Buttercream and Second Beginnings: A Short Romance

by C.K. Darling

She’s almost got the recipe for success, but love might be the missing ingredient.
Life is sweet for Callie a booming bakery, amazing friends, and her first love safely in the past far away. Until Macon Everette rolls back into Peachwood Grove with an adorable daughter and a body-by-gym, and Callie's world starts to crumble faster than day-old scones.

Suddenly, Callie's mixing more than just batter as she and Macon rediscover a connection hotter than her ovens. But with their painful past of him leaving and her staying behind, can they build a future now? Can they find the perfect recipe for love? Can Callie trust herself to give her heart to him one more time?

Get ready for a sweet and steamy ride through small-town Georgia, where second chances are served up with a whole lot of heart. 'Buttercream and Second Beginnings' is a short romance and the perfect treat for readers craving a romance that's equal parts sugar, spice, and everything nice.


This book is perfect for readers who chance romanceSmall-town Southern charmSingle dad romanceHigh school sweethearts reunitedSteamy contemporary romanceQuick, satisfying reads (under 2 hours)Stories with a close-knit group of friendsBooks that blend humor with heart.
Pre-order now and fall in love with Peachwood Grove in January 2025!

Content This book contains steamy scenes and is intended for mature audiences 18+.

Genres: Audiobook, Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Novella, Small Town Romance

91 pages, ebook

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

C.K. Darling writes bite-sized romances with big heart, plenty of heat, and a whole lotta Southern sass. Her spicy short stories—each clocking in around two hours—are perfect for readers and audiobook lovers who want all the swoon without the slog. Set in the small (but never dull) town of Peachwood Grove, Georgia, C.K.’s romances can be enjoyed as standalones or gobbled up in a bingeable series—like your favorite potato chips… you can’t read just one.

Whether you're craving a second-chance love, enemies turned sweethearts, or a grumpy hero who melts like buttercream, she’s got just the treat. These stories are also the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads—quick, satisfying, and sure to leave you smiling (and maybe a little flushed).

Up next? The Holiday Matchmaker Series—three festive love stories guaranteed to jingle your bells—launching November 7, 2025. So go ahead, get cozy, grab a snack (or a whole charcuterie board), and fall in love one short story at a time. When she’s not spinning steamy small-town tales, C.K. is sipping sweet tea, crafting up a glitter tornado, or wrangling pets and plot twists in equal measure.

Reviews

[Shelby Willeford · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read!

Cute dual POV second chance romance starring high school sweethearts Callie and Macon. Set in a small town in Georgia, Callie is the owner of a bakery/bookstore with her three best friends. Macon, her high school boyfriend, finds himself coming back home after several years to help out with family and just so happens to bring along a surprise.

This short story was cute and a quick read. A little spice but not overwhelming.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an e-ARC of the book, in exchange for an honest review *

Honestly, I enjoyed reading this short story very much. It is a sweet, clean and delightful read.
I liked how the character's been shaped and how, even after all those years apart they still managed to give themselves another chance.

If you are looking for a short romance then look no further, because this book right here, will make your heart swoon.

Buttercream and Second Beginnings is the first book in the Sweetheart Scones and Stories series, and tells the story of Caliope Jones and Macon Everete. A story that will melt your heart.


Callie is a beautiful, independent and charismatic young woman, who owns and runs her late grandma's bakery with her bestfriends - Nic, Izzie and Brittany. Even though she is successful with the bakery/bookstore, her love life is not so...successful. Her heart is still broken, but....a big surprise is about to come her way.

Macon is also successful but outside of Peachwood Grove. He can't wait to come in his hometown and make things right.

Looking forward to the next book in this lovely series.

*NOTE FOR THE AUTHOR *

You, my darling, are writing really beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. ♡♡♡

[Tara Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macon Everette broke Callie's heart several years ago when he left for college and let their relationship fade into nothing. When he comes back into town years later, he shows up with a daughter and lets Callie know he's moving back and wants to rekindle what they had years ago. Macon lets Callie know he's there to stay and is willing to fight to show her that he's there to stay and prove to her that they can be a family.

This sweet story is very short and a quick read. Although it was short and to the point, I did feel like the story was complete and not lacking any important information to help complete their story. Being the reader that I am, I do wish it was longer had more details about their past together and their time apart. However, I enjoyed the book all around.

If you're into sweet, short, happily ever after books, Buttercream and Second Beginnings is the book you're looking for!

-Single Dad
-Second chance
-Small town
-"It's always been you"

Big thanks to the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion and review!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Callie and Macon’s story was short and sweet. It moves quickly and is a little cheesy. It could easily have been a good full length novel with more character and story development. Their rekindling is fast paced and a little unrealistic when it comes to their I Love You’s. However, I will say I love Poppy! She is a perfect representation of a 7 year old with no filter.
I would love to see a fleshed out, full length novel from this author!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, short and creamy second chance. Lovers, that is wonderful.I really enjoyed it.

[Elena Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a sweet short Romance ♥️🤭 it was so cute. The author is also amazing 🤩 what a fun, quick read and the characters are so easy to love.

[Britni Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was one of the cutest little reads I have read in a while. I normally don't read books with kids in them, but I absolutely adored Poppy in this book and how she was so open and welcoming of Callie being with Macon. It was cute.


The whole second chance, Macon coming back to his small home town after going away for college and having a child with another woman. There is definitely some drama to this spicy little shooter.


I love that Callie owns a bakery-bookstore, and the scene with the frosting 😉


I like that while you are focused on the main characters, there are also side characters that you get familiar with for future books in the series. I cannot wait to read the next one and find out about Brittany.


5 stars all around. It was cute, it was sweet, it was spicy and it was the perfect Sunday morning read with some coffee and a nice cool breeze blowing through the house.


Thank you again to High Gravity Productions for sending me an ALC.

[Michelle Marinello · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 🧁

𝙱𝚞𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜
𝙱𝚢: 𝙲.𝙺. 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐
𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙹𝚊𝚗𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝟷𝟺, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻 - 𝙾𝚄𝚃 𝙽𝙾𝚆!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 𝟻

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛:
She’s almost got the recipe for success, but love might be the missing ingredient. Life is sweet for Callie, a booming bakery, amazing friends, and her first love safely the past far away. Until Macon Everette rolls back into Peachwood Grove with an adorable daughter and a body-by-gym, and Callie’s world starts to crumble faster than day old scones.

Suddenly, Callie’s mixing more than just batter as she and Macon rediscover a connection hotter than her ovens. But with their painful past of him leaving and her staying behind, can they build a future now? Can they find the perfect recipe for love? Can Callie trust herself to give her heart to him one more time?

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This was such a cute, short, sweet second chance romance. With sugar, spice, and everything nice and a whole lot of chemistry. It definitely made my heart melt and left a smile on my face. This is the first in the series and I’m looking forward to reading the other books to come.

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 @ckdarlingauthor & @greyspromo 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑨𝑹𝑪 ❤️

#SmallTownLove #QuickRomanceRead #SecondChanceRomance #SingleDadRomance #ChildhoodSweethearts #friendstolovers #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookishpost #booksta #bookcommunity #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #booksaremagic #booklovers #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks

[Alicia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

****ALC****

Thanks to CK Darling and her team for selecting me for this ARC. And a HUGE!!! thank you to CK Darling herself for writing this amazing book. THANK YOU!!! 💗💗💗

Macon and Callie.

These two were so freaking adorable. I love how no matter what, no time or distance, could keep them apart. I wanted to slap him a bit because how dear you not stay with Callie and work things out? But I get it. He was selfless in what he did. He didn't want to bring anybody else in the situation he gotten himself in. But Poppy was just a breath of fresh air and one of the reasons that they were drawn back to each other so quickly if you ask me. I love how she just spoke without thinking and saying ALL the right things. To me it was like no time passed because they just fell right into things again. You could feel the love coming from the narrators. This is the only book I hadn't read yet and I'm happy I got to listen to it. I can't wait for the other audiobooks.

Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. I mean I love Peachwood Grove; I wanna live there, I love Sweetheart Scones and Stories; I want to work there and eat all the yummy bakings and join the book club and I love these friend groups; I want to be apart of that girl gang and meet the love of my life who will also become friends with their guys. This whole series is a vibe and literally the vibe I'm always looking for. The narrators did an AMAZING job bringing to life Macon and Callie and I seriously cannot wait until they bring to life the other girls and guys.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC review for Buttercream and Second Beginnings

Thanks to C.K. and High Gravity Productions for the ALC opportunity!

