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Cerasino Family Novella #1
Just For Me
Have you ever read a book and felt as if it had been written just for you? What if it was?
Katherine O’Shea doesn’t have many vices in life, but Nick Penn’s romances are her secret addiction. It’s like each one has been written for her and her alone. Picturing herself as the heroine is easy, and if she imagines the hot, sexy laptop guy she sees in the bookstore every week as her hero, well, what’s the harm?
Nicholas Cerasino decided to pursue his love of writing after losing his leg in his last tour of action. Military suspense was his genre of choice, but after seeing the cute, shy woman in his grandfather’s bookstore every week, he pours his secret desires into steamy romances instead --- with her as his heroine.
With help from his matchmaking grandfather, Nick’s ready to take their storybook romance to the next level. But he soon finds out that writing romance is a lot easier than living it.
Katherine O’Shea doesn’t have many vices in life, but Nick Penn’s romances are her secret addiction. It’s like each one has been written for her and her alone. Picturing herself as the heroine is easy, and if she imagines the hot, sexy laptop guy she sees in the bookstore every week as her hero, well, what’s the harm?
Nicholas Cerasino decided to pursue his love of writing after losing his leg in his last tour of action. Military suspense was his genre of choice, but after seeing the cute, shy woman in his grandfather’s bookstore every week, he pours his secret desires into steamy romances instead --- with her as his heroine.
With help from his matchmaking grandfather, Nick’s ready to take their storybook romance to the next level. But he soon finds out that writing romance is a lot easier than living it.
58 pages, ebook
First published March 22, 2017
About the author
Abbie Zanders
124 books2,055 followersAbbie Zanders is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 70 romance novels, creating immersive worlds filled with protective heroes, competent heroines, unforgettable families, and close-knit communities that make readers feel like they've come home.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where many of her stories are set, Abbie writes everything from small-town romantic suspense to paranormal romance. No matter the genre, the heart of every Abbie Zanders book is the same: characters worth rooting for, relationships built on loyalty and trust, found family, and the promise of a satisfying happily-ever-after—with no cliffhangers, ever.
Whether readers are returning to the Callaghan family in Pine Ridge, discovering the supernatural residents of Mythic, or stepping into one of her other interconnected worlds, Abbie creates stories designed to feel less like fictional settings and more like places—and people—worth coming home to.
Long before becoming a full-time author, Abbie was creating stories. She also earned degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and spent more than twenty-five years as a software engineer designing and writing financial applications. Along the way, she worked second jobs as a deli clerk, pub waitress, restaurant baker, and secretary. Those experiences—and the people she met along the way—have a habit of finding their way into her fictional worlds.
In addition to writing and reading, Abbie loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80s hair bands.
Come for the romance. Stay for the family. Welcome home.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where many of her stories are set, Abbie writes everything from small-town romantic suspense to paranormal romance. No matter the genre, the heart of every Abbie Zanders book is the same: characters worth rooting for, relationships built on loyalty and trust, found family, and the promise of a satisfying happily-ever-after—with no cliffhangers, ever.
Whether readers are returning to the Callaghan family in Pine Ridge, discovering the supernatural residents of Mythic, or stepping into one of her other interconnected worlds, Abbie creates stories designed to feel less like fictional settings and more like places—and people—worth coming home to.
Long before becoming a full-time author, Abbie was creating stories. She also earned degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and spent more than twenty-five years as a software engineer designing and writing financial applications. Along the way, she worked second jobs as a deli clerk, pub waitress, restaurant baker, and secretary. Those experiences—and the people she met along the way—have a habit of finding their way into her fictional worlds.
In addition to writing and reading, Abbie loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80s hair bands.
Come for the romance. Stay for the family. Welcome home.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 25, 2017
This was just OK. It was SUPER short, and the hero/heroine don't even say more than a couple of sentences to each other until VERY close to the end. On top of that, there is NO sex whatsoever!
On the plus side, I am very interested in reading all about the Cerasino family!
On the plus side, I am very interested in reading all about the Cerasino family!
December 18, 2017
This was short, sweet and so damn cute!!
March 31, 2017
3.25 stars
This is a sweet and romantic novella. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any sexy times.
I liked the concept a lot though. Wished there was more!
This is a sweet and romantic novella. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any sexy times.
I liked the concept a lot though. Wished there was more!
Read
February 10, 2021
Have you ever felt as if a book was written just for you? What if it was?
Kat doesn’t have many vices in life, but Nick Penn’s romances are her secret addiction. It’s like each one has been written for her and her alone because... it has. Nick’s ready to make their storybook romance a reality, but soon finds out that writing romance is a lot easier than living it.
Just For Me is a short, sweet, feel-good romance, perfect for when you need a romantic pick-me-up whether you've got a little time to read or a lot.
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/azrJustForMe
Just For Me and the rest of the Cerasino Family Novellas are also available as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
What some Goodreads Reviewers are saying:
* "A sweet little story that keeps you turning the pages and then rereading when you finish it.” - Sharon
* "A delightful novella that introduces you to a family I can’t wait to hear more from.” - Allena
* "Short, sweet, and so damn cute!” - Tina
Kat doesn’t have many vices in life, but Nick Penn’s romances are her secret addiction. It’s like each one has been written for her and her alone because... it has. Nick’s ready to make their storybook romance a reality, but soon finds out that writing romance is a lot easier than living it.
Just For Me is a short, sweet, feel-good romance, perfect for when you need a romantic pick-me-up whether you've got a little time to read or a lot.
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/azrJustForMe
Just For Me and the rest of the Cerasino Family Novellas are also available as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
What some Goodreads Reviewers are saying:
* "A sweet little story that keeps you turning the pages and then rereading when you finish it.” - Sharon
* "A delightful novella that introduces you to a family I can’t wait to hear more from.” - Allena
* "Short, sweet, and so damn cute!” - Tina
March 2, 2021
Just For Me: Nick and Kat
Adorable. The premise of falling for a favorite book hero is precious, the main characters are darling, and Nick's big family is a hoot.
Adorable. The premise of falling for a favorite book hero is precious, the main characters are darling, and Nick's big family is a hoot.
November 9, 2022
Cute, short, & sweet
Such a cute, lovely romance. It was a fast read too. I can't wait to read the rest of them!
Such a cute, lovely romance. It was a fast read too. I can't wait to read the rest of them!
May 5, 2017
OMG! BRAVO ! 😍 HOT SEXY YUMMY ITALIAN , CAPTAIN AMERICA
This story is about Katherine Constance O'Shea ,an accountant. She loves reading books from her favorite romance author Nick Penn, from Cerasino's Bookstore. Mr. C always Katherine "Bella". Mr. C , is secretly Cupid.
Mr. C ' s grandson Nicholas Cerasino ex - Marine , he is author of romance and military suspense. As know as sexy laptop guy.
Both , Katherine and Nicholas are attracted to each other , both are kind of shy. Will Mr. C help ? Will Nicholas ' s family help? Or will Fated take a crack at it? I love you and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙 . The strong structure storyline and well developed characters and supporting characters brilliant exquisitely well written and story is drama rom-com emotional rollar coaster sizzling chemistry strength of character captivating and brilliant captivating from start to finish 💋💖 A GREAT CAPTIVATING SWEET STORY .
This story is about Katherine Constance O'Shea ,an accountant. She loves reading books from her favorite romance author Nick Penn, from Cerasino's Bookstore. Mr. C always Katherine "Bella". Mr. C , is secretly Cupid.
Mr. C ' s grandson Nicholas Cerasino ex - Marine , he is author of romance and military suspense. As know as sexy laptop guy.
Both , Katherine and Nicholas are attracted to each other , both are kind of shy. Will Mr. C help ? Will Nicholas ' s family help? Or will Fated take a crack at it? I love you and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙 . The strong structure storyline and well developed characters and supporting characters brilliant exquisitely well written and story is drama rom-com emotional rollar coaster sizzling chemistry strength of character captivating and brilliant captivating from start to finish 💋💖 A GREAT CAPTIVATING SWEET STORY .
April 14, 2025
This one was alright. I understand it’s a novella but it wasn’t long enough at all. We don’t see them together until the last chapter. It’s VERY happy for now as we only see her meeting his family. We don’t even get to see their first kiss we are just told it happens. There’s no I love yous or much feelings expressed. They only have two interactions in this whole thing. The first one lasted all of 2 minutes.
Also when she was getting mugged and the main thing that upset her was that her book got wet, and not that she got her stuff stolen and got punched in the face? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at that.
Also when she was getting mugged and the main thing that upset her was that her book got wet, and not that she got her stuff stolen and got punched in the face? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at that.
April 3, 2017
Good idea of story, but came out short.
I know this is supposed to be a short story, but it felt so cramped up. There were too many characters in the boom to be so short. I wish the author had explored the story and written more.
I know this is supposed to be a short story, but it felt so cramped up. There were too many characters in the boom to be so short. I wish the author had explored the story and written more.
May 12, 2022
Nick and Katherine
I am a huge fan of Abbie Zanders. I have been for several years. She always writes amazing books that I have no problem relating to. I'm sure others would agree with me. This is the first book I have read in the Cerasino series. I can guarantee it won't be the last. Nick and Katherine have been watching each other for months. Katherine is painfully shy and introverted. She stops at her favorite book store every chance she gets. Unbeknownst to her, the man typing behind the counter, a.k.a, sexy computer guy, notices each and every time she comes in. Her favorite author has a book signing at the book store but, due to unfortunate circumstances she is not able to go. Nick takes the bull by the horns, so to speak, and boldly introduces himself to her. The sparks fly from that moment on. Come along for the ride as we watch Nick and Katherine fall hopelessly in love and get the HEA they so richly deserve.
I am a huge fan of Abbie Zanders. I have been for several years. She always writes amazing books that I have no problem relating to. I'm sure others would agree with me. This is the first book I have read in the Cerasino series. I can guarantee it won't be the last. Nick and Katherine have been watching each other for months. Katherine is painfully shy and introverted. She stops at her favorite book store every chance she gets. Unbeknownst to her, the man typing behind the counter, a.k.a, sexy computer guy, notices each and every time she comes in. Her favorite author has a book signing at the book store but, due to unfortunate circumstances she is not able to go. Nick takes the bull by the horns, so to speak, and boldly introduces himself to her. The sparks fly from that moment on. Come along for the ride as we watch Nick and Katherine fall hopelessly in love and get the HEA they so richly deserve.
June 4, 2017
I loved this story.
Infact I have not read a book by Abbie Zanders where I haven't fallen in love with the main characters.
Pulled into the story from the beginning. There are a few surprises and a few twists and turns. But all are needed to make the story.
I laughed and yer I cried, I even got a little frustrated but that was sorted rather fast.
I love both the main characters, they are just so loveable.
It true Abbie Zanders fashion she knows how to keep you captivated within the story.
So worth the 5 stars I have given.
I an hoping that the other characters mentioned in the book will have there stories told.
Infact I have not read a book by Abbie Zanders where I haven't fallen in love with the main characters.
Pulled into the story from the beginning. There are a few surprises and a few twists and turns. But all are needed to make the story.
I laughed and yer I cried, I even got a little frustrated but that was sorted rather fast.
I love both the main characters, they are just so loveable.
It true Abbie Zanders fashion she knows how to keep you captivated within the story.
So worth the 5 stars I have given.
I an hoping that the other characters mentioned in the book will have there stories told.
May 17, 2017
Such an Amazing Story
Oh my.. This was such a great book. Short and very sweet and romantic. Nick was a romance writer, who served time in the Marines and came home because of an injury. Katherine (Bella) was a sweet and kind woman who kept to herself but an avid reader of Nick Penn, unbeknownst to her, that it was the same guy she was hot for in the book store. Love was inevitable especially if No no, Mr. C had anything to do with it! The entire book was addictive and enthralling. I hope there will be more books to come for the rest of the family! Must Read!
Oh my.. This was such a great book. Short and very sweet and romantic. Nick was a romance writer, who served time in the Marines and came home because of an injury. Katherine (Bella) was a sweet and kind woman who kept to herself but an avid reader of Nick Penn, unbeknownst to her, that it was the same guy she was hot for in the book store. Love was inevitable especially if No no, Mr. C had anything to do with it! The entire book was addictive and enthralling. I hope there will be more books to come for the rest of the family! Must Read!
February 28, 2022
A quick read novella. Nick is a recently discharged Marine due to an injury now an author who writes various types to include romance. Kat is an accountant who has a love of books especially the romance novels by Nick Penn. Kat has just picked up what she believes is the new Nick Penn when she is a accosted fortunately a police officer finds her a pod gets her to the ER for treatment. Through a number of coincidences it becomes apparent the writer, officer and doctor come to know who she is. Fast forward and you will find yourself loving how this book ends.
