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Applebottom #6
Special Delivery
She brought him pizza. He delivered a family.
Police Officer Jack Stone hasn’t been able to leave the house in seven days. His wreck of a sister gave birth in prison, and baby Ella has been discharged into his care.
He has no idea what to do with her.
Louisa is ready to move on with her life and arrives at Jack's house with her very last pizza delivery before she quits. When he opens the door, Ella is crying, his place is a disaster, and Applebottom’s senior police officer is completely lost.
He could solve her problem, and she could solve his.
Too bad they’ve hated each other since high school.
It will take the entire town to end the twenty-year feud between Jack and Louisa and remind them that people do grow up, and in a crisis, you often grow together.
Don't miss the other Applebottom books by Abby Tyler:
-- The Sweetest Match
-- The Perfect Disaster
-- The Unexpected Shelter
-- The Irresistible Spark
-- Mistletoe Summer
Police Officer Jack Stone hasn’t been able to leave the house in seven days. His wreck of a sister gave birth in prison, and baby Ella has been discharged into his care.
He has no idea what to do with her.
Louisa is ready to move on with her life and arrives at Jack's house with her very last pizza delivery before she quits. When he opens the door, Ella is crying, his place is a disaster, and Applebottom’s senior police officer is completely lost.
He could solve her problem, and she could solve his.
Too bad they’ve hated each other since high school.
It will take the entire town to end the twenty-year feud between Jack and Louisa and remind them that people do grow up, and in a crisis, you often grow together.
Don't miss the other Applebottom books by Abby Tyler:
-- The Sweetest Match
-- The Perfect Disaster
-- The Unexpected Shelter
-- The Irresistible Spark
-- Mistletoe Summer
214 pages, ebook
First published October 7, 2019
751 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Abby Tyler
17 books641 followersAbby Tyler loves puppy dogs, pie, and small towns (she grew up in one!) Her books combine the romance she loves with the funny, sometimes a-little-too-truthful characters she remembers from growing up in a place where everyone knew everybody’s business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 8, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
This was Louisa Temple after all, and she was famous for her “gossip pizza.” Louisa knew from the toppings a person chose who it was for, where it was going, and probably if it was grounds for divorce.
Jack’s face could have scared an evil clown.
There was emotion in Jack Stone somewhere. She and Ella would have to find it, even if it would be like digging into rock with a spoon.
Jack was not the sort of man who just hoped for the best. He would set goals and accomplish them. But he was learning that babies didn’t quite work that way.
My Review:
I have enjoyed all the fun and amusing books in this sweet series of small-town romances featuring quirky characters with real-life problems, gossiping townspeople, matchmaking elders, and cranky shop owners. Each standalone book has been a pleasantly light, entertaining, quick, and easy to follow read. This installment showcased Louisa the pizza baker and Officer Jack Stone who weren’t actually enemies but were far from friends.
Louisa had been a rather mean prankster in her youth, she had pulled monkeyshines on many in her small home town but the stalwart Officer Stone still considered her his least favorite person and maybe even his main nemesis as she had humiliated him in front of the entire school during his big moment to shine, even though they were both now over forty.
Louisa was not an exceptionally endearing character as she was still rather immature and prone to shenanigans, gossip, and being meddlesome, although she had a good heart and was beginning to realize the trouble she caused others with her attention-seeking behaviors and I cared for and about her, nonetheless. The need to care for a sickly infant relative of Jack’s softened them both and forced them to spend time together, which brought many perks as well as a few hiccups before yielding to a satisfying HEA.
This was Louisa Temple after all, and she was famous for her “gossip pizza.” Louisa knew from the toppings a person chose who it was for, where it was going, and probably if it was grounds for divorce.
Jack’s face could have scared an evil clown.
There was emotion in Jack Stone somewhere. She and Ella would have to find it, even if it would be like digging into rock with a spoon.
Jack was not the sort of man who just hoped for the best. He would set goals and accomplish them. But he was learning that babies didn’t quite work that way.
My Review:
I have enjoyed all the fun and amusing books in this sweet series of small-town romances featuring quirky characters with real-life problems, gossiping townspeople, matchmaking elders, and cranky shop owners. Each standalone book has been a pleasantly light, entertaining, quick, and easy to follow read. This installment showcased Louisa the pizza baker and Officer Jack Stone who weren’t actually enemies but were far from friends.
Louisa had been a rather mean prankster in her youth, she had pulled monkeyshines on many in her small home town but the stalwart Officer Stone still considered her his least favorite person and maybe even his main nemesis as she had humiliated him in front of the entire school during his big moment to shine, even though they were both now over forty.
Louisa was not an exceptionally endearing character as she was still rather immature and prone to shenanigans, gossip, and being meddlesome, although she had a good heart and was beginning to realize the trouble she caused others with her attention-seeking behaviors and I cared for and about her, nonetheless. The need to care for a sickly infant relative of Jack’s softened them both and forced them to spend time together, which brought many perks as well as a few hiccups before yielding to a satisfying HEA.
July 5, 2023
3.5 stars (4/10 hearts). NGL, I got this because it was about a policeman—bet you wouldn’t have guessed it. But it was also about a sorta-single-father with a baby who needed care. And a sister in jail because of drugs. Yeah, the synopsis definitely got me.
The story started out pretty simple—Louisa going from delivering pizza to nannying Ella, and Jack learning that there was a soft side to his former antagonist, and the whole town matchmaking them. It was pretty cute to see them as a not-couple trying to take care of Ella in the best way, especially when Jack is so completely lost. He was a pretty sweet tough guy. And Louisa I really respected because she was so willing to put her life aside and care for her father and mother when they needed it—and Ella/Jack when they needed it. I loved seeing her dream of wife- and motherhood. Also, the “late bloom” part of the romance, with both MCs in their late 30s, was another factor I enjoyed.
The part about the imprisoned sister in and out of rehabs was another great addition. Not only was it a unique storyline, but I loved how it brought in the topic of how children react to their parents’ abuse in very different ways. While I wasn’t a fan of the divorce at the end, I did appreciate the portrayal of many families’ sad realities with a bad man. I appreciated seeing how their father had affected Jack as well as his sister, and how both had to make good choices in how they’d respond to it. Also, it was lovely seeing Louisa helping both of them. And the ending was just EPIC.
Overall, this was a pretty sweet and interesting little romance.
Content: totally secular, but clean. Jack’s sister is pregnant out of wedlock; there’s a speculation or two at first that the baby is Jack’s. A mention or two of Louisa embarrassed at accidentally of talking about Jack’s bedroom. Louisa & Jack hug + kiss frequently, but it’s undetailed except for one scene.
A Favourite Quote: The only solution to feeling sorry for yourself was to serve others.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Jack was not the sort of man who just hoped for the best. He would set goals and accomplish them. But he was learning that babies didn’t quite work that way.
The story started out pretty simple—Louisa going from delivering pizza to nannying Ella, and Jack learning that there was a soft side to his former antagonist, and the whole town matchmaking them. It was pretty cute to see them as a not-couple trying to take care of Ella in the best way, especially when Jack is so completely lost. He was a pretty sweet tough guy. And Louisa I really respected because she was so willing to put her life aside and care for her father and mother when they needed it—and Ella/Jack when they needed it. I loved seeing her dream of wife- and motherhood. Also, the “late bloom” part of the romance, with both MCs in their late 30s, was another factor I enjoyed.
The part about the imprisoned sister in and out of rehabs was another great addition. Not only was it a unique storyline, but I loved how it brought in the topic of how children react to their parents’ abuse in very different ways. While I wasn’t a fan of the divorce at the end, I did appreciate the portrayal of many families’ sad realities with a bad man. I appreciated seeing how their father had affected Jack as well as his sister, and how both had to make good choices in how they’d respond to it. Also, it was lovely seeing Louisa helping both of them. And the ending was just EPIC.
Overall, this was a pretty sweet and interesting little romance.
Content: totally secular, but clean. Jack’s sister is pregnant out of wedlock; there’s a speculation or two at first that the baby is Jack’s. A mention or two of Louisa embarrassed at accidentally of talking about Jack’s bedroom. Louisa & Jack hug + kiss frequently, but it’s undetailed except for one scene.
A Favourite Quote: The only solution to feeling sorry for yourself was to serve others.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Jack was not the sort of man who just hoped for the best. He would set goals and accomplish them. But he was learning that babies didn’t quite work that way.
November 27, 2021
Un romance que podría haber sido precioso y que se quedó en nada. Lo vi un día gratis en Amazon y lo cogí por lo cortito y tierno que parecía, pero le ha faltado sentimiento.
Los protagonistas son Louisa y Jack, dos personas que no tienen nada en común y que ni siquiera son amigos porque Jack no le perdona a Louisa una broma que ella le hizo cuando ambos eran adolescentes.
Ahora, años después, Jack es un policía cuya vida ha dado un cambio brutal tras haber tenido que hacerse cargo de Ella, su sobrina casi recién nacida. Su hermana dio a luz en la cárcel y las autoridades judiciales decidieron darle la custodia a él porque no se sabía quién era el padre y Jack era el familiar más cercano. Tras apenas unos días cuidándola, Jack se siente totalmente desbordado y no sabe cómo conseguir cuidar del bebé y lograr sacar al menos 5 minutos para sí mismo. En cuanto a Louisa, ella ha dedicado su vida a cuidar de sus padres enfermos. Tras el reciente fallecimiento de ambos, Louisa decide cerrar la pizzería que fundó para ganar algo de dinero y que le permitía gestionar su tiempo y poder estar con sus padres siempre que era necesario. El último día de trabajo, Louisa descubre que Jack le ha encargado la que será su última pizza, cosa que le extraña porque él nunca ha sido cliente suyo. Al llegar al domicilio de él, ve que la casa está hecha un desastre y que Jack no es capaz de hacer ninguna tarea del hogar porque el bebé no le da ni un respiro. Su desesperación es tan grande que permite que Louisa le eche una mano, algo que hará que ya nada vuelva a ser igual…
Este pequeño libro, el cual ronda las 150 páginas, lo tenía todo para ser una lectura ligera y agradable, pero la autora no trabajó bien la presunta complicidad entre los protagonistas. Teniendo como ingredientes principales el típico enemies to lovers y el toque humorístico que puede proporcionar el hecho de ver a dos adultos cuidando por sorpresa a un bebé que no es suyo, la trama podría haber tenido una buena mezcla de humor y romance, pero todo está desaprovechado.
Jack es un sieso, así de claro. Siempre parece amargado y es desabrido. Cuando se vislumbra un ápice de posible simpatía por su parte, ese momento acaba rápido y él mismo da la impresión de sentirse incómodo por haber tenido un cambio de actitud. Por otro lado, Louisa es la típica listilla que acaba resultando irritante por su capacidad de entrometerse más de la cuenta en asuntos que no son de su incumbencia y por no respetar determinadas decisiones. No hay ningún tipo de química entre ambos, solo hubo una escena concreta en la que me sacaron una sonrisa y les vi potencial, pero fue algo fugaz que no volvió a repetirse. Aparte de mencionar constantemente la broma que Louisa le hizo a Jack en el pasado, la mayoría de sus conversaciones giran en torno a asuntos del bebé, así que en verdad tampoco dedican tiempo a conocerse. Todo lo que hacen tiene a Ella de por medio y no se ve que se sientan realmente atraídos, más bien es que se toleran y ya está.
La lectura no es increíblemente tediosa, es más, como distracción no está mal, pero no tiene chispa. La única incógnita de la historia es qué pasará con Ella si su madre sale de la cárcel, y eso también se zanja de forma apresurada. De hecho, todo se cierra a la prisa y con los protagonistas haciendo lo que se espera de ellos. Solo la intervención de algunos personajes secundarios anima la recta final del libro.
Si buscáis algo breve, no descartéis esta lectura, pero no esperéis gran cosa. La puntuación real sería un 2,5/5, lo que pasa es que no me siento bien redondeando al alza porque para eso debería haberme creído un poco el presunto romance.
Los protagonistas son Louisa y Jack, dos personas que no tienen nada en común y que ni siquiera son amigos porque Jack no le perdona a Louisa una broma que ella le hizo cuando ambos eran adolescentes.
Ahora, años después, Jack es un policía cuya vida ha dado un cambio brutal tras haber tenido que hacerse cargo de Ella, su sobrina casi recién nacida. Su hermana dio a luz en la cárcel y las autoridades judiciales decidieron darle la custodia a él porque no se sabía quién era el padre y Jack era el familiar más cercano. Tras apenas unos días cuidándola, Jack se siente totalmente desbordado y no sabe cómo conseguir cuidar del bebé y lograr sacar al menos 5 minutos para sí mismo. En cuanto a Louisa, ella ha dedicado su vida a cuidar de sus padres enfermos. Tras el reciente fallecimiento de ambos, Louisa decide cerrar la pizzería que fundó para ganar algo de dinero y que le permitía gestionar su tiempo y poder estar con sus padres siempre que era necesario. El último día de trabajo, Louisa descubre que Jack le ha encargado la que será su última pizza, cosa que le extraña porque él nunca ha sido cliente suyo. Al llegar al domicilio de él, ve que la casa está hecha un desastre y que Jack no es capaz de hacer ninguna tarea del hogar porque el bebé no le da ni un respiro. Su desesperación es tan grande que permite que Louisa le eche una mano, algo que hará que ya nada vuelva a ser igual…
Este pequeño libro, el cual ronda las 150 páginas, lo tenía todo para ser una lectura ligera y agradable, pero la autora no trabajó bien la presunta complicidad entre los protagonistas. Teniendo como ingredientes principales el típico enemies to lovers y el toque humorístico que puede proporcionar el hecho de ver a dos adultos cuidando por sorpresa a un bebé que no es suyo, la trama podría haber tenido una buena mezcla de humor y romance, pero todo está desaprovechado.
Jack es un sieso, así de claro. Siempre parece amargado y es desabrido. Cuando se vislumbra un ápice de posible simpatía por su parte, ese momento acaba rápido y él mismo da la impresión de sentirse incómodo por haber tenido un cambio de actitud. Por otro lado, Louisa es la típica listilla que acaba resultando irritante por su capacidad de entrometerse más de la cuenta en asuntos que no son de su incumbencia y por no respetar determinadas decisiones. No hay ningún tipo de química entre ambos, solo hubo una escena concreta en la que me sacaron una sonrisa y les vi potencial, pero fue algo fugaz que no volvió a repetirse. Aparte de mencionar constantemente la broma que Louisa le hizo a Jack en el pasado, la mayoría de sus conversaciones giran en torno a asuntos del bebé, así que en verdad tampoco dedican tiempo a conocerse. Todo lo que hacen tiene a Ella de por medio y no se ve que se sientan realmente atraídos, más bien es que se toleran y ya está.
La lectura no es increíblemente tediosa, es más, como distracción no está mal, pero no tiene chispa. La única incógnita de la historia es qué pasará con Ella si su madre sale de la cárcel, y eso también se zanja de forma apresurada. De hecho, todo se cierra a la prisa y con los protagonistas haciendo lo que se espera de ellos. Solo la intervención de algunos personajes secundarios anima la recta final del libro.
Si buscáis algo breve, no descartéis esta lectura, pero no esperéis gran cosa. La puntuación real sería un 2,5/5, lo que pasa es que no me siento bien redondeando al alza porque para eso debería haberme creído un poco el presunto romance.
July 19, 2021
I had picked this book up for free because the idea of a police officer trying to take care of a baby on his own caught my interest. I did read the entire book, but if it had been much longer I think I would have stopped.
I didn’t really like either of the two main characters. Sometimes I did, but other times they felt so fake. Jack was all about himself unless his niece was concerned then he’d think of her–maybe. Louisa was okay, and she tried to help, but her deliberate interference was a little over the top.
I reached the end of the story and was glad it was over. There didn’t seem to be much to it.
This is not a Christian book. There are a few uses of the Lord’s name in vain, as well a few other slang or swear words. The only reference to anything Christian that I remember is at the end when Louisa knows she can’t multiply 8 pizzas to feed a crowd like Jesus could with the loaves and fish.
