All bets are off when the lights go out one dark and stormy night in Rivers End…
The Maker’s Market New Year’s party is the most important night of the year for event planner Maddy Jones and her best friend caterer Kelsey Armstrong. But they’ve got things well in hand… until a power outage plunges everyone into darkness.
Never mind professional catastrophe—Maddy’s suffering a worse fate. She’s stuck in the elevator with the building owner, Dawson Sellers. He’s a reminder of the loving relationship she might have had.
But for Dawson, Maddy is strictly and heartbreakingly off-limits.
Down in the kitchen, Kelsey sees the blackout as a curse, but sexy artist Jason Thorne sees it as a chance to get into the sassy chef’s good graces. She’s convinced he’s out of her league, but he’s ready to show her just how beautiful she really is.
Total darkness might be exactly what these four friends need to step out of their comfort zones and take a chance on love.
Because for a building without power, there sure are a lot of sparks flying on this dark and stormy night in Rivers End.
Dark & Stormy is a short and sweet romance novella which braids together the stories of two different couples—both couples get their own HEA. It's a standalone story woven into the world of Rivers End.
Come home to Rivers End...
While all the Rivers End stories can be read as standalones, you may want to read each mini-series in order to preserve any plot surprises and get the full picture of how the characters lives weave together! Dark & Stormy can be read anytime, with no spoilers. The following is the suggested reading order for the rest of the series:
The MacAllisters of Rivers End (available as a boxed set) #1 - Silver Bells (Isaac + Jenna, Beginnings) available for FREE! #2 - Tipsy (Shannon + Lucas) #3 - Reindeer Games (Ginger + Eli) #4 - Wedding Bells (Isaac + Jenna, Happily Ever After)
The O'Donnells of Rivers End #1 - The List(Selina + Connor)
The Martinez Family of Rivers End #1 - Maybe (Lucie + Daniel)
The Witches of Rivers End (romance with a touch of magic) #0 - Trick or Treat (Mona + Garrett) Newsletter Subscriber Exclusive freebie! #1 - Merry (Merry + Dillon) available for FREE! #2 - Oona (Oona + Sam)
Join the Rivers End Bookclub and get free, exclusive Rivers End romances, gossip and VIP bonus goodies: visit www.RiversEndBookclub.com for instant access.
Hey neighbour! I’m a lifelong fan of stories where everyone gets their happily-ever-after and have been a voracious reader of everything romance since I was tall enough to reach my mom’s bookshelf. I write small town romance with plenty of heart, humour and a dash of heat. Sometimes with a dash of magic, mystery or suspense.
This was such a wonderful tale of four people and how their lives intersect. A new year party may just end in disaster when there is a power cut. She will end up stuck in a life with him and it could get very hot inside while they wait to be rescued. Will they get free? Will the power come back on? Will the party go with a bang? See how they all get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dark and Stormy starts out leaving the reader a little perplexed, but the secrets unfold like a flower blooming and all is good, and so romantic. The big New Years party is so important to the artists on display, like Jason, and for caterer Kelsey and event planner Maddy who are trying to launch new businesses with the exposure they get from the party. But a wild storm seems to turn the party into a disaster, or does it? What is bad for the party is a new beginning for romance. This is a story about people who are really attracted to each other but are in total denial. In this case, 2 romances are ignited by the dark and stormy night. Since New years is a time for new beginnings, it is so appropriate. And the story is hilarious as things start to fall apart for Maddy and Kelsey. This short novel is sweet and romantic and full of heart.
Dark and Stormy - Another well written, fast paced, interesting story set in Rivers End. Likeable and realistic characters that create interest in their lives and storylines and humor that keep the reader immersed in the pages. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*
C. J. Hunt has written a series of books set in Rivers End. Although there are different names for each series, the characters are shared throughout the stories. Most of the characters do not share today's typical stupid formula of not communicating when there's trouble or imagined trouble; instead are likable and realistic. All the books are well written, fast paced, interesting and have humor. Some of the books are clean; some have cursing or vulgar language; and/ have sex. Personally, I don't think the sex and vulgar language actually fit in with the sweetness and love that these romances share. I think the sexual tension is more important than what technique so-and-so used; plus written sex is boring. These are quickly read books and are perfect for a couple hours of relaxation.
