Lonnie has worked as a bodyguard for the hottest band in the world, but when the tour ends, he wants another challenge. Being offered the chance to work as security at the Valentine’s Ball, he flies to Cupid City. But he didn’t expect to meet a guarded woman who he can’t seem to take his eyes off of.
Alexis created a new life for herself under a new name in Cupid City. No one there knows her past, but she created a successful cupcake business, supplying the town with tasty treats. When she isn’t at work, she spends her time as a recluse in her apartment until her only friend talks her into going out to a club. When a fight breaks out, Alexis’s face ends up in a viral video.
Can Alexis trust Lonnie with the secret of why she lives in Cupid City, and can he protect her when it matters most?
Series In Cupid City, Valentine’s means glittering galas and dangerous secrets. Heartline Security keeps the city breathing between fireworks and threats. That is, until each protector meets the one person worth breaking protocol for.
Fall in love this February where these standalones serve high heat, high stakes, and heart-melting HEAs. Guards up. Hearts open. Valentine gives love the last word.
K. M. Ryan was born in Spokane, Washington. She enjoys writing steamy, contemporary romance novels, but she enjoys reading them even more!
She knew she wanted to publish a novel at the age of fourteen. Several (unpublished) books later, she finally decided to self-publish at the encouragement of her family and friends. She resides in Nine Mile Falls, Washington with her husband, two children, and one cat.
This story follows Lonnie who faithful K.M. Ryan readers will know from her other series as he is security for the Chaotic Notes! Everyone wanted his story and he got his story with his happily ever after.
Lonnie doesn’t do well with time off and reaches out to Cass to see if he needs any extra help and that lands him in Cupid City for security for the Valentines Ball that is coming up. Lonnie bumps into Alexis who just so happens to own the Cupcake Bakery in town.
Alexis keeps to herself, no social media, no going out none of that. You can find her working in her bakery making cupcakes with Melissa who works alongside her but have become good friends. Melissa can’t figure out why Alexis doesn’t go out or do much of anything because Melissa definitely tries to get Alexis to go out.
Alexis has a secret. Something has happened in her past that makes her jumpy and on high alert. But she also deserves to have fun right? What’s one night out at the club going to hurt? Well that one night turns into a viral video which puts Alexis in the sights of people she’s trying to hide from. With a creepy man showing up and zoning his sights on Alexis she knows something is off.
This one has a sprinkle of suspense, a little steam and moments that will make you laugh throughout this heartwarming story of Alexis reclaiming her power.
Super cute romantic suspense! Lonnie and Alexis are absolutely adorable — a bodyguard and a cupcake bakery owner in witness protection is such a fun and cozy-meets-danger combo. The story pulled me in right away, Cupid City is charming, and the romance is full of sweet moments with just enough suspense from Alexis's past. It ties into the Rockstar books nicely but also works great as a standalone. Loved it and 100% recommend!
I loved this book so much! It had the perfect amount of suspense and the chemistry between the fmc and mmc was great! It is a spin off of Sweet Wine of Mine and Spritz of Your Love but it is not essential to read them before this book because the characters are only briefly mentioned. I highly recommend this book.
Sooo cute and sweet (like a cupcake)! We all wanted Lonnie’s love story and we finally got it! He is the absolute sweetest! Quick read, just like I like it with a few little twists.
Sweet! A relatively predictable tale but worth every expected guess. A big Valentine ball is the main event in Cupid City. Cupcake are the featured desert. The characters in this story are yummy. The pages turn themselves and the HEA finally arrives.
Lonnie is used to protecting rockstars, crowds, and chaos. Cupid City was supposed to be a simple temporary job: security for a Valentine’s Ball while visiting friends. Easy. Quiet. Predictable.
Then he quite literally runs into Alexis.
Alexis lives a carefully constructed life — new town, new name, and a cupcake shop that lets her keep the world at a safe distance. Her days revolve around frosting swirls and early mornings, her nights mostly spent alone… until one outing leads to a viral video and threatens to expose the past she ran from.
