4.5 stars rounded up

A woman who got a second chance and now owns her own restaurant falls for the cop who once arrested her when they work together on a community project in this charming contemporary romance.

Honestly I wasn't sure how this was going to go, but I ended up really liking it. Sheri and Deandre are both working to create positive change in their community while avoiding the pressure to come down hard with an aggressive police presence because of bored teenagers acting up. I loved how their romance developed too. This is great for people who like external conflict in a romance and a relatively low-drama couple. They are mature and communicate well, but Deandre is a widower with a teenager son who tries to sabotage the relationship. I loved how this handled that. There's a great cast of side characters that are fleshed out and humor scattered throughout. Definitely one to pick up! I generally love Synithia's books. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Their first meeting changed her life

Their second one changes everything

Sheri “Li’l Bit” Thomas will do anything to help revitalize the community she loves—even work with Lieutenant Deandre King, the cop who once arrested her after a stupid breakup stunt. Opening her new restaurant is a great first step. Partnering with the handsome widowed dad on an outreach event for at-risk youth and businesses is an even better one. But neither counts on the attraction simmering between them—or the potential problems with Deandre’s teen son. Is Sheri’s past a bad example for him, indicative of drama to come? Or is she the mom—and wife—they never knew they needed?

Includes a bonus story, About Last Night!

The book delivers on the promise of the synopsis and the cover-no surprises there. The appeal, to me, is that this is a traditional Harlequin novel that I grew up with-and there is something comforting about that. All told, this is an enjoyable and quick way to spend an afternoon. I also enjoyed the bonus novella, which pays off a couple that we've seen in other books.

I am never into cop stories but I love Synithia Williams so much I was willing to overlook it. Lil Bit was so cute and she definitely was a cute character. I love small town romance with drama

The love story started off good but was rushed. The angst for the couple could’ve been developed more so the story fell flat. I applaud the author for not using cheating or secret baby mom as angst for the couple. I just feel cheated because the build up of the romance was not adequate to me.

Harlequin - Romance, Harlequin Special Edition and NetGalley provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

This is a small town romance with some fairly surprising third act drama. Sheri and Deandre are likable lead characters with believable chemistry and the community revitalization plot is handled well.

Overall, an enjoyable read.