What do you think?
Rate this book
Seasoned Southern Sleuths #7
Sweet Tea and Second Chances
Take nothing for granted…
Serve and protect. That’s what Sheriff Teague Castro promised the good people of Bartell County, Georgia. But when he reunites with his first love, his supporters suddenly wonder if he’s too distracted to uphold his sworn commitment.
When Jenny buys an expensive house Teague could never afford on a sheriff’s salary, small-town gossip runs wild. If he can’t take care of his own family, is he fit to protect a whole county? Until his job is secure, Teague presses pause on his love life.
But when a crisis calls him to the front line, it triggers memories from a tragic case still haunting him. Only this time, Jenny’s life is on the line, and the confrontation could quickly turn Teague’s forever into never.
***A PICK YOUR PASSION Novella from Kelsey and Nancy – pick your passion level – sweet or heat as you enjoy the continuing romance of Sheriff Teague Castro and Jenny Cady. Let us know how you like the PYP feature by emailing PyP@TheGrannySeries.com.
Serve and protect. That’s what Sheriff Teague Castro promised the good people of Bartell County, Georgia. But when he reunites with his first love, his supporters suddenly wonder if he’s too distracted to uphold his sworn commitment.
When Jenny buys an expensive house Teague could never afford on a sheriff’s salary, small-town gossip runs wild. If he can’t take care of his own family, is he fit to protect a whole county? Until his job is secure, Teague presses pause on his love life.
But when a crisis calls him to the front line, it triggers memories from a tragic case still haunting him. Only this time, Jenny’s life is on the line, and the confrontation could quickly turn Teague’s forever into never.
***A PICK YOUR PASSION Novella from Kelsey and Nancy – pick your passion level – sweet or heat as you enjoy the continuing romance of Sheriff Teague Castro and Jenny Cady. Let us know how you like the PYP feature by emailing PyP@TheGrannySeries.com.
- GenresMystery
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2015
109 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Browning
61 books381 followersKelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and Southern cozy mysteries.
Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.
For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.
Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.
For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 14, 2016
Come a Little Closer by Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle is a 2016 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book a novella length story in the Granny series featuring Jenny and Teague.
When Teague learns he could have a little competition for his job as sheriff, it shakes him out of his complacency, which is fine, but it also puts a kink in Jenny’s long term plans, which creates a painful distance between them.
Will they be able to compromise or is their future in jeopardy?
At first it was a little comical when Teague realized he had some competition for his job. His ego is further bruised when Jenny buys a house without checking with him first. But, his attitude throws cold water all over their hot as fire relationship, creating some angst and tension between them. But, this troublesome development is offset by a self-defense class, which was… er.. Interesting.
Although this is a short story, it is fully developed with the gentle message that life can change on a dime. Even though small town life moves at a much slower pace, the crimes are mostly non-violent and easy to control, even small town law enforcement will have to face a dangerous or life threatening situation, sooner or later.
Teague will find his experiences in Houston on his mind again when he must use his sharpest skills right here in Bartell County, Georgia. So, this story has a little bit of a bite to it, but it is also really sweet, and funny, with an ending that had me whooping and cheering, but a little misty eyed too.
One unique thing to note about this novella, is the really cool feature called PYP, (Pick your own Passion), which includes a steamy love scene and a sweet scene, so that readers can enjoy the book according to their comfort level, or for what mood you happen to be in at the time. I like this idea and thank the authors for thinking of it.
The story is well written with a wonderful cast of characters that will have you wishing for more.
Overall, this was a very charming contemporary romance filled with humor, the joys and pains of relationships and small town living. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in this series!
4.5 stars
This book a novella length story in the Granny series featuring Jenny and Teague.
When Teague learns he could have a little competition for his job as sheriff, it shakes him out of his complacency, which is fine, but it also puts a kink in Jenny’s long term plans, which creates a painful distance between them.
Will they be able to compromise or is their future in jeopardy?
At first it was a little comical when Teague realized he had some competition for his job. His ego is further bruised when Jenny buys a house without checking with him first. But, his attitude throws cold water all over their hot as fire relationship, creating some angst and tension between them. But, this troublesome development is offset by a self-defense class, which was… er.. Interesting.
Although this is a short story, it is fully developed with the gentle message that life can change on a dime. Even though small town life moves at a much slower pace, the crimes are mostly non-violent and easy to control, even small town law enforcement will have to face a dangerous or life threatening situation, sooner or later.
Teague will find his experiences in Houston on his mind again when he must use his sharpest skills right here in Bartell County, Georgia. So, this story has a little bit of a bite to it, but it is also really sweet, and funny, with an ending that had me whooping and cheering, but a little misty eyed too.
One unique thing to note about this novella, is the really cool feature called PYP, (Pick your own Passion), which includes a steamy love scene and a sweet scene, so that readers can enjoy the book according to their comfort level, or for what mood you happen to be in at the time. I like this idea and thank the authors for thinking of it.
The story is well written with a wonderful cast of characters that will have you wishing for more.
Overall, this was a very charming contemporary romance filled with humor, the joys and pains of relationships and small town living. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in this series!
4.5 stars
October 27, 2025
"Sweet Tea and Second Chances" is book seven in the "Seasoned Southern Slueths Mystery" series by Nancy Naigle and Kelsey Browning. I have been enjoying this series for the past couple of years, and this book was a sweet ending to the series. Teague is sheriff and finds out that someone is going to be running against him in the upcoming election. Now, Teague is worried about his reputation and his relationship with Jenny. He just recently got Jenny back, and if he doesn't cool down a little, he might not be with her for long. My favorite scene happens between Teague, Jenny, and Jenny's son, Grayson. It was such a cute scene and made me smile. I enjoyed the scene where Teague had to overcome a fear of his also. Nancy and Kelsey have done such a great job writing this series together.
January 6, 2016
I so enjoyed reading another story featuring Teague and Jenny! You can feel the love they have for each other and Jenny's son Grayson just pouring off the pages.
In this novella, Teague learns someone is running against him for sheriff in the next election and it throws him for a loop. He worries about what it will mean in regards to his relationship with Jenny should he lose the election. Jenny does something without first conferring with Teague and it comes between them.
The authors certainly know how to make a smooth transition in writing their different parts. I couldn't tell who wrote which part. Very seamless.
I can't wait to read more about this young couple and all their friends and family.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this novella, Teague learns someone is running against him for sheriff in the next election and it throws him for a loop. He worries about what it will mean in regards to his relationship with Jenny should he lose the election. Jenny does something without first conferring with Teague and it comes between them.
The authors certainly know how to make a smooth transition in writing their different parts. I couldn't tell who wrote which part. Very seamless.
I can't wait to read more about this young couple and all their friends and family.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2016
This book is a sequel to Always on My Mind. But you need not to worry , it is a standalone and you can easily follow the storyline.
It continues the story of Teague and Jenny. He is a sheriff in a small town and she is a wealthy divorcee with a young boy . They had been sweethearts , had a falling out , but after years they are back together. Like any couple , disagreements occur but their love prevails.
Jenny is put in danger during a hostage situation and makes her realize the importance of Teague's dedication.
But the story is really about love, trust, redemption and loyalty. Read the book, you will certainly enjoy it and want to hear more about this couple and their town.
It continues the story of Teague and Jenny. He is a sheriff in a small town and she is a wealthy divorcee with a young boy . They had been sweethearts , had a falling out , but after years they are back together. Like any couple , disagreements occur but their love prevails.
Jenny is put in danger during a hostage situation and makes her realize the importance of Teague's dedication.
But the story is really about love, trust, redemption and loyalty. Read the book, you will certainly enjoy it and want to hear more about this couple and their town.
February 4, 2016
This is another wonderful corroboration between Ms. Browning and Ms. Naigle. It is well written and so seamlessly done that you wouldn't think it was written by two authors. Once again, this includes the Pick Your Passion option for a few scenes.
ARC received from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2022
This is listed as the last book in the series, but chronologically it takes place between books 3 and 4 (according to the list provided by the authors) so I decided to follow the order of events. This is another book focusing on Sheriff Teague Castro and Abby Ruth’s daughter Jenny. Apparently, the book is a lot spicier than the books about the four ladies at Summer Haven, but the truly spicy stuff has been taken out and made available on the authors’ website. In this installment, Teague is determined to make things right with Jenny and create a happily-ever-after for them both. But residents are worried that he’s too distracted with his love life to do a good job as sheriff, and a retired cop who’s new in town is fast becoming a popular alternative for the upcoming election. Jenny and the ladies have a few tricks up their sleeves, but in a true crisis, Teague shows the town what he’s really made of.
