Stranded at The Storyteller's Cottage

by Brooke Burton

When Morgan hears about the Storyteller's Cottage and its legendary ability to spark love between guests, she books a stay in the hope it'll ignite a fire between her and the guy she's seeing. But when he breaks up with her at the last minute, leaving her stranded and alone with a snowstorm on the way, it leaves Morgan little choice but to hunker down and make the best of a bad situation.

Newly out of the Navy, Gavin's determined to find a security job to support his younger siblings. But on the drive home from his latest job interview, he skids off the road in the blizzard. Knowing he has to find shelter or freeze to death, he barely remembers finding the tiny cottage in the woods and stumbling through the door...but he sure remembers falling right into Morgan's arms.

Forced to share the small space together, they grow close as she nurses him back to health. However, when disaster strikes the cottage, it's up to Gavin to return the favor and keep her safe. As the storm rages on, he realizes that he doesn't want to step out of this cottage without Morgan in his life. They may have only been together for a couple short nights, but there's no question he's fallen for her, and he wants a future with her in it.

When their stay comes to an abrupt end, Gavin and Morgan are determined to see where their relationship goes. But when he loses his phone, and any possible way to contact her, he knows he must do whatever it takes to find her again...

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Brooke writes closed-door, mildly sweary contemporary romance. A tortured artist who began writing plays in the 3rd grade, she lost her muse as a teen and struggled for years to write again. Finally, after being inspired by some old friends during the pandemic, her writing came to fruition again in what became her first published novel.

Inspired by strong women who have very little tolerance for bull, she enjoys exploring equality in relationships with broken characters who clearly have made past mistakes. Don't we all?

Reviews

[Tammy - · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, but I love books that give off that feel, and this one is definitely movie making material.

Morgan's life seems a bit stagnant. Her career is not progressing as she'd hoped and her current relationship leaves a lot to be desired. When she hears about the Storyteller's Cottage and it's supposed ability to spark true love, she books a getaway for her and her boyfriend only to have him stand her up. To make matters worse, a snowstorm is about to leave her stranded at the cottage all alone. Then, a stranger stumbles upon her doorway. Gavin is fresh out of the Navy and is looking for a job to support his younger siblings when he wrecks his car in a snowstorm. When he finds himself seeking shelter at a small cottage, he never expects to meet Morgan. She nurses him back to health and works her way into his heart as well.

If you're looking for a clean holiday romance book to cuddle up with under the tree this year, then this is it. Although I've read more than my fair share of "snowed in" love stories, I still found this one to be original and heartwarming. It's a lighter read with all of the magic of the season, and it's definitely worth adding to your holiday TBR.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo cute. I devoured this in one sitting! It's like a really GOOD cliche hallmark movie. The ending was the perfect rom com.

Romance is about a 3 spice level. They do make out, but the scene isn't In strong detail. Mostly hugs and kisses. Made for a really relaxing story.

[Isla Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute, snowed-in story with a fun twist on damsel in distress—dude in distress!
I loved how self-sufficient Morgan was (even when she was down on herself). She knew what to do when Gavin turned up in need of help and even as their budding friendship turned to more she was ready to move forward.

My only wish was that Gavin had a bit more to love about him than being very attractive and enjoying her taking care of him. Yes, eventually we get a backstory for him that is heart-string tugging, but I wanted Morgan to be a little less superficial as I didn't think she started out that way.

Overall this was a fun, quick read perfect for the cozy season! You'll want to cuddle up in front of the fire with this one! Are there open bookings at Storyteller's Cottage? Asking for a friend of course ;)

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet forced proximity romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ---- “Any man worth his salt is going to grab ahold of you and never let go,” ---- “Morgan, you need to stop fooling around with these boys who give you half of themselves and think you owe them the world. You need to find a real man who will move heaven and earth for you.” ---- "Honestly, I’m trying to convince myself that I probably would be happier as an old cat lady anyway.” ---- “You seriously think Die Hard is a Christmas movie?” ---- "I’m having more fun with you than I ever would with the guy who was supposed to be here.” ---- “It’s always best to eat dessert first.” ---- “You didn’t have to go through all the theatrics, I think you know I’m a sure thing.” ----
What's up with Devon? Will Devon get what he deserves? Will Morgan quit her job? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Morgan and Gavin's story and I'm sure you will too. This is the first book I've read of her's, but it definitely won't be the last one I read. I can't wait to read her next book.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranded at the Storyteller's Cottage is a warm "she saves the guy" story and watching the friendship build to love was my favorite part. Our poor heroine was dumped in a text message by a guy she really didn't like that much. Work was a misery because she did it all for an undeserving jerk. And then HE stumbles in. Snow strands them in a remote location and they took it from there. This was my first Brooke story and I really liked it. Easy read and I couldn't put it down.

[Carol Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed me from the very beginning. Mainly because I am much like the female character. I have found nothing but the worst men that I have had relationships with.Unfortunately I have yet to find a good one at age 68. This story is sweet, original, and had me rooting for the characters. The characters are very real, warm, lovable and compassionate;and mature. They feel like old souls to me. All in all a great read! I recommend this book to everyone; especially to romance lovers!!!

[Josephine Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the perfect companion for a cold winter’s day—or any day when you’re craving a feel-good read. It’s unusual to have a close proximity trope with characters that hit it off from the start, without the hiccups and the tension, but the author makes it work. With the role reversal of the male character needing to be rescued and cared for, for a change, I was hooked from the start. A great start to a cozy and romantic winter series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet little story. Morgan, the FMC has a predictably lame boyfriend/person she’s dating who dumps her via text. Jerk. Then as she settles in for a cozy and warm pity session, Gavin is there in need of rescue. They hit it off and the magic of this cottage surrounds them. Serendipity brings them together for a really lovely HEA. A great start to the series!

[Rebecca Chaffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, feel-good, quick read. Imagine being snowed in at a cozy country cabin when a handsome stranger shows up almost frozen to death. Legend has it that the cabin can make love blossom, but will it this time? Read it to find out!!!

[Bubby D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet
Entertaining
Believable
Read straight through
The cottage works its magic
But then it's a game of lost and found
HEA
Received an ARC

[Hazel Leu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story, closed door romance with a wintery and cozy vibe! Loved these characters, can't wait for book 2!

[Gayane♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story to put you in the holiday magic. 💚❤️ Literally a hallmark movie but in a book form.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute short read! 3rd person pov (which is the only reason it took me so long to finish)

Loved the Hallmark Christmas movie vibes. Loving the series, can’t wait to continue.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is not what she had hoped for. A string of Mr. Wrongs and a toxic job environment. In the hopes of improving the connection with her boyfriend she books a holiday away. Could the legend help them? Unfortunately her plans don't go off the way she planned.
He's trying to get home to his siblings despite the weather. When he finds himself stranded things aren't looking good. How does she react when he shows up at her door? Will they survive the storm? Could this be another story to add to the legend or just a memory? Other than some cursing this is a clean story.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.