Since when does Aaron Olson have abs like that? I haven’t seen him since high school, but now I find myself desperate to see much more of him.
Sarah Anderson's plan for the Cupid's Crush event at the local bar, High Five, is enjoy some playful banter and score a free drink. After a decade on the West Coast, Sarah’s still adjusting to life back in her small Wisconsin hometown, surrounded by familiar faces—until one of them completely catches her off guard. Aaron Olson, the once scrawny high school wrestler, is now tending bar shirtless with fluffy angel wings strapped to his back, revealing a physique that is distracting in the best way.
What starts as light-hearted banter turns into a flirtatious game of cat and mouse, where Sarah learns that you shouldn’t judge someone by who they were in high school—because they might just surprise you in the most irresistible ways.
In this flirty and steamy Valentine’s themed novella, discover the thrill of seeing an old friend in a whole new light, and watch sparks fly as past perceptions are shattered and new attractions take hold.
(This is Book #2 in an interconnected series. It is encouraged, but not essential, to listen to Santa's Coming before listening to Cupid's Shot.)
Romance Second Chance (at a first chance), Friends to Lovers, Small Town, Holiday Romance, He Falls First, Secret Admirer
Serena Pier is a recovering girl boss, mom, and wife. After being called a brat for as long as she can remember, she decided to lean into it—writing sassy, strong, complex female characters who fully embrace the sexy side of the word. Her books are influenced by her endless fascination with power dynamics and how they play out in relationships, workplaces, and everyday life. Most of her stories are set in and around Chicago, paying tribute to her Midwestern roots and love of all things dairy. When she isn’t in front of a screen, Serena can be found pontooning with her family, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, and driving as fast as she can on the track. Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media
This is the equivalent of meet-cute in get-together-cute.
The High Five Novellas follow 3 besties with their hot-shot boys on 3 different holidays.
Aaron is the whipped cream to your chocolate-covered strawberry 🤭 And Sarah is the sassy confident artsy girl.
The chemistry between these 2 is so hot and perfect.
I don't know what else to say? If you want a quick read that gives you good vibes, good mood, you'll like the characters but also help transition you out of a reading slump, this book is for you.
I have received an ARC for an honest review, and yes, this one is as blunt as you always get from me.
Short spicy story. You can read about creative ways to spend valentines day lol. Aaron is so detailed oriented and Sarah is your typical down to earth FMC.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, give me your number so I can flirt with you.” Well, thats what the cover says.
It was really cute until it wasn’t. She sends him a picture of her kissing her vibrator because he refused to sleep with her until their third date. They’ve known each other since childhood but she only started feeling attracted to him three days ago and they’ve already been on two dates. It’s fast-paced without being fast-paced. Ykwim? Like the buildup is well paced but the romance itself feels way too quick. Anyways the guy did have romantic feelings for her for a very long time and I really appreciate that we actually got a flashback of it. I’ve read a few books recently that mention years of pining yet don’t include a single flashback and I would’ve been really pissed if this followed the same path.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, I’d like to cook dinner for you.” - Your secret admirer, Aaron Olson
He has been role-playing as her secret admirer for the past few days( yeah the same day she finally noticed how charming he has become). He has been sending these cute thoughtful gifts anonymously and she only just found out it was him. He couldn’t ask her to homecoming when they were young and now years later with her back in town he finally asked her out. Thats actually so cute.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this mini story. This was totally what I’ve been looking for this time of the year. Also I would like to give you a heads-up: the dialogues were very simple and nothing fancy which might feel a bit uneven considering they’re in their thirties. It wasn’t a problem for me since it sped up my reading speed (I’ve got a long tbr for this month). Also, it has SPICE(yes, def the kind that had me sweating beneath my blankets). Firstly, it took me a few seconds of starting the book to realise that MMC in this book was the same bartender (now a manager) from the first one and secondly, I wasn't expecting him to be this dom. Such a drool worthy cupid. I am so glad this turned out to be 3.5 star.
Oh and yes I’m still planning to continue with the series.
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𖦹Pre-read:Because I just finished reading the first one and I plan to continue with the series.
This is the second installment in the High Five Novella series; it's a friends to lovers novella set in a small town. In this novella, we read the story of Sarah and Aaron. Sarah just returned to the hometown after moving away to pursue a career in the West Coast, she also has a policy to never date guys from her hometown. Aaron, the main bartender at the High Five bar, known to be flirtatious, also has the same policy as Sarah, to not date women from his hometown.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Aaron is asked by the marketing team of High Five Bar to dress as Cupid. Sarah and Aaron realize that they might have to break their one rule for each other. I personally liked this story more than the first one as the story line and the characters are more developed. Will definitely be continuing the series.
This audiobook was so well done. I absolutely love duet narration in a romance because it makes the chemistry feel more real, and this one delivered. The performances pulled me right into the story and made the banter and emotional moments hit even harder.
This was such a cute, short Valentine’s read that left me smiling. Sarah and Aaron’s dynamic was playful, flirty, and full of that friends-to-lovers charm that is always hard to resist. Watching old perceptions fall away as their attraction grew made the romance feel both sweet and satisfying.
If you are looking for a quick, feel good romance with great narration and plenty of romance, this is definitely one to add to your list. Perfect for when you want something light, romantic, and easy to fall into. Thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook.
Kindle Book - 109 Pages Valentine's theme Novella sequel Childhood friends Spice Aaron is dressed as Cupid in the bar he works and Sarah is stunned to know the boy she knew has grown to the MAN she sees before her. He sends her drinks as her secret admirers before flirting escalates to dates and dates turn to spice and romance.
In the mood for a spicy one sitting read? Definitely try this, it was so much fun! This is the second book in a series of novellas and it was just as good as book one and can be alone. Sarah and Aaron had fantastic chemistry and the whole secret admirer bit was adorable. It was a perfect balance of spice and cuteness with a side of witty banter.
Another 5 star read from Serena, yet I’m not surprised by it. I always get so excited when one of her ARCs hit my inbox.
This novella follows Sarah (a studio owner & artist) and Aaron (a bartender and a buff shirtless Cupid wearing angel wings 🪽)
Sarah attends the Cupid’s crush event with her friends hoping to enjoy some banter and a couple free drinks. But boy is she surprised when her eyes land on the bartender and old friend from school Aaron (buff and shirtless wearing angel wings 🪽 ). That’s definitely not how she remembered him from high school. After a “secret admirer” sends her a couple free drinks she decides to go talk to Aaron to find out who they are from. But she won’t get that answer yet! Cupid won’t tell the secret until Valentine’s Day. She seems to be ok with that because she can’t keep her eyes of Aaron. She decides to shoot her shot and ask for his number!. They exchange numbers and that’s when all the flirty texts start! If you love a fast pace read filled with sexy banter and so much spice then you definitely need to read this! 5⭐️ 4🌶️. This couple radiates so much chemistry!! I love all the witty comebacks. I definitely laughed out loud a couple times reading this. If you love a sassy couple with superb humor, charm, with witty sexy banter this is for you! Pre-order now release day is December 5th.
This second chance, he falls first, friends to lovers romance is so much fun!
When Sarah and her two best friends go to the local bar for a Cupids Crush event she didn’t expect to see her old friend from high school half naked in angel wings. Since when does Aaron Olsen have abs like that?
Aaron’s had a crush on Sarah Anderson since high school. He regrets not taking a chance back then. He’s not making that same mistake twice.
I loved how Aaron knew what he wanted and just went for it. The romantic gestures, the banter, the blush worthy flirting kept me so entertained. I really enjoy how Serena Pier can build a story and a believable, relatable relationship while still giving us the climactic moments we desire all within a 109 page novella.
I’ve never read a Valentine’s Day themed book before but now I know I’ve been missing out! You definitely want to check out this fun, flirty and fast contemporary romance!
I thought this novella was really well done. I didn’t feel short changed in how the romance was developed, which can be an issue in novellas. The romance here was adorable, it was so cute that he pined for her in school and she never knew. Who doesn’t love the previously scrawny guy getting his dream girl? Aaron was on top of the romantic gestures, and I’m always a big fan of text banter in books so I was absolutely eating this up!
A brilliant blend of sweet and spicy! Close to 100 pages, this is a great Valentine’s Day or month read that everyone should have on their TBR!
**Thank you to Greys Promo and Serena Pier for sending me an advanced copy! All opinions are my own**
Super cute Valentine’s Day novella! I love the connection Serena can make you feel with the characters in such a short timeframe. These are filled with fun holiday puns and I loved how short and easy these reads are! Perfect if you like a little sprinkle of holiday romance without committing to something that’s several hundred pages/several hours to listen to. I love her writing style! Perfect little Valentine’s Day palate cleanser!
Fun and flirty. I just smiled all the while through and now my cheeks hurt. Oh and I just love that he had a crush on her forever. If you need a spicy small town romance novella, this slaps. The spice surprised me (in a good way). I’ve been reading the series based on which audiobook is available at the library but I think it’s probably best to read in order. I love that each book has different narrators.
Serena Pier delivers all the cozy small-town vibes with just the right amount of spice. It’s a cute, quick read with great tension and banter—I really enjoyed Sarah and Aaron.
I loved their shared history, the he falls first dynamic, and the secret admirer aspect—it was so fun and sweet. Their chemistry was undeniable, and when they finally gave in? Yeah… it was hot 🔥
Short, sweet, spicy, and perfect for a Valentine’s read. 🏹💕
This was such a fun, quick romance! This is the second installment in the High Five novella series, but it’s easy to dive right in. I enjoyed the small town setting and the Valentine’s Day atmosphere. Sarah and Aaron had lots of flirtatious banter and things got steamy pretty quick. If you are looking for a short and spicy second chance romance this is a good one to pick up.
Let me start by saying this: this is the first book I’ve ever wanted to read twice—it was THAT good. The main characters, Sarah and Aaron, are so incredibly likable, and their dynamic completely drew me in. The banter between them is truly next level, with witty, clever dialogue that kept me smiling and hooked the entire time. And the spice? Absolute chef’s kiss—perfectly done and had me kicking up my feet giggling and my husband asking me why I was blushing. 😂
The storyline itself was so well crafted, with just the right balance of romance, humor, and spice. I especially loved how seamlessly it tied into the previous novella, building on that foundation while still standing strong on its own. Sarah and Aaron’s story was everything I hoped for and more—it was simply amazing. Even the prelude to the next book was fantastic, setting up what’s to come in such an exciting way. This book was an absolute GEM from start to finish, and I already can’t wait to read it again!
“Roses are red, violent are blue, give me your number so I can flirt with you” 💘
I didn’t think I could love Serena Pier anymore after Emily and Nicholas’ story, in Santa’s Coming, but then came Sarah and Aaron!
For this being a short novella, I still felt like it gave me everything I needed and wanted in a spicy love story. This was the perfect story of second chance, friends to lovers and how everything that is meant to be will happen at the right time. And the spice was spicing 🌶️! I loved everything about this book from the small town, to the banter, and the romance to the spice. It had everything you needed to giggle and kick your feet all night long!
Serena Pier knew what she was doing with this one and let me just say… Aaron Olson is my new book boyfriend 🥵🙌🏻
Now be a good girl and go preorder this book 😏😉
Tropes; Small Town Second Chance Friends to Lovers Holiday Romance Dom and Praise Kink Role Play
Serena never fails!! This book had the cutest story and the way it progresses is so perfect. It doesn’t feel rushed at all even though it was short. I couldn’t put this book down. Serena always delivers with the right amount of spice and back story. I’m so excited to continue reading her novellas.
5/5 recommend if you’re looking for a well written short spicy story.
Another adorable holiday novella by Serena! I love how fun and unproblematic her characters are—they make her books such an enjoyable escape. 🥰 Aaron and Sarah were a spicy yet sweet couple, and I loved following their story. This one has all the sweet tropes: ✅ Small-town romance ✅ Second-chance romance ✅ Friends-to-lovers ✅ Valentine’s Day vibes
DNF! The characters dialogue between each other is the vocabulary of middle schoolers when the characters are thirty years old. The plot is so badly managed and the timeline is so fast. Don’t recommend.
My Rating: 4☆ High Five Novella Book Two Valentine's Novella - 118 Pages Friends to Lovers Second Chance at a First Chance Small Town He Falls First High School Crush Secret Admirer
Cupid’s Shot: A High Five Novella. It’s the second in part one of the series of three holiday-themed novellas featuring friends Emily, Sarah, and Rachel.
This was a very fun and quick read. It's very cute. Very funny. Lots and lots of flirting. It is definitely very cheesy and silly and corny (in a good way). They remind of my best friend and her husband. They are such dorks but it's so cute and it just fits them right. This is the only book I've read from the High Five series. I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the novellas but as the holiday's come.
The High Five Novella Series includes six small-town, holiday-themed novellas with a touch of spice. Each book can be read as a standalone, but reading in order brings added depth to the side characters.
Santa's Coming - Christmas Cupid's Shot - Valentine's Day Shamrock Kisses - St. Patrick's Day Run, Little Bunny - Easter Falling for Red - Fourth of July Sharing Shadow Secrets - Halloween