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Bennett
Grumpy protector meets sassy waitress… and the sparks are hotter than the coffee.
Laurel Sinclair didn’t expect to become a short-order cook, but when her Aunt Annie needs help running Annie’s Diner, in Harland, Texas, she couldn’t say no. Serving up burgers, sweet tea, and the occasional slice of unsolicited small-town gossip is a far cry from her old life, and that’s just the way she likes it. No drama, no danger—just pancakes and peace.
But peace is officially off the menu when strange things start happening. A break-in. Cryptic notes. And the unsettling feeling that someone is watching her. At first, Laurel chalks it up to overactive imagination—until she’s threatened.
Enter Bennett Vaughn—former military, now employed with Eagle Security and Investigations. He’s new to Harland, doesn’t do small talk, and has all the charm of burnt toast. But when Aunt Annie strong-arms him into looking out for Laurel (because no one argues with Aunt Annie), he finds himself knee-deep in diner drama, a growing list of suspects, and one exasperating, entirely too tempting woman.
Laurel insists she can take care of herself. Bennett insists she’s terrible at it. And when the danger escalates, the grumpy protector and the stubborn waitress will have to work together—before the next thing served at Annie’s Diner is revenge.
Laurel Sinclair didn’t expect to become a short-order cook, but when her Aunt Annie needs help running Annie’s Diner, in Harland, Texas, she couldn’t say no. Serving up burgers, sweet tea, and the occasional slice of unsolicited small-town gossip is a far cry from her old life, and that’s just the way she likes it. No drama, no danger—just pancakes and peace.
But peace is officially off the menu when strange things start happening. A break-in. Cryptic notes. And the unsettling feeling that someone is watching her. At first, Laurel chalks it up to overactive imagination—until she’s threatened.
Enter Bennett Vaughn—former military, now employed with Eagle Security and Investigations. He’s new to Harland, doesn’t do small talk, and has all the charm of burnt toast. But when Aunt Annie strong-arms him into looking out for Laurel (because no one argues with Aunt Annie), he finds himself knee-deep in diner drama, a growing list of suspects, and one exasperating, entirely too tempting woman.
Laurel insists she can take care of herself. Bennett insists she’s terrible at it. And when the danger escalates, the grumpy protector and the stubborn waitress will have to work together—before the next thing served at Annie’s Diner is revenge.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Donna Michaels
85 books549 followersHi there. Thank you for checking out my profile.
It’s all my mother’s fault. She read to me when I was little and sparked my imagination. Now, my mind is the limit, and believe me, there’s no limit to my mind.
Hello, I’m Donna Michaels, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Award winning author of Romaginative fiction. I write romance through the H’s—Hot, Humorous, Heartwarming, with strong alpha cowboys and military men who are equally matched by their heroines.
With a husband retired from the military and now working at a brewery, four children, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, several rescued cats, and my parents living with us, I never run out of material. From short to epic, my books entertain readers across a variety of sub-genres, and one has even been hand drawn into a Japanese Translation. Now, if only I could read it…
It’s all my mother’s fault. She read to me when I was little and sparked my imagination. Now, my mind is the limit, and believe me, there’s no limit to my mind.
Hello, I’m Donna Michaels, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Award winning author of Romaginative fiction. I write romance through the H’s—Hot, Humorous, Heartwarming, with strong alpha cowboys and military men who are equally matched by their heroines.
With a husband retired from the military and now working at a brewery, four children, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, several rescued cats, and my parents living with us, I never run out of material. From short to epic, my books entertain readers across a variety of sub-genres, and one has even been hand drawn into a Japanese Translation. Now, if only I could read it…
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 26, 2025
Decent story with likable characters but disappointing ending with just a HFN.
May 2, 2025
I could not stop reading this book until I got to the end! There is just so many good things to say about this book - it has drama, intrigue, lots of sizzling attraction, sass, and lots of previous characters in the story line.
Laurel is in town to help her Aunt Annie and Bennett is new to the group of security guys and there first meeting is so funny!
Through in the vandalism and trying to figure out who is behind it and stop it.
Then, there is the mystery of why Bennett keeps deleting text messages from Theo.
I about cried when Bennett brought his gift to Laurel's new shop, such a great ending and boy, do I want to see the next book when Jenna and Josh find out that they are both in Harland at the same time....can't wait!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Laurel is in town to help her Aunt Annie and Bennett is new to the group of security guys and there first meeting is so funny!
Through in the vandalism and trying to figure out who is behind it and stop it.
Then, there is the mystery of why Bennett keeps deleting text messages from Theo.
I about cried when Bennett brought his gift to Laurel's new shop, such a great ending and boy, do I want to see the next book when Jenna and Josh find out that they are both in Harland at the same time....can't wait!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2025
Bennett is the newest Harland Country Hottie to worm his way into my heart!
In classic Donna Michaels style, her hot and hunky men and sassy independant women bring the humor and sexy times to the diner table, leaving me wishing I could be a part of the story.
Donna is a pro at writing men I can fall in love with and women I want as my best friends. The cast of characters recurring in each book is like going back to my hometown to hear the gossip about the couples and what they've gotten themselves mixed up in now.
Bennett and Laurel have an instant attraction to one another. Throw in some drama, suspense, and a sexy man ready to protect the woman he's found to be too tempting and stubborn for her own good, and you've got the perfect recipe for a five-star romance.
In classic Donna Michaels style, her hot and hunky men and sassy independant women bring the humor and sexy times to the diner table, leaving me wishing I could be a part of the story.
Donna is a pro at writing men I can fall in love with and women I want as my best friends. The cast of characters recurring in each book is like going back to my hometown to hear the gossip about the couples and what they've gotten themselves mixed up in now.
Bennett and Laurel have an instant attraction to one another. Throw in some drama, suspense, and a sexy man ready to protect the woman he's found to be too tempting and stubborn for her own good, and you've got the perfect recipe for a five-star romance.
October 18, 2025
Soo good
Laurel is in Harland to help her aunt. Annie is her aunt and is having surgery on her wrists. She runs the diner.
Annie is having the building she owns renovated and someone doesn't like it.
Her aunt has asked Laurel to take over the renovation project. She has decided to stay in the apartment to catch who is doing the vandalism.
Bennett works for ESI. He is considered grumpy and broody. He meets Laurel at the diner and she pushes his buttons. ESI has been hired to do the security for the renovation after the vandalism. When Bennett finds out Laurel plans on staying at the apartment, he is staying too.
Bennett is done fighting the pull she has on him. He will protect her and help catch who is behind the trouble.
Laurel is in Harland to help her aunt. Annie is her aunt and is having surgery on her wrists. She runs the diner.
Annie is having the building she owns renovated and someone doesn't like it.
Her aunt has asked Laurel to take over the renovation project. She has decided to stay in the apartment to catch who is doing the vandalism.
Bennett works for ESI. He is considered grumpy and broody. He meets Laurel at the diner and she pushes his buttons. ESI has been hired to do the security for the renovation after the vandalism. When Bennett finds out Laurel plans on staying at the apartment, he is staying too.
Bennett is done fighting the pull she has on him. He will protect her and help catch who is behind the trouble.
May 12, 2025
Newcomers
Laurel back in her home town to help her aunt recovering from surgery, Bennett new to ESI, strange things happening to aunt Annie's old building under reconstruction, ESI is tasked with the job of finding the culprit, Laurel fights back quickly with a travel bottle of hand sanitizer aimed at Bennett in her fear, oops, not effective, and the banter begins, old wounds from his past with unwanted calls from family hurts, they are so perfect for each other, the yin and yang, he fits in the the others well at ESI, small town Harland is home for Laurel and Bennett,, thank you for a beautiful story, Dana Zamora
Laurel back in her home town to help her aunt recovering from surgery, Bennett new to ESI, strange things happening to aunt Annie's old building under reconstruction, ESI is tasked with the job of finding the culprit, Laurel fights back quickly with a travel bottle of hand sanitizer aimed at Bennett in her fear, oops, not effective, and the banter begins, old wounds from his past with unwanted calls from family hurts, they are so perfect for each other, the yin and yang, he fits in the the others well at ESI, small town Harland is home for Laurel and Bennett,, thank you for a beautiful story, Dana Zamora
July 28, 2025
A usual a well written storyline and addition to the series, and I really enjoyed it.
The instant attraction between Bennett and Laurel is the last thing either wants, as they try and settle into the town. Laurel is there helping out her aunt and considering the next course of her life. Bennett is new to ESI, and just wanting to settle in to his new norm.
The two get thrown together because of some strange goings on, and of course a meddling aunt. With a bit of luck they just might get a HEA neither expected.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The instant attraction between Bennett and Laurel is the last thing either wants, as they try and settle into the town. Laurel is there helping out her aunt and considering the next course of her life. Bennett is new to ESI, and just wanting to settle in to his new norm.
The two get thrown together because of some strange goings on, and of course a meddling aunt. With a bit of luck they just might get a HEA neither expected.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 11, 2025
I just loved this story. There was a lot going going on with the suspense of who was behind the problems, coupled with Bennett’s personal issues which were hinted at throughout the book. It was Lauren though who was the key to the story with such a brilliant personality you couldn’t help but warm to her.
Bennett and Lauren had an instant attraction to each other and it was only a matter of time before they took things to the next stage.
Thoroughly enjoyable and kept my interest from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bennett and Lauren had an instant attraction to each other and it was only a matter of time before they took things to the next stage.
Thoroughly enjoyable and kept my interest from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2025
Bennett is new to town and to tye security company. He is a grumpy gus for sure, in the beginning. Laurel is a soft touch coming to town to help her aunt run the diner, even though that is not something she wants to do. The suspense and intrugue attached to the strange things happening at the diner drives the drama and the story. But we also are gifted with humor, a great team of men and significant others, and a sassy love story that takes a slow drift into a deep connection between two well written characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2025
Book 15 of thecHC Heroes Series and can be read as a standalone.
'Grumpy protector meets sassy waitress… and the sparks are hotter than the coffee.'
The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Grumpy protector meets sassy waitress… and the sparks are hotter than the coffee.'
The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
"Bennett" (HC Heroes Book 15) by Donna Michaels was a fantastic read. I loved Bennett and Laurel's story. This story had romance, passion, humor, close friends, family, action, military veterans, interesting and entertaining characters, twists, and more. This was a wonderful addition to this series. I can't wait to read what happens next. I always enjoy visiting Harland County. I highly recommend it to all fans of romance, military, family, and series.
May 21, 2025
Bennett is the fifteenth book of the HC Heroes Series by Donna Michaels. It is an entertaining page turner with Bennet, an unwilling grumpy hero who has been strong armed into the small town diner life along with the task of protecting the headstrong Laurel. Makes for a few chuckles and thrills with the danger. Entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2025
Another fantastic story set in Harland County, see reading. About past characters we all love. This story is about Bennett & Laurel and how they come together to solve with ESI what’s going on. Bennett ex military comes to Harland County to join ESI and Laurel has come to help her aunt Annie, what follows is everything we love about this series feisty women and men who are strong and protective.
May 18, 2025
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS SERIES❤️❤️❤️
I just can’t get enough of this series. The characters are flawed but so lovable. Bennett raised the standards. Just a broody but caring guy. Laurel was a breath of fresh air, strong but soft hearted. The dialog is just amazing. Keep writing, I’ll keep reading. Can’t wait for the spinoff series.
I just can’t get enough of this series. The characters are flawed but so lovable. Bennett raised the standards. Just a broody but caring guy. Laurel was a breath of fresh air, strong but soft hearted. The dialog is just amazing. Keep writing, I’ll keep reading. Can’t wait for the spinoff series.
May 10, 2025
A well written storyline and a great addition to the series. This book is full of twists and turns along with drama and suspense. A must read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2025
Bennett
Bennett and Laurel are now among some of my all time favorite couples! Bennett is a true HC Hero as is Laurel. I truly enjoyed reading Bennett and can’t wait to see what happens next in Harland County!
Bennett and Laurel are now among some of my all time favorite couples! Bennett is a true HC Hero as is Laurel. I truly enjoyed reading Bennett and can’t wait to see what happens next in Harland County!
June 4, 2025
Surprises!
Bennett: he was unsure about Hartland. When Mac offered him a job he said why not he didn't want to go home to many ghosts! He was not expecting to meet a spitfire of a women that kept him on his toes. Wonderful story!
Bennett: he was unsure about Hartland. When Mac offered him a job he said why not he didn't want to go home to many ghosts! He was not expecting to meet a spitfire of a women that kept him on his toes. Wonderful story!
September 28, 2025
When Bennett and Laurel met, it was as if they knew and recognised each other. On the same bandwidth. He knows she's strong, and can look after herself, but he's there to help her, if she'll let him. Having him see her as a strong, resilient woman is everything to her.
May 3, 2025
I laughed, I cried, best one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews