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War and Roses
He's coming home to claim her...
Jacob
I’ve been on active duty since I was eighteen. My intentions were to be a soldier for life. Then her letters showed up. Now, everything has changed.
I fell in love with her through her words and I know she feels the same. So I’m taking my shot. I’m going to walk right into her flower shop and tell her she’s mine.
Bethany
I was born with a broken heart and I’ve got the thick, jagged scar to prove it. I’ve seen the way people stare, the way men look away.
I’ve always known that I’m not the kind of girl a man would pick for his forever. So what do I do when the man of my dreams storms into my life insisting I’m his one? I can’t bear to see the look on his face when he sees my scars, but I also can’t seem to resist him.
Jacob
I’ve been on active duty since I was eighteen. My intentions were to be a soldier for life. Then her letters showed up. Now, everything has changed.
I fell in love with her through her words and I know she feels the same. So I’m taking my shot. I’m going to walk right into her flower shop and tell her she’s mine.
Bethany
I was born with a broken heart and I’ve got the thick, jagged scar to prove it. I’ve seen the way people stare, the way men look away.
I’ve always known that I’m not the kind of girl a man would pick for his forever. So what do I do when the man of my dreams storms into my life insisting I’m his one? I can’t bear to see the look on his face when he sees my scars, but I also can’t seem to resist him.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2021
81 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Kat Baxter
131 books979 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, Kat Baxter writes fast-paced, sweet & STEAMY romantic comedies. Readers have dubbed her “The Queen of Adorkable.” and her books “laugh-out-loud funny,” and “hot enough to melt your kindle.” She lives in Texas with her family and a menagerie of animals. Kat is the pseudonym for a bestselling historical romance author.
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Connect with Kat online.
www.katbaxterauthor.com
Join her newsletter for FREEBIES & insider details: https://katbaxterauthor.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 4, 2023
I think I have a cavity after this.
This was very sweet and low angst, and extremely short. I love pen pal tropes and this was a cute one. A little silly, and the big gestures was lame, but overall an easy read. But does a 64 page book need two epilogues? They were both just sex scenes so I guess it’s ok. But this was a good time and fun to read. Loved the cinnamon roll soldier hero.
CW: Some of the toxic stuff present in curvy girl romance was here; fat shaming inner monologue and overcompensating by calling a fat woman ‘womanly’ and thin women ‘boney’. I would appreciate if authors would stop with that. Her hang ups about her scar and surgery were enough, the body shaming was so brief, it could be taken out and change nothing about the character.
This was very sweet and low angst, and extremely short. I love pen pal tropes and this was a cute one. A little silly, and the big gestures was lame, but overall an easy read. But does a 64 page book need two epilogues? They were both just sex scenes so I guess it’s ok. But this was a good time and fun to read. Loved the cinnamon roll soldier hero.
CW: Some of the toxic stuff present in curvy girl romance was here; fat shaming inner monologue and overcompensating by calling a fat woman ‘womanly’ and thin women ‘boney’. I would appreciate if authors would stop with that. Her hang ups about her scar and surgery were enough, the body shaming was so brief, it could be taken out and change nothing about the character.
September 15, 2023
“I've resorted to Googling things like "what does it mean if a woman signs an email with an emoji heart?" just for a scrap of evidence that she feels the same way about me that I do about her.”
Read #3: Just wanted a five star comfort read. Thanks Kat Baxter!
Read #2: I just did a re-read of this because I was look for a short comfort read that I already knew I loved. This did not disappoint! Still a five star read for me.
I never got around to reading Maggie’s story in the past but now I see it’s a Christmas read. Since December is almost over, I’m gonna jump on that.
I completely loved this quick, short, read. This is my first Kat Baxter story and certainly won’t be my last. I love a story about a man who falls in love with a woman without ever meeting her or seeing her and Jacob definitely does that. He is all man and is completely adorable with how he waits on any communication from Bethany and just devours and analyzes everything she sends him. He’s so in love with her he decides it’s time to leave the army (something he never thought he would do) and make a life with her. He heads to Texas to make Bethany his for life.
Unfortunately, Bethany has some baggage, insecurities, and secrets. While myself along with Jacob might not think they are a big deal, she’s obviously been burned by them in the past and pushes poor Jacob away. Luckily this alpha soldier is determined and is not going to give up.
Just such a great read and some of the lines that Kat threw in had me cracking up. I can’t wait to read Maggie’s upcoming story! Ms. Baxter has certainly left me intrigued on that front.
Stars: 5
Length: Lunch Break Read
POV: Dual
Series: Stand Alone
Ending: HEA
Re-read? Yes
Read #3: Just wanted a five star comfort read. Thanks Kat Baxter!
