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Candlelight Confessions: A Curvy Girl Romance
Thirty candles. One forbidden flame.
Her high school bully’s brother just confessed the truth … and now this birthday will change everything.
Cassie Lane came home to celebrate her thirtieth ... not to face old scars. But when the party lights go out, she finds herself in the glow of Jack Carter, the rugged hometown heartthrob who just happens to be the brother of her high school tormentor.
Broad-shouldered and heartbreakingly sincere, Jack is nothing like his sister. But he’s the one man Cassie shouldn’t want. Until one confession and kiss.
Now Cassie must decide if she can trust the man who makes her feel seen, or let old wounds steal the future she’s always dreamed of.
Candlelight Confessions is a steamy, small-town birthday romance with forbidden sparks, flirty banter, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Perfect for fans of curvy heroines, small-town romance, and the irresistible enemy’s brother trope.
BOURBON & ROSES SERIES
Bourbon in the glass. Roses in the air. Love in the Bluegrass has never been this intoxicating
From the roar of the Kentucky Derby to the quiet hum of Appalachian backroads, love blooms where you least expect it. In this swoon-worthy series of standalone romances, big-city lights meet small-town charm, and every couple finds their own happily-ever-after against the rich backdrop of the Bluegrass State.
From country music heartthrobs to bourbon kings, horse farm rebels to mountain town dreamers ... each story is a shot of passion with a splash of Southern charm. Here, the stakes are high, the kisses are hotter than July, and the only thing smoother than the bourbon … is falling in love.
Opal Nicks delivers page-turning passion wrapped in Kentucky charm - where every hero is worth falling for and every kiss lingers like the last drop in the glass.
Her high school bully’s brother just confessed the truth … and now this birthday will change everything.
Cassie Lane came home to celebrate her thirtieth ... not to face old scars. But when the party lights go out, she finds herself in the glow of Jack Carter, the rugged hometown heartthrob who just happens to be the brother of her high school tormentor.
Broad-shouldered and heartbreakingly sincere, Jack is nothing like his sister. But he’s the one man Cassie shouldn’t want. Until one confession and kiss.
Now Cassie must decide if she can trust the man who makes her feel seen, or let old wounds steal the future she’s always dreamed of.
Candlelight Confessions is a steamy, small-town birthday romance with forbidden sparks, flirty banter, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Perfect for fans of curvy heroines, small-town romance, and the irresistible enemy’s brother trope.
BOURBON & ROSES SERIES
Bourbon in the glass. Roses in the air. Love in the Bluegrass has never been this intoxicating
From the roar of the Kentucky Derby to the quiet hum of Appalachian backroads, love blooms where you least expect it. In this swoon-worthy series of standalone romances, big-city lights meet small-town charm, and every couple finds their own happily-ever-after against the rich backdrop of the Bluegrass State.
From country music heartthrobs to bourbon kings, horse farm rebels to mountain town dreamers ... each story is a shot of passion with a splash of Southern charm. Here, the stakes are high, the kisses are hotter than July, and the only thing smoother than the bourbon … is falling in love.
Opal Nicks delivers page-turning passion wrapped in Kentucky charm - where every hero is worth falling for and every kiss lingers like the last drop in the glass.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Opal Nicks
47 books23 followersOpal’s steamy stories frequently feature independent, strong-willed females who find themselves surprisingly swept away by alpha males who pursue them with vigor and passion. Ultimately, they can’t resist the sweet satisfaction and protection these men offer. Who could?
On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.
In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.
Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.
On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.
In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.
Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 12, 2025
Home is Where She Finally Found Happiness -
Cassie was distressed when she left her hometown years ago to attend college in the city, but returning years later for her thirtieth birthday left her feeling anxious, especially when her best friend organised a surprise birthday party for her. Jack wasn’t really a party person, so his plan was to stay for a short while and leave, but when he saw how overwhelmed Cassis was looking, he decided to suggest they go outside for fresh air, which led to them reminiscing.
However, tension between Jack and Cassie shifts to another level later that night as truths and secret are revealed whilst playing a truth or date game with their friends at the party. Jack then found a reason to spend time with Cassie again by asking her to do a job for him, which led to them enjoying a meal together in a date worthy restaurant and a kiss on their way back. Nonetheless, whilst Jack and Cassie were together perusing the photos she had taken, his who was her nemesis in high school arrived and dampened the atmosphere, so they left the cafe.
Cassie suddenly had a light-bulb moment, that would benefit the town and herself, but she ultimately hoped it would change the antagonistic attitude of Jack’s sister towards her and it works perfectly because she executed beautifully. Jack and Cassie continued to spend time together, which led to them going on dates and enjoying steamy sensual encounters. Ultimately, Cassie’s trip home was meant to be temporary, but once Jack got a hold of her he wasn’t going to give her a change to leave, she made a forever home with him and travelled for work.
This story was an absolutely delightful slow burn romance story, that had me hooked from the first page and kept me glued to the pages until the end. If you enjoy reading small town instalove romance stories, then you will definitely enjoy reading this book. I suggest you grab a copy of this book now and you won’t be disappointed.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie was distressed when she left her hometown years ago to attend college in the city, but returning years later for her thirtieth birthday left her feeling anxious, especially when her best friend organised a surprise birthday party for her. Jack wasn’t really a party person, so his plan was to stay for a short while and leave, but when he saw how overwhelmed Cassis was looking, he decided to suggest they go outside for fresh air, which led to them reminiscing.
However, tension between Jack and Cassie shifts to another level later that night as truths and secret are revealed whilst playing a truth or date game with their friends at the party. Jack then found a reason to spend time with Cassie again by asking her to do a job for him, which led to them enjoying a meal together in a date worthy restaurant and a kiss on their way back. Nonetheless, whilst Jack and Cassie were together perusing the photos she had taken, his who was her nemesis in high school arrived and dampened the atmosphere, so they left the cafe.
Cassie suddenly had a light-bulb moment, that would benefit the town and herself, but she ultimately hoped it would change the antagonistic attitude of Jack’s sister towards her and it works perfectly because she executed beautifully. Jack and Cassie continued to spend time together, which led to them going on dates and enjoying steamy sensual encounters. Ultimately, Cassie’s trip home was meant to be temporary, but once Jack got a hold of her he wasn’t going to give her a change to leave, she made a forever home with him and travelled for work.
This story was an absolutely delightful slow burn romance story, that had me hooked from the first page and kept me glued to the pages until the end. If you enjoy reading small town instalove romance stories, then you will definitely enjoy reading this book. I suggest you grab a copy of this book now and you won’t be disappointed.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
She came home for a break. He makes her want to stay.
Cassie left Allensville ten years ago with a camera, a dream, and zero plans to come back. But when her 30th birthday pulls her home, she finds more than family dinners and faded memories. She finds Jack, the man who sees right through her defenses and into the heart she’s kept guarded.
Jack's steady, quiet, and grounded in a way Cassie didn’t know she needed. He’s also the older brother of her old high school bully, which complicates everything. What starts as a work favor becomes long days together, soft moments, and a slow build of trust neither of them expected.
Cassie sets out to photograph her hometown through a new lens, hoping to reclaim what once felt like rejection. But old wounds stir, and old feelings rouse. Through it all, Jack stands beside her, solid and unshaken, helping her rewrite the story that once made her leave.
Their love isn't instant, but it’s intentional. Built moment by moment through quiet confessions, shared meals, and the kind of intimacy that strips you bare in the best way. It's messy. It's careful. It's real.
Cassie learns to stop shrinking to fit places she’s outgrown, and Jack learns how to show up without holding back. Together, they create space for something lasting, rooted in honesty and desire.
A steamy, small town, second chance, grumpy sunshine, instalove romance featuring a curvy, emotionally guarded woman and a steady, quietly intense man, with enemy’s brother tension and deep emotional pull. It explores homecoming, intimacy, trust, self-acceptance, emotional healing, and the courage to be fully seen.
The Elevator Pitch: A curvy photographer returns to her small town and collides with the one man who sees through every wall she's built, her old rival’s older brother. What starts as simmering tension turns into a slow burn romance filled with trust, heat, and emotional depth. It’s a steamy, heartfelt story about coming home, letting go, and falling for someone who sees the real you.
Cassie left Allensville ten years ago with a camera, a dream, and zero plans to come back. But when her 30th birthday pulls her home, she finds more than family dinners and faded memories. She finds Jack, the man who sees right through her defenses and into the heart she’s kept guarded.
Jack's steady, quiet, and grounded in a way Cassie didn’t know she needed. He’s also the older brother of her old high school bully, which complicates everything. What starts as a work favor becomes long days together, soft moments, and a slow build of trust neither of them expected.
Cassie sets out to photograph her hometown through a new lens, hoping to reclaim what once felt like rejection. But old wounds stir, and old feelings rouse. Through it all, Jack stands beside her, solid and unshaken, helping her rewrite the story that once made her leave.
Their love isn't instant, but it’s intentional. Built moment by moment through quiet confessions, shared meals, and the kind of intimacy that strips you bare in the best way. It's messy. It's careful. It's real.
Cassie learns to stop shrinking to fit places she’s outgrown, and Jack learns how to show up without holding back. Together, they create space for something lasting, rooted in honesty and desire.
A steamy, small town, second chance, grumpy sunshine, instalove romance featuring a curvy, emotionally guarded woman and a steady, quietly intense man, with enemy’s brother tension and deep emotional pull. It explores homecoming, intimacy, trust, self-acceptance, emotional healing, and the courage to be fully seen.
The Elevator Pitch: A curvy photographer returns to her small town and collides with the one man who sees through every wall she's built, her old rival’s older brother. What starts as simmering tension turns into a slow burn romance filled with trust, heat, and emotional depth. It’s a steamy, heartfelt story about coming home, letting go, and falling for someone who sees the real you.
November 6, 2025
Cassie and Jack
CANDLELIGHT CONFESSIONS is part of the multi-authored CURVY 30 series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, girl gets the older brother of her high school bully, small-town romance. Cassie is a curvy photographer currently working in New York. She has come home to her small-town to celebrate her 30th birthday with friends and family. Jack is a hunky lumberjack who runs the family lumber business. He is the older brother of her high school bully. She had a crush on him when she was about 16. Now, he sees her at her birthday party and is immediately drawn to the curvy beauty. He is nothing like his sister, and wants to take her out. As they spend time together, things get steamy. Jack was just a sweet and sexy smokeshow. Seeing Cassie become more empowered was everything...and OMG...that kitchen scene is one of the absolute hottest I have ever read!!!!. I can't believe my Kindle didn't melt. Their chemistry was pure fire and the ending was so happy. I loved it so much.
CANDLELIGHT CONFESSIONS is part of the multi-authored CURVY 30 series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, girl gets the older brother of her high school bully, small-town romance. Cassie is a curvy photographer currently working in New York. She has come home to her small-town to celebrate her 30th birthday with friends and family. Jack is a hunky lumberjack who runs the family lumber business. He is the older brother of her high school bully. She had a crush on him when she was about 16. Now, he sees her at her birthday party and is immediately drawn to the curvy beauty. He is nothing like his sister, and wants to take her out. As they spend time together, things get steamy. Jack was just a sweet and sexy smokeshow. Seeing Cassie become more empowered was everything...and OMG...that kitchen scene is one of the absolute hottest I have ever read!!!!. I can't believe my Kindle didn't melt. Their chemistry was pure fire and the ending was so happy. I loved it so much.
October 20, 2025
When Cassie comes home, she attends a surprise 30th birthday party given by her friends. She notices the rugged hometown heartthrob, Jack. He is the one man that Cassie shouldn’t want. The feelings are mutual as Jack wants Cassie. Jack’s sister, When Emma, her high school tormentor crashes the party, Cassie remembers the nasty things Emma put her through. The attraction between Cassie and Jack spark but Emma is a deal maker of whether or not she wants to not only get involved with Jack but also trusting him. Jack convinces her to give them a chance and as they spend more time together, Jack helps her see the real Cassie. Can Cassie find a way to deal with Emma so she can have that HEA she wants. What a wonderful story of finding yourself and the love you deserve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
October 9, 2025When I began writing Candlelight Confessions, I wanted to capture that deeply personal moment many women face at thirty … the quiet longing, the self-reflection, and the realization that life rarely follows the timeline we imagined.
Cassie came to me as a woman who’s achieved plenty on paper but feels the ache of unfulfilled dreams … and the loneliness of city life that moves too fast and cares too little. She’s ready for some type of next chapter, but she’s not sure what.
Enter Jack Carter … the one man she never thought would look twice at her. Not only her high school nemesis’s older brother, but a man who’s spent years distancing himself from the chaos his sister caused. Returning home stirs everything Cassie thought she’d outgrown — especially verbal jabs from people like his sister, Vanessa.
Jack is a little older, strong athletic build, wealthy with a dedicated sense of responsibility. He’s the man who shows up when the lights go out … literally and emotionally. In a small town where real connection can feel rare, he’s been waiting — quietly, patiently — for someone who ignites the smoldering embers inside him. He falls first as Jack believes Cassie is ‘the one’.
This story unfolds in flickering candlelight, where confessions slip free amid a silly game. It’s about rediscovering connection, healing old wounds, and realizing that sometimes the way forward begins by going home.
He was the guy who always seemed out of her reach. Off-limits never felt so right.
I hope you enjoy it,
Opal
Cassie came to me as a woman who’s achieved plenty on paper but feels the ache of unfulfilled dreams … and the loneliness of city life that moves too fast and cares too little. She’s ready for some type of next chapter, but she’s not sure what.
Enter Jack Carter … the one man she never thought would look twice at her. Not only her high school nemesis’s older brother, but a man who’s spent years distancing himself from the chaos his sister caused. Returning home stirs everything Cassie thought she’d outgrown — especially verbal jabs from people like his sister, Vanessa.
Jack is a little older, strong athletic build, wealthy with a dedicated sense of responsibility. He’s the man who shows up when the lights go out … literally and emotionally. In a small town where real connection can feel rare, he’s been waiting — quietly, patiently — for someone who ignites the smoldering embers inside him. He falls first as Jack believes Cassie is ‘the one’.
This story unfolds in flickering candlelight, where confessions slip free amid a silly game. It’s about rediscovering connection, healing old wounds, and realizing that sometimes the way forward begins by going home.
He was the guy who always seemed out of her reach. Off-limits never felt so right.
I hope you enjoy it,
Opal
October 22, 2025
Cassie Lane didn’t plan to find love on her 30th birthday—especially not with Jack Carter, the quiet, rugged older brother of the girl who made her teenage years miserable. But when the power goes out at her surprise party, the glow of one small candle changes everything. One confession. One kiss. One moment that shifts her entire world.
Cassie is the kind of heroine who’s easy to root for—curvy, creative, and carrying old scars that still sting when she breathes the air of her hometown. Jack is her perfect counterbalance: solid, sincere, the kind of man who listens before he speaks. He’s steady where she’s uncertain, grounding where she’s restless. And together? They’re the slow burn you don’t realize you’ve been craving until you’re too far gone to look away.
As they fall into a rhythm of work projects, shared dinners, and late-night laughter, Opal Nicks gives us not just a romance, but a homecoming. Cassie learns that forgiveness isn’t about forgetting—it’s about reclaiming your joy. And Jack? He learns that sometimes love isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s steady, patient, and brave enough to stay.
This story made me smile, ache, and believe again in the kind of love that grows quietly but changes everything. It’s sexy without losing heart, emotional without losing hope, and full of those small, intimate moments that make a romance feel real.
💫 Why You’ll Love It:
Small-town nostalgia meets grown-up desire
Curvy heroine reclaiming her confidence
Grumpy-sunshine energy with “enemy’s brother” tension
Swoon-worthy slow burn with the perfect emotional payoff
If you’ve ever come home expecting closure but found something far more beautiful—something like belonging—Candlelight Confessions will feel like a whisper straight to your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie is the kind of heroine who’s easy to root for—curvy, creative, and carrying old scars that still sting when she breathes the air of her hometown. Jack is her perfect counterbalance: solid, sincere, the kind of man who listens before he speaks. He’s steady where she’s uncertain, grounding where she’s restless. And together? They’re the slow burn you don’t realize you’ve been craving until you’re too far gone to look away.
As they fall into a rhythm of work projects, shared dinners, and late-night laughter, Opal Nicks gives us not just a romance, but a homecoming. Cassie learns that forgiveness isn’t about forgetting—it’s about reclaiming your joy. And Jack? He learns that sometimes love isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s steady, patient, and brave enough to stay.
This story made me smile, ache, and believe again in the kind of love that grows quietly but changes everything. It’s sexy without losing heart, emotional without losing hope, and full of those small, intimate moments that make a romance feel real.
💫 Why You’ll Love It:
Small-town nostalgia meets grown-up desire
Curvy heroine reclaiming her confidence
Grumpy-sunshine energy with “enemy’s brother” tension
Swoon-worthy slow burn with the perfect emotional payoff
If you’ve ever come home expecting closure but found something far more beautiful—something like belonging—Candlelight Confessions will feel like a whisper straight to your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2025
This was another wonderful addition to the series and I loved the evolution of Cassie, victim of bullying, to resourceful town hero. She's a photographer by trade and when back in town for her 30th b'day, she reconnects with Jack, the brother of her worst bully, Vanessa. Determined to find a way to stay in town, she comes up with a clever photo contest to boost businesses and people on social media. This cracks the ice between her and Vanesa and is a great success for the town. I love how this feel-good romance unfolded and that Jack and Cassie got their well deserved and spicy HEA. Good fun!
October 11, 2025
To see yourself as others do.
Cassie is a small-town girl who has become a famous photographer who has the special knack of discovering the true honesty of the things she sees and photos and showing that to the world. When she comes home for her 30th birthday she discovers Jack, who helps her to see herself in a true, honest and loving manner as the two fall for each other. The story is of self-discovery, finding love and home. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."
Cassie is a small-town girl who has become a famous photographer who has the special knack of discovering the true honesty of the things she sees and photos and showing that to the world. When she comes home for her 30th birthday she discovers Jack, who helps her to see herself in a true, honest and loving manner as the two fall for each other. The story is of self-discovery, finding love and home. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."
October 25, 2025
Loved the creative way of Nicks went about enabling Cassie to find her voice, her strength, in a place where she had previously felt small and unseen. Jack was the town 'golden boy' as she saw it, and so far out of her league despite her successes. Maybe that wasn't as true as she believed though, he certainly didn't think so. Problem priority #1, managing his "mean girl" sister who tormented them both (in different ways) growing up... and even still today!.
I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
October 11, 2025
A really enjoyable book. Cassie goes home to small town Kentucky for her birthday. She has been photographing horses for work and has been all over the world taking photographs. Jack has been her crush since she was a teen but his sister is her childhood bully. At her birthday party things take a turn for thee better and their HEA is witty, steamy and well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2025
Cassie comes home to her hometown to visit. She was never comfortable there growing up. She had a tormentor in high school who always made her feel "life she wasn't enough." When she comes up she sees Jack. He was older than her in school and the brother of the woman that tormented her. She is able to see herself through her camera and the strength she has developed. She is also able to help her town see themselves through her camera lens. She finds love and acceptance going back home.
October 28, 2025
Who knew playing childish games in the candlelight could lead to a romance?! Definitely happened to Cassie and Jack. The OMYW situation wasn't as bad as Cassie kept making it seem. Great storytelling, didn't like the rushed feeling of the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
Love this series so far and now even more - after reading Candlelight Confessions. It was amazing read - sweet and heartwarming. Amazing characters and story line. Perfectly developed and so engaging. It was funny and entertaining - you enjoy it from cover to cover. You can't put it down. Amazing!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
This was a good story about who you choose to be. You can help others or knock others down. I loved the mmc and fmc. So cute and so many feels!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2025
Candlelight Confessions: Curvy Thirty
Loved reading this book, loved reading all the curvy girl vibes that are in this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved reading this book, loved reading all the curvy girl vibes that are in this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2025
I enjoyed read this book I couldn’t put it down turning the pages. I thought the story was interesting and was well written that kept you reading. I can’t wait to read from Opal Nicks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2025
I loved Cassie and Jack, They have a wonderful attraction, The draw back is Emma his sister, But they have such a wonderful chemistry, A wonderful addition to the series by different authors,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
This is one of those books that makes you think of your life too. Sweet, easy to relate to, romantic, and memorable. Short but a worthy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2025
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved reading this story. I couldn't put it down. The characters pulled me in for an enjoyable ride. Totally worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews