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Cooper Town Boys #1
A Simple Request
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26Collin
I’m not a fan of change. So, when I hear the old bar I work at a couple of nights a week has sold, I wonder if it’s time for me to give up that side gig. It’s not like I need the cash. My job as a full-time firefighter is more than enough to keep me comfortable and plenty busy.
Then I meet the new owner, my new boss, Lizzie Meyer.
She makes me a deal: give her thirty days. If I don’t like the direction she takes the place, I can quit. Simple, right? But nothing feels simple once I’m around her. I try to ignore the pull, but her easy smile, hypnotic green eyes, and that stubborn streak wrapped in determination makes it impossible. The line between professional and personal is clear…until it isn’t.
Just when something real starts to take shape between us, my past stirs—ready to drag its way back into the light and threaten everything we’re beginning to build together.
Lizzie
I’ve spent years dreaming of a place to call my own. Growing up inside the biggest bar and restaurant in my hometown, I learned early on what my calling was. But lately, I’ve wanted something more. Something that isn’t tied to my family’s legacy. I want to build my own.
That dream leads me to Cooper Town, Ohio, a quaint small town with an old bar for sale and enough possibility to make me pack up my life and take a chance.
I know it will take hard work to bring the place back to life, and I’ve got the drive, the grit, and a modest savings account to get started. What I’m not prepared for is Collin Miller, the brooding bartender with a rare, disarming smile and a work ethic that mirrors my own. He’s impossible to ignore, even harder to resist. I try to keep things strictly professional, really, I do, but being around him feels like standing too close to a flame.
My simple request is that he doesn’t break my heart along the way.
I’m not a fan of change. So, when I hear the old bar I work at a couple of nights a week has sold, I wonder if it’s time for me to give up that side gig. It’s not like I need the cash. My job as a full-time firefighter is more than enough to keep me comfortable and plenty busy.
Then I meet the new owner, my new boss, Lizzie Meyer.
She makes me a deal: give her thirty days. If I don’t like the direction she takes the place, I can quit. Simple, right? But nothing feels simple once I’m around her. I try to ignore the pull, but her easy smile, hypnotic green eyes, and that stubborn streak wrapped in determination makes it impossible. The line between professional and personal is clear…until it isn’t.
Just when something real starts to take shape between us, my past stirs—ready to drag its way back into the light and threaten everything we’re beginning to build together.
Lizzie
I’ve spent years dreaming of a place to call my own. Growing up inside the biggest bar and restaurant in my hometown, I learned early on what my calling was. But lately, I’ve wanted something more. Something that isn’t tied to my family’s legacy. I want to build my own.
That dream leads me to Cooper Town, Ohio, a quaint small town with an old bar for sale and enough possibility to make me pack up my life and take a chance.
I know it will take hard work to bring the place back to life, and I’ve got the drive, the grit, and a modest savings account to get started. What I’m not prepared for is Collin Miller, the brooding bartender with a rare, disarming smile and a work ethic that mirrors my own. He’s impossible to ignore, even harder to resist. I try to keep things strictly professional, really, I do, but being around him feels like standing too close to a flame.
My simple request is that he doesn’t break my heart along the way.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
6 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Lacey Black
79 books1,467 followersAvid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little "spice" or hot guys in uniform pants, and I'm a happy woman. There's just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hmmmm, I’m trying to figure where to start with my review. So, I’ll just start with the thoughts I had before reading ‘A Simple Request’ ; I was so, so excited for a brand new series and characters from this author. I am always sad letting past characters go, but I was happily surprised by the familiar faces. It was almost like seeing a friend after a long time, and that I was not expecting.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lizzie and Collin as characters. They were some of the most authentic characters I’ve read about in quite a while. They knew who they were and did not deviate away from their true selves. Both devoted to their careers that they always dreamed of. I enjoyed the blue collar lifestyle they both had. It made them extremely relatable. They were genuinely good people with amazing qualities. No negative Nancy energy from either. I loved, loved, loved how much both Lizzie and Collin were so family oriented. I love how involved both of their them were in the day to day lives of their family members.
I do feel like Lizzie and Collins chemistry was off of the charts. Their feelings felt very real from beginning to end. Not only did their inner and outer dialogue showcase that, but their actions did as well.
Now for the part I hate. I truly, truly was falling fast first into ‘A Simple Request’ when it felt like all the sudden the book was just over, even with the epilogues. If I’m honest, I felt like the storyline was just getting started. I felt like Lizzie and Collin was just getting into the thick of what was a relationship. I thought the subplot was one of the biggest points of this book, and just nothing. Granted, it made for no third act breakup, but it left this story lacking in my opinion. I guess I just expected more.
Even though in my opinion this story was lacking, I do think that this series (‘Cooper Town Boys’) is super promising.I look forward to the rest of this series. I think some of these heroes are gonna surprise the living h e double hockey sticks out of me. I am super fluffing excited for Cades story. I can guarantee his is gonna blow my mind because, he’s truly one of a kind.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lizzie and Collin as characters. They were some of the most authentic characters I’ve read about in quite a while. They knew who they were and did not deviate away from their true selves. Both devoted to their careers that they always dreamed of. I enjoyed the blue collar lifestyle they both had. It made them extremely relatable. They were genuinely good people with amazing qualities. No negative Nancy energy from either. I loved, loved, loved how much both Lizzie and Collin were so family oriented. I love how involved both of their them were in the day to day lives of their family members.
I do feel like Lizzie and Collins chemistry was off of the charts. Their feelings felt very real from beginning to end. Not only did their inner and outer dialogue showcase that, but their actions did as well.
Now for the part I hate. I truly, truly was falling fast first into ‘A Simple Request’ when it felt like all the sudden the book was just over, even with the epilogues. If I’m honest, I felt like the storyline was just getting started. I felt like Lizzie and Collin was just getting into the thick of what was a relationship. I thought the subplot was one of the biggest points of this book, and just nothing. Granted, it made for no third act breakup, but it left this story lacking in my opinion. I guess I just expected more.
Even though in my opinion this story was lacking, I do think that this series (‘Cooper Town Boys’) is super promising.I look forward to the rest of this series. I think some of these heroes are gonna surprise the living h e double hockey sticks out of me. I am super fluffing excited for Cades story. I can guarantee his is gonna blow my mind because, he’s truly one of a kind.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A Simple Request is the kind of small-town romance that sneaks up on you, steals your heart, and confidently announces a must-read new series.
Lacey Black launches her brand-new Cooper Town Boys series with A Simple Request, and I’ll gladly put my romance-loving heart on the line and say she has a smash hit on her hands. This feels like the series to read this year—effortlessly charming, emotionally satisfying, and filled with that signature Lacey Black magic.
If you’ve read the Burgers & Brew series, you’ll love the connection here. Lizzie Meyer—daughter of Walker Meyer (yes, that Walker from Kickstart My Heart)—is all grown up and ready to make her own mark. This time, she’s buying the very bar Collin works in, bringing big dreams and fresh ideas to a small town that’s about to change… whether it’s ready or not.
Collin is a firefighter and part-time bartender who doesn’t like change one bit. He loves the simple things: Cooper Town, his job, his close-knit family—and those siblings? Absolute writing perfection. Their dynamic is seamless, warm, and adds so much heart to the story. So when Lizzie walks into his bar as the new owner, Collin is determined not to like her… but that instant, undeniable attraction has other plans.
The chemistry sparks immediately. The patrons adore her. His family welcomes her with open arms. And Collin finds himself falling harder every day, even as he fights it. Add in some perfectly placed cameos from the beloved Burgers & Brew crew, and this story becomes a rich, connected world that longtime readers will devour.
My one simple request? Don’t pass this one over. A Simple Request is small-town romance done right—and Cooper Town is officially a place I can’t wait to return to. 💛📚
Lacey Black launches her brand-new Cooper Town Boys series with A Simple Request, and I’ll gladly put my romance-loving heart on the line and say she has a smash hit on her hands. This feels like the series to read this year—effortlessly charming, emotionally satisfying, and filled with that signature Lacey Black magic.
