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Cocoa for Two
Former 1st Sergeant Adam Barkley knows the value of brotherhood and how hard it can be to go home after leaving the military. He's determined to adopt a community willing to welcome veterans with no other place to go.
…He knows in his gut this is his new mission.
As the proud new owner of a hardware store in the small town of Awesome, everything was going as planned until the remodel contract he’d signed with kindhearted Grandma Rose develops a speed bump.
Now, he's dealing with her very attractive granddaughter Brie Dresser. Worse? She's a procrastinator, a thinker, and a flighty travel blogger with no intention of staying in town.
But when Adam looks at her, he sees glimpses of what she’s trying to hide – pain, secrets, a past – things he’s all too familiar with.
…Adam is used to building things that last, but Brie's worried about forever.
…He knows in his gut this is his new mission.
As the proud new owner of a hardware store in the small town of Awesome, everything was going as planned until the remodel contract he’d signed with kindhearted Grandma Rose develops a speed bump.
Now, he's dealing with her very attractive granddaughter Brie Dresser. Worse? She's a procrastinator, a thinker, and a flighty travel blogger with no intention of staying in town.
But when Adam looks at her, he sees glimpses of what she’s trying to hide – pain, secrets, a past – things he’s all too familiar with.
…Adam is used to building things that last, but Brie's worried about forever.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
14 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Shelton
11 books196 followersWriting a shot of suspense or a splash of romance -- What's next?
Best selling author Claudia Shelton is known for her suspense action-adventure books and contemporary romance. Her series include The Agent’s Legacy, Nature’s Crossing, Shades of Leverage and PCS Hometown: Awesome. Her books are available in e-book, paperback and audiobooks, with hardcovers and translations in the works.
Don't be surprised to hear she's taken on a new pen name to write a new series! Think 2027 for that debut.
On a personal note, Claudia is a nature and music lover, a traveler and water person, with life goals of making moments to remember. Her main priority is spending time with family, friends and her two sweet, conniving rescue dogs, Daisy and Abby.
Website:
http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaShelt...
Newsletter:
http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiashel...
TikTok:
@claudiasheltonauthor
Best selling author Claudia Shelton is known for her suspense action-adventure books and contemporary romance. Her series include The Agent’s Legacy, Nature’s Crossing, Shades of Leverage and PCS Hometown: Awesome. Her books are available in e-book, paperback and audiobooks, with hardcovers and translations in the works.
Don't be surprised to hear she's taken on a new pen name to write a new series! Think 2027 for that debut.
On a personal note, Claudia is a nature and music lover, a traveler and water person, with life goals of making moments to remember. Her main priority is spending time with family, friends and her two sweet, conniving rescue dogs, Daisy and Abby.
Website:
http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaShelt...
Newsletter:
http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiashel...
TikTok:
@claudiasheltonauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 29, 2021
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This was a great book to read around Christmas time. It was a sweet and fun romance. The characters were very likable, especially Adam. He was the perfect romantic gentleman. Brie was also very likable. There’s really not a ton to say about this one, it was your typical Christmas romance. I do love the cover with the two red cups of cocoa (a sweet part of the book). Overall if you’re looking for a quick read to put you in the Christmas spirit, I would absolutely recommend this one. I noticed it’s the first in a series…I would love to see the next one focus on other characters that were in the book. It kind of reminded me of Elin Hilderbrand’s winter series which was one of my favorites.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2021
A small town Christmas story with lots of wonderful characters, and a sweet romance in the making.
Awesome, Missouri is know for it’s wonderful Christmas displays, and it’s Holiday on the Square festival. With the town resources in jeopardy, a local veteran and his band of brothers have teamed up with the locals to make this festival go down in history. Adam, the hardware store owner, and Brie, the granddaughter of a local legend are working together and falling in love.
No major conflicts, just a sweet Christmas story.
Awesome, Missouri is know for it’s wonderful Christmas displays, and it’s Holiday on the Square festival. With the town resources in jeopardy, a local veteran and his band of brothers have teamed up with the locals to make this festival go down in history. Adam, the hardware store owner, and Brie, the granddaughter of a local legend are working together and falling in love.
No major conflicts, just a sweet Christmas story.
June 21, 2025
Cocoa for Two was a quick, enjoyable read. The characters were relatable (all of them). I really liked Adam, but thought Brie could be a little flighty at times. Claudia Shelton captured the differences in Adam's and Brie's personalities perfectly. A nice Christmas story that you can read any time of the year when you want to feel the closeness of a small town.
December 10, 2021
Awesome romance
Won this book on Goodreads giveaway. I loved it and could not put this book down.
Brie comes back to town when her grandma died and her left her her business and house. She meets retired army veteran Adam who is fixing her house now on orders of her grandma. Read about how they fall in love. A must read!
Won this book on Goodreads giveaway. I loved it and could not put this book down.
Brie comes back to town when her grandma died and her left her her business and house. She meets retired army veteran Adam who is fixing her house now on orders of her grandma. Read about how they fall in love. A must read!
December 6, 2023
5 STARS
Great book! I loved it so much!💖 All the characters were delightful and real! A lovely Christmas story! Can't wait to read the next one!
Great book! I loved it so much!💖 All the characters were delightful and real! A lovely Christmas story! Can't wait to read the next one!
December 22, 2021
This was such a sweet Christmas story. Great characters. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 7, 2025
Adam Barkley likes things solid—houses, communities, relationships that don’t end in someone disappearing. After years of military service, he’s ready to put down roots in the town of Awesome (which is, frankly, a lot to live up to). Buying the hardware store? Step one. Turning it into a space where veterans like him can find purpose? Step two. What he didn’t account for? Brie Dresser showing up with her restless energy, her half-packed suitcase, and absolutely zero plans to stay.
Brie’s been running for years, collecting experiences instead of stability. Coming home to settle her grandmother’s estate was supposed to be a short stop, not an emotional ambush. But Adam sees her a little too clearly—he knows what it looks like when someone’s avoiding their own ghosts. She’s not looking for commitment, and he’s not interested in being another thing she leaves behind. But every time she steps into that hardware store, it gets a little harder to walk away. And every time Adam looks at her, he wonders if maybe, just maybe, she’s worth the risk.
At 4.5 stars, "Cocoa for Two" is a slow-burn, emotionally rich romance about what it means to build something real—whether it’s a home, a future, or trust in someone who scares you just by being there. The small-town setting? Vibrant, full of people who remember your childhood and aren’t afraid to bring it up at inconvenient moments. The romance? Frustrating in the best way—two people fighting their own instincts to find something worth holding onto. The heart of the story? About how healing isn’t a place—it’s a person, and sometimes, you don’t realize you’re home until someone makes you want to stay. If you love wounded heroes, emotionally unavailable heroines, and small towns that know your business before you do, grab a blanket, make some cocoa, and settle in.
Brie’s been running for years, collecting experiences instead of stability. Coming home to settle her grandmother’s estate was supposed to be a short stop, not an emotional ambush. But Adam sees her a little too clearly—he knows what it looks like when someone’s avoiding their own ghosts. She’s not looking for commitment, and he’s not interested in being another thing she leaves behind. But every time she steps into that hardware store, it gets a little harder to walk away. And every time Adam looks at her, he wonders if maybe, just maybe, she’s worth the risk.
At 4.5 stars, "Cocoa for Two" is a slow-burn, emotionally rich romance about what it means to build something real—whether it’s a home, a future, or trust in someone who scares you just by being there. The small-town setting? Vibrant, full of people who remember your childhood and aren’t afraid to bring it up at inconvenient moments. The romance? Frustrating in the best way—two people fighting their own instincts to find something worth holding onto. The heart of the story? About how healing isn’t a place—it’s a person, and sometimes, you don’t realize you’re home until someone makes you want to stay. If you love wounded heroes, emotionally unavailable heroines, and small towns that know your business before you do, grab a blanket, make some cocoa, and settle in.
December 2, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A warm story about family, friendship and love, “Cocoa for Two”, by Claudia Shelton (CCS Writings), is built around the magic of Christmas in a quaint Missouri small town.
The author delivers a story that is full of Christmassy spirit and a strong sense of community.
The main characters are lovable: a former Army veteran turned hardware owner and handyman and a successful vlogger. The supporting cast is also relatable.
Adam and Brie are both generous, noble people. Adam is the classic handsome, honorable hero, and Brie is a mixture of sophistication and down-to-earthness in a very genuine way.
The romance is quick and uncomplicated ,there’s not enough build up to make it complex, but the relationship is sweet.
The strong bonds within family and townsfolk equal the spirit of camaraderie between Adam and his buddies and make the story an enjoyable read for a cozy afternoon.
A warm story about family, friendship and love, “Cocoa for Two”, by Claudia Shelton (CCS Writings), is built around the magic of Christmas in a quaint Missouri small town.
The author delivers a story that is full of Christmassy spirit and a strong sense of community.
The main characters are lovable: a former Army veteran turned hardware owner and handyman and a successful vlogger. The supporting cast is also relatable.
Adam and Brie are both generous, noble people. Adam is the classic handsome, honorable hero, and Brie is a mixture of sophistication and down-to-earthness in a very genuine way.
The romance is quick and uncomplicated ,there’s not enough build up to make it complex, but the relationship is sweet.
The strong bonds within family and townsfolk equal the spirit of camaraderie between Adam and his buddies and make the story an enjoyable read for a cozy afternoon.
February 18, 2022
Such a fabulous book!! Adam Barkley & Brie Dresser are such an adorable couple that you will love reading about. You’ll be hooked from the first page!! Brie inherits her Grandma Rose’s house & gift store In Awesome. Adam moves to town & purchases the local hardware store. He remodeled the house per Grandma Rose & this is where they meet when she gets there a day early. You will love all the supporting characters as well, they are all loyal & supportive of each other & add even more charm to this already charming, heartwarming book!! You will laugh & experience all the feels when reading it. It’s especially emotional & heartbreaking with Adam & his friends that are ex-military dealing with PTSD, trying to live a normal life while trying to help others. I’m really looking forward to reading their stories & revisiting all these wonderful characters!! I received an arc from Netgalley & the publisher for an honest review.
November 30, 2021
Brie Dresser is a travel vlogger who has returned to Awesome to finalize her inheritance from her grandmother with no intention of staying in the small town. But it seems Grandma Rose had a few plans in play including a contract with Adam Barkley to remodel the house. Adam is an Army veteran who has made Awesome his home as well as a place for fellow veterans. When he meets Brie all he wants is for her to stay.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this "love at first sight" book which was a wonderful read. The book was well-written with an engaging cast of characters and an excellent depiction of small town life. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. I'm very eager for more from this series and highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this "love at first sight" book which was a wonderful read. The book was well-written with an engaging cast of characters and an excellent depiction of small town life. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. I'm very eager for more from this series and highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2021
This book introduces Brie whose moved back home to decide what to do with her Grandmother's house after hear death what she didn't count on was the cute handyman working on the house when she pulled in. Brie has spent most of her time traveling as part of her vlogger and being a influencer. Having her grandmothers house and business makes Brie wonder what she wants in life? To settle at home or keep traveling?
Adam Barley working on his job at the hardware store and helping veterans move back into normal living a life outside of the military. He didn't count on the adorable Brie flying into his life. Making him realize what he's been missing in life.
I loved this series how incorporated military and civilians and how they move on together to get along and be accepting. This book is such fun to read and it's also special with the holiday season!
Adam Barley working on his job at the hardware store and helping veterans move back into normal living a life outside of the military. He didn't count on the adorable Brie flying into his life. Making him realize what he's been missing in life.
I loved this series how incorporated military and civilians and how they move on together to get along and be accepting. This book is such fun to read and it's also special with the holiday season!
December 21, 2021
This is the first book I've read from this author and was lucky enough to win a copy through Goodreads Giveaway. Ms. Shelton is a talented author who has written about some great characters in the little town of Awesome. Brie's Grandma Rose is doing some matchmaking from the grave when Brie inherits her home, business and a home improvement contract with Adam. Their story is a sweet romance with all the trappings of Christmas and promoting all their little town has to offer. If you love Yuletide Hallmark movies, you'll really enjoy Cocoa for Two.
March 10, 2022
Finding home
Brie Dresser is a travel vloger and one of the best. Upon Grandma Rose's death, she is going home to Awesome. She was left the house and gift shop. What's a girl to do that has shift less feet. Adam Barkley is retired from the military. He owns the local hardware store and has a few buddies to help. They are just looking for a place to call home. Whenever these two are near each other,sparks are flying. He trusts what he is feeling and she does not, but oh does she want to. Trust Grandma Rose to be playing matchmaker from heaven.
Brie Dresser is a travel vloger and one of the best. Upon Grandma Rose's death, she is going home to Awesome. She was left the house and gift shop. What's a girl to do that has shift less feet. Adam Barkley is retired from the military. He owns the local hardware store and has a few buddies to help. They are just looking for a place to call home. Whenever these two are near each other,sparks are flying. He trusts what he is feeling and she does not, but oh does she want to. Trust Grandma Rose to be playing matchmaker from heaven.
November 6, 2022
A Christmas cosy
You will fall in love with Awesome as the whole town puts on a holiday fair but you'll love Adam and Brie even more. What do you get when you mix a former military man and a foot loose vlogger? A book full of delight and all the warm Russia's you can handle. Brie never expected to want to return to Awesome to stay and Adam figured on being alone and providing support to his fellow veterans but fate had more in store for them. I highly recommend this feel goid book.
You will fall in love with Awesome as the whole town puts on a holiday fair but you'll love Adam and Brie even more. What do you get when you mix a former military man and a foot loose vlogger? A book full of delight and all the warm Russia's you can handle. Brie never expected to want to return to Awesome to stay and Adam figured on being alone and providing support to his fellow veterans but fate had more in store for them. I highly recommend this feel goid book.
January 7, 2022
2 stars Brie is processing her grandmother’s passing. She gets her house and store, however she’s s travel blogger influencer and not sure she wants to commit to staying. Adam a veteran that moved to Awesome and took over the hardware store. They connect immediately. The book started to feel predictable after a while I found myself skimming and lost interest around 69% of the book. DNF
************** received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.**********************
************** received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.**********************
March 9, 2022
This is a charming little romance that should be read around Christmas time but, as usual, I just got around to it. It an easy to read story of a wonderful little town, some endearing characters and a warm story of falling in love. Lots of good vibes of friendships, love, family and the definite hint that there'll be more coming in the future.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
December 6, 2021
Sweet Holiday Romance
Popular travel vlogger, Brie Dresser, returns to Awesome, MO after she inherits her grandmother’s house and business. She’s not looking for romance, but there’s something special about the man she discovers fixing the kitchen sink.
Ms. Shelton introduces a new series with a charming, small-town romance. I plan to stay tuned for the next book--I wonder which of the healing veterans will be featured.
Popular travel vlogger, Brie Dresser, returns to Awesome, MO after she inherits her grandmother’s house and business. She’s not looking for romance, but there’s something special about the man she discovers fixing the kitchen sink.
Ms. Shelton introduces a new series with a charming, small-town romance. I plan to stay tuned for the next book--I wonder which of the healing veterans will be featured.
December 6, 2021
A sweet story that's perfect for the holiday season, with a setting at Christmas in a small town in Missouri. The main characters are enjoyable and realistic. Adam and Brie easy to root for. This is a quick, enjoyable read.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
January 7, 2022
To me, this was a typical, normal romance story. It gave me a Fa La La Lifetime movie vibe, but during the holidays this is perfect. Brie and Adam are sweet characters in small town. I would recommend this book during the holiday times to read.
I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
December 17, 2023
Lovely, uplifting small town Christmas romance with very likeable characters and a storyline with enough twists and turns to keep me reading it until late. A story of hope and second chances and of family and community helping one another that leave you feeling upbeat and positive. I'm looking forward to reading some more books set in the charming town of Awesome.
March 30, 2024
This was such a good story. It was heartwarming and sweet and there wasn’t the usual miscommunication strife, which made me love this even more. Yes, Brie and Adam’s love was fast, but it felt right and accepting in a way most of us can only dream about. I like how the author didn’t feel the need to try to tear them apart and appreciate that the battles they went in to, they did so together.
November 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this sweet love-at-first-sight romance! Brie and Adam and their friends and family are people you wish lived in your neighborhood. A little more character development would have been welcome but overall, it’s a wonderful story!
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
December 21, 2021
Cocoa for Two
What a lovely description of the small town of Awesome. I would pack my bag in a heartbeat to go and spend some time in this sweet little town all decked out for Christmas.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy of this book, it was a delight to read.
What a lovely description of the small town of Awesome. I would pack my bag in a heartbeat to go and spend some time in this sweet little town all decked out for Christmas.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy of this book, it was a delight to read.
December 21, 2023
Such a beautiful, funny and entertaining Holiday romance.
A veteran and a vlogger. Two totally different words come together in a small town called Awsome. And so their story began.
Heartwarming and easy to read.
Recommended!
A veteran and a vlogger. Two totally different words come together in a small town called Awsome. And so their story began.
Heartwarming and easy to read.
Recommended!
December 13, 2021
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A cute fast Christmas read. If you are into Hallmark type books you will like this one. Read it in a day.
December 16, 2021
Cute read!
I liked this story. It was super cute and the characters were very likeable. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I liked this story. It was super cute and the characters were very likeable. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
December 16, 2021
This would be a perfect Christmas Hallmark movie. Cute and quick Christmas read.
December 28, 2021
What a sweet heartwarming love story. I love a good Christmas story in a small town setting.
January 4, 2022
Wonderful Christmas romance about life in a small town. I enjoyed this light Christmas read and felt that it added to my Christmas spirit.
March 7, 2022
The book was AWESOME!
The book had great characters. I can't wait to see which ones will be in future books. The story was wonderful and a sensitive story with the military vets.
The book had great characters. I can't wait to see which ones will be in future books. The story was wonderful and a sensitive story with the military vets.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews