have this talk. They are soaked from the rain when they get inside JD's home, so they change. When Chelsea asks JD why he tells her it was their alternate timeline. JD tells Chelsea that he doesn't want to pretend anymore he wants her if she wouldn't be with Mike. Chelsea tells him there was no Mike all along, she didn't want to be the one girl who dated the boss. JD confesses that he knew because Chelsea's sister messaged him before she arrived. Chelsea tells him she loves him and has for three years. JD tells Chelsea that he loves her too and has for three years. JD pleasures Chelsea then they make love. Chelsea gets together with some of the woman of Saddle Creek and finds out the original story behind the Hotties of Saddle Creek from Madison Lone Star Sheriff.

[Hey Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say whaaaaaaaaaa?! I'm rounding up this novella to a five star?! Whaaaaaaaa? 😂😂😂

If I reread this years from now, it might hit different, but this was a fun cute read that I took breaks from because I didn't want it to end 😭😭😭😂❤

h has a new job and has a type. The law and order svu Elliot stabler type and in walks her new company owner/ CEO who looks exactly like him 😂 she's told by the HR lady that he's hot but h should stay away because he's a man whore and player and someone got fired previously who went out with him. so the first thing she says to him when she introduces herself is "I have a boyfriend" 😂��😂💩 Said boyfriend is a literal dog. With four legs and a waggy tail. 🐕🐕 she gives the name of her dog Michael.

Guys, Stabler Version 2.0 (can't remember his name 😂) stops dating anybody for three years that she works foe him, moves her desk into her office, buys her coffees depending on her menstrual cycle and is PINING for this girl. I don't get to see much pining from the guy and I prefer THIS to the girl pining for the guy you know?! My grandma told me you always want the guy obsessed over the girl in a relationship and she's so so right......

Anyway, he's jealous as duck over Michael (woof!) And even asks her three years later how come he's never met the guy when he's met everyone else's significant others. But she tells him he's on a work trip or other excuses.

I like the whole "no fate" thing the author weaved in there from the terminator movies because those were great movies RIGHT!?

And the sexxual healing doesn't commence until about 60% or so but I didn't mind nd it because his angst feels so good 😂😂


Anyway, I loved this authors book Zane? Zack? The tattoo guy and he has a bit of a cameo since he did Stabbed version 2.0s tattoo. Ill have to read more of her books when I'm in the short novella mood! She's up there with Alexa Riley and Lucy darling for me!

Solid read. This time, the four, five star arc ratings didnt fail me 😂😂 im Not an arc reader but I don't bullshit 😏😏😈

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her boyfriend is a real dog... 

Chelsea has always had a thing for Elliot Stabler on the TV program "Law & Order: SVU." The somewhat grumpy man with the shaved, almost bald head, the growly voice, and the mostly hidden tattoos. He's her ideal man. Too bad men like him aren't found in the real world. She'd certainly be interested in meeting someone like that. 

It's her first day working at H & J Funds, and a woman from HR is giving her the office tour. Suddenly she spots two hotties, and one is an Elliot lookalike. The woman tells her the men are Hayes and JD, the company CEOs. She warns her that although they are gorgeous, both men are players. Then she tells Chelsea the story she heard when she was hired about a woman who had worked there and slept with JD. A month later, the woman was fired. Message received! Chelsea had hired on with this company for a specific benefit. She's working towards her MBA, and after six months the company will pay 100% of her tuition. She's not going to jeopardize her degree. 

When she's introduced to the men, the first thing out of her mouth is, "I have a boyfriend." 

JD was instantly attracted to her and wasn't happy to learn about her boyfriend. After two months, he decides to become her mentor, and he makes her his personal assistant. He even decides to place her desk in his office after all, the room where Helen, the woman who's been the PA for both Hayes and him, isn't very large. 

JD realizes that Chelsea is the perfect woman for him. She's smart, hard-working, and even loves the "Terminator" movies as much as he does, and she has the tattoo to prove it. 

Over the next two years she often talks about Mike, the non-existent boyfriend who travels a lot with his job, not Mike, her Labradoodle. Finally, JD realizes she's never going to be available, so he makes a decision. Too bad he had rotten timing...

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

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished Mr. McStudmuffin by Kat Baxter, and I have to say, it was a delightful experience that kept me hooked from start to finish! The story revolves around Chelsea, who, three years ago, told a little white lie to her boss, claiming she had a boyfriend. At first, it seemed harmless, but as the story unfolds, I found myself wondering how this fib had shaped her life and career.

Chelsea is such a relatable character. I could easily empathize with her situation—who hasn’t told a small lie that spiraled out of control? Her struggle with the consequences of her untruth made me root for her as she navigated her feelings for JD, her boss. Speaking of JD, he’s the perfect mix of charming and conflicted. His internal battle between wanting Chelsea and adhering to workplace boundaries added an intriguing layer to the story.

