Two pasts shaped by loss and longing, collide into a future full of hope and family.
Callie For years I've paid my dues in the Netflix development department. When my boss suggests I be the showrunner for my most recent pitch, I can't believe my dreams of being in production are finally coming true. Plus, there's the huge bonus that the sexy construction foreman I met while scouting my show's star will be on set every day. Nothing wrong with mixing a little business and pleasure. The only problem is, Leo is determined to add more to our mixture. Feelings. Commitment. My past. I'm trying to resist him, but he's unfairly good at breaking down my walls. The job could change my life, but the guy could change my heart.
Leo My brothers have always been my number one priority. That is until a colorful vixen shows up on my job site and changes everything. Callie Klepner immediately captures me with her bright disposition and saucy innuendos. It's unexplainable, but I'm intrinsically drawn to her. She feels like the missing piece of a dream I've had since I could remember. Keeping things casual isn't an option for me, that's obvious, but I'll play things her way while I work on convincing her our lives are meant to be intwined.
Shannon Saunders writes spicy, bingeable romantic comedies with characters that are navigating the complexities that life often serves us. Her books reflect what we all experience—laughter, heartbreak, and triumph. All topped with a heavy dollop of banter.
Shannon has been a romance reader since she was a little ten-year-old. Problematic? Maybe. The Tyler series circa early 90s really made an impact. Now she writes the same stories that shaped her.
If you are a fan of Lucy Score, Claire Kingsley, or Sloane St. James, you’ll love her compact stories that are perfect for a vacation read, a palette cleanser, or to drag you out of a reading rut.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she's not wrangling small children, she's probably in her garden. Possibly gardening, possibly making someone else look at everything while she says "Look!" repeatedly.
Thanks to author Shannon Saunders for selecting me to receive an ARC copy of this book!
This was a 3.5 rounded up for me. It was a cute story with believable and well rounded characters. It shares the story of two characters from the previous book in the series (The Frame Up), and starts at a point so that is about 2/3 the way through the previous book, so I definitely recommend reading them in order.
I absolutely loved our FMC Callie! She was perfect balance between a strong girl boss and a bubbly upbeat ray of sunshine. Her friendship with Olivia was great (love to see women supporting women), and her family dynamics also well fleshed out. I would have liked to see a bit more of her being a badass at work and making some tough producer calls.
Our MMC Leo is broody and reserved, while also incredibly protective and caring towards the people he loves. It was fun to see how he and Callie played off of each other, her bringing out his playfulness a bit while he helped her feel secure. It was a bit too much "insta love obsessed" by Leo for me personally, but not so much that I couldn't still enjoy the story.
Overall this was a cute, fun read and I recommend both books in the series to any fellow romance readers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Callie is colourful, flirtatious, “sunshine personified and wrapped in a chatty blanket of words.” Whereas, Leo “the sexy construction foreman”, is quiet, and grumpy. Leo falls for Callie hard and fast but Callie is a commitment phone due to her past and just wants to hook up. Add in some forced proximity, can Leo convince. Callie they’re meant to be together forever.
This is book 2 in the Alessi Brothers series and was able to be read as a standalone but I think you would enjoy it more after reading book 1 so you have more of a connection to the characters.
I enjoyed Callie’s character, she was fun, career driven and passionate. She was relatable too as we go through her journey of healing with her. I wasn’t a massive fan of Leo though unfortunately. I didn’t enjoy how instantly obsessed he became with Callie and his scheming. It was a bit much for me but if you enjoy insta love, obsessive men then you’ll love Leo.
Overall, It was a nice fast paced, easy read with spice, humour, and emotional moments.
This story jumps right into action and lightly backfills story details as we follow the main characters, Callie and Leo, through their dual POVs. The way the text message bubbles were sprinkled in the chapters was a nice touch to immerse you further into Callie and Leo's perspectives.
I think the romance part kicked off rather suddenly very early on, which was not expected nor seemed totally plausible, but it worked out. The chemistry between Callie and Leo was top notch, although I got heavy "stage 10 clinger" vibes from Leo instead of cute/sweet he falls first like I was anticipating. The "Construction Daddy" nickname was apt, and you should be forewarned there is a LOT of pregnancy talk in this book (mainly around trying to concieve). On that note, I absolutely despised the character Becs, but her role was pivotal.
Mid way through we lose the story aspect for a little bit and the focus turns solely to Callie and Leo's physical relationship, but we gain it back after a few chapters in a fast paced shift for the good. Leo's love for Callie felt more genuine with less infatuation in the later part of the book, and the emotions were deeper for the characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Spicy ✔️ opposites-attract romantic com✔️ BUT with depth on healing and unexpected love?! ✔️✔️✔️
I loved the MFC and the emotion she brought to the book. Her ambition and passion. The connection with MMC, the chemistry. If you want to swoon and maybe cry too, this is a must read.
First of all, thank you for my ARC copy of this book-it was my first one from Shannon. There are two advantages to this story-it’s a quick read and there’s a cute dog in it. Unfortunately, I can’t find many more good things to say about it.
I have a huge problem with Leo. Is he… obsessed? That quick? Everything happens super fast, and I’m not sure I like it. Does he have a breeding kink? In his POVs, he comes across as kind of creepy. Did he actually enter her cabin while she was sleeping?? Stalker much?
I feel like there’s no real chemistry between Leo and Callie-just sexual tension. He’s super manipulative and contradicts himself. He denies her sexual advances until she agrees to be in a relationship with him-there’s a reason why she doesn’t want to, but neither he nor we know it yet (I’m 49% in)-and then he claims he’ll wait for her. Like, wtf dude?
By the end of the story, I can honestly say I didn’t expect this kind of behavior in what was supposed to be a cute romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was super lucky to get an arc for this book (can be read as a standalone but i strongly recommend reading the first one, The frame up as it adds to the story). This romcom, he falls first and hard has a dual pov that switched effortlessly between the two characters. It’s a light, quick read but with deeper meaningful themes. I love Leo the quiet sexy recluse that needed the sun (iykyk) in his life to not only give him happiness but purpose as well. He falls first and the hardest almost becomes almost a bit obsess but in a non creepy way. (My husband told me he love me and im the one after knowing me for a week and we are happy together 15 yrs now. So i related a lot to the instant connection.)
Callie has a lot of growth and walls she has to break through and love her journey to making peace with herself and her life- i almost wanted to go more into detail with that. Good spice, banter, easy to read but with deeper meaning and a few swoon moments. I am super impressed with this author and cannot wait to read the rest of her books! Only complaint it book was too short!
Maybe Super minor spoilers ahead if even that but they are my favorite quotes
“I laughed because it is laughable that anything could make me not want you. You could tell me you murdered a man, and I would be your willing accomplice. You could start a cult, and I “would be the first member. You could decide to join a traveling circus, and I’d make popcorn my new favorite food. You. Are. It. For me, Callie. We’ll figure everything else out.”
“Thoughtful asshole”
“You’re not just my light, you’re the whole sun.Every day you give me life, and I’m just orbiting around you, trying to bask in your warmth.”
“You care so much, you’ve circled right back around to doubt.”
“We’ll take our time and then I’ll lay my head on your belly and try to hear our lives change.”
“Happy humping, I guess? Fruitful fucking? Beneficial boning?”
I received a free ARC from the author and am voluntarily reviewing it. It took me a long time to get into this book enough to finish it. It was a traditional sunshine/grumpy trope with a breeding kink thrown in. I felt like the characters were very flat with little development. What character development occurred seemed to simply move from one state to another with no transition time. While certain background facts were revealed about the characters throughout the book, it only explained their actions rather than fleshing out their personality.
The MMC knew from the first moment he saw the FMC that she was the one. I don't normally mind this start to a relationship. However, many of his interactions felt creepy and borderline manipulative/gaslighting. I realize the author was trying for "over the top romantic" but it didn't hit that way for me. "Controlling" might be the better word. In a different romance subgenre this would have worked but felt out of place here.
I also felt for a book tagged as "spicy" that the spice was minimal. It also seemed that the MMC wanted to give the FMC everything but didn't spend much time (onscreen) prioritizing her pleasure. He very quickly moved from minimal foreplay to penetration. I would think that a man who wanted his woman to be a goddess should treat her better sexually.
Overall, I thought the book had potential but didn't quite make it there. I'm not sure if I would look for other books by this author.
Leo is ready to go all in from day one, but Callie’s been burned before and doesn’t do relationships. They’re thrown together on a renovation project Callie’s managing, with Leo as the construction foreman and Olivia — his brother’s girlfriend — as her collaborator. When Callie needs a place to stay, Leo offers up the guesthouse on his property. The setup means constant interaction and plenty of chances for sparks to fly, and Leo pulls out all the romantic stops to win her over — without ever needing to push too hard.
With Olivia, Leo’s brothers, and Callie’s sisters all involved — and very opinionated — there’s no shortage of fun banter as everyone tries to make sure they’re not rushing into things too fast.
The pacing of the book felt right, the chemistry was there from the start, and I appreciated how naturally the story unfolded. I’m already looking forward to what Shannon Saunders writes next.
**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest feedback which is being freely given!**
What a fun story!! This is my first Shannon Saunders book and while I honestly don't spend much time outside of the romantasy/fantasy world, this was such a refreshing and entertaining book that I will absolutely be devouring the first book in this series (sorry for not reading it first!!) and the next as soon as it comes out!
While this book is a quicker read, the author did such a great job creating complex and relatable characters and situations. It also doesn't hurt that Leo is my exact favorite type of MMC (I LOVE a quiet, touch her and die, protective Daddy haha!). Callie and Leo's story was captivating from the start and seeing them grow so much together made my heart so happy.
Definitely recommend if you love love, banter, and a very intense (in the best way) leading man!
So grateful to receive this book as an arc and can’t wait to read more from this author!
While I have not read the first book in this series I can say that it is not necessary (but I will be going back to read it). This book was a great quick read and I loved the complexity of the FMC as she struggled with her walls that I could relate all to well to. I wish that aspect had been delved into a little deeper though. The MMC is cute and in the beginning gave more lust vibes than actual love but by the end you could feel that there was a deep love between both of them. I think my favorite parts though are the conversations sprinkled through out of their texts and the lines that make me laugh out loud because I just could relate to them so much in their conversations.
Overall this is a great book and I can’t wait to read more from Shannon in the future!
3,5🌶/5🌶 This book was such a wholesome read, and so beautifully written! It's such a heart tugging story, both in a warm and sad way. I laughed out loud so many times while reading, such good humour and sass. And I also cried, both cause of side characters that are so sweet and Callie who needs to heal. And I gasped a lot, those spicy scenes was bottom lip biting good. Leo is theeee husband material, and I think the world needs more Leo's. Their story really pulled me in and I had trouble taking breaks while reading, I also didn't want the story to end. This is one of my favourite reads this year! And I'm claiming Leo as one of my bookhusbands.
I recommend this book for readers who love a wholesome story, an obsessed man, a woman who might dare dream again, spicy scenes which makes you gasp and giggle, and relatable feelings.
I got this book for free as I'm an ARC reader for this book, for an honest review.
This was a great story! I loved Callie and Leo together.
This story builds on the idea of love/lust at first sight. He falls first and he ge...falls hard for Callie.
Callie has a past she is dealing with (or well maybe not dealing with really). She let one event define her life. Leo works her through that.
