Deborah Cooke: Author

There’s another 5-star review posted for Jake and Mackenzie’s story, this time at BookBub:

Here’s all of Tina’s review, posted at BookBub:

“Jake Cavendish and Mackenzie Rhodes are from rival families in the small town of Empire. When they run into each other, there is an instant attraction, but recognition by only one of them that they know each other. A one night stand becomes a two and then a three night friends with benefits, but Mackenzie recognizes that she wants more, even as she insists that their “thing” or “fling” be kept secret. Can she convince Jake that what they share is worth taking a chance? That he is a good and loving man who can put the needs of another ahead of his own? I love the conversational style that Ms. Cooke uses in this series. It feels like the reader is having a chat with an old friend who is updating events in their life. While this book includes visits with old friends from previous books in the series, it can totally be read as a standalone, though I recommend the entire Carpe Diem Café series, as each one is better than the last!”

Just for Tonight is coming August 24 to retailers – it’s already locked and loaded. You can order the ebook from my online store, Hazel & Honeysuckle Press, with either cover, for delivery August 10.

I barely knew Jake Cavendish in high school. He was two years ahead of me—the golden boy everyone knew was destined to leave our small town of Empire behind. And he did.

So when we cross paths years later at a glamorous black-tie gala in Toronto, I’m not surprised he doesn’t recognize me. What does catch me off guard is the undeniable spark between us. One unforgettable night feels like the perfect escape. After all, our families have been feuding for generations, and there’s no future for us. Better to leave it as one perfect memory than risk getting hurt.

Then Jake returns to Empire to settle his father’s estate.

Suddenly, staying away from each other is impossible. Every stolen moment makes the attraction harder to resist, and our secret affair only raises the stakes. I’m committed to preserving my family’s vineyard, while Jake is chasing a partnership at one of Toronto’s top firms. Our lives are pulling us in opposite directions, and neither of us is looking for forever.

But somewhere between the laughter, the late-night conversations, and the stolen kisses, this stopped being just a fling.

Falling for the enemy was never part of the plan. Yet the more I get to know Jake, the more I wonder if everything I believed about our families—and about him—has been wrong. The only question is whether we’re willing to risk everything for a love neither of us saw coming.


Coming August 24.

Order from my online store and get your copy August 10:

Pre-order the ebook:

Just for Tonight has an alternate illustrated cover, too, so you can choose.

Pre-order the ebook with the turquoise cover:

Order from my online store and get your copy August 10:

Order for August 24 delivery:

Jake and Mackenzie’s story will be available in trade paperback with both covers. The book interior will be the same in both editions.