Enter the bodyguard who suddenly has a reason to linger.
Lonnie isn’t even a sweets guy, yet he finds himself stopping by the bakery every single day — part curiosity, part concern, and part undeniable pull toward the guarded woman behind the counter. Their relationship grows in soft, believable steps: conversations over pastries, quiet concern disguised as casual visits, and a connection that feels safe long before it feels romantic.
And that’s where this story shines.
The romance is adorable without being fluffy, emotional without being heavy, and the suspense never overwhelms the heart of the story — two people learning to trust again. Alexis’s fear and Lonnie’s protectiveness balance perfectly, creating chemistry that’s both tender and electric. The danger from her past adds urgency, but the warmth of Cupid City keeps the atmosphere comforting rather than dark.
K.M. Ryan blends elements beautifully:
cozy small-town charm
bodyguard protector vibes
bakery sweetness
witness-protection suspense
and just the right amount of spice
Even though it connects to the Rockstar series (Sweet Wine of Mine and Spritz of Your Love), it works flawlessly as a standalone — more like a friendly cameo than homework.
The pacing is quick, the writing immersive, and the characters feel genuine and lovable from the very beginning. By the end, you’re rooting for both their safety and their happiness equally.
Final verdict: A sweet-and-suspenseful comfort read — like a cupcake with a surprise filling you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for readers who want romance that feels warm, protective, and just a little bit thrilling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexis builds her life from scratch under a new name in a small city that doesn’t know who she used to be. Her cupcake shop is controlled and predictable, and she keeps her world intentionally small. No risks. No spotlight. No attachments that could expose her. Then Lonnie walks in, steady and watchful, and looks at her like he sees the woman beneath the armor she’s perfected.
Lonnie is used to guarding rockstars and chaos, but Alexis is different. She’s quiet tension and soft strength wrapped around secrets she won’t share. When a viral moment puts her face back into the world and a stranger starts circling her bakery, his instincts lock in. The past she thought was buried is moving closer, and this time she’s not sure hiding will be enough.
Instead of running, Alexis makes a choice that shifts everything. She risks trust, control, and her carefully built safety net, forcing both of them to confront what protection really means. The threat escalates, but so does their connection, and survival slowly turns into something deeper and more deliberate.
Alexis starts guarded and emotionally closed off, but she grows into someone willing to fight for her future and open her heart without surrendering herself. Lonnie moves from professional protector to devoted partner, choosing support over control and presence over distance. Together, they build a slow burn connection rooted in trust, mutual respect, and the kind of intimacy that feels earned instead of claimed.
A steamy, bodyguard, small town romantic suspense about a protective hero and a guarded heroine navigating hidden identities and rising danger. It’s about rebuilding after trauma, choosing partnership over isolation, and learning that love can feel safe without costing you your independence.
The Elevator Pitch: A woman living under a snewolen name has rebuilt her world around sugar, routine, and silence, until a steady eyed bodyguard walks into her bakery and unsettles the safety she’s clung to. When a flash of unwanted attention threatens to expose the past she escaped, protection turns personal and trust becomes the most dangerous risk of all. As fear closes in, they must decide whether love is another vulnerability or the one thing strong enough to face what’s coming.
Frankly, witness protection doesn’t always feel all that protective. For Alexis, it’s less “safe haven” and more “sink or swim.” She’s carved out a quiet life for herself in Cupid City, running a wildly successful bakery where her cupcakes draw crowds from far and wide. But the sweetness stops at the shop door. The moment she clocks out, Alexis retreats to her apartment, careful, watchful, and painfully aware that one whispered rumor could unravel everything she’s built. Lonnie, on the other hand, is used to living out of a suitcase. As a bodyguard for the band Chaotic Notes, life on the road is his normal. When downtime hits, he gets restless and takes a temporary security job at Cupid City’s Valentine’s Ball to help out his friend Cassian Rhodes. A chance collision in a parking lot throws him into Alexis’s orbit and suddenly, he can’t seem to stay away. Sweet tooth or not, Lonnie finds himself inventing excuses to visit her bakery every day. As their connection deepens, Alexis slowly lowers the walls she’s spent years building. For the first time in a long while, someone makes her feel genuinely safe and it’s a feeling she’s reluctant to give up. But when her friend Melissa convinces her to live a little, things suddenly go wrong with a fight, a viral video, and the terrifying resurgence of a past she thought would never find her. This time, though, she’s not facing it alone. I loved watching Alexis decide she was done letting fear dictate her life. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing her step into her power, working alongside Lonnie and the others to finally confront what’s been haunting her so long. Lonnie’s reluctant agreement to her daring plan and his unwavering determination to keep her safe made their partnership even stronger. The side characters add so much heart and humor, especially Melissa, who brings both chaos and loyalty in equal measure. This is a deliciously sweet romance layered with just enough danger and suspense to keep the pages turning. A perfect blend of sugar and spice. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Operation: Cupcake by K. M. Ryan is the first title I've read by this author and it is part of the multi author series Cupid City Security Romance. As a steamy security romance it is ideal for a little escape with the plot and storyline including a little mystery, suspense and drama along with the sweetness of the main characters Lonnie and Alexis meeting and falling for one another. Lonnie, a bodyguard for a world famous band is in Cupid City on some downtime helping out at friend at his security company and incidentally meets Alexis, owner and operator of a cupcake business under a new identity in a witness protection programme. Lonnie and Alexis experience the spark of attraction but Lonnie recognises the signs of someone looking over their shoulder. Besides the strong attraction to Alexis, Lonnie does keep an eye out for Alexis and as pending danger becomes apparent Alexis confides in Lonnie for help. With the mutual attraction to one another, a bit of drama, developing trust and some sweet heart warming moments, this short read will keep you turning the pages to get to their satisfying HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Valentine’s romance blends danger and desire in a fast-paced story set in the glittering world of Cupid City. Lonnie, fresh off the road as a bodyguard for the world’s biggest band, Chaotic Notes, is ready for a new challenge when he takes a security job at the city’s glamorous Valentine’s Ball. What he doesn’t expect is Alexis—a reclusive cupcake shop owner with a hidden past and a carefully guarded heart.
Alexis has rebuilt her life under a new name, keeping her secrets locked away while focusing on her thriving business. But when a rare night out leads to a viral video and unwanted attention, her quiet world begins to unravel. As danger closes in, Lonnie must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the woman he can’t stop thinking about.
The last couple of chapters have some suspense, entwined with sizzling chemistry and emotional stakes. This standalone in the Cupid City series is part of a Valentine's Day anthology which delivers exactly what readers adore: fierce protectors, brave heroines, and a heart-melting happily ever after.
K.M. Ryan’s Operation: Cupcake features a perfect balance of thrilling suspense and heartfelt romance. Ryan’s writing is crisp and immersive, bringing both main and supporting characters to life with authenticity, humor and warmth. The plot moves swiftly, keeping you engaged from start to finish, and the romantic tension is expertly crafted, with plenty of spicy moments to delight fans of the genre.
Operation: Cupcake is a stellar romantic suspense novella that stands out for its well-developed characters, exciting plot, and sizzling chemistry. K.M. Ryan’s masterful storytelling makes this a must-read for anyone looking for a sweet and spicy romance with a dash of intrigue. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Romantic suspense!! Yes please!! Im a sucker for romantic suspense books and this one just added more for me to love!
We have Alexis who is in witness protection and Lonnie who is in security, and when a chance encounter puts these two together, it’s magical!
Lonnie is such a cupcake, he is the sweetest and will do whatever it takes to get Alexis is go out with him. Alexis is hesitant because she has baggage that she can’t talk about but Lonnie refuses to give up and comes by her cupcake shop everyday to buy her cupcakes just so he has an excuse to see her!
A match baked from heaven!! Love these two and this story! So good! 😊
Lonnie made an impression from previous books, and I was glad to see him get his own story. Lonnie has some time off from his main job doing security for a band. Alexis moved to Cupid City and opened her own bakery where she spends most of her time. Lonnie ends up visiting some friends in Cupid City to work a Valentine event. Alexis and Lonnie literally run into each other when he first gets to town. He is intrigued and starts going by her bakery daily even though he isn't a big sweets eater. I loved watching this story unfold. This one is more than just a cute love story; it has suspense and had me fully invested early on.
Lonnie....goodness, well if you read any of K.M.'s rock series, you know who Lonnie. But if you haven't, he’s an awesome bodyguard who is good friends with the band.
While off tour, his restlessness kicks in and he reaches out to a friend that puts his in Cupid City and in the way of a beautiful cupcake store owner, who has a pretty interesting life. On a whim, Lonnie, who is not a big dessert person, stops in the shop and of course, the sparks fly with new owner. I just want to know how I can make some hottie walk into my store and crave what I have?
It’s got drama, spice, and all kinds of romance, so don’t miss this novella that will capture you right away!
Small Town romance. Alexis is a young woman who has come to start a new life in a small town. She decides to open a small bakery and lives a quiet life until her friend convinces her to go out with her. She certainly didn't expect to end up in a viral video and need a handsome bodyguard. Lonnie has worked as a bodyguard for years and is now retiring to a small town to live a quieter life. He certainly didn't expect to fall for the beautiful baker, let alone become her bodyguard. Will Alexis and Lonnie have a beautiful love story, or will they each return to their solitude….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexis's past may make her wary of finding love again but that is until shes put into witness protection and dropped into Cupid City. As a bakery owner she goes about her daily life worrying about her store and nothing more. That is, until Lonnie shows up. This sweet romance but mystery story pulled me in from the start. It definitely made me wanna eat some cupcakes tho. This book can be read as a standalone, as the characters from the rock series books are only briefly mentioned. I 1000% recommend this book!
'Can Alexis trust Lonnie with the secret of why she lives in Cupid City, and can he protect her when it matters most?'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
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. I liked how running into each captures Lonnie's attention and he pursues Alexis. Alexis is very cautious about everything which is explained. When she is kidnapped, I liked how Lonnie and the others rescued her. I liked how she told off her ex. Once everything is settled, I like her plan that will keep her close to Lonnie which makes both happy as they had fell in love.
I liked what and how the story, the town, the MCs, and side characters developed. Danger was treated carefully, with assessment and fast thinking, even if something didn't go as planned. The MCs are likable, and their interactions were nice and mellow, with great future plans that don't require big sacrifices.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Cupid City Security story of Lonnie and Alexis. Oh man that was entertaining and nerve racking, that guy that kept coming back was creepy even reading about him. This one had me hooked and I will be going to get the rest of the books from the band.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexis has been hiding in Cupid City, trying to stay safe and hidden. Everything is fine until she is caught on a viral video. Then her safety is at risk. Lonnie is there to protect her. And stand by her when hell breaks loose. You are going to love this book. There is a lot of laughter in an awful situation and a quirky best friend.
Sweetness, danger and a bit of spice makes for a delicious Valentine’s romance. Lonnie comes to Cupid City to help with security for a Valentine’s event and finds a sweet woman he can’t resist. Alexis has secrets that he plans to unravel. I enjoyed this quick romance with a sweet HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a great short story - I have read a few from this author and she doesn’t disappoint. Loved the characters of Lonnie and Alexis - their story had it all. Suspense, witness protection, romance, protector and of course the evil ex she is hiding from.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet! A relatively predictable tale but worth every expected guess. A big Valentine ball is the main event in Cupid City. Cupcake are the featured desert. The characters in this story are yummy. The pages turn themselves and the HEA finally arrives.
Omgosh Lonnie and Alexis were so cute together. I absolutely loved these two. And this was such a sweet romance. It has a little tension and suspense. It was so well written considering there are so few pages. But this really hits the sweet spot 🥰
This book was so cute and sweet that I absolutely loved reading it. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. The story was very well written and I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.