Barista Maddie Stalwart-Jones has known Todd Kaihanga all her life, but no matter where her brain wanders when she's not vigilant, she refuses to consider her brother's best mate as anything other than off limits. It would be all wrong, right? The self-proclaimed pessimist is intent on ignoring the fact her cafe manager is the only guy she can relax and be herself around, and the only person she's comfortable talking about her dead brother with.

Intent on escaping Wanaka, where everyone seems to have an opinion on her intimate business and family history, falling for Todd would be highly inconvenient.

Todd's a patient guy, but he's over waiting around for Maddie to notice he could be so much more than a shoulder to lean on. When Maddie's mother finally agrees to accept some much needed help with her run down property, it's a perfect catalyst for Todd to prove to his high school crush that his optimistic streak isn't a curse, it's the perfect yin to her yang. The wedding of the year is about to kick off, and there's only one woman he wants to be dancing with.

TANIWHA CREEK, a friends to lovers Valentines Day novella from Stephanie Ruth's Otago Waters series, is set in the beautiful South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each book stands alone, but reading them in order provides a deeper experience. Intended for readers who enjoy their slow-burn, feel-good romance on the steamy side, with the promise of a happily ever after. Reader discretion advised, this novella deals with the trauma of a past road accident, and hoarding. Sign on to Stephanie Ruth's newsletter to receive bonus short stories, prologues, epilogues, and cut scenes set in the same world, with the characters you love.