This Fourth of July, I'm declaring my independence from love. Too bad nobody told Phoenix Wood.
Gigi Hart has two goals this keep her bakery stocked with red, white, and blue cupcakes, and avoid anything—or anyone—remotely connected to her health-obsessed family and their fitness empire, Hart Health. So when her parents send their newest spokesperson, charming retired NFL star Phoenix Wood, to "talk," she's ready to show him the door.
But Phoenix isn't just here on business. He's searching for what comes after football... and maybe, just maybe, a reason to stay in Honeysuckle Ridge.
Between Fourth of July festival prep, small-town matchmaking, and midnight cake deliveries, Gigi and Phoenix discover that the sweetest love stories are the ones you never see coming. But when family secrets threaten their budding romance, they'll have to decide if love is worth taking the biggest risk of all.
Red, White, and You is a sweet, funny, closed-door romantic comedy novella. Perfect for fans of opposites attract, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and feel-good small-town romance.
Ash Keller writes clean contemporary romance and romantic comedies. Her books are sweet on heat but big on heart. She lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her wonderful husband, three mischievous cats, and a couple of bossy backyard chickens that peck on the door to demand treats. For the latest news and exclusive content, subscribe to her newsletter.
This book is a solid 4.5 stars for me! I absolutely loved how it was 4th of July themed and a short read. The short read is fun and unrealistic, but still adorable. I love that there was no delaying of their romance, but it also adds to the unrealistic part of it all. It reminds me of a perfect summer hallmark movie. You watch these movies for the pure fun and joy not the reality of life. I love how you could escape in this quick and cute love story.
I also adored how the FMC is a curvy girl! I always love size inclusivity in books. All people should feel represented while reading.
I recommend this book for anyone who just needs to decompress, relax, and unwind. It’s only 55 pages, so it can easily be done in one sitting!
Main Tropes:
🏘️small town 🤩insta connection 🍐curvy FMC 🧁cupcakes and sweet treats 🩷short and sweet 🏈 retired NFL MMC
Short, sweet, and utterly perfect. I was a fan of Gigi in the previous book about her bestie, and from that point I already knew that I wanted to know more about her. Phoenix sauntered into this story, and while he didn’t make it all about him, he certainly stole my focus. I loved watching this pair get to know one another, even with a big, ugly secret set to blow up in their faces. I adored the ending, and my fingers are crossed that this won’t be our last visit to Honeysuckle Ridge. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
These two holiday books were so fun! I loved revisiting the two characters from the last book and reading Phoenix and GiGi’s story! Short and sweet like a mini cupcake these two short stories were delightful!
Ok, working in my parent’s bakery, I absolutely adored all the baking references. This is a super cute and short 4th of July romance that can easily be read in one sitting.
This bite-sized romcom is sure to bring fireworks!
This quick read truly is a romcom sugar bomb. Just enough sugar and spice to keep you hooked, with great story development and character growth.
Gigi and Phoenix are great! I loved their banter. Gigi was just sassy enough, and Phoenix is sincere in his efforts, even though he's got something to hide. They truly see each other, not just what others think of them. Add in some family drama and some meddling friends, and it is the perfect little dollop of sunshine for a summer read.
There were SO many good lines that had me smiling, laughing, and swooning along.
“I see Phoenix Wood standing in my doorway again, morning sunlight streaming in behind him like he’s some kind of romantic hero in a movie I definitely don’t want to be starring in.” - Gigi
“I definitely wasn’t expecting a frosting-covered firecracker with curves that could stop traffic.” - Phoenix
This short and sweet enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town romcom is sure to delight.
This bite-sized romcom is sure to bring fireworks!
This quick read truly is a romcom sugar bomb. Just enough sugar and spice to keep you hooked, with great story development and character growth.
Gigi and Phoenix are great! I loved their banter. Gigi was just sassy enough, and Phoenix is sincere in his efforts, even though he's got something to hide. They truly see each other, not just what others think of them. Add in some family drama and some meddling friends, and it is the perfect little dollop of sunshine for a summer read.
There were SO many good lines that had me smiling, laughing, and swooning along.
“I see Phoenix Wood standing in my doorway again, morning sunlight streaming in behind him like he’s some kind of romantic hero in a movie I definitely don’t want to be starring in.” - Gigi
“I definitely wasn’t expecting a frosting-covered firecracker with curves that could stop traffic.” - Phoenix
This short and sweet enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town romcom is sure to delight.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Red, White, and You is the second book in the Short and Sweet Holiday Treats series. I had not personally read the first book in this series and found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone (though the couple from book one DO make an appearance).
When I pick up an Ash Keller novella, I know without a doubt that they are always going to live up to their description of being a 'short and sweet romcom sugar bomb'... and this one certainly does just that... with an extra dose of sweetness with a baker FMC (seriously, you're going to want to grab a sweet treat for this one)! I loved Phoenix and Gigi right from the start. Phoenix may have been sent by her health obsessed parents to talk business, but he wasn't expecting to be quite so charmed by the small-town baker! These two had a really fun chemistry between them that I couldn't help but enjoy! The 4th of July setting isn't one that we see nearly enough of but added so much charm to this sweet story. Their romance was definitely quick, but it worked for them and being less than 100 pages long was as to be expected. While this may be a shorter read (easily read in just a sitting or two), it's not short on story, fun or swoon. Ash Keller's stories are always really fun, quick reads, but this one might just be my favorite yet!
Red, White, and You is a closed-door romance with kisses only.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Phoenix, retired NFL star is trying to figure out what comes next after football when he is tasked by Hart Health, who he is the new spokesperson for the company and to talk to Gigi, their daughter and persuade her to come back and work for the company. Gigi, local owner of the bakery in Honeysuckle Ridge has two goals in mind this summer…making sure she is fully stocked with red, white and blue cupcakes and avoiding anyone from her health obsessed parents company. But between the festival prep, small town matchmaking, and middle of the night cake deliveries, will Gigi and Phoenix realize that love is something you never see coming?
I was so excited when I heard that Ash Keller was writing this book, that Gigi was getting her story after reading the first book in this series. I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this sweet novella small town story. Gigi and Phoenix were so cute. I love how independent Gigi is, how she knows what she wants and why she wants it. I enjoyed seeing a glimpse into the previous characters.
This is book two in the Short & Sweet Holiday Treats series, but can be read as a standalone. A closed door rom com novella that can be read in one sitting.
Ash Keller is a master of writing short novellas with superlative character growth and an unfailing HEA. This short read is no exception. I loved that Gigi knew her own mind. She was happy and fulfilled running her bakery, which is a community mainstay, and would not let her rather pushy, domineering mother pressure her into compromising her own values and happiness to conform to her mother's agenda and plans. It was wonderful to see Phoenix deal with the big decisions that face him as he chose to retire as a Super Bowl champion wide receiver. In his association with Gigi, he quickly came to respect her choices and the way she built a home for herself at the core of community life. I liked that they both have friends in the local 'boy made good' football star and his bride. I can picture the two couples getting together in the offseason to share evenings on the back patio with glasses of sweet tea and Gigi's most recent treat.
I received a free advance copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
This novella was incredibly sweet. I love Ash Keller's books. They are always a delight. I love that they are on the shorter side. Sometimes long books are really daunting, so I really love novellas.
The idea of a baker and an athlete made me giggle. I read Joe and Ella's book and I really loved it & I loved seeing them again in this story.
Even though this story was short it still packs an emotional punch, with Gigi dealing with feelings regarding her parents.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the baking and how what Gigi was baking symbolized what she was feeling. I think we all have those outlets that help us with our emitons and seeing it used in a story with a baker was fun!
The romance was cute and sweet & I loved the epilogue!
Thank you to Ash Keller for giving me the oportunity to read an ARC copy of this story! I look forward to reading more of her storiesi n the future!
Sometimes it's nice to fit a short book in between the longer ones. That's one of the reasons I enjoy Ash Keller's books. I love that her plots are complete and her characters are so great!
Gigi is such a great character. I really felt for her as she dealt with her family, and Phoenix. Phoenix has been sent to get her to run the family health food business. When all she wants to do is run her bakery. I loved the way she gets to know Phoenix a little at a time and the way she falls for him a little at a time.
Phoenix is a great guy! Even though he's being paid to get Gigi to bend to her family's will, he can see that she's happy just where she is. And he doesn't want to mess that up. I loved that he believed in her bakery. But when his secret is revealed before he can tell her, things blow up in his face. And he wonders if Gigi can ever trust him again.
This is such a cute, quick read! It's perfect for summer!
"I look at her, really look at her. Her hair's a mess, she's got frosting on her shirt, and l've never seen anyone more beautiful."
I wasn’t sure what to expect since this was a shorter story, but I absolutely loved it! Red, White and You reminded me of a cozy Hallmark movie — full of sweet romance, small-town charm, and plenty of laughs.
The main character’s stubborn but sweet personality made her so fun to read, and I absolutely LOVE Ella — the best friend everyone needs, always there for support. The comedy was perfect and had me laughing out loud.
I also loved the contrast between her health-nut parents and her love for sweets. The romance between Gigi and Phoenix was sweet, heartwarming, and left me smiling. Plus, all the baking scenes made me so hungry! 😋
Such a fun, feel-good read that completely exceeded my expectations!
Very sweet novella about a baker and ex football player
Gigi Hart runs a successful bakery in a small town. She loves her job, her business and the town she lives in. Her parents , owners of a mega health company, don't approve of their daughter's work and want her to be part of their company. Enter Phoenix, an ex football player doing endorsements for Hart Health and hired by Gigi's parents to change their daughter's mind about leaving the bakery and taking over the family business. But things don't go as planned and that adds to the sweetness of this story.
This rom-com is full of fun and witty banter, sweetness galore , and small town charm . While it's a novella and an easy and quick read, the story does not lack substance. I recommend this book and author.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Red, White and You is a light, charming novella perfect for summer. Gigi and Phoenix make a fun opposites-attract pair, and the small-town Fourth of July vibes are strong think cupcakes, parades, and meddling locals. The story moves quickly and has plenty of cute, feel-good moments, with a closed-door romance that keeps things cozy.
That said, I wished there had been a bit more depth or time to fully explore the emotional beats, it felt a little rushed at times. Still, if you're in the mood for an easy, festive read with heart and humor, this one’s a sweet pick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gigi owns a bake shop and has distanced herself from her parents. They want her to be part of their health company and don;t believe in sugar. Phoenix has just retired as a successful football player. Her parents sponsor him and offer money for him to try and convince her to talk to them. He arrives and is taken by Gigi. He is now conflicted on working for her parents and falling for her. Can he figure it out?
This was a really cute clean romance. The characters are fun an the story was over way too quick. Definitely and easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“I think,” I say, my voice rough, “that anyone who can’t see how incredible you are doesn’t deserve five minutes of your time.”
Red, White, and You by Ash Keller is a sweet rom com that is bite sized – perfect for your summer reading!
I really love this dual POV novella about Gigi and Phoenix. I absolutely adore that Gigi will make cakes based upon her moods. I just wanted to devour them while reading! The romance is swoony, the fireworks are fantastic and I really love the author’s writing style that melted my heart! Even though this is a novella, it still felt like the complete story for me. I highly recommend!
This is book 2 of the Short &Sweet Holiday Treats series and can be read as a standalone. It does mention characters from the other book that you can go back and read if you haven’t already, because wow…Ella is the ride or die friend everyone needs!
There is a lot to enjoy about this sugar bomb novella from Ash Keller. Gigi, our FMC, is a spunky and independent baker with her own business. She makes cakes to process her feelings, and her approach to determining the right flavor profile was so interesting. Pheonix, our MMC, is a retired pro football player who is looking for a little more direction in his life. As their banter and chemistry bring them closer, a lie threatens to tear them apart. Their story unfolds around Independence Day, which makes this the perfect sweet and quick read for the upcoming holiday!
What an adorably delightful story! Ash Keller is one of my favorite authors and she has written yet another wonderful short romcom! Gigi and Phoenix were great characters, I loved the ways they both cared for the people around them! And I could almost taste all the delicious sweets in Gigi’s bakery! This book is so much fun to read, and I loved every minute of it! Highly recommend! If you’re looking for a book to squeeze in between the parade, the barbecue, and the fireworks this one is the perfect choice!
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the author! My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I love a well written short story. one that has all the important details without leaving anything out. this book has emotions, a great story to tell and all the sweet treats you can imagine. which makes the reader want to eat or bake the treats. I absolutely loved Gigi and her determined personality. Phoenix was the Travis Kelce of romance books. if you are looking for a wonderful sweet short story this is your read
This was a really cute novella. It was just under 100 pages and took me just under an hour to read. I’m not the biggest fan of novellas just because everything happens so quickly. This story has a lot of potential to be a full novel and I wish it had been one.I love how Gigi is true to herself no matter who (family) tells her she should be something different. Phoenix is a very encouraging and loving guy. I really appreciated him being able to change his mind once he learned more about Gigi. I also love the way Gigi expresses herself with her baking and the recipes that she creates.
Red, white, and you. Lemon-raspberry and regrets. Red, white, and I love you. How cute are these names for cakes? Gigi the fun loving small town baker who knows everyone, and they love Gigi. Phoenix the hot retired NFL player who is supposed to get Gigi to quit the bakery and go work for her families healthy lifestyle empire. If you want to read a sweet little novella then this book is for you
Sweet little story about Gigi and Phoenix. Phoenix is in town to see his best friend while also trying to convince bakery owner, Gigi, to join her family’s health friendly company. Will a miscommunication get in the way of their Happily Ever After? Also…now I’m craving cake!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gigi meets Phoenix when he visits her bakery, and she is not happy when she finds out he is on a mission from her parents. Will she give him a second chance? I liked the setting and that it is told from both points of view.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Red, White, and You is a cute, quick read that was perfect for my plane ride reading time. I loved getting a little more time with the characters from Wild Card Valentine, which I really enjoyed. This short story has the perfect dose of summer vibes, sweetness, and happily-ever-after charm. It left me smiling—and made me want to reread Wild Card Valentine all over again!
As far as short stories go, this one was precious and perfect for the holiday coming up. I always have a hard time reviewing short stories/novellas because it’s not meant to have a ton of detail, but if you’re looking for something fitting for the holiday and a quick romance to read in between other books on your TBR this is a great one🎇
Ash Keller's books never disappoint me. Quick reads like this one, with Gigi and Phoenix, have wisdom and wit, romance, and small town feelings. They don't seem rushed nor lacking in story development. I finish her books with a smile on my face because, once again, love wins out.
What a fun and sweet romance novel! This was the perfect light-hearted summer read for the 4th of July. Great characters and home-town charm make this a really fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such an enjoyable and sweet quick read, perfect if you want a little “pick me up” HEA romance. Loved reading this on a lovely summer day while catching a bit of sunshine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
one vision Gigi and Phoenix might come form completely different backgrounds, but after being unable to deny their connection they find a way to head off into a bright future together, a short entertaining read.
I was hooked from the start to this cute and fun story. I loved the charming and sweet storyline and lovable characters. This romance was entertaining and full of family drama, love, laughter. A quick and easy read with its ups and downs but love conquers all.