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Cupid's Sweet Conspiracy
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jan 26She paid six hundred dollars for one date with him. He would have gone for free.Courtney Hartwell has been hiding her crush on her boss for over a year—until Peachwood Grove's legendary matchmaker puts Nate Brockington on the Valentine's bachelor auction block. Watching other women bid on the man she secretly wants is torture. When another woman starts throwing around serious money, quiet Courtney does something completely out of she bids six hundred dollars to win him.
Nate's been keeping things professional with his beautiful project coordinator, fighting every urge to cross the line he knows he shouldn't. Standing on that auction stage, dreading a night with the wrong woman, he never expects Courtney to raise her paddle. When she wins him? The surge of relief tells him everything he needs to know.
One charity date becomes a Valentine's weekend of trying not to combust from wanting each other. Behind Courtney's shy exterior, Nate discovers a woman who knows exactly what she wants—him.
And their "professional" boundaries? They're crumbling fast. The problem is, when Valentine's Day ends, they still have to face each other at work.
Cupid’s Sweet Conspiracy is Book 3 in The Holiday Matchmaker Series and perfect for readers who
Boss/employee tension that combusts
Charity auctions with unexpected winners
Mutual pining finally revealed
Small-town matchmaking shenanigans
Valentine's Day romance with extra heat
Spice Level 3-4 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some chances are worth taking, some lines are meant to be crossed, and some bosses? They're definitely worth every penny.
Nate's been keeping things professional with his beautiful project coordinator, fighting every urge to cross the line he knows he shouldn't. Standing on that auction stage, dreading a night with the wrong woman, he never expects Courtney to raise her paddle. When she wins him? The surge of relief tells him everything he needs to know.
One charity date becomes a Valentine's weekend of trying not to combust from wanting each other. Behind Courtney's shy exterior, Nate discovers a woman who knows exactly what she wants—him.
And their "professional" boundaries? They're crumbling fast. The problem is, when Valentine's Day ends, they still have to face each other at work.
Cupid’s Sweet Conspiracy is Book 3 in The Holiday Matchmaker Series and perfect for readers who
Boss/employee tension that combusts
Charity auctions with unexpected winners
Mutual pining finally revealed
Small-town matchmaking shenanigans
Valentine's Day romance with extra heat
Spice Level 3-4 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some chances are worth taking, some lines are meant to be crossed, and some bosses? They're definitely worth every penny.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 30, 2026
6 people want to read
About the author
C.K. Darling
7 books43 followersC.K. Darling writes bite-sized romances with big heart, plenty of heat, and a whole lotta Southern sass. Her spicy short stories—each clocking in around two hours—are perfect for readers and audiobook lovers who want all the swoon without the slog. Set in the small (but never dull) town of Peachwood Grove, Georgia, C.K.’s romances can be enjoyed as standalones or gobbled up in a bingeable series—like your favorite potato chips… you can’t read just one.
Whether you're craving a second-chance love, enemies turned sweethearts, or a grumpy hero who melts like buttercream, she’s got just the treat. These stories are also the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads—quick, satisfying, and sure to leave you smiling (and maybe a little flushed).
Up next? The Holiday Matchmaker Series—three festive love stories guaranteed to jingle your bells—launching November 7, 2025. So go ahead, get cozy, grab a snack (or a whole charcuterie board), and fall in love one short story at a time. When she’s not spinning steamy small-town tales, C.K. is sipping sweet tea, crafting up a glitter tornado, or wrangling pets and plot twists in equal measure.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy
Okay. So I know that this is before it comes out. But it's super cute, just like all the other short stories in this series. And the previous and best thing ever finding out at the end of this book that there's gonna be more lots more.
So this book starts off similar to some of the others. Where you have Mrs. havers and her meddling, you gotta absolutely love it. I love her meddling and how she spot on about who should be together. There's a little bit of a twist and oopsie, but there were already going to have happily ever after.And we know it, because that's the kind of book it is.And I love it.
So this book starts off similar to some of the others. Where you have Mrs. havers and her meddling, you gotta absolutely love it. I love her meddling and how she spot on about who should be together. There's a little bit of a twist and oopsie, but there were already going to have happily ever after.And we know it, because that's the kind of book it is.And I love it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Cupid’s Sweet Conspiracy (Holiday Matchmaker Series, Book 3) by C.K. Darling
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️
Interconnected Standalone * Holiday (Valentine’s) * Boss x Employee * Charity Date Auction * Mutual Pining * Small Town * Meddling Matchmaker * Sweet & Spicy * 97 pages * 🎧2h38
🎙️ Narrated by Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap
📅 Releases Jan 30, 2026
This is a quick, satisfying HEA that comes in under 100 pages (or about 2.5 hours on audio), making it perfect if you’re craving a Valentine’s story but don’t want to commit to a 400-page novel. If you’re familiar with this series, you can absolutely read them out of orde, just pick the holiday or tropes that catch your eye and go. There’s a small recap of previous couples that Mrs. Havers, Peachwood Grove’s legendary matchmaker, has successfully paired up, but since we already know they all get HEAs, nothing is really spoiled if you circle back later.
This installment gives us the Boss x Employee trope, with both MCs pining for each other for months but being far too scared to make the first move. Enter Mrs. Havers, who may very well be Cupid in disguise. She ropes Nate, our MMC, into being one of the bachelors at a Charity Date Auction, while also swindling Courtney into organizing the event and working closely with Nate on the date package he’ll be offering.
But then… Courtney, she bids on him. And wins. Which finally forces these two into a date and nudges them toward the relationship they’ve both been quietly wanting. There are a few sweet twists and turns that had me smiling the whole way through, making this a cozy, mildly spicy Valentine read. I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series as these stories are like warm chocolate chip cookies, and I can never have just one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️
Interconnected Standalone * Holiday (Valentine’s) * Boss x Employee * Charity Date Auction * Mutual Pining * Small Town * Meddling Matchmaker * Sweet & Spicy * 97 pages * 🎧2h38
🎙️ Narrated by Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap
📅 Releases Jan 30, 2026
This is a quick, satisfying HEA that comes in under 100 pages (or about 2.5 hours on audio), making it perfect if you’re craving a Valentine’s story but don’t want to commit to a 400-page novel. If you’re familiar with this series, you can absolutely read them out of orde, just pick the holiday or tropes that catch your eye and go. There’s a small recap of previous couples that Mrs. Havers, Peachwood Grove’s legendary matchmaker, has successfully paired up, but since we already know they all get HEAs, nothing is really spoiled if you circle back later.
This installment gives us the Boss x Employee trope, with both MCs pining for each other for months but being far too scared to make the first move. Enter Mrs. Havers, who may very well be Cupid in disguise. She ropes Nate, our MMC, into being one of the bachelors at a Charity Date Auction, while also swindling Courtney into organizing the event and working closely with Nate on the date package he’ll be offering.
But then… Courtney, she bids on him. And wins. Which finally forces these two into a date and nudges them toward the relationship they’ve both been quietly wanting. There are a few sweet twists and turns that had me smiling the whole way through, making this a cozy, mildly spicy Valentine read. I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series as these stories are like warm chocolate chip cookies, and I can never have just one.
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January 18, 2026Cupid's Sweet Conspiracy
The Holiday Matchmaker #3
By CK Darling
Narrated by Ryan Lee Dunlap, Andi Eloise
And once again, I am all in. This matchmaking is spot on, and each story just warms my heart. This one features Courtney and Nate. These two work together and have a lot of chemistry. But crossing that fine line is something neither has done. In comes the matchmaker. A bachelor auction leads these two friends to an unexpected purchase and date. But will they finally give into their true feelings? Short, just enough spice and just so much fun. The small town of Peachwood Grove is on a roll, and I can't wait to see who is next.
Ryan Lee Dunlap and Andi Eloise are the narrators for this fun one and they are fabulous. Continuing the series, their natural chemistry shines through with this couple and creates the magic just in time for Valentine's Day. Each voice is perfectly chosen, and the way they bring the couple together with their flirty nuances is spot on. Loved it!
The Holiday Matchmaker #3
By CK Darling
Narrated by Ryan Lee Dunlap, Andi Eloise
And once again, I am all in. This matchmaking is spot on, and each story just warms my heart. This one features Courtney and Nate. These two work together and have a lot of chemistry. But crossing that fine line is something neither has done. In comes the matchmaker. A bachelor auction leads these two friends to an unexpected purchase and date. But will they finally give into their true feelings? Short, just enough spice and just so much fun. The small town of Peachwood Grove is on a roll, and I can't wait to see who is next.
Ryan Lee Dunlap and Andi Eloise are the narrators for this fun one and they are fabulous. Continuing the series, their natural chemistry shines through with this couple and creates the magic just in time for Valentine's Day. Each voice is perfectly chosen, and the way they bring the couple together with their flirty nuances is spot on. Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I accidentally started with book THREE… and now I’m sprinting back to books one & two because WOW. What a gem 💎
If you’ve got a few hours to spare, this is exactly how you should spend them.
This was a super quick audio listen (just under 3 hours) and somehow packed in laughs, swoons, small-town chaos, and a whole lot of feelings. I went in blind and immediately got sucked into Courtney and Nate’s story—boss/employee tension, secret crushes, and a charity auction that goes completely off the rails in the best way.
Courtney bidding $600 on her boss? Iconic.
Nate realizing the woman he wants is the one holding up the paddle? Chef’s kiss.
The chemistry? Mutual pining turned combustible.
The vibes? Cozy, funny, feel-good romance with matchmaking shenanigans.
The spice? 👀 Definitely more than I expected… but not mad about it.
Even though it’s short, it delivered everything—laugh-out-loud moments, fairytale feels, and that warm fuzzy satisfaction you usually only get from much longer books.
🎧 I received this ALC from High Gravity Productions and honestly? It was such a fun surprise.
If you’re craving:
✨ a quick, feel-good romance
✨ small-town charm
✨ boss/employee tension
✨ and a little unexpected heat
Add this to your TBR immediately. Some lines are meant to be crossed… and some books are absolutely worth every minute. 💖📚
If you’ve got a few hours to spare, this is exactly how you should spend them.
This was a super quick audio listen (just under 3 hours) and somehow packed in laughs, swoons, small-town chaos, and a whole lot of feelings. I went in blind and immediately got sucked into Courtney and Nate’s story—boss/employee tension, secret crushes, and a charity auction that goes completely off the rails in the best way.
Courtney bidding $600 on her boss? Iconic.
Nate realizing the woman he wants is the one holding up the paddle? Chef’s kiss.
The chemistry? Mutual pining turned combustible.
The vibes? Cozy, funny, feel-good romance with matchmaking shenanigans.
The spice? 👀 Definitely more than I expected… but not mad about it.
Even though it’s short, it delivered everything—laugh-out-loud moments, fairytale feels, and that warm fuzzy satisfaction you usually only get from much longer books.
🎧 I received this ALC from High Gravity Productions and honestly? It was such a fun surprise.
If you’re craving:
✨ a quick, feel-good romance
✨ small-town charm
✨ boss/employee tension
✨ and a little unexpected heat
Add this to your TBR immediately. Some lines are meant to be crossed… and some books are absolutely worth every minute. 💖📚
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a super quick listen that somehow still delivered laughs, swoons, small-town chaos, and feelings—exactly what I needed as a palate cleanser between heavier reads.
I went in blind and immediately got pulled into Courtney & Nate’s mess-in-the-best-way dynamic: boss/employee tension, secret crush energy, and a charity auction that goes completely off the rails. Courtney bids on her boss… and Nate, the moment he realizes she’s bidding, decides the auction is suddenly not embarrassing at all (sir??? okay then 😅). The chemistry is cozy and flirty, with matchmaking shenanigans keeping things moving—and yes, there’s a little unexpected heat too. 🌶️
Because it’s a novella, things move fast, but it’s super cute, feel-good, and delivers a satisfying HEA—mission accomplished.
And the audio? Ryan Lee Dunlap and Andi Eloise are fabulous. Their natural chemistry really sells the flirting, the tension, and the sweetness—every voice felt perfectly matched, and the little nuanced moments made the romance pop.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good romance with small-town charm, boss/employee tension, and some Valentine’s-ready swoon, add this one to your queue. 💘
Also… I will be checking out the first two stories when I need another cozy romance boost.
I went in blind and immediately got pulled into Courtney & Nate’s mess-in-the-best-way dynamic: boss/employee tension, secret crush energy, and a charity auction that goes completely off the rails. Courtney bids on her boss… and Nate, the moment he realizes she’s bidding, decides the auction is suddenly not embarrassing at all (sir??? okay then 😅). The chemistry is cozy and flirty, with matchmaking shenanigans keeping things moving—and yes, there’s a little unexpected heat too. 🌶️
Because it’s a novella, things move fast, but it’s super cute, feel-good, and delivers a satisfying HEA—mission accomplished.
And the audio? Ryan Lee Dunlap and Andi Eloise are fabulous. Their natural chemistry really sells the flirting, the tension, and the sweetness—every voice felt perfectly matched, and the little nuanced moments made the romance pop.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good romance with small-town charm, boss/employee tension, and some Valentine’s-ready swoon, add this one to your queue. 💘
Also… I will be checking out the first two stories when I need another cozy romance boost.
Review of advance copy
Valentine day Charity Auction
Boss x employee
Mutual Pining
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Andi Eloise & Ryan Lee Dunlap
Love these two together!
A short sweet workplace romance. I have really been enjoying each book in this novella series.
CK Darling writes sweet and loveable characters. Low angst and flirty.
Courtney has been pining after her boss Nate since she started working for him. Nate also has feelings he is hiding. They both know crossing the line of a romantic relationship in a workplace environment can be devastating.
The valentines day auction Courtney bids on Nate to go on a date. They are both excited yet nervous about the situation.
Such a fun and cute short story with spice. Perfect for this time of year.
Boss x employee
Mutual Pining
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Andi Eloise & Ryan Lee Dunlap
Love these two together!
A short sweet workplace romance. I have really been enjoying each book in this novella series.
CK Darling writes sweet and loveable characters. Low angst and flirty.
Courtney has been pining after her boss Nate since she started working for him. Nate also has feelings he is hiding. They both know crossing the line of a romantic relationship in a workplace environment can be devastating.
The valentines day auction Courtney bids on Nate to go on a date. They are both excited yet nervous about the situation.
Such a fun and cute short story with spice. Perfect for this time of year.
Review of advance copy
I had no clue this was the third book in a short series until… I started listening to it.
I received this copy from High Gravity Audio Books as an influencer for them, this was a quick listen that made me laugh out loud at times.
Although this audio was only two hours and thirty-eight minutes long, it was such an amazing book, filled will fairy-tale endings and so much more.
If you’re looking for a feel good, quick read, then this is the book for you.
It did get a bit spicy there… Something I was not expecting! But over all this book was fun, exciting, interesting, and gave you all the feel goods as a book twice as long.
I received this copy from High Gravity Audio Books as an influencer for them, this was a quick listen that made me laugh out loud at times.
Although this audio was only two hours and thirty-eight minutes long, it was such an amazing book, filled will fairy-tale endings and so much more.
If you’re looking for a feel good, quick read, then this is the book for you.
It did get a bit spicy there… Something I was not expecting! But over all this book was fun, exciting, interesting, and gave you all the feel goods as a book twice as long.
Review of advance copy
Mrs. Havers worked her magic again. One charity auction, two hearts finally in sync, and Peachwood Grove doing what it does best. Nate & Courtney’s mutual pining finally combusts and it’s completely worth the wait 🔥💞
Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap are perfection together 🎧👏
Boss/employee tension, Valentine’s chaos, cozy vibes, and a spicy 3–4 🌶️🌶️🌶️ that hits just right. Mrs. Havers truly never misses 💐
Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap are perfection together 🎧👏
Boss/employee tension, Valentine’s chaos, cozy vibes, and a spicy 3–4 🌶️🌶️🌶️ that hits just right. Mrs. Havers truly never misses 💐
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews