DONOVAN: Last Man Standing

Here’s my guy who thinks he’ll be the winner and never fall. Well, Magnolia Popham has other things in mind.

DONOVAN – Kari Lemor

Going, going, gone, to the lady who wants sweet revenge.

Magnolia Popham never forgot the way Donovan Sinclair humiliated her when she worked for his family. Years later, he’s on the auction block to raise money for the children’s hospital, and she’s got the perfect plan to pay him back. A month mucking stalls and feeding chickens is just the thing to make him see what it feels like to be the hired help.

Donovan never meant to embarrass Maggie, yet now he’s paying the price. He didn’t know one stolen kiss years ago could cause so many problems. Toiling beside her at Popham Farm shows him the successful woman she’s become, and he’d like to get closer. Even with the drudgery of working the land, he wants nothing more than to bid on her love…and win.

Available at Amazon

DONOVAN: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

“Eight thousand for this strong, strapping man to do with as you please. According to our rules, of course,” Cissy clarified, but Donovan wondered how vigorously they enforced those rules. 

“Do I hear nine thousand for Donovan Sinclair?”

“Nine thousand.” Mrs. Wisenthall was determined. The others seemed to have dropped out of the race. 

“We have nine thousand dollars for this handsome man. Any other takers?” Cissy waited and glanced around. Donovan couldn’t see more than shapes sitting at the tables due to the lighting. 

“Okay, then. Going once, going twice—”

“Fifteen thousand dollars.” 

Donovan froze. The voice wasn’t one of the ones who’d been bidding before. This one was soft as a breeze and sweet as honey with a lilting southern accent.

“Fifteen thousand. Any other bids?” Cissy cocked her head, but Mrs. Wisenthall remained silent. “Going once. Going twice. I think we have a winner.”

Donovan could make out the shape of a woman walking toward the stage. And what a shape it was. The dress was classy, floral, and hugged her figure lovingly, stopping about an inch above her knee. High heels accentuated her long, trim legs and clicked on the wood floor as she approached. A white, large-brimmed hat perched on top of her head, covering all but a long curl of brunette hair that swirled across one shoulder, then dipped between her breasts. 

Well now. This was a new circumstance. Maybe he could forgive his mother if he got to spend some quality time with this exquisite creature. Provided she knew it was a temporary situation.

Cissy cleared her throat as the mystery woman sauntered closer and tipped her head up. As Donovan took in her features, memories drifted through his mind, and the blood drained from his face.

“Donovan Sinclair sold for fifteen thousand dollars to Magnolia Popham.”

Find all of Kari’s books here:  https://www.karilemor.com/

Here’s where you can find all of the Last Man Standing books:

LAST MAN STANDING

And check out the cookbook that goes with this wonderful series. So many great game day recipes to try.

GAME ON SNACKS

CHANCE: Last Man Standing

Just a few more men who still need to be taken down by the woman of their dreams.

CHANCE – Peggy Jaeger

Chance Miller, divorce lawyer extraordinaire, knows the whole happily ever after dream is an urban myth. He deals with miserable and wedded warring couples every day and swears staying single keeps him sane and happy. His friends and family consider him the last single man standing and fear he’ll never find someone and settle down. But Chance relishes his carefree status and unencumbered lifestyle and has no plans to change anything.

If only his relatives would stop trying to set him up with their version of the perfect woman.

Fredrika Poole already experienced her one great love, and the widow can’t read any future romance in her tea leaves. She’s content to bake, run her business, and care for her daughter.

When Chance meets Freddie and discovers her marriage thoughts run on the same road his do, he realizes she’s the answer to his prayer for keeping the relatives at bay. But the pixie barista has a way of making Chance question everything he’s always thought about love, marriage, and wedded bliss.

Will his last man standing status go unchallenged? Or will Freddie be the one woman he wants…but can never have?

Available at Amazon

CHANCE: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

Chance opened his eyes and before he could look down and assess the damage done to his clothing found a pair of the most beautiful green eyes he’d ever seen gazing at him with worry creasing a perfect brow. A halo of copper-colored hair sat secured in a high ponytail, a pencil sticking out of the center of the knot. Skin the color of pale cream glowed with health. A tiny depression in the center of the chin was so unexpected Chance found himself staring at it for a few beats before he lifted his gaze back to her eyes.

“I can’t believe she threw her coffee at you,” the woman said, shaking her head. She slammed a fist on her hip. “What a waste of six bucks. Thank goodness it was a cold brew. Here,” she shoved a stack of napkins at him. “I don’t have a proper towel to give you.  I still need to get supplies in. These will help, though, sop some of it up.”

The notion he should take the napkins drifted across his mind but he couldn’t manage to get his hands working. He was simply unable to do anything but stare at her. Covered in baggy blue overalls with a stark white t-shirt under them and white sneakers on her feet, she was the furthest thing from the type of woman he was usually drawn to. Six-foot models who were looking for a night on the town and free champagne cocktails were more his speed. But there was something so indescribably alluring about this woman dressed in clothes that did nothing for her, he simply couldn’t take his eyes off her.

A tiny head tilt as she stared at him and the subsequent slide of her ponytail to the side propelled Chance out of his stunned stupor. Blinking like he had ten eyelashes stuck under his lid he shook his head a few times then took the proffered napkins with a simple, “Thanks.”

While he began patting at his assuredly ruined suit, she asked, “Friend of yours?”

He barked out a laugh. “Hardly.”

Here’s where you can find all of Peggy’s books: https://peggyjaeger.com/my-books/

Find all the Last Men here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5

GUY: Last Man Standing

I hope you’ve enjoyed all these men who have fallen. We’ve still got a few more for you. Here’s number 11!

GUY – Judy Kentrus

Guy Addison, a confirmed bachelor, believes in the old adage, “why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free.” Badly singed twice by cupid’s arrow, he’s learned his lesson. A well-respected college professor who teaches Marine Biology, he works hard on save-the-ocean projects. He just purchased his first home in Naples, Florida, an older house, that faces the blue-green waters of the Gulf. He plans to make major structural changes and decides to hire an interior designer to bring his vision to life.

Heather Llewelyn is a successful interior designer in Naples, Florida. Having been badly “taken” by a former business partner, she’s stayed clear of relationships. Her motto is: “Why buy a bull when you can enjoy a variety of beefcake.” When she overhears her friend’s brother’s sexist declaration, “why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free,” she decides Professor Addison needs to be taught a lesson.
Little do these two strong-minded individuals realize they’re very much alike.

Available at Amazon

GUY: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

“It’s with a great deal of pleasure that I have the honor of presenting the Last Man Standing plaque to Guy Addison!”

  “Hear, hear!” Guy’s college fraternity buddies chorused. 

“Speech! Speech!”  

Speech? No one said I had to give a speech. He stared down at the brass plaque inscribed with the words Last Man Standing.  “I don’t know whether to look at this as an award or a curse. Cupid exacted revenge on all of you, thinking you could get the best of the God of Love.”

“Tell us how you’ve been able to avoid the ball and chain.”

He’d never been blessed with a second sight, but he sensed the plaque was a bad omen. “I’m no expert on women, but a very popular American journalist once wrote, ‘Why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free?’”

****

“What a chauvinistic pig! Get his milk for free!”

Heather Llewelyn couldn’t believe what she’d just overheard coming from the other end of the deck. The Bay House was one of her favorite places to eat, but this pig-headed jerk had made her feel sick to her stomach.

Heather reached for a roll and applied the butter with a little too much force, making it crumble in her hand. “Who does he think he is?”

“My brother is quite opinionated when it comes to females, having his heart broken by the same woman, twice.”  Her friend Jonelle smirked. “He’ll probably hang the plaque on the wall of his office, right next to the awards he’s received for his volunteer work in saving the humpback whales. You’re the perfect female to make him eat his words.”

“I’ll do it! Just call me Farmer Heather, but inflation is about to hit—the cost of my milk just went up.

Here’s where you can find Judy’s books: https://judykentrus.com/

DRAKE: Last Man Standing

Here’s our 10th man who thinks he’s still standing, but it won’t last for long!

DRAKE – Maddie Evans

Sometimes safety and sacrifice are exactly the same.

After growing up homeless and hungry, Drake went into the military and from there into one of the most dangerous and highly-paid jobs with one goal: save a nest-egg so that for the rest of his life, he’d never be homeless again. He saves every penny he can (well, and he sends fifteen hundred a month home to his mother) and works as an underwater welder on an oil rig. He’s single because there’s no way to take someone else along for the ride, not in a life like he’s living.

When Drake’s best friend gets engaged, everyone laughs that Drake is the last man standing–the only single guy left on their team. “That’s not true,” he says. “Sunita is single.” Dead silence. Yep, he forgot that Sunita wasn’t exactly “a guy.” Also, she’s not exactly single: she’s a widow. Her husband, also an underwater welder, died in a diving accident.

It’s a forgivable mistake: Sunita has been “one of the guys” for three years, and she doesn’t want to risk losing anyone again. Except now Drake’s got his attention on her. And she’s got hers on him.

The trouble is, that dangerous job is still extremely dangerous. When disaster strikes, can Drake and Sunita find the safety they’re looking for?

Available at Amazon

DRAKE: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

Eric pointed at him. “You’re up next. As of right now, you’re the last man standing.”

Drake recoiled. “In what way am I the last man standing?”

Eric said, “Every other guy here is married, engaged, or otherwise in a long term relationship.”

Drake raised his hands. “Sunita is single!”

The onlookers went uncomfortably quiet, and Micah snorted. “In case you missed it, Stillman, Sunita is not, in fact, a single guy.”

Sunita was struggling not to laugh. Drake blurted out, “Sorry, I forgot you were a woman.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Sunita gave in to it herself, throwing back her head and closing her eyes.

Drake tried to get his footing back. Like a good tender, Micah had just saved his bacon because Sunita wasn’t exactly single. Sunita was widowed. Her husband Aaron had died in a diving accident three years ago.

Drake dropped an arm over Sunita’s shoulder. “Okay, everyone. We’re good now. Go gawk at Eric and Marnie. They can get hitched, and I’ll still be the last man standing.”

Sunita patted his hand and then sidled away. “Standing alongside the last woman—now that you’ve remembered that’s what I am.”

Eric snorted. “For Stillman to settle down? It would have to be the last woman.”

Micah arched his eyebrows. “Girlfriends are expensive, and Drake’s a cheapskate.”

Find Maddie’s books here: https://maddieevans.com/

Find all the Last Men here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5

THEO: Last Man Standing

We’re up to book 9 and boy, they’re going fast!

THEO – Suzanne Winslow

Theo Thomas chose his aviation career over love. A confirmed bachelor, he’s the last unmarried man among his closest peers. When a Southern California heat wave coincides with a power outage, he’s forced to his friends’ house. He’s surprised to discover their house sitter is the woman who’d forged his opinion on marriage seventeen years ago. 

Chief Information Officer Emma Wilson never gave up on love, but try as she might, she hasn’t found anything close to what she felt for Theo—despite hard feelings on both sides. When a new job takes her back to California, she dreads the possibility of seeing him again. So of course, fate lands him right on her doorstep.  

As grudges fade and resentment slowly turns to forgiveness, Theo sees life offering him a second chance, but Emma isn’t a starry-eyed girl anymore. She’s a woman who knows her worth, and this time, Theo will have to fight for what he wants.

Available at Amazon

THEO: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

      A familiar, unexpected voice asked, “Is everything okay?”

   Theo’s heart punched in his chest. “Emma?”

   “Theo?” Her sharp tone clearly told him she held him responsible for what was happening.

   Officer Perez narrowed his eyes at Theo. “Do you two know each other?”

   He couldn’t believe she’d called the cops on him. Or, maybe he could.  “Her name’s Emma Wilson. She knows the people who live here too.”

   “How many people have keys to this house?”

   Theo shrugged. At least one more than he knew about.

   A few seconds passed before Emma came outside ahead of the other police officer. She wore an emerald green bikini, a silver naval piercing, and pale pink polish on her toes. Her hair was shorter and straighter than he remembered. It was pulled back into a ponytail the same chestnut brown as the eyes that still occasionally featured in his dreams. As she got a little closer, he looked away, but not before glimpsing more of her than he had seen in a very long time. She stopped short a few feet away, clicking her fingernails, avoiding eye contact with him too.

He didn’t blame her. Not after what he’d said the last time they were together. They hadn’t spoken since. Last he knew, she was an IT director in Detroit. Oliver usually told him when she was coming to California, but not this time. When their eyes finally met, she folded her arms over her stomach, trying to cover herself. All the movement did was show off her cleavage. His eyebrows lifted at her futile effort.

   She glared at him.

   Perez frowned. “Is everything okay?”

   Theo answered yes the same time as Emma.  

“Okay, then.” Perez held out his hand. “Let’s see your driver’s licenses.”  

Here’s where you can find Suzanne’s books: https://www.suzannewinslow.com/     

JACE: Last Man Standing

Here’s book 8 in the series! It’s been great seeing these men finally admit they need a woman in their lives.

JACE – Kandice E. Geddes

When she ran, she ran away with his heart…

Jace Corbin has never been able to get over his runaway bride. Andi Reed, the sister of his best friend, is the only woman he’s ever loved. When she left him at the altar on their wedding day and never explained why, he quickly closed his heart off to ever loving again. Love was just a myth, something that was only further confirmed on the day of his parent’s divorce.

He now prides himself in his bachelorhood and in his position as a pediatric doctor. Even as his friends get married one by one, he’s not swayed to leave behind his single status. But after his friend asks him to be his best man at his wedding, he knows there’s no way he’ll be able to avoid Andi. And being double-booked in the same cottage with her wasn’t what he had in mind either. He’s determined to keep her at arm’s length though and be the one running this time. But a sudden snowstorm has other ideas.

Will Jace be able to keep his heart unattached, or will he finally find a way to open himself back up to love?

Available on Amazon

JACE: Last Man Standing

Excerpt: 

The door to the cottage creaked as Jace pushed it open. He cringed at the sound. Oiling hinges had suddenly become the first thing on his to-do list in the morning. He flipped on a light, gaping as he glanced around the interior of the front room. Was this a joke? Had the 1970s gotten sick and traveled through time to throw up all over the inside of the cottage? 

“Wonderful,” he groaned as he dropped his heavy bag on the floor. The room even smelled musty and old like no one had taken the time to air it out in the last fifty years.

Oh, well. He’d only be living here during the weeklong events of the wedding. He didn’t need to feel as if he was staying in a five-star luxury hotel.

Jace loosened his tie and turned toward the hallway, his fatigue getting the better of him. He could only pray that the bed didn’t match the rest of the cottage. But before he could take a single step to seek out the bedroom, a door opened at the end of the hall. A bright light splashed across the carpet and wall, steam billowing out behind it. His muscles tightened as someone stepped out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. He blinked once then twice, instantly recognizing the dark-haired woman—the same dark-haired woman who’d left him at the altar five years before.

    He swallowed, the heart he thought was long dead surprised him by suddenly sprinting back to life. What the devil was she doing in his cottage? Were they double-booked? “Andi?” 

Andrea Reed—the only person he’d wanted to avoid during his friend’s wedding—turned with a start and screeched, instantly covering a hand over herself before bolting back into the bathroom and slamming the door behind her. 

“I don’t know who you are,” she screamed through the thin door, “but you better get out of here before I call the cops!” 

Same old demanding Andi. It was nice to see that some things hadn’t changed. But had she honestly not recognized him? What would she think after she found out that the man she loathed was likely sharing the cottage with her? Nausea swirled through his stomach. How could this be happening?

“Andi…” he breathed, his voice coming out deep and scratchy, her name sounding foreign on his lips after he’d refused to say it over the last half-decade. “It’s just me… Jace.”

Here’s where you can find more of Kandice’s books: https://authorkandicegeddes.com/

Find all the Last Man Standing books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5

FLETCHER: Last Man Standing

We’re at book 7 – halfway through our Last Men Standing! We’ve seen the first half fall and won’t it be fun to finally see them all on their knees?

FLETCHER – Katrina Kylie

Fletcher can set a trap for wolves, grizzlies, and skunks, but can he avoid the wily schemes of a meddling baby sister determined to end his bachelorhood once and for all?

Working for the Forest Service hasn’t exactly honed Fletcher’s people skills. He’s alone eleven months of the year, and the twelfth, well, he yearns for the solitude of his wilderness home. Relationships just aren’t high on his priority list, and what sort of woman would go for his type of lifestyle anyway?

Those objections don’t matter a whit to Fletcher’s younger sister, a dating coach by trade. One by one, Reagan has helped her friends and family members find success with love. When she sets her heart on finding a match for her winsome brother, no one will stand in her way. Despite Fletcher’s conviction that bachelorhood is the life for him, can he convince Reagan and remain the last man standing?

Available on Amazon

FLETCHER: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

The shovel was lying askew on the footpath where Fletcher had dropped it. He set the caged badger down where it’d be out of the way and brushed mud off the shovel’s handle.

“You know, maybe you oughta take your sister’s advice and jump back into the dating pool. Ladies love a pretty face.”

As a professional dating coach, Reagan would be absolutely giddy if Fletcher approached her about dating. Close friend that he was, Curtis took every opportunity to remind him.

“This might be news for you, Curt, but not everybody has their sights set on marriage. Meaning me. The fact an obnoxious guy caught the attention of a female is pretty miraculous. Meaning you.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing out on, Fletch,” Curtis pressed. “If there’s anything I could say that would get you to pull your head out of the sand and see all the happiness you’re missing out on, tell me what it is. I want you to have what I’ve found with Christine.”

“Listen, I can appreciate your advice, but this is all I need.” Fletcher swept an all-encompassing hand over the majestic snow-capped mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. “I’ll be your best man but that’s as close as I’ll ever get to the altar.” 

Get the Last Man Standing series here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5

GAVIN: Last Man Standing

We’re up to book 6 in the Last Man Standing series. These guys are gorgeous and single, but they are going down!!

GAVIN – Kathryn Hills

Sometimes making waves is the only way to chart your true course.

Gavin Hart’s intentions are noble. He’s putting all his energy and every penny he’s got into the marine science education program he devised with his grandmother, a world-renowned environmentalist from Cape Cod. Big boat, special equipment, and a crew of salty characters—everything is ready to launch. All he needs is the backing of his influential family. Turns out that’s the one thing he won’t get—unless he agrees to settle down and marry the woman of their choosing. A self-proclaimed bachelor for life, he’s never been tempted. That is until he meets Sophie.

High school science teacher Sophie Martin is only subbing in town for a few months. Yet the allure of the Cape—its nautical charm and off-season ambiance—has her wishing she could stay longer. Not to mention she’s falling for a local man with a heart of pure gold. They have a lot in common, including a passion for inspiring young minds. Too bad her days there are numbered. Plus, her boyfriend back home is hinting at a ring. Should she return to her previous life? Or is she brave enough to upend everything and take a risk on a man she barely knows?

Available on Amazon

GAVIN: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

Students spilled out into the hallway, and Sophie followed, shutting off lights, and locking the door behind them.

Laura Adams—her best friend and fellow teacher—sauntered up beside her. “Fancy meeting you here, Ms. Martin,” the sassy woman teased. “Well, tell me, how was your first week teaching high school science?”

The two women walked together toward the gymnasium, dodging teenagers, flung-open locker doors, backpacks, and sporting gear.

“I was nervous at first, but now I’m much more confident. The kids are all great.”

“Hey, hey, hey, no running in the halls,” Laura bellowed at a group of boys, speeding past them, shoving one another. She glanced Sophie’s way, instantly switching gears. “Some of us are going out tonight. You should come. I’ll introduce you to some nice guys. We’re meeting at the Galley Hatch.”

At first, the invitation appealed to Sophie, yet the idea of being introduced to “nice guys” made her balk. Laura was a notorious matchmaker, and that was the last thing she needed. “I shouldn’t. I promised my aunt I’d spend time with her since I’ve been gone all week. I think she’s having a hard time adjusting to being alone all day again. She keeps talking about adopting a cat or a talking bird.”

“Oh. Bummer. Offer stands if you can get away. Text me, and I’ll save you a seat.”

They entered the gym together and lingered in the double doors.

“Impressive,” Sophie said, adding a sigh of relief when she saw her class wasn’t climbing the walls. “Nice turnout of exhibitors.”

Laura casually looked around. “You should check it out since it’s your first time. Make the rounds with your kids.”

“I think I will.” Sophie went to leave, yet she ran smack into someone rushing past them with a box.

“Whoa! So sorry,” the person was quick to say.

She stepped back, and her gaze fell upon the one person she never expected to see up close and personal. “You,” she said in disbelief.

Hunky boat guy tipped his dark-haired head. “Do I…know you?”

The smooth, masculine sound of his voice washed over her like a warm summer wave. Sophie blinked up at him, her mortified expression reflected in his mirrored sunglasses. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

“Miss… Are you okay?” A sexy little smile turned his lips.

Surprised laughter bubbled out of Laura. “Who’s this?”

The man set his box down and removed his shades.

Both women gaped.

Crystal blue eyes. Stark against his suntanned skin.

“Gavin Hart. I’m exhibiting today. Well, I’m supposed to be. As per usual, I’m late. Can either of you ladies help me find my table?”

“Sophie will,” Laura blurted out, and she gave Sophie a little shove in his direction.

Gavin’s smile widened showing bright white teeth. “Excellent. Thank you, Sophie.”

She spun and narrowed her gaze on Laura. “What about my kids?”

Laura shrugged. “They’re fine. You’re fine. This man is obviously fine.”

Here’s where you can find Kathryn Hills’ books: https://www.kathrynhills.com/

Keep your eyes open for more Last Man Standing books, coming soon!

ALONSO: Last Man Standing

Here’s book 5 in the Last Man Standing series. These men have all claimed last men status but we’ll see what happens when their ladies drop in.

ALONSO – Allison Wells

Love is a bad word according to news producer Alonso Ortiz. So is the name Piper Campbell. He’s determined to avoid both until the latter becomes his new partner and on-air talent at Action News.

The name Alonso is a curse in the mind of Piper Campbell. After leaving her cheating fiancé and arriving for a new reporter position at Action News, she’s cursing the name even more when she realizes her old nemesis is now her producer.

Daggers and sparks fly as these two do their best to remain icy toward one another despite the growing heat between them. Can they work together and keep it strictly business? Or will the last man standing fall for the woman he once loathed?

Available on Amazon

ALONSO: Last Man Standing

Excerpt:

After scanning my card, I made my way over to the yoga room. A class was just letting out, so I stood to the side and waited with two older women and a wiry man holding mats. That’s when I heard the voice. It was a voice I would never forget. It had been the bane of my existence for two years in college, belonging to a man I had thought I would never see again after he graduated a semester before me. A chill went up my spine as his familiar baritone voice grew closer and louder.

I pulled out my phone and turned away, just in case he saw me. I watched as the guy who had nearly ruined my career before it began came into view, laughing and talking with someone else. I turned more, hoping he wouldn’t recognize me.

“I’ll catch you later man,” the other guy said.

“I’ll whoop you tomorrow, Kenny.” Then he disappeared around the corner and was silent.

But there was no mistaking that tall frame, the tanned skin, the lilt of his voice. Alonso Ortiz was still in Savannah.

Here’s where you can find Allison’s books: http://www.allisonwellswrites.com/

Check out all these scrumptious men! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5

DEAN: Last Man Standing

Here’s book 4 in the Last Man Standing series. These guys don’t know what’s about to hit them!

Is there hope for love’s sweetness to prevail? Or will this competition make them bitter enemies forever?

Dean and Josie are the rival owners of the best bakeries in town. Josie is famous for baking the tallest cakes, making all her sweet creations a little bit like her: steady and reliable. Dean is famous for crazy taste combos, explosions of colors inside his cakes, kind of like his personality: a little bit extravagant, a lot flashy.

When the cameras and crews of the most intense baking competition – Wedding Baker come to town, Dean and Josie engage in the ultimate battle for supremacy. The competition forces them into close proximity, and all contestants engage in pettiness and naughty comments while they bake.

Will Josie win the hearts of the audience with her insanely tall and sturdy confections, or will Dean delight the jury more, making him the last man standing in this sweet, sweet war?

Available on Amazon

DEAN: Last Man Standing

Excerpt: 

“This is our Funfetti Cake,” he said, waiting for the cameraman to zoom in on the confection.

“Why is it called Funfetti though?” asked Stormy, her brows furrowing. “It’s completely white. I mean, it’s very pretty with all the roses and swirls, don’t get me wrong.” She quickly added. “It has to do with the taste, I assume?”

“You’ll find out in just a second, I promise,” Dean replied. Picking up a shiny silver cake knife, he deftly cut into the soft gooey confection and lifted a single slice onto a plate. At the same time, sugared confetti in a rainbow of colors burst forth out of the middle of the cake. The layers of the cake themselves were each in a different color of the rainbow as well, separated by white vanilla buttercream.

“Wow! That’s amazing!” Stormy cried. “Steve, did you catch that?”

The cameraman gave a thumbs-up sign.

“Want a taste?” Dean asked.

“Um, is my name Stormy Matthews?” The reporter asked with a laugh.

Dean cut a small piece of cake making sure the portion he chose included one of the white roses on top. He speared it with a fork and held it out to her.

“Aw, isn’t this guy something, folks?” Stormy said to the camera. She leaned forward slowly so Steve could zoom in and then placed her red lips around the bite.

“Hm,” she said dreamily, closing her eyes as she chewed and swallowed. “I’m here to tell all of you at home, Dean Montgomery is a winner in my book!”

“Thank you,” he said proudly.

“Thank you, Dean, for talking with us today and allowing SWET TV to visit your bakery.” She turned to face the camera directly. “I know folks at home will be excited to learn that you’re not the only baker in Sugar Grove that’s been selected to compete on Wedding Baker.”

“What?” He snapped his head up, startled. Could he have heard her correctly?

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Stormy cooed, widening her blue eyes in mock surprise. “Josie Taylor, of Sugar and Spice, was also selected to be a contestant. You do know her, right? Wasn’t she your co-valedictorian of your graduating high school class?”

He ran his hand through his hair reflexively as an image of Josie’s beautiful – and infuriating – heart-shaped face rose in his mind.

“Yes, that’s correct,” he said, feeling his cheeks flame and hoping he didn’t appear as flustered as he really was. “Um, that’s great news,” he continued. “Best of luck to her.”

“What wonderful sportsmanship!” Stormy replied, grinning widely. “May the best baker win, right? I know everyone here in Sugar Grove will be tuning in to the show eagerly in a few weeks when the competition begins!”

“Um, great,” Dean said through gritted teeth. “May the best baker win.”

The reported took a step closer to the camera. “I’m Stormy Matthews, bringing you the latest and greatest in local news from SWET TV.” 

The light on the cameraman’s recording equipment clicked off.

“And that’s a wrap!” The producer yelled. 

Find Annee’s books here: https://www.anneejones.com/

Check out all the Last Men Standing here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5