For fans of witty banter, lovable troublemakers, and slow-burn romance, this is the laugh-out-loud novel that proves love never gets old. Don’t miss the new women’s fiction, slow-burn romance from USA Today bestselling author Cindi Madsen… Released on January 12, 2026, this book is currently available for purchase. Find out where to order here.
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Grandma Helen meets my eyes, and frankly, I’d rather be in trouble than tussle with the mischievous gleam within the green and amber brown.
“We’re all pushing eighty or have toppled on over, and Mia’s too afraid to put herself out there.”
Ouch, although not exactly untrue.
“You have no sense of work/life balance, hon. You work or think about working all day every day, no time for rest or romance or fun.”
Wanda scoots closer, halfway onto the seat of my chair with me, her heavily mascaraed lashes snagging in her bangs as she grimaces and adds, “We have a more active social life at our age than you do at twenty-two.”
Since I’m too stubborn to admit they might have a point, I cross my arms tightly and say, “Twenty-six.”
Vonetta harrumphs. “Basically fetal.”
“…fresh from the womb,” Gertie finishes a similar sentiment.
“What we’re thinking is,” Wanda says, glancing at Grandma Helen—the duo’s been in my life since forever, platonic soulmates who navigate the world like an old married couple. “We’ll take over your social calendar.”
“And set you up on dates.” Rita’s rapid clapping sounds next to my ear. “There are so many eligible grandsons and nephews to pull from.”
Wait. What’s happening? Or more accurately, what am I slamming the brakes on? It’d be super great to know that much at least.
The grannies are pinning their hopes and dreams on me; I can at least see that in the misguided lightbulbs blinking above their heads.
Which means it’s time to bring out Mia the Buzzkill, bearer of hard truths and destroyer of moods. No little girl dreams of becoming anal retentive when she grows up, but here I am anyway.
In my experience, people didn’t shoot the messenger, they resented her.
***
Age isn’t a number.
It’s a state of chaos.
When publicist Mia Andrews becomes the face of a viral disaster dubbed #PantyGate, her career implodes along with her reputation.
Now jobless and single, Mia lands in the last place she expected—her grandmother’s anything-but-quiet retirement community in Florida. It’s chaos. It’s hilarious. It’s exactly what she didn’t know she needed.
Even worse? The meddling retirees are determined to fix Mia’s love life. Somehow, they find time to play matchmaker—with not one but two bachelors under thirty-five.
But amid the mayhem, Mia’s learning that the best second chances come when—and where—you least expect them.
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Cindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of laugh-out-loud romantic comedies packed with witty banter, heart, and swoony ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up awkward encounters and almost kisses, she’s forgetting why she entered a room, singing the wrong lyrics to songs, and burning dinner. She lives in Colorado with her husband, three kids, and two mischievous kitties.
You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
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