It Happened in the Library: A Willow Creek Novella

by Andrea Jenelle

Laura Flannigan and Sam Wright are polar opposites. He's a grumpy, bow-tie wearing research librarian and she's a bubbly, circulation desk librarian. He reads science fiction and she reads romance.
When the head librarian announces her retirement, they know they're going to be vying for the same promotion.
Sam wants a better chance at the job and asks Laura to school him on the romance genre. She agrees - and gives him a reading list of her favorite historical romances.
As they discuss each book over lunch, they realize they have much more in common than they thought and Sam realizes reading these books is a way for him to finally act on his long-term crush.
Library Setting, Virgin Hero, Opposites Attract, Grumpy vs. Sunshine, Seduction Lessons.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

I write steamy small town romance (Willow Creek series), paranormal romantasy (Sons & Daughters of Lir) and Victorian era historical romance (Wainwright Sisters) with heat and heart.
I'm a 2X HOLT Award Winning Author (2023, No Regrets- Best First Book; 2025, No Excuses - Best Short Contemporary) who's had characters begging me to tell their love story since I was thirteen years old. I'm finally letting them have a voice.
I wrote my first story, about a giant who befriended a lady bug when I was in the second grade.
I live on a peaceful farm with my spouse and love nothing more than sitting on my porch with a glass of wine and plotting.
You can subscribe to my newsletter via my author website, ANDREAJENELLEROMANCE at https://andreajenelleromance.com/ or see what I'm up to on Instagram and TikTok via my handle @authorandreajenelle

Reviews

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the contrast between Sam and Laura, his gruff exterior to her sunshine. 5 years of pining disguised by rivalry and animosity. It’s clear from the start that these two are perfect for each other, but their timing needed to be right. The romance reading list was such a fun microtrope to explore. The authors’ homage to historical romance meant so much to me as it is the genre of romance that first captured my heart. I loved how committed Sam was to learning the stories that enthralled Laura and that he was completely open to the experience. Add in the daily picnics and you’ve got the perfect wooing. In discussing the books they learned the inner person they were both hiding. Once they allowed the vulnerability in, it was full speed ahead. This story is both incandescently sweet and burns with the heat of longing. I adored their connection and every book lovers dream setting, the library! Andrea writes small town romance with all the cozy vibes that settle in your heart. I can’t get enough.”

[iesha Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

this novella had it all. grumpy sunshine
favorite quote " you seem particularly fond of those books that always have a woman collapsing into a shirtless mands arms."
" i want you to be my first everything. "

sam is perfection. he is grumpy but only cuz he is awkward and then there is Laura bubbly and sassy. they strike up a deal and before they know it feelings develop. i devoured this book and continue to dream of sam.
tropes:
virgin hero
workplace romance
grumpy/sunshine
rivals to lovers