Heโs a grumpy, retired kicker who says he only breaks things. Iโm a thirty-year-old virgin with something he can break (and I donโt mean my heart)โฆย
How does one get to be a thirty-year-old virgin?
In my case, start with being risk-averse and cautious, focused on building your career, then inherit your 12-year-old, special-needs brother. Done!
Zane Bradford appeared at the perfect time.ย
He takes my brother to equine therapy, he gives me rides to work, and he rescues me when I collapse in the shower. (Yes, he saw me naked.)
He says he only breaks things, but I only see him fixing everything. Heck, his job is as a repair man.
This grumpy, angry god with lean muscles, silky dark hair, and ice blue eyes has taken himself out of the game.
But massage therapy is my job, and Iโm ready to play.
Rachel Wells is ruining everything.
She walks into my workplace and argues with me, talks back, defends herself.
She gives me romance books to โimprove my mood,โ and insists on massage therapy to ease my pain.
Chronic pain isnโt my problemโshe is, with her bright green eyes and sassy attitude.
Then she tells me sheโs never been kissed. (Whatโs wrong with the men in Birmingham?)
The more she tempts me, the more I feel my resolve weakening.
She wants to play, but Iโm not going to break.
(THE WAY WE PLAY is a small-town, grumpy-sunshine, sports romance with close proximity, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and a virgin FMC, and an over-protective alpha hero. No cheating. No cliffhanger. No third-act breakup.)
Tia Louise is the USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of super-hot and sexy contemporary romance.
From former military alpha-rolls, to arrogant bosses needing to be taken down a notch (or two!), to cocky playboys with hearts of gold, sheโll steal your heart, make you laugh, and melt your kindle.
If you like spicy romances that will make you laugh and cry, pull up a chair and enjoy!
When fate steps in and I end up sitting right beside star tight end Asher Nash at the annual Vegas Aces charity ball, he has no idea that Iโm his new coachโs daughter.
We dance, we flirt, we drink, and we end up in his hotel room, where an explosive night of passion leaves me breathless as he lives up to his legendary bad boy reputation.
When I run into him again and he realizes who my father is, he vows to stay away. My dad is the only person who believes Asher can overcome his troubled past, but the pull between us is too strong to resist.
Searing looks across the room ignite passionate kisses in private hallways, and secret escapades in the back of a car spark a forbidden romance.
Now Iโm tempting the tight end, and neither of us can get enough. But as our stolen moments turn into more, weโre risking a potential fallout that could cost us everything.
Lisa Suzanne is an Amazon Top Ten Bestselling author of swoon-worthy superstar heroes, emotional roller coasters, and all the angst. She resides in Arizona with her husband and two kids. When she’s not chasing her kids, she can be found working on her latest romance book or watching reruns of Friends.
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes On the Wild Side, a sizzling single mom, cowboy, small town romance in the beloved Wilds of Montana Series!
On the Wild Side
The Wilds of Montana series
by Kristen Proby
Blurb:
Brady Wild has focused on one thing this entire adult life: riding bulls. A three-time world champion, Bradyโs body has taken a beating over the years and he knows heโs nearing the end of his impressive career. Heโs had no time for relationships with his dangerous career but the minute he sees sexy single mom, Abbi Kastella, he knows itโs game over for his resolve to be single.
Abbi is a mom, first and foremost, and sheโll do whatever needs to be done to keep her daughter safe from the danger thatโs chased them for half a dozen years. Sheโs finally been able to set down roots in Bitterroot Valley for herself and Daisy. She adores this community that has welcomed them with open arms, her new business is thriving, and she has a circle of friends that she loves and trusts. And donโt even get her started on the hazel-eyed, muscled up cowboy that makes her whole body tremble with need. Life is good in this little Montana town and Brady is showing her and her little girl what real love is supposed to be.
Despite Bradyโs best intentions he canโt resist his blue-eyed siren, or the sweet little girl that has him wrapped around her little finger. But when Abbiโs past catches up with them, Brady quickly realizes that the secrets that Abbiโs been keeping from him are far worse than any damage his career could do to them. Will they lose everything before it even really begins? Or will love prevail so they can get started on their forever On the Wild Side?
Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
A small-town single mom like me has no business believing in fairy tales.ย
But the very handsome, charming, dirty-talking prince (yes, seriously) I met nineteen months ago now has his fine ass and panty-melting grin planted on my front porch.
Heโs been searching for me ever since I snuck out after our fantasy-filled weekend together.
And, dammit, thatโs a little romantic.
Now that heโs found me, he wants to pick up where we left off.
Because he thinks heโs in love with me.
Oh, and because he needs to get out of the marriage, his grandfather, the king, has arranged for him.
But heโs in love with an illusion. I lied to him about everything except my first name.
The carefree, adventurous woman he burned up the sheets with for three days is actually a stressed-out mechanic back in my small hometown, raising a sassy fifteen-year-old daughter, and trying to make amends for my mean girl past. I just donโt think my grease-streaked work boots scream princess material.
Of course, he wonโt take no for an answer.ย
Instead, he proposes a deal: I give him nineteen days and let him get to know the real me.
Then heโll either be over me, go home and marry someone else.
Or Iโll walk down that aisle.
The thing is, can a girl whoโs made all of my mistakes really go from rags to royal anywhere but in a storybook?
Rags to Royals is a modern royal romance with a feisty single mom, a golden retriever prince who falls first and hard, and lots of delicious dirty talk and spice on the page. It is the third book in the Royals Gone Rogue series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
There’s just SO much to like about Cian’s story – all the girl power, sweet Cian in love, dirty talking Cian in bed, adorable teenagers, supportive family, the set up to Henry’s story … SO much goodness.
I loved the fact that Cian is the one who won’t give up on Scarlett. That their connection is such that he’s still looking almost two years later and has no plan to give up on her. And once he finds her, he’s throwing everything at her to get her to admit that she feels the same. Giving her all the charm, support, and encouragement she needs to fully embrace herself and to realize that they belong together.
I kinda understand where Scarlett is coming from. It’s a lot, finding out that Cian is a prince and everything that comes with that. She’s got an idea what her life should look like and he definitely doesn’t fit in. But the man isn’t taking no for an answer and before long she’s seeing just how well they fit. And how much he needs her support just as much as she needs his.
There’s a lot of mean girl moments, past and present, but also strength and confidence, believing in yourself & your convictions, and how you can make the world a better place. It’s uplifting and powerful and has me pulling for all of these characters. For Scarlett being a better person, for Mariah standing up for what’s right, and Cian finding where he can make a difference and the support & recognition from those he loves.
Erin has a definite style – one of humor, steam, and emotion. He characters are larger than life, with big hearts and big feels, embracing life & love wholeheartedly and without apology. I’m looking forward to seeing what she has in store for Henry, and hoping Ruby makes him work for her love.
It has to be some kind of cosmic joke, right? For once, I feel like Iโve got my life togetherโgood job, great friends, a fresh start in a new place. Iโve been on my best behavior for ages. At last, everythingโs coming up Javier.
Until the moment I walk into my stepdadโs house and meet his daughter.
I should say: I meet her again. Madeline and I have already met. It was one night, two years ago. A quick, casual hookup that had no right to be as mind-blowing as it was. I havenโt stopped thinking about itโor herโever since.
But our parents are getting married, so under no circumstances should we sleep together again.
Orโฆ again. Or one more time after that, just to get it out of our systems.
Madelineโs funny, fiery, and so gorgeous with her pink hair and nerdy tattoos that I can barely look at her without breaking into a sweat. But she has too much going on to be interested in commitment, and God knows Iโm a bad boyfriend candidate.
Once the weddingโs over, weโll be normal stepsiblings who donโt have sex with each other, and Thanksgiving wonโt be awkward at all.
This is my first book by Noir and I was delighted! I was a little hesitant with the first chapter – I’m all for embracing your sexuality in any manner you want but there was just something about it. Maybe the way we were just thrown into it or Noir’s word choices or … I don’t know. But it sure didn’t take me long to appreciate Javier and Madeline together.
Their relationship is steamy and humorous and caring. They are unsure about what their connection could mean but they keep coming back together, making mistakes along the way, and having to be brave to get what they want. Javier has a lot against him but Madeline appreciates him, supports him, and shows him the unconditional love that he needs.
This group has made a family in Sprucevale and I couldn’t get enough of them. It’s got all the heat and heart and happiness that you could ever need. The Three Night Stand may have been my first of Noir’s books but it definitely won’t be my last.
*****
Author Info:
Roxie is a romance author by day, and also a romance author by night. She lives in Los Angeles with one husband, two cats, far too many books, and a truly alarming pile of used notebooks that she refuses to throw away.
Join her mailing list for release updates, free bonus scenes, and tons more!
In this fun, sexy college romance, a transfer student finds herself living in a house full of football playersโand falling for the one she knows she shouldnโt want.
Everleigh
Transferring to UC Santa Mira is supposed to be my ultimate college experienceโuntil housing falls through at the last minute. So when I overhear a group of guys complaining they need another roommate, I jump at the opportunity.
Theyโre just football players. Even if one of them makes me weak in the knees, it doesnโt mean anything unless I let it. And I wonโt.
We want different things. Wanting each other doesnโt change that.
Nico
Itโs my senior year and final season with the Santa Mira Dolphins. The last thing I need is a distraction, but thatโs exactly what this girl is. Ever is too leggy, too gorgeous, too thoughtfulโand a whole lot of too much that gets under my skin.
I guess I get under hers too. I canโt help myself.
We live together. That alone makes it a bad ideaโฆbut I never could resist a little trouble.
I’ve never read a book by Murphy before but I see her stuff everywhere and End Game, first in a new series, seemed like the perfect place to start. I enjoyed the characters being flawed, making mistakes but also being willing to admit it and try to do better. I do wish they’d spent more time together on the page so we could see them develop a connection, to realize that maybe they were willing to chance getting involved with each other. It was a pretty big roadblock to their relationship so being there for that was pretty important, I think.
The friendship between the guys and with Everleigh was a definite highlight. Picturing their lives together, including yoga with a bunch of football players, was a hoot. I love that they become like a family unit, caring for each other. Giving each other support, but also a hard time when they need it. As well as a smack when they need that as well.
As the first book, in addition to the main romance there was a bit of time setting up characters for future books. And there is definitely A LOT there that I’m looking forward to. I really hope she gives Dollar a fair shake. He’s so earnest and … in need of someone to love him and let him love them back. And Sienna definitely needs someone who will be the guy she deserves. As a first read for this author, I’m intrigued and can see why she’s so popular.
*sigh* Waiting is hard, y’all! When’s the next book coming?
*****
Author Info:
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 sheโs not writing, sheโs thinking about writing. Or reading. Or binge watching something.
Sheโs a small town girl looking to escape her monotonous life.
Heโs the NFL superstar looking to return to his roots.
Twelve years ago, he nearly destroyed her family.
Now theyโre working together and the attraction she feels isโฆcompletely undeniable.
Lucy Dawson dreamed of leaving South Creek. But just went that dream is about to become a reality, the plans go out the window thanks to a two-timing ex and the wedding photographer theyโd hired. Now she has to come to grips with not only having to stay in her hometown a little longer, but finding a purpose there. The last person she expected to give her that purpose and offer her everything sheโs been looking for was the man who nearly destroyed her family a decade ago.
For twelve years, Jax Wylder has lived with the guilt of causing the accident that nearly took his best friendโs life. Now that heโs looking at retirement after a successful NFL career, he wants to give back to his communityโand maybe help clear his conscienceโby opening a camp for kids with disabilities. It wonโt change what happened to his best friend, but itโs something he feels strongly about. When he learns that Lucy is a pediatric physical therapist, sheโs the perfect person to enlist for help. Only heโs surprised to learn that she not only despises him, but blames him for everything thatโs gone wrong in her life.
It doesnโt take long for Lucy to realize that she might not have the entire story about Jax and that fateful night twelve years ago. Now she has to balance making amends and fighting the inconvenient but undeniable attraction she feels for him. They have a lot to overcome, but thereโs no denying that sometimes there really is a fine line between love and hate.
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance thatโs hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than eighty titles under her belt โ including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017 and THE WEDDING SEASON which was a Hallmark wedding movie in 2023! Sheโs a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80โs rock. When sheโs not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire when she should be writing, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Mayleneโฆoh, and spending time with her husband of 32 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Jack Kingston is known for his dominant playing skills on the ice, but off, heโs a down-to-earth guy who values a true connection over a meaningless hookup.
I love being a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, even if my teammates are constantly ribbing me about women who they claim are throwing themselves all over me. Could I go for the easy lay? Sure, but thatโs not my style. Iโm more of long-term kind of guy. Instead, Iโm going to keep doing what I do bestโkilling it out on the ice. Everything else will fall into placeโฆeventually.
That time comes sooner than expected, in the most unlikely of ways. At the rink to watch our goalieโs kids play Peewee hockey, I meet Willa Montreaux and somehow, by the end of that interaction, Iโve offered to help her coach the Ice Pups. Altruism or were there other intentions in that offer? A little of both, if Iโm being honest.
As the time I spend with Willa increases, I am absolutely certain I want even more. Sheโs gorgeous, sure, but thatโs superficial. Willa is also funny, loving, determined and smart. SO smart. Doctor smart. Probably too intelligent for a jock like me, but thatโs not going to stop me from shooting my shot.
Not looking for anything more than a fling and concerned that sheโs too old for me, Willa doesnโt want to venture into anything serious. Iโm willing to put in the work and give her the space she needs to come to terms with the fact that the connection we have is far more than physical. Willa and I are end game, but Iโm willing to play into overtime if thatโs what it takes to walk away with her by my side.
Grab your copy of Kingdirectly from Sawyer by shopping the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!
Willa is hesitant to get involved again when her history hasn’t exactly been filled with good men. And King being 8 years younger doesn’t help her confidence in their suitability. But with patience and King shows that he’s all in.
He’s there for her as a coach for her niece’s peewee team. He’s there making calling and texting to show he’s thinking of her. He’s there to make a stand with her jerk of an ex. He’s there to bring her in to his world, with his friends and teammates. He also shows her how much he cares about those people. But that big heart also gets him into a little trouble with Willa.
So while their third act issues were obvious and handled in a predictable way, I enjoyed seeing King and Willa make their way to a HEA. It was nice to have a young, good-looking guy that was all about relationships and not the puck bunnies. And a decidedly smart, strong, level-headed woman who shows that she can make mistakes as well. And maybe just needs a little some help getting out of her way. (I do wish we’d seen more of Willa with her sister, but maybe she’ll show up in her own book ๐ )
*****
Author Info:
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 womenโs 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 youโd like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).ย
Two strangers at a beat down biker bar. A hot night twisted up in the sheets. Absolutely no strings attached. My life is too complicated for more than that. Besides, what would I do with a possessive, demanding, sexy as hell motorcycle man? Especially one who’s younger than me.
As an executive with a demanding career and single mom to a three-year-old little girl, my life is planned down to the minute, but everyone knows what they say about the best laid plans…
When Jake Hayes walks into Rossi Motors looking for a partnership between our two companies, I’m lost for words. It turns out, my motorcycle man looks just as good wearing a finely tailored suit as he does straddling a bike in his leathers.
Now that he’s found me, he wants more hot, steamy nights with me. He’s persistent and I’m…tempted.
I try to keep him at arm’s length, but he slowly draws me in with his searing kisses and lighthearted teasing. It doesn’t hurt that he’s sweet and gentle with my little girl either. But then, he has plenty of experience with kids since he has a daughter of his own.
Jake wants me and all the baggage I come with. I want him too, but my heart’s been too battered to give it away easily.
If I don’t choose, Jake just might take matters into his own hands and steal it anyway.
This is only the second book I’ve read by this author and as with Dear Grumpy BossI liked it but really wanted to give both of them a talking to. Which I guess makes them more realistic, right? Because very few of us don’t have moments, in particular when it comes to relationships, where we need that.
The first chapter really set the tone for me. I enjoyed the relationship between the two and how they interacted. I liked Clara – her dedication to her family and her job, her confidence in dragging herself back from a bad relationship. And Jake definitely had his moment – his relationship with his family and the support & care he shows Clara at times. But while there were a lot of things I enjoyed, there were a few things that bothered me.
I think there should have been a bit more of a transition from not doing relationships to “I want to date”. I get that there is a draw between them and we do get a peek into their reasons, especially as we get to know them, but it just needed just a little more to be believable. I also think the man needed to do a bit more groveling about some of the things he said about her early on. They were pretty awful but he tries to play it off and it didn’t work for me.
Clara had been hurt in the past, badly, and has some trust issues so I totally understand why she reacts the way she does at the end. I think in a normal situation their third act problems would be a little less of an issue but there’s a lot of hurt in her and she’s been struggling the whole book with trusting their situation. It’s good it happens as it gives all of them a chance to decide what they truly want, out of their relationship and out of life.
With a lot of heat & spice, a bit of angst, and family members & friends that add the feels & fun, In the Details is a good reminder that I enjoy Wolf’s writing. As long as I remember that I’m going to have moments of frustration at her characters doing real peoply things ๐
*****
Author Info:
Julia Wolf writes sexy rockers, broken bad boys, snarky heroines, and bad ass women. She’s a firm believer in happily ever afters, no matter how rocky the road is to get there.
Julia lives in Maryland with her husband and three crazy, beautiful children. When she’s not writing romance, she’s reading it. Some of her favorite things are, in no particular order: goats, books, coffee, and Target.
Love doesnโt break us; it makes us whole, my nana used to say.
However, one minute, my world is set on fire, literally. The next, I am raising a six-year-old as a single mom without a clear path ahead of us. No place to live. No job. No money.
Iโm returning to Sterling Falls to claim whatโs mine, then there will be no looking back on this beloved small town, a place I consider a handful of sand in the hourglass of my life.
Then again, Clay Sylver has shaken up that ancient time clock. The silver fox in his forties is a bit cocky, but solid in every way that matters. He loves his siblings. He works hard. He owns an honest business. Honest, the emphasis here. He also suffers from damsel-in-distress syndrome with a savior complex for lost causes, like stray animals and down-and-out women.
And I have a secret crush on him.
When I see Clay stranded on the side of the road one dark, stormy night, I stop to offer assistance. Burning with fever, Clay is sick, and my mom-instincts kick in to give him comfort. That decision throws me off course again. While my past lurks everywhere, I find myself falling in love with Sterling Falls once more and falling harder for the man giving my son and me a safe haven.
Love is a risk, according to Clay, but heโs slowly rescuing my heart while Iโm saving his.
L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbarโs signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. Sheโs a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.
Romantic Reads and Such 