Ansley thought she was done with small-town living for good until her life took an unexpected turn and sent her back to her old stomping grounds in Sugar Creek Falls.
Now, not only does she have to face the ghosts of her past, but also Matthew Tillman–her teenage crush turned biggest heartbreak.
But Ansley has a plan to settle the score and get over him for good, even if it means resorting to a little scheming.
As she gets closer to Matthew, however, old sparks reignite and she realizes that maybe, just maybe, he’s not the enemy she thought he was.
With betrayal and redemption on the line, will Ansley be able to stick to her plan, or will love prevail?
Love Schemes Clouded Dreams is a hate-to-love, small-town romance featuring a heroine with purpose and a loyal mechanic who needs more repair work than his customer’s vehicles.
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.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Brodie Bishop is the worst.
Vivian Trent is desperate. Her family doesn’t approve of her life as a single mom and the small town of Austen still won’t accept her as one of their own four years later. Playing Elizabeth Bennet at the annual Jane Austen Festival is the perfect way to win over the locals and prove that she’s thriving. But when Austen’s favourite festival hero is replaced by his tattooed, metalhead brother, how is she supposed to achieve perfection with such a bad boy playing Mr. Darcy? He’s never read the book. He’s brash and unpolished. He’s… blond?!
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I dislike you.
Brodie’s used to being the town disappointment, so when Vivian turns her nose up at him, he’s not surprised. Hot librarian or not, she’s way too uptight. But once the festival gets underway, they see new sides of each other. When he finds out her dark secret, suddenly she’s much more endearing. She’s vulnerable, but strong. And the way she looks in that gown only blurs the lines between playing the part and falling for her for real.
But when her goal is within reach, can Vivian go off-book and choose Brodie, if it means risking everything she thought she wanted?
Cuppabeans was the only cafe in town, a cute little corner shop with a mint green and white striped awning out front, knotty pine framing inside, and a constant, thick miasma of warm, rich Arabica beans in the air.
Inhaling deeply as I stood in line, I tapped my foot and checked the time. It was fine. I still had a good cushion to get this done before I had to be at the library. I reached the front and ordered the largest size they had.
“Name?” the perky teenage server called over the morning din.
“Vivian,” I said.
“Lydia?” she asked.
I emphasized each syllable so she could at least read my lips. “Vivian.”
She nodded in a way that made my hopes plummet. I crossed my arms and stepped to the side to let the next person up. I blinked as I saw the man who’d stood behind me. He wore black head to toe, including a thick pair of leather cuffs at his wrists, the dark shade contrasting with his fair skin. The only hint of colour on him popped from the tattoos covering his forearms and the wheat blond of his overlong hair. He left his black aviators on as he put in his order and came to stand beside me, crossing one long leg over the other as he leaned back against the wall.
I watched him in the mirror on the opposite side of the cafe. He crossed his arms and appeared generally standoffish, the sharp line of his jaw ticking as he clenched it. I watched the muscle move as discreetly as I could. By the look of him, he was hardly a Prince Charming candidate, but I could still appreciate a nice jawline. I was only human, after all.
But then a smirk kicked up one corner of his mouth and he tipped his sunglasses down, revealing that his eyes were locked on mine in the mirror. My heart squeezed in surprise. Not only from the frantic feeling of being caught staring, but the shock of how incongruously dark brown his eyes were against that hair, stark in his only slightly sun-kissed face. They tilted up slightly at the outer corners, reminding me of a cat. He nudged the shades off his face and turned to me with a matching feline languor.
I flicked my eyes to the ground, face flaring with heat.
“Don’t like tattoos?” he asked, his voice a slightly gravelly tenor. By that grungy, heavy metal look, he’d probably spent his life screaming into a microphone.
“I wasn’t looking at your tattoos,” I said with a sharp shake of my head. Hopefully, my neck wasn’t going blotchy with embarrassment.
“Yeah?” he asked. In my periphery, I saw him lean closer. “What were you lookin’ at?”
I threw a desperate glance at the server and she held a cup up with a nod. Relief flooded me as I grabbed it and pivoted on my heel to escape this awkward encounter. But as I passed the man, I faltered, frowning down at the cup. It read Vanilla. “Oh, come on,” I grumbled under my breath.
A snort drew my eyes back up to the man. His dark eyes sparked with a mocking amusement. “Hey, at least she got the V right.”
I rolled my eyes and marched past him, ignoring the snicker that followed me out the door.
*****
Review:
I enjoyed the heck out of this one. Brodie is down right awesome – an honorable, sweet man wrapped up in a bad boy package. He’s so supportive of Vivian, validating her and her interests, and helping her when she needs it. But I will say the man has to have the patience of a saint to put up with her attitude, especially after the way he’s treated by everyone else. As she gets to know him, her attitude changes and she starts to appreciate him & support him as well, and It’s great to see, but I do wish we’d been given a little bit more resolution with his family. I’d have loved to see them supporting him and treating him well too. He’s a good man and we need to see more people recognize that as well.
Humorous, sizzling, and fun, The Wrong Darcy is a light-hearted, rom-com with that right touch of emotional turmoil to give it depth. Gynne is another new to me author and I’ll be looking forward to reading more from her.
*****
Author Info:
Robyn writes spicy contemporary romances about resilient women and memorable men. Having self-published numerous short romances over the years under different pen names, she is pleased to present her first full-length novel, THE WORST DARCY. When she’s not writing, you can find her catching up on her TBR pile, watching spooky movies, and woodburning crafts. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her husband and son.
Ready to fall for the ultimate player? Check out the latest sports romance by New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy…
Playing to Win
The Players #3
by Monica Murphy
Blurb:
Ace Townsend is the biggest player on campus.
The sexy new quarterback on the football team.
I should probably mention he’s also a complete flirt. The life of the party wherever he goes.
Someone I should avoid at all costs.
It’s difficult though, when I’m on the social media crew for the football team and we’re out on the field during practice almost every day, filming them. On the sidelines at games. Hanging out with them at bars. The more I spend time with Ace, the more I’m drawn to him. The attraction is there, but it’s more than that. I actually like him. We have a connection, and he definitely feels it too.The problem?
I signed a contract when I started on the social media team with a ‘no dating athletes’ clause. They’re strictly off limits. If we get caught together? It’s cause for my immediate termination. I love my new job and don’t want to risk it, but I’m falling for Ace.
Hard.
We’re all for sneaking around and keeping our growing relationship secret, but it’s starting to wear on us. Ace is determined to win me at all costs, though he doesn’t want to be the reason I lose my job, but…
Maybe the two of us being together is worth the risk.
Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance.
A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, son, their goofy dog, and three cats. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. Or reading. Or binge watching something.
Grace Bianchi has always been drawn to men who are allergic to relationships. But when a mysterious man walks into her shop, saving her from a disaster, she finds herself wondering… is he different than the others?
Ryder Cooper is fumbling his way through life. He’s been lost since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise two young children.
But when he meets a beautiful tattoo artist with a zest for life, she makes him wonder…could he love again.
Never Too Soon is a journey of two broken hearts who believe in love as they mend their broken hearts, finding their happily ever after.
Ryder obviously loves his kids and has put them first the last few years. Needing a fresh start he packs them up to a new town. He’s been struggling a bit but hopefully the change of scenery will help them move forward.
I like Gracie. She’s sassy but with a vulnerability thanks to a troubling past relationship. Her family is also a hoot – loving and open, sometimes a little overwhelming in how they embrace others, but with enormous hearts.
The first part of the book is a lot dancing around each other for Ryder and Gracie, as they get to know each other and we get to know them. It’s low drama with a very realistic feel as they have to decide if that pull they felt on the first meeting is worth pursuing and whether a relationship will work in their lives. This kinda book isn’t going to be for everyone but I think it’ll be enjoyed by those that do.
*****
Author Info:
Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.
She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.
I woke up in Vegas with a hangover and a ring on my finger.
At my last recollection, the bachelor party was off to a great start. During dinner I met sexy celebrity Chef Oliver who was far more intriguing than his surly public persona let on.
Afterwards, my buddies and I set out to bar-hop at some of Sin City’s biggest hot spots. To my surprise, I ran into Oliver again as he was unwinding by tossing back drinks at a bar. What followed was a hot night of dancing and drinking… and a very confusing morning.
Not only did we spend the night together, we got married. Oliver is quick to suggest divorce, but I’m not ready to give up so easily. We may be opposites in every way imaginable, but there’s a chemistry between us I can’t deny or ignore.
Can I convince Oliver to give our unlikely romance a chance? Or will what happened in Vegas end in Vegas?
My best friend, Grant, looked up at me, a strangely curious expression on his face, before turning the phone so that I could see the screen. On display was a paparazzi photo of two men kissing outside of a twenty-four-hour wedding chapel. The headline above boldly stated “Chef Ridley Marries Mystery Man.”
“Oh God,” I muttered, snatching his phone from his hand. I scrolled through the article and there were a half dozen more photos of us. We were kissing, holding hands, and walking arm in arm along the sidewalk. In one, Cam carried a bouquet of flowers. In another, we were taking shots out of glasses that were each labeled “Groom.”
My stomach turned sour again. “I did say I had something to talk to you about,” I murmured as I passed the phone back to him.
Grant pressed a palm to his face and slid it down. “What the fuck did you do last night?”
I held up my left hand, which still had the ring on it, and wiggled my fingers. “Looks like I got married.”
*****
Author Info:
Riley Long is an author of gay romances novels spanning many genres from contemporary to paranormal. They live a quiet life in Virginia, with their husband, son, and two very silly pit bulls.
They spend their evenings writing, reading, and watching bad television (or not so bad television).
For fun, Riley participates in NaNoWriMo, GISH, and reads with her book club, the BAMFs.
They like things with silly acronyms.
Riley can tell you two different stories about getting covered in dairy products for a hug.
Two strangers, an online dating app, and a chance at forever…
Chance
After months of online correspondence with a sexy businessman, we’re finally meeting in person—in London, no less!
Okay. It’s a casual meet-up. Nothing to get excited about. I fully understand that online connections don’t always translate in person. Roman could be pompous or worse…boring.
Wish me luck!
Roman
Dinner with my online “friend” doesn’t go well. I shouldn’t be disappointed. That’s life.
But just as I’m ready to write our peculiar acquaintanceship off, Chance turns up unexpectedly at a karaoke bar. Don’t ask what I’m doing there. I have no idea. However, I don’t mind at all. It feels like the universe is giving us a cosmic redo. Sure, Chance lives in California and my home is in the UK now, but this feels like the real thing. Something worth taking a chance on.
A forever chance.
The London Chance is an MM, bisexual romance featuring an American, a Canadian, a dating app, and an unexpected HEA.
“What time is it?” I grumbled, rubbing my stubbled jaw.
“Half one,” a deep, rumbly voice replied.
I spun on my heels with my mouth wide open, unsure where to begin. An apology, a thank-you, maybe even a fuck-you.…Words weren’t my friend without caffeine and if it was really one thirty in the afternoon, I was going to have a difficult time navigating this one.
If I was going to unravel in a foreign country, was an audience necessary? And better question…did it have to be this man?
Roman stepped into the room, instantly taking over the space. The combination of his height, broad shoulders, and broody presence made him seem intimidating as fuck even in a navy V-neck sweater, casual jeans, and bare feet. His hair flopped roguishly over his right eye, which should have softened his sharp features, but…it didn’t. He was devilishly handsome and sexy and— I think I puked on his shoes last night. Oh, please let this be a bad dream.
I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping for a scene change and a new cast when I opened them again.
Nope. I was still in Roman’s guest room, standing three feet from the man himself, wearing his T-shirt and—
“Are these your boxers?” I asked, plucking at the silky red fabric.
One corner of his mouth twisted in wry amusement. “They were a gift. You can have them. How are you feeling?”
I wrinkled my nose. “I’ve been better. I’m sorry about—”
“Don’t worry about it.” He waved dismissively and moved to the doorway. “Would you like coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, please.”
