Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Enemies to Lovers Release Date: May 23, 2023
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Four months. That’s how long I’ll need to pretend to be Steele Cunningham’s doting girlfriend.
I agreed to this insanity only to save my restaurant. He’s doing it because he needs someone outside his “social circle” to stick it to his meddling parents and clingy ex.
Ruthless and emotionless in both his personal life and his career, Steele’s ego rivals his net worth.
Operating on joy and positivity—and a healthy bit of feistiness—I challenge him at every step.
He’s a tin man—heartless and cold. Falling for him would be a colossal mistake, because there’s no chance he’ll ever love me.
Jewelry heiress Lucienne Peery needs a husband in order to take full control of her company and arranges for a mutually beneficial marriage. When she catches her fiancé in bed with her sister, she demands to marry his older brother instead. And his family agrees to avoid handing over 30% of their own company for breaking the marriage contract.
She only plans to stay married until her control is firmly established. But she does the unthinkable and falls in love with her husband…
When the ruthless and iron-willed Sebastian Lasker is forced to marry a woman fully as scandalous as his embarrassing, disreputable father, he vows revenge. Nobody manipulates him and gets away with it. He’s going to strip her of what she wants from the marriage and get rid of her.
But pride and fortune aren’t the only things at stake as he realizes he can’t let her go…
Contractually Yours is full of a yummy arranged marriage, dislike-to-love, forced proximity, my wife moments, man-grovel and a happy ending.
My ex gives me a once-over and smirks. “Oh, I get it. Looking for a husband.”
I try not to snort. He doesn’t watch the news—thinks it’s boring—and his family apparently hasn’t updated him about my new status. Maybe they disowned him. Wouldn’t that be great?
He continues, “I don’t know why you waste your time like this. Look, I’m happy to let it go if you’ll just see the light and change your mind about our—”
“Don’t hold your breath.” He’s dumber than I thought, bringing up the engagement when I still can’t find enough mind bleach to erase seeing him with my sister.
“There you are,” comes Sebastian’s voice from behind me. “Oh, hello, Preston.”
When he stops next to me, I put my arm around his waist. “What perfect timing.” I smile up at him.
He gives me a mildly curious look, but wraps an arm around my shoulders.
See? This is what you get when you’re with a smart man. He knows the role you’d like him to play without your having to spell it out. The fact that he’s willing to play along without some prior commitment to reciprocate warms my heart. So many people want something first before doing anything for me.
Preston’s brow knits as he takes in the tableau. “You guys are together?”
I triple the wattage of my smile. “Preston, have you met my husband, Sebastian Lasker?”
“What?” His shout rings in the wide-open space. “You can’t marry him!”
“I can’t? Oh, that’s too bad.” I tighten my hold on Sebastian, pressing my side against his. “’Cause I kinda already did.” I extend my left hand, so Preston can see my gorgeous Toi et Moi ring and the wedding band.
Sebastian flashes his as well. Man, we make a great team.
Preston blinks rapidly, his eyes fixed on our hardware. Finally, he jerks his head up, his face blotchy. “Why would you want him when you could have me?”
“Seriously? Are you blind?” I ask.
“I can see well enough to know those diamonds are tiny compared to the one I was going to give you!” He points at my finger.
I drop my gaze to his crotch for a second before lifting it back up. “His is both bigger and better than yours.”
Preston looks like he just got punched in the face by Mike Tyson. Sebastian shakes against me in silent laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Preston snarls.
“You.” Sebastian lets the laugh out. “You’re third-rate comedy, but at least you’re entertaining.” He wipes tears from his eyes.
Preston turns to me. “You bitch! It’s all your fault he’s mocking me!”
Sebastian steps forward, pulling away from my arm around his waist, as the mirth melts from his face. “Watch your tone if you want to keep your teeth. Nobody talks to my wife with disrespect.”
I pat his back a few times, to let him know it isn’t necessary for him to react like this. Part of me is flattered and moved that he’s defending me, but another part feels a bit unworthy of his protection because… Well, I did force him to marry me.
Preston slashes the air with his arm. “She’s my fiancée!”
“She was. You call my wife your fiancée again, and I’ll break your face.”
AUTHOR BIO
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nadia Lee writes sexy, emotional contemporary romance. Born with a love for excellent food, travel and adventure, she has lived in four different countries, kissed stingrays, been bitten by a shark, ridden an elephant and petted tigers.
