One Heartbeat Away: A Small Town Instalove Romance

by Taryn Quinn

Ripley - The RebelRescuing a damsel in distress is second nature for me—I'm the only tow truck game in town.

Until Mercy Hart's brand new delivery truck breaks down with my brother's wedding cake inside.

I'd love to save the day—problem is, I'm driving my ragtop Cadillac and my tow truck is currently locked down because of a petty war I'm having with the mayor.

To say we are in a bit of a quandary is an understatement.
Miss Independent needs me and innovation is my specialty.

My brother is getting married at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, and I will not be the one to ruin his big day.

And if I'm lucky, I might just get more than a kiss to start the new year. Because, have Mercy, I'm in…love?

Ripley and Mercy have known each other all their lives, but one night, and the space of one heartbeat, changes everything. Indigo Valley is full of hope and new starts. The Murdock Brothers fall hard and fast, but a scorching HOT happily ever after is guaranteed.

These are quick stories served best with a glass of wine or a cup of tea before bed. Or if you’re feeling extra spicy, you can read one of these books on your lunch break!

Genres: Novella

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Taryn Quinn, is the bestie combo of bestselling authors Taryn Elliott and Cari Quinn.

We’re both fur moms and happily single.

We bonded over our love of music and reading and love to incorporate our crazy ideas into sprawling, shenanigan-filled books where an HEA is a promise. If you love found families, you’re guaranteed to find ones you wish were your own by the end of our books.

☕️ Pour a cup of coffee and join us. We’re glad you’re here.


Reviews

[lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy has worked hard to get her bakery up and running. This Murdock wedding is going to make her dreams come true - she's creating the wedding cake.

Ripley is the oldest Murdock brother and he's used to taking care of them all.

These two have some serious heat, fast and furious. love the quick connection they have.

Love the Murdock Family and the antics they are forever getting up to. Sweet reading!!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon

When Mercy's delivery van breaks down and threatens Ripley's brother Sullivan's wedding, it's up to Ripley to help get her and the cake there safely. That short but important ride to the wedding is just the start of their instant connection, and will change both their lives.



I'm sad the Murdock Brothers series has come to an end, but it's fitting that it concludes with Ripley, the eldest. He and Mercy are adorable. Instalove for sure, but their connection is strong and believable and we know they have known each for a long time considering their small town connections and mutual friends. I love all of this writing duo's small town worlds, all their heroes and heroines, and I think these short stories are some of their most entertaining and fun. I'm going to miss the Murdocks, but hopefully they turn up in later stories and adjacent towns.



ARC provided by the authors for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Alison Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we are meeting the oldest of the Murdock brothers..

Ripley, (Rip)
He is the local mechanic, tow truck owner, protective elder brother, over achiever and by all descriptions RIPPED eldest Murdock brother. He also Likes to prank the local mayor, which has kind of lead to some of the high jinks which leads to one of the most meaningful nights of his life.

Mercy....
Marcy Hart, owns Sweet Beats bakery, a hard worker, totally self sufficient, oh and she may have a slight attraction to the eldest Murdock brother since high school which she would never dream of acting on it... But in the right situation... Never say never !!

Mercy has created the wedding cake for Nora and Sully's wedding, a six tier master piece which she hopes will give her another revenue stream for her bakery, but on the way to the wedding her new delivery van breaks down and Ripley has to dash to help her. All of which leads to high jinks, a six tier cake in the back of a caddy with the top down of course, sexual tension, drunken brothers, steamy back seat action and the eldest of the Murdock brothers falling head over heels for the little baker when he least expects to.
Now he just has to convince her that it isn't a one time thing and he is in for the long game...
If you want a hilarious, steamy, heart warming, easy to read book than you need a cup of tea / coffee, a comfortable chair and just over an hour to immerse yourself in this feel good, fabulous book. You won't be disappointed.

[Okie Reads All The Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW❤️💍🔔

This is the last book in the Murdock brothers series of small-town insta-love stories. Ripley, the eldest Murdock and Mercy the owner of Sweet Beats Bakery collide in this short story when Mercys "new" delivery van breaks down on her way to Nora and Sullys wedding. Did I mention, she had the Cake... oh and the only Tow truck in town belongs to Ripley Murdocks Automotive shop and its suited and "booted" on the side of the road thanks to Ripleys rivalry with the Mayor.
Ripley is determined to save his brothers wedding so he drives his Caddy down to get Mercy and the cake and attempt to deliver a 6 tier cake safely.

