Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Glass and Groundwork
SERIES: Heartcraft Market (Book 6)
AUTHOR: Duckie Mack
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 253 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 15, 2025
BLURB:
Jasper comes from money, but money comes with expectations, something he has always challenged. Against his family’s wishes, Jasper is trying to pursue his passion for art. They expect him to come to his senses and join the family business.
Gio is a beekeeper who collects and sells honey. He’s content with his life on the farm and the people who have become his family. His home and his heart are always open to those who need it, including Jasper.
With Gio’s help, Jasper is closer than ever to his dream, but he needs access to the trust fund controlled by his parents. There’s a solution to his problem, but it’s a big ask.
The proposal seems like a win-win. To Gio, he’ll be able to help a friend. To Jasper, it will get him free of his parents.
Can this marriage of convenience lay the groundwork for something lasting and unbreakable?
Glass & Groundwork is an MM romance with a marriage of convenience, found family, and building something from the ground up.
The Heartcraft Market series features stand-alone novels that can be enjoyed on their own or read with the series to revisit your favorite characters.
REVIEW:
I have truly enjoyed this series. The author has brought to the forefront many different issues and scenarios that are current and need addressing.
Jasper is the epitome of the poor little rich boy. He was a possession of his parents that they would bring out to show off. But when his personality became too big and his desires went a different route from following his parents designed plans he would only come for brief “show offs” when “summoned” by them. But Jasper has a talent and a passion. He wants to create his masterpieces. And he wants to share his craft with those who take an interest like he did in Venice. But to do that he needs a proper place to create his own shop…Kiss My Glass! Gio has known he was home every since Papa Tom took him in as his own son. No paperwork or bloodlines needed. And he was paying forward the love and sharing of his home he inherited with other young people in need. Ones that needed a safe roof over their heads when the people who birthed them threw them away for being different. His home was filled with love for his “kids” Eduardo (Eddie), Frankie, Yahir, Nicky, and Noah. They also might not be blood but this found family was his family all the same. So when his new friend needs a shoulder he invites him to family dinner and then offered his shop for Jasper to build his dream hot shop in. It’s his way. So when a snag in finances comes up he does what needs to be done to help. Even if that means marrying the beautiful younger man!
Gio learned first-hand from his Papa Tom that family is who you make it. He never expects anything in return but you can’t help but fall in love with this sweet, giving, loving man. I loved that Jasper lead him to personal love and joy. He totally deserved it. He may not be the richest man in town monetarily wise (before Jasper wealth came in that is) however he had all he needed to get by for him and his kids. And he definitely was blessed in the riches of love. Those kids loved him so much. And Jasper fit in so well in co-parenting their kids and loving them and him. They really were a family. A family that loved and supported each other and their wants and needs.
I loved that we got to see glimpses of our favorite Heartcraft Marketeers. From Marley making Jasper’s perfect wedding bouquet to Theo wood crafting the new sign for the shop. And Dash creating a charcuterie board for the shop opening/belated wedding reception and Jason’s pies for dessert. I was thankful that we saw so many of our favorites. And hope we will again at the community center.
I was saddened when I learned that this is the final book in this amazing series. I have enjoyed going to the Heartcraft Market and getting to know the various vendors that share their wears. And watching each of these amazing artisans find their true love was so enjoyable. As I was reading along and Eddie shared about his future that “ Well, I’m not really sure yet. But I know they are doing a big grand re-opening of the Heart and Sole Community Center, and it sounds like they are planning on offering a lot of different recreational classes. I figured that would be a good place to start.” I had a feeling that that was the opening I was looking for. A spin-off from Heartcraft market and the wonderful people there. This is a new place in town that people, both young and older, can explore new things and opportunities. And I am looking forward to it. This book was the perfect segue into the new series from this current one. And I for one can’t wait.
RATING: 
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