Read #2: I just did a re-read of this because I was look for a short comfort read that I already knew I loved. This did not disappoint! Still a five star read for me.
I never got around to reading Maggie’s story in the past but now I see it’s a Christmas read. Since December is almost over, I’m gonna jump on that.
I completely loved this quick, short, read. This is my first Kat Baxter story and certainly won’t be my last. I love a story about a man who falls in love with a woman without ever meeting her or seeing her and Jacob definitely does that. He is all man and is completely adorable with how he waits on any communication from Bethany and just devours and analyzes everything she sends him. He’s so in love with her he decides it’s time to leave the army (something he never thought he would do) and make a life with her. He heads to Texas to make Bethany his for life.
Unfortunately, Bethany has some baggage, insecurities, and secrets. While myself along with Jacob might not think they are a big deal, she’s obviously been burned by them in the past and pushes poor Jacob away. Luckily this alpha soldier is determined and is not going to give up.
Just such a great read and some of the lines that Kat threw in had me cracking up. I can’t wait to read Maggie’s upcoming story! Ms. Baxter has certainly left me intrigued on that front.
Stars: 5
Length: Lunch Break Read
POV: Dual
Series: Stand Alone
Ending: HEA
Re-read? Yes
July 9, 2021
Every now and then I just need one of these short stories to read before bed that I don't have to think about. I just kick back and read the very basic man meets woman, man claims woman, woman has doubts, man steam rolls all of the doubts with awesome sex, everyone lives happily ever after.
And this nailed it. Cute, quick easy to read KU story.
And this nailed it. Cute, quick easy to read KU story.
April 24, 2025
Definitely a really sweet story but I totally didn’t get why she made from her chest scar auch a big dead where she said that she would never find someone who would love her because of that like??? What 😀?? Otherwise she was a bit annoying but I totally loved the soldier he was such a cinnamonroll💓!!
April 1, 2023
I downloaded this book the other day on Kindle, just because it was free, so yeah, I’m completely responsible for this.
It was weird that I felt the chemistry between them when they were just pen pals, but not after. When they got together, it was meh. But don’t get me wrong; I liked this book.
It felt so unnecessary, all that self-hatred the FMC has, but I get that some people are like that. Even though it feels too much to say you can’t have a husband or kids because you have a scar.
This book lost two stars the moment it said: "Slick folds" and "Slick channel". Sorry, not sorry.
It was weird that I felt the chemistry between them when they were just pen pals, but not after. When they got together, it was meh. But don’t get me wrong; I liked this book.
It felt so unnecessary, all that self-hatred the FMC has, but I get that some people are like that. Even though it feels too much to say you can’t have a husband or kids because you have a scar.
This book lost two stars the moment it said: "Slick folds" and "Slick channel". Sorry, not sorry.
July 8, 2021
Cute story but needed more development and heroine was kind of annoying. She has way too little self-esteem as after surviving multiple surgeries and a heart transplant thinks that the fact that she has a scar on her chest means she won’t ever find someone who loves her? Really!?!?
September 22, 2021
Despues de leer la historia de la hermana de Jacob me quede con curiosidad por su historia y el como llegaria a desarrollarse, y aunque muy a mi pesar no fue tan destacable como las otras lecturas de la autora que he leido, sigue siendo un romance acelerado y lindo.
War And Roses es el libro ideal si te interesa leer algo con pocas paginas pero sin dejar de lado lo bueno de una historia de amor, me gusto.
En fin, sigo satisfecha con Kat Baxter, seguire leyendo mas de sus novelas.
2.5 Estrellas!
July 7, 2021
Bethany and Jacob start off as accidental pen pals - he’s over seas with the army and she’s a florist from Texas. Their relationship grows stronger over almost a year of exchanging letters and emails and they both fall in love. However they’ve never laid eyes on each other and Bethany has a secret that keeps her hidden.
When Jacob doesn’t reenlist, he makes his way to Texas to claim his woman and DAMN it’s hot.
These two are so cute together and I love how neither of them put any value on physical appearance because they’ve already fallen for each other’s hearts.
A beautiful story.
When Jacob doesn’t reenlist, he makes his way to Texas to claim his woman and DAMN it’s hot.
These two are so cute together and I love how neither of them put any value on physical appearance because they’ve already fallen for each other’s hearts.
A beautiful story.
September 18, 2022
a sweet pen-pal romance
July 7, 2021
I loved Bethany. She was so shy had had a traumatic experience and even do she wasn't sure where the relationship was going, she went for it. Jacob was patient and I love a man who knows what he wants and takes it. Their relationship development was slow and cute, from the first moment they exchange a letter to the emails to the eventual meeting in person.