Currently, she shares a condo overlooking a small river and sakura trees in Japan with her husband and son. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading books by her favorite authors or planning another trip.
Title: Naughty & Nice A Man of the Month Sycamore Mountain Series Novella Author: LM Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Small Town Release Date: September 15, 2022
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Trevor
I came to Sycamore Mountain to start over. Focus on my career, not little miss sunshine. The brotherhood of firefighters is the only relationship I want. Trust me. This tart is the last thing I need.
I’ve been down that road. Beautiful girl who can have any man she wants.
Well Addie Briggs can focus on someone else. No sultry siren is worth going through that heartache again, no matter how naughty I think she could be.
Addison
Of all the men to fall for, I have to pick a grumpy hero.
He’s the hottest thing I’ve ever laid my eyes on, throw on his fireman turnout gear and I’d do almost anything he asked.
But this guy is jaded and scarred. He fights me at every turn. Yet, I can tell there’s a softness under his tough exterior. I’m going all in. Because I’m not ready to give up on Mr. Nice guy.
“What the fuck, Ashley?” “Trevor. What are you doing here?” “Last I checked, I live here,” I shouted as the burley naked jock before me hastily reached for his pants. He looked like a linebacker. The thought had barely left me before I noticed his shirt. The big W insignia confirmed he was most likely on the Washington football team. While visiting the training camp in Richmond had long been on my bucket list, I now wanted to kick that fucking pail down the road. “I thought you’d be at work.” “Obviously. How long has this been going on?” All thoughts of grabbing my assignment for my IT class were gone. “I was going to tell─” “Trev, we’ve got a call,” Jamie yelled through the door. I turned to notice he’d paused briefly to verify what he was seeing. “When I get here in the morning, I want your stuff gone,” I’d spat.
That painful memory is charred into my brain. The betrayal made worse when Jamie later confirmed her lover was NFL player Martin North. He was 250 pounds of raw muscle. Nosey neighbors confided later he’d been visiting my home for months. I wondered why she wouldn’t have broken it off with me instead of sneaking around with a baller worth millions. Until Jamie’s continued investigation revealed, the player was just that. A married celebrity who was having an affair with my girl.
Since then, he’s left his wife and children, and he and Ashley have been on the local tabloid circuit. I couldn’t turn on the television or open a local magazine without seeing the two of them. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Ashley’s face was plastered on every billboard in town. If she wasn’t modeling jewelry for anyone traveling the interstate to see, she was painted on restaurant murals and large airport advertisements. She was fucking everywhere.
I’m aware I was partially to blame. I dove in headfirst. But there was never a moment I didn’t think both of us were all in. She’d wax poetic about our future, travel, and eventually having kids. But I guess it’s hard to compete with a larger-than-life superstar with a bank account to match.
I hadn’t had many serious relationships prior to Ashley. My plate had been full, beginning my career with the fire department and looking out for my mother. My dad had fought a hard battle with melanoma. They discovered it too late to offer much hope of recovery. Cancer instantly decimated our flawless life. We’d gone from a tight family focused on Sunday dinners and the arrival of Noah’s kids to heartbroken in the blink of an eye.
My mother was tough as nails, but I knew it was a façade. Noah’s wife, Becca, would try to bring the boys over to distract her grief-ridden thoughts, but I imagined the lonely, depressing time between visits was suffocating. Unable to bear the thought of her hurting alone, I decided to move back home, convincing my mother I wanted to save money with plans to pursue my graduate degree. Hell, there’s no faster way to kill your sex life than living with your parents. But I slept better at night, knowing it was the right thing to do. I’ll always treasure that time with my mom.
Caring for her as we mourned my father, we grew even closer. We’d always had a tight relationship, but you don’t truly appreciate your parents until life throws you a curveball. I’d been blessed with a happy, loving cohesive family and knew I’d never settle for anything less if I chose to marry. Moving to Sycamore Mountain would be hard on both of us. In hindsight, it’s clear I was merely mesmerized by Ashley’s physical splendor. Visits with my nephews hadn’t brought out her maternal side. However, like me, I figured she was at a different stage of life. She was focused on her modeling career. I’m not making this mistake twice. Getting caught up with some superficial bitch who’d leave the moment someone with a better reputation or bank account came along.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t realize what good time I’d been making. My eyes land on the bright green highway sign. ‘Welcome to Sycamore Mountain.’ Exiting the interstate, I quickly determine this is a one-horse town. As I approach the light at the end of the off-ramp, there’s a lone gas station, and I spot a fast-food restaurant across from a bait and tackle shop. Luckily, according to the GPS, the realtor’s office is only about ten minutes away. Miles of desolate farmland interspersed with clusters of evergreen trees engulf the windows of my vehicle. Occasional picturesque hay bails are dotted amongst the tall grass, but otherwise, the scenic area is enchanting. Unspoiled by the strip malls and housing developments of Hanover. There’s not a billboard in sight. This thought briefly brings a relieved smile to my face until it dawns on me that I probably stand a better chance of meeting a bear in this town than a beautiful woman. I might’ve had a better chance of getting laid living with Mom than here.
As I continue down the road, I stand corrected. There’s at least one female under sixty here. I spot a woman out for a walk with her baby along the grassy edge of the highway. Looking about, it seems an odd place to meander. While wearing yoga pants and a hoodie, I’m surprised at my fixation on her. I’m not usually into MILF’s. I’m in no way ready to settle down with a girl with a kid. But she’s got a fucking phenomenal ass. It’d be a crime not to look. As I grow closer, my eyes are drawn to the face of the child looking back at me. That’s either the ugliest kid on the planet or… Is that a chicken?
AUTHOR BIO
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She’s the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over one hundred novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
Like many of the people in Screaming Woods, I’m cursed. My plight goes beyond my hooved feet, horns and my tail. My problem–my curse– is a different kind of hard. The perpetually stiff kind of hard, if you know what I mean. Only true love can give me “release.” I know it’s too much to hope the pretty, curvy human is my fated mate. One touch and I could lose all control, and I can’t risk hurting her.
Harriet
Ever since my best friend fell in love with a monster, I’ve wanted one of my own. I’ve gone out with a few, but no one gets my heart racing like the brooding, mysterious satyr. Jace refuses to give me a chance though. I know he wants me, I can see the heat simmering in his gaze. We just need some alone time. Yeah, kidnapping him might be an extreme, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do…
USA Today Bestselling Author Kat Baxter writes fast-paced, sweet & STEAMY romantic comedies. Readers have dubbed her books “laugh-out-loud funny,” “hot enough to melt your kindle,” and “The Queen of Adorkable.” She lives in Texas with her family and a menagerie of animals. Kat is the pseudonym for a bestselling historical romance author.
From USA Today bestselling author Ava Harrison comes a steamy standalone romance about a grumpy talent agent and the gorgeous business rival who can’t stand him.
He’s the hotshot agent who hates my guts. I’m the (almost) one-night stand turned business rival.
Imagine my surprise when Paxton Ramsey shows up across the boardroom table. Gone is the sexy smirk, replaced by open hostility with a side of taunting.
His overbearing, grumpy attitude makes my blood boil. But I can’t forget the taste of our kiss. The thrill of his touch.
Our clients expect us to work together. I can’t even stand being in the same zip code.
Surely, I can survive one week trapped on an island with my nemesis? Until one week turns into two. Then three. Then four.
When he flaunts his power to make my career dreams come true… It takes everything in me not to ruin his.
Paxton Ramsey thinks he’ll be the death of me. But I just might teach him how to live in the process.
Title: Paint with Me Series: Fellside Mountain Rescue #3 Author: Dani Elias
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Age Gap/Small Town Release Date: May 12, 2023
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Fellside Mountain Rescue’s volunteers help those that are lost in the mountains. But who will help them when they fall for their women? Meet the British hunks who risk their lives for others and risk it all when it comes to love.
Paint with Me – Book 3 in the Fellside Mountain Rescue Series
Nick is battling his past demons when he meets the woman he has been waiting for all his life. Now he needs to convince her that they are meant to be. Following a messy divorce, Charlotte is weary of men. She has convinced herself that she is past her sell-by date. Why a significantly younger man is pursuing her is beyond her. Should she listen to her heart or trust her gut feeling that something is wrong?
Nick I have many faults. I tend to rub people up the wrong way, and I know it. I have hurt people in the past, but I am trying to become a better man. Never more so than when I meet her. I am sent to rescue a woman who isn’t really lost. Instead of thanking me for saving her life, Charlotte tells me off for interrupting her creative flow. With her feisty attitude, she captures my heart. I need her in my life, but my reputation and our age difference are a deal-breaker for her. So what if she is a little older than me? I am determined to show her I have changed and how good we are together. I need help and have to ask the one person I don’t want to ask.
Author Dani Elias loves writing about British working-class hotties and the women who are their happily-ever-after. Her stories are short, sweet & steamy.
Title: Kissing My Soulmate A Kissing Games Series Standalone Author: Evan Grace
Genre: Contemporary Romance Trope: Second Chance Romance Cover Design: Sarah Paige, The Book Cover Boutique Photographer: Reggie Deanching, RplusMphoto Model: Michael Scanlan Release Date: July 27, 2023
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One look was all it took for Lorelei Mitchell to fall in love and for a little over three years, she and Jasper lived in bliss, it then all fell apart. The things she wanted were no longer the same as her husband—soon to be ex.
As Lorelei tries to navigate the new normal, she starts reevaluating everything, and as much as she misses Jasper, it’s important to be strong. She’s not about to settle for anything less than the things she wants most.
Jasper Mitchell isn’t ready to give up on his marriage, he’s never loved anyone the way he loves Lorelei. Maybe it’s time to heal old wounds and then woo his wife, showing her that they’re truly meant to be together.
It’s her and him and he’s not going down without a fight. She’s his soulmate, after all.
A Midwesterner and a readaholic most of her life. One day an idea came into her head and a writing career was born. She’s a sucker for happily ever afters and loves creating fictional worlds that others can get lost in. She loves putting her characters through the ringer, but loves when they get to that satisfying, swoony ending. When the voices in her head give it a rest, which isn’t often, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Aurora Rose Reynolds, (the queen) Kristen Ashley, Kaylee Ryan, Natasha Madison, and Harper Sloan. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, movies, TV shows and life. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and (the real) Evan, a weightlifter, a home healthcare scheduler, and a full-time writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.
Genre: Steamy Instalove Romance Tropes: Forbidden Age Gap/Forced Proximity Romance Release Date: May 11, 2023
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Riley
Hell hath no fury like a woman who’s been cheated on… again and again. I’ve had it. I dated Alex for six months, and he cheated on me… with my roommate. Now, I’m over him. And to finally avenge his stupid behavior, I’m about to do some misbehaving of my own… with his hot dad. Of course this won’t be a sacrifice… Rhett is about the sexiest man who’s walked Earth. He’s also my boss—and the man I’ll gladly hand my V-card to.
Rhett
When an unexpected guest arrives at my doorstep during my trip abroad, I didn’t expect her to be Riley, wearing shorts that make me drool. I see Riley at work, where she’s always dressed appropriately. This is supposed to be my time. Every year, I take a week off to celebrate my birthday. And now, because of a misunderstanding, I have to share my space with this young, hot girl who forgot the basic rules of modesty. Lucky for her… so have I. She has a dirty birthday celebration planned for me… and I’ll pay her in kind. Once the weekend is over, we’ll see who gets the better gift.
Cassie Cassell writes short dirty romance about characters who can’t keep their hands off each other. She favors mini-stories with low angst, high steam, and fun times—the type to give you a delicious rush of adrenaline on your commute to work or late at night in bed.
She lives in Central Texas with her family.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading thrillers or books that definitely make you blush.
If petting random dogs was a sport, she’d be an Olympic Gold Medalist.
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with her online:
Title: Kissing A Stranger A Kissing Games Series Standalone Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Opposites Attract/Different Worlds Cover Design: Book Cover Boutique Photographer: Wander Aguiar Photography Model: Lucas Loyola Release Date: July 13, 2023
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Decker
If you ask my family, I’m wasting my life. If you ask me, I’m living it to the fullest. Am I capable of doing more? Absolutely. However, slinging drinks at the resort makes me happy. At least for now. Not that my family would understand.
It’s just another night behind the bar, until it isn’t. She’s everything I never knew I wanted wrapped up in one breathtaking package.
I’m drawn from the start, willing to do what it takes for a little more time. The problem is the sand in the hourglass is running out. Her extended stay is coming to an end, and when it does, I’ll have to let her go.
Even if I don’t want to.
Adeline
I’ve been looking forward to this weekend since my best friend announced her destination wedding. Sure, I wanted to see my oldest friend marry the love of her life, but I also needed a break from life…from my father.
However, even states away, he still manages to control my fate. I wanted one weekend. Three days without the stresses and obligations that come along with having my last name.
For the first time in my life, I ignore my father’s demands and open my eyes to what I truly want. I’m seeing everything around me in a new light, and that includes the hot bartender at the resort.
USA Today Bestselling Author Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and three rowdy chickens.
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