In a Jam

By: Kate Canterbary

Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Kit Swann

When Shay Zucconi’s step-grandmother died, she left Shay a tulip farm—under two conditions.

First, Shay has to move home to the small town of Friendship, Rhode Island. Second—and most problematic since her fiancé just called off the wedding—Shay must be married within one year.

Marriage is the last thing in the world Shay wants, but she’ll do anything to save the only real home she’s ever known.

Noah Barden loved Shay Zucconi back in high school. Not that he ever told her. He was too shy, too awkward, too painfully uncool to ask out the beautiful, popular girl.

A lifetime later, Noah is a single dad to his niece and has his hands full running the family business. That old crush is the farthest thing from his mind.

Until Shay returns to their hometown and turns his life upside down.

CW/TW: absentee parent(s), brief mention of parent death, brief mention of parent chronic illness, mention of incarceration, mention of temporary foster care placement, reference to teenage teasing/bullying (not detailed, not explicit), brief incidence of fat-shaming, living with a neurodivergent child.

Produced by One Night Stand Productions.

©2022 Kate Canterbary (P)2023 Kate Canterbary

Perfection in romance

This is what I’d have loved in real life. The one who got away because you just don’t have the words.

Shay would not have been ready before her most recent relationship imploded. Noah is probably never going to learn to be an excellent communicator. But they love each other enough to know what they do means as much as what they say.

There wasn’t as much focus on body image as I expected after reading the tws at the beginning. I do love a little plus size love story.

Also - Jason Clarke can read me a story ANY day of the week. And Kit Swann is one of my favorite female narrators.

Small town romance!

Small town romance, it’s always been you, single dad! What more could you ask for?! I loved this one it was a sweet heartwarming romance.

Long, lovely, funny, spicy

It’s pretty perfect. Jason’s voice is so soothing and deep. The story is funny, heartwarming, surprising and just such a good read and listen. Love it.

My comfort “read”

I adore everything about this story. The audio version took it to a whole new level. Noah’s growly voice was fabulous. Genny had me laughing out loud multiple times. Both actors were so great that I almost forgot Genny was being voiced by two different adults, not a six year old girl. I love the story and the audio so much that it has become my comfort “read”. Anytime I need something to listen to, my first choice is In a Jam.

One of the best audio’s ever!

What a charmingly swoony, heartfelt and sugary delicious story! In a Jam is everything I love about romance- it's brimming with romance and chemistry, compelling characters, clever writing and witty humor, and so much heart. It's the type of romance that sweeps you away- and leaves you heart all warm and tender.

It all begins in a town called Friendship (my new favorite place), with a jilted bride, a tulip farm, a lovely girl gang, a broody alpha secret cinnamon role hero, and the most ADORABLE precious kiddo. Our heroine Shay has had a bit of a rough go of it- first she was left be her fiance and now she's lost her step-grandmother, but inherited the family tulip farm. But there are strings with that inheritance- Shay has to come back to her hometown of Friendship, Rhode Island...and she also has to get married in the next year to keep the farm. Oh grandma's and their crazy provisions. But Shay has lost a lot- and the farm will not be one of those things. Enter old friend Noah- who just so happens to have always been harboring a crush on Shay, so he's surprisingly open to a little marriage of convenience proposal.

I LOVE some second chance, best friends to lovers vibes, and this one had them all. The nerdy guy who has been longing for the girl, the crossed wires of the past, the rediscovery of one another, and the beautiful history and chemistry between them. Shay is such a lovable heroine- she's open, she's real, and she loves hard. Even if she missed the love that was right in front of her. I loved seeing her find her path, and I loved watching her and Noah so easily connect. And NOah- gah, he's the classic nerd to DREAMBOAT transformation, perfectly alpha but sweet all at once. He had me MELTING.

And if you love scene stealing kids watch out for Noah's niece Jennie- what a trip. She's a source of joy and fun and humor at all the right times, and I loved how she helped weave them together. And can we just talk about the small town magic in this book!?!? Friendship is rural idyllic magic. The farms, the animals, the scenery, the charm! It's like it's own character and the perfect landscape for this romance. It's a bit of a slower burn, but so worth it. And the audio performances are perhaps some of the best I've heard. I could not stop listening! Beautifully emoted and wonderfully performed. What a marvelous introduction to a new to me author!