August 20, 2025
Sweet and a bit risque
This little 2 book series with Teague and Jenny was just similar enough as the original with Lil, Maggie, Abby Ruth, and Sera for me to feel at home, but it had some spicy kicks too. Cute!
Hopefully more books will be added to the original series. I'd love to read more with the four over-fifty ladies - their story isn't done yet. 😁
This little 2 book series with Teague and Jenny was just similar enough as the original with Lil, Maggie, Abby Ruth, and Sera for me to feel at home, but it had some spicy kicks too. Cute!
Hopefully more books will be added to the original series. I'd love to read more with the four over-fifty ladies - their story isn't done yet. 😁
January 12, 2018
Teague doesn't like Jenny's house surprise when he is trying to get re-elected. But a crisis brings everything to a head.
August 23, 2022
This was a fun book to read.
February 6, 2016
Come a Little Closer (3.5) is a novella in the Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle Granny series. This is the continuation of the Teague and Jenny romance. When Teague finds out that he will not be running unopposed in the upcoming election for sheriff, he is so taken off-guard that he doesn’t know why until he overhears his constituents saying they think he isn’t devoted to his job because he is too busy with Jenny. Teague is so fearful that he will lose his job and have to leave town that he figures he and Jenny need to slow things down. After Teague is more than just irritable with Jenny, she finds out why he is acting the way he is and calls in the Grannies to help figure out what his chance of reelection are and what they can do to help. You know that when the Grannies are involved anything can and will happen. You just can’t help laugh or shake your head at their antics. Even though this is a novella, I think the characters and story are fully developed so the readers are not left short changed. We are even given a further glimpse into what happened to Teague as a former hostage negotiator. This is such a fun series and the writing is so seamless that Ms. Browning and Ms. Naigle seem to write as one.
A “pick your passion” feature is a fantastic option that allows readers to select how tame or hot they want their read to be. This is such a great idea because it reaches a larger audience since the readers decide how hot or mild they want their read to be. This is such a fun book and series that can be enjoyed by all.
*** I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review that is my own. ***
A “pick your passion” feature is a fantastic option that allows readers to select how tame or hot they want their read to be. This is such a great idea because it reaches a larger audience since the readers decide how hot or mild they want their read to be. This is such a fun book and series that can be enjoyed by all.
*** I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review that is my own. ***
February 1, 2016
Come a Little Closer: A Jenny and Teague Novella (Granny Series) by Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle. This novella can stand alone, but I recommend that you read the first one, Always on My Mind for some valuable background information.
One of the unique features of the Jenny and Teague stories is the Pick Your Passion level.
You can choose Sweet or Heat, depending on your own mood and temperament. I chose "Heat" and it didn't disappoint!
Jenny and Teague have great chemistry and they each are strong willed and strong minded. Teague is a Sheriff in the small town of Summer Shoals. Jenny is divorced, has left Boston, and is now living here with her son and mother. Teague is running for reelection and finds out that he has an opponent who is saying that he may be distracted with Jenny in town, since they have reunited. Jenny sells her Boston condo and buys a house that she thinks might work for her, her son, and Teague. Sheriff Teague is worried that the expensive house is above his means and that he should not be depending on Jenny and her wealth. Teague is a grumpy and typical Alpha male regarding the house and his reelection.
There are many wonderful scenes in this short story and a major development that I won't spoil brought me to tears at its conclusion. The secondary characters in this story are well developed and contribute to the main story in important sub-storylines.
The dialogue is sharp and the humor is laugh out loud funny. I couldn't put this story down until I read the last sentence.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of the unique features of the Jenny and Teague stories is the Pick Your Passion level.
You can choose Sweet or Heat, depending on your own mood and temperament. I chose "Heat" and it didn't disappoint!
Jenny and Teague have great chemistry and they each are strong willed and strong minded. Teague is a Sheriff in the small town of Summer Shoals. Jenny is divorced, has left Boston, and is now living here with her son and mother. Teague is running for reelection and finds out that he has an opponent who is saying that he may be distracted with Jenny in town, since they have reunited. Jenny sells her Boston condo and buys a house that she thinks might work for her, her son, and Teague. Sheriff Teague is worried that the expensive house is above his means and that he should not be depending on Jenny and her wealth. Teague is a grumpy and typical Alpha male regarding the house and his reelection.
There are many wonderful scenes in this short story and a major development that I won't spoil brought me to tears at its conclusion. The secondary characters in this story are well developed and contribute to the main story in important sub-storylines.
The dialogue is sharp and the humor is laugh out loud funny. I couldn't put this story down until I read the last sentence.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2016
This is a wonderful story about Teague the local sheriff and Jenny an old love that has returned to town after a divorce.
Sheriff Teague is having a rough time of things since it is election year and this election a new comer has decided to run against Teague. People are talking about the new guy running against Teague and they have Teague worried that he might not win the election.
Whispers from towns people saying he is too distracted by Jenny to do his job. Teague loves Jenny and would like to marry her, but he can't do that if he doesn't have a job.
Jenny has decided to buy a place for Grayson her son and herself to live. Jenny decides to and surprise Teague with her new place to live, so she conspires with Teagues dispatcher to have Teague sent out to the old place by telling him that someone is vandalizing it but her surprise doesnt go off as planned when Teague is not happy with her for calling him out on false report of vandals. Teague leaves a stunned and hurt Jenny and heads back to work.
Sheriff Teague gets an earful from Abby Ruth about upsetting her daughter, but when Abby Ruth hears what has had Teague so upset she decides that he needs her help.
I am not going to say any more because I do not want to give away too many spoilers, I will say that this book is well written, the characters are very well developed and the story moves along at a wonderful pace. It is a wonderful love story, with some action and a touch of suspense.
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sheriff Teague is having a rough time of things since it is election year and this election a new comer has decided to run against Teague. People are talking about the new guy running against Teague and they have Teague worried that he might not win the election.
Whispers from towns people saying he is too distracted by Jenny to do his job. Teague loves Jenny and would like to marry her, but he can't do that if he doesn't have a job.
Jenny has decided to buy a place for Grayson her son and herself to live. Jenny decides to and surprise Teague with her new place to live, so she conspires with Teagues dispatcher to have Teague sent out to the old place by telling him that someone is vandalizing it but her surprise doesnt go off as planned when Teague is not happy with her for calling him out on false report of vandals. Teague leaves a stunned and hurt Jenny and heads back to work.
Sheriff Teague gets an earful from Abby Ruth about upsetting her daughter, but when Abby Ruth hears what has had Teague so upset she decides that he needs her help.
I am not going to say any more because I do not want to give away too many spoilers, I will say that this book is well written, the characters are very well developed and the story moves along at a wonderful pace. It is a wonderful love story, with some action and a touch of suspense.
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2016
Come a Little Closer is a fast, engaging read. I read this novella as a stand alone, but was able to follow along without any difficulties. I enjoyed how much happened in the story even though it was shorter in length. I also enjoyed being able to pick my passion portion. Since I received an ARC, I was able to read both the heat and sweet versions of the story. The heat version brings some spice to the story, I loved the scene and the passion between Teague and Jenny. The sweet version also highlighted the chemistry between Teague and Jenny but doesn't go into the steamy details.
The story line, the insecurities Teague is dealing with within his job, the insecurity he's dealing with within his relationship with Jenny, the action and the antics of the women of Summer Haven all wraps together to bring the reader into their world. I loved the small town feel of the story and typical behaviors of small town residents.
There was much to enjoy in this short story and it's a quick read. Definitely worth the read!
The story line, the insecurities Teague is dealing with within his job, the insecurity he's dealing with within his relationship with Jenny, the action and the antics of the women of Summer Haven all wraps together to bring the reader into their world. I loved the small town feel of the story and typical behaviors of small town residents.
There was much to enjoy in this short story and it's a quick read. Definitely worth the read!
January 23, 2016
This was a fantastic short story, and it was very cool that you can pick your passion level. The story was very interesting and entertaining. Everything I love in Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle's books can be found in this short story. The sweet Southern charm, the witty humor, and the wonderful characters all come together for a great read. It was fun seeing Teague dealing with all kinds of different situations. The Grannies always make everything even better. I absolutely love them. My favorite part about this story is definitely the strong connection between Teague and Jenny. They are such a perfect couple, and written very well. If you are looking for a quick and marvelous read with some excitement this is one you should check out. Maybe even check it out to try out the pick your passion. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2016
Great Book!
This is a great book; this book is part of the Granny series by Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle. This series is one of my favorites! This book can be read as a standalone but once you read it you will want to go back and read the other books. Teague Castro is the sheriff of Bartell County, Georgia. When he finds out that someone is running against him for sheriff has thrown him for a loop. When Jenny buys an expensive house without talking to him it bruises his ego even worse. Then throw in the granny’s and you have the perfect story. I am looking forward to the next book in this awesome series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book; this book is part of the Granny series by Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle. This series is one of my favorites! This book can be read as a standalone but once you read it you will want to go back and read the other books. Teague Castro is the sheriff of Bartell County, Georgia. When he finds out that someone is running against him for sheriff has thrown him for a loop. When Jenny buys an expensive house without talking to him it bruises his ego even worse. Then throw in the granny’s and you have the perfect story. I am looking forward to the next book in this awesome series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
January 27, 2016
I received a copy of this book in return for leaving an honest review.
I absolutely love Jenny and Teague and the Grannies. As always with these stories I was sad when the story ended. I need more! And once again this story proved there is no problem to big or small for this group. Well that and there are definitely different ways to solve said problems. One thing I loved about Come a Little Closer was that I went from saying awe Teague is so sweet to wanting to thump him right in the middle of his forehead to being a big swooning puddle. And just like the other books that involve this gang, it is going on my rereadable list
I absolutely love Jenny and Teague and the Grannies. As always with these stories I was sad when the story ended. I need more! And once again this story proved there is no problem to big or small for this group. Well that and there are definitely different ways to solve said problems. One thing I loved about Come a Little Closer was that I went from saying awe Teague is so sweet to wanting to thump him right in the middle of his forehead to being a big swooning puddle. And just like the other books that involve this gang, it is going on my rereadable list
February 9, 2016
I absolutely loved this sweet and humorous love story. It was great fast read. This story of the continued story of Teague and Jenny. Teague struggles through insecurities dealing with his re-election and having someone actually run against him. Jenny also dealing with her insecurities when Teague start to act differently. I loved the Pick your passion level. The characters are very entertaining and you fall in love with the Grannies. Kelsey and Nancy did an amazing job and did not disappoint. Received copy for honest review
January 20, 2016
LOVE this series ( well this is a spin off novella of the Granny series ) Teague & Jenny love each other but sometimes they get in their own way , but what a ride . The friendships and shenanigans ,. You will LOL and you will want to cry and hug someone . The lengths these 2 ( 3 with Grayson Jenny's son ) will warm you heart and if you don't have this in your relationship you will wish you did . DON'T start here tho start at the beggining of the Granny series ! You will not be disappointed .
March 11, 2020
This is a wonderful continuation of the Teague and Jenny romance.
Teague is running for Sheriff and a new comer is running against him.
Jenny buys an expensive home for her and her son Grayson without talking to Teague.
Bruised ego, elections and some Abby Ruth, you know your in for a really good story.
Teague is running for Sheriff and a new comer is running against him.
Jenny buys an expensive home for her and her son Grayson without talking to Teague.
Bruised ego, elections and some Abby Ruth, you know your in for a really good story.
February 3, 2016
Enjoyed
I loved getting to read more on Teague and Jenny's romance. While the book was good and enjoyable as Teague is running for reelection as Sheriff, there is some drama in this one too. The ladies know how to write these novellas.
I loved getting to read more on Teague and Jenny's romance. While the book was good and enjoyable as Teague is running for reelection as Sheriff, there is some drama in this one too. The ladies know how to write these novellas.
January 20, 2016
Loved this novella!! It was short and sweet yet there was a lot of depth...kept me hooked from start to finish!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews