Title: Wanting the Player Series: Rules of the Game #2 Author: Heather Young-Nichols
Genres: Contemporary Sports Romance Tropes: Sworn Off Relationships/Afraid to Commit Release Date: March 25, 2024
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Vowing to never sleep with a baseball player might’ve been a curse upon myself.
Given that I suck at relationships, I’m perfectly happy to never be in one again. Men can’t be trusted. Or maybe it’s my heart that can’t be trusted. I don’t know. Either way, especially after the epic fail of a hook up last year with a baseball player that won’t leave me alone, baseball players are no longer an option.
Then Urban Briggs tells me, a stranger, that he’s going to make sure his teammate leaves me alone. Great. I could use the help. Except that player doesn’t leave me alone, and Urban ends up volunteering at the summer camp I’m working at. Of course, he does. His family’s charity runs the camp. Now, I can’t avoid him, and he’s too hard to ignore.
At first, Urban is fine with our arrangement. After all, he’s leaving as soon as the season ends if he has his way. He doesn’t want to leave behind any attachments, either. Sounds perfect, right? Wrong. Can I risk my heart one last time, or am I going to let the best thing in my life walk away?
Wanting the Player is book two in the Rules of the Game series and features a broody baseball player and a woman who isn’t supposed to fall in love who happens to work at his family’s summer camp, where he’s volunteering a little of his time, a standoffish heroine, lots of steam, and it wasn’t supposed to be you vibes.
Heather Young-Nichols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. She writes swoony heroes and snarky heroines with a heap of romance.
When she’s not writing, she’s binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.
A swoony, small town romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!
How we met: I got a black eye.
Where we met: At a wedding. Not mine! Marriage is a NO for me.
Our first date: We’re not dating. Cross my heart.
True story: Jack Hamilton gave me a black eye when we met. He didn’t throw a punch, but he did open a door right into my face. On the same day I was a bridesmaid in my brother’s wedding.
My head spun when I took a good look at him. Maybe it was running full-force into a door, but maybe it’s because he’s melt-your-panties H-O-T. Oh, and he’s a hotshot firefighter.
But I don’t date, and I don’t ever intend to fall in love. It’s all so simple. Until the chemistry that’s hot enough to melt me nearly does. Maybe Jack can help with that, what with the whole firefighting thing.
No one warned me that a good man could make me forget all the reasons why love is a bad idea.
Jack & McKenna’s story is perfect for readers who love: hotshot firefighters, emphasis on H-O-T, slow burn, he falls first, billionaire heroine, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, oodles of swoon, and a cinnamon roll hero with a protective streak who will do anything to take care of the woman he’s falling for.
USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. She writes swoony contemporary romance with sassy women and alpha men who aren’t afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking, counting the turtles in her backyard pond, and running with her dogs, which is when her best plotting happens.
Title: Then Hate Me Series: Gilded Decadence #2 Author: Zoe Blake & Alta Hensley writing as Blake Hensley
Genre: Dark Billionaire Romance Tropes: Arranged Marriage/Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity Release Date: March 22, 2024
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He dared to steal my bride, so it’s only fair I respond by kidnapping his innocent sister.
Only a monster with no morals would kidnap a woman from her brother’s wedding… Which was precisely what I’ve become, a monster bent on revenge.
After all, as the billionaire Marksen DuBois, renowned for being a jilted groom, my reputation and business were in tatters. There was nothing more dangerous than a man possessing power, boundless resources, and a vendetta.
I would torment him with increasingly degrading photos of his precious sister as I held her captive and under my complete control. She’d have no option but to yield to my every command if she wished to shield herself and her family from further disgrace.
She was just a captured pawn to be dominated, exploited, and discarded. Yet the more ensnared we become in my twisted game of revenge, the more my suspicions grow. As she fiercely counters my every move, I begin to question whether I’m the true pawn… ensnared by my queen.
New York’s elite play a dangerous game of shadows, hiding scandalous truths and illicit desires behind their opulent masks. Step into this intoxicating world of dark romance, masterfully crafted by USAT Bestselling authors, Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley, now co-writing as the enigmatic Blake Hensley.
Introducing Blake Hensley, the sinfully decadent dream project of best friends and USA TODAY bestselling authors, Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley.
Alta Hensley, renowned for her hot, dark, and dirty romances, showcases her distinctive blend of alpha heroes, captivating love stories, and scorching eroticism.
Meanwhile, Zoe Blake brings a touch of darkness and glamour to the series, featuring her signature style of possessive billionaires, taboo scenes, and unexpected twists.
Together, as Blake Hensley, they combine their storytelling prowess to deliver “Twice the Darkness,” promising sordid scandals, hidden secrets, and forbidden desires of New York’s jaded high society in their new series, Gilded Decadence.
Genre: Romantic Dark Fantasy/ Vampire romance; quest fantasy; Arthurian fantasy; touch her and die; one bed romance; Elder Scrolls, Buffy, and DnD inspired
The Princess Bride and Buffy the Vampire Slayer meet Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass in this Breton-inspired fantasy debut brimming with wry humor, epic adventure, and an irresistible romance.
Lilac Trécesson is a prisoner in her parents’ castle after a most wicked secret was revealed on the eve of her fifteenth birthday. Years later, her Accession looms upon her father’s decision to abdicate, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming noble bent on snatching her throne, she prepares for the worst… Until a letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, containing a curious offer to banish her curse forever.
She begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande, only to find herself cornered by a bloodthirsty barkeep who demands her help in exchange for protection against the even deadlier forces of the woods.
With only the protection of her inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—Lilac must find the impious enchantress and return in time to claim her crown. Pity the fool to underestimate the girl with subpar blade skills but the spite to make up for it.
This is the tale of a cursed princess, A crestfallen killer, The town that wants them to burn, And the witch who can save them both.
“Girl meets boy, girl turns out to be heir to the throne, boy turns out to be a centuries-old vampire…tale as old as time, right? Wrong. Sure, Disenchanted delivers all the explosive romantic energy you’d expect when a woman on a mission to save her kingdom gets mixed up with a reluctant bad boy bodyguard. But, Brianna Sugalski’s magical pen delivers so much more: adventure, intrigue, humor and the kind of deep and diverse world building that leaves you eager for more.” – Sean Gibson, Best selling author of The Part About the Dragon Was (Mostly) True and The Camelot Shadow
“Sugalski’s writing is what predominantly adds the fantastical touches to this tale of risk and vulnerability. A lyrical prose coupled with vivid descriptions completely engulfs, effortlessly carrying away readers to another place and time. A straight-forward plot with the majority of its focus on the evolution of its characters transforms this epic romp into a very intimate illustration of personal growth and self-awareness. The mechanics used to build tension do so without flaw, which oftentimes had me audibly declaring “just one more chapter”. It’s easy to lose yourself in this world she’s created, and I honestly couldn’t ask for anything more.” – Justine Bergman, Whispers and Wonder
“After being in a considerable fantasy slump this year and being underwhelmed by the depictions of vampires amidst their supposed resurgence in YA, I was pleasantly surprised to find Disenchanted. It feels like the love child of Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash and Buffy the Vampire Slayer—two things you should know that I hold in the highest regard. It’s such a strong debut… and I’m already anticipating the next book from Sugalski.” – Meg, A Little Shelf Righteous
Author Bio:
Brianna Sugalski is a multi-genre Dark Romantasy author with a soup addiction, who has spent much time creating TTRPG characters who never get played, so she puts them in books.
Also a history student and developmental editor specializing in Sword & Sorcery SFF, Sugalski spends her free time reading about diversity in the Late Middle Ages and within the realm of Arthuriana.
Sugalski lives in oversized sweaters and prefers exploring the more ominous—disenchanting, if you will—undertones of history, romance, and the arcane.
I accidentally bid on a date with hockey star Rake Hanson, AKA Mr. Puck-Head, at a charity auction.
Now I’m stuck with him.
He’s the poster boy for everything I can’t stand in a guy – sports nut, ego, and that annoying thing called charm.
Some “prize.”
While his grunts and one-word answers threaten to drive me up the wall, at least he’s nice to look at with those broad shoulders, strong jawline, and big… hands. Regardless, he’s an unrepentant grouch. If he ever smiles, I have no doubt his face will crack.
Our date, where I must beam for the cameras and pretend I don’t loathe every second of it, is destined to be a frosty disaster. It goes even worse than I imagine, involving a chartered flight to Vegas, too many cocktails at a roulette table, a wedding chapel, and a couple drunken “I do’s.”