May 30, 2022
Ah, the Cerasino family; loud, boisterous, welcoming, loyal to a fault and meddlesome as they come. Kat O'Shea and Nick Cerasino have been eying one another and fantasizing about the other for months without ever acting on it. His nonno declared her his perfect match. Now he just has to work up the courage to talk to her. He's a best selling author for crying out loud. How hard can it be? Kat has imagined being the heroine in her favorite author's books many times. Finally meeting him face to face was the stuff that dreams are made of. And, the best part? They get an HEA.
June 4, 2020
Sweet romance
I thoroughly enjoyed this short romance novella and others will as well. Nick is a strong alpha male that writes romance stories under a penn name and a former Marine that was honorably discharged due to losing a part of his leg, and shy introvert Kat loves his books and fantisizes about the hot,sexy guy with the laptop in her favorite book store, that belongs to none other than Nick's Italian grandparents. Very sweet and quirky.
I thoroughly enjoyed this short romance novella and others will as well. Nick is a strong alpha male that writes romance stories under a penn name and a former Marine that was honorably discharged due to losing a part of his leg, and shy introvert Kat loves his books and fantisizes about the hot,sexy guy with the laptop in her favorite book store, that belongs to none other than Nick's Italian grandparents. Very sweet and quirky.
February 28, 2021
LOVE AND BOOK STORES
Two shy people who need a little push to finally encourage them to connect with each other. Through a series of unlikely events, A solid relationship begins to develop and flourish. Aided by a loving, caring, sharing family, Nick and Kat become the living, breathing hero and heroine from the books that Nick writes.
Just For Me is a quick and very enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
Two shy people who need a little push to finally encourage them to connect with each other. Through a series of unlikely events, A solid relationship begins to develop and flourish. Aided by a loving, caring, sharing family, Nick and Kat become the living, breathing hero and heroine from the books that Nick writes.
Just For Me is a quick and very enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
May 2, 2022
So friggin sweet!
I really liked this quick, sweet read. The characters were so relatable and made me want to be apart of Nick's family. I didn't like the first comment Nick makes to Kat, but that just made her more relatable to me because something like that would happen to me. There was a low amount of steam, but it made me want yo see how their first time went. I can't wait to read more from this family.
I really liked this quick, sweet read. The characters were so relatable and made me want to be apart of Nick's family. I didn't like the first comment Nick makes to Kat, but that just made her more relatable to me because something like that would happen to me. There was a low amount of steam, but it made me want yo see how their first time went. I can't wait to read more from this family.
May 22, 2022
This was a short quick read with wonderful characters. Nick is a romance author after he had to leave the Marines after an injury. Kat goes to the bookstore to get his latest book not knowing he's the sexy computer guy she sees all the time. Two people both shy needing a little push to really see each other. This is an enjoyable book with a lot of loving family and values. Can't wait to read Vinnie's book.
June 8, 2022
Book 1 of a very special series about a very special Italian family, The Cerasinos. The story focuses on shy glances, budding romance and warm relationships. I really like the fact that the characters are sexy but the focus is on romance. Abbie Zanders is an author I routinely buy the books by the series, not by the book.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2025
“Just for Me” (Cerasino Family Novellas, book 1 of 6) - Abbie Zanders
A Sweet Contemporary Romance
A story that will keep you smiling and turning those pages. It is a quick easy read that I just found today. It sounded so interesting that I just had to read chapter 1 right away… and then, I just couldn’t not finish the story because I just had to know the whole story. Now to be on the look out for another story in this series. Happy Reading ! !
A Sweet Contemporary Romance
A story that will keep you smiling and turning those pages. It is a quick easy read that I just found today. It sounded so interesting that I just had to read chapter 1 right away… and then, I just couldn’t not finish the story because I just had to know the whole story. Now to be on the look out for another story in this series. Happy Reading ! !
June 28, 2017
Light and sweet novella
This is a very sweet story about the beginning of a love story. I don't know how but Zanders managed to completely develop the main characters, Nick and Kat, in this short book. The secondary characters are very likeable. Kat is sweet to just about everyone. I love how she got so excited about the book she bought.