If you’ve read the Burgers & Brew series, you’ll love the connection here. Lizzie Meyer—daughter of Walker Meyer (yes, that Walker from Kickstart My Heart)—is all grown up and ready to make her own mark. This time, she’s buying the very bar Collin works in, bringing big dreams and fresh ideas to a small town that’s about to change… whether it’s ready or not.
Collin is a firefighter and part-time bartender who doesn’t like change one bit. He loves the simple things: Cooper Town, his job, his close-knit family—and those siblings? Absolute writing perfection. Their dynamic is seamless, warm, and adds so much heart to the story. So when Lizzie walks into his bar as the new owner, Collin is determined not to like her… but that instant, undeniable attraction has other plans.
The chemistry sparks immediately. The patrons adore her. His family welcomes her with open arms. And Collin finds himself falling harder every day, even as he fights it. Add in some perfectly placed cameos from the beloved Burgers & Brew crew, and this story becomes a rich, connected world that longtime readers will devour.
My one simple request? Don’t pass this one over. A Simple Request is small-town romance done right—and Cooper Town is officially a place I can’t wait to return to. 💛📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lacey Black is back with a new series Cooper Town Boys.
A simple request has some old favourites to start us out. If you’re a Burgers and Brew fan you’ll be super happy to see the crew and we get plenty of glimpses of them because his is Lizzie Meyer’s love story. Kind of fitting since her dad Walker Meyer was the first in the burgers and brew series to fall in love and now it’s Lizzie’s turn.
Clearly Lizzie is not the Copper Town Boy. No, that role belongs to Colin Miller. He’s a full time firefighter and near by Sycamore but in his days off he’s always out in some hours at the local dive bar. He’s got hero good guy written all over him with a slight grump vibe.
These two get all tangled up when Lizzie buys the dive bar with plans to bring it back to life. For Colin that could mean ruining a place that he’s worked at and been a patron of for a long time and change isn’t always a good thing in his book.
But before he even realises who she is he’s attracted. Fining out she’s the new owner squashes that a little and when it flares back to life the complication of being boss and employee only further confuses things.
Lizzie is pretty level headed and while Colin may have mixed feelings he doesn’t play games.
The biggest problem they face is crossing the working together line and one secret that could cause a rift. It’s not huge but of course in the wrong hands a secret can be destructive.
The side characters were good too. Particularly Colin’s family, Lizzie’s sister and the bar regulars. I’m sure we’ll see more of Colin’s family since I’m pretty sure they are part of the Cooper Townsville Boys but I hope there are more from the other too. Who knows the burgers and brew crew might come back too.
Overall, good start the a new series and a great idea to have characters we already know well. I’m looking forward to more from Copper Town.
Happy reading.
A simple request has some old favourites to start us out. If you’re a Burgers and Brew fan you’ll be super happy to see the crew and we get plenty of glimpses of them because his is Lizzie Meyer’s love story. Kind of fitting since her dad Walker Meyer was the first in the burgers and brew series to fall in love and now it’s Lizzie’s turn.
Clearly Lizzie is not the Copper Town Boy. No, that role belongs to Colin Miller. He’s a full time firefighter and near by Sycamore but in his days off he’s always out in some hours at the local dive bar. He’s got hero good guy written all over him with a slight grump vibe.
These two get all tangled up when Lizzie buys the dive bar with plans to bring it back to life. For Colin that could mean ruining a place that he’s worked at and been a patron of for a long time and change isn’t always a good thing in his book.
But before he even realises who she is he’s attracted. Fining out she’s the new owner squashes that a little and when it flares back to life the complication of being boss and employee only further confuses things.
Lizzie is pretty level headed and while Colin may have mixed feelings he doesn’t play games.
The biggest problem they face is crossing the working together line and one secret that could cause a rift. It’s not huge but of course in the wrong hands a secret can be destructive.
The side characters were good too. Particularly Colin’s family, Lizzie’s sister and the bar regulars. I’m sure we’ll see more of Colin’s family since I’m pretty sure they are part of the Cooper Townsville Boys but I hope there are more from the other too. Who knows the burgers and brew crew might come back too.
Overall, good start the a new series and a great idea to have characters we already know well. I’m looking forward to more from Copper Town.
Happy reading.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A Simple Request is a heartfelt small-town romance that blends steady emotional growth with undeniable chemistry. Collin Miller is the kind of hero readers instantly gravitate toward—grounded, dependable, and quietly intense. A full-time firefighter who bartends on the side for familiarity more than money, Collin resists change with good reason, making his slow unraveling in the face of Lizzie Meyer all the more satisfying.
Lizzie is equally compelling: determined, hardworking, and brave enough to chase a dream that’s entirely her own. Her move to Cooper Town and purchase of the old bar feels authentic, rooted in passion rather than impulse. The push-and-pull between her vision for the bar and Collin’s attachment to the past creates natural tension, while their shared work ethic and mutual respect form a solid foundation for something deeper.
What truly elevates this story is its emotional balance. The romance simmers rather than explodes, allowing trust, vulnerability, and real stakes to take center stage—especially when Collin’s past resurfaces and threatens the fragile happiness they’re building. A Simple Request is a warm, engaging romance about taking chances, letting go of fear, and trusting that love can be worth the risk. Perfect for readers who love small-town settings, strong characters, and a romance that feels both tender and real.
Lizzie is equally compelling: determined, hardworking, and brave enough to chase a dream that’s entirely her own. Her move to Cooper Town and purchase of the old bar feels authentic, rooted in passion rather than impulse. The push-and-pull between her vision for the bar and Collin’s attachment to the past creates natural tension, while their shared work ethic and mutual respect form a solid foundation for something deeper.
What truly elevates this story is its emotional balance. The romance simmers rather than explodes, allowing trust, vulnerability, and real stakes to take center stage—especially when Collin’s past resurfaces and threatens the fragile happiness they’re building. A Simple Request is a warm, engaging romance about taking chances, letting go of fear, and trusting that love can be worth the risk. Perfect for readers who love small-town settings, strong characters, and a romance that feels both tender and real.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Heartwarming Start to a Promising New Series
I was so happy that Lizzie finally got her story, and Lacy Black did a wonderful job bringing it to life. Lizzie Meyer has achieved her dream of owning her own bar. In the process, she meets the broody bartender and firefighter, Collin Miller, who isn’t a fan of change and is skeptical about what Lizzie has planned for the old place. Their story is a sweet, small-town romance with the perfect slow burn, balanced by steamy moments and plenty of witty banter. I loved the cameo appearances from the Cruë gang and really enjoyed getting to know Collin’s family and friends along the way. Cade was absolutely hilarious, and I already can’t wait for his story. Overall, this book was well written and a fantastic start to a new series—easily a five-star read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am providing an honest and unbiased review. Despite receiving it for free, I have purchased the ebook version of this book, and already preordered the rest of the books in this series, for my Kindle.
I was so happy that Lizzie finally got her story, and Lacy Black did a wonderful job bringing it to life. Lizzie Meyer has achieved her dream of owning her own bar. In the process, she meets the broody bartender and firefighter, Collin Miller, who isn’t a fan of change and is skeptical about what Lizzie has planned for the old place. Their story is a sweet, small-town romance with the perfect slow burn, balanced by steamy moments and plenty of witty banter. I loved the cameo appearances from the Cruë gang and really enjoyed getting to know Collin’s family and friends along the way. Cade was absolutely hilarious, and I already can’t wait for his story. Overall, this book was well written and a fantastic start to a new series—easily a five-star read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am providing an honest and unbiased review. Despite receiving it for free, I have purchased the ebook version of this book, and already preordered the rest of the books in this series, for my Kindle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an incredible start to a series! It struck the perfect balance of introducing a new setting, fresh characters, and some familiar faces. I’ve always hoped for Lizzie’s story, and Lacey absolutely delivered. Lizzie is every bit a Meyer, and the first meeting between her and Collin was so well done—it perfectly highlighted how much she takes after Walker. There’s a whole new family to fall in love with, and Cade has to be my favourite so far. His one-liners were spot on, and I can’t wait to learn more about him because there’s definitely more to his story. Collin doesn’t quite know what to make of Lizzie at first, but I loved watching her prove him wrong at every turn. And when he falls, he falls hard. If you’re a fan of Burgers & Brew, you’ll love the cameos in this book—they brought back all the feels I had when I read the first book in that series. I’m so excited to see what’s in store for the rest of this series. A perfect beginning!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
💜Boss x Employee
🩶Workplace Relationship
💜family dynamics
🩶Fireman Hero
💜Bar owner heroine
🩶small town romance
💜dual POV
A simple Request from author Lacey Black is a brand new series starter to her new series The Cooper Town Boys. I love a good Second generation story and I ate this like candy.
Our FMC Lizzie Lou is all grown up. Lizzie is the daughter of Walker and Mallory from Burgers and Brew book 1 , Kick start my heart. She has just bought a local bar in Cooper Town and wants to put her touches on it , without her family’s money or influence, she wants to run it alone.
Collin, our MMC works as a fireman after a stint in the Air Force and also works at the bar on his off days. Collin isn’t a fan of change and loves the local bar. He’s not looking for love or a relationship but can’t help but being drawn to her.
Their attraction was fire and the way Collin would just help her even just showing up to make sure she ate and to take out the trash for her … well that’s a swoon worthy man right there.
I absolutely can’t wait to dig into more details about Collin’s family especially his twin brother Cade. He is so charismatic it personality but I think there’s more to him and look forward to him and the rest of the series.
Great start to a new family and if you were a fan of Burgers and Brew you will want to add this to your Tbr.
Tropes:
💜Boss x Employee
🩶Workplace Relationship
💜family dynamics
🩶Fireman Hero
💜Bar owner heroine
🩶small town romance
💜dual POV
A simple Request from author Lacey Black is a brand new series starter to her new series The Cooper Town Boys. I love a good Second generation story and I ate this like candy.
Our FMC Lizzie Lou is all grown up. Lizzie is the daughter of Walker and Mallory from Burgers and Brew book 1 , Kick start my heart. She has just bought a local bar in Cooper Town and wants to put her touches on it , without her family’s money or influence, she wants to run it alone.
Collin, our MMC works as a fireman after a stint in the Air Force and also works at the bar on his off days. Collin isn’t a fan of change and loves the local bar. He’s not looking for love or a relationship but can’t help but being drawn to her.
Their attraction was fire and the way Collin would just help her even just showing up to make sure she ate and to take out the trash for her … well that’s a swoon worthy man right there.
I absolutely can’t wait to dig into more details about Collin’s family especially his twin brother Cade. He is so charismatic it personality but I think there’s more to him and look forward to him and the rest of the series.
Great start to a new family and if you were a fan of Burgers and Brew you will want to add this to your Tbr.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE ROMANTIC BOSNIAN BLOG REVIEW
*ARC read* Must Read
One sitting read that kept me wanting more and now I truly need the next books like yesterday. I enjoyed every single page and you can find my FULL REVIEW on my Blog -> CLICK HERE
FOR MORE ON BOOKISH THINGS come hang with me on my BOOKSTAGRAM
*ARC read* Must Read
One sitting read that kept me wanting more and now I truly need the next books like yesterday. I enjoyed every single page and you can find my FULL REVIEW on my Blog -> CLICK HERE
FOR MORE ON BOOKISH THINGS come hang with me on my BOOKSTAGRAM
January 21, 2026
Man I thought burgers and brue was good I’m so excited about this next. Lizzie all grown up and starting her career. Buys an old bar and meets Collin a firefighter and a bartender. Will they make it or will they just be friends. This is a must read.
Review of advance copy
Loved this.
Full review to come
Full review to come
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews