Beauty and the Grease

by Stephanie J. Scott

Jenny:
I’m on a routine tow truck call through the auto shop I own when my day frays worse than my hair: stranded in the ditch is none other than my ex, Chase, who shattered my heart.

I admit, I don’t mind seeing the man lose his cool. It took me years to gain my Lady Boss confidence, even if my tow truck is bright orange and second hand from a retired clown.

I can’t abandon Chase, though that’s exactly what he did to me over fifteen years ago. The upside? I’ll charge him top dollar for the tow and repairs on his swanky European sedan. The downside? As I’m driving him to his work conference, he does the worst thing ever.

He apologizes.

Only my heart is too hardened to ever let Chase back in.

Chase:
I’ll take Jenny any day over my ex-wife, whose heated phone conversation attempting to cast off our kids on her designated weekend sent me off-roading in my Audi. She has no idea my job is at risk and that this work retreat is my chance to save it.

What’s meant to be a simple drop-off turns nearly deadly after a tornado forces Jenny to shelter with me at the retreat center.

Now my bosses believe I brought a significant other to the work event. Shockingly, Jenny plays along, but I suspect she’s drawn to the yoga retreat next door over pretending to date the man who dashed her belief in love. I want her to stay, but I can’t let my boss know the secret of our past or my reputation—and my job—are toast.

Meanwhile, my heart is battling with what I’ve known for years. Leaving Jenny was a mistake.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Love, Laughter, and Second Chances—Who Says Romance Ends at 40?

Welcome to a collection of fun, feel-good romantic comedies where love comes with age, second chances are swoon-worthy, and happily-ever-afters are just as sweet the second time around.

Set in charming small towns, these later-in-life romcom novellas are filled with laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling-but-sweet romance, and unforgettable meet cutes. Whether it’s enemies-to-lovers fireworks, a second shot at love on the ice, single moms rediscovering romance, or fixer-uppers that spark unexpected chemistry, these stories promise the perfect escape.

No steam, just swoon! So pour a glass of lemonade, settle into a porch swing, and enjoy these delightful love stories.

The Midlife Meet Cute Series has seven standalone, sweet
• Battle of the Exes by Ellie Hartwood
• Fixing Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
• Love Takes a Tumble by Susanne Ash
• Beauty and the Grease by Stephanie J. Scott
• The Summer I Stayed by Bella Greene
• Shot on Goal at a Second Chance by Dineen Miller
• Love & Lattes at The Mermaid Café by Melinda Curtis
Kick back, relax, and fall in love with these sweet, later-in-life romcoms today!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Closed Door Romance

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Stephanie J. Scott writes light-hearted, quirky romance and young adult. She enjoys dance fitness, everything cats, and has a slight obsession with Instagram. A Midwest girl at heart, she resides outside of Chicago with her tech-of-all-trades husband and fuzzy furbabies.

I spend a lot of time on Instagram! @stephaniejaynebooks

More about books & my author newsletter at:
www.stephaniejscott.com

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that I give a novella five stars, but Stephanie completely won me over with this one... I absolutely loved it! Honestly, Second Chance romances aren’t usually my go-to trope, but she made me a believer with this story. I binge read this one!

I don’t want to spoil too much, but here’s the setup: Jenny and Chase annulled their marriage years ago. Now he’s unexpectedly back in her town, getting his car towed by her company, and about to attend a career-defining (or possibly career-ending) retreat. What could possibly go wrong? Cue the perfect mix of second chance romance, forced proximity, a tornado, and even a bit of fake dating. All of it throws Jenny and Chase back together... and makes them question what's next for them?

I genuinely enjoyed every minute of this story. I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny's story is SO empowering! I love how she has taken control of her life, and is living it her way.

I felt quite sorry for Chase's situation when we meet him. lol... It's a bit of a rough one...

But their re-connection is intense, and I appreciate how they both approach it as the more mature adults they are. I love the group of girls that Jenny meets, and also the group that she's surrounded by at her home town. So much support and encouragement.

A fabulous story with such uplifting tones, making it a really great read...

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

[Berly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi author series Midlife Meet Cutes. They are all standalone stories that feature older main characters. It is a short novella that can be easily read in an hour or 2.

This was my first book by this author. I enjoyed the premise and the meet cute! I thought that it has some witty dialog and fun interactions with side characters as well.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Rachel Wehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Blurb:
Once upon a time, Chase broke Jenny’s heart. Decades later, Jenny has put herself back together. But when Chase comes back into her life unexpectedly, Jenny can’t help but go immediately back to those days when she and Chase were in love. However, she’s not the same, and neither is he. Can they find a way to repair what was broken? Or is the past better left alone?