This is a very sweet story about the beginning of a love story. I don't know how but Zanders managed to completely develop the main characters, Nick and Kat, in this short book. The secondary characters are very likeable. Kat is sweet to just about everyone. I love how she got so excited about the book she bought.
January 22, 2018
If you're looking for a well-written and creative story, you found it here.
A beautiful novella. Loved it. I truly enjoyed reading this story. You will fall in love with Cerasino family. Twice I said to myself, the author really put herself in this book. The way she described the individual characters and overall personalities was creative and very realistic.
Happy Reading!
A beautiful novella. Loved it. I truly enjoyed reading this story. You will fall in love with Cerasino family. Twice I said to myself, the author really put herself in this book. The way she described the individual characters and overall personalities was creative and very realistic.
Happy Reading!
February 17, 2019
They’ve noticed each other for a while, but did not have the courage to act on their attraction. But when Kat gets mugged, its time for Nick to step up and become the man Kat has always desired. I loved this story. Not only did it give a good introduction to the Cerasino family, I could totally relate to Kat’s relationship with books. A very enjoyable read, definitely not to be missed.
September 29, 2019
Nerdy girl notices the hotty sitting in the corner but only admires from affair. Hotty in the corner notices clumsy nerdy girls and watches her.
These two circle each other with out making contact but when they do, its awesome. I can relate to her on so many levels.
A pushy family, some bad luck and a ruined book bring these two together.
These two circle each other with out making contact but when they do, its awesome. I can relate to her on so many levels.
A pushy family, some bad luck and a ruined book bring these two together.
June 14, 2022
Meeting her secret crush, Katherine just knows that the hot guy in the corner of the bookstore sets her on fire, not many people know what Nick Penn looks like, if it wasn't for bad luck she wouldn't have any luck, thanks to her new friends she meets the man of her dreams, love ALL of these novellas, family always first, thank you, Dana Zamora
December 30, 2022
Not even a kiss? 3.5 stars
This was a sweet, clean read. But honestly, even clean reads usually have a kiss at the end. Even Hallmark movies do. So for as sweet as this was, I’m disappointed and that kind of ruined my feelings about the book. Otherwise I liked Nick, Kat and his big family. It’s too bad.
This was a sweet, clean read. But honestly, even clean reads usually have a kiss at the end. Even Hallmark movies do. So for as sweet as this was, I’m disappointed and that kind of ruined my feelings about the book. Otherwise I liked Nick, Kat and his big family. It’s too bad.
January 22, 2023
Just for Me
Normally I steer away from novellas. So glad I didn't with this story. A lonely woman (A reader like me) and an author of romance stories - each stuck in their own worlds but admiring the other. So fun to read and so I bought the next novella in the series. Abbie Zanderss always keeps me entertained with her writings and this novella has opened a whole new interest.
Normally I steer away from novellas. So glad I didn't with this story. A lonely woman (A reader like me) and an author of romance stories - each stuck in their own worlds but admiring the other. So fun to read and so I bought the next novella in the series. Abbie Zanderss always keeps me entertained with her writings and this novella has opened a whole new interest.
April 18, 2025
Nick became a romance writer after he had to leave the Marines due to a serious injury. Kat, a quiet accountant, goes to a bookstore to get his latest book not knowing he's the sexy computer guy she sees all the time. Due to a series of coincidence, they finally meet. This was a cute novella length story and a good beginning to the series.
April 29, 2025
Just for Me
Wow! What a cute novella. This story is about Kat and Nick. Their story of love took a bit to get them to finally talk to each other. It's unfortunate that it took Kat getting hurt for him to finally take the chance. Now they are working on their relationship and happy ending. FANTASTIC job Abbie! I would recommend this book!
Wow! What a cute novella. This story is about Kat and Nick. Their story of love took a bit to get them to finally talk to each other. It's unfortunate that it took Kat getting hurt for him to finally take the chance. Now they are working on their relationship and happy ending. FANTASTIC job Abbie! I would recommend this book!
January 4, 2018
Good short read
If you're looking for a short sweet read, this is the book for you. Abbie always writes wonderful books and this short is no different. I can't wait to get to know the rest of the Cerasino family.
If you're looking for a short sweet read, this is the book for you. Abbie always writes wonderful books and this short is no different. I can't wait to get to know the rest of the Cerasino family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews