Entry Level

by Bella Michaels, Cissy Mecca

My hot new neighbor hates me.

A year ago, Owen Smith and I spent one epic weekend together, and it was almost enough to make me upend my life and move to the Fingerlakes to be with him. Instead, I got scared and put an end to our long-distance chance at love.
But when a twist of fate sends me back to small town Kitchi Falls for good, I’m hopeful we can pick up where left off.

Not. Even. Close.

Now everyone in town is wondering why the normally affable owner of KC’s Taphouse won’t even look at me. Why he avoids me every time we’re in the same place. Why his gorgeous smile disappears at every mention of my name.
Every chance encounter and rebuffed attempt only remind me of his touch, of everything I lost because I wanted to protect myself from heartbreak.

Now all I want this Christmas is a second chance.

Genres: Second Chance, Novella, Small Town Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday, Ebooks

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2022

About the author

Cissy Mecca is the real-life nickname of the author behind steamy small-town romance novels. When she’s not writing historical romance as Cecelia Mecca or crafting romantasy as C.L. Mecca, she enjoys dreaming up captivating escapes for readers. Cissy lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two teens.



Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

If you’re a fan of the Grado Valley Series, you’re going to love this seasonal novella with Owen and Lusanne .
Set in the small town of Kitchi Falls, where Lus is moving into the bakery/coffee house and Owen ownes half the other stores.

These two are so sweet and romantic, they are a breath of fresh air and have a real passionate streak.
I loved the book and can’t wait for the new series that will come from it.
Seasonal, fun, and enjoyable.

I received an arc copy of this book and chose to write a review

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Lusanne will grab your heart in this second chance romance. It was insta lust for both but a long term relationship just wasn't in the cards for them. Their chemistry was off the charts and there was no shortage of steam. She was hard to like at times and I felt like she could have saved herself some heartbreak by being honest and communicating with Owen. I can understand why he was cold to her when she returned to town. Some drama, a little angst but finally an HEA an no cliffhanger. A short Christmas romance that I read as an advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#claimyourcoal

Or is it own your mistakes?
Lus makes the mistake of a lifetime, she then has to deal with her heartbreak whilst facing up to her mistake and admitting how wrong she was. For me, Lus is difficult to understand here as she has obviously been brought up as a strong confident woman, part of a tight knit, large family and encouraged to follow her dreams, which makes her actions questionable. I am not sure she understands them any more....so Owen has no chance!
Despite me not understanding Lus, this is a sweet novella which I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second chance holiday novella was absolutely amazing! Owen and Lusanne’s love story was brilliantly written, with the perfect amount of angst. Even though they had to work some things out first, Owen and Lusanne’s connection was both obvious and electrifying. I loved the face that Owen was able to forgive Lus, even though she had hurt him in the past. And Lus! I thought she was super sweet, and I loved that she was willing to fight for what she wanted. I definitely recommend!!!

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was quite great, I'm glad they got an HEA, I didn't think it would turn out like that, I had doubts but thankfully it was all good.

I enjoyed the fact that it was like the one that got away trope, along with a second chance. I appreciated the fact that they had not been open with each other and I think they learned the lesson. I really enjoyed the story and related to her large move.

Overall their romance was more than enticing.

[Richard Kruzewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read

First time with this author & enjoyed the read. I do feel there could have been a lot more depth & interaction with the other characters but for a short story still was fun.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazon

Lus and Owen had a night then more that was beautiful, though secret. Then she suddenly broke it off and moved on. Since that time, Owen has spent his time at his bar, just going through the motions. Then she comes back to town and doesn't even tell him, he has to find out from someone else. Will he ever forgive her? Ever give her the second chance she wants?

Though cute and festive, and Owen is adorable, I really didn't connect to this story. I guess it's because it felt a bit rushed and incomplete due to its short length. And because I didn't like Lus or the reason she ended it. They spent most of the short time apart with him upset and her waffling because she couldn't tell him why she had broken up with him or why she really moved back to town. Sigh. But Owen is lovable enough, and the Grado family make up for Lus' less than attractive qualities. Also of note, I didn't think this story really fit in with the rest of the series. There wasn't even a tie into it except a brief mention. Probably should have been set on its own as a short holiday story.



ARC provided by author for an honest review.

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[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entry Level [Part of The Naughty List series]
These books are standalones wrote by different authors.. This is the 1st book i have read by this author.. [I would give this book 3.5 stars]

This book follows Owen and Lusanne.. You will find Second chance Romance, Christmas theme, Slow burn and more

Owen has a lot of business in his home town, He is sweet, kind, caring and knows what he wants, He fell for someone special and then got his heart broke, He has been keeping himself busy so he does not have to think about her, One day his mate tells him that his cousin bought the bakery and when he asks which cousin that's when he finds out she is moving to him small town the one that broke his heart, He tried to be mad at her but he still loved her and then he finds out she still loves him too, He falls hard for Lusanne all over again

Lusanne has always wanted to open a coffee shop so she moves to the small town to do that and also see if she can win back that man she loves, She is kind, caring and does not show her feelings well, Once she sees Owen she then knows that she has hurt him a lot more that what she thought, So it makes it hard for her to win him back but she plans to make that happen, She falls hard for owen all over again

This book is packed full of:
⦁ New to me Author
⦁ Second Chance
⦁ shop Neighbor Romance
⦁ Heroine had to win the hero back because she hurt him
⦁ Christmas theme
⦁ A bit of steam near end
⦁ Slow burn
⦁ small town
⦁ Standalone but also a part of The Naughty List series

If you liked Kitichi Falls then check out:
Meet, Play, Love which Features Gian who is Lusanne's Brother

I liked the relationship between Owen and Lusanne.. I am glad that everything worked out and they got a happy ending at their second chance..

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike the other books in the Naughty List series, this one did not start with the Hollywood actress telling women to #claimyourcoal, but there was one little reference to the event later in the book. This story is linked to Ms. Michaels Grado Valley Vineyard series, but it can be read as a standalone. Our hero learns from one of his regulars at his bar that the man's cousin and our hero's one night lover has just bought the local bakery and will be moving to town to run it. When our heroine and one of her brothers show up to start working on renovations, their cousins instigate a meeting between the hero and her, but things do not go well as he is still harboring a lot of hurt feelings and she is still having a hard time facing the truth. Just how many times of them running into each other will it take before they settle things? I did enjoy this story and it has me interested in reading more of the books in the Grado Valley Vineyard series. I'm not sure that I would have put this story as part of The Naughty List.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous second chance romance.
The main characters Lusanne and Owen have history after a weekend of passion,they decide to try a long distance relationship...But they fail at it.
Lusanne gets scared she began to fall hard for Owen,but being miles apart from him she didn't feel like the relationship would work out,so she breaks it off.
Months pass and Lusanne has bought a buisness were Owen lives and she is hoping that they could possibly rekindle what they once had.
But Owen's heart had been broken back then and he feels bitter,having Lusanne now living in his town invading his space makes him angry....But also stirs up the old feelings he has for her that never really went away.
It was interesting to read this book and have the woman who had to try to win the man's heart back instead of the other way around.Lusanne owned up to her mistake,but can Owen forgive her and put the hurt behind him.?
I enjoyed reading this Novella very much it is such a sweet,cute,sexy novella full of romance that kept me entertained throughout.I am excited to find out what Bella Michaels will write next and what characters she will have fall in love next.
A great read.
5 Stars.

[Savannah Cherniwchan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

✅one that got away
✅second chance romance
✅Christmas novella

“Don’t go through hell, and you won’t know when you’ve found heaven.

Lusanne—>The one-night stand wasn’t the worst of it. Losing my heart in a weekend was even more embarrassing. Owen had begged me not to break it off. Said I was making a mistake and that we were meant to be together.

15 months later
Lusanne —> So I go into the store or bar, find him and . . . And what? Tell Owen I’d made the most horrible mistake of my life calling us off? That I only did it to protect myself, knowing I was already in love with him, and that I couldn’t imagine another few months, or years, of growing even closer to have us lead to nowhere?

Would you give someone a second chance if they broke your heart in the first place?

I thought this was a cute book, however I do wish there was more of a behind the scenes prior to Lusanne calling things off. I just didn’t find I connected to the story that much.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Ms.Michaels's work before i've been looking forward to picking up more of her work! As soon as i found out she was releasing a story in the Naughty List series i knew i had to read it. I picked it up and got right into it. I enjoyed this story!

Lusanne and Owen's journey got my attention quickly! Lusanne and Owen shared an unforgettable weekend together, but Lusanne broke things off. Now Lusanne is back in Kitchi Falls for good, but Owen isn't thrilled when he finds out. Can these two face the past and get back what they had? or is too late?

I really liked that Lusanne and Owen had history and getting to see how they'd handle everything in the present. Their chemistry was good! I didn't know everything to expect with these two which i enjoyed. I felt so many things with both Lusanne and Owen throughout reading.

I enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!

With Entry Level, Ms.Michaels has created a good read that will keep you turning the pages!

*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL!!!! Entry Level by Bella Michael is book 14 in the The Naughty List series though in a series I am highly recommending you read the Grado Valley Vineyards series to learn who all the characters are and their stories. Trust me you will be so glad you did as they are just terrific! What I loved about Entry Level was this second chance at love and that one of the main characters is from the Boys of Bridgewater series and that was also a terrific series. I don’t think Bella could write a bad book if she tried. I am such a historical romance reader but these contemporary are just too good not to read. They are written in each of main character’s perspective. Bella is one of the best authors of today. This story has a young women that buys a hometown bakery, a young man that owns have of the small town’s businesses, having family around, not telling the other they were moving, having their heart broken, being scared and falling in love all over again. I am so highly recommending you read this book.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen and Lusanne, the lead characters, had one night of intense intimacy when Lusanne was in Owen’s town for a funeral. Then they continued a distance relationship until Lusanne knew she was falling in love with Owen but saw no way for the relationship to become more because neither of them was relocating and broke it off. Now her situation has changed and she’s bought a business in Owen’s town but, fearful of his response, she failed to tell him, and he’s, not unreasonably, angry. Lusanne needs to convince Owen that she’s seriously interested and won’t be making the same choices again…

This novella is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy second chance romance. I empathised with Owen’s reticence. I appreciated Lusanne’s culpability and her eventual honesty about that. I enjoyed their intimacy and the cute family and friends integration in their lives.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen Smith heard Lusanne was moving to town but seeing her across the street from his store has him feeling a lot of emotions, including anger. Because not only did they have the most incredible week-end a year ago which continued into a long distance relationship for a few months afterwards, but then she suddenly shredded his heart when she broke up with him. She didn't even bother to tell him she was moving to town permanently much less opening a coffee shop right across the street from his store.

Owen has every right to be angry. Lusanne knows she should have handled things differently but now she's acting like a coward, afraid to try and explain for fear of the rejection she probably deserves.

It may take a miracle for Owen and Lus to fix the damage their split caused, and forgiveness will need to come from both of them if they stand a chance.

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was touched by this emotional second-chance romance. It is not often that two people can take a chance on love when feelings have been hurt, but there is no doubt whatsoever that Owen and Lusanne were meant for one another. Having had an incredible night together, followed by some months of a long-distance relationship, Owen is devastated when Lusanne broke up with him. However, she is now back in town and despite her protestations, she has left her family behind. However, Owen is unwilling to open himself up to Lusanne until he can be sure that she is there for the right reasons. With the Grado family in the background, Owen and Lusanne feel as if they are in a fishbowl as they sort through their feelings. The novella, fortunately, comes to a happy conclusion, but not without the intervention of family and friends. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading these quick little novellas.

This one tells the story of Owen and Lusanne in a second chance romance.

While Lusanne was in town for a funeral, she met and fell hard for Owen, whose family owns most of the town. Unfortunately they live in two different places and Lusanne decided to call it off.

However when the opportunity arises for Lusanne to buy a bakery in town, she takes it, knowing seeing Owen is unavoidable.

This story is told in dual pov and I loved being able to see if from both perspectives. I thought there were a lot of sweet moments in this story and just enough steam.

The ending felt a bit abrupt and a little jumbled but really I think I just wanted more which always seems like the way with a novella. I definitely plan to seek out more stories from this author. I loved the author's writig style.

Huge thank you to the author for my gifted copy!

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lusanne and Owen's story.

When you think you made the right choice not long ago and was deadly wrong. Now you want him back.

Lusanne had the night of her life with Owen but was afraid the long distance relationship wouldn't work so she called it off. Now, months and months later an opportunity arises where she can purchase the coffee/donut shop and try to win him back since she's local now and planning to stay. But he hates her now, she has her work cut out for her.

Owen is finding it hard to trust Lusanne again. How quickly she ended things as if it didn't mean to her what their relationship meant to him. Her smile doesn't fool him, he can't trust her with his heart again. Can he?

Great novella, highly recommend as I do ANY of this author's books. They're all amazing and you can't choose wrong. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely second-chance romance novella by Bella Michaels, Entry Level will have you rooting for Owen and Lusanne (Lus) from the start. There is no doubt the chemistry between this couple is still there, even if Lus broke off their budding romances as they lived too far apart, but now she has moved to Kitchi Falls to start a new business, will Owen be able to forgive Lus for giving up too easily on their relationship in the past and finally be prepared to take a chance with the only woman he has loved, one thing is for sure he won't be making easy. no matter how enticing Lus is!

Bella Michaels brilliantly produced a novella that didn't feel rushed, this couple's story flowed wonderfully and gave me a lovely glow at the end, and I always love a story where I can catch up with Grado's siblings.

[Allison Steelman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Owen has been in love with Lusanne ever since they spent that weekend together 15 months ago. But after trying long distance, she broke up with him out of the blue. Now she's back in town without so much as giving him a phone call and he is not thrilled she bought the business across from his bar.
Lusanne knew Owen was the one. But with neither of them willing to relocate, she unhappilyended their relationship. Now she's moved into his town to start a new business and can still feel the spark. But Owen doesn't make it easy on Lusanne. She has to figure out if he still wants her and is willing to forgive her.

This is a sweet, quick second chance novella. The spice is minimal, but you can feel that these 2 characters desperately want what they think they can't have.

[Shani (Bttrflymama88) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entry Level by Bella Michaels is part of The Naughty List Series 🎄❤️

Owen & Lusanne

Second Chance with the one that got away, small town romance!

Right person, wrong time. A short romance but when Lusanne isn't staying in town and realizing long distance isn't working she breaks up with Owen.  But then the star align 15 months later and she finds herself back in town buying the coffee shop across the street from Owen's bar. Tensions are high. She's scared. He's hurt. Forced proximity makes them confront the inevitable and they reveal they still both very much have feelings for eachother. Although I wished there was more to this story. It was a  super cute holiday novella! And very on point with the #claimyourcoal motto with The Naughty List Series. 

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen and Lusanne share a night that meant a lot to them, but they lived in different places and Lusanne broke things off….even though it broke both of their hearts. Now, they are both living in the same town. Can they mend their broken hearts and continue what they had?

Owen and Lusanne have no shortage of chemistry and you can feel that anytime they are near each other. Even though they were both hurt by what Lusanne did ending things there was still something there.

I wish there was some more into their first time together, just to give some more insight into what happened, but it’s hard to fit that in with such a short story.

If you’re looking for a second chance, small town, holiday romance check this one out.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entry Level is a part of the Naughty List and is taking us back to the Finger Lake wine region and Grado winey!
Lusanne and Owen had a wonderfully hot weekend a year ago, but Lus was only in town to visit and knew she could not relocate. She was an intricate part of her family restaurant and was needed at home, so her romantic life was going to have to wait no matter how good her and Owen are together. Owen is more than hurt when Lus takes off after their amazing weekend and she didn't even want to try long distance. Now she is back and so much has changed she is his business neighbor and staying. Can he get over the hurt and remember why they were so good together. Lus and Owen are sassy sexy and have great chemistry.
~~Michele McMullen~~

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this amazing series. Owen and Lusanne / Lus spent a hot weekend together a year ago, and where in a long-distance relationship, until Lus broke his heart. Now Lus is moving to the Kitchi Falls to run her own bakery, which is right across the road from Owen’s. Owen tries to avoid Lus, but she wants another chance. This is a well written story which is emotionally charged, with heartbreak family, friendships, tension, fun, romance, love, forgiveness, and 2nd chances, which leads to a sweet and a compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Amanda (Romance Reviewed) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC Review) 3.5 stars

Short and easy reading second chance romance! I enjoyed the two main characters, and their hesitancy to move on what happened to them initially (especially Owen). I enjoyed the small town setting and the little bit of steam.

I enjoyed this one, though there are a LOT of side characters to keep track of. This is part of a series I guess, and it feels like it with all the secondary characters crammed in there. It really stands out because so much time is spent on these other characters it takes away from the limited time we have for the main couple since it’s a novella.

[Amanda Zook · Rating 4 out of 5]

They had one weekend but was it enough? Lusanne doesn't think so. Not with them living in different states. She ends things with him, breaking both their hearts in the process. But then, fate steps in, giving Lusanne the opportunity to take over the bakery in Owen's hometown. She wonders if they can start things up again, but his avoidance tactics send a clear impression. He doesn't want anything to do with her. But after they talk and clear the air, things change between them. They soon set things on fire . . . literally. These lovers to enemies to lovers is exactly the feel-good romance you need this holiday.

[Ashley Reading Stewardess · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the fact that this novella didn’t start off with the Holly interview like many of the other books in the Naughty List series, I found that this second chance romance was all right but nothing earth shattering. The second chance romance trope is definitely my favorite trope and while this is that, I couldn’t help but feel that it was missing out on the full backstory of Lusanne and Owen and perhaps it was because of this that I felt the story was rushed and the couple reconnected and forgave one another a little too easily. With that being said, this was a quick and enjoyable read in the Naughty List series.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lusanna and Owen had a hot and heavy time together, but then she got scared and broke both of them. Now she has returned to Kitch Falls and though she knows that she hurt Owen, Lus doesn't realize how bad until they come face-to-face again after years. She knew she was coming back and said nothing except to her family so why wouldn't Owen be pissed. He is trying to not lose it for sure, but he also knows there is still something there. Can these two find a common ground and can Owen show Lus there isn't anything to be afraid of? Loved the story of these two characters. Can't wait to read more by this author.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be read as a standalone but as someone who's read all the books from the Bridgewater series and the Grado Valley Vineyards Series, I loved all the little guest appearances from past characters. And Owen and Lausanne I am so happy they both got there HEA.
Fantastic quick read, perfect for a quiet evening or a long lunch break. The story moves along quickly but doesn't feel forced. The characters are engaging with very little drama and plenty of holiday cheer.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the Naughty list reading and I received this arc from the author. This is a second chance at love between Owen and Lusanne who had a very short but passionate fling but as she lived away, the long distance wasn’t for Lus, so she ended it not realising that Owens feelings were real and was very hurt by her decision, a year later she’s moving to his town and hopes to rekindle the relationship. This is a book involving forgiveness, real love, steam and a happy ever after. A thoroughly lovely book.