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Licking Thicket #0.5
Flakes
Colin’s Do’s and Don’ts for a Happy New Year:
1. Do not develop a crush on your archnemesis, contractor Ryder Richards.
2. Do finish remodeling the heinous mega-mansion with him well before the first snowflakes fall on New Year’s Eve.
3. Do not notice that he's still the hottest man in Licking Thicket.
4. Do not let that gorgeous man provoke you.
5. Do not let his provocation distract you.
6. Do not let your distraction leave you stranded at the house with him during a blizzard.
7. Dear heavens, do not let him crack open the moonshine and light a fire.
8. Do not play drunken truth or dare with him.
9. And for gravy’s sake, do not let yourself fall in love.
10. But if you do… Don't be surprised if this is the happiest year ever.
1. Do not develop a crush on your archnemesis, contractor Ryder Richards.
2. Do finish remodeling the heinous mega-mansion with him well before the first snowflakes fall on New Year’s Eve.
3. Do not notice that he's still the hottest man in Licking Thicket.
4. Do not let that gorgeous man provoke you.
5. Do not let his provocation distract you.
6. Do not let your distraction leave you stranded at the house with him during a blizzard.
7. Dear heavens, do not let him crack open the moonshine and light a fire.
8. Do not play drunken truth or dare with him.
9. And for gravy’s sake, do not let yourself fall in love.
10. But if you do… Don't be surprised if this is the happiest year ever.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
348 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
94 books4,394 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
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January 19, 2021
Flakes is book #0.5 in the Licking Thicket series by Lucy Lennox and May Archer. I’ll admit that I have already read the first two books in the Licking Thicket series and fell madly in love with them. So it was a given that I would want to jump back and read this prequel. This is a super sweet, hot, novella about two men who have been secretly falling for each other for years.
Ryder Richards owns his own contracting business, Richards Renovations. Colin Kearns is a lead designer and has high hopes of becoming a future partner for Marvel Interiors. Ryder is a rough and tough motor cycle club, kind of guy. Colin is an artistic, buttoned up, prim and proper type of guy. Colin was hilarious with all his exclamations such as “Gracious gravy!”
Ryder and Colin have known each other for three years. They always seem to be working together on jobs, Colin designing and Ryder building. There isn’t a day that goes by that they don’t argue, fuss or just generally aggravate each other in one way or another. There also isn’t a day that goes by that they both don’t secretly lust after one another.
It’s New Year’s Eve. A big storm is coming in and Ryder and Colin are on a last minute time crunch to complete a ridiculous pink renovation for a difficult client. Ryder has promised himself that he wouldn’t close out this year without finally telling Colin how he feels.
This was so sweet, and oh so steamy. It was a quick read and if I hadn’t already read the first two books in the series, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to resist. This series is so much fun. These two authors writing together is pure magic. If you haven’t started this series, then pick this up and be prepared to go right on into the first book, Fakers. You are going to love visiting these zany characters of Licking Thicket, Tennessee!
“How did I get so lucky? Surely this was some kind of New Year’s dream?”
Ryder Richards owns his own contracting business, Richards Renovations. Colin Kearns is a lead designer and has high hopes of becoming a future partner for Marvel Interiors. Ryder is a rough and tough motor cycle club, kind of guy. Colin is an artistic, buttoned up, prim and proper type of guy. Colin was hilarious with all his exclamations such as “Gracious gravy!”
Ryder and Colin have known each other for three years. They always seem to be working together on jobs, Colin designing and Ryder building. There isn’t a day that goes by that they don’t argue, fuss or just generally aggravate each other in one way or another. There also isn’t a day that goes by that they both don’t secretly lust after one another.
It’s New Year’s Eve. A big storm is coming in and Ryder and Colin are on a last minute time crunch to complete a ridiculous pink renovation for a difficult client. Ryder has promised himself that he wouldn’t close out this year without finally telling Colin how he feels.
This was so sweet, and oh so steamy. It was a quick read and if I hadn’t already read the first two books in the series, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to resist. This series is so much fun. These two authors writing together is pure magic. If you haven’t started this series, then pick this up and be prepared to go right on into the first book, Fakers. You are going to love visiting these zany characters of Licking Thicket, Tennessee!
“How did I get so lucky? Surely this was some kind of New Year’s dream?”
January 10, 2021
Ehhh. Kind of insta-lovey and insta-sexy, so not a ton of feels, for me at least.
My favorite part was actually the epilogue, which took place 5 years after Colin and Ryder had gotten together
It also happened to coincide with the first Licking Thicket festival from book 1, where Brooks and Malachi started getting together, so that was a lot of fun to see from a slightly different perspective.
Instead of this being a prequel for book 1, I'd say it feels more like a prequel and setup for book 3. At least, that would be my preferred reading order. : )
At around 3.25 stars, this free story made a nice filler read.
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January 7, 2021
~3.5~
I've been curious about Colin and Ryder's story. In the other Licking Thicket books, they are the perfect happy couple, doting on their daughter, Sadie.
This novella begins when Colin and Ryder have worked together (Colin is an interior designer, while Ryder is a contractor) for three years. They banter and get a little snippy with each other, but it's a love/hate kind of thing.
Actually, scratch that, the hate is all pretend. Colin keeps his guard up because he doesn't want to jeopardize his career by sleeping with someone he's also working with. But on New Year's Eve, Ryder is having none of that. He kisses Colin, and then it's hot sex, declarations of love, future plans, and forever promises.
I don't mind me some insta love, but three years of sniffing around each other at work does not a relationship make. That kind of proximity can create attraction and interest, sure. But asking someone to move in with you a few hours after you proclaim your feelings? That's a little much even for me.
Still, I can't complain too much because this story is so damn adorbs, and we get an epilogue set five years later (which overlaps with the beginning of book 1). I LOVE this series, so I'm rounding up.
I've been curious about Colin and Ryder's story. In the other Licking Thicket books, they are the perfect happy couple, doting on their daughter, Sadie.
This novella begins when Colin and Ryder have worked together (Colin is an interior designer, while Ryder is a contractor) for three years. They banter and get a little snippy with each other, but it's a love/hate kind of thing.
Actually, scratch that, the hate is all pretend. Colin keeps his guard up because he doesn't want to jeopardize his career by sleeping with someone he's also working with. But on New Year's Eve, Ryder is having none of that. He kisses Colin, and then it's hot sex, declarations of love, future plans, and forever promises.
I don't mind me some insta love, but three years of sniffing around each other at work does not a relationship make. That kind of proximity can create attraction and interest, sure. But asking someone to move in with you a few hours after you proclaim your feelings? That's a little much even for me.
Still, I can't complain too much because this story is so damn adorbs, and we get an epilogue set five years later (which overlaps with the beginning of book 1). I LOVE this series, so I'm rounding up.
January 11, 2021
Man. I really wanted to like this one.
But those I Love You's literally came out of no where.
Not enough build up and back story to make it even remotely believable.
I totally would have read a full length story about these two.
But those I Love You's literally came out of no where.
Not enough build up and back story to make it even remotely believable.
I totally would have read a full length story about these two.
August 14, 2022
I had a 'whoopsie' moment and read this one out of order. *shakes head*
That is something that I just...don't do.
BUT! I'm so glad I read this sweet sticky treat.
It's very short. And very insta. Well, technically it's insta but they've been pining and lusting and aggravating each other for 3 years.
But once the kisses start, they don't stop.
I loved Ryder. He's Collin's complete opposite. And has a few years on him. But underneath all his ink and muscles, he's a marshmallow.
I loved Collin too. His granny's sayings made me chuckle every time. I loved his professional dedication and his hidden wicked side.
Put them together, and you have one adorable couple.
And this was a great way to meet this crazy town too.
Highly recommend...even if you've already read the others!!
*4 gimmie-more stars*
That is something that I just...don't do.
BUT! I'm so glad I read this sweet sticky treat.
It's very short. And very insta. Well, technically it's insta but they've been pining and lusting and aggravating each other for 3 years.
But once the kisses start, they don't stop.
I loved Ryder. He's Collin's complete opposite. And has a few years on him. But underneath all his ink and muscles, he's a marshmallow.
I loved Collin too. His granny's sayings made me chuckle every time. I loved his professional dedication and his hidden wicked side.
Put them together, and you have one adorable couple.
And this was a great way to meet this crazy town too.
Highly recommend...even if you've already read the others!!
*4 gimmie-more stars*
January 5, 2021
3.5 stars rounded down
Overall, a pretty cute and sweet prequel to this entertaining series. After the first two books in this series, I was interested to know how the sweet couple, Ryder and Colin, got together exactly.
In the full length novels, they've been married for five years, so this goes back aways to tell their story.
I get that this is a short story and not a lot of time can be spent on the foundation of the relationship, but I still think this one could have been better.
I was actually quite enjoying these two, and a good portion of this short story is pretty good and sexy and sweet.
But then these two just went way too fast. Like too fast for even fast couples lol. I know they've known each other for 3 years at the start of this, but they've spent that time thinking the other didn't like them, and snarking at each other whenever they were around each other. I don't quite get how that translates to love right away? (Seriously, )
And I'm just sitting here going...HUH? That is LIGHTENING fast, sorry. I don't care that they knew each other for 3 years, it's not like they were together for 3 years. They've just learned that the other actually wants them back, and already the L word comes into play? It was just too much for me. So I had to round down to 3 stars for this.
I mean, there's fast and then there's these two lol.
That doesn't detract from the other good parts of this, all that happens before the lightening fast progression, hence giving this 3.5 stars instead of lower. But for me, it was just a little too fast, so fast it was ridiculous, imo, to round up with this.
This is still worth the read, as the majority of it is sweet and funny and sexy, but yeah...just be aware of them going lightening fast at the end.
I still recommend it, especially if you're a fan of this series and were curious about these two.
Overall, a pretty cute and sweet prequel to this entertaining series. After the first two books in this series, I was interested to know how the sweet couple, Ryder and Colin, got together exactly.
In the full length novels, they've been married for five years, so this goes back aways to tell their story.
I get that this is a short story and not a lot of time can be spent on the foundation of the relationship, but I still think this one could have been better.
I was actually quite enjoying these two, and a good portion of this short story is pretty good and sexy and sweet.
But then these two just went way too fast. Like too fast for even fast couples lol. I know they've known each other for 3 years at the start of this, but they've spent that time thinking the other didn't like them, and snarking at each other whenever they were around each other. I don't quite get how that translates to love right away? (Seriously, )
And I'm just sitting here going...HUH? That is LIGHTENING fast, sorry. I don't care that they knew each other for 3 years, it's not like they were together for 3 years. They've just learned that the other actually wants them back, and already the L word comes into play? It was just too much for me. So I had to round down to 3 stars for this.
I mean, there's fast and then there's these two lol.
That doesn't detract from the other good parts of this, all that happens before the lightening fast progression, hence giving this 3.5 stars instead of lower. But for me, it was just a little too fast, so fast it was ridiculous, imo, to round up with this.
This is still worth the read, as the majority of it is sweet and funny and sexy, but yeah...just be aware of them going lightening fast at the end.
I still recommend it, especially if you're a fan of this series and were curious about these two.
Read
September 22, 2022No rating, less than 100 pages and ehh alright but forgettable. I didn’t really like Colin but Ryder was alright haha
Epilogue was cute though haha
Epilogue was cute though haha
January 11, 2021
I don't know what happened here. Colin's voice was super annoying and all of a sudden they were in love
January 2, 2021
DNF @ 50%. Colin is a lot to take.
July 1, 2022
A fantastic read. I laughed from the first page. Colin and his sayings were just too cute and funny. Loved how Ryder loved him. Not sure if the other books will live up to this first one, but will give them a go.
January 7, 2021
Utterly delightful, this prequel to the hilarious Licking Thicket series is set quite a few years before the events of book one.
It gives the reader the romance between Colin and Ryder, who are married with an adopted daughter at the start of Fakers.
Steamy, and also incredibly sweet, it's just a joyful read and a perfectly entertaining tale if two people finally being honest enough to admit their feelings.
There's also axwee sneak peek for book three, which is out in February and for which I'm stupidly excited 😁
It gives the reader the romance between Colin and Ryder, who are married with an adopted daughter at the start of Fakers.
Steamy, and also incredibly sweet, it's just a joyful read and a perfectly entertaining tale if two people finally being honest enough to admit their feelings.
There's also axwee sneak peek for book three, which is out in February and for which I'm stupidly excited 😁
April 24, 2021
Short, sweet intro to what looks like fun series. Very quick moving, but the MCs have know each other for years and that helped. Well narrated by Michael Dean.
March 19, 2021
This was a cute little short story to introduce the Licking Thicket series. I liked Colin and Ryder together.. they started off as a sort of enemies-to-lovers vibe at first but it was only for show. They actually both liked each other for a few years but they both just stood in their own way.
So this had a bit of forced proximity due to some bad weather, some “truth or shot” shenanigans, and some pretty deep feelings revealed all in one night. It was cute and I loved the epilogue. It introduced the characters in the next books and now I’m intrigued.
3.75⭐️
POV: Dual 1st person
So this had a bit of forced proximity due to some bad weather, some “truth or shot” shenanigans, and some pretty deep feelings revealed all in one night. It was cute and I loved the epilogue. It introduced the characters in the next books and now I’m intrigued.
3.75⭐️
POV: Dual 1st person
January 11, 2021
Since these characters are in forced isolation because of a snowstorm, we don't get the full Licking Thicket experience, but in this case, I think it's a good thing because those people are ramblers and would have taken up all the space in this short side story. There was just enough of the main series canon to know where I was, but not overwhelming. I enjoyed watching Colin and Ryder dance around each other and finally come together - pun intended. I hope we see them again in future installments!
January 3, 2021
I love the Licking Thicket books so it was interesting to go back in time and see how interior designer, Colin Kearnes, and construction owner, Ryder Richards got together since they make such an unlikely couple.
Colin is straight-laced, persnickety, sarcastic, and does not mix business with pleasure (at least not anymore). Ryder is a big, burly, broody carpenter and MC member. They are total opposites and have worked with and against each other for three years. They push, taunt, and try each other's patience.
But one snowy night changes everything...
These two are so much fun! I enjoyed their snappy rapport and how clueless they were. But they also balanced each other well. The epilogue is a fun lead in to the Licking Thicket series. I cannot wait for Fools next!
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Colin is straight-laced, persnickety, sarcastic, and does not mix business with pleasure (at least not anymore). Ryder is a big, burly, broody carpenter and MC member. They are total opposites and have worked with and against each other for three years. They push, taunt, and try each other's patience.
But one snowy night changes everything...
These two are so much fun! I enjoyed their snappy rapport and how clueless they were. But they also balanced each other well. The epilogue is a fun lead in to the Licking Thicket series. I cannot wait for Fools next!
January 2, 2021
Short but sweet. I love the stories of Licking Thicket. This novella was a prequel to the other books. I can’t wait to read the next book in February.
May 24, 2021
Thankfully this wasn't as crazy, over the top as some of the other books in this series.
April 10, 2021
The plot?
We start this story in the mind of two horny men and although they start speaking and suddenly confessing to each other is only sex and a lot inner dialogues. Boring.
We start this story in the mind of two horny men and although they start speaking and suddenly confessing to each other is only sex and a lot inner dialogues. Boring.
January 9, 2021
3,5 stars
Nice short story in the Lickin' universe. I enjoyed the couple but I would have loved to see not only 5 years later but also a bit of the morning or the short time afterwards
Nice short story in the Lickin' universe. I enjoyed the couple but I would have loved to see not only 5 years later but also a bit of the morning or the short time afterwards
June 29, 2022
I actually kinda liked this enemies to lovers story more than I thought I would. It was a great little holiday story of two guys who've hidden their attraction from one another until one night and a snowstorm throws them together with no escape. Despite being opposite sides of a coin, these two seemed to suit each other really well for all that this was a quick short. It was easier to believe the feelings they shared since the history was so clear between them. It all just came bubbling up when they were finally trapped together. I have a feeling Licking Thicket is going to be a fun time in the future.
January 28, 2021
2.5
By now I knew what to expect with these shorts, but this one could really benefit with some editing.
Really repetitive in places as well some continuity issues, and a mix up with the POVs at one point.
However, I still had my fun with it. I love these fictional towns, and getting to see glimpses of other characters we already know - even if just in the Epilogue, and rightly so, since this is very short and the majority of it should be and is focused on Colin and Ryder.
On the other hand, this did feel very rushed. I hate page limitations and really wish this had at least 100 pages more, just so it didn't feel so insta-everything.
At the end of the day, if you enjoy any of the forays into the Thicket, you'll probably enjoy this one.
By now I knew what to expect with these shorts, but this one could really benefit with some editing.
Really repetitive in places as well some continuity issues, and a mix up with the POVs at one point.
However, I still had my fun with it. I love these fictional towns, and getting to see glimpses of other characters we already know - even if just in the Epilogue, and rightly so, since this is very short and the majority of it should be and is focused on Colin and Ryder.
On the other hand, this did feel very rushed. I hate page limitations and really wish this had at least 100 pages more, just so it didn't feel so insta-everything.
At the end of the day, if you enjoy any of the forays into the Thicket, you'll probably enjoy this one.
November 21, 2021
Better than most novellas, this was a perfect cherry on top of the sweet sundae that was this series. Though it was meant to be a prequel, I read it after the trilogy. I think this way was preferable as characters from the other books were featured in the epilogue. Normally I’m not much for the instalove trope, but it somehow worked here. Not enough to be my favorite of the series, but it was good nonetheless.
February 13, 2021
Work frenemies turned ooey gooey insta-lovers by New Years Eve storm. The schmaltz is real, friends.
April 12, 2021
They've argued, made faces, snapped at each other for a long time now. Ryder runs his construction company, and he's a biker, long dark hair, blue-green eyes and a tool belt.
Designer, Colin, with brown skin and eyes, is a lean, tidy, funny, never swears, and is a cutie.
It's New Year's Eve, why hasn't Ryder finished yet ? He sent the crew home.
After more snark, Colin is being kissed by Ryder, wow, wildness and wanton behavior.
Their stories are told, fears and issues come out, serious feelings and more fun, with peach moonshine.
Hot sex and breath-taking emotions. Best New Year's Eve !
I liked the men in this novella, very cute.
ENJOY !
=====
Designer, Colin, with brown skin and eyes, is a lean, tidy, funny, never swears, and is a cutie.
It's New Year's Eve, why hasn't Ryder finished yet ? He sent the crew home.
After more snark, Colin is being kissed by Ryder, wow, wildness and wanton behavior.
Their stories are told, fears and issues come out, serious feelings and more fun, with peach moonshine.
Hot sex and breath-taking emotions. Best New Year's Eve !
I liked the men in this novella, very cute.
ENJOY !
=====
dnf
January 3, 2021Lucy Lennox books are a hit/miss for me, but I decided to try it out because of the cover. The 1st half was ok, but then the story got tiring.
January 7, 2021
Free on Prolific Works now through January 10th, 2021.
Thanks to Lucy Lennox for taking us back to the Thicket!
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/6...
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because it is Licking Thicket!!
This story was perfectly cute in all the ways that matter. Ryder and Colin both gave me the giggles at different times and with the way this story was written it was as if we just got to the good stuff on a enemies to lovers romance. I didn't hate it. Seriously looking forward to the third installment of the boys of Licking Thicket.
Thanks to Lucy Lennox for taking us back to the Thicket!
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/6...
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because it is Licking Thicket!!
This story was perfectly cute in all the ways that matter. Ryder and Colin both gave me the giggles at different times and with the way this story was written it was as if we just got to the good stuff on a enemies to lovers romance. I didn't hate it. Seriously looking forward to the third installment of the boys of Licking Thicket.
June 24, 2024
I thought this was turning into a pretty good novella until the 'I'm in love with you' came out after 3 hours of being together. Oh and also the move in with me and I'll front all the costs and go into business with you.
Yeah this was WAY to instalove for me. Completely over the top. This one needed to be well over 100 pages to make all that work in my opinion.
Yeah this was WAY to instalove for me. Completely over the top. This one needed to be well over 100 pages to make all that work in my opinion.
January 25, 2021
DNF 53% meh
December 7, 2025
this was so hot and so romantic -- so romantically hot🥵😍
RTC
RTC
January 1, 2026
This was a cute little New Years novella that I actually read on New Year's eve. Sweet and sexy and totally wholesome at the end.
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