This collection includes Clare London's first two charming London-based novellas of the With a Kick series. With a Kick is A new and enticing ice cream franchise, with a unique blend of full flavour, mischief and romance. Patrick and Lee are struggling to make a success of their alcoholic ice cream shop in the centre of tourist London. At the same time, their business partnership may take a turn towards the personal -- if either of them can find the time and nerve to go for it! Meanwhile, they cater to the wild and wonderful range of customers in the area, many of whom have their own romantic agenda. Will ice cream be the final ingredient they’re all looking for? Each story is a self-contained romance, but will follow the history of the shop throughout. Contains the stories: Pluck and Play: Curtis is a cheery young entrepreneur, secretly licking his wounds after being beaten up by his ex-lover. Handsome cowboy Riley is stranded in London without money. His consolation is his music, and his fascination is Curtis. Their music brings them together, Riley’s guitar and Curtis’ poetry. But when Curtis is threatened by his ex-lover, Riley intends to be the man to help. Double Scoop: A sudden disaster strikes the novelty ice cream shop, With A Kick, threatening the livelihood of its owner, Patrick, and also his assistant Lee. The last thing in the world Patrick wants is to hurt Lee, but deeply-held insecurities prevent him from confessing his love. And how long will Lee wait to make his own move? Hopefully the disaster brings a new opportunity for them to make a go of things.

With a Kick Collection #2

I don’t have–” But the line had gone dead. Nick beckoned. Curtis went, like a


fucking lapdog. Was he doomed to be like that for ever?PLUCK AND PLAY – 11


archway behind the grocer’s was a regular spot for people to meet on the sly.


It led to a small back alley that was well hidden from the street, and a high


chain-link and plastic panel fence divided it from the back of the shops as


well. Curtis knew drug deals went on there, and more than a few backhand trade


deals. He wasn’t surprised that Nick demanded he meet him there–the bloody man


probably used it as an office away from home. A lot of things were becoming


clearer to Curtis as time went on, and since he’d shared his history with


Riley. He recalled how Nick was always welcomed wherever they went but,


strangely, not with any warmth. Curtis suspected Nick had more than a few


businesses gripped by the short and curlies so they’d do what he wanted. He’d


Chapter 34