Overall, this wasn’t bad, but it’s not one I’d recommend or reread.
I didn’t really like either of the two main characters. Sometimes I did, but other times they felt so fake. Jack was all about himself unless his niece was concerned then he’d think of her–maybe. Louisa was okay, and she tried to help, but her deliberate interference was a little over the top.
I reached the end of the story and was glad it was over. There didn’t seem to be much to it.
This is not a Christian book. There are a few uses of the Lord’s name in vain, as well a few other slang or swear words. The only reference to anything Christian that I remember is at the end when Louisa knows she can’t multiply 8 pizzas to feed a crowd like Jesus could with the loaves and fish.
Overall, this wasn’t bad, but it’s not one I’d recommend or reread.
October 9, 2019
Watching how Louisa and Jack let go of their past as two people who didn't like each other as teenagers and began to fall in love was adorable, as was their learning together how to take care of baby Ella. I adored their love story, this book had all the cuteness. I will be reading more of this author.
July 1, 2021
DNF: 65%
Stopped reading when Louisa decided to take it on herself to tell Jack's parents about Ella against his wishes. Lost respect for the character of Louisa at this point and can no longer hope she gets her HEA.
Stopped reading when Louisa decided to take it on herself to tell Jack's parents about Ella against his wishes. Lost respect for the character of Louisa at this point and can no longer hope she gets her HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2021
I read this since I'm kind of on a "surrogate parent" trope whim. The premise was too good for me not to pass.
I loved the banter and the tension between Jack and Louisa, and all the domestic fluff going on, but the ending fell a bit flat for me. I didn't like that Louisa interjected herself into making rash decisions without consulting Jack, and Jack never apologized for being such an ass to her. If the Bros from Lyssa Kay Adams' series were here, these two would never hear the end of it.
I loved the banter and the tension between Jack and Louisa, and all the domestic fluff going on, but the ending fell a bit flat for me. I didn't like that Louisa interjected herself into making rash decisions without consulting Jack, and Jack never apologized for being such an ass to her. If the Bros from Lyssa Kay Adams' series were here, these two would never hear the end of it.
July 3, 2021
This did have quite a few of the elements that normally grab me, small town, matchmakers, handsome muscled lawman, but it didn't quite hit the mark.
I dislike heroines who think they know best and interfere in a way the hero asked them not to. Yep, she goes there, ugh.
I did like that these two were a bit older , that makes a change from normal romances.
I was a bit confused by the business with the bottles, it's maybe a cultural thing, Louisa seem surprised that Jack was sterilizing teats, then they seem to be able to move on to not sterilizing anything, ummm babies bottles need to be sterilized regardless, that was weird.
I dislike heroines who think they know best and interfere in a way the hero asked them not to. Yep, she goes there, ugh.
I did like that these two were a bit older , that makes a change from normal romances.
I was a bit confused by the business with the bottles, it's maybe a cultural thing, Louisa seem surprised that Jack was sterilizing teats, then they seem to be able to move on to not sterilizing anything, ummm babies bottles need to be sterilized regardless, that was weird.
July 19, 2021
I wanted to like this one but unfortunately it was pretty boring. The love story is basically nonexistent and some of the dialogue was really strange. I didn’t find the characters as awful as a lot of reviews said, Louisa just seemed to be socially awkward but instead of retreating quietly like most of us she chose to pull pranks. And with all the talk about her pranks we mostly only hear about one and a brief mention of one other. It just really wasn’t that good.
October 7, 2019
Jack is a by the book, controlled, almost too rigid police officer, who doesn't fare well with chaos. However, chaos decides to force it's way into his life in the guise of a tiny human. See, his sister is in prison, and it was there when she had a baby girl, who is given to Jack. OMG, he can't deal which had me cracking up, and I make no apologizes, as there's just something about a rigid man taking on a newborn which is so entertaining! Louisa is Jack's sworn enemy dating all the way back to high school, and on a very bad night, she delivers a pizza to his house. And Jack is her sworn enemy, but there's something about a super cute tiny human causing the control freak chaos & anxiety which had Louisa putting their past aside to help Jack. This is how Louisa ends up working for Jack as his nanny, and now, things are really hitting their stride in the humor department. It's hard to let go of a feud which has gone on for 20 plus years, and they're going to need their small town's help (though they would deny it) in working things out. Man, these two were such relatable characters, who had flaws which made this story very realistic. So do Jack & Louisa finally put their past to rest in order for an amazing future? You'll have to one click Special Delivery to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 7, 2019
Special Delivery was a super sweet, enemies-to-lovers/single parent romance and my first Abby Tyler novel. I read enjoyed the romance and storytelling and I’m looking forward to more.
Jack and Louisa do not get along. There’s been no love lost between the two since she embarrassed him in front of their entire high school. But now Jack unexpectedly has a baby to take care of and as one of the three officers in his small town, he’s way in over his head. Louisa is ready to get out of this small town finally after taking care of her sick parents for a decade. She’s ready to move on and do something else, but as soon as she lays eyes on the sweet baby girl she feels the need to help even if it means helping Jack as well. Soon their bickering turns to banter which turns to more. But Louisa never had any intention of staying in and Jack just can’t seem to get out of his own way. Will they make it work?
Special Delivery was an adorably sweet and swoony romance. It has a single dad who’s a cop (yum), a sassy as hell heroine, meddling town folk, and two MCs that were easy to like and root for. A fun, quick read with a great story and HEA. 4 stars.
Jack and Louisa do not get along. There’s been no love lost between the two since she embarrassed him in front of their entire high school. But now Jack unexpectedly has a baby to take care of and as one of the three officers in his small town, he’s way in over his head. Louisa is ready to get out of this small town finally after taking care of her sick parents for a decade. She’s ready to move on and do something else, but as soon as she lays eyes on the sweet baby girl she feels the need to help even if it means helping Jack as well. Soon their bickering turns to banter which turns to more. But Louisa never had any intention of staying in and Jack just can’t seem to get out of his own way. Will they make it work?
Special Delivery was an adorably sweet and swoony romance. It has a single dad who’s a cop (yum), a sassy as hell heroine, meddling town folk, and two MCs that were easy to like and root for. A fun, quick read with a great story and HEA. 4 stars.
July 7, 2021
Honey you don't have to settle
Jack is an ass. He doesn't compromise or even consider anyone else's opinion. He deserves to be alone. She sees the good in people and is a doormat, but she's a cool person. His realistic family was not what I expected. I expected the Hollywood version of an addict and abuser. And no mistake his father is abusive. The manic/depressive symptoms that signal hard drug use and the relapse issue is something most books don't touch. But the truth is Louisa deserved someone better than a Mr. Higgins singing, " I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face." Ms. Tyler tried to give him a grand gesture twice and both times Louisa took pity on him. I'm sorry but she should have said no. He should have been made to understand that he was wrong. No matter how your partner approaches something, you never get to tell them that it isn't any of their business.
You thank goodness someone cares because most people don't. Most people don't care about how you are handling life or any of your emotional baggage. Someone willing to put your future happiness over their current comfort deserves better than Jack.
Jack is an ass. He doesn't compromise or even consider anyone else's opinion. He deserves to be alone. She sees the good in people and is a doormat, but she's a cool person. His realistic family was not what I expected. I expected the Hollywood version of an addict and abuser. And no mistake his father is abusive. The manic/depressive symptoms that signal hard drug use and the relapse issue is something most books don't touch. But the truth is Louisa deserved someone better than a Mr. Higgins singing, " I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face." Ms. Tyler tried to give him a grand gesture twice and both times Louisa took pity on him. I'm sorry but she should have said no. He should have been made to understand that he was wrong. No matter how your partner approaches something, you never get to tell them that it isn't any of their business.
You thank goodness someone cares because most people don't. Most people don't care about how you are handling life or any of your emotional baggage. Someone willing to put your future happiness over their current comfort deserves better than Jack.
July 13, 2021
This was an okay read up until the point Louisa goes against Jack’s wishes and informs his parents they have a grandchild. She knows he expressly didn’t want them informed and that he has a toxic relationship with his father, but she’s insecure and does it to prove to herself that Jack really does have feelings for her. She doesn’t take into account he might have a valid reason for not wanting to expose a baby to his father. The ending was also ridiculous. In order to propose, Jack gathers all the towns folk and puts in an order for 8 pizzas, stipulating that Louisa make them all even though she doesn’t have enough ovens, it’s also not enough pizza to feed everyone. She ends up running around to make them all and turns up to deliver them where he publicly proposes, without his sister being invited because she’s at home with the baby having helped Louisa make half the pizza. Lamest ending/ proposal I’ve ever read. I would have said no!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2019
This is a good story. I was drawn to this book because of the cover and it's hard to pass up a book that says single dad romance. Jack and Louisa really drew me in. They're opposites and Louisa is Jack's nemesis growing up. Now Jack's baby niece is going bring these two together. Being around each other is going to show the other a new side of them. Jack is so adorable with his niece. It's a big learning curve for him because he's going to have to rely on help of others. Louisa is at a crossroads because she's been caregiver for her parents now she has her future wide open. Lending a helping hand to Jack and baby Ella is going to change her life forever. It's a feel good story that has a delightful happy ending.
October 6, 2019
Special Delivery by Abby Tyler is the story of Jack and Louisa.
Jack and Louisa are sworn enemies after a incident in school so they don't move past that moment.
Then Louisa stops at Jack' s house on her last delivery to find him at a low point because of his sister giving birth to a baby girl, Ella in prison. Jack has custody of her for now and his house looks like a tornado came through. Giving into her emotions she ends up helping him which leads to them lowering their guards against each other which leads to them opening their heart.
Enjoyed their story.
Jack and Louisa are sworn enemies after a incident in school so they don't move past that moment.
Then Louisa stops at Jack' s house on her last delivery to find him at a low point because of his sister giving birth to a baby girl, Ella in prison. Jack has custody of her for now and his house looks like a tornado came through. Giving into her emotions she ends up helping him which leads to them lowering their guards against each other which leads to them opening their heart.
Enjoyed their story.
October 7, 2019
4.5 stars
This book is kinda dramatic... Jack and Louisa have drama from high school that was never resolved. And when Louisa realizes he needs help she jumps to do it but pf course he is second guessing her from the start. I loved how good she was with his baby niece and how that helped Louisa grow on him. I was really surprised with how quickly the book moved and how he was eventually able up forgibe his sister. Im glad that after it all these two got there happy.
This book is kinda dramatic... Jack and Louisa have drama from high school that was never resolved. And when Louisa realizes he needs help she jumps to do it but pf course he is second guessing her from the start. I loved how good she was with his baby niece and how that helped Louisa grow on him. I was really surprised with how quickly the book moved and how he was eventually able up forgibe his sister. Im glad that after it all these two got there happy.
October 7, 2019
Very sweet, as sweet as that blue berry pie. I enjoyed this small town, opposites attract romance. This is my first book by this author. Very nice epilogue
July 13, 2021
Not enough depth. Too sappy of an ending.
July 5, 2021
Read to 38%. Boring and really disliked Louisa. Did not finish.
December 28, 2024
Louisa Temple now, (40), had been Applebottom’s only pizza maker and delivery service. It was how she supported herself by delivering fresh, hot pizza to a small town that had no other means to get it without driving to a bigger city. On top of the business, she had cared for both of her parents' home health needs until their passing, separately, of course. She was made to return home from college. She needed help with her father’s home health care when he fell ill. Her brother was still in school; her mom needed to continue to work.
When her mother found out she had cancer after her father passed, she was the one to care for her, too. Her brother got off scot-free, moving to Brussels and only visiting at Christmas. But, in the end, he’d done the right thing by signing his half of the house over to her. Allowing her to sell and start her life again, and she would do so.
Now, here she was delivering her last and best pizza to Jack Stone. He had been in charge of the Applebottom Police Department for five years and had been under another officer for ten years before that.
He was a year older than Louisa in school. They’d never particularly taken to each other. Officer Stone was a stick in the mud. Louisa was a smart aleck, a show-off, and a prankster. Jack was in over his head; there was at least one more package of diapers somewhere in all the mess. But with Ella crying nonstop, he couldn't think. He ran out of clothes two days ago. He now knew why people used washers and dryers. Because up until then he sent out his things and went to the laundromat. But with an infant who couldn’t keep down her bottle and who also soiled her diapers nonstop.
Yeah! Fun times. So, imagine the scene when Louisa arrives, and Jack barks out, “Just drop it anywhere.” She looked around and said. Let me help you clean up. He barked out, “No!” She did what she always did: ignore him. Told him she had to clean up a little to find the table. She said, the baby, meanwhile, is crying nonstop, and the diaper is weighted down. She told him, “Hand her over and go shower; you smell, and so does she. Let me change her, and you take a nap. I got her. You can't help her if you're tired.”
She finds the diapers and fixes her bottle, and the baby is sound asleep. He got an extra long shower, too. When she started asking too many questions about Ella’s grandparents being notified, things got heated, and Jack asked her to leave in no uncertain terms. Well, this just pissed Louisa off, and she went to the biggest busybodies in town, telling them everything. Sure enough, they made up a meal schedule and a cleaning schedule for Jack. So he could spend more time with Ella, and time for himself. Not to mention, they did laundry and shopping and got him organized. She figured by the third day, she could take him a pizza of peace. Telling him she had to do it not for him, but for Ella.
Come see how this enemy to lovers all started from vomit and soiled diapers. It is amusing and sad at the same time when you see that sometimes you have to give up your own dreams to find something better in the end.
When her mother found out she had cancer after her father passed, she was the one to care for her, too. Her brother got off scot-free, moving to Brussels and only visiting at Christmas. But, in the end, he’d done the right thing by signing his half of the house over to her. Allowing her to sell and start her life again, and she would do so.
Now, here she was delivering her last and best pizza to Jack Stone. He had been in charge of the Applebottom Police Department for five years and had been under another officer for ten years before that.
He was a year older than Louisa in school. They’d never particularly taken to each other. Officer Stone was a stick in the mud. Louisa was a smart aleck, a show-off, and a prankster. Jack was in over his head; there was at least one more package of diapers somewhere in all the mess. But with Ella crying nonstop, he couldn't think. He ran out of clothes two days ago. He now knew why people used washers and dryers. Because up until then he sent out his things and went to the laundromat. But with an infant who couldn’t keep down her bottle and who also soiled her diapers nonstop.
Yeah! Fun times. So, imagine the scene when Louisa arrives, and Jack barks out, “Just drop it anywhere.” She looked around and said. Let me help you clean up. He barked out, “No!” She did what she always did: ignore him. Told him she had to clean up a little to find the table. She said, the baby, meanwhile, is crying nonstop, and the diaper is weighted down. She told him, “Hand her over and go shower; you smell, and so does she. Let me change her, and you take a nap. I got her. You can't help her if you're tired.”
She finds the diapers and fixes her bottle, and the baby is sound asleep. He got an extra long shower, too. When she started asking too many questions about Ella’s grandparents being notified, things got heated, and Jack asked her to leave in no uncertain terms. Well, this just pissed Louisa off, and she went to the biggest busybodies in town, telling them everything. Sure enough, they made up a meal schedule and a cleaning schedule for Jack. So he could spend more time with Ella, and time for himself. Not to mention, they did laundry and shopping and got him organized. She figured by the third day, she could take him a pizza of peace. Telling him she had to do it not for him, but for Ella.
Come see how this enemy to lovers all started from vomit and soiled diapers. It is amusing and sad at the same time when you see that sometimes you have to give up your own dreams to find something better in the end.
July 3, 2021
Cute Story Even If The Heroine’s Name Did Change
I really enjoyed this cute and oftentimes funny story. However, Ms. Tyler needs to go back and get the heroine’s name straight; she starts as Louisa Temple and at page 80, her name changes to Louisa James.
The hero of the story, Officer Jack Stone, suddenly has his sister’s newborn baby brought to him for his custody while his sister, Jenica, serves her prison sentence. He’s totally unprepared to take care of a baby, especially one who constantly spits up (okay, projectile vomits actually) her formula. He has no clean clothes, no food in the house and a constantly crying (wailing) baby.
Louisa Temple/James has been operating a pizza delivery service to help supplement her income while she cares for first her sick father, then her sick mother. They are both now deceased and she is closing her business and plans to get a job with a temp firm that she hopes will turn into full time work. When Jack orders a pizza (for the first time), it’s the last one she’ll make. When she delivers it to his house, she’s appalled at the chaos there. She offers to watch the baby while he takes a shower.
The next day, she lets it be known in the small town of Applebottom that he needs help. The town’s women bring him casseroles, help clean his house and do his laundry. Since he knows he needs a nanny and the ones he’s contacted in Branson won’t make the drive to Applebottom, he offers the job to Louisa.
The character development in this book is cleverly done, giving insights into small town America, as well as into Jack and Louisa, who have history together. I really liked the slow romance that develops between the two and I liked the relationship that developed with his sister. Treat yourself to a feel good book by reading this one. You’ll be glad you did!
I really enjoyed this cute and oftentimes funny story. However, Ms. Tyler needs to go back and get the heroine’s name straight; she starts as Louisa Temple and at page 80, her name changes to Louisa James.
The hero of the story, Officer Jack Stone, suddenly has his sister’s newborn baby brought to him for his custody while his sister, Jenica, serves her prison sentence. He’s totally unprepared to take care of a baby, especially one who constantly spits up (okay, projectile vomits actually) her formula. He has no clean clothes, no food in the house and a constantly crying (wailing) baby.
Louisa Temple/James has been operating a pizza delivery service to help supplement her income while she cares for first her sick father, then her sick mother. They are both now deceased and she is closing her business and plans to get a job with a temp firm that she hopes will turn into full time work. When Jack orders a pizza (for the first time), it’s the last one she’ll make. When she delivers it to his house, she’s appalled at the chaos there. She offers to watch the baby while he takes a shower.
The next day, she lets it be known in the small town of Applebottom that he needs help. The town’s women bring him casseroles, help clean his house and do his laundry. Since he knows he needs a nanny and the ones he’s contacted in Branson won’t make the drive to Applebottom, he offers the job to Louisa.
The character development in this book is cleverly done, giving insights into small town America, as well as into Jack and Louisa, who have history together. I really liked the slow romance that develops between the two and I liked the relationship that developed with his sister. Treat yourself to a feel good book by reading this one. You’ll be glad you did!
July 16, 2021
This is more like an enemies to lovers romance, times a second chance romance.
Jack Stone had just had his life turned upside down and sideways when he was given custody of his infant niece. His sister Janika was back in jail, again, and this time she'd been pregnant, so when she was born the court awarded the baby girl to him. After three days he didn't have any clean clothes, food, or sleep, and in desperation he ordered a pizza from the only take out in town, Louisa's pizza, Louisa his old adversary from high school. But when she arrives with the pizza, she doesn't just deliver it and run, she cleans up his disaster, calms the baby, lets him get a shower, and changes Ella's diaper, when he couldn't even find the new box in all the mess. When she leaves she arranges for the ladies of the town to go clean up his house, make him some food, and generally set him back upright. But he's the chief of police for their little town and he needs to get back to work, so he needs a nanny, today. Maybe Louisa could help out one more time? Can two old adversaries see past the past? Can anything come of this upchurning of his staid life?
Jack Stone had just had his life turned upside down and sideways when he was given custody of his infant niece. His sister Janika was back in jail, again, and this time she'd been pregnant, so when she was born the court awarded the baby girl to him. After three days he didn't have any clean clothes, food, or sleep, and in desperation he ordered a pizza from the only take out in town, Louisa's pizza, Louisa his old adversary from high school. But when she arrives with the pizza, she doesn't just deliver it and run, she cleans up his disaster, calms the baby, lets him get a shower, and changes Ella's diaper, when he couldn't even find the new box in all the mess. When she leaves she arranges for the ladies of the town to go clean up his house, make him some food, and generally set him back upright. But he's the chief of police for their little town and he needs to get back to work, so he needs a nanny, today. Maybe Louisa could help out one more time? Can two old adversaries see past the past? Can anything come of this upchurning of his staid life?
July 4, 2021
Pretty good romance, enjoyable and believable. Also, "G" rated, if you know what I mean. My biggest problem with this book was that the female lead character seems to have changed her name unexpectedly in the middle of the book. Clearly established in the first chapter as being Louisa Temple, mentioned at least twice in that chapter, by chapter 15 is being consistently called Louisa James by several other characters, including the male lead. No explanation for why or how Louisa Temple has become Louisa James. I suppose "James" could be her middle name, and it suddenly became fashionable in the town of Applebottom to call ladies by the first and middle names, when that wasn't being done earlier. Other than that one detail, a very nice book.
March 22, 2025
A sweet romance
Lifelong enemies, Jack and Louisa work to take care of Jack’s niece, Ella. Ella’s mom is in jail and no dad in sight. Louisa was the town prankster in high school ready for college until her parent’s illnesses brought her back home. Now 40, Louisa thinks her life has pasted her by. Jack is a confirmed bachelor now responsible for his niece. He hires Louisa his arch enemy to be a nanny for Ella. What follows is typical small town shenanigans to foster the budding romance.
Some parts of story are fun and special but others very predicable. And Louisa’s betrayal involving Jack’s parents was just wrong. Overall, though, the story is sweet without much romantic scenes and no sexual components.
