A Story Years in the Making: Introducing the Complete Drool Worthy Series

Some stories come together quickly.

Others take a slightly longer—and far more winding—journey to reach the finish line.

My Drool Worthy series definitely belongs in the second category.

I first began writing Marianne and Jason’s story in 2012. After MANY requests and reviews that mentioned the story ended way too quickly, the project grew into seven connected short stories following their relationship from its unexpected beginning through the sweet, romantic, and sometimes complicated moments that followed.

I completed most of the series in 2019. The covers have even been sitting on my website for years, reminding me that Marianne and Jason were still waiting for me to finish telling their story.

But life kept happening.

There was the day job, family responsibilities, several moves, other writing projects, and all the unexpected detours that have a way of pushing unfinished projects farther down the list.

I never forgot about these characters, though—and now I’m thrilled to say that all seven parts of the Drool Worthy series are finally written!

Meet Marianne and Jason

At the center of the series are Marianne and Jason, two people whose lives cross because of a bakery, a special order, and an unexpected attraction neither of them quite knows how to handle.

Marianne has poured her heart into her bakery. It is more than a business—it represents her independence, creativity, and the future she is trying to build.

Jason Alexander enters her life with a custom bakery request and quickly becomes much harder to resist than anything behind the display case.

Their connection may begin with plenty of delicious treats, but the complete series is about much more than baked goods.

Across the seven stories, Marianne and Jason navigate attraction, misunderstandings, jealousy, family expectations, celebrations, setbacks, and the vulnerable work of building a lasting relationship.

Readers will see them move from that first spark of interest into something deeper—one sweet and occasionally messy step at a time.

Why Seven Connected Stories?

The Drool Worthy series is not a collection of seven unrelated romances. Each part is another chapter in Marianne and Jason’s continuing journey.

I loved the idea of following one couple beyond their first meeting. Falling in love is only the beginning. What happens after the initial attraction? How do two people learn to trust each other, make room for one another in their lives, and decide whether what they share can become something permanent?

Each installment captures a different turning point in their relationship, allowing readers to experience the important milestones alongside them.

There are romantic gestures, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, moments of uncertainty, and plenty of desserts along the way. The bakery remains at the heart of the series, but the emotional journey belongs to Marianne and Jason.

Original cover

A Note About the Series Format

Before you begin Marianne and Jason’s journey, I want to explain what makes the Drool Worthy series a little different.

Although the seven stories follow the progression of one complete love story, they are not structured like seven chapters of a traditional novel. Each installment focuses on a specific moment or turning point in Marianne and Jason’s relationship. Time passes between some of the stories, and not every part of their lives together appears on the page.

Think of the series as seven meaningful snapshots of their romance—from their unexpected first meeting through the milestones, complications, celebrations, and decisions that shape their future.

The series was originally created as part of a group blogging experience, with each story written around a particular theme or occasion. As the series developed, Marianne and Jason’s world also became connected to my upcoming My Home Town series. You’ll meet characters, visit businesses, and see pieces of Brisbing that will carry into those future books.

I hope you’ll begin the series knowing that the spaces between the stories are intentional. These seven installments are not meant to document every step Marianne and Jason take. Instead, they invite you into seven special moments that show how their attraction grows into a lasting love—and offer an early glimpse into the larger community of stories still to come.

Returning to Brisbing

Revisiting these stories has also allowed me to return to Brisbing, Georgia—the small town that has grown into an important part of my writing world.

Readers of Grandma’s Christmas Challenge may recognize the town, and Brisbing will also serve as the setting for my upcoming My Home Town series.

The characters and businesses appearing in Drool Worthy help create the community readers will encounter in future books. Some familiar faces will return, while others will step forward and receive stories of their own.

That is one of my favorite things about writing in a connected small-town world. A supporting character in one story may become the hero or heroine of another, and a familiar business can become the setting for an entirely new romance.

Completing Drool Worthy feels like returning to the place where much of that world began.

Giving the Series a Fresh Start

As I prepare the stories for publication, I’m not simply uploading the old versions.

Parts 1 and 2 were previously published, but both are being revised and updated before they return to Amazon and other retailers. Parts 3 and 4 have also completed editing and will be released next.

Parts 5 through 7 are going through their second round of edits, with the goal of publishing the entire series by the end of August or into September.

The current release plan is:

• Updated editions of Parts 1 and 2
• First-time releases of Parts 3 and 4
• Final editing and publication of Parts 5 through 7

After waiting so long to share Marianne and Jason’s complete journey, seeing all seven stories together is incredibly exciting—and perhaps a little emotional.

They have been patiently waiting for their happily ever after for a very long time.

New Cover for Part 1

Sweet Treats, Romance, and a Complete Journey

If you enjoy connected short stories, small-town settings, close-knit families, bakery treats, romantic gestures, and watching one couple’s relationship develop over time, I hope you’ll fall in love with Marianne and Jason.

The Drool Worthy series includes seven bite-sized pieces of one complete romance. You’ll be able to follow their story from the moment they meet through the celebrations, complications, and heartfelt decisions that shape their future.

And, as the title suggests, there will be plenty of drool-worthy food along the way.

Be the First to Hear About Each Release

I’ll be sharing more about the individual stories, their covers, and Marianne and Jason’s journey as each installment becomes available.

If you’d like to receive release announcements and book news directly in your inbox, join my newsletter here:

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Readers on my Patreon will also receive additional behind-the-scenes details about the series, including closer looks at the characters, special story notes, inspiration, and other extras as the books are released.

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After more than a decade, seven connected stories, and more delays than I ever imagined, Marianne and Jason are finally ready to share their complete journey.

I can’t wait for you to meet them—or become reacquainted with them—and experience every sweet step along the way.

Warmly,
Tami