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Serving Second Chances: A Spicy Cozy Paranormal Romance Short Read (A Lighthouse Diner Story)
Falling in love with your high school ex is never smart. Especially when he’s a werewolf and you’re pretending it’s all fake.
Jason Brooks has seven days to prove he's in a serious relationship or forfeit the Lighthouse Diner. When his Aunt Ophelia left it to him, she made one impossible settle down and build a life worth staying for. Jason thought love would come naturally. It didn’t. Now his aunt is returning, and if he’s still single, she’ll sell the diner out from under him.
Emily Carter swore she’d never come back to Chrysanthemum Cove. A witch with a sharp mind for branding and a broken heart from her Manhattan agency days, she’s returned home to care for her father and lick her wounds in peace. A job search leads her straight to the Lighthouse Diner and straight into the arms of Jason, the cinnamon roll werewolf she once loved and never quite forgot.
Their teenage romance ended with a tearful goodbye and a promise to chase bigger dreams. But when Jason proposes a fake relationship to save the diner, Emily agrees, even though it risks reopening wounds that never fully healed. As daily shifts turn into whispered memories, and fake kisses start to feel too real, both Jason and Emily must confront the maybe the life they left behind is the one they’ve always wanted.
Serving Second Chances
Spicy Fake Dating
Second Chance with Your First Love
Cinnamon Roll Werewolf Hero (Protective + Soft)
Witch Heroine with a Big City Burnout
Magical Small-Town Return
Save the Beloved Family Business
Seven-Day Deadline to Fall in Love
Fake Kisses That Turn Very Real
Forced Proximity (Late Nights at the Diner)
High School Sweethearts, All Grown Up
Pent-Up Desire & Rekindled Chemistry
Cozy but Steamy Paranormal Romance
Big City vs. Small-Town Life
Love Worth Staying For
Jason Brooks has seven days to prove he's in a serious relationship or forfeit the Lighthouse Diner. When his Aunt Ophelia left it to him, she made one impossible settle down and build a life worth staying for. Jason thought love would come naturally. It didn’t. Now his aunt is returning, and if he’s still single, she’ll sell the diner out from under him.
Emily Carter swore she’d never come back to Chrysanthemum Cove. A witch with a sharp mind for branding and a broken heart from her Manhattan agency days, she’s returned home to care for her father and lick her wounds in peace. A job search leads her straight to the Lighthouse Diner and straight into the arms of Jason, the cinnamon roll werewolf she once loved and never quite forgot.
Their teenage romance ended with a tearful goodbye and a promise to chase bigger dreams. But when Jason proposes a fake relationship to save the diner, Emily agrees, even though it risks reopening wounds that never fully healed. As daily shifts turn into whispered memories, and fake kisses start to feel too real, both Jason and Emily must confront the maybe the life they left behind is the one they’ve always wanted.
Serving Second Chances
Spicy Fake Dating
Second Chance with Your First Love
Cinnamon Roll Werewolf Hero (Protective + Soft)
Witch Heroine with a Big City Burnout
Magical Small-Town Return
Save the Beloved Family Business
Seven-Day Deadline to Fall in Love
Fake Kisses That Turn Very Real
Forced Proximity (Late Nights at the Diner)
High School Sweethearts, All Grown Up
Pent-Up Desire & Rekindled Chemistry
Cozy but Steamy Paranormal Romance
Big City vs. Small-Town Life
Love Worth Staying For
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
8 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 3, 2026
More than just a cozy supernatural romance.
This is more like a Hallmark movie with werewolves and witches, set in a magical small seaside town centred around the Lighthouse Diner.
The writing is so smooth and fluid, that as you read it your mind seamlessly forms the images and the movie plays out in your head.
Emily Carter, a witch, lost both her job and her boyfriend on the same morning, so with a broken heart she leaves New York to return to her home town, to be with her father, lick her wounds and make a new start.
Jason Brooks, a werewolf, manager of the Lighthouse Diner, has just been reminded by his Aunt Ophelia, the owner of the Lighthouse Diner, that as per their agreement 5 years prior, he has just 7 days to show her upon her arrival that he is in a committed relationship else she will sell the diner.
Emily responds to a marketing role advertised for the Lighthouse Diner and comes face to face with Jason. Neither have seen each other since they separated as teenagers, to go in different directions with their lives. Emotions and long thought forgotten feelings rise to the surface after all this time and before they know it they have agreed to engage in a fake relationship, with the intentions of saving the Lighthouse Diner and the people that work there.
From there the magic builds, develops and does not disappoint.
A wonderful story to pass the afternoon with, very enjoyable and highly recommended.
This is more like a Hallmark movie with werewolves and witches, set in a magical small seaside town centred around the Lighthouse Diner.
The writing is so smooth and fluid, that as you read it your mind seamlessly forms the images and the movie plays out in your head.
Emily Carter, a witch, lost both her job and her boyfriend on the same morning, so with a broken heart she leaves New York to return to her home town, to be with her father, lick her wounds and make a new start.
Jason Brooks, a werewolf, manager of the Lighthouse Diner, has just been reminded by his Aunt Ophelia, the owner of the Lighthouse Diner, that as per their agreement 5 years prior, he has just 7 days to show her upon her arrival that he is in a committed relationship else she will sell the diner.
Emily responds to a marketing role advertised for the Lighthouse Diner and comes face to face with Jason. Neither have seen each other since they separated as teenagers, to go in different directions with their lives. Emotions and long thought forgotten feelings rise to the surface after all this time and before they know it they have agreed to engage in a fake relationship, with the intentions of saving the Lighthouse Diner and the people that work there.
From there the magic builds, develops and does not disappoint.
A wonderful story to pass the afternoon with, very enjoyable and highly recommended.
February 4, 2026
I think many of us have left relationships that in looking back all we wanted to do is kick ourselves. But that's often the problem with youth, we can't see the good standing before us. It takes older, wiser eyes to see the important stuff.
This story was short on paranormal but had plenty of HEA. Most of the books I read have way more paranormal but that did not detract from the story. There was proper character building so you felt like you understood your characters and what was to come.
I would have liked to have read the story about how the Lighthouse Diner comes to be before this. But not having read it did not present any kind of a story void. I will be going back to read the other story when I have time.
There is no cliffhanger ending but it does give you a lead-in for the next book. I plan to read that stroy as well.
I received an ARC copy and these are my comments.
This story was short on paranormal but had plenty of HEA. Most of the books I read have way more paranormal but that did not detract from the story. There was proper character building so you felt like you understood your characters and what was to come.
I would have liked to have read the story about how the Lighthouse Diner comes to be before this. But not having read it did not present any kind of a story void. I will be going back to read the other story when I have time.
There is no cliffhanger ending but it does give you a lead-in for the next book. I plan to read that stroy as well.
I received an ARC copy and these are my comments.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an ARC from the author. 3.5 stars
we meet Emily, a marketing guru who retuned home after leaving NYC. Its only temporarily but it is what it is. The Lighthouse Diner is looking for a Marketing Director. Her old haunt with her ex Jason who worked there for his aunt. What Emily didnt expect when she walked in was Jason there behind the counter. We meet Jason, owner of the diner since his aunt relocated. what he didnt know was that his aunt was giving him an ultimatum...find a woman to be in a relationship or she sells. When he sees Emily in his diner, his brain doesnt seem to work but then runs after her to offer her the job and asks to be his pretend gf so he can keep his diner. This situation is complicated since they are exes but Emily agrees. Now the question is to convince his aunt Ophelia that they are together....it cant be that hard...can it?
we meet Emily, a marketing guru who retuned home after leaving NYC. Its only temporarily but it is what it is. The Lighthouse Diner is looking for a Marketing Director. Her old haunt with her ex Jason who worked there for his aunt. What Emily didnt expect when she walked in was Jason there behind the counter. We meet Jason, owner of the diner since his aunt relocated. what he didnt know was that his aunt was giving him an ultimatum...find a woman to be in a relationship or she sells. When he sees Emily in his diner, his brain doesnt seem to work but then runs after her to offer her the job and asks to be his pretend gf so he can keep his diner. This situation is complicated since they are exes but Emily agrees. Now the question is to convince his aunt Ophelia that they are together....it cant be that hard...can it?
February 2, 2026
Sometimes when you sit down to read you need a little escape from reality. Today, I got to visit a delightful town called Chrysanthemum Cove. There is a cute little dated place called the Lighthouse Diner. The proprietor, Jason, needs to find a way to keep his diner. His aunt Ophelia current owner, has conditions before turning the place over to Jason. Jason has to be in a serious relationship.
Emily is headed home to Crysanthemum Cove. She was recently let go from her high powered marketing job. Where else do you go when you have no where else? Home. She needs a job.
Emily applies for a marketing job at the diner and runs into her childhood sweetheart.
This was a sweet short story that sucks you right into a quirky and a little weird place. Of course, you want to stay!
Emily is headed home to Crysanthemum Cove. She was recently let go from her high powered marketing job. Where else do you go when you have no where else? Home. She needs a job.
Emily applies for a marketing job at the diner and runs into her childhood sweetheart.
This was a sweet short story that sucks you right into a quirky and a little weird place. Of course, you want to stay!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet read that had me reading straight through to the end without putting it down. Emily and Jason have history, and a complicated present. Emily comes back home after losing a lot in her life not sure where to go. Jason is trying to keep the thing that matters to him the most - his diner. Neither of them expected to see the other. But when the opportunity is there they take it. It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be easy. It’s none of those things. This book gave a cute and entertaining story of remembering what you had and learning what you want for the future in such a short read. Definitely worth it to read.
February 2, 2026
shifter romance
I had it all the perfect job boyfriend and an apartment now my neighbour has my boyfriend and my intern has my job!
that was all a year ago now
supernaturals all agreed to get along we made more money that way.
witches vamps werewolves and humans all working in the same company, marketing didn't care who you were human or not the job ran on deadlines mild treachery and caffeine.
A diner owner with an incredibly legally binding emotionally manipulative agreement to be in a relationship or Aunt Ophelia will sell the diner even though its been 5 years and is profitable was she serious? We still serve liver and onions she has to be bluffing
I had it all the perfect job boyfriend and an apartment now my neighbour has my boyfriend and my intern has my job!
that was all a year ago now
supernaturals all agreed to get along we made more money that way.
witches vamps werewolves and humans all working in the same company, marketing didn't care who you were human or not the job ran on deadlines mild treachery and caffeine.
A diner owner with an incredibly legally binding emotionally manipulative agreement to be in a relationship or Aunt Ophelia will sell the diner even though its been 5 years and is profitable was she serious? We still serve liver and onions she has to be bluffing
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought reading this book would be quick, but it wasn’t.
Whether because it brought back old memories, or because it reintroduced me to some characters from the author’s previous series, I found myself taking far more pauses between chapters than I expected.
In some passages, I reread them so many times that I could see myself watching the scenes unfold: observing the characters’ expressions, noticing what wasn’t said in words, but revealed through their gestures.
It’s a story that makes it possible to believe that happiness can, indeed, find its way back to our door.
Whether because it brought back old memories, or because it reintroduced me to some characters from the author’s previous series, I found myself taking far more pauses between chapters than I expected.
In some passages, I reread them so many times that I could see myself watching the scenes unfold: observing the characters’ expressions, noticing what wasn’t said in words, but revealed through their gestures.
It’s a story that makes it possible to believe that happiness can, indeed, find its way back to our door.
Review of advance copy received from Author
25 years after Ophelia opens her diner, she is retiring and leaving it in the hands of her nephew Jason but there is a catch. After five years if he is not in a relationship, she will sell the diner.
Then Emily returns to town, again after finding her boyfriend in bed with someone else and losing her job – real lousy week.
Taking a job at the diner with Jason, her original boyfriend, they plan to fake the relationship to satisfy Ophelia.
This is an easy, light read, predictable with some spice as well as a fun read.
Then Emily returns to town, again after finding her boyfriend in bed with someone else and losing her job – real lousy week.
Taking a job at the diner with Jason, her original boyfriend, they plan to fake the relationship to satisfy Ophelia.
This is an easy, light read, predictable with some spice as well as a fun read.
February 2, 2026
I feel like the book should've been longer to allow you to get to know the characters and their backstory a little bit more. It felt a little rushed - just as you were starting to get to know the characters it goes right into a very detailed and graphic sex scene, which for me took away from the wonderful writing and the great characters that were developing but that's a personal preference. I loved the writing, the characters especially Aunt Ophelia lol. Definitely would read another from the series.
Received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
February 4, 2026
Received as ARC.
Cosy and sweet, with a healthy dollop of spice. I enjoyed reading this. I liked the relationships shown, it being a rather short story means there isn't a huge amount of development, but plenty of backstory which shows why not so much development is seen! I will only read romance if there is a bit of a special (sci-fi or magical) element involved! The Magic elements are very minor here, I believe someone who doesn't like that would also be ok.
Each chapter alternates POV, some people won't like this.
Worth a read.
Cosy and sweet, with a healthy dollop of spice. I enjoyed reading this. I liked the relationships shown, it being a rather short story means there isn't a huge amount of development, but plenty of backstory which shows why not so much development is seen! I will only read romance if there is a bit of a special (sci-fi or magical) element involved! The Magic elements are very minor here, I believe someone who doesn't like that would also be ok.
Each chapter alternates POV, some people won't like this.
Worth a read.
February 12, 2026
This book was absolutely precious! 5 out of 5 stars! It is the perfect balance of magic, cozy vibes, angst, and falling in love. Dual POV, small town diner with a penchant for helping those lost in life, memories from a high school romance that neither of them really got over, and tons of family nudging them in the right direction along the way! Definitely some sweet spice, laughs, and a truly fantastic cast of characters. You should absolutely grab a copy and dive into Jason and Emily’s story! I cannot wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cozy love story
It's been a while since I read a romance story so I didn't know exactly what I would find. But, I must say, this was nice... Returning home, finding love and facing choices. The only drawback for me was the paranormal side of things, there was not nearly enough. But the love, the struggle to figure out what's the most important thing in your life was perfect...
I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.
It's been a while since I read a romance story so I didn't know exactly what I would find. But, I must say, this was nice... Returning home, finding love and facing choices. The only drawback for me was the paranormal side of things, there was not nearly enough. But the love, the struggle to figure out what's the most important thing in your life was perfect...
I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.
February 2, 2026
Another amazing book bt Ms. Evangeline. The book will keep you turning page after page until you are done. The story drags you into it so that you are living it not just reading it.
When you are done, you are waiting for the next book! While I am not a fan of the sensuous part of books, you will find yourself drawn into this as well.
Amazing! thank you for yet another amazing read.
When you are done, you are waiting for the next book! While I am not a fan of the sensuous part of books, you will find yourself drawn into this as well.
Amazing! thank you for yet another amazing read.
January 29, 2026
This was so cute! I hate that the main character had to fall on her face so hard but all roads lead back home right? For a short read there was a lot going on and I loved it. This short read was so well written I’m screaming for more!
February 8, 2026
Super cute and quick second chance romance. Jason and Emily had chemistry as soon as they met up again. What started as a fake relationship quickly turned real. These two made a cute couple. Love the small town vibe and the dual POVs.
I voluntarily reviewed the book.
I voluntarily reviewed the book.
February 8, 2026
This is Jason and Emily’s second chance romance as well as life choices. While there is magic and magical beings, that isn’t the main focus of the story, their feelings and life choices are. It’s a short, steamy second chance romance with a bit of magic. 4✨’s
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bite size romance you won't want to put down, filled with likable characters in a diner you'll wish you could visit
February 9, 2026
Gently warming romance
This story will wrap around you in a gentle hug and make you want to dive into the next in the series straight away.
This story will wrap around you in a gentle hug and make you want to dive into the next in the series straight away.
February 19, 2026
serving second chances. a beautifully written short story about love, second chances and magic. such a cute book and also a bit of spice too
Review of advance copy received from Author
Serving Second Chances is a cute, second chance (obviously) story. Emily comes back home to Chrysanthemum Cove from New York, jobless, boyfriend-less, staying in her childhood bedroom. Enter Jason, the diner manager and former highschool boyfriend, needing a person to help with the marketing for said diner, and a girlfriend to show his aunt he is ready to takeover as owner. Cue the fake dating, the memories of the love they shared and maybe, to come back together again.
This was a cute story, easy to read, with a bit of magic. Things progressed quickly in the story, and I kind of felt a little too quickly. Overall cute and entertaining.
This was a cute story, easy to read, with a bit of magic. Things progressed quickly in the story, and I kind of felt a little too quickly. Overall cute and entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews