As the reigning country-pop princess, Iโve had everything this life has to offer, especially fame and fortune. But not what really matters. A minute to catch my breath and reevaluate my life. So when my world comes crashing down, I run to a place where no one knows me. A small mountain town where I can hide from my past.
Only I donโt get far. My first day in town, Iโm assigned a babysitter.
Ford Montgomery.
A man who drives me crazy with his rude, broody attitude and his backward baseball caps. A man whoโs my new boss for the summer. A wild, rugged cowboy straight out of one of my songs. Hard body and gorgeous face included.
But beneath the dirty mouth and the sexy smirk, thereโs a pain in his eyes that matches my own.
As the summer heats up, passion sparks and we connectโon the ranch and in the bedroom. Ford shows me friendship, makes me laugh, but most importantly, we see each otherโs scars and want one another anyway.
For the first time in my life, I know where I belong. In his arms.
The stage might be calling me, but my heart says itโs with Ford.
But thereโs a price to pay for wanting this new life of mine. My past is watching. Ready and waiting to take my newfound freedom and love and snuff it outโฆfor good.
Ava Hunter is an Amazon top 50 bestselling author. She writes romance with heart, humor, and heat.
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When sheโs not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, youโll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, sheโll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Old flames reignite in Sunrise Cove in this charming enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, small-town, forced-proximity love story about family, friendships, and true love fromย New York Timesย bestselling author Jill Shalvis.
Better Than Friends
Sunrise Cove series
by Jill Shalvis
Blurb:
When Olive Porterโs off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.
As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noahโs used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, heโd love nothing more than a good distraction.
So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he canโt fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward.
These books truly stand alone, read in ANY ORDER. Theyโre connected by setting, not characters.
Shalvis is great at giving her readers cute, heartfelt small-town romances. The characters are the highlight of her stories. And here I love them all, especially Noah’s sister and her son, who provide some of the best moments in the story.
And while I liked Noah and Olive together, I think a little more development needed to be done for why Noah ran so hot and cold. I get that he was hurt by Olive in the past (and another girlfriend did a number on him) but it doesn’t quite explain why he’s all over the place now. Just needed a little bit more to make it easier to follow.
Olive, tho, is not as difficult to understand. With the way her parents (and then Noah & his parents) treated her, she’s going strong with a lot of baggage. The girl needed, and still needs, someone to step up and be there & prove to her that she’s worth it.
Shalvis takes readers on a roller coaster ride as Noah & Olive do the dance of will they, won’t they, can they keep their hands to themselves. Better Than Friends is humorous and sweet and angsty, but not heavy. It’s all about found family and loving yourself & each other, differences and all.
(The series is not connected, outside of the setting, so don’t worry if this is your first.)
*****
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just donโt tell her mom). Sheโs sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental).
Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold.
Visitย http://www.jillshalvis.comย for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
For someone that’s never been in a relationship, Grady proves himself to be a darn good partner. Having grown up without a dad, he pretty much just does what he would have wanted his own dad to do. He’s there for Chase and Scottie, supporting them, showing up for them, and giving them the love they’ve not had up until now.
Scottie’s marriage was not the best and she’s still carrying those scars, finding it difficult to trust. She’s spent years being everything for her son, never being able to rely on his father. Little by little, though, Grady is showing her that not all men are the same.
While some of the dialogue from the spicy moments were occasionally a little … enh for me, my biggest complaint is that we didn’t get enough of Grady with Chase. I would have loved to see more of their interactions, them bonding, and Grady showing him what a real father figure is like. The bits that we do get are great and I just wanted more as he proves to both Scottie and Chase that he can be trusted.
This is my first book by Harlow James and I liked it. The pacing is good, and while there’s steam the emphasis is on the people and their connections. And with the final chapter she gives us, I’m SOOO curious about what happens in the next book ๐
*****
Author Info:
Harlow James is a pen name I use to protect my identity as a high school teacher. Keeping those two roles in my life separate is necessary, but also fun! Itโs like a live two lives, and anonymity gives me the opportunity to be bold and take risks in my stories.
I stumbled upon romance novels in 2018 when I picked up Driven by Kristy Bromberg, and I was obsessed. I had just lost my grandmother too, so reading offered me an escape from reality and a chance to grieve on my own terms.
About a year later, I got an idea for my own book and started writing. I researched self-publishing and jumped in with both feet. I had no idea what I was doing!
But now Iโve built a business and hobby that I LOVE! I have an outlet thatโs just for me. When I write, Iโm not a mom, a wife, or a teacherโฆIโm a woman who gets to tell stories that no one else can.
My books are the perfect blend of heartwarming moments, full-bellied laughs, and PLENTY of steam to melt your Kindles ๐ And there are always elements of me sprinkled in to every character and story that I write.
When Iโm not writing you can find me reading or spending time in my kitchen. I love to cook and feed my family and friends. Otherwise, you can find me watching comedy specials with my husband, camping with our kids, or taking naps. I live for naps ๐
I fell in love with Rhodes Archer the night we met thirteen years ago.
We made a pact that night to never cross the just-friends zone.
However, Rhodes crossed that line by kissing me recently, and I canโt get over it.
Iโve loved him, ached for him, craved him for years, but I’ve never wanted to ruin what we have.
And now, when Iโm a cheerleader for the Colorado Mustangs and heโs their superstar tight end, weโre not even supposed to be in the same room, let alone be together.
But, he is everything to me.
And that includes my godson, Rhodesโ adorable three-year-old son, Levi, who I love as my own.
Itโs impossible to stay away from each other. And I donโt want to when I can still feel his lips on mine and the lingering touches between us.
The lines have blurred, and rules are being brokenโฆ
I just hope we arenโt being too reckless and break each otherโs hearts in the process.
Reckless Love is book three in The Single Dad Playbook series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Rhodes & Elle together are just the best. They have a great connection from years of being friends and they offer each other so much support. Being there for each other, in the best and worst of times. It’s a shame that they somehow managed to friend zone each other when their feelings are so obvious. But maybe it’s for the best as they spent those intervening years truly getting to know each other and coming into themselves. Their time is now and not any earlier.
I don’t usually like romances that do flashbacks – preferring that they do the history at the beginning and then move into the present – but I liked how Aster does it. All of the flashbacks chapters are pertinent to something said or done in the next chapter, but still giving us a good understanding of their history together and how they got to today. Maybe it’s not everyone’s thing but for someone who doesn’t usually like them it seemed to work for me.
The only thing that really bothered me was it didn’t feel like the guys played as much of a part in this one as they did in Secret Love. That found family thing, the way they showed their love & support for each other, was some of my absolute favorite moments in the last book. I just wanted a little more of that.
Aster is a newish to me author and I’m really enjoying her stories. I like her characters, the delicious amount of steam, and all the feels that she gives us. And based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m definitely looking forward to the next one in this series!
*****
Author Info:
Willow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling author and lover of anything book-related. She lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband, kids, rescue dog, and grandcat.
While the dialogue is a little awkward in places, overall Moreland’s newest is just the sweetest. Very low angst, with the biggie being obvious (a tad unrealistic) but very satisfying, and full of all sorts of feels as John & Quinn go from fussing with each other to fighting their attraction. It all may come from some assumptions and tender feelings, but with a little patience and communication, and the adoration of a little girl, they eventually figure it all out.
And oh do I love Abby, Quinn’s daughter. She’s one of those kids who is adorable and funny but not overly precocious to the point of being unbelievable. She’s definitely in some of the best moments of the story. Especially between her and John.
John lets his past impact how he views Quinn and once his story comes out you can understand why he might be a bit sensitive. Once he gets over his initial reaction, he throws himself into wooing both Quinn and her daughter. He might not think that he’s romantic but he’s good at being there, caring, and helping where he’s needed. He brings out the little girl in Abby and shows Quinn what it’s like to be appreciated.
A Simple Life is a simple story of two people who meet and, eventually, fall in love. There’s a good dose of heart and a decent amount of steam and a ton of cuteness. It’s a pretty easy read with an enjoyable progression to a nice HEA ending.
*****
Author Info:
New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample.
She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) Sheโs learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
I love Henley! She’s smart, sassy, and emotionally mature. She does have some issues from her childhood but she recognizes them. I know that some didn’t like the way she put up with Easton’s waffling (and boy does he run hot & cold) but I took it more like she was doing her and letting him do him.
And he does him all over the place. The man definitely fights his attraction to Henley, not wanting to take the chance of endangering his heart. It can be frustrating but with the help of his family he eventually figures things out.
Speaking of family. Cutler is an adorable kid, and I loved him from the Magnolia Falls series, but … I don’t know. Having him deliver these life lessons was a bit much. They were things that needed to be said and realizations that needed to happen but having them come from a kid … I did appreciate that therapy played a strong part in the story and the characters traumas are addressed. I love that authors are normalizing talking to professionals.
I really like Pavlov’s writing. She delivers such easy reads with depth and characters that I want to get to know better. I’ve enjoyed the couple of books that I’ve read so far and I’m looking forward to more in this series.
*****
Author Info:
Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost-grown kids, and dog-whisperer to one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves to hear from readers!
She’s the temptation I can’t escape, no matter the cost.
Maddy Grimes wants to shed her good-girl image, and somehow, I’ve become the guy to help her do it.
The problem?
She hates my guts. And who can blame her after what I did?
Her family is about to crush everything my dad and I have worked for, yet … I can’t stay away. One heated mistake turns into a pact we swear will stay secret.
But the more time I spend with Maddy, the harder it is to pretend this is just a frenemy-with-benefits fling. She’s chaos to my discipline, temptation to my control, and the one thing I want more than the future I’ve been fighting for.
When secrets unravel and loyalty is tested, I’ll have to choose: protect my family or risk everything for the girl who has the power to ruin or save me.
Falling for Maddy could cost me my dreams. Letting her go might cost me everything.
Book Two in the Cessna U Hockey series, Face Me Off, is an enemy-to-lover, forbidden hockey romance featuring a slow burn that sizzles from the first chapter. If you like hot hockey men with big-sized packages to back their claims, click to add Ryan Sorensen.
Deke Mewas the first of Readnour’s books that I’ve read and I enjoyed the heck out of it. Face Me Off takes place about the same time frame with related characters. And while you don’t HAVE to have read the first book there were a few moments that would make a bit more sense afterward – only because both Maddy & Ryan are friends with Amanda & Blake so some of their romance is mentioned here.
I felt like this one has a bit more steam than the previous one – I mean it does start as a “with benefits” situation so you gotta have those bennies, right? But I still loved the characters. Both are struggling with balancing what they want against the expectations of others. They also have some history together that has left them with hurt feelings and baggage. It’s a nice little Romeo & Juliet story – with a better ending, of course.
I did have some issues tho. While Readnour gives us some delightful characters, and I found Ryan’s cheekiness and confidence appealing, if I had to hear about the size of his package one more time …. it wasn’t even him! Yes, honey, I’m thrilled for you. There was also some overuse of metaphors and similes. It can make the writing interesting but if there are so many that I notice how often “like” and “as” are used then it might be a bit much.
These are nitpicky things but the one that I think needed a bit more development were Maddy’s parents. Are they caring parents that just didn’t understand their daughter? Were they looking out for the family and doing what they thought was best for everyone? Are they rich aholes? I wanted to understand them but I just never could get a good feel for them and in this case it’s really important.
But Readnour’s writing is smooth, her books move quickly, and are easy to read. Her characters are interesting, fun, and have a conflict that may be somewhat predictable but it isn’t heavy handed or overdone. Based on these two books I am definitely going to keep an eye out on the next one in this series and will be adding some of the others to my TBR pile.
*****
Author Info:
Kimberly Readnour lives in the Midwest with her husband and a very snuggly cat.
Having a true passion for romance and HEA’s, she took the leap from the young adult genre to romance and never looked back.
Kimberly worked as a Registered Nurse for fifteen years before hanging up her stethoscope. When she isn’t running her own business, you can find her tucked away writing.
Thereโs a storm comingโฆ and heโs not taking no for an answer.
Life has dealt Kasi one blow after another. Following her motherโs untimely death, her family implodes, leaving her alone to run the farm. Fatigue and stress have become her new best friends, every day passing in a blur of work, work, and more work. When Levi Storm, her lifelong crush, keeps her from face-planting due to exhaustion, sheโs mortifiedโฆand more than a little bit turned on.
A person could set a clock by Leviโs daily routine, right down to his afternoon trip to the Millsโ farm market to buy one of Kasiโs delicious pies. Heโs known Kasi her entire life, so when the beautiful young woman faints in front of him, coming to in his arms, Levi is stunned by the sudden realization that sheโs meant to be his, and heโs prepared to move heaven and earth to claim her.
Kasi should at least try to shake the sexy new six foot five shadow sheโs acquired, but Leviโs much-needed help around the farm, his comfort as she struggles with grief, and his breath-stealing kisses are reigniting the hope and happiness sheโs lost.
Until reality crashes in again, forcing her to choose between the dominant, possessive, amazing man who makes her heart race and her familyโs beloved farm.
I know that not everyone enjoys an insta-love story but I like that Carr makes it a thing for all the guys. That it’s something that runs in the family with their parents being the first. Now it isn’t love at first sight for Levi and Kasi, but Levi just needed to really see Kasi as all grown up for it to hit. After that, it’s all over and we just need to wait for Kasi to catch up ๐
Now, I like Levi but he’s definitely a bit … alpha? One of the things that bothers me is that Kasi has an issue when one guy treats her like “the little woman” but she’s ok when Levi does it? Complete with being told what to do and consequences? Sure, it could be because she loves and trusts him and he realizes that she’s strong on her own but … I don’t know. Maybe it just needed a little something to make that distinction a bit clearer.
And Kasi is strong. She’s been trying to keep her family and their farm going for months, all by herself. But she’s finally at the breaking point. Unfortunately she’s got a lot of pride that keeps her from asking for help from her friends. Until it gets to the point that she literally falls into Levi’s arms. And he’s not taking no for an answer *whew*
It’s obvious that someone’s trying to take advantage of Kasi. I mean he might as well be twirling his mustache and rubbing his hands together as he manipulates things. He’s just that over the top. But I do like the way that things get resolved – so satisfying!
This is only the second book by Carr I’ve read and I’m loving this one too. There were a few things that got to me but overall it is just great! It’s steamy, sweet, and an easy read.
*****
Author Info:
Virginia native Mari Carr is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller of contemporary sexy romance and romantic suspense novels. With over two million copies of her books sold, Mari was the winner of the Romance Writers of Americaโs Passionate Plume award for her novella, Erotic Research. She has over a hundred published works, including her popular Wild Irish and Compass books, along with the Trinity Masters series she writes with Lila Dubois.
Tropes: Second chance love, Age gap, Life needs to change
Blurb:
Itโs going to be a hectic Christmas. Perfect timing for love.
Londoner Aron Wimpole has been taking a bite out of the Big Apple for the last two years. Heโs enjoyed the taste but when his beloved grandmother, the formidable Beatrice Wimpole summons him home to help plan her wedding to Professor Higgs, he quickly jumps on a plane for a two-week stay.
The pull of home is strong, making Aron wonder if heโs really committed to New Yorkโฆand then Paul Higgs strolls back into his life. Aron canโt avoid himโtheyโre co-wedding planners and everything must run like clockwork. And besides, Aronโs determined to show Paul what he missed out on when he walked away from him two years ago. All he has to do is to keep control of his feelings.
One flaw in this plan is that handsome prizewinning photographer Paul seems more than willing to pick up where they left off. But Paulโs bravado masks deeper commitment fears. Ones that threaten to ruin both of their lives.
But Aronโs got to ignore all that and help deliver the wedding to end all weddings.
The Best of Times is the ninth and final instalment in my Queens Crescent series. You could say Iโve been working up to this for some time.ย
I am a planner so the bones of the book were created two years ago. There were many forms of the story before this one including Aron being a tutor who worked with the Professor to create a Dickens theme park. Yes, I know. My editor stepped in thankfully.
From starting the series I wanted Mrs Wimpole and the Professor to be the beating heart of the little street and to have an elevated role in the finale. Casting two main characters as their relatives was the perfect way for me to do that without it becoming an indulgefest.
Plus I really like the second chance trope. (Cโmon, weโve all got that ex that makes us wonder what it would feel like if we crossed paths again.)
A thing I admire in other writers is bringing characters back for a finale. Lucy Lennox inspired me big time. A wedding is the perfect way to do that. I certainly wasnโt going for a funeral. Could you imagine? Merry Christmas everyone.
Finally, Christmas itself. I love the holidays and they are special to Queens Crescent.
So a wedding, Christmas, second chance trope and cameos from sixteen men. Not a bad list to be checking off.
What was your writing process for this book?
I have pretty much the same process for all my books. I am very much a planner. About ten years ago I got my Masters in TV and Radio Scriptwriting. As scriptwriting can be far more collaborative than novel writing, we were strongly encouraged to plot.
And itโs stuck. Thereโs always a spreadsheet. Then I create the characters. Iโd already been having ideas for Aron and Paul while writing other books so I had a head start. I write three or four page back stories for everyone. Letโs find out how we can really torture them before their HEA.
Following that Iโve probably got the bare bones for a story so Iโll plot it all out to make sure itโs got structure. I should have a good idea of whatโs happening now and can hit the first draft. This is when the real story comes to light and there are always lots of new ideas to bring in. I do find the first draft a slog at times. It has to be said.
Next up is editing. I love this stage. Refining things and getting some good lines in. I really enjoy writing dialogue.
The final stage is the dreaded List of Doom. An ever-growing collection of words I use far too frequently. (750 โwasโsโ anyone?)
If I survive making all those changes, then itโs off to the editor with the manuscript.
Where do you usually write?
Iโm lucky enough to have a study. It sounds very grand. Itโs a small bedroom that Iโve converted. I love it though. I decorated this year and changed the layout so Iโm looking out of the window instead of a blank wall.
My house backs onto some woods. I often see squirrels, birds and sometimes deer who donโt mind coming really close to the house and eating all my plants. I love it though. Makes me feel like a Snow White haha.
That said, if Iโm writing a first draft, Iโll usually lie on my bed with my laptop. Donโt know why. Editing and other things are fine at the desk. First draft, slobbing out. Hey I donโt make the rules. I just live by them.
Now that you’re finished with this book, what is next on your schedule?
Iโve got a few things planned for 2025. Iโve recently completed a story for an own voices anthology that is coming out in March.
Then Iโll be back later in the year with a soccer series that is in the planning stages at the moment. I havenโt got much detail to give you on that one yet Iโm afraid. Itโs a hard job scrolling through endless pictures of hot sportsmen to find just the right inspiration. Please believe me.
At Christmas Iโll be launching another new series which will be connected to the world of Queens Crescent. We may not have seen the last of Mrs Wimpole and the Professor. For up-to-date news, subscribe to my newsletter at www.kristianparker.com. There you can access tons of free stories including the series Queens Parade.
*****
Author Info:
I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.
I live in the English countryside. When Iโm not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario Iโm going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
Nothing could change him for the better. Save, perhaps, her.
Seductive as a deadly sin, Lucien Wrenn, the Duke of Luhst, can tempt any lady into his bed. But his best friendโs little sisterโbluestocking scientist Lady Chasity Perrinโis forbidden fruit. And heโs spent a lifetime aching to take a bite.
Chastity has always loved Lucien but the thoughtful boy she cherished grew into a careless rogue. Content with her lot as a spinster, she fights to advance her medical research in a world that denies women’s place in science.
They can never be together until they clash in a heated argument and make a scandalous wagerโฆ During a month-long house party, both must do the impossible: sinful Lucien must remain celibate and wallflower Chastity must secure a marriage proposal.
When every eligible bachelor begins to compete for made-over Chastity, Lucien burns to claim her as his own.
As summer storm traps them, no vow of friendship can hold him back from breaking every rule to possess her.
As they grow closer — body and soul — his touch unravels her and she begins to crave something very dangerous: him. For the first time, someone sees straight to his wounded soul, and makes him want to be worthy of the only woman he loved his whole life.
But when Chastity’s older brother learns his sister has been compromised, all hell breaks loose.
So I enjoyed the crap out of this story but I’m not sure how much more I would have loved it if I’d read the first book in the series. There were a few plot holes & some character development that I might have gotten if I’d met them before. But based on what I got as a first read, it was still well worth it.
Chastity has scars gotten at the hands of her father (this is one of those places where I don’t think I got enough detail but may have better understood with her brother’s story). She’s spent years emphasizing her brains, not her femininity, hoping that she’d find someone who valued her as she was. But it’s left her alone, awkward, and looked over.
Lucian’s parents were horrible, to him and to each other. To outrun the pain and wounds that their actions & words left him with, he has turned himself into a devil-may-care rake. Someone that makes no attachments, locks his heart down, making sure that he cannot be hurt or commit any harm to others.
I loved these two together and my heart broke for them both, for their pasts and the present. There’s so many ups and downs for them as they figure out if they can let the pain, the scars, of their past go and take the chance on a future. It’s scary, painful, but totally worth it if they are brave. And I’m here for every moment of it.
*****
Author Info:
Mariah Stone is a bestselling author of time travel romance novels, including her popular Called by a Highlander series and hot Viking, Pirate, and Regency novels. With nearly one million books sold, Mariah writes about strong modern-day women falling in love with their soulmates across time. Her books are available worldwide in multiple languages in e-book, print, and audio.
Romantic Reads and Such 