The MacAllisters Series: Silver Bells #1 - Heartwarming and fun, and a magical Christmas time frame. A well written, funny, interesting small town romance. There's plenty of sexual tension, but the story is clean and fast paced. The characters are interesting, realistic and didn't do stupid dialog or actions. This should be an entertaining small town series. 4*
Tipsy #2 - Picks up the same week as Silver Bells ends, on New Year's eve. Well written and interesting with humor and set at a fast pace, along with likable characters. I didn't care that there was a lack of communication instead of a different form of creating a problem between the main characters. I didn't care for the sex and bad language and think clean works better for this story. That aside I like the story and with the addition of Oona, how The MacAllisters is connected to A Touch of Magic. 4*
Reindeer Games #3 - This cover is too cute.This book starts on Christmas day, where Silver Bells ended. Well written and interesting with the truth about a bad brother from another book. The pace is fast and the characters are believable and there's a dark side to some of them. I didn't care for the vulgar language, but the storylines are good. 4*
Wedding Bells #4 - This book picks up in May and adds to the story of the main characters from Silver Bells. Well written, likable characters and a fast pace make this a quick read. There's a little bit of suspense concerning one character, but it adds to the other storylines. I didn't care for the vulgar language; find it out of place. 4*
The Witches of River Bend Series: Merry #1 - We're still in Rivers End, but now there's a touch of magic in this story. This is a well written, funny and heartwarming romance set in a small town. The characters were interesting and had realistic dialog. The cousins are a lot of fun and give good gifts. I didn't care for the infrequent vulgar language, that started with mild cussing; it felt out of place in this type of story. Same with the explicit sex; it was awkward and boring, as is all written sex to me, boorrring. Sexual tension is so much more interesting. I did enjoy the magical potion and think it was a good mix of romance with witches. Since this is my third book by this author and first of the "touch of magic", I hope there's more. 4*
Oona #2 - Another well written romance concerning a witch, with a bakery, and an architect. Interesting and fast pace with likable characters, and lots of happenings. 4*
Trick or Treat - A cute short story with one of my favorite characters in this series, Mona. I first read about her in Merry. Interesting and funny, good for a coffee break or a few minutes of relaxing. I read and listened to Trick or Treat together at the same time since I was short on time.
The Audio version I found on the author's website since my copy doesn't work on my Kindle for PC - a specialty thing requiring a phone or android only. Forget my Kindle Fire, no matter how helpful Amz pretends to be, nothing works including emails and laptop transfers.
Trick or Treat, Audio version: The narrator, a woman who's name I couldn't catch, did a good job with the story, which was about 26 minutes long. The book reads faster. I'm not the target audience for audio books since I'm good at tuning out noise, except music. There were slight differences between the audio version and my Kindle version, such as a different word or missing a sentence, but nothing to ruin the story. 4*
Living out in the country, we’re frequently subjected to power outages – trees falling, occasionally someone wrapping their car around a pole, etc. It’s one thing to be homebound when you’ve got candles, hurricane lamps, and a gas fireplace. It’s entirely something different when you’re in the middle of a city and the power goes out. What is normally lit by all those artificial lights goes dark and it feels more ominous. And when there’s a storm, it can be hours before power is restored. Sometimes longer.
Kelsey is catering a party Maddy has organized. Both women are launching their businesses and this New Year’s Eve party is their chance to make an impression upon art lovers in Rivers End. A power outage is the last thing that’s either expected nor is it welcomed.
Of course there are further complications. Maddy has been avoiding the building owner, Dawson, because she made a fool of herself in front of him. She’s also now stuck in an elevator with him and opening a belated Christmas present flays her open in a way she doesn’t want. She’s a strong woman, but there’s something about sharing her burdens – if only until the power comes back on – that makes her feel a little less alone.
Kelsey is left trying to keep the art sales coming, even without power. Artist Jason is there to support her, in more ways than one. What had begun as a night of professional encounters becomes something far more personal.
This is a great novella. It packs a lot of power and a ton of romance in a small package. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Brenda Scott Wlazlo narrated this story and I enjoyed her performance. Another great CJ Hunt listen.
This book was a delight to read. Two would be couples, a New Years Eve party, and a dark and stormy night. Both Jason and Dawson have been hesitant to bite the bullet and ask out the lady of their choice. Jason, a wealthy artist, has had his eye on Kelsey a cafe owner and caterer, for months now. He even times his visits to her cafe for her less busy periods so he has time to talk to her. This New Year’s Eve, he plans to make his move and ask her out. For her part, Kelsey has long been attracted to Jason, but why would he look twice at a curvy, businesswoman who’s struggling to get her business off the ground? Dawson, the wealthy owner of the big new building housing many businesses, has his eye on Maddy. She is trying to get her event planning business off the ground. Oh and she has a stinker of an ex and is currently quite pregnant. Dawson has tried to make his move before, but is unsure of where she stands with her ex. Maddy is attracted to Dawson, but who wants to date a very pregnant lady, much less consider helping to raise a child who is not his own. When a storm knocks out the power, will the dark and stormy night give the guys the courage to finally ask for a date and to reveal their interest and attraction? Will the ladies grab their chances to date and get closer to the guys that have captured their attention? The storm may bring unexpected consequences, but it also provides unexpected opportunities. This book is a fast-paced, sweet and clean romance and very refreshing to read.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a cute and funny novella that includes two couples that finally find a way into each other's arms, and stayed there.
Kelsey and Jason know each other because he frequents her coffee. Those visits are not a coincidence, he is really into her and she is really into him but both never tried anything. During a blackout, these two will find that they are perfect for each other.
Maddy rents space in Dawson's building. Both of them are attracted to each other but when Dawson made the first attempt to ask Maddy on a date, something happened that put distance between them. Trapped in an elevator during a blackout the would find that not everything is what it seems and that second chances are fantastic.
Let's be totally honest here, the plot is predictable but if you read the blurb before diving into the story, you shouldn't be disappointed because you know what's coming. That being said, I think it was cute and some details in the story were revealed in the middle of the blackout so I still got some surprises during my reading time.
The book is part of the Rivers End series, as a novella, so the world is one that's contemporary but known to the reader, more so if you have read the rest of the series. Which I totally recommend you do.
It's a short novella that you could pick at any time and enjoy. There is no need to read the whole series to understand this story, it totally stands on its own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two sets of friends have a New Year Launch party to remember!
Dawson and Maddy have not gotten off to the best start. She agreed to give ex Tent one more chance. After he disappeared, when Dawson asked her out again, morning sickness - all over his shoes. He does not know the sperm donor has opted not to be a daddy.
Kelsey and Jason. He has a well to do circle of family and friends, who have been helping the sales at the launch party of their Markets Makers culinary and art co-op. An old family friend has decided to be a barnacle on his arm to try and convince Jason to hang onto her - and to run for office. She also went out of her way to insult Kelsey and her catering.
Quite a party, with the power going off, the elevator getting stuck with one of our possible couples inside, and a barnacle getting a telling off.
The next year looks to be promising, with possible engagements on the horizon.
Sweet and goofy small town romantic mayhem and hilarity!
I received an advance copy of the book.
I read it on Kindle Unlimited.
I have read most stories I can find from CJ Hunt, and enjoy and recommend the sometimes simply sweet romances, and other books, sweet and hot romances.
If you are a fan of simply sweet romance with small town trimmings, this may be your next fun novella !
Maddy and event planner and Kelsey a caterer are working at a New Years Eve Party and they may get more than they bargained for because love is about to knock on their door. Maddy is six months pregnant but her baby daddy wants nothing to do with the baby or her but Dawson the man who owns the building as had a crush on her for ages and now that she is separated from her ex he sees his chance and he is moving in what will happen when the ex comes back on the scene Meanwhile Kelsey loves to cook and Jason has wanted her for ages and now he sees his chance but first he has to get rid of the old family friend who is determined to cling onto him and be beside him while he runs for office even if that isn't what he wants. There will be plenty of mischief and mayhem during this one night and maybe some romance will bloom
This is the perfect weekend read! C.J. Hunt strikes again with a wonderful cozy romance novella.
Two good looking male friends who haven't been able to find love, only lots of "B" women who only care about themselves.
Two soft, loving, good looking female friends with definite goals who only seem to find loser males. One is pregnant and feels alone and unlovable.
Can an electrical outrage finally bring these two couples together?
A great way to learn a little about Rivers End if you haven't read any of C.J.'s great books before. And for those who like me can't wait for the next book to come out, it's the perfect next chapter.
I received an advanced copy but the opinions are all my own.
Maddy is a event planner and her friend Kelsey is a cater who are working the New Years Party they planned for local artist to show and sale their creations. Maddy is six months pregnant with her son that her ex wanted nothing to do with but Dawson the building owner has had a crush on her for months but he thought she was with the ex and,now he knows she’s not so he is making his move. Kelsey loves to cook and Jason who is a artist loves Kelsey but she has never given him the time of day and this night he is escorting a old family friend who looks like a knockout but she is really a bitch. Jason is determined to make his move tonight. Will these two couples find their happy ever after?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG. This short story could actually be full size book. There is lots of angst, sparks, and of course love. You take a woman like Maddy, who along with her friend Kelsey are starting their own businesses, one a catering company and the other a party planner company. Then you take Dawson, owner of the building, and Jason, a man from old money and you could have two power couples. Will Dawson and Maddy, Jason and Kelsey get their happy ever after or not? I was so thrilled to read this story that I read it in one sitting. This is my opinion of this story. I can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two best friends one with catering business the other event planner work together doing a New years eve party in a building they both work at one in a cafe the other upstairs in a office setting. Both hoping this party will help boost their business. And the men whom they may or may not be interested in are also close buds. They seemed to have attraction for each other but are afraid to take a chance and get let down.But the party and one dark and stormy night happened and things changed for both set of friends to try and take a chance get it right. Just wish there were more of this particular story. Thanks for sharing!
This book is like getting a great two for one deal. Both the couples where so sweet. Party planner Maddy Jones and her best friend, caterer Kelsey Armstrong are throwing the first new years eve party, but unfortunately it does not go according to their plans when the power goes out. With Dawson Sellers and Jason Thorne in the mix it makes for a tempestuous night. Want to know what happens before it comes back on? Read the book I loved it and I think you will too. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Maddy, a party planner, and Kelsey, a caterer are working the most important event of the year when something goes wrong. Maddy and her friend Kelsey fall for Jason and Dawson when the power goes out on New Year's Eve. Love the witty banter and how they were all afraid to tell the other how they felt because they feared rejection. This is a sweet, small town romance full of humor, drama, secret loves, angst and twists that pulled each couple together. Great novella and a fantastic addition to the Rivers End Series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
This insta-attraction novella between 2 separate couples was a completely unique storyline. It was fast paced and kept this reader's attention from the onset. The characters were definately different, not only from each other, but from cliché characters as well. Jason and Kelsey, and Dawson and Maddy seemed to share similar truths. Getting past preconceived notions was going to prove to be the hardest part. If you are looking for a quick read with guaranteed HEA, this is a sure bet!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book the two couples in this book are all hard headed and wont see past the fact that they are friends who actually care about each other. I loved how they get stuck in the elevator together and it seems like it was a great start to their relationship the other two are working the party and as it winds down it is apparent that they will be together also. It was a short quick read which was hard to put down. I love this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A short quick story that deals with two couples getting together during a power outage. This is Maddy Jones a event planner and Maker’s Market building owner Dawson Sellers / caterer Kelsey Armstrong I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.and artist Jason Thorne's stories. A book I enjoyed reading.
A sweet, fast read. Cuddle up on the couch with a big cup of tea and this book. I read this on my Kindle during a power outage – true story! The time passed quickly and I forgot my troubles. Dawson and Jason are just the type of men you want in your life; they see beauty in the girls they like and are ready to step up and help out in the lives of the ones they love. I recommend this series if you like books that sweep you away and make you feel happier about the world after you’re finished.
Truly enjoyed reading this book. The talent it took to write four different characters and bring them all together in one building and still live separate lives. Wonderful. Just wonderful.
Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review.
I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout.
I always love reading about the characters in the small town of Rivers End and this story is no different. I wouldn't mind getting stuck in a power outage on New Year's Eve especially if it brings the love of my life!!! This is sweet and quick read guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I highly recommend this book. My voluntary review is based on the ARC version of the novella.
This was a fun read with two two couples in this books plot line. The characters are well developed and engaging while the storyline flows beautifully. I adore how Ms. hunts always manages to bring page turners. Each couple has their own ups and downs with spins on there emotions. I loved everything about this one.
This story has four main characters. I love the way it was written and changes view points of the four people with the chapters. This is a fun and charming story. The feeling of the "twenty somethings" that have the rest of their lives to live and are finding their true love to last the rest of those lives.
Cute short story. Two couples who the guys are smitten and trying to get the courage to make a move. Two successful women who don't think they are the right kind of women because they are curve and not a size 6.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a lovely short read, and it opens as it continues – with great writing and good characters. It would have been better longer (I know; then it wouldn’t have been a novella!); issues just seemed to be overcome a little too fast. However, the lift scenes were a clear highlight (dark light?), and, if you want a quick feel-good read, this is the one to open.
2 couples finally find the courage in a blackout during a storm to talk things out and get ready for the next step. Not exactly a new storyline, but still enough new to be intriguing and absolutely fun to read. A well-written short story that is fun for a day off. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First off, if this was supposed to be a standalone, having a proper description of the protagonists would be very helpful. Second, whilst jumping from one friend to the next, a lot was left unsaid. And to finish, going from a kiss to a year later was far too fast for my liking
This is an intriguing story involving Walker and Lauren and all the many twists and turns as their relationship develops. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it as well worth reading. There is plenty of hot chemistry between the main characters.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I enjoyed reading “Dark & Stormy” by C. J. Hunt. If you are looking for a good book to read you want to read this. It’s a Good, well written, interesting story and the great, interesting characters kept me glued to this book. I loved their story. Their interaction and chemistry was engaging, I was engrossed, I couldn’t put it down
I absolutely loved this quick, sweet, clean romance story. It details what happens for two couples when the lights go out on New Year's Eve. There are issues preventing both couples from being together. Will they resolve those issues before the lights come back on?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.