And now his sports agent won’t let me dump his sorry ass until the end of the season.
So I, Petal Parker, am stuck in this bizarro world of stinky jocks, gossip columns, and flashy parties.
But the touches… and the glances… threaten to melt the hard ice around my heart. As the final buzzer of the season nears, I find my fake relationship with Mr. Puck-Head skating dangerously close to scoring the real thing. Ditching my fake husband is suddenly no longer as urgent as his deep, sexy kisses.
“Hey, Petal. When was the last time you did something completely out of character? Like batshit crazy, unconventional, and spontaneous?”
My mouth opens, then closes again, like a gasping fish.
“Let your hair down, baby,” Rake says.
“It’s already down,” I say.
Truth be told, I don’t do a lot of crazy. But I’m not about to admit that to Rake and his friends. They already think I’m a charity date.
Wendy and Daria are at my side. “You know the saying, ‘when in Vegas,’ right?” Wendy asks, nudging me with a giggle.
“Yes, I’m familiar with it,” I say nervously.
This can’t be happening. My resolve is crumbling. Actually, really crumbling. The tequila shot, and the wine before it, has gone to my head, and I’m really, actually contemplating doing something only a fucking idiot would consider.
That’s me. A fucking idiot.
But I’ve been careful all my life. Made nothing but good decisions.
How often do I get to make such a gloriously bad one?
#2
I haven’t had balls this blue since I was a skinny sixteen-year-old trying to figure out how to get laid.
And it fucking sucks.
Sure, I could go get off with some other chick. There’s certainly no shortage of women dying take off their panties to spend time with a high-profile athlete.
That might be a shitty thing to say, but it’s true. Ask any of my teammates. Even the married ones have to fend off the women looking to hook up with a walking wallet.
That’s what I call us guys who have money.
And there was a time not very long ago when I would have taken one of these women up on their offer to relieve my aching balls. But, for some reason, the thought of that just isn’t holding the appeal it once did.
I blame it all on Petal. Petal Parker.
The ballbuster I never saw coming.
There’s no way to prepare yourself for a woman like her. She just appears on the scene one day, and you’re fucking smitten, and it’s hard to think of anything else.
It’s also hard to prepare for the fact that she couldn’t give a shit if I lived or died. I’m not used to that.
It’s humbling.
Embarrassing.
And driving me up a goddamn wall.
#3
“Are you teasing me?” I murmur.
He tilts his head. “Maybe,” he sing-songs. “Do you feel teased, Petal? Is there something you want that you’re not getting?”
He’s good. Very good.
“I… want more. I want you to touch me everywhere,” I breathe.
He presses his lips against my ear. “Good girl.” He grabs my jeans by the waistband and pulls me to him, hard, grinding his erection against me.
M. Lane is the not-so-stealthy alter ego of USA TODAY bestselling contemporary romance author Mika Lane. She’s OBSESSED with bringing you sassy stories with imperfect heroines and the hot dudes they bring to their knees.
Meet Eve, a wealthy heiress seeking the simplicity of a tranquil life in a country town, savoring the bliss of newlywed joy. But the idyllic beginning takes a dark twist when she is caught in the sinister web of a stranger named Jenkins.
Trapped in his home, surrounded by eerie reminders of Jenkins’s late wife, taxidermied deer heads bear silent witness as Eve and others become pawns in a chilling game of control and twisted desire.
As Jenkins’s tangled mind unravels, Eve’s ray of hope emerges in Mira, a fellow captive. Together, they forge a bond in the face of relentless terror—an alliance that might be their ticket to survival.
Yet, as they plot their daring escape, Eve’s mind becomes a battleground of manipulation, deception, and shocking revelations. Jenkins’s motives are more complex than she imagined, and she must navigate carefully to outsmart the mind of a psychopath.
𝘐 𝘚𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘙𝘶𝘯 is a spine-tingling psychological thriller delving into the darkest corners of the human mind. With relentless suspense, twisted characters, and thought-provoking themes, this gripping novel will keep you guessing until the final, shocking revelation. Brace yourself for a psychological rollercoaster that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page is turned.
I’m a famous TV star—how hard can it be to pretend that real love is fake?
To women around the world, I’m Dr. Dark and Dangerous, sexiest bachelor alive.
I meet the only one who has no idea who I am. To single mom Aspen, I’m just the guy who rocked her world one night. Nothing more.
With the tabloids out to destroy my career and a movie deal on the line, I need help. I need a girlfriend to improve my image. Since the only one I want won’t do a real relationship, she agrees to be my fake girlfriend. Except the more time we’re together, the more we blur the lines between what’s real and what’s fake.
Because how I feel for her isn’t pretend at all.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
A USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale writes tempting romance with unapologetic bad boys who don’t just fall in love, they fall hard. Her books have sold over one million copies. She lives in the American West where she’s always finding inspiration for her next story. While she’s not as skilled at social media as her kids, she loves to interact with readers.
Title: Reluctantly Royal Series: Royals Gone Rogue #1 Author: Erin Nicholas writing as Erin Nicolle
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: March 14, 2024
Tropes: Royal/Commoner, Marriage of Convenience, Age Gap, Woman in STEM, Opposites Attract
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A marriage proposal from a deliciously handsome and wickedly charming prince sounds like a fairytale.
But for a nerdy scientist with severe social anxiety, it’s a horror story.
Prince Torin O’Grady, with his mischievous blue eyes and cocky grin, is always in the spotlight. And he needs to marry me to inherit the crown.
But we have nothing in common. He’s a future king. And I’m perfectly happy slogging through mud in my work boots.
So why can’t I stop thinking about him?
Maybe because he won’t stop texting me. And sending me gifts. And making me feel like everything I find awkward and weird about myself is special and amazing.
And there’s also that little detail of him offering me my dream job and telling me that together we can change the world.
Well, I could probably 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 for him.
And if I have to marry him temporarilyto get what we both want, then fine. It’s for the greater good.
It has nothing to do with the way he kisses me. Or that dirty mouth. Or the royal treatment he gives me in the bedroom.
Fine. Maybe it does. Still, it’s only a year. Then I can turn in my tiara and come back to my normal, boring, behind-the-scenes life.
But Torin is determined to turn me from reluctantly royal to royally his.
Erin Nicolle is the new pen name for NYT and USA Today Bestselling romance author Erin Nicholas. While Erin Nicholas is known for her blue-collar book boyfriends and big, boisterous found families in small towns, Erin Nicolle writes rich and royal rogues. But they both love a dirty talking cinnamon roll, a grump who is reluctantly wrapped around a feisty finger, and a gruff, protective guy who falls first and hard.
She thinks happily ever after only happens in romance novels. He can’t wait to prove her wrong…
Falling in love is not on Raven Walsh’s agenda. Running from her past keeps her way too busy for that. She can, however, handle a friends-with-benefits scenario with the hot billionaire who co-owns The Back Door bar. But trusting him with her heart? Not a chance…
Remington Sterling has had his eye on the smart and sexy Raven since she started waitressing at his bar. He knows she’s gun-shy where relationships are concerned. But he’s ready to do whatever it takes to convince her he’s worth the risk…
When Raven’s secrets catch up to her in a big way, she must decide if the potential cost of trusting Remy is more than she’s willing to pay—and Remy will need to figure out how far he’s willing to go for love…
Just One More Moment, book 1 in the Sterling Family series (all can be read as standalones), is a spicy contemporary romance featuring a ready-to-run heroine and the possessive, protective alpha hero who is more than ready to catch her.
Carly Phillips is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over eighty sexy contemporary romances featuring hot men, strong women, and emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. She is happily married to her college sweetheart and lives in Westchester County, NY. She is the mother of two adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers.
When retired NFL superstar Keller Williams returns to his small town to coach his old high school football team, he’s surprised how much he enjoys being out of the limelight and on the field with the kids. Even more surprising is his immediate attraction to the father of one of his players—single dad Niall Harper.
Problem number one: Niall Harper isn’t gay.
Problem number two: Keller isn’t out to the world.
Problem number three: Niall hates his guts. And Keller has no idea why.
High school librarian Niall Harper has always done the right thing. Except be true to himself. Divorced and raising his teenaged son, Niall is dismayed to discover the new football coach is none other than his long-ago Friday night fantasy and nemesis. Not that it matters—Keller doesn’t remember him. It’s nothing new; Niall has always been easy to forget. Now Keller wants to be friends. And more. Niall can’t deny the annoying man makes him laugh and feel things he’d only dreamed possible. But would a player like Keller be satisfied with a regular guy like him?
Being together is more than complicated, but they are willing to take the risk. Niall reveals he’s dating his son’s coach, and Keller comes out to the team, his fans, the press, and small-town gossips. Neither is prepared for the fallout, but that doesn’t stop them. It’s time to throw the Hail Mary pass of a lifetime and win the game of forever. And they’re ready.
It’s been a little while since I last read an M/M romance and I’d forgotten just how good they could be.
This was my first read by Felice Stevens but I’ll definitely be checking out her other books.
I adored Keller & Niall. I liked the tension when they first met and the misunderstanding and skewed opinions Niall had of Keller added to the build up of their story. Keller’s interest and persistence at getting to know the other man was fun to read.
My heart hurt for them both… one in the limelight letting people think they knew who and what he was while the other was also living a lie and didn’t see that ever changing given the small town he grew up in up in and continued to live in.
I liked that they both saw the other and could be what they each needed. That Keller knew he needed to go at Niall’s pace and was understanding, patient and wanted to explore their connection without urging him to rush things made me like him that much more.
Niall was a sweetheart. Always thinking of others and going with what was best for them, he deserved to live his life, fully. Keller was the last person he expected to find that with but, for me, he was exactly the partner that Niall needed and deserved.
I really liked the supporting characters. David was a great kid, his initial reaction to his dad’s news was understandable but how he dealt with things going forward showed how great a relationship he and his dad had.
There were so many tips of the hat to things that still go on today when it comes to people’s sexuality. The double standards people often live by, the ‘fall from grace’ that can threaten when people don’t like other’s choices or lifestyles…… to name just a couple… these issues were well addressed and handled in the book and added to the story (vague, I know… but I’m not for giving spoilers and I might if I say anything else!!)
This was a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming read that had me cheering on Niall & Keller from the sidelines throughout.
Definitely give ‘The Player’ a shot. I’m glad I did!!
Recommend – 4.5*
How about a little sneak peek:
They sat in a booth and David decided he wanted a chocolate shake as well. Marilyn brought it over and smiled. “Great game on Friday, David. I bet you kids take the championship. Especially with Keller Williams as your coach.” “Why thank you, Marilyn. I appreciate your confidence.” Niall froze at the sound of Keller’s teasing laughter. “Hi, Coach.” “Hi you two. Having dinner? No Sunday pizza party tonight?” David wrinkled his nose. “How did you know about that?” Niall blinked rapidly, and decided he needed to speak. “I, uh, must’ve mentioned it on Friday night.” Satisfied with his answer, David sucked up some of his shake. “Where’s your friend?” Niall asked. “Did you leave him at home to pick up dinner?” A bit of light dimmed from Keller’s vibrant face. “No. Elijah left this morning. I got sick of being in the house, so I decided to come out and indulge with a burger and fries. Sometimes you need a little crispy goodness to make yourself feel better.” “Dad?” David stared at him, and raised his brows. Niall knew what David wanted him to do. He wanted it as well but he’d have to keep his guard up. “Want to join us? We just ordered our burgers.” Keller’s face transformed from dejection to pleasure. “’I’d love to. Are you sure?” But he was already sliding into the seat next to Niall. The two of them weren’t small men and Keller’s legs were big and muscular. Of course he was using their proximity to take advantage. Niall had nowhere to go—not that he wanted to. Keller was warm, and Niall wished they could stay in this crowded little booth forever. Keller placed the napkin in his lap, fingers brushing against Niall’s thigh and Niall had to hold back a sigh of pleasure. Until he glanced over and saw the devilish smile on Keller’s lips and knew he was teasing him on purpose. David was busy scrolling on his phone and sucking down his milkshake, giving him an opening. “Stop that,” he muttered. “What?” Keller widened his eyes. “Please?” He pleaded and cut his gaze to David. Keller nodded. “Okay.” He waved over Marilyn. “I’ll have the grilled chicken and fries, extra pickles.” Niall wrinkled his nose. “Extra pickles?” “What? I love pickles.” Their food came first and he felt awkward eating, but Keller waved him on. “I’ll manage.” And did so by proceeding to eat the fries off his plate. Niall had never been with someone like Keller. He was so damn…happy. And being in his orbit made Niall happy as well. It had taken him this long to figure out what that dancing, fluttery feeling in his chest were. For the first time, he was himself.
About the Author:
Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is the Lambda Literary Award winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, and the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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