The banter was pretty great between the two even if Leo felt a bit flat to me. He had one goal throughout the story and that was kind of it. Callie does grow though.
If you are a fan of: - Love/Lust on sight - He chases her - Snarky banter - Impreg talked about (major plot point but not much preggo char though) - Modern Romance
You should give this book a try! I am not typically a fan of most of those trope and enjoyed the read!
The Co-Producers is the second book in the Alessi Brothers Trilogy, this time following Leo, the quiet, middle brother — organized, protective, and secretly the softest of them all.
When he meets Callie, a vibrant Netflix producer with her own scars, Leo knows instantly she’s it for him. His love is patient but all-consuming; he doesn’t push, he simply stays — until she’s ready to see what’s always been there.
This story is about healing, family (the kind you choose and the one you fight for), and the quiet power of love that feels safe.
A tender, comforting romance that will make you fall for Leo Alessi completely. 💛
Leo and Callie first met in ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʀᴀᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ (ᴀʟᴇꜱꜱɪ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 1), but it's not essential to read that book before diving into ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏ-ᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴇʀꜱ.
Leo and Callie are such a cute pair, and I really enjoyed that Leo was the one to fall first. He put in the effort to win Callie over, staying patient and dedicated the whole time. His quiet determination really stood out. Leo was definitely my favorite part of the book.
Overall, it’s a light read. Callie is dealing with some past trauma that makes her hesitant to start something with Leo, but he’s quietly persistent in a way that feels genuine rather than over-the-top. There are a few humorous moments, especially ones that leave his brothers confused about what’s going on. The dynamic between the brothers is entertaining too. Their constant teasing and banter adds a fun layer to the story.
It just felt like it lacked the angst, and while the writing was fine, it didn’t really draw me in.
Callie and Leo's story was so incredibly sweet. In this "he falls first" romance, Leo does everything he can to prove to Callie that she can put her trust in him in spite of how her past has shaped her present. Meanwhile, Callie is going through stages of growth and self-discovery, putting her in a place to be more receptive to Leo's pursuit. I enjoyed reading through their story and sincerely appreciated how normal and down to earth both characters were. I will definitely read more from Shannon in the future!
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The banter between Leo and Callie had me laughing at times. This was a very easy book to get through and if you enjoy modern romance this is a book for you. The only thing I wish, was that it was a little bit longer and maybe took Leo and Callie a little bit longer to get where they needed to be for each other.
Callie is sooooo bright, lmao. Even tho I'm only reading it, I can totally see how bright she is. She wears colorful clothes and she is so bubbly.
I love how Leo is with Callie. I love how they open up to each other. I was a bit hesitant when I saw the “fear of commitment”, but as I kept reading, it actually made sense. Most of us are like that too in real life.
One thing I don't like is Callie's nickname for Leo HAHAHA. I got secondhand embarrassment every time she said it🤣🤣
This book is well written with a beautiful story of love overcoming prior hurt. I read the book in one evening as the story had me rooting for the main characters to find their way. Parts were spicy (and detailed, IYKYK) but the overall story was of love winning over all was amazing!
I highly recommend this book as a nice, quick, and uplifting read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was very cute. I enjoyed reading it but it was very one note, like there were no surprising twists or anything. It was definitely a HEA book which is nice to read sometimes. I had not read the first book but I did not feel like I missed out on anything in particular, it can definitely stand on its own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
💠 The Co-Producers 💠 Author by Shannon Saunders. Okay, this book was so super cute and it was an insta love trope. I love our FMC personality. it was so bubbly and sunshine and for our MMC, dang he's protective and wanting to know our girl. Like I see you boy, hehe. it was a very good story. I laugh some chapters and I have like awe scenes. I love how Leo shows his care and love for Callie even though she's have insecure, but he prove it to him. And the unexpected chapter hehe. I love it hehe. I love every character in this story, hoping to read the first book which can be a standalone, and it's on my reading list.
Thank you to author Shannon Sanders for sending me an ARC copy of this book and making me part of your ARC team. I can't read or hear your news books to come
⭐️Quotes⭐️ “You came along and burned it all up with your sunshine. The moment we met, it was like your warmth thawed out years of cold. You’re not just my light, you’re the whole sun. Every day you give me life and i’m just orbiting around you, trying to bask in your warmth.”
🔹️Trope 🔹️ 🌸 Opposites Attract 🌸 Found Family 🌸Grumpy x Sunshine 🌸Forced Proximity 🌸He Falls First 🌸Dual POV
Spicy: 🌶🌶 Star Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reading Statues (October 26, 2025- October 28, 2025)
Seriously though, this book has it all, friends, family, spice. Once I started it I had a hard time putting the book down until it was finished.
I received an advance copy for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review, but would absolutely read and love this book even without the advance copy!
Co-Producers was such a good story - Callie and Leo were an amazing complementary couple with each other! The bonds between the main characters and their families is honest and heartfelt, and really added to the story as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am a firm believer that when you know, you know. But I was certainly shocked at how quickly Leo fell and how aggressive he was with Callie. He was super sweet, but a little alarming on how he didn’t fully respect Callie’s no.
Otherwise, I loved their banter and the writing was well done.
First of all i want to clarify i got an Arc and am leaving my honest review:) I absolutely loved this fell-good type of story, the friendship between callie and olivia is so sweet and Leo is just to die for!
I was so excited for this book, as it was my first ever ARC! Thank you to the author 💜 Such a cute book! I read the first one before reading this one, but it was not necessary for understanding this one. Very “he falls first”, which I love!
Great series! This is book two and it doesn’t disappoint. I received this as an advanced read and am voluntarily leaving a review. Leo is not taking no for an answer and Callie is not interested. This is a he falls first read. It’s hilarious! Great banter, characters and fabulous story!
Leo is a man obsessed. He falls for Callie from the moment he sees her, and knows he wants her to be his. Callie has endured relationship trauma and wants nothing to do with anything more than casual with Leo or anyone else. Leo sets out to show her just how much he cares, and that she can trust in his feelings for her. It's a bumpy, frustrating road for Callie, but once she gives in to her feelings for Leo, it's all systems go. The banter is fantastically funny, Leo's head-over-heels obsession with making Callie happy is a giant green flag, the spice is so niiiiiice, and the feels are hitting hard. Very fun read and follow-up to The Frame Up, with plenty of side-commentary from Lucas, Olivia and Adrian. Definitely recommend this series, and can't wait for Adrian's story.
I can't believe this is only the 2nd book by this author! I'm totally hooked. I knew Leo was going to be a kinky motherfucker and I was not wrong. I can't wait to get to Adrian's story!
The Co-Producers is a cute and steamy he falls first romance.
Leo is literally obsessed with Callie from day one whilst Callie has a lot to work through in order to let her walls come down so she can see the potential in herself and Leo.
When those walls come down they create the most perfect couple. Perfectly complementary for each other and experiencing their growth was heart warming.
Please do check trigger warnings if you have any pregnancy related triggers.
Please note I have received an advanced reader copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
TLDR: Good start, ended too quickly and just the right amount of spice. I would recommend.
I really enjoyed the way I could jump straight in with out having read the first book, but it had enough references for me to want to read it now. A few other things I enjoyed alot were the inserts of the text message layout especially the use of contact names. I felt as though it did not wastes time on a long intro and I loved that.
I do wish it had been a little more drawn out story line wise, I felt we got to the conclusion so quickly and there could have been a little bit more of build. I did also like the amount of spice, it was at a good level that wasnt too much. Great spice level for someone just getting into spicey books.
Overall it was a good book, I devoured within 6ish hours. I felt engaged and all the questions I had at the begining were answered by the end!
I would recommend for all readers. I think someone who reads more casually will also really enjoy.