I felt part of the story, had to google "Mums on girls in Texas" like Jacob and his fellow soldiers. Lol.
Great and fun story! Looking forward to Maggie and Brook's story.
I felt part of the story, had to google "Mums on girls in Texas" like Jacob and his fellow soldiers. Lol.
Great and fun story! Looking forward to Maggie and Brook's story.
June 28, 2021
Loved Bethany and Jacobs love story, they clicked straight away and are perfect for each other. I really enjoyed the way this story was wrote with the letters interconnecting the chapters made me feel like I really knew the characters.
Kat always writes brilliant short love stories and she has done it again. Garenteed HEA.
Kat always writes brilliant short love stories and she has done it again. Garenteed HEA.
July 31, 2022
Steamy and Sweet
Sweet novella in the vein of Alexa Riley. Nice characters who started off as pen pals and became more quite instantly. Good story to relax with low drama and insta-everything.
Sweet novella in the vein of Alexa Riley. Nice characters who started off as pen pals and became more quite instantly. Good story to relax with low drama and insta-everything.
July 7, 2021
It's amazing how Kat Baxter can write a wholesome story in under 60 pages! This book was extremely sweet and lovely <3
April 24, 2023
Short, sweet, and very steamy.
December 28, 2023
why are all the best guys fictional?? i need them irl😭i love them sfm. beth&jake…😭😭😭 im so proud of my girl beth!!<33 she deserves the world
August 12, 2021
Normally love her books
Bout of TB? Kinda seems far fetched. My grandma had it before I was born. Usually a bit more than a “bout”. A few typos to clean up. Otherwise, solid shortie story.
Bout of TB? Kinda seems far fetched. My grandma had it before I was born. Usually a bit more than a “bout”. A few typos to clean up. Otherwise, solid shortie story.
October 24, 2023
WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.
Jacob meets Bethany when he goes to Texas to met her. Bethany sent Jacob a letter, he's in the army and she decided to join Mail the Military. Bethany and Jacob start sending letters back and forth, soon he ask her to email him since it would be faster. When it's time to reenlist Jacob decided he wants out, he had planned on being in the army for life. So Bethany thought she would never get to met Jacob. Jacob decides to stop by his sister, Selina and his best friend Austin's 601 Twilight Lane, then check up on his parents before he heads to Texas to meet Bethany. Bethany works at the local florist and is best friends with the owner, Maggie. She decides to go grab them coffee but when she comes back she finds Jacob asking about her, so she texts Maggie to tell him she's not there. When Bethany goes to leave Jacob is waiting for her, he asks her why she didn't want to meet him. She asks him what he's doing in Texas and he tells her he wanted to come see a friend, he also has a job interview. Jacob asks her to take him to find the best Tex-Mex food and he knows he needs to take his time with her. As they eat Jacob can see that Bethany is trying to hide something from him, but he can see the desire in her eyes. When they leave Bethany takes him to his hotel room and he asks her to come up to watch a movie with him. Before they start watching a movie Bethany asks Jacob for a hug, then she pushes him down onto the bed. She climbs on top of him and straddles him. Jacob tells her he is having a hard time keeping his hands off her, he wants to be more than friends. So they begin kissing, Jacob removes his shirt, and then she pops the top of his jeans. Bethany stands to remove her own pants and panties, but she wants her shirt left on. Bethany tells him she wants him, and he tells her he's hers. They begin to make love, then they switch positions. When Jacob wakes the next day he realizes Bethany is gone and has been gone for a while. She left him a note telling him it was a great night and to email her when he lands wherever he's going. Jacob knows he needs to find her they aren't over just yet. Jacob gets to Bethany's place of work and asks where she is, but her boss, Maggie tells him she asked to take her job so she won't be back until Monday. Maggie asks Jacob if he's going to chase her and he tells her to the ends of the earth. So Maggie helps him and tells him where she is staying then helps him secure a key to her room. Jacob asks Maggie if Bethany is hiding something from him and she tells him Bethany has to tell him. Jacob is waiting when Bethany comes into her hotel room, there are post it notes all over her room. He tells her they're going to talk but first she has to find all the notes. The first one says I love you because... after she finds them all he tells her to sit on the bed and read them out loud. When she is done tears are following down her face, he asks her if she really thought she could ghost him. She tells him she doesn't want to do this right now and he asks her the only thing he wants to know is if she loves him. He tells her she can't lie to him, if she doesn't he'll walk away. Jacob tells her he knows she is hiding something from him and he asks her to share it with him. Bethany stands and slowly unbuttons her shirt, revealing a scare running down the middle of her breast. Jacob asks her how many surgeries and she tells him three. He asks her why she didn't tell him, she tells him she didn't think they'd ever meet so it didn't matter. He tells her she made him want more, but she thought this would make him change his mind. He asks her if she is healthy now, and she tells him she is. Jacob tells her so many of his buddies came back with life-altering injuries. He asks her if she would have changed her mind about him if he came back with an injury and she tells him no. He asks her why he doesn't get the same chance, he tells her he loves her. He tells her she is it for him, and he loves her scare because it's part of her. Bethany asks him if he'll ever change his mind and he tells her no. Bethany tells him she loves him. He tells her to never hide anything from him, then they make love. Jacob tells her he loves her and is going to make her his wife. A month before their wedding Bethany gets a tattoo to cover up her scar, she wants it all healed up before the wedding. Bethany sits on the bed in a black negligée waiting for Jacob to come home, he finds her in their bedroom. Bethany has some vines and leaves with roses across her chest so you can't see her scare. Bethany tells him she loves him and Jacob tells her he loves her. A month later, Jacob stand in the same Chapel that his sister, Selina and Austin where accidentally married at waiting on Bethany. When Bethany walks down the aisle she is a vision in white. No one knows they found out they are expecting, they say their vows, and everyone celebrates. Jacob and Bethany head back to their room, and make love. Jacob tells her he loves her and Bethany tells him she loves him.
Jacob meets Bethany when he goes to Texas to met her. Bethany sent Jacob a letter, he's in the army and she decided to join Mail the Military. Bethany and Jacob start sending letters back and forth, soon he ask her to email him since it would be faster. When it's time to reenlist Jacob decided he wants out, he had planned on being in the army for life. So Bethany thought she would never get to met Jacob. Jacob decides to stop by his sister, Selina and his best friend Austin's 601 Twilight Lane, then check up on his parents before he heads to Texas to meet Bethany. Bethany works at the local florist and is best friends with the owner, Maggie. She decides to go grab them coffee but when she comes back she finds Jacob asking about her, so she texts Maggie to tell him she's not there. When Bethany goes to leave Jacob is waiting for her, he asks her why she didn't want to meet him. She asks him what he's doing in Texas and he tells her he wanted to come see a friend, he also has a job interview. Jacob asks her to take him to find the best Tex-Mex food and he knows he needs to take his time with her. As they eat Jacob can see that Bethany is trying to hide something from him, but he can see the desire in her eyes. When they leave Bethany takes him to his hotel room and he asks her to come up to watch a movie with him. Before they start watching a movie Bethany asks Jacob for a hug, then she pushes him down onto the bed. She climbs on top of him and straddles him. Jacob tells her he is having a hard time keeping his hands off her, he wants to be more than friends. So they begin kissing, Jacob removes his shirt, and then she pops the top of his jeans. Bethany stands to remove her own pants and panties, but she wants her shirt left on. Bethany tells him she wants him, and he tells her he's hers. They begin to make love, then they switch positions. When Jacob wakes the next day he realizes Bethany is gone and has been gone for a while. She left him a note telling him it was a great night and to email her when he lands wherever he's going. Jacob knows he needs to find her they aren't over just yet. Jacob gets to Bethany's place of work and asks where she is, but her boss, Maggie tells him she asked to take her job so she won't be back until Monday. Maggie asks Jacob if he's going to chase her and he tells her to the ends of the earth. So Maggie helps him and tells him where she is staying then helps him secure a key to her room. Jacob asks Maggie if Bethany is hiding something from him and she tells him Bethany has to tell him. Jacob is waiting when Bethany comes into her hotel room, there are post it notes all over her room. He tells her they're going to talk but first she has to find all the notes. The first one says I love you because... after she finds them all he tells her to sit on the bed and read them out loud. When she is done tears are following down her face, he asks her if she really thought she could ghost him. She tells him she doesn't want to do this right now and he asks her the only thing he wants to know is if she loves him. He tells her she can't lie to him, if she doesn't he'll walk away. Jacob tells her he knows she is hiding something from him and he asks her to share it with him. Bethany stands and slowly unbuttons her shirt, revealing a scare running down the middle of her breast. Jacob asks her how many surgeries and she tells him three. He asks her why she didn't tell him, she tells him she didn't think they'd ever meet so it didn't matter. He tells her she made him want more, but she thought this would make him change his mind. He asks her if she is healthy now, and she tells him she is. Jacob tells her so many of his buddies came back with life-altering injuries. He asks her if she would have changed her mind about him if he came back with an injury and she tells him no. He asks her why he doesn't get the same chance, he tells her he loves her. He tells her she is it for him, and he loves her scare because it's part of her. Bethany asks him if he'll ever change his mind and he tells her no. Bethany tells him she loves him. He tells her to never hide anything from him, then they make love. Jacob tells her he loves her and is going to make her his wife. A month before their wedding Bethany gets a tattoo to cover up her scar, she wants it all healed up before the wedding. Bethany sits on the bed in a black negligée waiting for Jacob to come home, he finds her in their bedroom. Bethany has some vines and leaves with roses across her chest so you can't see her scare. Bethany tells him she loves him and Jacob tells her he loves her. A month later, Jacob stand in the same Chapel that his sister, Selina and Austin where accidentally married at waiting on Bethany. When Bethany walks down the aisle she is a vision in white. No one knows they found out they are expecting, they say their vows, and everyone celebrates. Jacob and Bethany head back to their room, and make love. Jacob tells her he loves her and Bethany tells him she loves him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2021
Very cute! I'm a sucker for anonymous love stories, and I really enjoyed this penpals-to-lovers romance.
April 7, 2022
No me gusta nada
June 13, 2022
Bethany was fine in her letters and emails, but she got on my nerves as soon as her actual character was introduced.
July 9, 2021
He’s a lifer
This book is about Jacob and Bethany. Jacob was stationed in the Middle East when he received a care package and letter from Bethany. The letter even had me just about tearing up! There’s something about her letter that calls to him, and he wants to write her back immediately. They both seem to have developed crushes on each other, through their letters. It was really sweet!
Jacob takes a surprise trip back to the US to see his little sister Selina, who has just gotten married to his best friend Austin. He’s also planned a weekend trip too, to Texas! And along with that, is some exciting news he wants to share with his family and with Bethany. When he turns up unannounced at the Petal Pushers florist (which is owned and run by her friend Maggie), she panics and asks her boss to lie for her. She has mixed feelings about seeing him face-to-face, despite thinking he’s really hot. And Maggie agrees, telling her that Jacob is, “$ex on a stick, dipped in chocolate, and served with a cup of perfectly crafted coffee”… sounds pretty bloody good to me!
He finds her after work and they go out for dinner and talk. She decides she wants more, though for just one night. It’s a night of unbridled passion, and when she’s goen in the morning and ahs left a cryptic note, he’s understandably devastated! Will he find her and tell her exactly how he feels? With the help of her boss, they might just get their well-deserved, happily-ever-after.
There was so much I enjoyed about this story. Jacob and Bethany were incredibly likeable, and together they were just magic. I loved the whole ‘Mail the Military’ concept – what a fantastic initiative! And as an avid Gilmore Girls fan, I also loved the ‘Sookie to her Lorelai’ line. I do love my coffee ;)
I also got so bloody emotional reading this one! They were destined to be together, and while their stories are kinda sad, they’re also beautiful and poetic and true. While I can sort of visualise what Bethany’s tattoo might look like, I’d love to see how the author saw it. I’ve got a massive scar down my front too, from cancer though, and am now thinking about the possibilities… I loved the characters, and I loved the journey they took together. I give this book four and a half heart-felt stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is about Jacob and Bethany. Jacob was stationed in the Middle East when he received a care package and letter from Bethany. The letter even had me just about tearing up! There’s something about her letter that calls to him, and he wants to write her back immediately. They both seem to have developed crushes on each other, through their letters. It was really sweet!
Jacob takes a surprise trip back to the US to see his little sister Selina, who has just gotten married to his best friend Austin. He’s also planned a weekend trip too, to Texas! And along with that, is some exciting news he wants to share with his family and with Bethany. When he turns up unannounced at the Petal Pushers florist (which is owned and run by her friend Maggie), she panics and asks her boss to lie for her. She has mixed feelings about seeing him face-to-face, despite thinking he’s really hot. And Maggie agrees, telling her that Jacob is, “$ex on a stick, dipped in chocolate, and served with a cup of perfectly crafted coffee”… sounds pretty bloody good to me!
He finds her after work and they go out for dinner and talk. She decides she wants more, though for just one night. It’s a night of unbridled passion, and when she’s goen in the morning and ahs left a cryptic note, he’s understandably devastated! Will he find her and tell her exactly how he feels? With the help of her boss, they might just get their well-deserved, happily-ever-after.
There was so much I enjoyed about this story. Jacob and Bethany were incredibly likeable, and together they were just magic. I loved the whole ‘Mail the Military’ concept – what a fantastic initiative! And as an avid Gilmore Girls fan, I also loved the ‘Sookie to her Lorelai’ line. I do love my coffee ;)
I also got so bloody emotional reading this one! They were destined to be together, and while their stories are kinda sad, they’re also beautiful and poetic and true. While I can sort of visualise what Bethany’s tattoo might look like, I’d love to see how the author saw it. I’ve got a massive scar down my front too, from cancer though, and am now thinking about the possibilities… I loved the characters, and I loved the journey they took together. I give this book four and a half heart-felt stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2021
xo and emoji's......what does it all mean when you are falling in love by letter
War and Roses is a sweet and steamy short story about Bethany Lucas and Jacob Blackmore. Jacob joined the Army when he was eighteen years old and considers himself to be a lifer. He is really good at what he does which includes serving multiple tours overseas. Bethany lives in the small coastal town of Sand Dollar, Texas, which is just down the road from Corpus Christi. She is in her mid twenties and works at Petal Pushes, the florist shop owned by her best friend and boss Maggie. Almost a year ago Bethany signed up write a soldier and was given Jacob's name. Instead of just writing a letter she also sent a care package filled with all the things that she likes, as she was not sure what treats he enjoyed. When Jacob received the package he was not sure what to think as he had not expected it. But as he read Bethany's letter there was just something that touched him so he decided to write her back. So a pen-pal relationship began which eventually also included emails. Nine months later and Jacob has made the decision not to reenlist as he knows his heart and future are with the woman he cannot stop thinking about, Bethany. He gets back to the states and after a quick visit in Oregon with his sister Selina and her husband Adam, their story is in 601 Twilight Lane he heads to Texas to surprise Bethany. Bethany is definitely surprised but not in a good way when he shows up at the shop and she hides. There is something that Bethany has not told Jacob during all the letters back and forth, and it is a big something. But Jacob is a man who is determined that Bethany is his girl and he is not about to be run-off, or let her ghost him once they share an amazing night together. He is going to have to use all his tactical training to track Bethany down and not let her get away from him. But will her secret make him see her differently or will it bring them closer together?
I enjoyed this fast-paced but really nicely done story. The story-line has drama, emotion, secrets, family, friends, love, romance and some sizzling hot smexy fun. The characters are well written with some depth and emotion, and the supporting characters are wonderful.
War and Roses is a sweet and steamy short story about Bethany Lucas and Jacob Blackmore. Jacob joined the Army when he was eighteen years old and considers himself to be a lifer. He is really good at what he does which includes serving multiple tours overseas. Bethany lives in the small coastal town of Sand Dollar, Texas, which is just down the road from Corpus Christi. She is in her mid twenties and works at Petal Pushes, the florist shop owned by her best friend and boss Maggie. Almost a year ago Bethany signed up write a soldier and was given Jacob's name. Instead of just writing a letter she also sent a care package filled with all the things that she likes, as she was not sure what treats he enjoyed. When Jacob received the package he was not sure what to think as he had not expected it. But as he read Bethany's letter there was just something that touched him so he decided to write her back. So a pen-pal relationship began which eventually also included emails. Nine months later and Jacob has made the decision not to reenlist as he knows his heart and future are with the woman he cannot stop thinking about, Bethany. He gets back to the states and after a quick visit in Oregon with his sister Selina and her husband Adam, their story is in 601 Twilight Lane he heads to Texas to surprise Bethany. Bethany is definitely surprised but not in a good way when he shows up at the shop and she hides. There is something that Bethany has not told Jacob during all the letters back and forth, and it is a big something. But Jacob is a man who is determined that Bethany is his girl and he is not about to be run-off, or let her ghost him once they share an amazing night together. He is going to have to use all his tactical training to track Bethany down and not let her get away from him. But will her secret make him see her differently or will it bring them closer together?
I enjoyed this fast-paced but really nicely done story. The story-line has drama, emotion, secrets, family, friends, love, romance and some sizzling hot smexy fun. The characters are well written with some depth and emotion, and the supporting characters are wonderful.
June 28, 2021
Starring Jacob and Bethany
Tropes: Pen Pals… getting to know you through letters.
Jacob was all kinds of delicious. His inner thoughts regarding Bethany had me giggling and curling my toes. He was so swoon worthy … and I wanted to pull him from the pages so he could give me one of his hugs. Bethany is lucky that she’s at the receiving end of those arms for the rest of her life… sigh!!
Bethany was such a beautiful heroine, she’s been through a lot. Kat Baxter doesn’t really write angsty stories… but Bethany came close to being a beautiful heartache. I loved everything about her, and was so happy when she decided to let Jacob and love in. I was like, you go girl!!
How does Kat Baxter make me fall in love with her characters in just 12 short chapters? It’s coz she’s a freaken magic weaver with her words!! I really enjoy her Baxter Bites. They are the perfect dose of heart feels!! And WAR AND ROSES is the best kind of giddy feels. I was ugly crying AF by the 2nd Epilogue… I love Jacob and Bethany so hard!! Stories like these are the reason why she’s firmly on my keeper shelf. Another Kat Baxter winner!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
Tropes: Pen Pals… getting to know you through letters.
Jacob was all kinds of delicious. His inner thoughts regarding Bethany had me giggling and curling my toes. He was so swoon worthy … and I wanted to pull him from the pages so he could give me one of his hugs. Bethany is lucky that she’s at the receiving end of those arms for the rest of her life… sigh!!
Bethany was such a beautiful heroine, she’s been through a lot. Kat Baxter doesn’t really write angsty stories… but Bethany came close to being a beautiful heartache. I loved everything about her, and was so happy when she decided to let Jacob and love in. I was like, you go girl!!
How does Kat Baxter make me fall in love with her characters in just 12 short chapters? It’s coz she’s a freaken magic weaver with her words!! I really enjoy her Baxter Bites. They are the perfect dose of heart feels!! And WAR AND ROSES is the best kind of giddy feels. I was ugly crying AF by the 2nd Epilogue… I love Jacob and Bethany so hard!! Stories like these are the reason why she’s firmly on my keeper shelf. Another Kat Baxter winner!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
July 7, 2021
This was a very short novella, about 65 pages but it was a hot, sweet and romantic story and I enjoyed it a lot. Its my first time reading this author but I adored the couple, Bethany and Jacob who meet by a letter that turns into more.
The story begins 9 months before and we get to see how Jacob and Bethany start a penpal relationship while he if off serving our county in the military. I loved the letter so much and I loved Bethany's responses.
Bethany has given up on love and marriage and children because of a big secret she keeps from Jacob. Jacob falls hard for her and he wants to find her in real life and make her his. I don't want to spoil too much of the plot but this was a really fun story about love and where scars don't matter its about what the heart wants and appreciating the life you have. I adored how Jacob never quits and he chases her to find the woman he has fallen for.
This story has a slight military angle and also has a bit of insta-love. I absolutely loved the ending so much.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story begins 9 months before and we get to see how Jacob and Bethany start a penpal relationship while he if off serving our county in the military. I loved the letter so much and I loved Bethany's responses.
Bethany has given up on love and marriage and children because of a big secret she keeps from Jacob. Jacob falls hard for her and he wants to find her in real life and make her his. I don't want to spoil too much of the plot but this was a really fun story about love and where scars don't matter its about what the heart wants and appreciating the life you have. I adored how Jacob never quits and he chases her to find the woman he has fallen for.
This story has a slight military angle and also has a bit of insta-love. I absolutely loved the ending so much.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2021
Bethany and Jacob were pen pals. He planned on being a career soldier until he he fell in love with Bethany through her letters. She carries a physical wound that makes her feel less than who she is. Although she was hesitant to volunteer as a military pen pal, it allows her to be confident and open up to Jacob, falling in love with him in the process. What a surprise when Jacob shows up as a civilian where Bethany works to sweep her off her feet.
Baxter does a wonderful job at writing this story. Where it could have been sappy, it's not. As we can all identify to a small extent with Bethany whose physical appearance and limitations have made her self conscious, I love that she shows strength of character to open up to Jacob and reveal the wonderful person she is. A lot of the success of this story is authenticity with which Jacob is written. He's pretty much no-nonsense, knows what he wants and goes and gets her. I like that he acknowledges her insecurity, rather than ignoring it or even telling her to ignore it. Jacob is so charming in the way he brings out Bethany, it's understandable how they could fall in love through their letters.
Baxter does a wonderful job at writing this story. Where it could have been sappy, it's not. As we can all identify to a small extent with Bethany whose physical appearance and limitations have made her self conscious, I love that she shows strength of character to open up to Jacob and reveal the wonderful person she is. A lot of the success of this story is authenticity with which Jacob is written. He's pretty much no-nonsense, knows what he wants and goes and gets her. I like that he acknowledges her insecurity, rather than ignoring it or even telling her to ignore it. Jacob is so charming in the way he brings out Bethany, it's understandable how they could fall in love through their letters.
July 8, 2021
Jacob is career military. He loves his country. He loves his job and has no plans of ever getting out. Bethany works in her best friend’s flower shop. She has spent her life on the sidelines. She doesn’t believe she is lovable. When she decides to participate in a write to a soldier program, she sends a letter and care package to an unsuspecting Jacob. Intrigued by her letter, Jacob writes back. Over the course of nine months the two get to know one another through letters and emails. Now that Jacob has found another purpose for his life, can he convince Bethany that she is beautiful and lovable?
This book is a perfect mix of laugher, love and steam. I love Bethany’s character. She is a survivor and has a big heart. I loved seeing her get her happily ever after. Jacob is definitely a hit alpha male but is gentle and patient with Bethany. I like that he doesn’t give up on Bethany. For a great feel good steamy read, be sure to check this out.
I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a perfect mix of laugher, love and steam. I love Bethany’s character. She is a survivor and has a big heart. I loved seeing her get her happily ever after. Jacob is definitely a hit alpha male but is gentle and patient with Bethany. I like that he doesn’t give up on Bethany. For a great feel good steamy read, be sure to check this out.
I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2021
When I read Selinas book and heard about her brother I could not wait to read his book and I was not disappointed. This book was full of love and chemistry.
Jacob always considered himself a lifer in the military. No reason to go home and no reason not to serve his country. When one day he receives a letter from a volunteer and a package of goodies and the letter just touched him. He wrote back to her and started a correspondence relationship with her. By the time it was time for him to re-up his contract he didn’t and he went home to find his girl.
Bethany was happy to do things for the men and women that served their country. Sending a letter and a care package was the least she could do. Starting writing back and forth with Jacob became the highlight of her day. It was safe for her too since she wasn’t wanted by men, they were turned off by her. When Jacob shows up in her small town in Texas she doesn’t know what to think, why is he here and what does he want from her?
This book was so sweet and hot. I loved Jacob and Bethany so much!!
Jacob always considered himself a lifer in the military. No reason to go home and no reason not to serve his country. When one day he receives a letter from a volunteer and a package of goodies and the letter just touched him. He wrote back to her and started a correspondence relationship with her. By the time it was time for him to re-up his contract he didn’t and he went home to find his girl.
Bethany was happy to do things for the men and women that served their country. Sending a letter and a care package was the least she could do. Starting writing back and forth with Jacob became the highlight of her day. It was safe for her too since she wasn’t wanted by men, they were turned off by her. When Jacob shows up in her small town in Texas she doesn’t know what to think, why is he here and what does he want from her?
This book was so sweet and hot. I loved Jacob and Bethany so much!!
May 30, 2023
Bethany and Jacob
My first job as a critical care nurse starting out over thirty years ago was in CVICU Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit taking care of Open Heart Surgery and Heart Transplant patients. The sternum is sawn in half and wired back together but will never grow back together. If a patient has multiple surgeries like Bethany, or any infection to their incision, they often end up with jagged edged scars and their chest can end up being somewhat deformed and like Bethany this can cause body image issues as depicted in the story. Kat Baxter does her homework well. Good job! Loved this! KMM, R.N. retired from 30 years of critical care nursing, the last 20 years in Surgical Intensive Care Unit at a VA hospital taking care of veterans post operative lay. I loved my veterans in my family (dad,brother,husband,son,and some uncles, and I loved the veterans I cared for over the last 20 years of my nursing career. I love reading romance stories detailing military and veterans and their lives and loves. This was a great little read! Loved it!
My first job as a critical care nurse starting out over thirty years ago was in CVICU Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit taking care of Open Heart Surgery and Heart Transplant patients. The sternum is sawn in half and wired back together but will never grow back together. If a patient has multiple surgeries like Bethany, or any infection to their incision, they often end up with jagged edged scars and their chest can end up being somewhat deformed and like Bethany this can cause body image issues as depicted in the story. Kat Baxter does her homework well. Good job! Loved this! KMM, R.N. retired from 30 years of critical care nursing, the last 20 years in Surgical Intensive Care Unit at a VA hospital taking care of veterans post operative lay. I loved my veterans in my family (dad,brother,husband,son,and some uncles, and I loved the veterans I cared for over the last 20 years of my nursing career. I love reading romance stories detailing military and veterans and their lives and loves. This was a great little read! Loved it!
July 26, 2023
WAR AND ROSES: A Soldier/Curvy Girl Pen-Pal Romance by Kat Baxter. This is a new favorite short story of mine, and Kat Baxter is the queen of the short stories. Jacob Blackmore is a career soldier stationed overseas. He had received a surprise care package full of goodies and a letter from a girl named Bethany, who lived in a small town in Texas. The local library had a Mail for Military Program. That's how she got his name and address. They continue to write letters and changed to emails because they were so much faster. Of course, his care packages kept coming. Time kept going by, but these pen-pals were devoted to each other. Even though they'd never met in person, they were falling for each other. Jacob decided that when this tour was over, he would retire. He would go to Texas and claim his girl. Bethany's mind had been used to the idea they would just be pen-pals, he had told her he was a lifetime military man. She was in for a big surprise, and he was also in for one. A secret that she had kept from him. She shouldn't underestimate a man on a mission and in love!
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