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The Compulsory Date: A Short Story
"Reading about these workplace enemies becoming lovers was perfection." —Ramona Elmes, author of the The Ball of Sin and The Nouveau Riche series
"I loved the enemies-to-lovers vibe of the story. This was fun and romantic. One of my favorites in the [Craving You] anthology." —GoodReads Reviewer
Gracie Watts and Connor Hall are an amazing team when they're friendly. It's just a shame they don’t get along most of the time.
Valentine's Day is around the corner. Tensions are running high at the restaurant when a new idea is put in place to enhance the diners' experience, causing another clash. Their attitudes are affecting the business, and something needs to change.
Keeping them apart hasn't made a difference. Desperate to make them get along, their boss decides they need to go on a date. Maybe, by being forced together, they will finally find a way to get along. . . .
This short story originally appeared in Craving A Spicy Valentine's Day Anthology published by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books, released in February 2025. This ebook contains supplemental material from the author.
"I loved the enemies-to-lovers vibe of the story. This was fun and romantic. One of my favorites in the [Craving You] anthology." —GoodReads Reviewer
Gracie Watts and Connor Hall are an amazing team when they're friendly. It's just a shame they don’t get along most of the time.
Valentine's Day is around the corner. Tensions are running high at the restaurant when a new idea is put in place to enhance the diners' experience, causing another clash. Their attitudes are affecting the business, and something needs to change.
Keeping them apart hasn't made a difference. Desperate to make them get along, their boss decides they need to go on a date. Maybe, by being forced together, they will finally find a way to get along. . . .
This short story originally appeared in Craving A Spicy Valentine's Day Anthology published by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books, released in February 2025. This ebook contains supplemental material from the author.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
About the author
Rowen Burrows
20 books84 followersBorn and raised in the Midlands, UK, Rowen lives with her husband and miniature poodle, and has a background in museums.
Favourite things in life include blankets, hamsters, books (of course) and teddy bears.
Rowen is also fascinated by mythology, Robin Hood and King Arthur. Mix this with being surrounded by animals her whole life, and a big believer in magic, paranormal romance is a favourite genre.
Favourite things in life include blankets, hamsters, books (of course) and teddy bears.
Rowen is also fascinated by mythology, Robin Hood and King Arthur. Mix this with being surrounded by animals her whole life, and a big believer in magic, paranormal romance is a favourite genre.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 30, 2025
What an adorable spicy short
From the beginning to an adorable future. Gracie and Connor were so cute and this quick read was perfect. From arguing to arguing over future plans. I loved this so much
From the beginning to an adorable future. Gracie and Connor were so cute and this quick read was perfect. From arguing to arguing over future plans. I loved this so much
April 15, 2025
Wow! Amazing short story
Honestly, I want more! At first, I wasn't sure if I could deal with a short story. I was afraid I wouldn't get enough exposition on characters to care. Gracie was easy to like, and Connor was just interesting enough to wonder about. This quick real left me turning page after page to see where their story went. My only complaint is that it's over. Great writing. Great short story.
Honestly, I want more! At first, I wasn't sure if I could deal with a short story. I was afraid I wouldn't get enough exposition on characters to care. Gracie was easy to like, and Connor was just interesting enough to wonder about. This quick real left me turning page after page to see where their story went. My only complaint is that it's over. Great writing. Great short story.
May 12, 2025
Sweet Short Story
Gracie and Conner have great chemistry together in this sweet story. The way it all came together in such a short story was perfect but leaves you wanting more.
Gracie and Conner have great chemistry together in this sweet story. The way it all came together in such a short story was perfect but leaves you wanting more.
April 19, 2026
The Compulsory Date by Rowen Burrows is an easy 5-star read and a great addition to the Sugar & Spice anthology.
Rowen Burrows does a really nice job with this one. The characters are well-written and distinct — Gracie is easy to like right from the start, and Connor is interesting enough to keep you wondering. The chemistry between them is great, and the enemies-to-lovers arc is handled well for a short story format. The pacing is tight, the writing is clean, and the workplace setting works perfectly for the tension between them.
My only complaint is that it ended — I wanted more. If you enjoy a fun, spicy workplace romance with real chemistry and a satisfying payoff, don't miss this one.
Rowen Burrows does a really nice job with this one. The characters are well-written and distinct — Gracie is easy to like right from the start, and Connor is interesting enough to keep you wondering. The chemistry between them is great, and the enemies-to-lovers arc is handled well for a short story format. The pacing is tight, the writing is clean, and the workplace setting works perfectly for the tension between them.
My only complaint is that it ended — I wanted more. If you enjoy a fun, spicy workplace romance with real chemistry and a satisfying payoff, don't miss this one.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews