Release Tour incl Exclusive Excerpt: Kat Cassidy – It’s Cod Outside (Silver Shoals #2)

Length: 47,000 words Series: Silver Shoals #2 Prior Reading: Prior reading NOT required Genre: Small-town, Holiday, Christmas, Rom-Com Tropes: Opposites Attract, Hurt/Comfort, Fake Confidence/Hidden Vulnerability Trigger/Content Warnings: anxiety rep, on page panic attacks, loss from cancer (family member, past) Designer: Kat Cassidy

Universal Link Amazon Link With his CEO father away, Benjamin Whitaker III is left running the family empire. And, you know, trying not to implode from anxiety while he’s at it. Local investigative reporter Jackson James smells something fishy going on at Whitaker Seafood, and it’s definitely not just the mackerel. One’s trying to keep things clean and tidy. The other’s digging up some serious dirt. This year, Silver Shoals isn’t dreaming of a white Christmas. Just a low stress week, a front page headline, and a way out of this very merry fish-mess. Baby, It’s Cod Outside is a low heat, opposites attract, hurt/comfort, small town MM holiday romance. It can be read as a standalone. Jackson doodles a little fish skeleton in the margins of his notebook, letting the silence hang until it’s thick enough that Ben, well-bred and mannered to a fault, can’t help filling it. He pastes on a brittle smile. “We do everything required by law.” “Of course.” “I just…I don’t see why this needs to be part of the article.” If they don’t want it in print, it’s probably news, as the adage goes. “It’s not necessarily in the article. I’m just asking questions, Mr. Whitaker,” Jackson says, keeping his face pleasantly clueless. “That’s my job. I will remind you that you are on the record, so probably best not to say things like ‘I don’t see why this needs to be part of the article.’ People forget that.”   “There just isn’t much to say on the subject. The plant is fully compliant with any and all environmental regulations,” Ben says tightly. His attempt at control barely masks the panic bleeding through. He’s clearly imagining the fallout: bad press, misquotes, a disappointed call from his father. “Then you don’t think anything happening at this plant would lead to higher mortality rates in marine life in the area?”   Ben’s mouth goes white at the corners.   “No. I don’t.” Then Ben glances at his watch. Again. “Am I keeping you from something more important?” Jackson can’t quite hide his annoyance, even as he’s committing the cardinal sin of giving an interviewee an out. “No. I mean, yes,” Ben says, clearly warring with being polite and absolutely not wanting to answer any more of Jackson’s questions about their waste handling practices. “I mean, I’m just extremely busy this week, managing everything while my father’s away.” Jackson masks a little smirk. “I’m sure you are. I guess I’ll let you get back to your kingdom, then, Fish Prince.” He enjoys the way Ben’s cheeks flame in response.  That heat doesn’t make it to his voice, which has gone icy. “Thank you for understanding.”  Jackson stands, not missing how Ben’s eyes follow him. He can’t resist one last nudge. “Can I call you later? You know, in case I have more questions?” Ben’s throat bobs, and for a brief moment, Jackson imagines popping open the button on that starched collar. “I think we’re done, Mr. James. I don’t think there’s much of a story here for you.” Jackson meets Ben’s stare. He tucks his notepad under his arm, feeling that pleasant buzz of curiosity mixed with something hotter. There’s something under the surface here. The pinched corners of Ben Whitaker III’s mouth make him all but certain. “I usually let my readers decide that for me. I’ll be in touch.” He turns on his heel, holding back a grin. Whatever Golden Boy’s hiding, professionally, personally, or otherwise, Jackson plans on finding out.

Kat Cassidy is a romance novelist. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her husband, her kids, and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.

https://katcassidyauthor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katcassidyauthor/ https://bsky.app/profile/katcassidyauthor.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/groups/katcassubcribers

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