Book Series: Out of the Ashes

Cocktails & Crushes

Out of the Ashes will be the best bar in the county. At least that's what I promised my uncle before he passed away.

With all the changes we're making, more challenges arise. The crowd seems to get rowdier with every day that passes, and it's getting harder to keep my head above water.

That is until Dylan, the boy I used to know, walks in. He's definitely not a kid anymore. But he might just be what I need to keep the bar running smoothly.

Too bad he isn't staying in town and can only help for a few months. Then again, maybe it's for the best.

I'm not sure how long I can fight my attraction, and guarding my heart is the least of my problems.

Because falling for Dylan? It isn't an option. Ever.

Posted February 24, 2022 by katrinamarieauthor in / 0 Comments

Brews & Bartenders

The bartender is cute, and I may have a crush on him.

But it’s not like I’m going to do anything because I have David, my son, to worry about

Which is fine until my ex-husband walks in with a younger and thinner girl on his arm. Then I grab on to the bartender with both hands and introduce him as my boyfriend.

This is a small town and word spreads. What was supposed to be one night becomes a fake relationship to keep up the ruse.

Catching feelings, though? That can’t happen.

Posted March 31, 2022 by katrinamarieauthor in / 0 Comments

Mai Tais & Mistletoe

The former star quarterback is home, and I’ve caught his eye.

You’d think I would be happy. Most girls would. But he didn’t even know I existed back then, and I don’t see why I should give him the time of day now.

I’ve gone out of my way to avoid him when he comes into the bar, which worked until he applied for a job.

Now, I’m stuck with him. Not only because we work together, but he’s also my ride to work after I fell off a ladder and he offers to help.

He seems like he’s changed, except he doesn’t know what his next step is. Who knows if he’s going to stay for good.

The only problem…the more time we spend together, the harder it is to keep my attraction to him at bay.

Posted October 5, 2022 by katrinamarieauthor in / 0 Comments

Martinis & Musicians

My best friend’s brother, Devin, is the reason I high-tailed it out of Asheville.

Now, I’m back because this place feels like home and I’m ready to put down roots. Even if everything at Out of the Ashes has changed since I last worked here.

I have every intention of avoiding Devin this time around. Not only because it would never work, but because we hid our relationship from his sister. A guilt I still carry with me.

The only problem…he’s performing at the bar every weekend, and he wants to pick up where things left off.

 

Posted November 26, 2022 by katrinamarieauthor in / 0 Comments

Gin & Good Guys

Bartending on the weekends to support my kids is working out great. But keeping my heart guarded against my boss, who’s younger than me…not an easy task.

Working at Out of the Ashes is supposed to be temporary. Long enough to save up some money for my kids’ sports, and then we can move out of my dad’s house. And I'm not about to ask my ex-husband for help, even if we have a great co-parenting relationship.

My boss, Eric, has made it no secret he’s attracted to me. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the tension sizzle between us. But with two teens to raise, two jobs, and figuring out what I’m doing with my life…now is not the time to jump into a relationship.

Each day that goes by, his charm becomes harder and harder to resist. When he intervenes in what could have been a dangerous situation, I let my guard down the tiniest fraction. And I liked it.

However, it can’t go further than that. There's enough on mine and my kids' plates as is. Could we make room for my sexy as sin boss?

Posted February 28, 2023 by katrinamarieauthor in / 0 Comments

Hurricanes & Halloween

I have to do the one thing I don’t want to…go back to my hometown for my high school reunion. I know I’ll run into Jaylen, my childhood best friend and the girl who broke my heart. There’s no avoiding it.

It’s supposed to be a quick in and out visit, but to my surprise Jaylen invites me to a Halloween party. Even though I know I should say no, curiosity gets the best of me.

 

Posted August 12, 2024 by katrinamarieauthor in / 0 Comments