I liked this story. Yes, it was short and sweet but sometimes you need that, I think. I know some people are not fans of insta-Love. but hear me out..These characters have history. They are all familiar with or know each other to some degree..so its not TOTALLY unrealistic. no one is Actually getting married after 24hrs or anything crazy so don't let the insta-love in the series title steer you away. They are also a good palette cleanser after reading something that may have been a little hard on your soul. If you need a cute and a little bit spicy palette cleanser. I suggest a rendezvous with the Murdock Brothers.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripley Murdock isn't looking for anything else but to make sure that his brother's wedding goes off without a hitch. He certainly isn't looking for love to come boomeranging in like a bolt from the blue, but Life is weird like that sometimes. And Mercy Hart, well, this wedding will either make or break her reputation as the go-to for the wedding cake of your dreams. She doesn't have the time or the energy to deal with an unexpected glitch, even one that looks like Ripley Murdock. Yeah, Life...

We haven't seen as much of Ripley in the course of these books, being as he's the oldest, and not part of the Murdock Brothers Dream Team that is rebuilding Indigo Valley one awesome project after the other. I'm here to tell you that he is well worth the wait, because, hello, tall, dark, and handsome. And Mercy, well, strong women that take no ish are my favorite, and she more than delivers. Forging her way and taking no prisoners, she's making a name for herself and her bakery, and can't afford to take her eyes off the prize.

The way that these two dance around each other is sweet, and the chemistry between them is H.O.T. I'll forgive the instalove label here, because they've known and been aware of each other for most of their lives, and their time has clearly come. And although this book is a shorter read, their story was pure enjoyment, and a great way to bring this series to a close. I'll miss Indigo Valley and the Murdock shenanigans, and cannot recommend enough that you pick up these books. Happy Reading!

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Heartbeat away is the final book in the Murdock series. The couple in the book are Ripley the oldest brother and owner of Murdock Automotive and Mercy the owner of Sweet Beats bakery. Have known everyone forever
Mercy has the honour of making the wedding cake and grooms cake for Nora and Sully's wedding.
On the way to deliver the cake her van breaks down Ripley goes and helps her but he can't in the tow truck because the on going battle with the mayor. She has boot locked it so he has to go and help her in his caddy. lol After struggling to get everything in to his small car they finally arrive. With little damage to the cakes thank goodness.
After the vows are done they can't keep their eyes and hands off each other but time isn't on their side.
After her brother causes huge problems at the wedding(open bar) she ends up taking him home.
Ripley is very worried about her and tracks her down at her shop the next morning.
Let's just say that got to finish what they started at the wedding and got their HEA.
BTW.. Love Taryn Quinn's choice of music in the book.. Evanescence and Pretty Reckless.
Thank you for an amazing series

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Heartbeat Away: A Small-Town Instalove Romance (Murdock Brothers Book 6) by Taryn Quinn is a love story between Ripley Murdock, owner of the family garage, Murdock Automotive, and Mercy Hart, owner of Sweet Beats Bakery, who made the wedding cake for Sully Murdock and Nora Baker’s New Year’s Eve wedding. Mercy crafted an incredible six-layer cake with an intricate lace design to match the lace on the dress. While heading to the venue, her bakery van broke down a few miles out and refused to continue. Luckily, Ripley hadn’t left for the wedding yet and was sent to rescue Mercy and the wedding cake, along with the sheet cakes and baked treats for the guests. Ripley arrived in his beloved Caddy to pick up Mercy and her confections. During this rescue, a spark ignited between him and Mercy, smoldering in the car and later turning into an actual flame in the backseat after the wedding. This enchanting moment was one heartbeat away from discovering their soulmates in each other. This short novella is a perfect afternoon read that highlights Taryn Quinn’s charming romance stories.

[Melissa Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 6th and final book of the Murdock Brothers series, Taryn Quinn continues to deliver the characters and small-town flavor that we have come to love. Ripley, the oldest of the Murdock bunch, comes to the rescue of bakery owner and sweets specialist Mercy as her bakery truck breaks down during the delivery of the beautifully decorated wedding cake and massive custom groom’s cake for his brother Sully’s wedding to Nora. While their paths have certainly crossed over the years, the romantic sparks that fly between them catch them both by surprise and opens their eyes to the possibility of the true lifelong love that the other Murdock brothers seem to have found. Throw in some hijinks like a mayor who goes out of the way to torment poor Ripley with parking boots on the tow truck and tickets, and Riley’s quick thinking with an unusual alternative delivery vehicle, and the whole story is an absolute hoot! It’s a quick read, but it isn’t short on charm or heat, so it’s perfect for those lazy days where you have time to curl up with a cute and spicy rom-com.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful short steamy read. Things happen quickly as the book is short, but I was immediately swept into the quick paced story as panicked baker Mercy has to deliver her gorgeous wedding cake but truck problems ensue for the delivery and time is running out. Ripley the oldest brother owns the garage and tow truck business, but due to hilarious extenuating circumstances, his only option is to use his classic car to deliver Mercy and the cake which is nail-biting fun. With barely minutes to spare, the cake is at the venue but during the trip cupid zings them with Insta-lust but also connection. Of course there is a red hot steamy scene early on during the wedding. However the deeper relationship potential exists because they have known each other for years and she has been on the periphery of the family circle for a long time. The New Year’s Eve wedding was delightful and fun and a great ending for the Murdoch Brothers series.

[Reading Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Heartbeat Away was the perfect ending to the Murdock Brothers series! Riley Murdock is the eldest Murdock brother and has been busy focusing on his auto repair business while his younger brothers have been meeting wonderful ladies and falling in love. Mercy Hart is a local bakery owner and has been assigned the task of creating the wedding cake for Sully Murdock and his fiance Nora's New Year's eve wedding. When her bakery delivery truck breaks down on route to the wedding, Mercy calls Riley in distress. Riley jumps to assist her and that's where our story really heats up! These two have known each other all their lives but have been so focused on their careers that they're now seeing each other in a whole new light. One Heartbeat Away was fun, flirty and a great way to wrap up this series.

[litljen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 fun and sexy stars *

One Heartbeat Away is the final book in the Murdock Brothers series, and I'm so sad that it's come to an end! I've loved these short and spicy stories and will really miss them! Book 6 is Ripley and Mercy's book, and boy, do I wish it were longer....but to be fair, that's how I felt about all of these books! It's funny, steamy, a little swoony, and a whole lot of fun. When Mercy's van gets stuck on the way to delivering a cake for Rip's brother's wedding, he comes to her rescue in spectacular fashion. With their intense chemistry, Mercy and Ripley will steam up your Kindle pretty quickly. This story is a super quick one-sitting read. Grab a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy the ride! 5 stars

[Gab Mce · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Murdock men have been irresistible! And Ripley is the star here! He is strong, knows what he wants…sort of and full of alpha male energy through and through. The small town of Indigo Valley is so perfect because it brings to life the instalove perfectly.

Mercy is the baker in town and Ripley owns the auto garage. They are fated to be at the famous Sully and Nora wedding. And their sparks fly instantly off the page. There is this quality to this couple that sparks that thought of having observed you from afar and now that I have my chance I am going to take it. And I loved that. To actually go for it and see if there could be something is magical.

Taryn Quinn brings to life this instalove story beautifully. It is fast paced and gives you all the things you need to read in one sit down. For me it brings full circle the Murdock Family love and how the men in the family can and do find their forever loves! Bravo for this one!

[Lisa Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read and very sadly the end of the series. Hint hint Taryn Quinn, we want more!!!!
Ripley is the eldest of the Murdock brothers and the town grease monkey of Indigo Valley. It's his brother's wedding day and and he has an emergency now to deal with. His tow truck has a boot on it because he pissed off the mayor and his brother's wedding cake is now in a van stuck on route to the venue! So he takes his old caddy to rescue the cake, and the most beautiful woman in Indigo Valley, Mercy.
Mercy has has the hots for Ripley since high school, but since she was a few years younger he never really looked her way, till now. Her night in shining armor has rescued her to get this VERY important cake to Sully and Nora's wedding.
All the Murdock's are back for the festivities and Ripley, Mercy and cake have a very steamy story for you to enjoy!!

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the chance to further her business and help out her ex-sister-in-law (it's complicated), Mercy is making the wedding cake. Now it just needs to get to the venue in one piece.

Riley get the call from Mercy that her delivery van is broken down as he's getting ready for the wedding. His tow-truck is not available but he does what he needs to do to get his brother's wedding cake to the venue in one piece.

Warmth, hilarity, family, and helpfulness pull the delivery together and have Mercy and Riley asking themselves why they didn't act on their mutual attraction sooner!

I have been loving these short stories about the Murdock Brothers. Small towns and some handsome bachelors make a fine backdrop for a story!

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripley and Mercy. Oh how I loved this couple. They were orbiting around each other for ages but it took a wedding cake almost disaster to finally put them in close proximity. Rip has been the object of Mercy’s eye since high school but he was out of her league. Or so she thought. Her family definitely didn’t have the same values as his. But she set herself apart from them in the best of ways. Running her own business successfully is one way to working hard was another. She thought she wouldn’t have time for love. Ripley had these thought process but when he finally opened his eyes, Mercy would be worth every minute he can spare. I loved this quick story line. Rip is the hero I want to read about and mercy is the heroine I love.

[Jean Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read about Ripley Murdock and Mercy Hart.
Ripley is one of the Murdock brothers that owns a car repair shop. Mercy owns Sweet Beats, the bakery in town. She was hired to create Sully Murdock's wedding cake. She was so excited to create the cake and was hoping this would launch her into the wedding cake business. Unfortunately, on her way to the wedding, her truck breaks down and she calls Ripley to help her. He can't tow the car because his tow truck is not working due to a fight with the mayor (but I digress). Ripley drives his on car to help her and the journey to get the cake to the venue is where the chemistry starts brewing.
Ripley and Mercy are hot together. A quick enjoyable read!

[Susanne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where's the book? 🤔

Amazing.....but! It's way too short!! Ripley deserves a full length story. And Mercy.........now there's so many questions that could have been fleshed out Don't get me wrong, this very short story is good, but it's not what one expects from Ms. Quinn. This was more like an after thought that said, "oh yeah, Ripley gets hitched too". The End. WHAT? So readers, there's no cheating or cliffhanger and Ripley gets the beginning of a happy ever after. If you're looking for something you can read over your lunch break that has some steam and a happy ending, this is it! If you're like me and have to have the complete series, you'll have it. But like me, you'll wonder why Ripley didn't get a real story like his brothers. 🤔. Enjoy 🤓

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Heartbeat Away" is billed as an "instalove romance" from Taryn Quinn. It is the sixth and final installment of the Murdock Brothers series.

Mercy is a baker, bringing her first-ever wedding cake to the wedding of the year.... on New Year's Eve. When her truck breaks down, what do she do? Call for a tow of course. Unfortunately, Ripley's the only tow in town, and his truck has been booted by a vindictive mayor. Fortunately, Rip is not one to leave a damsel to her distress... he figures it out, and saves the day.

The heat between Mercy and Rip is instant and incendiary. The story, though short, is not in any way lacking. We have the wonderful character quirks we've come to love from Taryn Quinn, and an HEA that will make you smile.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE HEARTBEAT AWAY is the sixth in Taryn Quinn’s warmly funny small town series. Unconventional bakery owner Mercy Hart is thrilled to be baking her first official wedding cake, and she’s hoping it makes a big impression, one big enough to kickstart that part of her business. Eldest brother of the groom, Ripley Murdock, is ready to do whatever it takes to make sure his quietly steady brother Sully gets the wedding of his and his fiancée’s dreams. Even rescue the hottest cake baker he’s ever wanted to kiss…

Taryn Quinn wraps up the sunnily sexy Murdocks in style, and Ripley and Mercy find more than they bargained for as all’s well that ends well!! Don’t miss this series!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy is working hard to save her bakery. Doing the cake for the wedding is going to go a long way in achieving that goal. Ripley, as the oldest, is always taking care of them all. When he finds out the van carrying his brother’s wedding cake is broken down. He drives his personal car to rescue the 6-tier cake! Mercy and Riley have known each other for a long time, this meeting catches them both of guard when the chemistry sizzles between them This may seem fast and furious romance, it does seem there is some knowledge of each other prior to the meet. This story is a short, sweet with a nice dash of spice that is totally worth reading.

[Renaye hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Heartbeat Away follows the final Murdock bachelor as he tumbles headfirst into love.

When Mercy is in desperate need of a knight in shining armor, Ripley comes to her rescue in his classic Cadillac. Ripley gets precariously close to Mercy and her goods, which sends the temperature soaring, endangering both the wedding cake and themselves. Once the chaos settles and the celebration begins, it becomes clear that their connection isn’t just chemistry—it’s destiny. Ripley and Mercy discover, almost instantly, that they’ve been unknowingly waiting for each other their entire lives.

This novel is a fast, addictive read that pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go.

[Andrea Smierciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final Murdock brother finds his forever. Ripley is the oldest brother but also the black sheep of the family. Ripley owns his own auto body shop instead of going into the family construction business. Mercy is the most responsible member of her family and her bakery takes up most her time. Ripley comes to Mercy's rescue when her van breaks down on the way to deliver a wedding cake. The chemistry is felt instantly when these two are in the same room. Will these two put aside their busy lives and figure out how to make a relationship work? An entertaining book with a lot of sizzle.

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, sweet treat.
Even though this is a short story, if you have been reading each of the Murdock brothers' stories, you have gotten familiar with all the brothers. The oldest Murdock brother, Ripley, and bakery owner, Mercy Hart's story lets you spend a couple of days in their lives as they get ready for their responsibilities in Sullivan and Nora's wedding and the moments after, when these two realize they have fallen in love. Ripley and Mercy's story may be short, but it has all the feels. So take a break, grab some wine or a piece of cake, and enjoy the ride.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the Murdock brothers and the women they fall for. Riley is the oldest, the one that is happy to be single and no plans to change that. Until Mercy gets stranded on the side of the road. The back and forth between them kept the pages turning and the chemistry really heats up. These are quick reads with lovable characters, just enough sweet and heat, and a great read from start to finish. When you want a little escape, this is it!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and very sweet. Mercy is tasked with the wedding cake of Ripley’s brother (Sully and his fiancé Nora from previous book in series). When a disaster strikes, he comes to the rescue and that ends up being an excellent jumping off point for them. There are some very entertaining moments and some that were kind of sad (Mercy’s family). I love Sully and Nora being so wonderful about everything. Mercy just wants to succeed with her bakery. Ripley wants to take care of his family and business. He is someone she can count on. Together and are sweet and spicy.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have Mercy! This series has been wonderful. We now finally get to know Ripley, the other Murdock brother who is the mechanic in town. He comes to the rescue when Mercy Hart's van breaks down with the wedding cake aboard for Sully and Nora's wedding. Say it isn't so! Mercy has worked so hard on this cake and her bakery and this is her debut with wedding cakes but Ripley comes to her aide and, just in time. These two have such chemistry and it is strong and instant and enough to keep them warm.

**Received this ARC for review**

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy has made the wedding cake for Sully and Nora’s wedding. While delivering it her van breaks down. It’s Ripley Murdock to the rescue. Ripley and Mercy have known each other for years but never really saw each other. While helping Mercy Ripley finally realizes what his brothers have and he wants the same thing. Love, a wife, a family of his own. Loved this feel good quick read. It’s sweet, has some steam, well written and a perfect ending to the Murdock brothers saga. I loved it.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short but sweet and sexy book is a fantastic end to the Murdock brothers series.

Ripley saves Mercy and her first wedding cake job when her van breaks down and nothing will be the same between these two. A quick thank you kiss changes everything. It proves that a few years age difference means nothing when the time is finally right.

I received an ARC and freely offer this review.

[Brigid Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a perfect way to spend a bitter cold afternoon - all cozy in front a fire visiting Indigo Valley.

Taryn Quinn has done it again with Ripley and Mercy's story. Ripley is the hot mechanic that Mercy just may have had a crush on back in the day. He is also the one who came to her rescue when she was delivering a wedding cake. Wooh, is their chemistry off the charts!!! Do they save the cake? One-click now and find out - you won't regret it!!

[Lori Zakrzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last Murdock brother to fall is Ripley, and he's about to fall hard and fast. When Mercy is on her way with the cake for Rip's brother, Sully and Nora's wedding, her car breaks down. Ripley would do anything for his family, including making sure Mercy gets to the wedding on time. The heat between Ripley and Mercy is off the charts. I've definitely enjoyed reading the whole series.