Featured tropes: second chance, single parent, small town romance, adult MCs, he falls first (again),

Trigger warnings: this is a pretty quick and sugary sweet read so nothing really stood out as a trigger

Review: 3.5/5

This book has been out for a while so I'm going to skip my usual likes/dislike bullets and just summarize quickly here. This is a great, quick read for a summer's day. I listened on audio and it clocks in a little over two hours. I legit knocked it out during laundry shifts one Sunday. Definitely light on the spice for those who enjoy the smut and obviously our story moves quickly given its novella limits. I don't feel like we got to know either character very well but, again, some limitations are to be expected given it being a novella. Poppy was easily my favorite. There's just something about a precocious kid that gets me every time.

The narration:
This was my first listen with Andi and Ryan although I have followed Andi on IG for quite some time. I was excited to get my first audio from her under my belt and I think she and Ryan both did great. They're narrating the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to listening.

If you want something sugary sweet for a quick dopamine hit, this is probably a safe place to land.

[Nisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ooooooh baby this one is a DUET 😍 You already know I was READY to be fed. And fed I was 😆 The southern charm?? Immaculate. The accents?? Delicious. The bakery vibes + small-town tea?? Chef’s kiss. We’ve got single dad energy, hometown romance, and a main character (Callie 🥹) that just gets it—like, she’s an overthinker girlie with a big heart and sass to spare 😂

Y’all… the way the history between Callie and her high school sweetheart Macon unfolds??? Oof. It’s giving bittersweet, nostalgic, I-never-got-over-you realness 😩 But WAIT—his seven-year-old daughter?? Absolute scene stealer. Her name is Poppy and she is the moment. I was lowkey more invested in her matchmaking antics than anything else 😂 Like, let this 7-year-old run the whole town she’s got it handled.

The romance is soft but flirty, and the tension builds in such a satisfying way (IYKYK with that kitchen scene 😝). I really appreciated the little details—chapter subtitles, thoughtful callbacks, and subtle spice that didn’t overpower the sweet moments 🥰

Also. The voicemail. The flowers. The memories. THE GROVEL. The way this man had to prove himself after all these years?? YES SIR. Earn it. And he did 😏

It’s giving “you were always home,” it’s giving “for the daughter, for the bakery, for the love,” it’s giving southern second-chance swoon 😭

Final thoughts? This book was warm, light, and left me smiling (and craving cupcakes tbh). The narration was so good and Poppy (age 7, our tiny queen 👑) is my new fictional BFF. Would 100% read her spinoff if we get one 👀💅

3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Perfect for a weekend feel-good read with just a pinch of spice and a whole lot of heart ❤️

[BookishLatinaJenn (Jennifer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buttercream and Second Beginnings by C.K. Darling is as warm and cozy as a cinnamon roll fresh from the oven, soft, gooey, and just sweet enough to make your heart sigh. Set in Peachwood Grove, this second-chance romance blends Southern charm, witty banter, and enough emotional frosting to keep you smiling until the very last crumb.

Narrated in duet style by the ever-fabulous Andi Eloise and the sinfully growly Ryan Lee Dunlap, this ALC hits all the right notes. Andi brings Callie to life with a voice that’s equal parts sass, sunshine, and sarcasm. You can practically hear the eye rolls, the stubbornness, and the love she pours into every cupcake. Ryan, on the other hand, was born to voice Macon, he's commanding yet tender, gruff but with that unmistakable single-dad soulfulness. He makes dad energy hot. That’s a rare skill.

When Macon rolls back into town with his impossibly adorable daughter Poppy, Callie’s carefully frosted life starts melting fast. Their chemistry simmers from the start, but it’s the little moments: nostalgic bakery smells and tender conversations that really hit. Sure, the story moves at the speed of a mixer on high, but in a novella like this, the fast pacing feels like a charming dash of insta-love meets high school sweetheart history.

This bite-sized treat is full of fun tropes:
-Second chances with first loves
-Small town bakery vibes
-High school sweethearts finding their way back
-Single dad tenderness
-Close-knit friendships

A delicious, low-angst listen that’s big on heart and Southern sweetness. Big thanks to High Gravity Productions and C.K. Darling for the advance listen—I’ll definitely be coming back for seconds.

[Belinda Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Pen Pal PR for the gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

**Narrated by: Andi Eloise & Ryan Lee Dunlap**

*Buttercream and Second Beginnings* by CK Darling is a sweet, cozy second-chance romance that whisks listeners away to a charming small-town bakery full of warmth, sugar, and fresh starts. It’s the kind of story that feels like curling up with a cupcake and a soft blanket.

Narrators Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap add an extra layer of charm to the experience with their gentle Southern accents, which suit the setting perfectly. Eloise gives Callie a warm, approachable voice that fits her role as the hometown baker with a guarded heart, while Dunlap brings Macon to life with a steady, sincere tone that highlights both his role as a devoted single dad and the man still carrying a torch for his first love. Their accents aren’t overdone—they feel natural and add to the small-town authenticity without distracting from the narrative.

The only real drawback is the pacing. The short story format means things move quickly—perhaps too quickly. Macon and Callie’s reconnection happens almost immediately, and while their chemistry is clear, there’s not much room for emotional development or buildup. It’s a whirlwind reunion that could’ve benefited from more time to simmer.

That said, if you’re in the mood for something light, heartwarming, and easy to finish in an afternoon, this audiobook delivers. The narrators’ performances—especially their Southern-inflected warmth—make the story even sweeter.

[Stacie Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-Star Review: Sweet and Heartwarming Second-Chance Romance

Buttercream and Second Beginnings is a delightful second-chance romance that offers all the cozy vibes of small-town love. Macon Everette returns home with a daughter in tow, determined to prove to Callie, his first love, that he’s back for good and ready to build a future together. It’s a story filled with heartfelt moments, family, and the kind of love that never truly fades.

Though this book is a quick read, the story feels complete and well-rounded, with no major details missing to leave you guessing. That said, as someone who enjoys diving deeply into characters’ pasts and emotions, I would have loved to see more exploration of Macon and Callie’s history and what led them to this point. A bit more depth would have made the journey even more impactful.

If you’re looking for a sweet, happily-ever-after story featuring a single dad, small-town charm, and the enduring “it’s always been you” trope, this book is sure to warm your heart. A big thank you to the author and Grey’s Promotions for the e-arc!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Audiobook Review****

This is a heartwarming small town second chance romance. Macon and Callie were high school sweethearts but broke her heart when he left for college and their relationship fizzled. He's now back in town and has a daughter. Callie owns the bakery/ romance bookstore in town and Macon has returned to help his sister run the family general store in town. He has never forgotten Callie and is determined to get her back if she is willing to forgive him and accept his daughter. Poppy is adorable and lovable too!

This is a great palate cleanser and short story with very little spice. It left me wanting more of this couple. Hopefully we will get some in the future as this is the first book of this series. This is my first book by this author and look forward to many more.

I really enjoyed this short story in audiobook format in duet style. The narrators Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap did an amazing job! I feel they were cast perfectly as these characters. They are both new to me narrators and look forward to future audiobooks narrated by them.

Thank you to author C.K. Darling and Pen Pal PR for the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for my review.

[R_Diksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

This book follows Macon and Callie, high school sweethearts who were separated because of long distance when Macon had to move to a different city for college. Callie is trying to move on, but her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers that Macon is back in town—for good. Things get even more complicated when she meets Macon's daughter, Poppy, who already knows about Callie. Talk about a shock!

This was a sweet and fast-paced read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The friendships and relationships were portrayed beautifully. Sorry, Macon and Callie, but I loved Poppy the most! I mean, who wouldn’t? She’s such a sweetheart, and her joy was infectious!

However, I wish there had been some groveling from Macon. I felt Callie forgave him a little too quickly. It would have been great if she had tested him or made him work harder to earn her trust. That said, I still adored them as a couple. The way they fit together so perfectly was amazing.

If you’re looking for a short and sweet book, this one is definitely worth reading!

[Jocelynereadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and second chance romance is what you are going to get with C.K. Darling's Buttercream and Second Beginnings, the first novella in the Sweetheart Scones & Stories series. This is my first foray into Darling's work and I found there to be a calm gentleness to the story telling, which makes this quick read easy to enjoy. Darling's writing is clear and focused, the pacing is fairly quick as the timeline moves swiftly, and the characters are charming and compassionate. This novella has a little bit of spice and some already established chemistry that we are told about, which ultimately left me yearning for a bit more of the relationship building between the hero and heroine.

Overall, I found this to be a sweet treat, with likable tropes and lovely characters. This was definitely a lovely introduction to Darling and I would highly encourage anyone interested in Darling's works or novella's to check this out.

Thank you to Grey's Promotions for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joyffree]

This was a cute second-chance romance with all the small-town feels
I do wish it had been a touch longer, only because I wanted more time with everyone.
I enjoyed the no-fuss way our two high school sweethearts reconnected.
Callie's "support group", her BFFs were awesome and they weren't afraid to give that push she needed.
I mean it was obvious that they still loved each other thank goodness
Macon wasn't about to give her up a second time.
And Poppy... OMG, absolutely adored her!!!

This is the first in the series and gives us a bit of a town tour as well as introduces us to the characters who live there.
We also get a glimpse at the second book's possibilities, which have me excited

Great quick read, with plenty of spice, romance, some laughter, and an awesome HEA

[Nayalee Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in a little under 2 hours.

Buttercream and Second Beginnings was a little out of the normal genres I typically read. I was offered to read this as an ARC reader before this came out and I thoroughly enjoyed the novella. I only wish that it was a longer book so that I could've gotten more attached to the characters: Callie and Macon.

Macon and Callie were high school sweethearts and when he decides to move away he ends up breaking up with Callie and distancing contact/communication- leaving her rather heartbroken. Macon returns (with a newer addition) and it takes some convincing for Callie to trust and believe in him to be the person she has loved for as long as she can remember. This was a short and sweet read!

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet read! This is the first book in C.J. Darling’s Sweetheart Scones & Stories series. This novella is about 2 MCs, Macon and Callie, that had a relationship when they were younger but Macon broke Callie’s heart when he went off to college.

Callie has since made a life for herself and owns Sweetheart Scones & Stories, a bakery/bookstore that was once run by her late grandma. She has a wonderful group of best friends, Nic, Izzie and Brittany, who run interconnected shops in their little town. She’s given up on love and devoted to her business. Until Macon comes back to town with his daughter, Poppy.

Will Macon be able to win Callie’s heart again. Or has he lost her forever?
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this cute, sweet and short story. I liked the writing in dual POV, the heartfelt moments with lovable characters. For anyone who loves a short and sweet romance, look no further!

[EshArcadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buttercream and Second Beginnings was a very quick listen filed with humor, banters, romance and accents! It's set in this small town in Georgia, where both characters show a very close relationship to their community. 

Callie Jones is a passionate baker, who finally achieves her dream of running her own bakery shop. Macon Everett is a single dad coming back to Peachwood Grove with his daughter, Poppy. Their romance starts when a second beginning of their love life happens with coffee spillage on Macon's pants. 

I am not an expert at accents but in my listening ears both Andi and Ryan sounded divine. The delicious twang mixed with their acting made this listening experience wonderful. 

The tropes of this audiobook are second chance, highschool sweethearts, single dad, baker FMC, small town. If you like these tropes in an audiobook with southern accents, give this one a listen! 

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the Advanced Audio Copy! Thank you penpalpr and C.K. Darling for the opportunity to listen. This is a very short listen just a little over 2 hours.

Callie is the fmc! She is sweet and loves Peachwood Grove and her bakery.

Macon was Callie's HS Sweetheart who cut all communication with her after che left for college. Now he is back for good and wants to make things right.

This audio book was really sweet and I loved Macon's daughter. Can Callie forgive Macon or has to much time passed! You will have to listen/read to find out!

I really enjoyed the narrators in this book. If you listen to audio books you know a bad narrator can ruin the listening experience. The character were believable to😊

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macon broke Callie’s heart eight years ago when he left for college and never kept in touch. They were high school sweethearts but unfortunately it ended in heartbreak.

Fast forward to the present, Macon is finally back in Peachwood Grove but he is not alone. He returns with Poppy, his cute little girl. Though Callie is still attracted to him, she finds it difficult to trust in Macon again.

Besides the romance, I loved the girl gang which was always there to encourage and support Callie. Going through life with a found family makes it so much easier.

Ps. This was a quick and spicy read.

[Katelyn Silveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fun novella! I've read the others in the Sweetheart Scones & Stories series, so I was excited for this one as well as to be able to listen in audiobook form and let me tell you it did not disappoint! I'm so thankful to have received an ALC of this novella thank you so much C.K. Darling and Pen Pal PR. This was a perfect short and sweet listen. this is a single dad, second chance romance set in the small town of Peachwood Grove I mean what's not to love. Callie and Macon's love for each other even after all the years that past was everything. Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap absolutely killed it and brought all the character to life so magically. Sweethearts Scones & Stories is such an amazing series. I cannot wait to listen to the others when they come out and I'm excited to see what's next for C.K. Darling!

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute audiobook. If you are a fan of small town, second chance, and single dad then definitely either read it or listen to it.

Macon moves back home after being away for sometime and he finds himself still magnetically drawn to Callie, his high school sweetheart. Callie is apprehensive at first when Macon shows back up but it isn't long before he is showing her she is it for him and giving her up was a mistake all those years ago. They are seriously so dang cute!

Narrators Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap are both new to me and I adored them both in this one. Both have these southern accents that added a little extra to the characters. They compliment each other extremely well too. I am looking forward to the rest of the audio novellas!

[Bookcorner_talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and sweet Novella. Let me just say that owning my own bakery/bookstore is my absolute dream. Sweetheart Scones & Stories is an absolute dream for me. Callie and Macon are high school sweethearts that haven’t seen each other since he left for college 10 years before. Now he’s back in town with his daughter Poppy. It’s clear neither forgot about each other. But how will they navigate their feelings being in the same town? Well, you must pick up this book and find out! So good. Loved it and look forward to reading more books from C. K. Darling. I rate it 4.5 Stars!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this is a single dad romance it is what drew me to this book. Then I find out about this great group of friends. There is a bakery that also includes a bookstore. Talk about one of my dreams. This second chance romance it great. It's a quick read, but an enjoyable one. Macon's daughter Poppy is so cute! Macon has some groveling to do because he broke Callie's heart all those years ago. Can she trust him to stick around this time? A nice make you feel good romance with a great girl squad. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Juniper Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was pure small town second chance romance goodness!

Callie and Macon were high school sweethearts who had it all—until Macon left for college and a football career. Callie stayed behind, pouring her heart into her grandma’s old coffee shop and turning it into the coziest coffee/bakery/bookstore with her besties.

Their love didn’t survive the distance—especially when Macon ghosted Callie without a word. Fast forward several years, and now he’s back in town… with a daughter! Cue the shock, the emotions, and the undeniable sparks flying all over again.

This is a short, sweet, and heart-melting read about love that never really fades, forgiveness, and figuring out how to trust again. Callie has every reason to guard her heart, but Macon’s not walking away this time… or is he?

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a quick read and certainly filled the romance book sweet tooth-as was the author’s intention to have a short, satisfying, spicy story that could be read in two lunch breaks. Macon returns to his southern hometown with his daughter, and to his high school sweetheart, Callie, whom he left high and dry a decade ago. She needs to learn if she can love him again and he won’t give up a second chance with his soulmate. Their story was full of southern charm and a good second chance plot line. B&NB is Book 1 of 4 in the series about a group of friends-I see some entertaining, fluffy escapes on my lunch breaks in the coming future. Thanks to the author and Grey’s Promotion for the gifted advanced copy to read and provide my honest thoughts.

[Kristyn Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie has given up on finding love. She's happy with her friends, her community and successful business. But when Macon, her high school sweetheart, comes back to town she can't deny him. She also can't deny his adorable 7 year old daughter Poppy. Macon broke Callie's heart once before will he do it again or can he fix what he broke and pave a new future for them both?
The short and quick paced small town second chance novella will have you captivated. With some spice just to make it even better!