Title: Chasing Holiday Tail A Holiday Rom-Com Charity Anthology
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy Release Date: October 3, 2023
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Get a head start on the holiday spirit by reading for a great cause!
Fifteen of today’s most entertaining rom-com authors #chicks4charity have teamed up on #Books4Paws. This collection of festive shorts ranges from sweet to steamy and promises to entertain. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Valley Humane Society, a no-kill animal shelter that has been caring for rescues and pairing them with their fur-ever families since 1966.
Title: Letters from the Heart Series: Willow Valley #3 Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Small Town/Widower/Military Release Date: July 26, 2023
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Peggy
After the death of my husband, I drowned myself in flowers, a bittersweet memory of the good times we’d shared. I’d had the good fortune to fall in love with a man who wasn’t great with words but understood the language of flowers. There had been flowers for every occasion, which culminated into the biggest flower delivery of all, my own shop in the small town of Willow Valley, Peggy’s Petals. So I spent all my time and energy building my small flower shop.
Eight years later, my friends are trying to encourage me to move on, but how does a person do that and leave behind the guilt they hold? Instead, I tried something safer. My best friend, Trinity, suggested I join the Army pen pal program. It seemed the safest way to test out the waters with someone new, and the best part, we’d never meet, or so I thought.
Ethan
I’d now been widowed longer than I’d been married and thanks to countless deployments, I knew the men under my command better than I knew my own daughter. As I neared retirement, I wanted to change that. I started talking to my daughter. She explained that she had been doing some volunteer work for a non – profit. She was starting a pen pal program for military men and women and she wanted me to get involved.
Apparently, all I needed to do was write a pen pal provided by the non-profit. So, I signed up, and began exchanging letters. This went on for a few months. The more I knew about her, the more I wanted to know. Then kismet played its hand. Melinda, my daughter, and Peggy, my pen pal lived in the same small town.
As I prepared for retirement, I finally knew where I wanted to settle down. The military had given me an amazing life, now I wanted the job of being a family man, which meant being with my family. I planned to move to Willow Valley, build a relationship with my daughter, and if I had my way, build one with Peggy too.
USA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Title: The Great British Bachelor Chase Series: Hollywood Bachelors #2 Author: Lila Monroe
Genre: Romantic Comedy Tropes: Exes to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine Release Date: July 31, 2023
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Fall for a new exes-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine rom-com from USA Today bestselling author, Lila Monroe! Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry.
Fraser MacKenzie is handsome, Scottish… and the first man to ever break my heart. We had a whirlwind romance during my study-abroad in England, until it ended in an epic ghosting (his), and untold misery (mine). I haven’t laid eyes on his distractingly broad shoulders in ten years… Until I arrive back on British shores for my dream job consulting on a big new production of Pride & Prejudice, and find… that Fraser is working on the movie, too.
Or rather, he finds me. Naked in the communal shower. Clinging to a hand-towel and my dignity for dear life.
I have zero desire to go strolling back down memory lane with him, even if our burning chemistry would put Lizzie and Darcy to shame. But when I accidentally send our lead actor fleeing on a mysterious mission, Fraser and I have four days to track him down – before the entire movie falls apart.
Embarking on a madcap British road-trip with my ex is a recipe for disaster… and serious temptation. Fraser is more infuriating – and swoon-worthy — than ever, and soon, we’re not so much rekindling an old flame as setting the world (and my burning loins) on fire.
But can we overcome the ghostings of the past to find real love? And will we make it to our missing actor in time to save the movie – and my career?
Find out in the hot and hilarious new romance from Lila Monroe!
HOLLYWOOD BACHELORS: 1 The Hollywood Marriage Bargain 2 The Great British Bachelor Chase 3 The Treasure Hunt Hookup 4 The Tropical Romance Test 5 The Smalltown Seduction Plan
PRAISE FOR LILA:
“Romantic comedy at its best!” – Seraphim Books Reviews
“A fun and flirty feel-good story that put a smile on my face!” – Goodreads
“A funny rom-com that gives me all the laugh and fluff was exactly what I need. This quirky and heartwarming second-chance romance was fun, light and perfect to take me away from all the heaviness in life.” – Goodreads
“Lila Monroe’s writing is a sure thing to put me in a good mood especially in the gray days… I smiled all the time while reading it and these characters made my day so much better.” – ItaPixie Reviews
“I love the humor in Ms. Monroe’s stories! They are outrageously funny! Add to that the romance and off the charts steaminess and you get one helluva story!” – Bibliophile Chloe
“This is a great… new series. I enjoyed playful characters, the funny moments and the steamy romance! 5 Stars.” Reading Keeps Me Sane Blog
“Lila Monroe is an author who knocks romantic comedy books out of the park. Her books are, sweet, spicy, romantic and so funny that you cannot help but fall in love with her characters and her stories.” – Goodreads
Combining her love of writing, sex and well-fitted suits, Lila Monroe wrote The Billionaire Bargain. Lila enjoys writing, as it gives her a flexible schedule to spend time with her kids and a wonderful excuse to avoid them. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, who strips out of his well-fitted suits nightly.
Matt I put my truck in park and hop out, walking toward the door with trepidation. I hope the food tastes better than this place looks. A metal bell chimes overhead as I open the door. I’m surprised to find the inside is quite different than what greets you in the service area of this place. The area is bright with white linoleum floors and shiny gunmetal countertops. There’s a soda fountain and coffee stations to the left and the cashier’s check out to the right. A portly appearing older gentleman appears to be reading the newspaper, sitting on a stool behind the counter. “Hi. Are you Elliot? I’m working with my brother this summer and he sent me to pick up lunch for his crew.” “Ah, Harry your brother?” he asks around a toothpick dangling from the corner of his mouth. “Yes, sir.” “Well, any brother of Harry’s is a friend of mine. I’m Jo.” “Matt. Nice to meet you. Oh. Salty Jo is you?” He grins, and I instantly have the feeling this man is a fixture in Candy Cane Key. “I don’t recall this place from when I grew up here.” “What’re you? Thirty?” “Close. Twenty-eight.” The bell chimes again, and I notice customers meandering around the place. No one seems the slightest bit concerned about the condition of the place. I’m sure they have to pass inspections with the health department, but I still can’t help being a tad concerned about eating lunch from a place like this. “Well, we’ve been here as long as you’ve been on the planet, son. Although it probably looked a bit better back then. Time and multiple tropical storms have taken their toll on the place. After a while, it gets to feel silly sinking any more money into it. But your brother has come to our aid more than once for the important stuff.” This makes me smile. My brother really is a good dude. “Speaking of your brother, I guess we need to keep his boys fed.” Jo removes the toothpick that remains in place throughout our conversation and points toward his right. “Elliot’s over there. In the deli area.” A mischievous smirk curls the corner of his mouth. What’s that about? “Thanks.” “Nice to meet you, Matt. Hope to see you ‘round.” I turn in the direction of the deli and feel my stomach grumble as I’m hit with the aroma of fried chicken. Now I live in a mountain town in North Carolina where home cooking is a staple. So for the scent of these gas station offerings before me to cause me to salivate says something. Bending forward, I take in the options within the glass case. There are perfectly prepared pieces of chicken, both on and off the bone, macaroni and cheese, green beans, collard greens, baked apples, and an assortment of pies. Hell, they even have banana pudding here. As my eyes travel to the back of the display area, I find I’m drooling for an entirely different reason. A set of shapely calves, thick thighs, and the hottest backside I’ve ever seen is bent over before me. This girl is leaning into the oven while her tiny cut-off shorts ride up her legs, causing my dick to twitch. Hell, is she on the menu? As if on cue, she stands to her full height. She’s probably about five foot five, with generous curves in all the right places. Those perky tits have to be at least a C cup, if not more. They are perfectly proportioned to her rounded hips and trim waste. Her thick auburn hair is pulled up in a messy bun, covered with a hair net. Yet, I can’t help picturing it tumbling down her back toward that fantastic ass. Shit. I don’t remember anyone in Candy Cane Key looking like this when I lived here. Well, maybe one girl, but she was just that. A girl. While this one is all woman. I barely finish my thought before said stunner turns to face me. While I stand here with my mouth hanging open at the beauty wielding silver tongs before me, I’m met with the biggest green eyes I’ve ever seen. She simply gives me the once over as if this happens all the time. This curvy girl has my mouth watering when it suddenly hits me. Wait. Do these guys come here for the hot chicken or the hot chick?
