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Beefcakes #4
Shortcake
That awkward moment when your one-night stand is the new sheriff in town...
And he's here to arrest you.
Yep. A reformed bad girl should never fall into bed with a cop.
Conrad Meyer is everything I’ve always tried to avoid. A know-it-all, grumpy, goody-two-shoes with piercing eyes and a distractingly sexy body.
And to top it all off? He's a cop.
As Maple Grove’s resident ‘party girl,’ I gravitate more to tattooed bad boys on motorcycles than clean cut, single-dads in squad cars.
Unfortunately, Conrad isn’t only Maple Grove’s new sheriff… he’s also my new landlord.
Despite this, I have every intention to keep my distance.
However, fate has other ideas when faulty wiring causes an electrical fire and I have no choice but to move in with him for a few weeks while my apartment is being repaired.
But when the town stick-in-the-mud kisses me, all I can think about is what’s beneath those grumpy pants of his…
And he's here to arrest you.
Yep. A reformed bad girl should never fall into bed with a cop.
Conrad Meyer is everything I’ve always tried to avoid. A know-it-all, grumpy, goody-two-shoes with piercing eyes and a distractingly sexy body.
And to top it all off? He's a cop.
As Maple Grove’s resident ‘party girl,’ I gravitate more to tattooed bad boys on motorcycles than clean cut, single-dads in squad cars.
Unfortunately, Conrad isn’t only Maple Grove’s new sheriff… he’s also my new landlord.
Despite this, I have every intention to keep my distance.
However, fate has other ideas when faulty wiring causes an electrical fire and I have no choice but to move in with him for a few weeks while my apartment is being repaired.
But when the town stick-in-the-mud kisses me, all I can think about is what’s beneath those grumpy pants of his…
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2022
332 people are currently reading
1679 people want to read
About the author
Katana Collins
97 books672 followersKatana Collins is a USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, novellas, and comic books in a variety of genres. She is most known for her sensual contemporary romances and her wildly popular comic book— Batman White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn with DC Comics.
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 4, 2023
4 stars
Shortcake is a fun romance that kept me smiling all the way through. Addy and Conrad meet one night in NYC. They spend time together, and once Addy goes home, she assumes they'll never see one another again. Until Conrad shows up in her small town three years later as their new sheriff. With his teenage daughter.
I love a good age gap romance as well as a single dad romance. This had a couple frustrating moments with the hero, but overall it was a fast paced, easy read and I liked it a lot. This is my first read from this author and I will definitely be checking out more from them.
Shortcake is a fun romance that kept me smiling all the way through. Addy and Conrad meet one night in NYC. They spend time together, and once Addy goes home, she assumes they'll never see one another again. Until Conrad shows up in her small town three years later as their new sheriff. With his teenage daughter.
I love a good age gap romance as well as a single dad romance. This had a couple frustrating moments with the hero, but overall it was a fast paced, easy read and I liked it a lot. This is my first read from this author and I will definitely be checking out more from them.
October 30, 2022
I loved this so much! It’s a fun and delicious RomCom with so much heart.
Both Conrad and Addy were at the same bar in New York for…reasons. The connection between them was immediate, their chemistry scorching hot. I fell for both of them right from the start and was rooting for them the entire way.
I can always count on this author to give me a well-written, quality story that checks all my boxes.
Opposites attract…yep.
Forced proximity…oh yes.
Age gap…YESSSSS.
Single, sexy AF dad…YES YES YES. *heart eyes*
This story gave me warm fuzzy feelings so. many. times.
Addy is sassy, strong, and so smart.
She takes any stressful, drama-filled situation and handles it like a champ. And she takes no shit from anyone. She also has a heart of gold and will do anything for anyone.
Pair that with Conrad, the hottie single dad who wants Addy in the worst (and best) way. But he doesn’t think it’s possible. Too many obstacles (in his mind) in their way.
I knew their journey would not be easy.
Getting to their HEA was shaky and bumpy and sometimes painful. But I knew they would figure things out. Their love was too strong to let anything get in their way.
I was SO HERE FOR IT.
The love and emotion throughout this was perfectly done. For the roller coaster ride of feelings this book had, I felt perfectly strapped in and safe and ended with all the good feels and a big smile on my face.
I always love getting back to the town of Maple Grove. Reading a book that takes place there is like visiting old friends, I always feel like I know everyone and I’m so happy to see them again. Even the secondary characters are always huge stars in Ms. Collins’ books.
Shortcake had the perfect amount of witty banter, adorable and heartwarming moments. I highly recommend it.
Both Conrad and Addy were at the same bar in New York for…reasons. The connection between them was immediate, their chemistry scorching hot. I fell for both of them right from the start and was rooting for them the entire way.
I can always count on this author to give me a well-written, quality story that checks all my boxes.
Opposites attract…yep.
Forced proximity…oh yes.
Age gap…YESSSSS.
Single, sexy AF dad…YES YES YES. *heart eyes*
This story gave me warm fuzzy feelings so. many. times.
Addy is sassy, strong, and so smart.
She takes any stressful, drama-filled situation and handles it like a champ. And she takes no shit from anyone. She also has a heart of gold and will do anything for anyone.
Pair that with Conrad, the hottie single dad who wants Addy in the worst (and best) way. But he doesn’t think it’s possible. Too many obstacles (in his mind) in their way.
I knew their journey would not be easy.
Getting to their HEA was shaky and bumpy and sometimes painful. But I knew they would figure things out. Their love was too strong to let anything get in their way.
I was SO HERE FOR IT.
The love and emotion throughout this was perfectly done. For the roller coaster ride of feelings this book had, I felt perfectly strapped in and safe and ended with all the good feels and a big smile on my face.
I always love getting back to the town of Maple Grove. Reading a book that takes place there is like visiting old friends, I always feel like I know everyone and I’m so happy to see them again. Even the secondary characters are always huge stars in Ms. Collins’ books.
Shortcake had the perfect amount of witty banter, adorable and heartwarming moments. I highly recommend it.
January 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It was a fun, palette cleanse sort of read. Funny, spicy, sweet. Always love a single dad trope and some forced proximity from living in the same house.
👨👧 single dad
👥 forced proximity
🤍 age gap (10+ years)
🧲 opposites attract
🏡 small town romance
dual POV
4.5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
👨👧 single dad
👥 forced proximity
🤍 age gap (10+ years)
🧲 opposites attract
🏡 small town romance
dual POV
4.5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
October 21, 2022
Thank you Goodreads for the giveaway!
Shortcake revolves around a young adult named Addy, and an adult named Conrad who has a teenaged daughter named Harper.
Addy is a firecracker who despite her rebellious nature, is a truly kind hearted person with mostly good intentions. She takes no nonsense and is not afraid to put herself in the middle of fights to break them up.
Conrad is a gruff cop, turned sheriff with not so great self control. He's a highly protective, possessive man who does his best to walk the right path.
When these two tangle together, they spark fire with their chemistry. Their passion is intense, and challenged by what the world may think of their differences. (Boo, people's opinions!)
I highly enjoyed the story of Addy and Conrad, and Harper made it all the more enjoyable as it allowed us to see what an incredibly good and understanding person Addy is.
Some aspects were highly ridiculous and unlikely, but that's what makes the story fun! It was a great read that I really couldn't put down.
P.S. there are a handful of NSFW scenes and I swear I don't know what hurt me, but reading about pulsing genitals still makes me turn 50 shades of awkward, so I sort of skimmed over them!
Shortcake revolves around a young adult named Addy, and an adult named Conrad who has a teenaged daughter named Harper.
Addy is a firecracker who despite her rebellious nature, is a truly kind hearted person with mostly good intentions. She takes no nonsense and is not afraid to put herself in the middle of fights to break them up.
Conrad is a gruff cop, turned sheriff with not so great self control. He's a highly protective, possessive man who does his best to walk the right path.
When these two tangle together, they spark fire with their chemistry. Their passion is intense, and challenged by what the world may think of their differences. (Boo, people's opinions!)
I highly enjoyed the story of Addy and Conrad, and Harper made it all the more enjoyable as it allowed us to see what an incredibly good and understanding person Addy is.
Some aspects were highly ridiculous and unlikely, but that's what makes the story fun! It was a great read that I really couldn't put down.
P.S. there are a handful of NSFW scenes and I swear I don't know what hurt me, but reading about pulsing genitals still makes me turn 50 shades of awkward, so I sort of skimmed over them!
October 15, 2022
Shortcake by Katana Collins, is an age-gap, single dad, opposite attract romance, filled with humor, sass, emotions, sparks, and a challenging teenager daughter.This story was absolutely adorable and it difficult not to fall in love with Conrad and Addy, along with Harper, Conrad’s daughter. Conrad and Addy initially met three years prior, having had a one night stand during Halloween. Fast forward, and Conrad moves to Addy's hometown with his teen daughter Harper, and buys the house she lives in from her landlord. Soon enough, Conrad and Addy are spending a lot of time together because of their close living quarters and all the old feelings come back quickly. Addy and Harper connect really quickly, doesn’t help the situation as they also spend time together. As the story progresses, we are introduced to Addy's three brothers and mom, her dating trauma that made it difficult for her to trust; but is also why it is easy to connect to Harper as she works through similar trauma. However, while Addy and Harper have each other, Conrad goes through his fears alone, struggling to make the right choices; often making the wrong ones, as he deals with his past and his fears.
Addy is tough, strong, and rebellious. She learned a lot from the methods her mother used on her while growing up as a defiant teenager. She tries to help Conrad see that parenting isn’t black and white, sharing those techniques; yet understanding that he is involved with his daughter and loves to the moon and back. Conrad appreciates that Addy is so skilled dealing with his daughter, as a mentor, friend, and mother figure. Although their relationship grows, there are some times when their lack of communication, past relationships, and trust affect this growth. Add in the supporting cast of Harper, Enzo, Haylee, Eleanor and Gus and you've got a real page turner that's difficult to put down. Maple Grove is the perfect small town for a backdrop and the townspeople are hysterical. I highly recommend Shortcake to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Addy is tough, strong, and rebellious. She learned a lot from the methods her mother used on her while growing up as a defiant teenager. She tries to help Conrad see that parenting isn’t black and white, sharing those techniques; yet understanding that he is involved with his daughter and loves to the moon and back. Conrad appreciates that Addy is so skilled dealing with his daughter, as a mentor, friend, and mother figure. Although their relationship grows, there are some times when their lack of communication, past relationships, and trust affect this growth. Add in the supporting cast of Harper, Enzo, Haylee, Eleanor and Gus and you've got a real page turner that's difficult to put down. Maple Grove is the perfect small town for a backdrop and the townspeople are hysterical. I highly recommend Shortcake to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 8, 2022
Katana Collins delivers a steamy, age-gap, small town romance in her latest release, Shortcake.
Ms. Collins does a fantastic job at setting up the characters, in the first few pages you are introduced to some incredible chemistry. It all flows together well.
Katana's books are relatively short, but what I love about her work in general is the amount of character building and plot development the author provides in those short pages. I'm just about ready to move myself and my little family to Maple Grove. I feel like I know my way around the town already.
Ms. Collins does a fantastic job at setting up the characters, in the first few pages you are introduced to some incredible chemistry. It all flows together well.
Katana's books are relatively short, but what I love about her work in general is the amount of character building and plot development the author provides in those short pages. I'm just about ready to move myself and my little family to Maple Grove. I feel like I know my way around the town already.
October 17, 2022
3.5 stars
February 13, 2023
This was a fun read. The characters were fun and the story was really funny and tragic and everything.
October 13, 2022
The story of Addy and Conrad begins with an anonymous one-night-stand they had a couple of years ago. Neither of them has forgotten it but there was no contact afterwards. But as you know, your anonymous one-night-stand always crops up unexpectedly if you're a romance heroine so one day Addy finds out that Conrad is the new sheriff in town, as well as her new landlord. A fire in her apartment makes it a forced-proximity scenario, and she makes friends with his teenaged daughter. Conrad and Addy rekindle their physical intimacy but he drags his feet making the relationship official because of their age gap and because he is afraid of his daughter's reactions. There is some Other-Woman drama, not to cause jealousy but to mess with his daughter's feelings.
I was well entertained by this story but it's described as a hilarious rom-com and that's not really the vibe I got from it. More like it's a good story with some funny dialogue. Conrad's hang-ups got a bit old eventually as they were both adults and his daughter was smart enough to figure out that single parents might not want to be alone forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was well entertained by this story but it's described as a hilarious rom-com and that's not really the vibe I got from it. More like it's a good story with some funny dialogue. Conrad's hang-ups got a bit old eventually as they were both adults and his daughter was smart enough to figure out that single parents might not want to be alone forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2023
This was a pretty cute romcom with some steam and a perfect in between book. If you're a fan of age gap, single dad, forced proximity then this is a decent choice. I did like it but not enough to read the other books in this series. 3.5⭐️
November 29, 2023
I have a special edition copy from a book box subscription and she's been taunting me from my shelf since the summer. In an effort to have a physical book to hold while I buddy-read a different genre, I am kicking myself for not having read this sooner.
Age gap has become one of my stand-out tropes this year, but this combines that with second-chance and single-parent and I was hooked from the prologue.
A chance encounter following a break up at an NYC airport leaves our FMC Addy ready to put on her sexiest costume and get over by getting under if you catch my meaning. She runs into Conrad, super older-guy smokeshow at the bar by himself, and seems like the universe dropped a gift right into her lap. This is the one-and-a-half night stand for the ages and unforgettable for both of them.. until 3 years later and surprise of all surprises, they're sharing a small town.. and a space.. and he has a teenage daughter reeling from being uprooted from her city girl life.
I really loved the entire story - so often we see MMCs in age gap romances that seem to lord over the younger FMC that they know better and act right purely because they're older. Conrad, on the other hand, presents with just as many insecurities and flaws as his younger love interest. And while Addy is young, she is maturing and working through her own life as she strives to be taken a serious business owner and establish herself as an adult with a bit of a wild youth.
If you like:
- "golden retriever in the streets, Daddy in the sheets" vibes from your MMC
- seeing the FMC maturely and empathetically handle challenging emotional situations while still admitting to struggling through others
- a healthy dose of jealousy, possessive alpha moves, and small town shenanigans with an HEA..
.. pick this one up and give a read. It takes place in the Beefcake series/world but I have not read any of these stories and didn't feel like I missed out on this story because of it, nor do I think going back to read the series from the start will be ruined from having started with this one, first.
Age gap has become one of my stand-out tropes this year, but this combines that with second-chance and single-parent and I was hooked from the prologue.
A chance encounter following a break up at an NYC airport leaves our FMC Addy ready to put on her sexiest costume and get over by getting under if you catch my meaning. She runs into Conrad, super older-guy smokeshow at the bar by himself, and seems like the universe dropped a gift right into her lap. This is the one-and-a-half night stand for the ages and unforgettable for both of them.. until 3 years later and surprise of all surprises, they're sharing a small town.. and a space.. and he has a teenage daughter reeling from being uprooted from her city girl life.
I really loved the entire story - so often we see MMCs in age gap romances that seem to lord over the younger FMC that they know better and act right purely because they're older. Conrad, on the other hand, presents with just as many insecurities and flaws as his younger love interest. And while Addy is young, she is maturing and working through her own life as she strives to be taken a serious business owner and establish herself as an adult with a bit of a wild youth.
If you like:
- "golden retriever in the streets, Daddy in the sheets" vibes from your MMC
- seeing the FMC maturely and empathetically handle challenging emotional situations while still admitting to struggling through others
- a healthy dose of jealousy, possessive alpha moves, and small town shenanigans with an HEA..
.. pick this one up and give a read. It takes place in the Beefcake series/world but I have not read any of these stories and didn't feel like I missed out on this story because of it, nor do I think going back to read the series from the start will be ruined from having started with this one, first.
February 2, 2023
My first read by Katana Collins and i loved it.
who doesn't love the "its only for one night, we will never see each other again only to come face to face with said one night stand." Thrope, i can't get enough of them.
so we have Addy one night after being dumped in the worse possible way she goes to a bar, finds a good-looking man to get over the humiliation. not only they spend a good night, but they even agree to have another good night together, a two nightstand if you will. due to unforeseen circumstances they have to part ways earlier than expected only to come face to face 3 years later.
not only is he the new sheriff in town, but he is also her new landlord since he bought the place she is living at, is like a detach space situation, so she has to stay in his basement.
while this is a standalone, it features characters from her other books, Addie's brother are the main character of her Beefcake series. i felt like i was missing something. the vibe of the town was off.
if I'm being honest, we mostly focused on the two main characters and harper, Conrad; the MMC's daughter. which is nice but i still felt like i was missing something out. we are told how the relationships are so important, like with the best friends but don't really get a lot of that.
the relationship was cute and definitely stemy, very well written smut!
the story is easy to read, i started it yesterday just intending to read a couple of chapters to see what the vibe was and i got to about 50% of the story before i realized it. i had to stop since it was already 2am and i had an early morning, but since its was slow at work i finished it before lunch.
who doesn't love the "its only for one night, we will never see each other again only to come face to face with said one night stand." Thrope, i can't get enough of them.
so we have Addy one night after being dumped in the worse possible way she goes to a bar, finds a good-looking man to get over the humiliation. not only they spend a good night, but they even agree to have another good night together, a two nightstand if you will. due to unforeseen circumstances they have to part ways earlier than expected only to come face to face 3 years later.
not only is he the new sheriff in town, but he is also her new landlord since he bought the place she is living at, is like a detach space situation, so she has to stay in his basement.
while this is a standalone, it features characters from her other books, Addie's brother are the main character of her Beefcake series. i felt like i was missing something. the vibe of the town was off.
if I'm being honest, we mostly focused on the two main characters and harper, Conrad; the MMC's daughter. which is nice but i still felt like i was missing something out. we are told how the relationships are so important, like with the best friends but don't really get a lot of that.
the relationship was cute and definitely stemy, very well written smut!
the story is easy to read, i started it yesterday just intending to read a couple of chapters to see what the vibe was and i got to about 50% of the story before i realized it. i had to stop since it was already 2am and i had an early morning, but since its was slow at work i finished it before lunch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2022
Addy is mortified when she proposes to her boyfriend of two years in the New York airport with hundreds of witnesses, only to find out he’s married with kids! After spending all of her money on the trip to New York, she hops into a bar near her hotel to celebrate Halloween as a sexy cop named Anita Cavitysearch… She encounters the Brawny Man, and threatens to write him a ticket. Needless to say, he’s intrigued, and after learning some heartbreaking news earlier, he’s ready for some lighthearted fun. So they spend the night together anonymously (fake names and all) and have a great time. Ally leaves him her number when she has to leave rather hurriedly after receiving news about her own mother. But he never calls. Three years later, they run into each other again. You’ll have to read the story to learn how and why they are in the same ‘orbit’ now.
This story is full of snappy dialogue, interesting friendships, a snarky daughter (at times), interfering siblings and their significant others, and a father navigating the waters of parenting a teen—solo—for the first time. There are some insights about parenting that are wise, mixed with relationship missteps and hurtful comments that mostly happen because of inexperience.
This book is charming and fun. There are so many good parts to it that taken together, elevate it to that rare 5-star category. Don’t miss this one! It’s a real gem!
This story is full of snappy dialogue, interesting friendships, a snarky daughter (at times), interfering siblings and their significant others, and a father navigating the waters of parenting a teen—solo—for the first time. There are some insights about parenting that are wise, mixed with relationship missteps and hurtful comments that mostly happen because of inexperience.
This book is charming and fun. There are so many good parts to it that taken together, elevate it to that rare 5-star category. Don’t miss this one! It’s a real gem!
October 10, 2023
SHELVES: Romance, Rom-Com, Contemporary, Drama, Adult
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: Series, but can be read as a standalone
𝐏𝐎𝐕: Dual POV
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
MEANINGFUL: ⭐⭐⭐.5
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:⭐⭐
I could not put his book down. I really really liked this book. It was an easy fast-paced read, great storyline, had all the tropes (age gap, single dad, small town, bad girl good guy, forced proximity, he's her landlord/roommate, he's also the town's sheriff...) it was soo good. I love both the hero and heroine I loved that their relationship was very cool and casual, but you could still see they were head over heels for each other. I love both the h and H, but I loved the h a bit more just because she was soo easy going and brave. I love how their relationship started, the angst. I liked how much the heroine cared for Harper even when she was a total brat, which is one of the reasons I didn't love this book. Harper the hero's daughter although a teenager, it didn't excuse her goddamn awful behavior. She was fun at times, but she was so fucking dramatic and made it all about herself. I honestly believe this girl needs a life lesson of humbleness. She was so fucking privileged and she didn't even realize it. I hated her stupid teen outburst and stupid actions. I tried not to focus on this because the romance itself was solo freaking good and the smut was out of this world. I wished there had been a bit more groveling at the end but I still loved this book.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: Series, but can be read as a standalone
𝐏𝐎𝐕: Dual POV
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
MEANINGFUL: ⭐⭐⭐.5
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:⭐⭐
I could not put his book down. I really really liked this book. It was an easy fast-paced read, great storyline, had all the tropes (age gap, single dad, small town, bad girl good guy, forced proximity, he's her landlord/roommate, he's also the town's sheriff...) it was soo good. I love both the hero and heroine I loved that their relationship was very cool and casual, but you could still see they were head over heels for each other. I love both the h and H, but I loved the h a bit more just because she was soo easy going and brave. I love how their relationship started, the angst. I liked how much the heroine cared for Harper even when she was a total brat, which is one of the reasons I didn't love this book. Harper the hero's daughter although a teenager, it didn't excuse her goddamn awful behavior. She was fun at times, but she was so fucking dramatic and made it all about herself. I honestly believe this girl needs a life lesson of humbleness. She was so fucking privileged and she didn't even realize it. I hated her stupid teen outburst and stupid actions. I tried not to focus on this because the romance itself was solo freaking good and the smut was out of this world. I wished there had been a bit more groveling at the end but I still loved this book.
October 12, 2022
I loved this book! I didn’t realize it was a series, so I can’t wait to go back and read the others now.
Addy is such a strong woman, and I loved that she is such a badass and she helps Conrad see the other side of parenting, and other techniques that worked for her growing up as a rebellious teenager. She loves that he is such a good dad, and that he is so present and loves his daughter so hard. Conrad loves that Addy is so good to his daughter, as a mentor, friend, and mother figure. She’s strong willed, determined, passionate, and loves so hard. I loved their relationship growth. Although, it was tough reading their lack of commutation sometimes. I just wanted to shake them at some points! But, I also understand it. It’s hard to put yourself out there after being burned by love in the past.
I also loved their intimate moments, they were so good!! 🔥🔥🔥 the right amount of spice, and sweet and a little dirty 😏
Tropes: small town romance, opposites attract, age gap, single dad, secret romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Addy is such a strong woman, and I loved that she is such a badass and she helps Conrad see the other side of parenting, and other techniques that worked for her growing up as a rebellious teenager. She loves that he is such a good dad, and that he is so present and loves his daughter so hard. Conrad loves that Addy is so good to his daughter, as a mentor, friend, and mother figure. She’s strong willed, determined, passionate, and loves so hard. I loved their relationship growth. Although, it was tough reading their lack of commutation sometimes. I just wanted to shake them at some points! But, I also understand it. It’s hard to put yourself out there after being burned by love in the past.
I also loved their intimate moments, they were so good!! 🔥🔥🔥 the right amount of spice, and sweet and a little dirty 😏
Tropes: small town romance, opposites attract, age gap, single dad, secret romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
Shortcake was absolutely adorable. I loved Conrad and Addy, and their entire story. The originally met three years before the book and had a one night stand during Halloween. Fast forward three years, and Conrad moves to Addy's hometown with his teen daughter Harper, and buys the house she lives in from her landlord.
Soon enough, Conrad and Addy are spending a ton of time together due to their close living quarters and all the old feelings come back quickly. It does not help that Addy and Harper connect really quickly, and they start to spend a ton of time together as well.
As the book goes on, you find out about Addy's family and dating trauma that makes it hard for her to trust, but is also what makes it so easily to connect to Harper as she is going through similar trauma. However, while Addy and Harper rely on each other, Conrad goes through his fears kind of alone, and he struggles to make the right choices, and makes wrong ones as he deals with his past and fears.
I couldn't put this book down especially after the 50% progress mark, and just had to finish it! Maybe Harper's book could be sometime in the future??
Soon enough, Conrad and Addy are spending a ton of time together due to their close living quarters and all the old feelings come back quickly. It does not help that Addy and Harper connect really quickly, and they start to spend a ton of time together as well.
As the book goes on, you find out about Addy's family and dating trauma that makes it hard for her to trust, but is also what makes it so easily to connect to Harper as she is going through similar trauma. However, while Addy and Harper rely on each other, Conrad goes through his fears kind of alone, and he struggles to make the right choices, and makes wrong ones as he deals with his past and fears.
I couldn't put this book down especially after the 50% progress mark, and just had to finish it! Maybe Harper's book could be sometime in the future??
November 19, 2022
Shortcake is the 4th book in the Beefcakes series. Abby is called shortcake by her brothers and then opens a bar named shortcake where she serves her shortcake.
Three years before she had a one night stand with a guy.
Now he’s moved into her town with his daughter. Except when Harper walks into the bar Abby thinks she’s a different person and ends up serving her alcohol. Which results in Harpers dad showing up and Abby realizing that her one night stand from three years before is a father…and the new sheriff in town…and now her landlord.
Conrad is an older guy who ended up becoming a father and lost his mother so he moved to Maple Creek. His daughter was super upset about that so now he’s dealing with seeing his one night stand again and trying to take care of his daughter.
I wasn’t exactly sure how much age gap was between Conrad and Abby but the author made a few comments about her age being closer to Harpers than Conrad’s.
I enjoyed this story and the characters but I wasn’t super invested. I’m not a huge fan of age gaps especially when they are closer to the daughters age. This story had a lot going on though so it was exciting at times and upsetting at times.
Three years before she had a one night stand with a guy.
Now he’s moved into her town with his daughter. Except when Harper walks into the bar Abby thinks she’s a different person and ends up serving her alcohol. Which results in Harpers dad showing up and Abby realizing that her one night stand from three years before is a father…and the new sheriff in town…and now her landlord.
Conrad is an older guy who ended up becoming a father and lost his mother so he moved to Maple Creek. His daughter was super upset about that so now he’s dealing with seeing his one night stand again and trying to take care of his daughter.
I wasn’t exactly sure how much age gap was between Conrad and Abby but the author made a few comments about her age being closer to Harpers than Conrad’s.
I enjoyed this story and the characters but I wasn’t super invested. I’m not a huge fan of age gaps especially when they are closer to the daughters age. This story had a lot going on though so it was exciting at times and upsetting at times.
December 9, 2022
🍓Shortcake🍓
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
This book was so adorable and heartwarming! I am so glad I won this on Goodreads Giveaways or else I might have never read it. This book has forced proximity, age gap, a single dad and he’s also a cop (we love a man in uniform)!
Addy is short and sassy and she is the brand new owner of her bar (Shortcake). After accidentally serving a minor (oops) in walks the new sheriff in town… the man she had a one night stand with 3 years ago, and who she never thought she’d see again.
Conrad just moved to Maple Grove to give him and his daughter a fresh start after his mother passed away. With a rebellious teenager to raise he thinks dating is completely off the table… until he comes face to face with the woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about for 3 years. Besides his teenager, he sees problems for him and Addy being together… mainly the 10+ age difference. Can Addy and Conrad face these obstacles together or will it be too much for them to handle?
While there is 🌶️ in the book this book was really heartwarming and there was just so much emotion throughout the book. I’m now gonna go read every other book that takes place in Maple Grove!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
This book was so adorable and heartwarming! I am so glad I won this on Goodreads Giveaways or else I might have never read it. This book has forced proximity, age gap, a single dad and he’s also a cop (we love a man in uniform)!
Addy is short and sassy and she is the brand new owner of her bar (Shortcake). After accidentally serving a minor (oops) in walks the new sheriff in town… the man she had a one night stand with 3 years ago, and who she never thought she’d see again.
Conrad just moved to Maple Grove to give him and his daughter a fresh start after his mother passed away. With a rebellious teenager to raise he thinks dating is completely off the table… until he comes face to face with the woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about for 3 years. Besides his teenager, he sees problems for him and Addy being together… mainly the 10+ age difference. Can Addy and Conrad face these obstacles together or will it be too much for them to handle?
While there is 🌶️ in the book this book was really heartwarming and there was just so much emotion throughout the book. I’m now gonna go read every other book that takes place in Maple Grove!
October 12, 2022
I was so excited to get back to Maple Grove! I love how sweet and wholesome the whole town is. Shortcake was Katana’s latest greatness! It was sexy, full of chemistry, and had great sass!
Addy had a one night stand years before and was shocked when he walked back into her life. Not only was he her new landlord but he was a cop. Would she be able to maintain her distance or would she gravitate towards him?
Conrad was a single dad who needed a change of scenery. When a job opened up in the sleepy town of Maple Grove, he jumped on it. He was not expecting to find the one girl he couldn’t stop thinking about. He knew he was too old for her but there was something about her that made him want more. Would he end up following his heart?
These two!! I am not usually a fan of a large age gap but these two just fit! I loved their meet cute and their banter was on point. It was fun watching them try to navigate the situation they found themselves in. I hope this will not be the last time we see them!
Addy had a one night stand years before and was shocked when he walked back into her life. Not only was he her new landlord but he was a cop. Would she be able to maintain her distance or would she gravitate towards him?
Conrad was a single dad who needed a change of scenery. When a job opened up in the sleepy town of Maple Grove, he jumped on it. He was not expecting to find the one girl he couldn’t stop thinking about. He knew he was too old for her but there was something about her that made him want more. Would he end up following his heart?
These two!! I am not usually a fan of a large age gap but these two just fit! I loved their meet cute and their banter was on point. It was fun watching them try to navigate the situation they found themselves in. I hope this will not be the last time we see them!
June 29, 2024
4 stars
Addy is passing through New York.
On Halloween night she ends the night in a bar where she meets Conrad. The connection between them was immediate, their chemistry scorching hot and and they decide to spend the night (𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑦) together before she returns home.
But guess who shows up in her small town three years later? Yep, Conrad.. and his daughter.
I have very conflicting opinions on the characters. This is the first time this has happened to me, but from one chapter to the next either I loved them or I found them detestable. And I think it's very powerful for an author to be able to make us feel contradictory feelings!
Getting to their HEA was shaky and bumpy and sometimes painful especially FOR ME because god sometimes I wanted to 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 😂
I really enjoyed this book, it's 396 pages long and I had the impression that it was less than that because I read it so quickly.
Shortcake had the perfect amount of witty banter, adorable and heartwarming moments. I highly recommend it.
Addy is passing through New York.
On Halloween night she ends the night in a bar where she meets Conrad. The connection between them was immediate, their chemistry scorching hot and and they decide to spend the night (𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑦) together before she returns home.
But guess who shows up in her small town three years later? Yep, Conrad.. and his daughter.
I have very conflicting opinions on the characters. This is the first time this has happened to me, but from one chapter to the next either I loved them or I found them detestable. And I think it's very powerful for an author to be able to make us feel contradictory feelings!
Getting to their HEA was shaky and bumpy and sometimes painful especially FOR ME because god sometimes I wanted to 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 😂
I really enjoyed this book, it's 396 pages long and I had the impression that it was less than that because I read it so quickly.
Shortcake had the perfect amount of witty banter, adorable and heartwarming moments. I highly recommend it.
October 2, 2022
I discovered this author when I read her book Callback and truly fell in love with her writing style and characters. Since then I've read what she has released, loving every single one of them, but I have to say, I think Shortcake has become my favorite.
This book has humor, sass, emotional parts, sexy and steamy scenes, a challenging teeneager, very well written and the bonus scene at the end just sealed the deal for me. I loved how Addy and Conrad met, throw in the supporting cast of Harper, Enzo Haylee, Eleanor and Gus and you've got a real page turner that's difficult to put down. Maple Grove is the perfect small town for a backdrop and the townspeople are hysterical. It's been a while since this author has written a book, I'm so glad she finally did!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
This book has humor, sass, emotional parts, sexy and steamy scenes, a challenging teeneager, very well written and the bonus scene at the end just sealed the deal for me. I loved how Addy and Conrad met, throw in the supporting cast of Harper, Enzo Haylee, Eleanor and Gus and you've got a real page turner that's difficult to put down. Maple Grove is the perfect small town for a backdrop and the townspeople are hysterical. It's been a while since this author has written a book, I'm so glad she finally did!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
October 10, 2022
I loved Addy and Conrad's story. It's a funny, steamy, age gap romance. These two shouldn't work as a couple, she's a reformed bad girl, free spirited and fun loving, he's a cop, single dad and a bit of a stick in the mud. They had a one nightstand, she left her number with him but he never called so Addy figured he wasn't interested. Fate is a funny thing though, three years later her one nightstand, the man she can't quite forget, ends up being the new sheriff in her hometown. They could have something special if they're both brave enough to take the leap. This is the fourth book in the Beefcakes series but it reads well as a standalone. I haven't read the other books in the series but they're definitely going on my to read list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2025
Addy and Conrad
Loved this book by Katana Collins about two broken people who are drawn to each other. My favorite trope - age gap has Addy and Conrad breaking with the norm as they have a one night stand. He attempts to sneak out while Addy is still sleeping. When she catches him, he agrees to meet later that night. What was going to be one night without names, she does give him her phone number. When she returns to Maple Grove she gives up on him and three years goes by before they are thrown together again when Conrad and his daughter move to Maple Grove. The storyline is filled with so much coincidence or is it fate, a little too much angst for my taste,romance, spice and heart warming moments as Conrad finally manages to
realizes that Addy is the right thing for himself and his daughter.
Loved this book by Katana Collins about two broken people who are drawn to each other. My favorite trope - age gap has Addy and Conrad breaking with the norm as they have a one night stand. He attempts to sneak out while Addy is still sleeping. When she catches him, he agrees to meet later that night. What was going to be one night without names, she does give him her phone number. When she returns to Maple Grove she gives up on him and three years goes by before they are thrown together again when Conrad and his daughter move to Maple Grove. The storyline is filled with so much coincidence or is it fate, a little too much angst for my taste,romance, spice and heart warming moments as Conrad finally manages to
realizes that Addy is the right thing for himself and his daughter.
October 9, 2022
SHORTCAKE is one of those books that grabs you from the very first scene and never lets go. Addy and Conrad have a no-names super swoony two-night stand and then go off to their regular lives.
Three years later they meet again under unlikely circumstances that sets the wheels in motion for a funny, heartfelt and romantic story of a older, devoted and steadfast single dad and a remarkably astute, fun and feisty single woman. This is one of those stories that makes one sigh deeply at the rightness of the union despite the inept efforts to sabotage it.
I really enjoyed this story and would gladly read any other book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Three years later they meet again under unlikely circumstances that sets the wheels in motion for a funny, heartfelt and romantic story of a older, devoted and steadfast single dad and a remarkably astute, fun and feisty single woman. This is one of those stories that makes one sigh deeply at the rightness of the union despite the inept efforts to sabotage it.
I really enjoyed this story and would gladly read any other book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
It was just supposed to be a quick fling between two people who only gave their Halloween costume names, but Conrad showed compassion when Addy received a phone call about her mom. Still he ghosted her for three years until he rescues his daughter Harper from her bar. Addy has a tough girl image but she hides a heart that’s hurt by her father’s betrayal, a long term cheating ex, and Conrad. Yes he was protecting his troubled daughter but he didn’t consider how pushing Addy away hurt them both especially when he showed her repeatedly how their relationship was only acceptable in secret and kicked her out of her apartment he was obligated to let her lease when he bought his house. There were plenty of funny, sexy moments, but also exasperating and a few suspenseful ones.
October 14, 2022
My heart is bursting!!! Cue book hangover! I have to let my emotions settle before I come back with my review …
I loved this book so, so much! Conrad is very much a cinnamon roll. He doesn't let many people in, but when he does, he takes care of them. He's the protector of Harper and had been taking care of his mother until her passing. Life unexpectedly threw Addy into his world and she made an impact. And when Addy and Conrad have a true chance at love, there is an ease to them. They understand one another and Addy is the type of person who looks out for others. So Harper is swept into Addy's world too and she genuinely cared for her. I couldn't read this book fast enough. I was left with a book hangover of epic proportions and cannot recommend this book enough! Please don't let this book pass you by!
I loved this book so, so much! Conrad is very much a cinnamon roll. He doesn't let many people in, but when he does, he takes care of them. He's the protector of Harper and had been taking care of his mother until her passing. Life unexpectedly threw Addy into his world and she made an impact. And when Addy and Conrad have a true chance at love, there is an ease to them. They understand one another and Addy is the type of person who looks out for others. So Harper is swept into Addy's world too and she genuinely cared for her. I couldn't read this book fast enough. I was left with a book hangover of epic proportions and cannot recommend this book enough! Please don't let this book pass you by!
May 27, 2023
Another great story! This was the second book I've read by this author. I enjoyed the hero and heroine. I also like the relationship the heroine builds with the hero's daughter.
Hero is the new sheriff in town moving after a family loss to get a fresh start. His daughter isn't doing well with the change and is having trouble adjusting. Enter the heroine who has lived in this town her whole life and recently opened a bar. The hero and heroine keep getting thrown together and the hero eventually realizes he would rather they be together than her be with someone else, despite their age gap. Unfortunately, this causes some issue and secrets which lead to a later problem that ends up tearing them apart. But as all good stories, our heroine and hero get their happily ever after.
Hero is the new sheriff in town moving after a family loss to get a fresh start. His daughter isn't doing well with the change and is having trouble adjusting. Enter the heroine who has lived in this town her whole life and recently opened a bar. The hero and heroine keep getting thrown together and the hero eventually realizes he would rather they be together than her be with someone else, despite their age gap. Unfortunately, this causes some issue and secrets which lead to a later problem that ends up tearing them apart. But as all good stories, our heroine and hero get their happily ever after.
July 9, 2023
Hands down my favorite book in this series! I LOVED Addy and Conrad and even emotional, teen Harper. A one night stand in NYC they both found hard to forget comes rushing back when Conrad becomes the new sherrif in Maple Grove and has to pick up his drunk 16 year old daughter at Addy's bar.
This is an age-gap romance with over a decade (I don't think it was ever specific about how many years) between them but they just complemented each other perfectly. There were some issues, mainly because Harper loved being friends with Addy which complicated Conrad's feelings towards them being involved.
I simply loved everything about this book, it wasn't an easy romance but it was pretty perfect.
This is an age-gap romance with over a decade (I don't think it was ever specific about how many years) between them but they just complemented each other perfectly. There were some issues, mainly because Harper loved being friends with Addy which complicated Conrad's feelings towards them being involved.
I simply loved everything about this book, it wasn't an easy romance but it was pretty perfect.
October 16, 2022
Nobody writes romantic comedy like Katana Collins, and Shortcake is no exception. Wonderfully-written, entertaining, steamy... Check, check, and oh boy, check! Conrad and Addy's anonymous meet-cute is hilarious; their reunion three years later when he becomes the new sheriff in town - and her new landlord - even better. A forced proximity / opposites attract romance at its basic, but fleshed out into a well-developed story full of characters you cannot help but love, Shortcake is a dynamic, engaging, must-read book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2023
Fun Age Gap Romance
When Addy has a one night stand in NYC after her Halloween blows up in her face, she never expects to see Browny (aka Connor) again. Three years later, he and his 16 year old daughter Harper are her landlord(s). That night has been replaying in both their minds for the last 3 years but having Harper as a reminder of responsibility and age difference make romance a challenge. Not to mention - small towns talk and he’s the new sheriff. Addy is the baby in a family of loud brothers who think no man is good enough for her. Find out if Connor gets the girl in this fun read.
When Addy has a one night stand in NYC after her Halloween blows up in her face, she never expects to see Browny (aka Connor) again. Three years later, he and his 16 year old daughter Harper are her landlord(s). That night has been replaying in both their minds for the last 3 years but having Harper as a reminder of responsibility and age difference make romance a challenge. Not to mention - small towns talk and he’s the new sheriff. Addy is the baby in a family of loud brothers who think no man is good enough for her. Find out if Connor gets the girl in this fun read.
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