Labor Day with the Guy Next Door

Holiday Romance in Snowflake Falls #11

by Jessa Joy

A reverse grumpy sunshine romance with a midlife heroine and a blue collar construction worker.

Shannon
I'm starting over again in Snowflake Falls.
Life hasn't been kind to me the last couple of years.
I really didn't expect to celebrate my 40th alone in a small town.
But I can't stop staring at the construction worker next door.
He's way too young for me but he's the hottest guy I've ever seen.

Jared
I love my hometown and I love my job.
Being outdoors all day gives me a great view of the town.
Then Shannon catches my eye and I can't stop thinking about her.
She's curvy and gorgeous but she thinks the age gap is a problem.
How can I prove to her she's the woman of my dreams?

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Welcome back to Snowflake Falls, where the holidays are fine, the scenery is spectacular and the men are hotter than ever! Each story is standalone, but keep an eye out for recurring characters and families. Steamy, upbeat one hour short romance featuring a reverse grumpy sunshine age gap romance featuring a cinnamon roll hero and a guaranteed HEA. Jessa x

Genres: Holiday, Romance, Fiction

45 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

I'm Jessa Joy and I write about curvy women and the alpha men who can't resist them. Short, steamy and upbeat is the name of the game. I hope you (like me) enjoy a guaranteed Happy Ever After! Whether you're into office, holiday or second chance romance, hot billionaires, small town shenanigans or enemies to lovers intrigue, I'm here to fulfil your reading desires!

Reviews

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine, Reverse Age-gap
Snowflake Falls, Book 11
Guy Next Door, Holiday Romance
Related to Finding Her Tempo

*over 18 readers only *

Trigger/ Content warnings
Cheating (on not by)
25-40 age gap

Shannon (mmf)
Jared (mmc)

She's moved to the small town to start over. He's on the construction crew next door. The attraction is there, but then her ex shows up. Who will get to keep her affections?

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon has had a number of setbacks so she decides to reinvent herself in Snowflake Falls. Her new home is next door to a construction site and she and one of the crew hit it off. Jared is a very fit twenty-five and is taken by the beauty next door. Who says forty is old? Not Jared and Shannon! Insta-Love with an age gap flip. Chemistry off the charts and romantic too.

[MissyLynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Older woman younger man.
Decent until the epilogue. Why would you make a forty year old pregnant and with twins? Too old.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful!! This was a nice quick, short read. I really enjoyed this book!

Jared and Shannon met when he comes to do construction work next door to the house she rented. Shannon came to Snowflake falls to get away from the city, she just went through a divorce. When Shannon goes to asks how long the construction will be going on she can't help but notice Jared. Jared notices Shannon right away and goes to talk to her, and tells her they'll be working for six weeks. Shannon needs quiet to do some of her work, so he gives her a schedule. Jared wants to know what job Shannon does so she tells him how she narrates books. Jared notices Shannon limp when she goes to walk away, and tries to help her. After Jared prints out the schedule he takes it to Shannon, and then offers his brother Bryon's studio for her to her work. Shannon takes Jared up on his offer to use his brother's studio, and sends him a message. Jared comes to get Shannon and they walk to the studio and they talk about their past. Jared finds out that it'll soon be Shannon's birthday. When they get to the studio Jared asks Shannon if he could asks her a few questions for his podcast and she agrees. Soon Jared kisses Shannon, but she doesn't feel comfortable because she knows he's so much younger than her. Shannon asks Jared how old he is and when he tells her he's twenty five she tells him he's to young for her she'll be forty soon. Jared lets Shannon know he doesn't care about the age or her baggage. Shannon spends her birthday alone until someone knocks on her door. Shannon finds someone holding a cake and a bottle of Champagne. Shannon knows that this was Jared who got her the cake from the local bakery. When the pipe burst Shannon goes to try to fix it but Jared comes and helps her. Shannon offers Jared some cake and champagne after he replaces the pipe. Shannon tells Jared she needs to clean up and he tells her to go ahead. Then Jared kisses Shannon, they take a shower together, and then make love. The next morning Jared is woken by someone knocking on the door, when he goes to answer it there's a man asking for Shannon. Shannon comes downstairs and asks Jared if he came give them a minutes. Jared leaves, and heads to finish his podcast. Shannon comes to the studio and tells Jared what her ex-husband wanted and she's not going to take him back. Jared asks Shannon what she wants and she tells him, him. Two years later, Shannon opened a dance studio and loves working with kids. Jared and Shannon bought the house she was renting and are fixing it up. Jared and Shannon have twins Maira and Niall. Coming to Snowflake Falls was the best decision Shannon ever made, her fresh start was the making of a whole new life.

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shannon thought her life was good until it started to fall apart. Her husband was caught cheating on her. She injured her ankle which meant she no longer could dance. She rented a house site unseen. It was old and horrible. She needed peace and quiet while she worked but there was a construction going on next door.
When she went to the job site to see if they were almost done. The foreman asked Jared to help her. He helped by getting there schedule and went to show her. She opened the door and Jared fell in love. Shannon may be older but Jared didn't care. They actually started talking and she explained why she needed it to be quiet. She narrated books.
Jared got an idea because his brother had a studio that was sound proof and he did a pod cast out of there it would be perfect for her while the construction was going on. He couldn't help but want to kiss her. Shannon told him he was to young for her and she had a lot going on. Since she told him her fortieth was the next day, he sent her her favorite cake. Shannon couldn't believe he remembered what she liked.
Shannon realized she wanted Jared in her life. No matter the age difference. Jared was thrilled to get Shannon back. Shannon ended up having twins and bought the old house she first rented and was with the man of her dreams, she even got to do dance again. Teaching this time around.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story to read. The characters are likable, down to earth, everyday folks with very different backgrounds. Shannon has moved to Snowflake Falls for a reset - her life has been going downhill like a rollercoaster ride out of control. She picked this town because she liked the sound of it and she needs to get back on track with her life; breath a little. Jared has grown up in this town, lived here his entire life. The town is known for bringing people together - making love connections. The problem is Shannon is not looking and Jared has never had it happen. Jared is such a sweetheart. He is helpful, caring, compassionate and also hot and sexy. Shannon is more cautious and closed in. Jared would like to change that. Will anything happen? Is it even possible to feel a connection with someone you just met - an instantaneous attraction? This story was so much fun to read! It is a sexy sweet, heart thumping life changing romance. It has everything one would want in a story. It is an entertaining, enjoyable, feel good story you can’t help but love! Love the older woman, younger man.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon and Jared . . .

Shannon’s husband cheated on her. Then an injury to her ankle ending her hope of continuing to dance. When she rented a disaster of a house right next door to a construction site, the noise was intolerable. She could not do her job of narrating books with all of that background clatter. Whatever happened to her previously wonderful life?

But then she met Jared when she went to see when the construction would be done. At first sight, he was instantly smitten by her. He also had a possible solution for her. His brother’s studio was soundproof and he would more than likely allow her to use it. Jared continued to show her kindness and attention. Could she believe that he was serious about her? Was she willing to give him a chance, despite the age difference?

This was a cute story line with likable characters. Grab your copy to see if they get the HEA they both deserve.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon has just moved to Snowflake Falls after an injury ended her dancing career and the breakup of her marriage. She needed a change, she is about to turn forty and this small town seem to fit the bill. When she rented this house she was unaware of the construction going next door, there is an especially hot much younger man next door.

Jared has always loved living in Snowflake Falls, working construction enables him to be outside. The lady next door takes his breath away and she thinks she is too old for him. There has to be a way to convince her that she is the woman of his dream.

This is a sweet and steamy read, Jared is just what Shannon needs after the bumps that life has given her. Jared is the younger brother of Byron from Finding Her Tempo.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eleventh novella in Jessa Joy's Holiday Romance in Snowflake Falls series is the swoon-y and sultry reverse age-gap instalove, Labor Day with the Guy Next Door. After a messy divorce then an accident that ended her dance career, Shannon has moved to small town Snowflake Falls to start over. Jared is working construction next door to the house Shannon has rented, and the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows she's the one. Only one problem: he's twenty-five, she's abotu to turn forty, and she thinks he is too young and she has too much baggage. Can Jared convince Shannon age is really just a number?

A sweet, sultry, sassy short reverse age-gap instalove well worth a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very delightful story. The storyline is something you don't read a lot as it's an older woman and a younger man. Shannon has moved to Snowflake Falls to find the next steps in her life. She's lost her ability to dance, she's lost her husband, and she just needs to reset her life. The first morning a work crew is making so much noise that she goes over there to ask them when they will be done. She meets Jared who has such a sweet, caring, helpful, and he sexy as anything. Shannon is cautious of Jared but Jared really likes Shannon. The attraction is instant. Will Shannon open her heart again and let Jared in? This was a heartwarming story. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Snowflake Falls, if I could move there and become one of their happy couples I would! Shannon is moving on - from a divorce, from the death of her Mum, from not having children - and Snowflake Falls is where she is making her new start. Jared is the hot, younger foreman from 5he construction site next door to her new home and he’s a distraction she’s not sure she’s ready for. But Jared is going to take a leap because he can see that Shannon is definitely worth the risk. Fun, flirty, steamy but the characters have heart and depth which fill the story wonderfully, plus there’s always a sweet or steamy HEA with a Jessa story.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon moved to Snowflake Falls after a messy divorce and an injury that ruined her career. She wanted to start over somewhere quiet and peaceful only when she got there the construction work next door was anything but quiet and peaceful! Jared, the site manager went to talk to the complaining neighbour and was in love! He knew she was his one but she was resistant, he had to convince her her past and their age difference was not an obstacle to their future. Sweet and steamy story with amazing chemistry and a beautiful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon is divorcing her cheating husband, needing to get away, unknowingly rented a home that was next to a construction site. Not the best situation since one of her jobs she needs quiet.

Jared is the site manager and is willing to work with her, but he also feels an instant connection the moment he is near her.

This is delicious OW/YM story that will have you melting in your seat. Jared is a sweetheart and with a big heart, he made me happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm here having my own personal Diet Coke-style fantasy"

Shannon is hilarious, not always intentionally, but her very vivid fantasies, followed by her own inner voice chastising her is funny. She fears she's having some sort of mid-life crisis as she falls for Jared's charms. Jared knows exactly what he wants, the slightly older, much grumpier but very sexy woman who is desperately trying to avoid him! He doesn't care that she is older than him, he knows they belong together and he will prove it to her.
A sweet, sexy and fun read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to do on Labor Day? Sleep in of course. Instantly attracted, plenty of steam, reverse age gap story. She's not a cougar, he's a very determined guy who convinces her and gives her everything she wants in life. Satisfying side plot, romance and steam.
The Holiday Romance in Snowflake Falls series is lots of fun. The stories are short, well written, plenty of steam and romance. The characters are woven throughout all of the stories and you get to meet them in various stories, not just the one when they get their romance.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Yin To Her Yang -
Shannon was just looking to live a quiet life after what she had gone through, but then Jared came into her life and she realised her life could only get better with him in it. It is a well written storyline, that had me totally engaged from the start. I can’t wait to read the next book from this awesome author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Priscilla Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when the story is about an older woman with a younger man. Shannon's last years were difficult, her husband cheated on her with his secretary and she had to end her dancing career and so she decided to move into little snowflakes. And it was the best decision of her life! Jared is 15 years younger than Shannon, but knows exactly what he wants. Very romantic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reverse grumpy sunshine romance with a midlife heroine and a blue collar construction worker.

Shannon is starting over in Snowflake Falls. Life hasn't been kind the last couple of years. She catches Jared's eye & he can't stop thinking about her. She's curvy & gorgeous but she thinks the age gap is a problem. How can he prove to her she's the woman of his dreams? This was a quick, fun read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older woman/younger man story that pulls us into the lives of Shannon and Jared and does not let go. The quick paced story keeps us turning the pages with personal issues, instant attraction and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the reverse age gap but this was a little too fast for me. There was no build up, no attraction or flirting. Characters were great but the interest between them was a little flat. An extra chapter or two would have been helpful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon has just moved to Snowflake Falls and unfortunately, construction is going on next door, this is how she meets Jared who is on the crew. Snowflake Falls stories always delight as does this author. Can be read independently.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short story and was immediately enthralled with this couple and Snowflake Falls all over again. I loved all of the interactions as well as the play between two books and how they blended so well together. I cannot wait to see more from Snowflake Falls.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell]

This is an older woman younger man romance. We travel back to snowflake falls where Shannon after getting divorced and injured moved to start over. She meets Jared who is working at the constriction site next door. He is younger, but will he be able to show her that he is man enough despite his age.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bill Jakobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this love story

It's nice reading a story of age differences but the woman is older. Shannon and Jared actually made a good couple. Of course, the Howl sisters knew that too. Love the town and the townsfolk, the scenery but I really can't say the weather. I'm not a snow person, lived in it for too many years :). it was great how their story ended. Written by Cindy :)

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story has likeable characters who cannot deny their connection or chemistry. The story moved along quickly had ups and down for them to deal with before getting to their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizette Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the newest book in the Snowflake Falls series. Jessa always gives us the greatest characters and stories. I love how Shannon and Jared find that perfect ending. I'm a huge fan of all of her stories.

[Kanani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared is a construction site manager. Shannon is recently divorced and starting over in a new town. When she and Jared meet, there is an instant attraction, but she 15 years older than him and feels the gap is too much, not to mention all the baggage she comes with. This was a really sweet story.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good reverse age gap romance. I liked the story but I did feel like it was a little bit rushed at times. Jared and Shannon had a good connection and I did enjoy the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eleven in the Snowflake Falls Series. This story is an small town age-gap grumpy short holiday romance. This book is a page turner and so much more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty cute, fun book. I really liked Jared and Shannon together, and enjoyed their story. I also really liked their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.