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.
Title: Brooklyn Cupid A Hidden Identity Roommate Romance Author: Lexi Ray
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance Tropes: Hidden Identity/Roommates to Lovers Release Date: July 25, 2023
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HE IS ABOUT TO SHOOT HIS DREAM GIRL…
Bounty hunting can be dangerous, but Jace Reed is used to danger and always follows the rules. Including the most important one—never get emotionally involved.
But everything goes haywire when the Brooklyn “it girl” interrupts his most important assignment.
Beautiful Lucy Moor may or may not hold the only clue to the target that Jace has been tracking for months. So becoming her roommate to get the intel from her should be easy… right?
SHE IS ABOUT TO CHANGE HIS LIFE…
Nothing is easy when Jace’s simple organized life collides with hers.
His most important rule? Broken as soon as he moves in.
His self-control? Gone with the first taste of her lips.
His sanity? Shattered when he discovers her secret.
Turns out, his new roommate is not as innocent and sweet as she seems at first. And her secret is, oh, so spicy!
Jace never knew love. But now that he falls fast and hard, he is determined to claim it and keep it for himself.
If only he hadn’t brought the danger of his job right to her doorstep…
Title: 4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend Series: Bower Boys #4 Author: Kelly Siskind
Genre: Romantic Comedy Tropes: Friends to Lovers/Forced Proximity/Roommates Release Date: July 26, 2023
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A rule follower gets stuck living with the off-limits woman he’s always wanted in this small-town romance that sizzles with slow-burn heat.
Jolene Daniels is my best friend. Sorry…was. She was my best friend a lifetime and ten years of witness protection ago. Now that I’ve returned to my hometown, Jolene and I are once again hanging out.
As friends.
I do not fantasize about the time we fell asleep in the tree house we built, and I woke up with her tucked against my aching chest. I don’t replay the days we raced through the woods, nothing but carefree adventure and laughter filling the air.
Nope. We’re just old pals, and I’m thrilled to have her back in my life. Of course, I notice how stunning she is, but it’s fine.
Until her apartment floods and she temporarily moves into my place. In the room beside mine. Nothing but a thin wall between us. She also walks around in flimsy tank tops. Zero bra.
Did I mention she’s my brother’s ex and he’s looking to rekindle their romance?
Good thing Jolene Daniels and I are nothing but the best of friends.
Kelly Siskind lives in charming northern Ontario. When she’s not out hiking or skiing, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She loves singing while driving, looks awful in yellow, and is known for spilling wine at parties. Sign up for Kelly’s newsletter at http://www.kellysiskind.com and never miss a giveaway, a free bonus scene, or the latest news on her books. And connect with her on Twitter and Instagram (@kellysiskind) or on Facebook and TikTok (@authorkellysiskind).
Title: Built to Last A Good with His Hands Series Standalone Author: Kat Baxter
Genre: Steamy Romantic Comedy Tropes: Curvy Girl/Best Friend’s Brother/Small Town Release Date: July 26, 2023
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Sadie
My nerdy co-worker is my perfect guy. Trouble is, he doesn’t “see me that way ” Despite my three degrees, it’s a problem I can’t figure out. Until, everyone in my office sees me with my best friend’s brother and assumes we’re together. Turns out a little competition was just what the man of my dreams needed to sit up and take notice.
