So Hectic Eve Dangerfield (Silver Daughters Ink, #3) Publication date: May 23rd 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
A Super Spicy, Enemies to Lovers, Playboy, standalone romance from critically acclaimed author Eve Dangerfield
Tabby DaSilva’s life sucks. Her dad’s AWOL, her Prosecco-themed music festival ‘Sparkling Whine’ bombed, and her big sister’s pregnancy means she’s officially transitioning from ‘youngest kid’ to ‘weird aunt.’ But hardest to take is her best friend Toby Tennant becoming pure evil.
Relieving him of his virginity was supposed to seal their alliance. Instead, Mr Nice Guy vanished only to resurface as a full-blown finance douche, complete with Lamborghini and a podcast shilling creatine every five minutes.
Frankly, it’s a fate worse than death.
But Tabby has the perfect solution: run away! All she needs is enough cash to start a new life in Colombia, and since Toby’s petitioning for her to tattoo him, what’s a girl to do but slowly inject ink into her enemy’s rippling Ken doll torso?
Little does she know that her ex-best friend doesn’t really want a tattoo. Toby wants her, mind, body, and soul. He’s spent the last two years becoming the Sugar Daddy of Tabitha DaSilva’s dreams, and he’s finally ready to show her that he can take care of her and dominate her in ways she can’t even imagine…
SO HECTIC is a full-length contemporary novel and is the third and final book in the Silver Daughters Ink Series.
Eve Dangerfield’s novels have been described as ‘genre-defying,’ ‘insanely hot’ and ‘the defibrillator contemporary romance needs right now’ and not just by those who might need bone marrow one day… OTHER PEOPLE! She lives in Melbourne with her beautiful family and can generally be found making a mess.
Hott Take Serena Bell (Hott Springs Eternal, #2) Publication date: April 16th 2024 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
The hard part isn’t acting like we’re falling for each other. It’s pretending we’re not.
Shane: My grandfather’s will has me between a rock and a Hott place. If I don’t score a celebrity wedding, my sister will lose her wedding planning business—and our family’s land. As a playboy movie star, I know Hollywood’s ins and outs. But finding two celebrities in love is tougher than it looks.
Enter Ivy Scofield—the beautiful star of one of TV’s most beloved failures. She’s hiding from her past in Rush Creek, running a community theater for troubled kids. She needs my family’s wedding barn to save her program. So we make a deal: I give her the barn—she gives me her hand in fake marriage. Lights, camera, action—and cut—right?
Not so fast. Planning our fake wedding is way more personal than I was expecting. I’m learning Ivy’s quirks, preferences, and pet peeves—and that’s before I walk in on her enjoying my most infamous on-camera scene. Plus she’s slowly peeling back my layers—the ones I’ve built up to protect myself. If someone doesn’t do something soon, we might discover that the only thing fake about this wedding is the way we keep pushing each other away.
A spicy, movie star, marriage of convenience, fake relationship standalone romantic comedy set in the beloved small town of Rush Creek.
After Nia told me that Shane Hott is an actor, I watched the first Crown of Spires movies, Lord of Every Sky. It was full of scenes where he was shirtless, badass, and bossy. He’s basically the villain of the first movie—although I get the sense that he’s going to be redeemed later from the way the camera lingers on his…assets.
Even as I watched, I questioned my life choices. I wasn’t at all sure watching the movie was a good idea because in a town as small as Rush Creek, Shane and I were bound to cross paths.
After I watched him in Lord of Every Sky, I wanted to build a small monument to his torso and worship it…with my tongue.
And now, encountering him in the hallway outside of Hanna’s office, my knees feel less solid than I would ideally like.
Never trust a guy so good looking he makes you stupid.
So I do what any self-respecting woman would do in that situation.
I pretend I have no idea who he is.
I can tell he’s waiting for me to recognize him, giving me a beat to say, Holy crap, Shane Hott!
After he got on Bridge and turned into a household name, Anthony used to do the same thing.
Seeing echoes of Anthony in this guy makes me even less inclined to give him what he wants. Another Hollywood fuckboy hopped up on fan worship. It’s the last thing my life needs.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Ivy Scofield,” I say, cool and low key, like I’m introducing myself to the manager at the bank.
Surprise flickers behind his eyes, but he hides it, extending his hand. I take it. It’s big, warm, and dry and, unfortunately for my equilibrium, attached to a toned, muscular forearm below a rolled shirt sleeve. The shirt itself is a soft-looking blue gray that clings in all the right places to his movie star–worthy shoulders, pecs, and abs. He has long-lashed dark brown eyes paired with a blade of a nose, square jaw, and lush mouth. Against my will, I admit that he’s gorgeous.
I thought I had permanently rid myself of men who were too good looking to be believed, but apparently not.
“I think we can help each other out,” he says. Actually, he whispers it. “You, um, mind walking with me?” He gestures toward the exit.
“Should I be worried that you’re a serial killer?”
The corner of his mouth turns up. “I’m not a serial killer. I’m an actor.”
“Even worse.”
He laughs, which is terrible because it makes him even better looking, all eye crinkles and white teeth and genuine amusement. Then he stops—because I wasn’t joking and he seems to intuit that.
“Even so,” he says, more seriously. “Please. Just…let me walk you out and tell you what I’m thinking.”
I give him a shrug-nod, and we walk out of Hott Springs together to the parking lot. Now I know who owns the Aston Martin Vanquish I parked next to. I know nothing about cars…but Anthony coveted that car: fast, expensive, and—his words—a dream to drive.
As we draw even with his car, Shane says, “I know you need our barn.”
I flick him a quick, confused glance as hope buys real estate in my chest. It sounds like he’s implying that it still might be possible. I will do anything to save our theater—not just for me, but for the kids. I know Nia feels the same way.
“I can get the barn for you.”
“Hanna said—”
“Hanna wasn’t looking at the whole picture,” he tells me. “I am.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“You need the barn, and I need you to marry me.”
His too-pretty-for-real-life face is deadly serious now. My mouth falls open.
Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Dirty Books Carissa Knight (The One Night Stand Club, #2) Publication date: April 12th 2024 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
SOMETIMES, LIFE CAN BE STRANGER (AND HOTTER) THAN FICTION.
Carlie Taylor, a shy and (often clumsy) erotic romance author, decides to walk on the wild side at Club Nocté’s latest event – a masquerade party. What’s the harm in a little anonymous fun? Well, when that fun leaves you with flashbacks of a stranger’s kiss and the world’s most baffling case of déjà vu, things get interesting.
Enter Adam, a personal trainer with abs that deserve their own Instagram account (oh wait, they have one). When he starts training Carlie, the sparks fly—but not just from the workout burn. There’s something strangely familiar about those biceps, but where could she have seen them before…?
Cue the drama: Adam’s Insta-famous life is like a soap opera, complete with a villainous ex who could give Cruella a run for her money. As Carlie and Adam’s flirty banter turns into something more, the world watches, likes, and comments. But can their fledgling romance survive the glare of the spotlight and the ghost of masquerades past?
The plot thickens like a good protein shake when Carlie has her ‘aha!’ moment. That mysterious, dreamy guy from the club? Yup, it’s Mr. Six-Pack himself. Now, the question isn’t just about enduring a tough gym session, but whether they can flex their hearts into accepting that their one-night stand might just be the real deal.
Having your books published feels like being on a rollercoaster—only this one’s been designed by a mad scientist with a peculiar sense of humor and a love for dramatic twists. Imagine climbing to the top, heart pounding, palms sweaty, only to realize the next drop is actually a loop-the-loop into a pool of chocolate pudding. It’s exhilarating, terrifying, and utterly surreal all at once.’
Seeing “Dirty Plans” and “Dirty Books” out in the world is like watching my wildest dreams take flight on a broomstick—because let’s be real, cars are too mundane for this journey. It’s like hosting a party where the guests are characters I’ve conjured from thin air, inviting readers to dance in the ballrooms of my imagination.
So, how does it feel having my books published? It’s like being the ringmaster of the most enchanting, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable circus. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
2. This is the second book in the series – do you need to read the first book before one can read this book? Or can your books be read as standalones?
Each book in “The One Night Stand Club” series is like a decadent slice of cake from a magnificent layered confection. You can absolutely savor each piece on its own—each layer has its unique flavor and charm, after all. “Dirty Books,” while the second slice of this sumptuous dessert, is crafted to stand alone, allowing readers to indulge without having had the first bite, “Dirty Plans.”
However, just like with any multi-layered cake, enjoying it from the bottom up offers a richer, more interconnected experience. The layers—our stories—are designed to complement each other, with characters and themes that weave through the series, enriching the narrative and deepening the reader’s connection to our little universe.
So, while you can dive fork-first into “Dirty Books” without a primer, reading “Dirty Plans” first might just make the flavors of friendship, humor, and romance taste that much sweeter. Think of “Dirty Developments” as the cherry on top, waiting to complete the experience with a promise of more surprises and delights. Each book, while delightful on its own, is part of a greater, more scrumptious banquet.
3. What made you want to be a writer?
The desire to become a writer sprouted from a voracious appetite for stories and a restless imagination that refused to stay tethered to reality. As a child, I was the architect of elaborate worlds built during playtime, crafting narratives for every doll, action figure, and unsuspecting pet that crossed my path. Books were portals to other dimensions, and I was a relentless explorer, diving headfirst into fantasy lands, detective mysteries, and tales of far-off planets.
But the true catalyst was a combination of insatiable curiosity and a penchant for eavesdropping on adult conversations, piecing together snippets of gossip, secrets, and the unspoken tensions that hum beneath the surface of everyday life. These fragments of real-world drama and intrigue ignited a spark within me to weave my own tapestries of fiction, blending the magical with the mundane, the extraordinary with the everyday.
Becoming a writer wasn’t so much a choice as it was a calling—a siren song that lured me with the promise of creating universes where anything could happen, where every ending could be happy, and where the underdog could triumph against all odds. I suppose, that’s why I started in paranormal and urban fantasy, come to think of it. (In case you didn’t know, I’m also international bestselling author, Carissa Andrews.) It was the allure of playing god in a world of my own making, of breathing life into characters who could love, laugh, fight, and dream with the same intensity as the people I observed from the shadows of my youth.
In essence, I wanted to be a writer because I fell in love with the power of stories to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and connect us across the chasms of time and space. Writing became my way of capturing the fleeting beauty of human experience, of holding a mirror to the world and to the heart, revealing truths that we often whisper only to ourselves in the quiet of the night.
4. What do you use as inspiration when writing?
Inspiration for writing the series “The One Night Stand Club” dances in from the mosaic of life’s everyday moments, the whispers of the past, and the vibrant tapestry of human connection. It’s like being a magpie, collecting shiny bits of reality, dreams, and the myriad shades of human emotion to weave into the narrative.
Real-Life Observations: The quirks of friends, the banter between strangers at a coffee shop, or the silent stories etched in the faces of passersby—these are the threads that weave the rich fabric of my characters and their interactions. The world is a stage, and each person, a story waiting to be told.
Music & Art: A melody can paint a thousand pictures. Sometimes, a song or a piece of art captures an emotion so perfectly, it begs a story to frame it. It’s like each note or brushstroke is a breadcrumb leading to the heart of a new tale.
Books, Movies, and TV Shows: The stories that move me, make me laugh, or leave me contemplative, serve as wells of inspiration. They’re reminders of the power of storytelling and the infinite possibilities that lie within the realms of fiction.
History and Myths: The past is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be reimagined. Ancient myths, legends, and historical events are rich soil from which new stories can grow, twisted and turned into modern tales with a twist.
Nature and Travel: The whisper of leaves in an ancient forest, the cacophony of a bustling city, or the serene silence of a desert—each landscape tells its own story. Traveling or even exploring nature locally can spark ideas for settings, plots, or characters.
Dreams and What-ifs: Those bizarre dream sequences and the game of “what-if” that the mind loves to play—what if you found a hidden door in your house that led to another world? What if your pet could suddenly talk? These flights of fancy are the seeds of fantastical stories.
Emotional Reservoir: The spectrum of human emotion, from the darkest corners of fear and sorrow to the luminous heights of love and joy, fuels the emotional depth of my writing. Drawing on personal experiences and empathizing with others’ feelings provides a wellspring of inspiration.
In the end, inspiration is a wild creature, appearing in the most unexpected moments, often when I’m least searching for it. It’s a patchwork of the world’s beauty, pain, laughter, and mystery, all waiting to be stitched into stories.
5. If you have writer’s block, what do you do to get back to writing?
Ah, when the dreaded writer’s block hits, I have my own little toolbox of tricks to kickstart the creativity engines again. Here’s what I do:
Change of Scenery: First off, I shake up my surroundings. It could be as simple as moving from my usual writing haunt to a bustling café or finding a quiet nook in a local library. Sometimes, just the act of observing life happening around me—the clink of coffee cups, the murmur of conversation, the ebb and flow of foot traffic—can jog loose the words stuck in my head.
Read, Read, Read: Next, I dive into books, voraciously and across genres. Reading is my way of feeding the muse. It’s not just about the stories themselves, but the craft behind them that fascinates me. How did the author build tension here? What makes this character so compelling? Immersing myself in the works of others broadens my perspective and often sparks new ideas for my own writing.
Play the ‘What If’ Game: Finally, I play the ‘What If’ game with my own work. What if my protagonist made the opposite decision? What if the villain has a change of heart? This not only helps me explore alternative plot avenues but also deepens my understanding of my characters. It’s a fun exercise that can turn the tables on writer’s block, transforming it from a roadblock into a crossroads brimming with potential paths.
These three strategies are my go-to remedies for writer’s block, helping me to navigate through the fog and back into the clear skies of creativity.
6. What did you enjoy the most when you wrote Dirty Books?
In “Dirty Books,” crafting the awkward dance of rediscovery between Carlie and Adam was a delight, particularly because of their unexpected reunion and the layers of miscommunication that followed. Their journey begins with a clandestine encounter at an exclusive club, a night cloaked in anonymity and electric connection, only for them to later face the daylight without the masks of their alter egos. This sets the stage for a series of delightfully cringe-worthy moments that are the heart of their story.
First off, the sheer awkwardness of Carlie finding out her new personal trainer is not “Ada,” as a typo led her to believe, but Adam—the very man from her one-night stand, albeit she’s blissfully unaware of this fact at the beginning. The realization doesn’t hit immediately, allowing for a comedic ballet of blunders and misunderstandings to unfold.
Imagine Carlie, prepared mentally and emotionally to meet a female trainer, only to be greeted by Adam, whose presence stirs an inexplicable blend of embarrassment and attraction in her, even as she remains oblivious to their prior encounter. The gym sessions that follow are riddled with clumsy mishaps, misinterpreted interactions, and the kind of flirty banter that walks the fine line between playful and mortifying, given Carlie’s misunderstanding about Adam’s identity.
Their story captures the essence of rom-com gold—two people, inexplicably drawn to each other, navigating the awkward first steps of attraction under the hilarious misapprehension that they are practically strangers, all while their shared history waits just beneath the surface, ready to complicate everything in the most entertaining way possible.
Writing “Dirty Books” was an exercise in embracing the messiness of human connection, the beauty of unexpected reunions, and the laughter that can be found in the most mortifying of circumstances.
7. Do you have a favourite character in Dirty Books?
Choosing a favorite character from “Dirty Books” is like picking a favorite star in the sky—each one shines brightly in its own way, contributing to the beauty of the night. While I could easily lean into the allure of Carlie with her heart on her sleeve and her penchant for landing in delightfully awkward situations, or Adam, whose depth and warmth slowly unravel throughout the story, there’s one character who unexpectedly steals the show: Grandma Edna.
Grandma Edna is a force of nature, a whirlwind of wisdom wrapped in cheeky innuendos and eye-twinkling mischief. It’s her lovable insight, dressed up in humor and delivered with the perfect timing of a seasoned comedian, that truly captures the heart. She’s the sage guiding light, her advice laced with a lifetime of experience and a dash of naughtiness, making her utterly irresistible.
Edna brings a refreshing perspective to the table, reminding us all to embrace life’s pleasures without apology and to laugh a little louder at the chaos. Her presence in “Dirty Books” is like a warm hug from the past, a connection to simpler times when love was bold, adventures were plentiful, and secrets were shared with a wink and a nod. She’s the grandmother everyone wishes they could share a secret or a scandalous joke with, knowing she’d not only keep it but add her own twist to the tale.
8. What has been your favourite read (aside from your own) this year?
Oh, where do I even begin? This year, I’ve devoured 13 books, and it’s been a wild ride of emotions, ranging from the urge to throw a book against the wall (lovingly, of course) to wanting to cradle one to sleep. Among my conquests were “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez, “Love Contact” by Sophie Lark, and “Home Again” by Melissa Grace… all amazing books, in their own right.
But, hold your horses, because the crown jewel of my reading escapade, the one that truly hijacked my romcom-loving heart, was none other than “The Reason I Married Him” by Meghan Quinn. Yes, Meghan Quinn, my personal romcom guru, who knows how to stir the pot of romance with the precision of a chef.
Now, why did this book, the second in the series, manage to win me over? Simple: the chef’s kiss-worthy enemies-to-lovers trope. Imagine the tension of a soufflé on the brink of collapse, but instead of eggs and flour, we’re dealing with glares and snark strong enough to cut through the thickest of wedding cakes. This book serves that tension by the ladleful, garnished with banter so sharp, I was worried for the safety of the characters’ egos. SO good!
9. Do you picture someone or something specific when you write?
When it comes to conjuring up the world and characters of my stories, it’s less about picturing someone specific from the get-go and more about letting the characters introduce themselves to me. It’s a bit like throwing a party in my mind where I’m not entirely sure who’s going to show up. Once they make their grand entrance, however, they’re ingrained in my brain, taking up residence with the kind of boldness only fictional characters can muster.
For example, with “Dirty Books,” it wasn’t that I had a clear image of Carlie and Adam from the start. Instead, Carlie waltzed into my thoughts one day, tripped over a metaphorical rug, and spilled her personality all over the floor of my imagination. Adam, on the other hand, leaned casually against the doorway of my mind, flashing a grin that said, “I’ve got stories you haven’t even dreamed of yet.” From that moment on, their faces, their mannerisms, and their voices were all I could see and hear. It’s as if they took the wheel, steering the story through every twist and turn with me just along for the ride, pen in hand.
This process is what makes writing such a thrilling adventure for me. I never quite know who will show up or what they’ll do, but once they’re there, they become as real to me as anyone I might meet on the street—albeit a lot more cooperative when it comes to navigating the plots I throw at them. So, in essence, my characters are the ones who come to me, vivid and vibrant, and from then on, they’re the only ones I see when I write their stories.
10. What’s next? Can we expect a new book soon?
The gears of my writerly mind are already turning, churning out the deliciously complicated concoctions that will become “Dirty Developments.” This next installment in the series is gearing up to be a rollercoaster of emotions, secrets, and, of course, that irresistible pull of undeniable attraction.
Anna and Joel’s story is one I’ve been itching to tell. Picture this: a brooding musician with a heart of gold hidden under layers of mystery and a dash of arrogance, and Anna, tech-savvy, fiercely independent, with a memory like an elephant—especially when it comes to grudges. Their past is a tangled web of secrets, a mysterious event from a decade ago that Anna hasn’t been able to let go of, and Joel hasn’t been able to explain.
But as fate would have it, their paths are about to cross again, and let’s just say, things are about to go DOWN. And I mean that in every sense of the word. We’re talking fiery arguments that could singe your eyebrows, moments so tender they’ll make your heart ache, and yes, scenes that will have you fanning yourself and looking around to make sure no one’s reading over your shoulder.
“Dirty Developments” isn’t just an enemies-to-lovers tale; it’s a journey of forgiveness, understanding, and the kind of love that can only be forged in the fires of shared history and undeniable chemistry. So, buckle up, because Anna and Joel are about to take you on a wild ride. And trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s about to unfold.
The goal is to have it out by September of this year. So, get on my email list or follow me on IG if you want the latest tea. Of course, you could read along as I write, by joining my Patreon, too! All valid life decisions!
Author Bio:
Carissa Knight is all about bringing the heat in every romance she writes, but making the journey as angsty and awkward as possible. (Because come on! What could be more fun than making the characters squirm?)
While she’s a new kid around the romcom block, Carissa’s actually been kicking out books for over a decade as award-winning & international bestselling author, Carissa Andrews. If you like paranormal or urban fantasy, check her out.
In the meantime, get ready for her brand new steamy romcom series, “The One Night Stand Club!”
Be sure to sign up for Carissa’s email list to stay on top (wink, wink) of her releases!
The Backup Princess Kate O’Keeffe (Royally Kissed, #1) Publication date: April 4th 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
When a Texas gal punches a prince instead of curtsying, you know this isn’t your grandmother’s fairy tale.
Taking the bull by the horns is child’s play compared to ruling Malveaux. Yet here I am, a Texas girl turned princess, swapping tacos for a tiara.
Then I meet Europe’s most eligible bachelor, the irritatingly handsome Prince Alexander, and accidentally deck him instead of curtsying.
Oops.
I’d feel bad if he wasn’t such a self-satisfied jerk.
Now, I’m racing against a royal clock that ticks with the urgency of a preening peacock, trying not to let down my newfound country or my own wild heart. Alexander? He’s a walking contradiction, with a smirk that heats my blood and eyes that tell tales of a depth I didn’t expect.
Decisions aren’t exactly my rodeo, but this time, my choice could cost me my new crown—or lead to a love story that rewrites my happily ever after.
Will this Texas girl rise to the royal challenge, or is this one fairytale destined to end with the slipper never found?
The Princess Diaries meets The Hating Game in this in this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, where an American girl’s unexpected ascent to royalty collides with a fiery romance with a hot neighboring prince. The Backup Princess is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 1 in the brand new series, Royally Kissed.
“Hello?” I fumble with my phone to locate the torch app, which suddenly seems to have disappeared. “Who’s in here?” I demand, half expecting to find a murderer or some kind of psychopath, wielding a knife, ready to attack.
“Who are you?” an indignant voice responds.
Finally, I locate the torch app and flick it on, scanning the closet.
I suck in a breath as it illuminates a woman, her features lined with fear as she squints at me, her hands held in tight fists in front of her chest.
I relax. She doesn’t look like a murderer or a psychopath, or even a ghost. Well, a little like a ghost. The woman is rather pale.
But there’s something recognizable about her. The look in her eyes is like a deer in headlights. A beautiful deer. A familiar deer.
I take a step closer to her.
“Get back!” she screeches. “I’m warning you; I know tai chi.”
I press my lips together to stop a smile. “You know how to do slow, controlled movements at sunrise?” If I tried to keep the amusement from my voice it wasn’t much of an effort.
“I meant… karate. I know karate and I’m not afraid to use it!” She unfurls her fists and brandishes her flat hands at me.
A laugh bubbles up, and I do my best to style it out as a cough. “I come in peace, I assure you.”
“How do I know that?” She does a chopping motion with one of her hands, presumably to demonstrate her karate prowess.
“Why don’t you put those weapons of yours down?” I reach for her hands to hold them in mine reassuringly. This woman is freaked out and I need to do something.
As my hands fold over hers she snaps them away, raises one in a fist, and before I have the chance to ask what she intends to do with that fist, she jabs it straight at my face.
“Argh!” I call out, my eyes watering as my nose throbs in pain that pulses painfully across my cheekbones. I stagger back, clasping my nose “What did you do that for?”
But no sooner have the words left my mouth when she yanks the cupboard door open and bursts from the room, her skirt billowing behind her as she rushes away from me down the hall.
“What the—?!” I trail after her, muttering in disbelief. Who punches someone in the face in a hallway cupboard when all they were trying to do was show they weren’t a threat?
Through watering eyes, I blink at her as she tears away from me down the hallway—only to fall flat on her face, her skirt billowing up behind her to expose her plain white cotton underpants, and her tiara pinging off her head and bouncing across the carpet.
Who is this woman and what the heck is she playing at?
My instinct kicks in, and before I have the chance to second guess myself, I hurry down the hallway to her aid.
“Are you all right?” I ask.
Her eyes are wild as she yells, “Stay away!” She clamors back to her feet, clutching her head.
“Are you hurt?” I ask, and she shakes her head, her eyes searching the floor.
She must be looking for her tiara.
“It’s over there.” I point at the tiara on the ground, still in one piece.
She grabs it and turns back to me. “I—please don’t tell anyone.”
“Okay.”
She doesn’t say another word, instead she turns on her heel and dashes away, rounding a corner and disappearing from sight.
I stand, rooted to the spot, my brain scrambling to make sense of what just happened. I sought a brief moment of refuge in a cupboard only to be attacked by a beautiful woman in a tiara with an American accent.
My nose throbs painfully as realization dawns on me.
She’s Madeline, the American here to claim the throne. The woman a nation has pinned their hopes on.
The woman who wields a strong right hook.
Author Bio:
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kate O’Keeffe writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy dogs. When she’s not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries, and eating chocolate. A lot of it.
Visit kateokeeffe.com to sign up to her newsletter and you’ll receive a FREE romcom.
Two Truths and a Marriage Nicole Snow Publication date: March 29th 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
The grumpiest billionaire accidentally scores a sunshiny fake fiancee and pure chaos in this hilarious, sweet, and deliriously steamy romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.
I can still pinpoint the exact second when my life became two truths and a lie.
You don’t forget delivering a mountain of fresh-baked sweets to a man like Dexter Rory.
I never wanted to see his scowling, bossy, brutally godlike face again, no matter how well he tipped.
If you told me I’d wind up wearing his ring, I would’ve died laughing.
But here I am, trying to cling to my sanity while I confront the undeniable.
Truth #1: I’m spiritually allergic to this man.
He’s as grumpy as a storm, twice as unpredictable, and he thinks my life’s work is the devil.
Truth #2: I need his money—it’s the only Hail Mary I have to keep my family bakery alive.
That’s why we’re living a ginormous lie that can’t last.
I mean, who would believe we’re engaged when we can barely share the same oxygen?
But Dexter can be wickedly convincing when he needs a win.
And the way he kisses me dizzy right in front of my adoring grandmother…
Hello, butterflies.
What happens when the truth matters less by the day?
What happens when you start falling in love with a lie?
This standalone read brings heat, heart, and mammoth feels all the way to the happily ever after. Witness two opposites attract, collide, and go down fighting the beautiful truth called love.
I’m instantly peppered with goosebumps at what he’s proposing.
Another date.
Another important family member to impress.
Another lie.
More people we have to deceive to keep this big ball of fake engagement crazy going.
Even if we’re getting better at this, something’s got to give.
“There’s something else I had to bring in person,” he says slowly, watching me warily. “For your trouble.”
What’s he talking about?
His hand drifts out of his pocket, clasping a small grey box with gold lettering.
Oh no.
Oh no, no, no.
When he opens it, revealing what I’m dreading, I don’t remember how to breathe.
A freaking ring.
And not just any ring.
No, this is a ring from Dexter Rory, a man who never learned how to do anything without going all out.
Of course, it’s gorgeous enough to make me stupid.
All diamond-studded white gold with a sparkling blue stone in the middle. The whole vibe is both delicate and totally over the top.
I’m already in love with the wretched thing.
And I hate that I love it.
“There’s no sense in being subtle anymore. Counting my brothers, a ton of people know we’re engaged,” he explains. “No one will believe I’ve proposed without a ring on your finger.”
“Oh my God.” I’m hyperventilating. “You just… you went and… you bought me an engagement ring?” I say faintly, knowing full well there’s no doubt.
An engagement ring.
Those three little words feel completely alien.
His face blanks, but he’s smiling with his eyes, midnight-blue apologies sparkling like stars.
“I’m sorry if it’s not your style, Junie. There’s still time to swap it out.”
“Are you insane?”
I could have searched the world twice over and not found an engagement ring half this magnificent. This man, who doesn’t even know me, is some sort of personal jewelry genius.
“It’s really pretty,” I whisper.
“It’s yours to keep when this is over. Don’t even ask how much it costs,” he says. “Sell it, keep it, give it to your cat, whatever. I’m sure this isn’t the type of engagement you wanted—and technically, it’s not. I’m just grateful you’re willing to go along with it.”
Why does he sound like he’s trying to make himself believe it?
My brain sputters.
All I can see right now is that ring in its little grey box, the blue velvet inside cushioning the precious diamonds and stillborn promises.
I don’t doubt for a second they’re real, and they’re spectacular.
Oh, and its resale value will probably break my jaw when it hits the ground. He’s paying me a massive premium in jewelry on top of the six figures hitting my account.
The bigger the lie, the more I earn.
That should thrill me, coming into a small fortune I never imagined, but it doesn’t.
Not while I’m staring at something that shouldn’t exist.
A ring from a man who’s hilariously out of my league. The one thing I never thought I’d get with a monster catch.
A fake fiancé.
A man who doesn’t want to marry me.
Of course, he shouldn’t. He doesn’t even know me.
Still.
Still, I can’t help feeling it bone-deep, knowing that the only ring I’ll ever get is just a whacky business transaction.
Not because I’m lovable.
Not because it means anything.
Not because I’m someone he’d ever date, much less marry.
Author Bio:
Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.
Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty. With over a million books sold, she lives for the joy of making two people fight with every bit of their soul for a Happily Ever After.
Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.
The Rumble and the Glory JA Huss Publication date: June 27th 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Deep in the hills of West Virginia, three small towns have found a way to flourish in the face of extreme poverty. Disciple runs a side-show tent revival that brings in millions of dollars a year. Bishop flaunts traditional ways in the vein of Colonial Williamsburg, luring weary city people to the slow-living lifestyle. And Revenant offers them an experience of sin filled with tattooed bikers and live-music dive bars.
It’s a sacred trinity that worships the almighty dollar and everyone plays their role like a well-trained Broadway actor.
But these hills have secrets, and so do the people.
Twelve years ago, when he was just eighteen and dreaming of a future with his high school sweetheart, Collin Creed learned something about himself. Something so disturbing he left Disciple to join the Marines and didn’t once look back. But all that came to a screeching halt with the congressional hearings, forcing Collin to return home and rebuild his black-ops empire brick by brick.
Lowyn McBride’s heart broke when Collin shut her out and left town without an explanation just as they were getting ready to start their adult lives together. The death of her mother the following year was a make-or-break moment and Lowyn rose to the occasion, giving up her university education to parent her younger sister while building an empire of her own as a specialty antiques dealer.
Anger and desire, guilt and shame—the return of the enigmatic Collin Creed ignites the town and sparks an explosion of emotions inside Lowyn. But he’s not the only one with a secret in his past. Lowyn has always played the good girl to Collin’s bad-boy reputation. But it turns out—she’s just like everyone else up in these hills—not as wholesome and pure as she looks.
The Rumble and the Glory is a cinematic and spicy small-town secret, second-chance romance wrapped up in a cloak of mystery and suspense. It honors the themes of found family, redemptive anti-hero, and is filled with bigger-than-life, morally-grey characters against a backdrop of deceit and deception.
TROPES:
Small Town Secrets
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey
Found Family
Second Chance
Childhood Sweethearts
Anti-Hero
THIS BOOK WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT NOOK, KOBO, AND APPLE ON PRE-ORDER and will release two days early at those distributors. It will go into Kindle Unlimited on the stated release day of June 27, 2024!
Author Bio:
JA Huss is a scientist, New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, and a cowgirl who rides English. Five of her books were optioned for TV/film, several of her audiobooks have been nominated for the Audie and SOVA Awards, and she was a RITA Finalist in 2019. She has been an indie author in both fiction and non-fiction for seventeen years and lives on a ranch in Colorado with her family, horses, dogs, goats, donkeys, and chickens.
The Professor Skye Warren (Tanglewood University, #1) Publication date: March 26th 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren, delivers the sizzling first book in a brand new trilogy, The Professor, a forbidden, student/professor, ex-boyfriend’s dad romance.
One night only with a handsome stranger.
Older. Alluring. Savage. Dominant.
No last names or expectations.
Just raw, carnal, filthy pleasure.
I never thought I would see him again.
Until the first day of class. He’s my new professor.
And my ex-boyfriend’s father.
He has a world of secrets in his eyes and the weight of the world on his shoulders. I should stay away from him, but the more I try, the more consumed he gets.
His possessiveness is rivaled only by his secretive nature. He knows everything about me, but mystery surrounds him. Shadows threaten the entire university…and our forbidden love.
“It’s okay,” he murmurs. “Pretend you don’t want it.”
His kiss is urgent, unyielding. He forces my mouth open, allowing me to feign resistance. Or at the very least, nonchalance. I let him tilt my head back and run his lips down my neck. It’s a terrible game I’m playing, letting him take the fall for our mutual destruction.
I should at least tell him, confess my own desire, even if he already knows.
It would be the honorable thing to do.
“Will—”
“Ah ah,” he says with a slow shake of his head, with a devastating expression of knowing in his dark eyes. “In this office, you will address me as Professor Stratford.”
My secret muscles clench, and he gives me an almost boyish smile.
“This gets you hot, doesn’t it, Ms. Hill?”
How is this possible? I had a heavy course load of classes my freshman year, with professors of every shape and size. They were smart and interesting, and for the most part, at least somewhat arrogant. Professor Stratford is all those things…and more. He’s simply more. More handsome, more mysterious. More playful as he nips at my lower lip.
“I asked you a direct question, Ms. Hill. Don’t make me punish you.”
My eyes widen. It’s not an entirely fake break in my voice. “What kind of punishment?”
“Let’s see,” he says, tugging my T-shirt off, leaving me in my bra. The starkness is enough to make my cheeks burn. He’s fully clothed while I’m shirtless. “For the first offense, I wouldn’t be too harsh. Then again, we can’t have disruptive students, can we?”
I thought his fist in my hair had been perverse.
That holding me up against the window had been a wild form of desire.
This is far worse.
And far better.
At least my body thinks so, becoming hot and clenched, swollen around nothing, hungry to have him inside me again, thrusting and thrusting the ache away.
“I tried to behave,” I tell him, surrendering to the game. Surrendering to him. “I tried to be a good student. It’s just that you were so…distracting.”
That earns me a dark chuckle. Large, strong hands undress me with calm expediency, as if stacking books or finding the right page. With both care and anticipation.
At this moment I’m the worn pages of an old copy of Romeo and Juliet.
He thumbs through my pages.
“You’d blame your professor for your own lack of focus?”
I gasp at his touch, low and intimate. It’s too much, and I scoot back to get away from him. That only lands me on the edge of his desk, smooth wood cool beneath my bare ass. “Maybe I can make it up to you?”
“Extra credit,” he says, musing. “Perhaps an oral report would suffice.”
Author Bio:
Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance. Her books have sold over one million copies. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.
These Family Ties: An Extreme Taboo Anthology Publication date: September 10th 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Weave your way through the Complex Taboo love that’s Thicker Than Blood. Lose yourself in the Wrath and Ruin of The Loveless, and always remember that Daddy Knows Best how to pull you out of The Chaos Between illicit emotions as you Double Down on everything you feel.
These Family Ties is an extremely taboo anthology that is not for the close-minded. Due to the nature of these stories, it’s best to leave your morals at the door.
La Bella Luna Nicole Sharp Publication date: March 19th 2024 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Can you really reject a surprise last-minute, all-expense paid trip to Italy from your sister? For Diana, a sensible CPA in Atlanta, you most certainly can.
But within the last week, Diana turned forty-five, got engaged, purchased a wedding cake and agreed to join her fiancé in another state where his current work project has been extended for several months.
Diana’s younger sister, Harper, uses these uncharacteristic life changes as proof that Diana definitely can meet her in Italy. Besides, Harper’s already cleared the trip with Diana’s boss and fiancé. So begrudgingly, Diana agrees to go.
Little did she know that her whole world would be turned upside down the second she stepped foot on Italian soil.
As Diana falls deeper into Italy’s culture, countryside and cuisine, she reconnects with the ghosts of her past and reignites passions she thought had long been extinguished – proving that life and love are full of phases.
Navigating the tight space, Diana found a small table in the back of the café, where she could see people exiting into the arrival area.
She wasn’t sure where the thought or even the motivation came from, but she pulled out her phone, chose the camera app, held up the cup and took a selfie.
She carefully put the cup down and looked at the picture; actually thought about deleting it, but then on a whim, posted it to her account that Harper insisted she needed to set up for this trip. And why the hell not?
“Pisa, Italy. First espresso,” she wrote and posted the picture.
She took a few sips, closing her eyes to savor the bitter hot loveliness.
Finally, a message from Harper came in, demanding Diana call her right away. This was why she’d activated an international calling plan for her phone.
Diana excitedly grinned when Harper picked up on the first ring and exclaimed. “You must be nearby!”
“Well …” Harper drew out the word, “Lu, you have the itinerary, right?”
“Yes, I printed it off before I left and it’s on my phone. Where are you?”
“Happy engagement!” Harper sang.
“Harper …” Diana laughed and looked around the part of the airport she could see, as if her younger sister would appear at any moment.
“Look, if I told you the truth you wouldn’t have gone, and you needed to go; Hell, if anyone needs a vacation it’s you.”
“Harper,” Diana’s heart began to thump wildly in her chest, “where are you?”
In almost a whisper, Harper answered, “New York.”
Diana turned so no one could see her anger. She cupped a hand over the receiver of her phone. “What the hell do you mean you’re in New York?”
“I couldn’t afford to pay for both of us. But I wanted you to have something different … I wanted to get you out of the house before you got married. I wanted you to see … more, something bigger, something inspiring before you got married.”
“Harper,” Diana choked out in disbelief.
“I wanted to get you out of your fucking comfort zone,” Harper admitted, with all the loving passion she could.
Diana was certainly out of her comfort zone now, that was for sure, and she’d be damned if she was going to stay in a foreign country by herself. “I’m not staying here alone,” she hissed. “You got me into this Harper, you need to get me a return ticket and get me out of this. Now.”
“No.”
“Then I need to go, I need to figure out how to get home.”
“No. Please. You have ten days paid vacation in Italy. Do you know how many people dream of something like that?”
“Harper.” Diana’s throat was closing with the urge to cry.
“Luna, if you can’t figure out how to do this for yourself, then do this for me.“ Harper’s voice hitched with the same emotion. “Please Lu, you deserve something like this. You deserve to see something beautiful. You deserve to … sit in a Piazza in a world-famous café and sip an espresso. You deserve to be moved to tears by a painting.“ It was Harper who was crying now. “Jesus, Diana, you deserve to stand in the middle of Rome and be inspired. I understand this is the scariest thing anyone has ever asked you to do, I get that it’s a scary ass thing that I am asking you to do, but please … please, if you can’t do this for yourself, then do it for me.”
Author Bio:
Legend has it that Nicole Sharp was born to hippies during an ice storm in Stone Mountain, Georgia. While confirmation of said events cannot be agreed upon, one fact is for certain, it was a Tuesday.
By age twelve, Nicole was sure of two things: 1) She wanted to be a writer and 2) She wanted to travel. She begged her parents to allow her to voyage alone to exotic lands. They permitted her to go from California to Boise, Idaho to visit a great-grandmother.
After muddling through the college years, Nicole graduated with a Bachelors in History (think Greeks and Romans). Why didn’t she major in English if she wanted to be a writer? There were better stories in history class.
Nicole is Italian. According to Ancestry.com it’s a rather low percentage, but she feels that she is at least 51% Italian. When she returned to the homeland, she fell in love with the Italian cappuccino, so much so that she studied the language until she was fluent; thus she could order the magical elixir herself: Posso avere un cappuccino, per favore!
Nicole’s first concert was to see the bluegrass group The Seldom Scene when she was a fifteen-year-old, thanks to her parent’s bluegrass phase. However, she never admits it, and instead tells everyone that They Might Be Giants, whom she saw in college, was her real first concert.
Her first car was a yellow Chevy Celebrity and her favorite job was working as a docent in a museum in an old mining town in Colorado. She has written extensively about both.
Visit NicoleSharpWrites.com for more entertainment.
The Helping Heart Annie M. Ballard (Sisters of Stella Mare, #4) Publication date: March 15th 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Helen comes home and everything should be wonderful. Even if she’s returning due to a divorce. But there is more…
The Madison sisters, once close, are suddenly alienated as oldest Helen returns to Stella Mare. Her desire to help everyone includes keeping them at a distance, so her own secrets stay private. Her plan backfires, making her persona non grata and upsetting her father. To keep the peace with Dad, she suggests a group activity: the four sisters will hike the Fundy Footpath, an iconic and challenging backpacking trip along the Bay of Fundy. Why not? They’re young, they’re strong, and besides, they’re Madisons.
Despite each sister’s reservations, the desire to reconnect pulls them into this adventure. The hike is arduous and not for the faint of heart. Daunting cliffs, deep forests, rushing rivers and unpredictable tides accompany the gorgeous views, stunning sunrises, and the sheer power of nature. The challenges, though shared, fracture things further, and even Helen’s campfire confession doesn’t heal the breach. But when crisis happens, Helen is called to rise to the occasion and be the sister they need her to be.
Returning to Stella Mare was hard. Regaining her place in the family was harder. Come home to Stella Mare with Helen, as she, Rett, Evie and Dorie learn once again how to be sisters.
“Time to burn some of those calories,” Helen called out. “Let’s get going.”
Evie cast her a curious gaze. “Is there something we’re hurrying for? You should let us know, Helen.”
She narrowed her eyes. “We need to get going. We’re like sitting ducks here.”
Rett laughed. “We’re nobody’s target. We started early, we already did the tidal crossings, so we are not worried about tides right now, and we have time to take a break if somebody is vomiting. Really.”
Helen shook her head and walked away toward the tree line. Where was that wolf? And why couldn’t her sisters take direction?
Annoyed, she kept gazing into the woods, though she kept an ear tuned toward the conversations behind her. Soon enough, everybody got ready to go again, and Evie called to her. “We’re all set, Helen.” She huffed a little as she headed back, chin held high.
Evie started off beside Dorie, the two easily chatting. Rett waited for Helen. “Tone it down a bit,” she advised.
“Are you bitching about me, too?” Helen snapped.
“Like that,” Rett said noncommittally. “Take it down a notch.”
“You’re so helpful,” she sniped. “Like anybody even notices me.”
“Everybody notices you.” Rett’s tone was correcting. “Especially when you’re being a royal pain in the neck. Tone it down. Nobody’s here to make a fool of you.”
Helen, shocked, took the impact of those words on her chest. Nobody’s here to make a fool of you. She had nothing to say.
Rett nudged her with an elbow. “Come on. Let’s make it a good day for a hike.”
She nodded tightly and followed.
Hiking made her brain run faster. Rett’s words rang in her memory. Nobody’s here to make a fool of you, Helen.
I don’t need anyone to do that. I’ve done it myself, more than once. A lot more than once.
Despite her tired body, her mind was super-charged as thoughts, memories and feelings flooded her. She couldn’t outrace them, and even the challenging terrain didn’t distract her, though after a series of switchbacks, landing at the brook felt like an accomplishment. Or at least a break from her thoughts.
Author Bio:
Annie M. Ballard writes about women and family ties in the small villages that feel like home. With one foot in the Canadian Maritimes and the other in New England, she digs deep into the lives of her characters. When she’s not writing, she’s happily baking, gardening, powerlifting and trying to make friends with every dog in her neighbourhood.
Annie’s stories include strong women living real lives, good men trying to do better, and always a happy ending.
Dirty Books
Author Bio:
Echos Of Books 