My 💭:
For a short book, there's a lot of character growth in a short time. Jenny kind of starts out as someone who's been living a stagnant life. She is fulfilled and happy, but she rarely takes a risk. Chase is someone who's been controlled by people his whole life, and he's finally ready to take control. Jenny helps him with that. It's a very sweet second chance romance with enjoyable side characters!

What to expect:
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Second chance romance; couple is in their 40s; kisses only
👩‍❤️‍👨 Dual POV

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Grease is my first book written by Stephani J. Scott. I have found a new author to follow. The characters in this story were a little unusual, but not uncommon. Jenny drives a tow truck, The Beast, and loves her job. She’s really quite good at what she does. Jenny gets a call about a wrecked vehicle and heads towards the scene. She knocks on the window of the car; the man inside is on his phone. She tries to get his attention, but he keeps on talking. She knocks louder on the window. The man turns to her and she’s almost floored by who she sees. He looks and sounds just as shocked. He even asks if this is a joke and someone has sent her on purpose. “I’d call him my ex-husband, but that would mean we’d actually been married. And when your marriage is annulled, then you’re supposed to believe it never happened.”
Chase continues the argument with his ex-wife on his phone. Their divorce has not gone well at all. It seems she enjoys taking his time with their kids. Jenny notices he’s not wearing a wedding ring and before she thinks, she blurts out “You’re not wearing a wedding ring.” Chase tells her they were separated and have been divorced for two years.
When they go into Jenny’s shop, Chase is surprised that it’s a hair salon. Jenny owns both storefronts. The salon rents their space from her. Chase can’t get a rental, so Jenny tells him she’ll take him to the convention. She wants to get him out of there; there’s no reason for the friends she’s made to know about her past with him.
On the way to taking Chase to the convention, things get a little uncomfortable, as they discuss what’s happened since they’ve last been in touch. Jenny tells him how she received a small business grant to get her business started. The previous owners had moved, and everything was still there in the building and in good shape. She rents out part of her business for the hair salon. As they arrive at the convention, the sirens start up and don’t stop. That’s a sure sign a tornado has been spotted. Thankfully the retreat center has a storm shelter and gets them to safety. There’s a group of ladies on a yoga retreat, other guests, and of course Chase’s co-workers for their retreat.
Chase realizes that to get the promotion he desires; his boss expects him to have a good marriage. How will he tell him he’s divorced? Will that end any promotions for him? He’s desperate and wonders if Jenny will pretend to be his wife? No one he works with has ever seen his wife, so they won’t know Jenny isn’t really his wife. Will Jenny agree to this insane idea? What happens if his boss or someone else in the company discovers his lie? To find out the answers to these questions and more, get your copy of Beauty and the Grease today!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

Another hit in the Midlife Meet Cute series. This one was brought to us by Stephanie J Scott. Her book, Beauty and the Grease is a short, sweet, second chance romance. Our MCs happen upon each other by total chance, but this second chance provides them a second shot at a romance they annulled once before. I fully enjoyed reading this story and how our couple gets a second chance at love.

Jenny and Chase had their marriage annulled and since then somewhat pretended it never happened. They went their separate ways and while one thrived, the other has reached a point in their career where it will be made or done. When Jenny is called out to tow a wrecked vehicle, she didn’t think it would be Chase. What are the chances? Being in a small town, Chase needs a bit more help with transportation and Jenny agrees.

When a tornado warning has them sheltering at the convention center, Chase realizes he needs to show his boss a happily married man, not one who is divorced (different woman than Jenny) and fighting with the ex all the time. He wonders if Jenny would agree to pose as his wife, to help him save face, of course. The antics and romance that happens afterward is heartwarming.

I read this book in just over an hour and loved it. I am a hopeless romantic, so when love gets a second chance, I am here for it. Both characters were fun to read about, but Jenny is definitely self assured and hard working. As these two rediscover the connection that once tied them together, it was hard to not root for them. A wonderful story that you should read!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🧡Opposites Attract
✨Second Chance Romance
🧡Close Proximity
✨Small Town Romance
🧡Later in Life MCs

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved how this book started with the CB radio call. Who knew a tow truck request would end up with Jenny encountering her ex-husband and that fate had more in store for not only Jenny but Chase as well. Their first encounter after years is definitely something to remember and it was great when they go back to her shop and encounter not only her staff, especially Kara but Annabelle who owns the business that shares her property. When Chase gets his car settled to be worked on and Jenny offers to take him to where the retreat is being held, mother nature has other plans for them. Unfortunately when they get to the actual facility, they have to take cover from the elements and when Chase’s boss Cliff (who is the worst by the way) sees Jenny and she’s heard from Chase how he is, she ends up staying as Chase’s guest/plus one . . . it’s complicated. As time goes by Cliff and his actions get more horrible by the minute and when they end up at a dinner event and Cliff has once again gotten information, through his slimy ways, about their previous marriage and causes a scene at the event, I totally enjoyed not just Chase but Jenny putting him in his place. I just wish we could have seen the aftermath of what actually happened to him. Unfortunately Jenny ends up leaving to save herself, which I totally get, understand and commend her for. Very interesting when Chase shows back up to get his car with two passengers along for the ride (his kids) and who knew that they were all for them getting back together. Wonderful story and ending. This is a new author to me but I will most definitely be checking out other books by her.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny and Chase were married 17 years ago until his parents found out and forced them to have an annulment. Now Jenny has her own business and a nice little life for herself in a small town outside of Detroit. That is until she goes on a call to pull a car out of a ditch in her big orange tow truck, Beast, and Chase is in the drivers seat of the Audi in the ditch. He’s headed to a business retreat not far away so she gives him a ride but on the way they get caught in a really bad storm and by the time they get there she ends up stranded there with him. Chase asks Jenny to be his date for the retreat because one of the big bosses has been giving him a hard time about his ex-wife, the other one, since nobody there knows about Jenny. While Jenny agrees to do this for Chase she isn’t sure she will actually be able to make it through the weekend as his date. This is a story of new friends, old feelings that never went away, and possibilities.

I love that Jenny is such a strong woman but she has a soft side too. That makes her very realistic. Chase is a nice guy who gave in to his parents and does whatever is needed to keep his job so he can pay child support and alimony. I didn’t want to like him but I did because of his love for Jenny and his kids. The yoga girls are great characters that become quick friends with Jenny. Cliff, one of Chase’s bosses at the retreat, is a horrible person but a great character and the catalyst for the happy ending.

This is a quick, sweet read and a good story with a happy ending. I recommend!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I am a sucker for anything that says “midlife.” When I saw that a series featuring older characters was coming out, I jumped on board immediately. This series comprises seven standalone books written by different authors. The series boosts, “No steam, just swoon.” I am unsure if all of them are second-chance romance; I haven’t read ahead. They are all guaranteed to be HEA romcoms. This is my first book by Stephanie J. Scott, and I look forward to reading more!

I must admit, second-chance romances are one of my go-to tropes. I have enjoyed this series so far. This book focuses on Jenny, a shop owner and tow truck driver, and Chase, her ex-husband, attending a work retreat. Jenny and Chase were married over 15 years ago, but were forced to get their marriage annulled by his family. Fast forward to today, when Chase finds himself in a ditch and Jenny shows up to pull him out, followed soon after by a request for her to be his date to this retreat!

I absolutely loved the friends that Jenny made at the retreat! Girl’s girls, for sure! I felt that there were a lot of emotions that had not been truly dealt with by these two in their marriage and its ending. Watching these two reconnect tugged at my heartstrings. Chase was really going through it, dealing with this 2nd ex-wife and his horrible boss, who clearly has it out for him. This was my favorite book in the series so far!

Thanks to Stephanie J. Scott for gifting me an eARC of Beauty and the Grease. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings going into this book. I’m not a big fan of forced proximity, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it. However, I was excited about this book because not only does it feature characters in their 40s, but it features a female main character in what is seen as a traditionally male role.

Jenny is the proud owner of Jenny’s Auto. In a previous life she was an artist and worked at an art gallery, so this is a career shift that not many people would see coming. When she shows up to tow a car back to her shop and it’s her ex Chase, both of them feel like the universe is seriously screwing with them.

The unfolding of Jenny and Chase’s past was slow but emotionally layered, and very well written. Jenny opening up to two women who happen to be at a yoga retreat about why she feels like her business can’t fail is a very touching scene and so relatable for a woman in the business world. Chase runs through the gamut of emotions as he slowly sees that the life he wants to live isn’t the life that he has been chasing while convincing himself it’s the one he wants/needs.

“You played by their rules. You did all the things they asked. Are you happy?” Watching Chase struggle with these words was gut wrenching. His struggle and stubbornness was well written.

If you’re a fan of second chances, you should definitely check this book out.

Thanks to the author for the ARC, and I cannot wait to read more of their work.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as a hilarious twist of fate quickly turns into a heart-tugging second-chance romance in Beauty and the Grease! Stephanie J. Scott delivers a warm, witty, and emotionally satisfying story that had me rooting for Jenny and Chase from page one.

Jenny is the kind of heroine you can’t help but cheer for—strong, independent, and finally owning her worth. When she stumbles upon her ex, Chase, stranded in a ditch, you’d think she’d leave him in her dust. But instead, she tows him out—literally and figuratively—and into a weekend neither of them could have predicted.

Chase’s vulnerability and remorse come through in the most tender of ways, and his journey to redemption is both messy and honest. I loved watching their icy tension melt into something real, all while dodging tornadoes, awkward corporate retreat dinners, and yoga classes next door.

This book is for anyone who loves:
✔️ second-chance romance
✔️ forced proximity
✔️ fake dating with real feelings
✔️ strong women who know their worth
✔️ men who grow up and own their mistakes

Scott blends humor, heart, and healing into a story that left me smiling, swooning, and laughing out loud. Jenny and Chase prove that sometimes love deserves a second ride—even if it starts in a beat-up clown truck.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet, kisses only novella has a quirky kind of humor that I loved. For example it starts with Jenny, owner of Jenny’s Auto, taking a CB radio call from her office manager, Kara. Jenny’s quirky manager seems to feel it’s necessary to add her own fake static noises to the call. Then there is “The Beast”. Her extremely orange tow truck with yellow and red squiggles covering the side leading to a clown’s face. Oh, did I mention, the CB call turns out to be for the man she was once married to, but not, seventeen years ago. For Chase his day couldn’t get any worse, any crazier, headed to a business retreat he didn’t want to attend but had to, having a heated phone conversation with his second ex-wife, he hit a pot hole, swerved and landed in a ditch and now his first ex-wife, or not, has just showed up…well maybe that’s not so bad just crazy.
I truly enjoyed this author’s style and even though it’s a short novella (139 pages) the characters grow and adapt with Jenny struggling with never losing her own identity and finally claiming, “I can only be me” and Chase realizing some important things about his job and really hoping Jenny will let them have a second chance.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty and the Grease is part of the Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi-author series of novellas that all feature couples that are forties plus. They can be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.

I always enjoy a good second chance romance and this one was really cute! Chase and Jenny had a VERY brief marriage that ended in an annulment due to pressure from his family. Years later, he finds himself stranded on the side of the road, to be rescued by Jenny who now owns a car repair company! With an unexpected storm, a company retreat and a bit of fake dating, these two find themselves spending more time together and old feelings resurfacing. I really enjoyed getting to know these two and seeing them get their second chance at a happily ever after. Second chance romance works really well for shorter reads like this one, because they already have that history and foundation, so even if the story is quick, it doesn't feel at all rushed. This was definitely a fun addition to the series!

Beauty and the Grease is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Beauty and the Grease because the blurb instantly hooked me. An ex stranded on the side of the road, a fake relationship, a yoga retreat and a work conference? I was in. And let me say: this story delivers heart, humor, and just the right amount of grease.

Jenny is a smart, self-made business owner whose orange tow truck is only the beginning of her vibrant personality. She’s strong, sarcastic, and knows exactly what she deserves… especially when it comes to men who once broke her heart.

Enter Chase: the charming but deeply flawed ex who crashed more than his car when he left Jenny behind fifteen years ago. A work retreat gone wrong forces them to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts as a survival tactic quickly becomes a tender reexamination of the life they might’ve had.

This novella is part of the Midlife Meet Cute series, and I loved the premise and being able to read this as part of the ARC team: love doesn’t end at forty. In fact, here it feels earned. Watching Jenny and Chase navigate past wounds, unexpected sparks, and genuine forgiveness made their second chance so satisfying.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, cute, second-chance story. It's been years since Jenny has seen Chase, and there he is beside the road. Chase ran into a ditch with his car and who should pull up to get him out, Jenny. Jenny can't believe Chase is the guy she is supposed to pull out of a ditch. She hasn't seen him since their marriage was annulled. He caved to his family and had their marriage annulled after they eloped. Now here she is helping him out of a ditch. As she drives him on to the weekend retreat, he was attending, all the memories come back. He has been married, divorced and has two children. They drive into the middle of a bad storm, so she has to stay for a while at the retreat center. Next, she hears herself say that she will stay. Chase needs her. Why is she doing this? It will probably end badly, but she does it anyway. Chase wants another chance with Jenny, but will she even allow that after the way they ended things? He has a lot on his mind, but Jenny is at the forefront. Can she forgive him?

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny is having an off day, it all starts when she gets a call to tow a car out of the ditch. Turns out it is none other than Chase, her ex husband who broke her heart, who needs the tow. When Jenny drops him off at the retreat center she forced to take shelter with him when a tornado comes through. What happens when they are stuck together for a weekend?

This was a really cute story, I enjoyed the second chance with touch of forced proximity, that small town feel of friends that are family, and even a touch of fake dating. A lot of my favorite tropes all rolled into one cute story. I loved how Jenny and Chase were so easy to relate to. The growth the characters made after things from the past were brought up and discussed. A cute light hearted read with a touch of emotion.

This is book four in the Midlife Meet Cute series, a multi author, later in life rom com novella series set in small towns. All the books can be read as a standalone and in any order. I totally recommend this series.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Chase didn’t expect was to see his first ex-wife. He must have been mistaken. Jenny headed to the area where an unidentified motorist was stranded. She didn’t expect to see Chase again after what he did to her. Now she’s helping him after all these years. It seems like he’s got a family, but divorced now with kids. He needs to save his job so he asks her to help him. She goes and says stuff about his job which may have gone too far, but she had to say it.
Jenny isn’t sure about this, but does help until she hears something he says that bothers her. It hurts her more than she thought it could. She’s proud of what she’s done with her life.
What will she do when he comes back for his car?
Another surprise his kids are with him.

I just felt what is going to happen now? Too short with no idea what will happen between them.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do a tow truck, a corporate retreat, and a tornado equal romance?
Such a cute book with unexpected depth. Seventeen years ago Jenny married Chase, only to have the marriage annulled. After dealing with that trauma, she has gone on to start her own car repair business. When she goes out to tow a stranded driver, she’s shocked to see Chase behind the wheel. After towing his car to her shop, she offers him a ride to the retreat he was headed for only to be stranded at the retreat when a tornado hits. Chase needs to be there with a girlfriend to help keep his job so Jenny agrees to fill that role. Soon pasts are revealed and fears exposed. Can their two separate lives perhaps blend, together again? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Grease was such a sweet and pleasant surprise. Part of the Midlife Meet Cute series this book was an absolute delight. With realistic characters and small-town charm, this story about second chances will reel you in and wrap you up like a warm hug.

I love that this book (and series) focuses on couples in their 40's getting a second chance at love and life. This story features a strong female lead and focuses on introspection and what is important in life.

This is fast but refreshing and rewarding read! Perfect beach or coffee and a cozy blanket read, Beauty and the Grease will leave you with a smile on your face.

Thank you so much to Stephanie J. Scott for the ARC of this novella. It was a truly special and enjoyable book.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Grease is a delightful, later in life, fake relationship romance. I love this story of Jenny, a tow truck driver, and Chase, who stays in a job he hates so he can pay his alimony and child support. Chase has the worst kind of meddling parents, a demanding, selfish ex and a terrible, politically incorrect boss. When Jenny tows Chase out of a ditch and drives him to his business conference, a severe storm that becomes a tornado strands Jenny at the resort. I love the yoga retreat girls who quickly adopted Jenny while Chase's boss assumes Jenny is Chase's plus one. Jenny and Chase have a rocky road to get back to their HEA. I loved every minute I spent with this engaging, well written book!

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun twist on a classic fairytale.

I really enjoyed Jenny and Chase’s story of second chances and finding yourself. Jenny’s determination to make her life what she wants is empowering. I loved seeing Chase figure out what was important and finding his way toward a life he enjoyed.

I loved the twist on the fairy tale. He’s the “beauty”, the handsome man with a fancy car, and she’s the “grease”, an auto repair shop owner with a tow truck named The Beast.

This forced proximity, second chance romance is such an adorable quick read with loveable characters and a great deal of depth and emotion for such a short story. The cast of side characters was fun and I’d love to read their stories someday!

This is the 4th book in the Midlife Meet Cute multi-author series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun little second chance romantic rom-com. Jenny arriving in her "clown-mobile" was a great tension breaker for ex's that hadn't seen eachother in so long. Neither are the young kids they once were, when they believed love could conquer all. This story is full of adversery, conflict, threat, contemplation, forgiveness, protection and love. It demonstrates that, while listening to others is important, listening to yourself is critical as well. Falling to do so can cost you greatly, and not everyone has your best interest at heart. Chase and Jenny can't be what they once were, but could they be something else once again?

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next installment of this series featuring older couples. This one particularly drew me in as there was a sort of role reversal. Jenny is doing what is usually a man's job. Chase is the weak one , pandering to everybody's will- his parents, boss, ex wife. He was persuaded to leave Jenny, his former sweetheart and have their short lived marriage annulled as Jenny did not meet with his parent's approval.
Fate throws them together and gives them a second chance. Will they take it?
Read and find out!
Well written , a welcome addition to this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midlife meetcute…or rather meet-again-cute.
Stephanie J. Scott has created a little slice of sweet romance goodness.
Beauty and the Grease follows Chase and Jenny in this second chance romance with plenty of sweetness and comedy, and just the right amount of angst.
What I absolutely adore about this book was the depth of the characters and the heart of this novella. It’s Hallmark with just that dash of real that makes it so much better.

Definitely read if you love
Later in Life
Second Chances
Single Dads
Tow Truck Driving Women
Small Towns
Surprise Reunions
Forced Proximity

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cute fun read. I wasn’t sure if I liked the title, but it fits. This is a second chance, midlife romance. I enjoyed the set up with the story and especially how Chase and Jenny were reunited. I liked the maturity and growth of Jenny where she was now able to take hold and be proud of her life accomplishments and decisions. I also liked how Chase was kind of the one that was going through obstacles. Usually it seems like it’s the woman in the story. It is an easy, short, entertaining read and yhe romance is sweet and clean. It is part of a series that can be read as a standalong.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty and the grease is the next book in the Midlife meet cute series even though they are all independent and can be read as a standalone.
Jenny and Chase had a brief but intense marriage, ended by Chase's inability to stand up to his parents. Now, he is divorced and trying to figure out his life. Jenny has taken life by the horns and is thriving with her auto shop, and doesn't want to give up her independence to mold herself again to fit another people's standards.
Their story was really enjoyable, very empowering, showing us that love doesn't have to change us, it just breathes life into our dreams to make the best version of ourselves.

[Cj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chase is having the worse day of his life, while his ex-wife is yelling at him on the phone, he hits a pothole and ends up in a ditch. He’s calls for help but he’s not excepting the person who turns up to make the day even worse.

Jenny gets a call to go help tow a broken down car but when she gets there, it’s not what she expected - her ex-husband or well technically not as their marriage was annulled after 2 weeks.

So starts a series of events that leads them to both be at a retreat (thanks to a tornado warning) and realising they may still have a spark.

Fun, quick read about second chances.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, later-in-life, second chance , with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Ooh, you’re such a stud. I was joking. Like, ooh you’re a tough guy.” --- “When I find myself saying I can’t do something, there’s usually a deeper reason. The reason might be emotional, not rational." --- You are worthy of being loved. --
What's Kara up to? What's Annabelle up to? What's Gina up to? What's Ciff up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Jenny and Chase's story and I'm sure you will too. This is the first book of her's that I've read and it definitely won't be the last. I can't wait to read her next book.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps one of the most awkward meet cutes I’ve read. How do you handle answering a tow call and it be your ex? Not from a divorce or breakup, but from an annulment, like you’d never been married. Actually, Jenny handles it very well, I personally would probably have left him on the roadside, but Jenny’s nicer than I am obviously. Chase is suddenly faced with an ex, actually ex #1, who has successfully reinvented herself. Weather is no respecter of personal space and traps them at his corporate retreat resort. Stephanie J. Scott gives us rekindled (not sure it ever went out), humor, villains, and a few twists and surprises. I read this in one sitting, daring anyone to interrupt.

[Theresa Lambe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase and Jenny... are absolutely adorable and loveable. They seriously stole my heart and I was cheering for them.

They are exs here, from a marriage that was destroyed by outside forces who thought they knew better. But they had true love. Just not the will power to stand up to his parents. And for many years there’s nothing, until a chance encounter has them meeting. And then a severe storm throws them even more together. Then its hard to fight the feelings that have surfaced from so many years ago. But true love never fades and its swoon-worthy to watch it bloom again

So don’t miss this cute little read, you'll enjoy it to!