*Disclaimer I rate novellas/short stories out of a total of three stars.

Walker is a member of the landscaping crew started and owned by Oakley a character from Defender book 3 in this authors Kensley Panthers series. He is sent out on a job and meets Dutton. Dutton has just inherited his grandma's home after her passing and is unsure if he wants to sell and go back to California or keep it and stay in small-town kansas. These two meet and sparks fly and the story goes from there.

This is on the shorter side in comparison to previous books I've read by this author but it was just as enjoyable as her others. Super low angst, small town, strangers to Lovers MM romance with really cute moments, likeable characters, small town/found family vibes with a sprinkling of good spice that left me with a cosy warm feeling by the end. Walker gives some golden retriever energy and I liked that about his character, Dutton is a bit more reserved to begin with but I wouldn't put him in the black cat category either. I liked how their romance developed and the glimpses we got of future characters in this coming series. A sweet, quick and easy read that I enjoyed from start to finish. Definitely recommend giving this one a try. 🌶🌶

"I like simple. I love the simple life. I love it here, and loving you was the easiest thing I've done, even if I was afraid to admit how much I loved you already."