In this heartwarming small-town romance, can three months, two planning projects, and a meddling grandmother finallyย make two high school hate crushes see just how right they are for each other?
Ambitious real estate agent Sinclair Buchanan is ecstatic to be her best friendโs maid-of-honorโuntil she discovers the bestย man is Garrett Davenport. Sin and Rettโs mutual hate crush ignited when they were teens and hasnโt let up since . . . exceptย for that one extremely hot (and extremely regrettable) night they shared five years ago.
Nothing gets Rett fired up like going toe-to-toe with Sinclair. Sheโs as infuriatingly stubborn, and as absolutely gorgeous, asย when he fell for her back in high school. Working together to plan their best friendsโ last-minute wedding is one thing, butย when his matchmaking grandmother gets involved Rett knows heโs in deep. Attraction has always simmered betweenย them, but this time, theyโre both in danger of losing their hearts.
โGarrett Davenport, how very nice of you to finally show up.โ Sinclair sashayed toward him, clutching a clear clipboard decorated with a colorful floral design.
Sinclair assessed him with disdain, flecks of green and gold dancing in those large hazel eyes heโd been mesmerized by from the first moment heโd laid eyes on them in high school. She pursed her glossy pink lips, her nostrils flaring, and planted a fist on one curvy hip.
The bossy little she-devil was infuriating, attitudish, and fucking gorgeous. And she damn well knew it.
Her floral, sleeveless dress showed off her toned arms and sculpted shouldersโa feature heโd never noticed on a woman before, let alone been attracted to. The hem of the flirty little skirt grazed her midthigh, accentuating her tawny brown skin, a shade that landed smack between her fatherโs dark brown skin and her motherโs olive skin tone.
Sinclair flipped her hair, a deep, rich brown highlighted with ribbons of honey blond, over one shoulder and ran her manicured nails through the waterfall of shoulder-length waves. Her gaze bore into him, and if looks could kill, heโd be lying on the floor stone cold.
โYou do realize youโre an hour late to your own best friendโs engagement party.โ She leaned into him, speaking in a harsh whisper that only he could hear. โYou sure you gonโ be able to show up for the wedding on time?โ
Her nasally voice reminded him of Whitley Gilbertโs from A Different World. And just a few minutes into the conversation, sheโd already intimated that he was an unreliable slacker. Rett clenched his jaw. Yet, as annoyed as he was, he couldnโt help noticing how hot Sin looked tonight.
โSorry Iโm late,โ Rett finally managed. He shoved his hands, balled into fists, into his pockets. โSomething came up.โ
Sinclairโs gaze dropped to the placket in front of his zipper momentarily. Her eyes widened and her cheeks and forehead flushed. She quickly returned her attention to the clipboard.
Maybe he wasnโt the only one who couldnโt forget their previous encounter.
โItโs always some excuse with you, Rett.โ Sinclair wrapped her arms around the clipboard, clutching it to her chest. Her eyes didnโt quite meet his.
Was she clutching the clipboard because he made her nervous? Or was she shielding her bodyโs reaction after shamelessly ogling him two minutes into their conversation?
It didnโt matter. Because Sinclair Buchanan was as irritating now as sheโd been when theyโd been forced to hang out together while Dexter and Dakota had dated in high school. She seemed to hate him on sight back then. But he hadnโt helped matters when heโd tried to talk his cousin out of getting serious with Sinโs best friend.
When Dex had suddenly ended things with Dakota the Christmas after heโd left for college, Sinclair had confronted Rett outside his grandmotherโs house. Sheโd been as mad as a hornet and had cussed him out six ways to Sundayโsure heโd been behind the breakup.
He hadnโt been. But he hadnโt bothered telling her so. Besides, as distraught as sheโd been, heโd doubted Sinclair wouldโve believed a single word heโd said.
Since Dexter and Dakotaโs reconciliation, Sinclair must surely have learned the truth: he had nothing to do with Dexter and Dakotaโs breakup back then. In fact, heโd been as shocked by it as anyone. But evidently, it didnโt matter, because Sinclair clearly still wasnโt a fan. Though she certainly had been that night in his hotel room, given the enthusiasm with which sheโd called his name and the marks sheโd left on his back.
โItโs not an excuse, Sin. I planned to be here on time, but I was sidetracked byโโ
โDidnโt think you were going to make it.โ Dexter approached, holding Dakotaโs hand. The two of them looked ridiculously happy, and Rett felt a slight twinge of envy.
โAnd miss your engagement party?โ Rett slapped palms and clasped hands with Dex. โNo way, cuz. Been waiting half my life to see you finally tie the knot with this beautiful lady.โ He turned toward his cousinโs soon-to-be better half. โCongrats, Dakota.โ
โThank you, Rett.โ Dakotaโs grin lit her brown eyes. She gave him a big hug. โAnd for the record, I knew youโd be here tonight. It was these two who were sweating it.โ She gestured toward Dex and Sinclair, then glanced around the room. โMama Mae didnโt come with you?โ
โSheโs sick and didnโt much appreciate me fussing over her,โ Rett said.
โBut you did anyway.โ Dakota smiled. โThe relationship you two have is adorable.โ
โโCause Mama Mae is the only woman who can get him to behave,โ Sinclair muttered as she scanned her clipboard. When they all turned to look at her, Sin looked up and shrugged. โWhat? You know itโs true.โ
โBe nice, Sin.โ Dakota pointed a finger at her best friend. โYou promised you two would get along.โ
โFine.โ She flashed Rett a dead-eyed smile and turned up the Whitley Gilbert singsong southern belle voice. โWe are so very glad that you could join us this evening, Garrett. I was just about to ask the staff to take the food away. So please make yourself a plate.โ She batted her long, thick eyelashes. โIn fact, why donโt I escort you to the buffet?โ
Dexter and Dakota snickered, and Rett couldnโt help chuckling to himself.
That was as warm a greeting as he could expect from the former beauty queen, who now employed that same charm in her job as one of the islandโs top real estate agents. Evidently, she reserved that charm for people not named Rett Davenport.
Sinclair turned and walked toward the buffet, indicating that he should come with. He did, captivated by the subtle sway of her hips as he followed in the wake of her soft, delicate scent. All of it taking him back to that night theyโd shared in Raleigh five years ago.
Yes, heโd been an immature jerk to Sinclair in high school. She clearly still held a grudge and had no intentions of letting him forget it. Despite the night theyโd shared.
Fine. Because he wasnโt here for Sinclair. He was here for Dexter and Dakota. For them, heโd tolerate Ms. Thing. But that didnโt mean he couldnโt have a little fun with her.
*****
Author Info:
Reese Ryan writes sexy, deeply emotional romances with family drama, surprising secrets, and unexpected twists.
Past president of her local Romance Writers of America chapter and a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Reese is an advocate for theย romance genre and diversity in fiction.
Wedding planner, Cassie Winters canโt wait to find her own happily ever after, and when she meets wedding hater, Theo Abbot, she realizes sheโs got her work cut out for her. Theoโs grumpy, set in his ways, and determined to never fall in love again, but the more time they spend together, the more Cassie begins to wonder if she can change Theoโs position on love. Fans of Claire Kingsley and Kaylee Ryan will adore WED LIKE WILDFIRE by Lauren Helms, a steamy, grumpy sunshine romance.
Wed Like Wildfire
Happily Ever After, Inc #1
by Lauren Helms
Blurb:
Once upon a time, there was a grumpy CEO who met a wedding planner who never stopped smilingโฆ
Cassie You could say that I live and breathe weddings and love, and as a wedding planner, a happily ever after is the main event. So when I learn that Theo Abbot absolutely hates weddings, that should be my clue to run for the hills as fast as my sexy little black stilettos will take me.
But I digress.
I’m on the hunt for my own epic love story, one T-Swift herself could write a song about. Which means unavailable and seemingly uninterested CEOs are off limits. Even if the man oozes sex appeal and his grumpiness turns me to mush.
A little flirting never hurt anyone.
Theo Cassie Winters shines so bright I need a pair of Ray-bans to look directly at her. Problem is, once I’ve set my eyes on her, I can’t seem to look away. The woman is a walking, talking promotion for all things love and happiness.
Hand me an antacid.
Counting, on one hand, the amount of times I’ve failed in my life, leaves me knowing I won’t ever do “love” again. I’m set in my ways and not even this sexy little spitfire could sweet talk me out of my decision to never get married.
Yet it only took one drink to derail that plan.
But, things aren’t always as they seem and when real life gets in the way of this fairy tale, we’re both forced to take a hard look at what we truly want.
Are we both ready to wed or is this a wildfire that’s about to burn out?
I hear my sister and Mateo agree with her, and the woman continues.
โI mean, just look at the stage. It features more than fifty hand-painted scenic backdrops. It’s just absolutely remarkable.โ
Despite the fact that I could get lost in this womanโs voice, I donโt appreciate that she barking up the wrong tree trying to sell this space to my sister.
I come to a stop behind the three of them, my attendance going unnoticed. I resist the urge to clap for her performance, but interrupt her words with my own instead.
โWell done, sounds like you could sell religion to the damn Pope.โ Harsh, but I donโt like when people think they can take advantage of us just because we have money.
Both my sister and the woman startle. Mateo snorts. I glance at Nora and the glare Iโm getting could cut ice, but Iโve survived the look before. I nod a hello at Mateo before sliding my gaze to the best damn saleswoman in the world.
Taking in the woman standing in front of me, no goddamn joke, my heart skips a fucking beat. I draw my hand out of my pocket and slowly rub my chest absentmindedly.
The woman is utterly exquisite. Her soft blond hair is braided in a way that is messy but perfectly styled and falls over her shoulder with strands of soft gold framing her face. A face that at first glance looks flawless. Iโm unable to continue my perusal as Iโm stopped in my tracks by two sparkling blue eyes staring back at me. Taking in all of her, I see that the smirk she wears tells me sheโs not about to let me get away with what Iโve just said.
โNo doubt you are correct, Mr. Abbot. However, I wouldnโt attempt something so outrageous.โ Her eyes gleam. โI was just telling Nora and Mateo some very well-known facts about this beautiful cathedral.โ She glances up and waves her hand around as if to encompass the whole space.
โTheo, this is Cassie Winters, our wedding planner. Itโs nice of you to join us,โ Nora bites out in a pleasantly terse tone. She walks up to me and kisses my cheek. As she pulls away, she whispers, โBe nice.โ
I ignore her and focus on the wedding planner. Cassie.
โWell, Iโm just confused as to why we are even here, Ms. Winters. Or is it Mrs.?โ I ask.
She doesnโt miss a beat. โMs. Thank you. And we are here because the couple getting marriedโโshe gestures to Nora and Mateoโโwanted a tour.โ Her tone straddles the line of condescending and courteous. And itโs sexy as fuck.
Nora punches me lightly in the side, typical sister shit. โYes, I asked if we could check out the cathedral as well as some other places. Weโve already ruled some out due to availability, but this place has an opening twelve months from now,โ she informs me as she walks back over to Mateo, lacing her fingers through his. His eyes flash as he looks down at her.
โI thought you didnโt want to wait a year,โ I say, my eyes darting back at Cassie. She stands there, smiling with fucking stars in her eyes at Nora and Mateo.
โTrue, but places book up quickly, and I wasted too much time floundering before hiring Cassie,โ Nora says.
I nod. Makes sense. I take a second to look around this place. I want to vomit, itโs so extra. We may have grown up with silver spoons in our mouths, but we didnโt grow up around such fancy-ass stuff such as weddings in the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
โWhy the grumpy face?โ Cassieโs beautiful voice breaks me out of my stupor.
โOh, no, thatโs his normal face,โ Nora tells her.
โI donโt understand why you picked this place. Itโs a churchโฆโ
โAre you not religious, Mr. Abbot?โ Cassie interrupts.
โIโm not sure why that matters to you,โ I snap.
Her eyes widen a tad at the venom in my tone. โYou said itโs a church.โ
โYou didnโt let me finish, Ms. Winters. I was saying, itโs a church that was built in the โ20s and this place fits, like what? Twelve hundred people? Do you even know that many people, Nora?โ I stuff my hands in my pockets out of frustration.
โNo,โ Nora offers shakily.
โMr. Abbot, the theater space is only one of the locations available for a ceremony. This was our first stop. I wanted them to get the full tour,โ Cassie says and I so badly want to ask her to call me Theo, but I donโt know if Iโll like the way she says my name more than the way she calls me Mr. Abbot.
I grunt, not having time for this argument. โOkay, then letโs look at a more accommodating space.โ
โYou know what, I think this place has lost its magic for me,โ Nora grumbles. โLetโs check out that last place on my list. I know Theo has a busy schedule.โ
โIf you are sure, we can head over to INDUSTRY then,โ Cassie says as she follows Nora and Mateo toward the exit.
Iโm not into games. Iโm not going to ask Nora if sheโs sure or apologize for raining on her parade with this place. Itโs not a good fit for her. She knows it. I know it. And this ridiculous wedding planner needs to learn it if she wants to keep my sister as a client.
Cassie walks by me, her shoulder nearly brushing mine, and my senses are immediately taken over by a soft smell of amber and vanilla.
โIโm so happy that you were able to join us today,โ she says softly. I look down at her. Sheโs a few inches shorter, and the sparkle in her eyes is mischievous.
Clenching my jaw, I donโt reply as she walks on by, but the urge to wrap my hand around her arm and pull her back to me is strong.
I think what gets under my skin the most is that she has yet to drop the smile this whole time. Is it stuck on her face? Is this a Botox gone wrong? She doesn’t look like the type of woman to be obsessed with Botox, but what the fuck do I know?
I close my eyes for a minute to gain my wits.
One, two, threeโฆ
Copyright 2023 @Lauren Helms
*****
Review:
Ford may be grumpy (and sexy), but it’s because he took a lot on his shoulders at an early age. Add in a romance gone wrong and he’s got reasons to be the way he is. His sister’s bubbly, happy (and sexy) wedding planner has him feeling all sorts of feels, both good & bad.
I loved these two together. Cassie brings out the best in Theo, the kind of guy he could have been before life handed him a lot of responsibility and heartbreak. She makes him laugh and their connection is definitely unmistakable. But with different outlooks on life, can they find a compromise?
Was it a predictable story? Yes. Was it an enjoyable read? OMG yes! Fun, funny, and full of feelings, I found it hard to put it down. It’s light-hearted, but also not, and easily moves you to that HEA ending you crave in a romance.
*****
Author Info:
Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.
Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.
Don’t miss this brand-new romance inย New York Timesย bestselling authorย Lee Tobin McClain’sย Hometown Brothers miniseries!
The Beach Reads Bookshop
Hometown Brothers series
by Lee Tobin McClain
ISBN: 9781335427441
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
Publisher: HQN Books
Blurb:
Running a bookstore on a quaint Chesapeake island is exactly the life Deena Clark would have chosen for herself. But helping billionaire businessman Luis Dominguez figure out fatherhood is part of the package. Can bonding over books and one little girl help them open their hearts to each other?
The doctorโs words were as out of place as his white coat in Luis Dominguezโs busy corporate office. Mergers and acquisitions were what they did here, and at a fast pace. No one slowed down, ever.
โWhat are you trying to tell me, Doc?โ Luis attempted to ignore the text messages that kept pinging into his phone. โIโm only twenty-eight. I canโt have something wrong with me.โ
Dr. Henry fastened the blood pressure cuff on his arm. โMy understanding is that you got dizzy at a board meeting. And that you live on coffee and nachos.โ He tightened the cuff, studied the numbers and frowned. โItโs 130/90. Thatโs concerning. Family history of heart or kidney disease?โ
โI donโt know.โ Luis didnโt want to go into his family medical history, or lack of one, in the middle of a regular work week in mid-April. โIโll try to take it easier. Eat better.โ Even as he said it, he knew it wasnโt true, but he needed to get on with his day.
โI hope you will. Your board members are worried. Apparently, youโre indispensable.โ The man patted Luisโs shoulder. โIโll see you next week. Weโll need to talk about medication, unless I see significant improvement.โ
โYouโll see it,โ Luis promised. Ever the overachiever. He was a bit touched that his board of directors was worried enough about his health to set up weekly inoffice checkups.
Heโd built a life where no one had to worry about him, and he didnโt have to worry about anyone else. That was how he wanted it, but every now and then, it was good to know someone cared.
He went to the door and gestured for his assistant, Gunther, to come in. โEverything ready for todayโs presentation?โ
โSlides are all cued up and people are arriving.โ Adrenaline surged. โGood.โ The doctor clicked his medical bag closed. โHow about getting a hobby? Starting a family? Being married is good for your health, you know.โ
โNot gonna happen.โ Luis had already made peace with his single status, mostly. He was no good at forming and maintaining relationships. Didnโt want the responsibility. Didnโt want to fail at the responsibility, the way his parents had.
Plenty of women were up for a no-strings fling with a millionaire. The trouble was, that lifestyle got old fast.
โCome on,โ he said to Gunther, heading for the door. โLetโs start the party.โ
The offices of Dominguez Enterprises buzzed with energy, people leaning over computers, the elevator pinging, voices speaking rapidly into phones. This was Luisโs hobby. This was his family. He was on track to reach his financial goals by age forty, but his lifestyle didnโt leave room for coaching Little League or cutting the grass.
โExcuse me, Mr. Dominguez?โ A gorgeous blonde woman came out of the reception area and intercepted him. She was holding a toddler dressed in pink, a bow in her dark curls. Cute. Luis liked babies. He reached out and tickled the little oneโs chin, clicking his tongue, and the child giggled.
โCan I speak to you for a moment, sir?โ the woman asked.
He refocused on the blonde. โNot now. Make an appointment with Mrs. Jackson, there at the desk.โ He gestured toward her then headed into the conference room, smiling at the sight of the suit-clad men and women around the table. Men and women from whom heโd soon make a bundle of money.
Fairly and legally, of course. The small tech firm that was being acquired by the larger one would get a boost of capital and be able to keep all its employees on payroll, and the bigger firm would benefit from the diversification. Ideally theyโd all leave as happy as he was.
In fact, two hours later they did leave happy. Everyone shaking hands, his own people congratulating him and him thanking them for their hard work.
Whoโd have ever thought that a kid from his background would end up making deals with some of the most important businesspeople in Washington, DC?
Then again, maybe his career was at least a little predictable. As a young teenager, heโd borrowed a few bucks from a friend and bought a case of high-caffeine soda, then sold it at a markup on test days. With the profit, heโd bought two more cases and expanded his business from the middle school to the high school. Of course, heโd had to skip class to do that.
โHeโs not the brightest kid, but he sure does have the Midas touch,โ the teacher whoโd caught him had said to his foster mom.
And Luis had done his best to make the most of whatever talents and abilities he had.
Now, as he walked out of the conference room, the woman whoโd approached him before came toward him, this time accompanied by Mrs. Jackson. The woman looked a little disheveled, blowing the blond hair off her face as she shifted the now-sleeping toddler in her arms.
She was still pretty, though. Maybe even prettier with her face flushed and her hair loose.
โIโm sorry, Luis,โ Mrs. Jackson said. โShe wouldnโt leave.โ
โI really need to speak with you.โ The womanโs voice was low, but determined. There was a sexy rasp to it. Heโd have blown her off if it werenโt for those stunning slate-colored eyes that seemed to hold all kinds of secrets. But it had been weeks since heโd had a date, and he was feeling celebratory.
โCome on back, I have a few minutes,โ he said, gesturing toward the hallway that led to his office. He usually avoided women with kids. He definitely avoided women with husbands, so he stepped to the side and checked out her left hand as she passed him. No ring.
She wore a dark skirt and vest and a white shirt, and there was a slight swing to her walk.
He reached the office just behind her and held open the door. โGo ahead, have a seat by the window.โ He kept his voice low so as not to awaken the child. He nodded an itโs okay to Mrs. Jackson, who tended to be a mother hen, and followed the woman inside. He knelt down by the minifridge. โSomething to drink? I have water, soda. Juice if the kiddo wakes up.โ
Outside, he could hear people calling goodbyes to each other. Heโd given everyone the rest of the day off. They worked late for him plenty of times, so he liked to offer perks when the occasion merited it.
โWater, please.โ The woman spoke quietly, too, but the child murmured in her arms and opened her eyes. โJuice as well, if you donโt mind.โ
He stood, holding two bottles of water in one hand and a juice in the other. He twisted the top off a water bottle and handed it to her, then did the same for the apple juice.
Sitting on the edge of his desk, he studied the woman. โSo what can I do for you?โ
She sipped water, cradling the child in one arm, and then looked at Luis with a level stare. โIโd like for you to meet someone.โ
โTell me more.โ So she did have an agenda. Probably some project she wanted him to finance. Bringing her kid was a rookie mistake, but because she looked so serious and earnest, heโd let her down easy.
She nodded down at the baby. โThis is Willow,โ she said.
โHi, Willow.โ Luis smiled at the little one, then sipped water.
The womanโs skirt slid up above her knees in the low chair.
He lifted his eyes to her face. โWhatโs your name?โ
โIโm Deena Clark,โ she said. โBut Willow is the important one.โ
The baby held a small rubber doll out to Luis. He took it from her, hid it behind his back and then held it out again, jiggling it, making her laugh. โWhy is Willow the important one?โ he asked.
โBecause,โ the woman said, โsheโs your daughter.โ
There. Sheโd gotten it out. Deena blew her hair out of her eyes and made soothing circles on Willowโs back, holding the apple juice for her to sip. She inhaled Willowโs baby-powder scent and patted her chubby leg.
She loved the two-year-old fiercely, and she hadnโt wanted to give up even the modicum of control that would come with rich Mr. Dominguez knowing he was the childโs father. But she was pretty sure Luis wouldnโt want much, if anything, to do with the baby. He was too wealthy and entitled.
His wealth would make it easy for him to pay some child support, though. And that would allow Deena to stop working so much, to spend more time at home and to get Willow the services she needed.
Maybe this would go okay. Luis Dominguez wasnโt quite what sheโd expected. True, heโd made her wait for two hours, but then again, sheโd arrived unannounced. Sheโd heard him saying nice things to his workers, and heโd gotten her and Willow something to drink. So maybe he wasnโt as uncaring as Willowโs mommy had believed.
He was hot, too. Deena didnโt do relationships, but if she didโฆwell. Curly black hair, light brown skin, an athletic body and a dimple in his cheek when he smiledโฆ No wonder Tammalee had gone for him.
He took a sip of water, studying her. โI wouldnโt have invited you in if Iโd known you were one of those women.โ
โWhat women?โ She bounced the baby doll in front of Willow, who laughed and grabbed for it then held it to her chest in an adorable imitation of motherhood.
โWomen looking to pin paternity on a wealthy man.โ Luis crossed his arms over his chest.
She raised her eyebrows. โThat happens?โ
โPretty often.โ He took another sip of water and then put the bottle down with a thump. He looked oddly disappointed. โIโm not falling for it, so why donโt you take your child and your scam elsewhere.โ
โThis isnโt a scam. Iโm serious.โ
โItโs a new twist,โ he said in a fake-thoughtful way, โapproaching a man you never slept with. Creative.โ
That made her cheeks heat. She didnโt sleep with anyone, not that he needed to know that. โNo,โ she said, reaching for her phone. โYou slept with my roommate.โ She scrolled through her pictures, found one of Tammalee and held it up for him to see. He squinted at it.
โOh, yea-a-ah,โ he said, his brows drawing together. โSweet girl. But why are you coming here, not her, to claim this is my child?โ
Deena glanced at Tammaleeโs smiling photo, swallowed hard and slid her phone back into her purse. โTammalee is dead,โ she said.
His eyes widened. โWhat? Really?โ
She nodded. โAn accident.โ
โIโm sorry to hear that.โ He stared at the carpet for a minute and then met her eyes. โYou realize Iโm going to verify all this?โ
She blew out a sigh. โLook up Tammalee Johnson, obituary.โ
He studied her a moment as if wondering if there were even a chance her story was true. She must have looked honest, because he walked around his massive desk, bent over the computer and typed and clicked. He found what he was looking for. โShe died two months ago?โ He turned the computer so she could see.
The large-size picture of her friend, the one that had accompanied her obituary, made Deena choke up. And that made her angry at herself, and by extension, at this guy. Neither reaction made sense, but then, grief didnโt make sense.
The baby stiffened in her arms, probably sensing her tension. Or maybe sheโd spotted the picture of her late mother. โShh, itโs okay,โ Deena whispered, rubbing her back again. But this time, it didnโt help; Willow wailed.
The high, keening cry was a sound Deena had heard daily for the past two years, but it still grated on her. โOkay. Okay, honey. Want more juice?โ
Willow slapped the bottle away, spilling juice all over Deena, and the guyโs fancy carpet.
โSorry.โ Although she shouldnโt apologize for what his own kid had done.
She rocked Willow in the vigorous way that sometimes calmed her down, trying to gauge whether this tantrum was likely to be a long one. She looked at Luis from under the cover of her lashes. Tammalee had been sure he wouldnโt understand Willow, saying he only cared about money. Still, if this meltdown went on, he might require an explanation.
But first things first. She needed to get him to acknowledge paternity before going into Willowโs issues.
Willowโs cries were softening, to Deenaโs experienced ear, but they were still grating.
Luis looked uneasy, his forehead wrinkling. โCanโt you do something?โย
โSheโs hungry and tired,โ Deena said by way of explanation.
โYou could have found a better time to talk to me about this, when you didnโt have to wait.โ
โYou could have given me five minutes before your big important meeting.โ
But she could see that the babyโs crying was impacting Luis, and she didnโt want it to make him dislike Willow before even getting to know her. โWe can leave,โ she offered, โbut only when you agree to the next step.โ
โFine. Iโll do a DNA test.โ He sighed. โThereโs a doctor I can call.โ
โI have a test right here.โ She fumbled in her purse and pulled out the drugstore version. โYou just have to rub the swab inside your mouth for fifteen seconds.โ It had cost a hundred dollars, which was a hardship, but for Willow, it was worth it.
He was already opening it. โHow long does it take?โ
โTwo days from receipt. You mail it in, soโฆnext week?โ
โIโll take care of it.โ He pulled out his phone. โMrs. Jackson? Hey, before you leave, could you get a courier up to my office ASAP?โ He listened. โYes, Iโm still here. I know. Soon.โ He ended the call and looked at Deena. โIโll have it sent to a better lab and try to get the results faster.โ He studied Willow, still crying, and shook his head.
She could tell he was hoping heโd get the good news that he wasnโt Willowโs father. Which, she supposed, was a possibility. Tammalee had enjoyed life, and men, and hadnโt been particularly choosy about who sheโd spent time withโin or out of bed. But sheโd insisted that Willowโs father was Luis, and Deena believed her.
She swabbed the babyโs mouth, making her cry again. Handed Luis the swab, and stood. โSheโs a terrific kid and deserves the best,โ she tossed over her shoulder as she left.
Whether the best outcome would be having Luis as a father, or not having him, she didnโt know.
Excerpted from The Beach Reads Bookshop by Lee Tobin McClain. Copyright ยฉ 2023 by Lee Tobin McClain. Published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
*****
Author Info:
Lee Tobin McClain is the bestselling author of more than thirty emotional, small-town romances described by Publishers’ Weekly as enthralling, intense, and heartfelt. A dog lover and proud mom, she often includes kids and animals in her books. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking with her goofy goldendoodle, chatting online with her writer friends, and admiring her daughter’s mastery of the latest TikTok dances. Learn more at www.leetobinmcclain.com.
A steamy, grumpy sunshine sports romance featuring a woman down on her luck, a star basketball player with a filthy mouth, and a connection neither of them can deny.
Game Changer
King of the Court #1
by Piper Lawson
Blurb:
After being dumped and losing my job the same week, the last thing my broken heart needs is a rebound.
I’m escaping across the country to help my perfect sister plan her dream wedding, and to prove to both of us everything is under control.
But a combination of tequila and turbulence on the flight there lead to word-vomiting all my troubles to the huge and handsome stranger in the first-class seat next to mine.
Only his whispered dirty diversions keep me sane until landing.
Despite the spark of attraction, we go our separate ways.
Or so I thought.
Turns out the tall, muscular, tattooed tower of a man from the plane is the star player on my future brother-in-law’s pro basketball team.
Clay is the last person I should gravitate toward. They’re called “players” for a reason.
Grumpy and cynical, he carries a weight on his shoulders I can’t possibly fathom.
He’s also the only one who knows my secrets and gets my heart racing.
The more we’re thrust together, the stronger the chemistry between us becomes.
Hooking up with the all-star athlete isn’t the way to get my life on track…but it could just be the game changer we’ve both been searching for.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
I was super intrigued by the blurb, so I was willing to try a New Adult romance – which is SO not my thing. Usually, they are full of drama all mixed up with inexperience and poor decisions. I’ve been steering clear of them for years and now I’m wondering if I judged them too harshly. Granted, there is ALL sorts of angst here and I really wanted Nova to walk away from Clay’s hot & cold routine at the beginning (girl deserves better than being jerked around) but she stuck it out and I’m glad I did too.
Nova has hit a rough patch and is using the excuse of helping her sister to lay low a little, waiting for things to settle. They used to be close but over the years have grown apart. Time together is going to be good for them…if Nova can survive the plane ride there. Luckily her grumpy, and super sexy, seat mate is the perfect distraction from her fear of flying.
Clay has somethings in his past that still haunt him but he’s not going to let them distract him from his goal of a championship. That also goes for the hottie who stole his seat on the plane and proceeded to have quite the freak out. Too bad fate has other plans.
I’ll be honest, I almost gave up on this one more than once. Before I even started it, really, once I found out it ended in a cliffhanger, which I NEVER do, but I’m glad that I stuck with it. The beginning was a little rough, and there were a few times where I was like WHY? to something one of the main characters did, but I like them. Nova is the perfect mix of sunshine and vulnerability and I’m very much looking forward to finding out more about Clay’s past. I’m not sure I can take two more books of drama without a HEA but if Lawson keeps delivering such interesting characters, I’m willing to give it a shot ๐ (and I’m really hoping Nova hands Clay his @ss in the next book!)
*****
Author Info:
Piper Lawson is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of smart and steamy romance.
She writes women who follow their dreams, best friends who know your dirty secrets and love you anyway, and complex heroes you’ll fall hard for.
Piper lives in Canada with her tall and brilliant husband. She’s a sucker for dark eyes, dark coffee, and dark chocolate.
THE COMEBACK COWBOY is a Western-themed anthology featuring four stories from bestselling authors Maisey Yates, Nicole Helm, Jackie Ashenden and Caitlin Crews!
The Comeback Cowboy
Jasper Creek Series
by Jackie Ashenden, Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates
ISBN: 9781335508188
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Blurb:
They may not have been friends when they were younger but now, theyโll work together to save the camp that saved them and, maybe, even find love in the processโฆ
The alumni of Camp Phoenix, a summer program for at-risk youth, may have grown apart but, when they learn the camp has fallen into disrepair, they answer the call for help. Now successful adults, the four women pledge to restore the grounds to their former glory, if long-standing rivalries and old flames donโt get in the way firstโฆ.
Attorney Ashlynn Cook owes her life to Camp Phoenix and is determined to save the campโฆbut whoโs going to save her from the temptation of long-time crush US Marshal Oakley Traeger? The daughter of the campโs founder, Cassidy McClain has always wanted to follow in her law-abiding fatherโs footsteps, but fellow alum Duke Cody might have her breaking all the rules. Bree White fought hard to break away from her criminal family and all of the reminders of her past until Officer Flint Decker brings all those feelings back and more. And Kinley Parker never left Camp Phoenix, dedicating her life to it, and has no time for pushy cowboys like Jackson Hart until butting heads leads to sparks.
Bree White walked quickly over the gravel of the parking area and she didnโt look back. Time was of the essence.
Sheโd arrived at Camp Phoenix, the summer camp for juvenile delinquents that had changed her life back when sheโd been fourteen, a full thirty minutes before she was supposed to, mainly so she could claim the best cabin before everyone else arrivedโand she wasnโt ashamed to admit it.
It was a little surprising that Jackson Hart, the former DEA agent whoโd bought the run-down camp and sent out the call for volunteers to help get it ready for a new season of campers, wasnโt here to greet her. He was apparently living in the shabby house near the camp entrance, but she hadnโt seen hide nor hair of him.
Then again, she was early. And she didnโt mind not seeing Jackson. Heโd been his usual drill-sergeant self, harassing her relentlessly to volunteer to help, and while she was all about helping, she wasnโt a fan of being told what to do. Never had been.
Even ten years ago, when sheโd been sent to Camp Phoenix by Sheriff Bill McClain, the man whoโd started the camp, sheโd hated all the rules and regulations, and had chafed against them. Yet those same rules and regulations had given her a structure and routine that her chaotic childhood never had. Theyโd changed her life.
Camp Phoenix had basically been the best thing to ever happen to her. Thatโs why she was here. And it wasnโt anything to do with Jackson Hart, so much as it was her, wanting to give back. Perhaps help change a few lives the way hers had been changed, and for the better. She was looking forward to it.
Bree paused in front of the small cluster of buildings surrounded by a green lawn and bordered by tall pines. Everything lookedโฆsmaller than she remembered, not to mention a lot more neglected. There were a few dilapidated cabins that were the bunk rooms, and the big dining hall where Mrs. Zee, the cook, used to reign supreme. The showers and bathrooms were in their own building, and then there was the administration cabin. And over there by the dining hall, the art hall that was once run by Gale Lawson.
Andโฆugh. There was Hollyhock Hill, which all the campers had to climb at 6:00 a.m. every morning to raise the flag, and where the dayโs chores were handed out.
Sheโd never been much of a morning person, but that, in particular, had felt like torture. Well, they were all adults now, and presumably, there would be no 6:00 a.m. wake-up calls this time around.
The camp looked deserted, which was good, so Bree headed over to the least-run-down-looking of the cabins, where the counselors used to sleep. Jackson had said at least one of the cabins was better than the others, so she was assuming it was this one, and that she could claim it for herself.
She assumed no one would be sharing like they once had, when it was ten to a room. At least, she wouldnโt be sharing; not these days. Sheโd come a long way from her past and her family of low-level criminals who expected her to follow the same path they had. Now she had her own place in Jasper Creek and a great job as a real estate agent. She didnโt have to steal for a living like her folks had.
And all thanks to Camp Phoenix.
Nothing at all to do with Flint Decker.
Bree scowled as she headed toward the old counselors cabin, trying to shove off the irritating reminder that Flint Decker had been her arresting officer back when sheโd been fourteen. Heโd caught her shoplifting from the local 7-Eleven, which was something she did not like to remember, if she could help it.
A bit difficult not to be reminded, though, when Jasper Creek had been virtually wallpapered with his handsome, arrogant face thanks to the sheriffโs elections a couple of months back. She hadnโt been able to get away from it. Even more annoying that heโd won the election. By a depressing margin.
She had nothing to do with him these days, determinedly ignoring him whenever they passed each other on the street. And she definitely didnโt look behind her as he went by, noting the breadth of his shoulders, his narrow hips, long, powerful legs, andโ
Bree nearly tripped over a piece of wood that seemed to be lying randomly in the grass, and only just stopped herself from an ignominious face-plant.
Damn new sneakers. Nothing to do with thinking about stupid Flint. Sheโd bought them especially for tramping about the camp and they were already giving her blisters.
She took a quick look around to see if anyone else had turned up to witness her embarrassing stumble, but the place was still deserted.
Just as well.
Bree examined her brand-new, spotless blue jeans for any suspicion of dirt, but they seemed to have escaped. She brushed them off just in case, since she wasnโt a fan of dirt. She wasnโt a fan of jeans either, but the little business skirts she usually wore werenโt very practical, so sheโd gone on a bit of a shopping spree.
She wasnโt that sullen, angry teen who had turned up at camp with nothing, not even a sleeping bag.
Sheโd come prepared this time.
She approached the cabin and cautiously pushed open the door.
It was one room with a wooden floor and three sturdy wooden bunk beds pushed up against the unlined walls. The floor looked clean, at least, but one of the bunk beds had no mattresses, which left four beds to choose from. It smelled a bit musty but nothing an open window wouldnโt fix.
Bree gave herself a moment to frown at the spiderwebs in the ceiling between the rafters, then directed her attention to which bunk to choose. One of the top bunks, of course, since those had always been the most prized. Back in the day, there used to be battles. There was one girl, Violet Cook, who Bree had taken an instant dislike to, and one day, sheโd hung Violetโs sleeping bag from a tree before stealing her bunk. That had earned her toilet cleaning for a week, but it had been worth it.
Of course, sheโd never do anything like that now. Now she loved her life and was no longer angry at the entire world.
Moving over to the bunk beside the window, she carefully examined the mattress on the top bed, since that seemed to be the least lumpy, and decided it would do.
She didnโt like being uncomfortable, but campโas Sheriff McClain had always saidโwasnโt about being comfortable, so sheโd resigned herself to a bit of discomfort. Not that she had a choice, since her house was having its plumbing upgraded and she couldnโt be there anyway. Really, coming to camp was excellent timing in many ways.
Bree put her little suitcase onto the bottom bunk in preparation for unpacking.
Other people would be arriving, she assumed. Given Jacksonโs insistence on the importance of getting the camp up and running before the end of June, and given how he was a bossy asshole, heโd probably called every single person whoโd ever stayed here and guilt-tripped them into helping.
She hoped they would be nice people, notโ
โPlease donโt tell me we have to share. Goddamn Jackson.โ
Bree froze. She recognized that voice. No. Did it have to be? Not Violet Cook, whose sleeping bag sheโd stolen. Not Violet Cook, whoโd treated every day at camp like she was auditioning for Survivor and had basically lorded it over everyone, trying to prove she was the baddest.
Surely, she wasnโt here. Surely not.
Yet the door was already opening and in came a small, stunningly pretty woman with long, wavy black hair, black eyes, and wearing the most ridiculously feminine and flouncy maxidress Bree had ever seen. She tottered in on sky-high wedges, towing behind her a huge bright pink suitcase, and the moment she spotted Bree, she stopped dead.
The worldโs most awkward silence fell as ten years vanished in the blink of an eye.
โGreat,โ Violet said, scowling. โBree White. What the hell are you doing here?โ
Bree had an urge to scowl back, but she forced it aside. She wasnโt fourteen and feral anymore. She was twentyfour and a professional, with a reputation for being the nicest Realtor at her agency. Violet might not have changed, but Bree certainly had.
โHi, Violet,โ she said, smiling determinedly. โNice to see you. We should definitely catch up later, after youโve found your own cabin. I think the one next door is still freeโโ
โUnfortunately, weโre sharing,โ Violet interrupted, obviously unimpressed. โNone of the other cabins are habitable.โ Bree blinked. That was not what Jackson had said. โSharing? What? But I thoughtโฆโ She trailed off as Violet, ignoring her, eyed the bunk bed Bree was standing next to before moving over to the bunk pushed up against the opposite wall.
Bree opened her mouth to try to make the silence more pleasant, when the cabin door opened again, and two more women came in.
This time she barely stifled a groan. Kinley Parker and Clementine McClain? Seriously? She hadnโt known Kinley that well. Sheโd been so shy and quiet sheโd virtually blended into the wallpaper, but apparently lived in Jasper Creek, not that Bree had ever seen her around. Clementine, on the other hand, was Sheriff McClainโs daughter, and Bree remembered her as being the biggest tattletale ever at camp, treating every rule like it was handed down by God himself. No wonder sheโd ended up as the sheriffโs deputy, or so Bree had heard.
Anyway, this was great. Just great. So, what? She had to share her cabin with all three of them? Unacceptable. She was going to need a word with Jackson.
Keeping her smile pasted on, Bree directed it to Kinley and Clementine. โOh, wow, you guys are here as well? How great is this?โ
Kinley clearly did not think this was great. Her brown eyes were woeful behind her large glasses as she looked at the bunk situation, and Bree found herself putting a possessive hand on the top bed of the bunk sheโd chosen. โSorry, this oneโs mine.โ
โAnd donโt even think about the top bunk here,โ Violet said without turning around. โItโll have my pillow on it in approximately two seconds.โ Sheโd opened her giant pink suitcase on the bottom bunk, and had pulled out a softlooking pillow in a pillowcase embroidered all over with wildflowers, andโฆ Were those fairy lights?
Kinley sighed, glanced at the third mattress-less bunk and sighed again. โI guess Iโm here, then,โ she said and shuffled over to the bunk where Bree stood. โDo you mind if I take the bottom?โ
Bree gave her the biggest smile she could manage. โNo, not at all.โ
โUh, hi.โ Clementine gave a nervous-looking wave, an equally nervous-looking smile on her face. Her hair was still as red as Bree remembered, and she still had as many freckles.
She glanced with some trepidation at Violetโs bunk and the only other habitable bed. โUm, well, I suppose Iโll take this one.โ
Violet had now put her pillow on the top bunk and was in the process of hauling out what appeared to be bed linens, along with what were definitely fairy lights.
โI donโt think weโre allowed those in here,โ Clementine said as she stared at the bed currently taken up by Violetโs giant case. โThe fairy lights, I mean. At least, I donโt think you can?โ
โToo bad,โ Violet said. โIโm not doing lights-out at nine. Especially not when I want to read. Plusโโ she sent a challenging look to the room in general โโtheyโre pretty.โ Her gaze settled on Bree. โThis bed stays mine, okay?โ
Breeโs smile became fixed. Dammit. It appeared Violet hadnโt forgotten the whole sleeping bag/bunk stealing incident. โNo problem,โ she said brightly.
Kinley, meanwhile, had sat down on the bunk underneath Breeโs, squeezing herself awkwardly between Breeโs case and the end of the bed.
And suddenly, it was too much. The room felt tiny and there were too many people in it, people she didnโt like and didnโt know, and none of this was anything like what sheโd expected.
There had to be somewhere else she could stay. In fact, sheโd take it up with Jackson right now.
Her smile felt fake and forced, but if she didnโt smile, she was going to end up growling, and she didnโt want to growl. She wasnโt a feral beast.
โIโm just going toโฆumโฆโ She went over to the door and paused. โNo one touch my stuff.โ
It wasnโt until sheโd gone through it that she realized what sheโd said. As if she were fourteen again, hating the camp, and Sheriff McClain, and basically everyone whoโd forced her here.
Ugh. She had to make sure she didnโt fall back into old patterns. That meant no growling or getting angry, or being generally unpleasant. She was Bree White, the friendliest, most professional, most successful Realtor in her agency, and sharing a cabin with three of her enemies from a particularly dark time in her life wasnโt that bad.
Still. It was worth checking other options, just to be sure. Bree stopped outside the cabin, looking around at the rest of the camp. Where the hell could Jackson be?
Then, from around the corner of the dining hall, came a man wearing a very familiar hat. A battered black cowboy hat.
And her heart sank all the way into her brand-new sneakers.
So. Not only was she bunking with her three sworn enemies, but he was here too?
Please not him. Anyone but him.
But the man striding over the grass toward her didnโt miraculously turn into someone else. He was tall, but then, he always had been. Even at twenty, his shoulders had been broad and his chest wide. The black cotton of the T-shirt he wore was stretched lovingly over a chest and shoulders that seemed even wider and more muscular ten years later. On the T-shirt there was a picture of a cabin in gold with a phoenix above it, wings outswept, and the words Camp Phoenix above, while underneath the cabin was the camp motto. Rise Up. Her brain had barely registered the T-shirt before it got distracted by the way the worn denim of his jeans clung to his narrow hips and powerful thighs.
Not that she was noticing his thighs. Not when eyes greener than the grass beneath her feet were focused on hers with magnetic intensity.
Flint Decker. Sheriff Flint Decker and his stupid hat.
Okay, if Jackson wasnโt around, then sheโd have a few words about sleeping arrangements with the sheriff himself.
Bree lifted her chin and prepared to do battle.
Excerpted from The Comeback Cowboy by Jackie Ashenden, Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates. Copyright ยฉ 2023 by Harlequin Enterprises ULC. The One with the Hat Copyright ยฉ 2023 by Jackie Ashenden. The One with the Locket Copyright ยฉ 2023 by Caitlin Crews. The One with the Bullhorn Copyright ยฉ 2023 by Nicole Helm. The One with the Trophy Copyright ยฉ 2023 by Maisey Yates. Copyright ยฉ 2023 by Jeff Johnson, interior illustrations.ย Published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
*****
Author Info:
USA Today bestselling, RITA-nominated, and critically-acclaimed author Caitlin Crews has written more than 100 books and counting. She has a Masters and Ph.D. in English Literature, thinks everyone should read more category romance, and is always available to discuss her beloved alpha heroes. Just ask. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her comic book artist husband, is always planning her next trip, and will never, ever, read all the books in her to-be-read pile. Thank goodness.
Nicole Helm writes down-to-earth contemporary romance and fast-paced romantic suspense. She lives with her husband and two sons in Missouri. Visit her website: http://www.nicolehelm.com
Maisey Yates is a New York Times bestselling author of over one hundred romance novels. Whether she’s writing strong, hard working cowboys, dissolute princes or multigenerational family stories, she loves getting lost in fictional worlds. An avid knitter with a dangerous yarn addiction and an aversion to housework, Maisey lives with her husband and three kids in rural Oregon. Check out her website, maiseyyates.com or find her on Facebook.
Jackie Ashenden writes dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who’ve just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with her husband the inimitable Dr Jax and two kids. When she’s not torturing alpha males, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, wasting time on social media, or forced to mountain biking with her husband.
Fire took out my business, my apartment and almost my life a few weeks back, and now Iโm living in my best friendโs house while I rebuild, and he travels the world. He found his perfect match and now Itโs time I found mine.
After years on my own, I want a family, but I have zero hope in finding my match while Iโm still completely crushing on the hottest builder in the world, and to make matters worse, heโs now my roommate.
I thought sharing a house with Carter would help me get over him. Iโd see why heโs never had a boyfriend, or anyone worth bringing around town. Iโd discover all of his faults up close and squash the perfect god-like image Iโve cemented in my mind all these years.
Problem is, no matter what annoying habits I jot down on my list, the more time I spend with him the more Iโm convinced Carter is everything I will ever need. Now I just have to figure out a way to tell him.
Carter
With Michael traveling the world, itโs just Lucas and me in his house while we rebuild the cafรฉ, bakery, and apartment. Iโm happy for Michael. I really am, but seeing another friend get their happy beginning shines a light again on the fact that I might never get mine.
Iโm sick of being everyoneโs best friend, yet no oneโs boyfriend. I want my happy beginning too. I want someone to pick me. To want me. To love me.
So I do what any single guy would do, I sign up for speed dating. Blind dates suck but Iโm never going to find the one if I donโt start putting myself out there.
The problem is, the more time I spend living with Lucas the more I realize, I donโt want any of these random hookups. I want the sweetest guy Iโve ever met. The one who bakes me cookies to make me smile. So now I have to figure out a way to show him I can be an awesome boyfriend. I can be his happy beginning if he will just give me a chance out of the friend zone.
โOhh, arenโt you delicious?โ The guy wearing deep purple eyeliner preens as I take my seat at table G.
โAhh, thanks.โ
Theo taps the mic, gaining everyoneโs attention. โAll right, your night starts now. Have fun.โ
The app chimes, and the guy across from me immediately starts talking.
โIโm Stuart. Thirty-seven, Capricorn, Iโm a stylist and live in the city, but have visited this town a few times. Itโs super sweet, I could totally see myself settling somewhere like here. I could open a salon. You obviously work out, so what else do you do besides pumping iron?โ He props his head on his hands, tilting it to the side as he waits for my reply.
โIโm Carter. Iโm a contractor.โ
โOh, so youโre good with your hands. I knew a big, buff guy like you would be.โ
โThanks. I, umm, live in town, but work all over depending on the job.โ Lucasโs warm laugh sounds from somewhere on my left. I turn my head towards the sound, and like being pulled by a magnet, my gaze finds him. Heโs sitting across from a man in a suit with slicked-back hair, flawlessly clean-shaven face, and impeccably manicured eyebrows. My jaw tightens.
Really? That guy?
I canโt see his face, but Lucas is smiling, and I hate that this man, whoever he is, is making Lucas smile that way. Thatโs my smile.
Stuart is talking again, and Iโd be lying if I said I had any clue what he was saying. My gaze keeps being drawn back to Lucas.
*****
Review:
I really enjoyed Carter and Lucas’s story. The first part of the story is Carter realizing that maybe he has feelings for Lucas after all, while Lucas tries to get over his crush. The second part is them dancing around telling each other how they feel, then the ending is them figuring out their way to a HEA.
Carter and Lucas are both hard-working, stand-up guys, who share a good group of supportive, and entertaining, friends. They’ve known each other for quite a while, with Lucas trying to hide his crush and Carter being oblivious to his friend’s feelings & the possibility that Lucas might be more than just a friend. But once that seed is planted, it quickly takes hold.
Readers need to be ready to hang in there for the slow burn romance between these two because they seriously take a while to get where they’re going. But it’s an easy read, with enjoyable characters, a touch of humor, and eventually a decent amount of steam. It’s pretty low angst and other than a few moments of “guys, seriously” it was a pretty enjoyable journey.
(While not necessary, it does help to have read the first book in the series. I enjoyed that one too. There were a few moments where the characters did foolish things, just like here, but they were enjoyable, and I was rooting for them to figure things out too. The novella that kicked off the series might be a good idea too but I haven’t read it yet, though it’s on my list.)
*****
Author Info:
Becca Jackson is the author of mm romance stories that deliver heart, heat, and happily ever afters for some totally adorkable and fabulous guys.
Wedding planner, Cassie Winters canโt wait to find her own happily ever after, and when she meets wedding hater, Theo Abbot, she realizes sheโs got her work cut out for her. Theoโs grumpy, set in his ways, and determined to never fall in love again, but the more time they spend together, the more Cassie begins to wonder if she can change Theoโs position on love. Fans of Claire Kingsley and Kaylee Ryan will adore WED LIKE WILDFIRE by Lauren Helms, a steamy, grumpy sunshine romance.
Wed Like Wildfire
by Lauren Helms
Blurb:
Once upon a time, there was a grumpy CEO who met a wedding planner who never stopped smilingโฆ
Cassie
You could say that I live and breathe weddings and love, and as a wedding planner, a happily ever after is the main event. So when I learn that Theo Abbot absolutely hates weddings, that should be my clue to run for the hills as fast as my sexy little black stilettos will take me.
But I digress.
I’m on the hunt for my own epic love story, one T-Swift herself could write a song about. Which means unavailable and seemingly uninterested CEOs are off limits. Even if the man oozes sex appeal and his grumpiness turns me to mush.
A little flirting never hurt anyone.
Theo
Cassie Winters shines so bright I need a pair of Ray-bans to look directly at her. Problem is, once I’ve set my eyes on her, I can’t seem to look away. The woman is a walking, talking promotion for all things love and happiness.
Hand me an antacid.
Counting, on one hand, the amount of times I’ve failed in my life, leaves me knowing I won’t ever do “love” again. I’m set in my ways and not even this sexy little spitfire could sweet talk me out of my decision to never get married.
Yet it only took one drink to derail that plan.
But, things aren’t always as they seem and when real life gets in the way of this fairy tale, we’re both forced to take a hard look at what we truly want.
Are we both ready to wed or is this a wildfire that’s about to burn out?
I spot Cassie immediately, in the corner, at a table for four. I wonder if she knows it will just be us. Taking advantage of the fact that she hasn’t noticed my arrival yet, I take a moment to study her. She sits tall, facing the entrance, looking at her phone. She seems to be scrolling through an app as her lips tip up and her eyes glitter as she looks at whatโs on her screen. There is an untouched water in front of her, but her menu is closed.
The sheer happiness that radiates off this woman irritates me. I donโt know why, but as I approach the table, what tumbles out of my mouth is unexpected.
โLet me guess, you just took the most epic selfie ever and canโt wait to share it with all your followers?โ My tone takes on a mocking tone and immediately I want to take it back. Damn Iโm an asshole.
To her credit, she doesnโt even bat an eye at my rudeness. Her face turns up toward me and she smiles. โWell, good afternoon to you too, Mr. Abbot.โ She puts her phone down on the table and gestures toward the seat across from her. โPlease, have a seat.โ
And I do, begrudgingly, because being around this woman causes me to not just be my normal grouchy self, but clearly a prick as well.
As I take my seat, she slides her phone into her bag that sits on the floor next to her chair.
I clear my throat, my attempt to shake myself out of my head. โNora wonโt be joining us. I assume you already know.โ
Now this does give her pause. Her brows dip. โNo, I didnโt know. She didnโtโฆโ her voice trails as a faint ding from her phone sounds from below. In the few times Iโve seen this woman, I think this is the first time Iโve ever not seen a smile on her face. She studies her smartwatch, clearly reading the message that just came in, her elbows still propped elegantly on the table, as I watch her realize that it will just be us for lunch.
Her creased brows even and she plasters on a smile as she drops her hands to her lap. โWell, her timing could be improved, but youโre correct, sheโs not joining us.โ
I canโt stop myself before barking out a laugh. She tilts her head, her features dancing with happiness. I shut down my amusement at her words and offer a terse, โExcuse me.โ
โNo, that was enjoyable to watch. I didnโt know you had it in you, Mr. Abbot.โ
I make the decision, in this moment, to put an end to the formalities. โTheo. Please, call me Theo.โ
Her grin widens. โAll right, Theo,โ and just as expected, the sound of my name on her lips fucking gets to me. I shift in my seat as she continues.
โSo tell me how I managed to get that laughter out of you moments ago? I get a feeling itโs not a commodity around you.โ
โNora has always waited until the last minute when it comes to communication over things that may cause contention. Youโve known her a short time and already know her tells.โ I pick up the menu, though I already know what I will order.
โAh, yes, well, I read people pretty quickly.โ She shifts the menu slightly on the table in front of her, not picking it up.
โYeah? Whatโs your read on me?โ I donโt know why I ask. Glutton for punishment, I guess.
This time she lets out a laugh. โLetโs keep this lunch civil and not go there.โ
Copyright 2023 @Lauren Helms
*****
Author Info:
Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.
Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.
From USA Today bestselling author J. Saman comes a steamy brother’s best friend, friends-to-lovers, forced proximity romance about a hot rock star and the irresistible woman he’s always wanted but could never have.
Irresistibly Perfect
by J. Saman
Blurb:
When I was fourteen, I fell in love with the girl next door.
My best friendโs sister was off-limits to me in every way.
I was the bad boy, and she was the good girl. I was the kid with big rock star dreams, and she was the princess with her entire life planned out for her.
We were impossible from the start. Even when sheโd randomly show up at my concerts and weโd spend a night or two lost in each other it would always end in goodbye.
Years later sheโs back in our city.
Only now, sheโs engaged to the last guy Iโd ever want to see her with. So I do something crazy. I never expect to hear from her again until one night she takes me by surprise.
A drunken phone call and suddenly Iโm racing through the airport to catch her plane before she takes off for Europe.
Now Iโve got one week to change both our lives.
My plan? Make her fall in love with me as we get lost in Italy and France. Her plan? Discover the woman she wants to be instead of the perfect one sheโs always had to be.
Iโd love to tell you that from here on out itโs all love and sex, but nothing has ever been easy for us, and this is no exception.
Fallon Lark has always been mine. Now I just have to prove it to herโฆ
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
J. Saman is a USA Today and Amazon top 40 bestselling author who writes sassy, swoony, and scorching contemporary romances. She is addicted to Diet Coke, sour candy, and indie rock. She swears way too much (especially after a glass of wine) and has a penchant for sarcasm (or so her husband and children like to tell her).
J. is an admitted lover of second chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the perfect amount of angst. She is best known for writing funny and emotional romances filled with smart, strong women, and sexy alphas who have a softer sideโespecially for their women.
From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, a small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horsesโand peopleโa second chance. Buckle up for a wild ride in Hope Valley, Colorado, as these big-hearted badasses and their sassy sisters wrangle in their forever loves. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and always a happily ever after.
For the Love of Whiskey
The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
by Melissa Foster
Releasing April 19, 2023
World Literary Press
Blurb:
Callahan โCowboyโ Whiskey is a natural-born protector, a Dark Knights biker, and a hell of a rancher. What happens when he falls for a woman who has no idea who she really is?
When Sullivan Tate escaped from a cult, leaving behind the only life sheโd ever known, she thought sheโd already endured the most difficult things sheโd ever have to deal with. She knew she needed to figure out who she was, but she hadnโt expected to fall for overprotective and sexy-as-hell Callahan โCowboyโ Whiskey along the way. How can she give her heart to a man who has always known exactly who he is, when sheโs only just begun figuring that out about herself?
Cowboy is just about perfect. I think it helps that his mother and so many others in his life are therapists. He’s the protector and would be there for anyone, but he’s drawn to Sully immediately and deeply. A whole lot caring, patient, and giving but still a little bit dirty and growly alpha, the way he treats her, helping her stand on her own feet and experience everything, is totally swoon worthy.
There is a disclaimer at the end of the book from the author about Sully’s plight. She recognizes that in reality this is not a fast process and that it would take a long time for someone to recover from her experiences. But this is a love story so there also needs to be a little bit of magic in falling in love ๐ She makes Sully strong and unbroken by the things that she’s been through. She just needs somewhere (and someone) that makes her feel safe and supported so she can figure out who she is and how she wants to go forward.
As much as I loved Cowboy & Sully and their connection, I spent a bit of time early on asking myself if it was really that healthy but at some point I decided that it didn’t matter. There are a lot of times in a romance that you just have to let it be because it’s just a story. I think though that this says something about Foster’s characters. They, and their stories, are so moving and genuine that you can’t help comparing them to what would happen if they didn’t just exist in a book. And that’s the reason that I get excited just seeing her name on a new book – I know that I’m going to get something emotional and real, with all the heart (and a touch of heat) that I could ask for.
(All of Foster’s books technically can stand on their own but why would you want them to ๐ )
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaโs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedโperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Fromย USA Todayย and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a fun, sexy story about the family dynamics that can stand in the way of rekindling a romance.
Prepared for a good time, Tessa is thrilled to spend the weeks before her sisterโs wedding at their familyโs favorite vacation spot: Santorini. Sandy beaches, stonewashed houses, attractive menโitโs heaven.
But Tessaโs idea of a girlsโ trip comes to a screaming halt when her sister thinks itโs high time Tessa finds some love herself. Unfortunately, Tessa forgot about the deal she made back in high school: she has to find her soulmate before her sisterโs wedding. Or else.
As she dodges suitors and her sisterโs pranks, Tessa finds an ally in the oh-so-dreamy Myles, her childhood crush who just so happens to work at the resort. But Myles is dealing with some family conflict of his own. Heโs elated at being reunited with Tessa, but his fatherโs refusal to acknowledge his interest in the family business and relegating him to only grunt work casts a dark cloud.
As Tessa and Myles help navigate their way through their familiesโ antics, they begin to realize that their past feelings may have a futureโif only they can turn their island fantasies into something real.
USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
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