He smiled kindly. “You got it. I’ll make toast and bacon too.”
“Thank you. Coffee is fine, but—” I paused to look around the immaculate room. “I need my clothes.”
“Trust me. You don’t want your clothes.”
“Huh?”
“I threw your socks and underwear in the wash, but your suit and shirt needed to be dry-cleaned. They’ll be ready tomorrow. I’ll grab a pair of sweatpants and socks for you. You’re welcome to shower. The toothbrush on the counter is the one you used last night. I’ll leave clothes on the banister for you. Meet me downstairs when you’re ready.”
Roman was gone before I could thank him or protest. I decided I wasn’t ready to deal with the fuzzier parts of last night that had resulted in my clothing immediately needing to be dry-cleaned. I headed for the bathroom instead.
The deliciously hot shower under a wide spray felt so amazing, I never wanted to get out. And the thick towel on the warming rack was a slice of nirvana. I dried myself, then wrapped the towel around my waist and wiped steam off the mirror. I scanned the marble-and-glass haven as I brushed my teeth, sighing at the very unwelcome memory of kneeling on the tiled floor in front of the porcelain god.
How was I going to face this man? I’d been a fucking mess last night. Running into traffic, dancing in the rain…and oh…shit. I’d called him daddy.
More than once.
Heat bloomed across my cheeks as I rinsed and patted my mouth dry, but I couldn’t exactly hide in here. I slipped the boxers and tee on and found a pair of gray sweats and black socks perched on the banister post where Roman said they’d be. I finished dressing, finger-combed my short hair, and took one last cleansing breath before following the scent of coffee downstairs.
*****
Review:
The London Chance is perfect for people who are looking for a low angst, easy read. From the fall out of a disastrous first date to a sweet bonus story, it’s all sweetness and steam.
Chance and Roman are both enjoyable characters. Chance is lively & carefree, a good match for Roman’s reservedness. Neither thinks that a long distance relationship can work but are willing to enjoy the time they do have as much as they can. It leads to some moments as they realize the end is coming and a cute resolution.
Humor and heat blend well to give readers a quick journey to HEA for two delightful characters. After enjoying this and Fairy Cakes in Winter so much, Lane Hayes is going on my must read author list.
*****
Author Info:
Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.
What happens when the uptight town sheriff arrests the town librarian? Nothing but fireworks! Until a new man shows up in town and the sheriff wants to stake his claim. Readers who enjoy instalove and humor will love Book Me, Baby by Tamrin Banks, a steamy, small town, enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, age gap romance.
Book Me, Baby
Candy Cane Key
Man of the Month: August
by Tamrin Banks
Blurb:
Hartley Hanover
Oooh! I hate that man! Booker Sloan is the most uptight, arrogant, annoying man I’ve ever met! He even has the nerve to arrest me for not filing a permit. A permit! And when it turns out that I did file it, it just got lost in the shuffle….does he apologize? Heck no! He proceeds to tell me all the things I do wrong every single day of my life! I’m surprised he doesn’t yell at me for breathing!
But when I’m alone at night…why do I keep thinking about him? Why does the occasional sadness on his face make me want to fix whatever’s wrong in his universe? Why can’t he stay out of my dreams and keep those dang handcuffs to himself?
Booker Sloan
I know I messed up and I should apologize. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did. But something about that dang, sweet woman just has me so screwed up that every time I open my mouth the worst things come out!
It’s not her. It’s me. And I know it. But I feel like if I give her one little inch, the gorgeous woman will take every piece of me I have left. I’m barely hanging on and if I have to push her away to protect myself? Well, that’s just how it’s got to be.
So why does it bother me so much when a new man in town shows a little interest in the petite, sunny woman who’s got me tied up in knots? She’s not encouraging him. In fact it seems like she’s running away from him.
So how come I still want to punch his grinning mouth and grind him into dust under my boot heels and then haul her over my shoulder and make sure she understands that she’s mine?
Laughing, I reach over and hug little Edward Reese. He hugs me back hard. He is just the sweetest boy.
“Now, I know that you’ve been waiting for this book!” I pull it from behind my back. “Surprise! It came in early and I made sure to set it aside for you!”
“You are the best, Miss Hanover!” His huge, gap-toothed smile makes my heart light.
He hasn’t had an easy time of it lately. His dad got hurt while driving home from work last month and broke his leg so the whole family has had to pitch in to help. Even nine year old boys. So he hasn’t been able to spend as much time in the library as he usually does and he loves to read.
“You just get it back to me when you’re done. Doesn’t matter how long. I’ll take care of it.”
His little round cheeks flush and his freckles disappear in a wash of red. “Thank you so much, Miss Hanover. I can’t wait to read it!” He dances off and his mom smiles at me, watching his light steps before she turns back to me.
“We really appreciate you doing this, Miss Hanover. We’re all working really hard. And Sam is worried about him.” She nods her head at Edward.
I can’t even speak, my throat tight with my own tears. But I clear my throat and say, “I’m glad. I hope that this helps him relax a little bit.”
“It will. Thank you.” She moves off and I turn back, groaning when I’m faced with the last person I want to see.
“Sheriff? How nice to see you.”
His arctic blue eyes glare at the setup on the sidewalk. “I talked to you about this last month with the Christmas in July to-do. You cannot block the sidewalk like this. And did you get a permit this time?”
I nod my head and sigh. “Yes, I did. Last month when you had your hissy fit.”
He stands up straight and pushes his broad shoulders back and I feel that little pull in my belly that I absolutely hate! Why the fuck do I have to react like this around this man?
I mean, sure he’s hot. His light brown hair is thick and gleams in the sunlight. But it’s so tamed that it almost doesn’t look real. His body is tall and tanned, muscles upon muscles to drool over. I jerk my brain back in line.
No, not drool over. Dread. You dread seeing this man. He smiles at me and I growl under my breath.
“Can I see it?”
“I don’t have it on me.” He nods his tawny head at me. “I’ll be back then.”
He steps away and I see him on his little radio talking to someone and I roll my eyes and turn to Mrs. Cassidy, discussing the latest thriller that she just read that I recommended to her.
“I loved it, Miss Hanover! So good! Do you have any more like that?”
I’m nodding at her when I feel a big hand grab my wrist and pull it backwards. My mouth falls open when I see that the Sheriff has a hold of my wrist.
“What the heck are you doing? Get off of me!” I try and pull away and he grits hit teeth, his firm jaw tensing.
“Stop resisting.”
“What are you doing, Sheriff?” Mrs. Cassidy’s mouth is hanging open and she’s glaring at him like he’s mugging me.
“I’m arresting her for disturbing the peace, not having a license for a demonstration and now resisting arrest.”
“You must be joking,” I huff, staring at him.
“Nope.” He grabs my other hand and pulls it behind my back, clicking the handcuffs on my wrists. The cold steel against my skin makes me shiver and freeze in my tracks.
His blue eyes look me up and down and I swear there’s some kind of emotion there that I don’t understand. I don’t think I want to understand it.
I just want him to get away from me and leave me alone. And take his handcuffs and shove them where the damn sun doesn’t shine!
Copyright 2023 Tamrin Banks
*****
Author Info:
I’m a mother of three who works for a school district as a cafeteria aide but I’ve also had a lot of different hats over the years. Divorced single mom fresh out of the military working nights in a plastics factory all the way to teaching cardio kickboxing and zumba at the YMCA.
I’ve been married to my honey bunny for 22 years now. He’s absolutely the best and tries to keep me in check as much as possible because I am a crazy person that stacks too much on her plate and then does it all no matter what. Even if it drives everyone nuts!
I love the kind of romances where you know what you’re getting. I don’t like happily for now. That just feels like cheating to me. I also don’t like love triangles. I’m an easy girl and I like my books like I like my men…lol! Uncomplicated. So if you’re reading my books, you know that no matter what, there’s a happily ever after!
Sparks fly between a PR rep and an A-list actor who want nothing to do with each other.
Leni Steele might be looking for love, but she’s definitely not looking to be someone’s fake date. Especially not one of the most infuriatingly handsome and annoyingly cocky actors on the planet, Duncan Raz. But when the owner of the PR firm for which she works forces her to walk the red carpet on his arm, she has no choice. Neither wants to be there, much less with each other. They’re like oil and water, and he gets on her last nerve. But after a few tequila shots, that’s not all he gets on. What was supposed to be one date turns into a media frenzy they can’t afford to ignore, and Leni has no other option than to continue the ruse. All the fake kisses, furtive glances, and seductive touches eventually start to feel very real. But Raz didn’t earn his A-list-actor status for nothing. Is he just doing what he does best? Playing a role? Or is Leni the leading lady in Raz’s real-life love story?
Fake dating can be hit or miss and I think Foster does well by her characters. There’s not a lot of build up like you’d expect, instead they pretty much jump right into it and quickly find themselves enjoying their “relationship” a little too much. Duncan proves himself to be more than just a pretty face and ego. He’s a funny, sexy dirty-talker with a big heart. And as much as he’s drawn to Leni’s sassy mouth, he also likes her brain and dedication.
But because they hook up pretty much right away, the rest of the story was a little bit of rinse and repeat. Both Duncan and Leni have their reasons to avoid getting involved, and Leni has some pretty high walls protecting her heart, but their connection is just too strong to resist. When they let themselves give in though, they are a delight – oh-so-hawt and funny, with moments of vulnerability.
Emotional, steamy, and humorous, Foster’s newest is delivered with her trademark style of enjoyable characters and a HEA that will leave readers with a smile on their face. (Seriously, this is one of my favorite endings by her.)
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling 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. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Camden Poe is the last of The Lucky Three, the surviving Pittsburgh Titans who weren’t on the team plane the night it went down. By all outward appearances, he’s adjusted to post-crash life well but inside he’s wrestling with the guilt of living.
The catastrophe that killed the Pittsburgh Titans changed my entire world. My teammates were more than my friends—they were my brothers. I mourned their loss with the rest of the nation but then I did as I’ve been taught… I moved on. I focused on returning to the ice with the newly rebuilt team and put the tragedy behind me. Considering the circumstances, I adjusted well. Or so I thought. Now I’m plagued by nightmares of the crash and my play has suffered as a result. Facing the possibility of losing my place on the team, I need to pull myself together and fast.
My buddy and line mate, Mitch Brandt died in the crash, leaving his wife Danica and son Travis behind to pick up the pieces of their shattered family. After reconnecting with Danica at a support group meeting, I find myself inexplicably drawn to helping her and her son move forward. What starts as two friends finding solace in one another following a tragedy becomes something more, leaving us both wondering if we deserve this chance.
I feel as if I’m walking a precarious line between a man falling for an incredible woman and a man moving in on his dead friend’s wife. But one thing is crystal clear—I’ve found a peace with Danica that I wasn’t sure I’d ever have again. Now I need to find the confidence within myself to push past the insecurities and make sure she knows how important she is to me because if I don’t, I’ll lose the one thing that makes me truly complete.
Get Camden in digital, signed paperback and audio (narrated by Aaron Shedlock & Savannah Peachwood) direct from Sawyer: SHOP the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
Acacia has hated Edwin ever since ‘the incident’ four years ago, but when stormy weather threatens both their businesses, they realize a farewell to arms may be the best way to avoid a dangerous summer. Readers who love the Man of the Month Club will devour Enemies in Earnest by Willow Sanders, a steamy, small town, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers romance.
Enemies in Earnest
Candy Cane Key
Man of the Month: July
by Willow Sanders
Blurb:
Acacia Ashley has one love: the written word. Specifically the rich, earthy, prose of Mr. Ernest Hemingway. Her love for Hemingway goes so deep that she opened a bar in his honor. Every year in July she plays host to Hemingway Days in Candy Cane Key, and every year she has to stay on guard in case Edwin Wheeler decides once again to find a way to ruin the solemnity of the occasion.
Edwin Wheeler doesn’t care about books or old men, but the sea? The sea is where he spends his days in search of the almighty dollar. But when he grows bored of plying tourists with fruity drinks, he’s often found needling the resident bookworm, Acacia. She’s hated him ever since the incident four years ago. Why does getting a rise out of her give him a bit of a rise as well?
When the bell tolls signaling approaching stormy weather that threatens both of their businesses, the pair realizes a farewell to arms may be the best way to avoid a dangerous summer.
It was much easier to ruminate over one’s nemesis when he wasn’t ten feet away. The other problem? The way he doted on and cared for his mother was literally catnip. Lady Kitty catnip, not like, for Six- toed Joe. The second his mom shivered, he was there with her cardigan. She coughed, he had her water at the ready. He repeated what MariJo’s nephew and niece said, but louder and in the direction of her good ear, without making it obvious he did it for her benefit. How could someone who was such an asshole be so sweetly attentive to his mother? It didn’t compute.
“What if we served a buffet of Hemingway-inspired appetizers?” Asher asked, his bushy eyebrows the only thing I could make out over the clipboard he referenced.
“Now wouldn’t that be a hoot?” Edwin flipped a fifty onto the counter. “I’m sure no one in the history of Hemingway-inspired bars, restaurants, parties, or events has ever thought to offer a little canape dipped in literary puns.”
Asher lifted an eyebrow in his direction as if to ask me is he for real? Unfortunately, yes, he was. The two of us had a War and Peace length conversation in silent eye rolls and quirks of lip before Asher heaved a dramatic sigh and placed his clipboard on the counter.
“I believe it was the great Oscar Wilde who said sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.”
Edwin nabbed a cherry from my garnish center, shrugging in Asher’s direction. God, he was ridiculous. He never took his eyes off me, even though the shrug was directed at Asher. Did he want me to chastise him for stealing a cherry? Because of the list of things I could chastise the man over, being a cherry stealer was low on the list.
“What can I do for you Edwin?”
I tried to be as subtle as I could, affixing the plastic top to the tray of garnish. It was a place of business after all. Sanitation was important. Certainly, no one wanted his grubby, work-roughened fingers anywhere near their drinks.
“Now there’s a statement heavy with possibility.”
Edwin Wheeler did not get to do funny things to my nervous system. No ma’am. The way his voice went soft and gravely did not affect the steady, reliable thrum of my pulse. And his tipped lip or the mischievous glint in his eyes did not make my face feel hot. I’d rather succumb to food poisoning from bad fish than have him be the reason I felt flushed and a little woozy.
“Did your mom call up your cousin and ask him to come for a playdate? That was so considerate of her. This way you have someone who is obligated to tolerate your company every day while your boat’s boo-boos get all patched up.”
At that moment, the sexy version of Santa Claus, also known as Edwin’s cousin, took a seat next to him at the bar and regarded me.
“How’s that champagne coming along?” he asked his cousin.
“This here’s Klaus.” Edwin cocked his head.
“Bottle or glasses?” I asked, ignoring the flirty challenge in Edwin’s eyes. “The bottle is probably the better choice as you’ll get four glasses out of it for thirty dollars versus four glasses of champagne at nine fifty a piece which would be thirty-eight, before tax.”
Edwin’s eyes flit to the fifty he had sitting in front of him and back up to look at me. Though that didn’t really answer the question. Regardless of which he chose, the fifty covered it and then some.
He didn’t get to win. It was my bar. If I were a petty person, I’d pour four glasses and charge him the per-glass rate. If he wanted to play Mr. Unaffected, James Dean cool, and answer me in smirks and eyebrow lifts instead of words, fine. I’d show him.
Copyright 2023 Willow Sanders
*****
Author Info:
A marketer by day, and author by night, Willow Sanders is a best-selling author of sweet with heat Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. She loves to write spunky, take no shit women, and understanding men with a strong side of sarcasm and an extra helping of BDE. When not writing you can find her torn between her loyalty to the Fighting Illini and her husband’s loyalty to Michigan State, bemoaning traffic, feeding her caffeine addiction, and trying to find the connection between her and the Gilmore Girls–because she is certain she is a long-lost family member.
Romantic Reads and Such 