The tension between Chelsea and JD is palpable! Once JD discovers that Chelsea's "boyfriend" is just a figment of her imagination, everything changes. Their chemistry is electric, and I found myself eagerly anticipating each interaction between them. The way their relationship evolves from professional to personal is both sweet and steamy.

Kat Baxter’s writing style is engaging and witty. The dialogue flows effortlessly, filled with humor that lightens the more serious moments. I appreciated how she balanced light-hearted banter with deeper emotional themes, making the story feel well-rounded.

Overall, Mr. McStudmuffin is a charming read that combines humor, romance, and personal growth in a way that feels authentic. I loved going on this journey with Chelsea and JD as they navigated their feelings and the complications of their lives. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that will leave you smiling, I highly recommend giving this book a try!

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reviewing a reader copy of this book.

Chelsea could not believe that she had scored the job that she wanted and then when she caught sight of the CEO things just got even better she was working for JD, who looks just like the one man that she has crush on, never mind that he is a fictional character on her favourite show, but she knows that there is no way that he would look at her the way she wants and her world s crushed when she is warned of his player tendencies by one of her colleagues. Deciding that there is no way that she is getting mixed up in any drama and announces that she has a boyfriend. But its three years later and her heart wants JD, will she risk her heart finally and tell JD the truth or has she missed her chance at love?

JD knew that Chelsea was the one woman that was meant to be his and the worst part is that she s his new personal assistant and has a boyfriend. He knew that there was nothing that could happen between them from that point on, but over the past few years that she has worked for him he has never met this man, nor has he ever seen any evidence of this man who is meant to care for her. He would break all the rules if she would notice him or want him, he falls in love every day that she in his office and can’t take any more alone time working when all he can think of is a life with her. Things are becoming too hard for him to hide how he truly feels and decides it’s time for him to move on and return to his hometown, but will he confess his feelings to Chelsea before he walks away or leave without his true heart?

I happen to love the way this author writes and although I am quite new to her work I highly recommend her work, they are smutty and fun to read and enough or a quick read and a fall in to escapism before bed. 4.2* Read.

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

Mister McStudmuffin is Book 1 of The Hotties of Saddle Creek. It's a short and steamy, instalove with a slow-burn timeline, OTT, friends-to-lovers, curvy girl gets her boss office romance. Chelsea is a smart, sweet, and sassy curvy girl. JD is the very hot CEO of the company she just got a job with. She is warned on day one that he has a player reputation and to stay away. The two are instantly attracted to each other, but she awkwardly blurts out she has a boyfriend, Mike, who is really just her dog. JD is head over heels and moves her into his office as his personal assistant to help her with her MBA and hopefully get close to her. For three years, this charade goes on as they become close. He resembles her dream crush, and they are both terminator junkies. Could they be any more perfect for each other?? Until he can't take it anymore, thinking Mike is getting his happily ever after. Will he get the girl, or has he given up? It's a Kat Baxter story, so of course he will get the girl after a bit of angst. The chemistry was so hot, and the ending was so happy. JD is totally a new book boyfriend. Talk about a hottie McHottie pants!!! He is just a big old teddy bear for his woman. And I loved seeing all my old friends in Saddle Creek. Kat has created another masterpiece. I loved it so much. I so hope Brendan gets a book too now that we have gotten books for both of his sisters!.

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, every book set in Saddle Creek, TX is awesome. I love them all and this one didn’t disappoint, either. Chelsea is hilarious with her thing for Elliot Stabler of Law & Order: SVU. I always liked him, but I prefer him when he was Casey Jones in the OG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies. She gets a job at H & J Funds and she is in trouble because one of the CEOs, JD Granger is like Elliot Stabler. I laughed myself silly. The other is Hayes Crawford, who is already married. Chelsea is the younger sister of Charlie (who is with Max the hockey player). They have a brother Brendan, and the group chat is hilarious. I feel a tiny bit bad for Brendan. A tiny bit. lol. JD finally admits to Hayes that he has the hots for Chelsea and he is cranky. Meeting the guys who Madison coined “Hotties of Saddle Creek” was awesome. I still can’t believe what Chelsea did regarding a boyfriend. lol. Things go a bit crazy and then Chelsea and JD finally talk and fix all of the misunderstandings. Charlie is a good big sister. Finding out what JD stands for had me grinning and then what Chelsea turns it into had me giggling so hard and bouncing on the bed, that I almost fell out of it, plus I needed to put the AC on because boy did it get steamy! I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read about the other hotties- Jude and Donovan.

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

[Beverly Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea is adorkable and funny with her word vomit. After hearing a story on her first day of work at H & J Funds about a previous employee being fired after sleeping with her new supposed man-whore boss, JD Granger, she blurts out to him that she has a boyfriend. The non-existent boyfriend, Mike, is actually her labradoodle.

JD is instantly gone for Chelsea, even moving her into his office to be her mentor, pining away while he waits for her to dump “Mike”. Chelsea carries on with this lie for 3 years, while she and JD dance around their attraction to each other while bonding over their shared love of The Terminator movies. Meanwhile, he gives no indication he is an actual player but maybe he’s just discreet? Just as she’s about to come clean, JD decides he can’t take it anymore and moves back to Saddle Creek to work from there.

There’s some seriously funny and sweet Terminator references with these two die hard fans. It’s little bit of a slow burn (as much as can be for a novella) as their story takes place over 3 years. And I have been waiting what seems like foreveeeer for JD’s story but it is so worth the wait. Loved the cameos from the Crawfords and other Saddle Creek residents! And that bedroom seen is 🔥🔥🔥🔥.

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

[Suelen · Rating 4 out of 5]

JD e Chelsea

Há tempos eu aguardava o lançamento do livro do JD, principalmente depois de saber que a mocinha dele seria a sua assistente Chelsea. Minhas expectativas estavam lá em cima, mas, apesar de ter achado o livro muito bom, a mentira que a Chelsea manteve por 3 anos me incomodou demais. Eles perderam muito tempo por causa disso. De início, até entendi o porquê dela inventar um namorado. Mas manter essa farsa por 3 anos, principalmente depois de virar amiga de JD, foi algo que não me desceu muito bem.

Achei o começo um pouco maçante e chatinho, com esse plot que, sinceramente, não me agradou. Além disso, ainda precisei ler várias vezes que ele dormiu com uma funcionária tempos atrás (sim, eu sei que ele tem um passado, mas não queria ser lembrada dele a todo momento). Já estava fechando a nota do livro em 3 estrelas, mas depois que JD descobriu a verdade, as coisas ficaram muito melhores. Eu amei demais a interação dos dois depois disso (o que só me fez ficar mais triste pelo tempo desperdiçado). Aí aumentei a nota em mais uma estrelinha. Quem dera o livro todo fosse mais como foi a reta final! Teria conquistado as minhas 5 estrelas, com certeza.

A história começou meio mais ou menos pra mim, mas o final foi mara e compensou um pouco o começo desconfortável. Valeu a leitura e mal posso esperar para ler os próximos livros da série!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Fate

Mr. McStudmuffin is the first book in The Hotties of Saddle Creek series. I loved this book...it is funny, sweet, captivating, exciting and very smexy hot. The story of Chelsea Ward and JD Granger takes place over three years in this simmering passion romance. She has been hired as an new analyst with H & J Funds, an Austin, Texas based investment company. They are the best employer in the area and for Chelsea she is able to get her MBA school fees paid for after she works there for six months. When JD sees Chelsea from across the room on her first day of work all he knows is that she is meant to be his. But Chelsea is warned off both JD and his partner Hayes Crawford by the head of HR, as they are players with reputations. So even though Chelsea's panties literally melt off she knows he is forbidden. When they meet she blurts out she has a boyfriend to ensure she is not available. This may be a lie but it does work even as JD moves her into his office and make her his assistant, just to mentor her that is. Three years later and Chelsea is still with "Mark", her boyfriend, and JD is about to make a drastic decision to help him move on, even as Chelsea is about to tell the truth. One meddling sister later and things take an interesting turn for these two.
I loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the Hotties stories.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

How long does it take to realize that the guy you've been crushing on isn’t the notorious playboy everyone thinks he is? Apparently, three years! When Chelsea fibbed and told her boss she had a boyfriend, it seemed like a good idea at the time to keep things professional. But now, years later, she's tangled in her own web of lies, and figuring out how to confess the truth to JD is a whole new challenge. Honestly, while I found some of Chelsea's drama a bit over the top, I loved how JD was the perfect gentleman—respecting her boundaries and letting their relationship develop naturally. The fact that they bonded over their shared love of Terminator was a cute touch! And JD’s subtle, thoughtful gestures to show Chelsea how much he cared were heartwarming. The way he incorporated all those little moments into their story when introducing her as his girlfriend at his friend’s wedding was absolutely swoon-worthy! As always, Kat knows how to deliver the charm in a light, feel-good romance. If you're in the mood for a quick, delightful read, this one’s for you!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mister McStudmuffin is the first book in Kat Baxter's new series, The Hotties of Saddle Creek. This is a contemporary romance and if you've read some of Baxter's other romances, you may recognise some of the background characters since this is not our first foray into the world of Saddle Creek.

The book starts off in the big, bad "city", where Chelsea has been working for JD for a few years now. The thing is, Chelsea had blurted out that she had a boyfriend on her first day at work and has since kept up the ruse. The problem is, the chemistry and the attraction between the couple is hot. But JD isn't about to go after his assistant, breaking up a happy relationship, no matter how much he may love her.

Changes in the working situation, the magic of a small town and a meddling sister work to create the perform storm that brings these two together. This was just an altogether sweet, swoony and spicy read.

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary friends-to-lovers romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are alpha, plus size, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with Mister McStudmuffin, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, steamy rom com that is hilarious and will leave readers laughing so hard they have tears in their eyes, forced proximity, un-requited , love, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, Chelsea and JD's story, told a lie that was an insignificant untruth, that takes on a life of its own, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with Mister McStudmuffin and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly humorous and unforgettable.

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

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear these books keep getting better and better! JD, the MMC and one of the bosses, is an Elliott Stabler (Law & Order SVU) ringer and catnip to Chelsea, the new employee. Except she’s warned off him on her first day so she invents a boyfriend to keep him at arm’s length.

Three years JD has loved Chelsea, hoping she would choose him over her absent and uncaring boyfriend but now he can’t take it anymore and moves back to his hometown. On the day he announced his departure, Chelsea had decided to confess the boyfriend was a lie but he hadn’t given her the chance. Now it looks like she’s going to have to track him down just to resign since he won’t respond, she just can’t stay knowing she had messed up so badly.

This was an awesome book! It was sort of a slow burn but, since it was only a little over 80 pages, can it REALLY be classified as a slow burn? Anyway, I loved it, and I ESPECIALLY loved the ending 🥰; I think other readers will too. 5 stars!!.

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

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pining away for each other.

A girl does what she has to do to protect her heart and career, right? Yeah, not so much in Chelsea’s case. One little white lie to keep a player at bay leads to three years of unrequited love and physical ache.

Or does it? Turns out her boss JD, the aptly named Mr McStudmuffin, is no player. JD is equally smitten but it turns out that all it takes to $&@!?block a guy is the tiniest of white lies.

What ensues is longing and frustration between these two so deliciously written by Kat, with her signature hilarity, heat, and an amazing cast of supporting characters. I love a good slow-burn romance and now I know it can be done in less than 100 pages! Don’t worry, the smexy times are well worth the short wait. Three years of unrequited lust and love does tend to make the sheets catch fire!

I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the Hotties in this series and visiting with other couples in Kat’s Saddle Creek world. They are like old friends at this point and it sure is lovely to read them again.

🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️ from me!

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

MBA student and admin assistant Chelsea is wildly attracted to her boss JD, but has a short circuit when she hears he’s a player and blurts out that she has a boyfriend named Mike. Mike exists, but he’s her labradoodle. Chelsea maintains the pretense for three years while she worked beside JD daily.

JD has been infatuated with Chelsea since the moment he laid eyes on her but professionalism and not wanting to interfere in her (fake) relationship, he’s never acted upon it. At wit’s end, JD decides to follow his business partner back to their hometown so he doesn’t have to work alongside the temptation that is Chelsea.

Devastated when JD announces his move, will Chelsea ever come clean about who Mike actually is? Or is it too late?

This was a short, cute read with the intimate bits occurring late in the novella.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Angela Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many feelings about this book and it was fabulous. What happens when you tell one little white lie and then it gets out of hand? I loved JD. Even though he is madly in love with Chelsea he doesn’t act on it as he is honorable and she says she has a boyfriend. But boy does he show her in so many ways that he cares for her.
I do understand why Chelsea first lied and how one little one can get out of control, but at times it was frustrating and heartbreaking watching her stand behind this lie in order not to get hurt.
When the secret is finally revealed I actually like how JD reacted, and I honestly teared up a bit as he talked about how he felt these last three years. It was beautiful, steamy and while not as lighthearted as other Kat Baxter books it was still a quick easy read that I finished in just a few hours. Definitely recommend.
I did receive an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

[tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,6
Kat te amo.
Encontré el archivo como en un lugar muuuuy olvidado de mi celular, y la verdad QUE SUERTE QUE LO GUARDÉ y no lo borré sin querer, sino me hubiera perdido de esta genialidad.
Me encanta la tensión, es algo que amo de Kat Baxter, y reconozco que ella sabe escribir/ desarrollar esas escenas.
Después que él se sienta mal por no poder estar con ella y la chabona tipo mintiéndome con que sale con el perro, es trágico, pero gracioso bue.

Hay un situación que me parece que está buena y es mujeres escribiendo conversaciones de varones, es muy gracioso.

Una cuestión que me quedó resonando y que no me gustó como está explicada fue que ella dijera que habían tatuajes que no le quedaban bien a una mina, hermana lamento decirte que eso es porque son paki. Todo habría quedado mejor si ella simplemente decía que "no le hubiera gustado hacerse un tatuaje de ese estilo". Hubiera quedado mejor que hablara desde ella, porque sino hay una generalización que no está buena.