Bad Boy Bakers

What's a little marriage between friends? Mia has been Braxton's best friend for years. Even when they no longer lived in the same foster family, even after he'd aged out of the system, he'd continued to look out for the one person who got under his skin and made him care. For the last six years, Mia's been keeping her head down, putting one foot in front of the other, unable to trust anyone with her secrets—including the foster brother who's been the one bright spot in her life, as well as her secret crush.

They traded the battlefield for a bakery. But these veterans are about to learn that love might be their hardest mission yet. In the heart of small-town Tennessee, three former military brothers-in-arms are building a new life—one cinnamon roll at a time. The bakery was supposed to be a fresh start. But love, danger, and the women who challenge everything they thought they knew have other plans. From estranged marriages and surprise proposals to healing old wounds and protecting newfound joy, these men will risk it all for the lives—and the loves—they’re finally learning to build.

Braxton Whitmore needs a change. After leaving the Marines, he’s free to build a new life. But is he gonna be a baker? Really? When his buddy inherits a decrepit bar and proposes they partner up to turn it into a bakery, Brax figures, "Why not?" Until his ex comes walking in. Mia Whitmore has built a new life for herself, far from the heartbreak and secrets that tore her marriage apart. The last thing she expects is for her estranged husband to be business partners with her latest client. Or for Brax to think they’re already divorced.

After losing his leg, former Army Ranger Holt Steele is building a new life and a new business with his friends. Sure, he never expected to put small-town baker on his resume, but he finds he likes the quiet, simple life. If only he didn't like the single mom who works across the street—or her kid—quite so much. After escaping a controlling husband, Cayla Black has one focus—growing her business and maintaining a safe home for her daughter. She has no time or interest in a man. Not even one who charms her child with Disney songs and keeps turning up to help without being asked.

Two years after losing her husband to a traumatic brain injury, baker Rachel McCleary needs a change. For the short term, it means helping one of her former students make his fledgling business thrive. And hopefully adding some benefits to the friendship that helped bring her back to life. But when the trouble that's stalked his business from the start lands her in its crosshairs—and the hospital—he can't deny that there's nothing short-term about his feelings. Determined to protect her at all costs, he enters into a dangerous race to neutralize the threat.

Former Army Intelligence officer Cash Grantham is a whiz with computers and data. An expert in cyber security, he prides himself on being prepared for anything. That doesn't include his best friend's little sister. The one who's all grown up. Tattoo artist Hadley Steele always had a thing for Cash when she was young. But the man who swaggers into her shop is a far cry from the moody teen she remembers. One look and that childhood crush ignites into a simmering lust that neither of them can deny.

Captain Mitchell Greyson is a man who believes in duty. A bigger purpose and a thirst to prove himself took him away from his tiny Tennessee hometown-and the girl he loved-more than 30 years ago. After a distinguished career in the Navy, Grey is heading home, searching for new purpose and a glimpse at the road not traveled.