Lifelong enemies, Jack and Louisa work to take care of Jack’s niece, Ella. Ella’s mom is in jail and no dad in sight. Louisa was the town prankster in high school ready for college until her parent’s illnesses brought her back home. Now 40, Louisa thinks her life has pasted her by. Jack is a confirmed bachelor now responsible for his niece. He hires Louisa his arch enemy to be a nanny for Ella. What follows is typical small town shenanigans to foster the budding romance.
Some parts of story are fun and special but others very predicable. And Louisa’s betrayal involving Jack’s parents was just wrong. Overall, though, the story is sweet without much romantic scenes and no sexual components.
June 7, 2025
Why this book got high rating?
As much as I think Louisa is a bit immature, Jack holding grudge for 20 year-ish is worse. How childish are you, still hung on the past? And how chief of police of a small town managed to avoid this so called enemy for 20 years? Oh God. At first I understand Jack unwillingness to ask help. It is overwhelming to care for an infant. But must he be that hostile towards Louisa? She was just trying to help ffs.
Then Louisa open her big mouth and tell Jack's parent about Ella. I'm... Ewww.. No MCs in this book lovable anymore. And Jack, for a 40 y.o act so selfish and throw Louisa aside at the first sign of trouble. It's like.. He kissed her because of opportunity. That's it.
As much as I think Louisa is a bit immature, Jack holding grudge for 20 year-ish is worse. How childish are you, still hung on the past? And how chief of police of a small town managed to avoid this so called enemy for 20 years? Oh God. At first I understand Jack unwillingness to ask help. It is overwhelming to care for an infant. But must he be that hostile towards Louisa? She was just trying to help ffs.
Then Louisa open her big mouth and tell Jack's parent about Ella. I'm... Ewww.. No MCs in this book lovable anymore. And Jack, for a 40 y.o act so selfish and throw Louisa aside at the first sign of trouble. It's like.. He kissed her because of opportunity. That's it.
August 7, 2020
Another sweet romance
This is a wonderful series, clean romance and entertaining reads! Louisa has spend the last two decades caring for her parents and making pizza for the town, now that her parents are gone it's time to start living her life. On her final delivery she comes face to face with a blast from the past, Jack only he's in a bind and needs Lousia's help. Two opposites that have stayed away from each other for twenty years now need to work together for his niece. Small town gossips, match making peddlers , humor and a sweet baby makes this a very engaging read!
Volunteer KU based review
This is a wonderful series, clean romance and entertaining reads! Louisa has spend the last two decades caring for her parents and making pizza for the town, now that her parents are gone it's time to start living her life. On her final delivery she comes face to face with a blast from the past, Jack only he's in a bind and needs Lousia's help. Two opposites that have stayed away from each other for twenty years now need to work together for his niece. Small town gossips, match making peddlers , humor and a sweet baby makes this a very engaging read!
Volunteer KU based review
June 12, 2022
Nothing really exciting happens, the characters aren't likable in the slightest and just keeps going on about not being a good match but doesn't say why apart from one incident which gets boring after hearing it all the time. Also I felt like the characters didn't fit their age - I felt like I was reading characters that were in their twenties rather than their forties. However the writing is good and it's a short sweet light hearted read so it's not all bad. I just wish there was more to the story really.
February 8, 2025
Louisa spent her whole life pranking everyone Jack got the worst of her pranks back in their high school days. Now that they’re grown the beef is still there Jake is a police officer who just got temporarily custody of his pretty much new born niece. He is struggling to balance his life and the baby life together his house is a mess dishes stacked up inside the sink clothes everywhere. So Jake orders pizza he lives in a very small town there is only one person who makes and delivers pizza Louisa.
The only part I didn’t like about this story is Louisa calling Jake parents behind his back.
The only part I didn’t like about this story is Louisa calling Jake parents behind his back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
Special Delivery
I really liked this story. It was a funny and stressful for Jack and Louisa. Jack had been given temporary custody of his niece. Sister, Jenica, was in prison for drugs. Jenica had her baby in prison. Jack was struggling with a new born baby. He had called for pizza and that is how Louisa became involved. He desperately needed help and Louisa told him to go take a shower and relax. She would see to baby Ella. I think you will enjoy this story, I sure did,
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I really liked this story. It was a funny and stressful for Jack and Louisa. Jack had been given temporary custody of his niece. Sister, Jenica, was in prison for drugs. Jenica had her baby in prison. Jack was struggling with a new born baby. He had called for pizza and that is how Louisa became involved. He desperately needed help and Louisa told him to go take a shower and relax. She would see to baby Ella. I think you will enjoy this story, I sure did,
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July 15, 2021
A Gem!
It's a rare day when a cozy mystery gets 5 stars from me. This is one of those rare days. I loved every minute of this little book! Wonderful characters, and a heroine (if you will) who is likeable from the get-go. The transition that Jack and Louisa make is smooth and believable. The storyline itself is really unique, and I couldn't stop reading. If you want a feel-good, happy story that will leave you smiling. here's your book. I'm glad I read it. You will be, too.
It's a rare day when a cozy mystery gets 5 stars from me. This is one of those rare days. I loved every minute of this little book! Wonderful characters, and a heroine (if you will) who is likeable from the get-go. The transition that Jack and Louisa make is smooth and believable. The storyline itself is really unique, and I couldn't stop reading. If you want a feel-good, happy story that will leave you smiling. here's your book. I'm glad I read it. You will be, too.
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