The Summer Setup

by Angela Casella

Charlie

My boss, the incurable romantic, believes every single person is just a setup away from their happily-ever-after. So when she physically shoves me in front of a handsome single man, I know exactly what she’s up to.

Lars is a bird researcher who spends his days in the field, mostly alone.

I’m an outspoken parttime barista and fulltime starving artist who paints people’s pets.

But there are immediate sparks, which become full-on fireworks when he catches me and my friend skinny-dipping (oops).

He hires me to paint his pet bird (no, that’s not a euphemism), and he asks me something no man ever has—

He wants to watch me paint.

Lars

Watching Charlie paint is a transformative experience.

She’s beautiful always, but when she’s painting souls into canvas, there’s something otherworldly about her.

I want this woman in a way I’ve never wanted or needed anyone.

There’s one problem…

My ex-girlfriend’s family business is directly next door to her coffee shop.

First published January 1, 2025

About the author

ANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.

You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read. Since it’s a novella it’s obviously going to be a shorter read. I felt like it was all around a rushed story and there wasn’t room for the characters to develop in a way that seemed realistic.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick, and easy read. The banter between the MCs was enjoyable and Seabreeze had me laughing. I'm really excited to read Enzo and Lucy!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone give precious little Olli aka owner of Kippis bar a HEA 💕