Suddenly I’m in a fake relationship with Finn, the hottest guy I’ve ever known. He’s blue collar and rough around the edges and oh, so good with his hands. He makes me notice all the ways my “perfect guy” isn’t so perfect after all. Even worse, he makes me wish this fake relationship was built to last.
I love Kat Baxter’s books…. The whole insta love, hot & steamy, MMC all-in-for-their-girl are some of my fave elements of her books!!
Sadie & Finn were fab together, it just took Sadie a little to get to the same point as him. I loved how dedicated he was and how he liked everything about Sadie – her quirky, science focused, quiet self has always been on his radar as Finn had been gone for Sadie for years but never said anything. When he got the opportunity to get her to really ‘see’ him he jumped at it.
Their interactions, banter and ‘fake’ relationship (well, fake as far as Sadie knew!!) made for fun reading.
The guy that Sadie was trying to get to notice her was a total jerk and I’m glad Finn was there to make sure she knew she could do better….. namely, him!!!
A fun, quick, hot read that I definitely recommend!
AUTHOR BIO
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.
Title: Letters from the Heart Series: Willow Valley #3 Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Small Town/Widower/Military Release Date: July 26, 2023
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Peggy
After the death of my husband, I drowned myself in flowers, a bittersweet memory of the good times we’d shared. I’d had the good fortune to fall in love with a man who wasn’t great with words but understood the language of flowers. There had been flowers for every occasion, which culminated into the biggest flower delivery of all, my own shop in the small town of Willow Valley, Peggy’s Petals. So I spent all my time and energy building my small flower shop.
Eight years later, my friends are trying to encourage me to move on, but how does a person do that and leave behind the guilt they hold? Instead, I tried something safer. My best friend, Trinity, suggested I join the Army pen pal program. It seemed the safest way to test out the waters with someone new, and the best part, we’d never meet, or so I thought.
Ethan
I’d now been widowed longer than I’d been married and thanks to countless deployments, I knew the men under my command better than I knew my own daughter. As I neared retirement, I wanted to change that. I started talking to my daughter. She explained that she had been doing some volunteer work for a non – profit. She was starting a pen pal program for military men and women and she wanted me to get involved.
Apparently, all I needed to do was write a pen pal provided by the non-profit. So, I signed up, and began exchanging letters. This went on for a few months. The more I knew about her, the more I wanted to know. Then kismet played its hand. Melinda, my daughter, and Peggy, my pen pal lived in the same small town.
As I prepared for retirement, I finally knew where I wanted to settle down. The military had given me an amazing life, now I wanted the job of being a family man, which meant being with my family. I planned to move to Willow Valley, build a relationship with my daughter, and if I had my way, build one with Peggy too.
A tale of loss – both of a partner and of their way – this pair had more in common than they realised. I really liked the letters and communication that lead to them getting to know each other, I thought they were great. I really liked the lead up to the letters being sent and even though at that point the whole story behind Peggy’s inability to move on from her husbands passing wasn’t known, I kinda understood her hesitancy in sending a letter to a stranger, even if it was a good thing to do.
Ethan’s quiet determination to get to know Peggy was fab, I liked that he wasn’t continually in her space and gave her time to get her thoughts together. I liked that he also got the chance to know his daughter again and realised what he’d given up in the time after his wife passed, I really enjoyed their banter and interactions.
Peggy, oh Peggy…. She drove me bloody nuts at times. She dithered about what she wanted so much, I was amazed that Ethan held in to his patience…. Then, when we finally found out just what was holding get back, I really felt for her but was rooting for her to finally see that she deserved to live life again!!
I love the supporting characters in this series and really do hope there’s gonna be more books to come.
Even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, give Letters from the Heart a go, it’s honestly worth it!!!
AUTHOR BIO
USA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Matt I put my truck in park and hop out, walking toward the door with trepidation. I hope the food tastes better than this place looks. A metal bell chimes overhead as I open the door. I’m surprised to find the inside is quite different than what greets you in the service area of this place. The area is bright with white linoleum floors and shiny gunmetal countertops. There’s a soda fountain and coffee stations to the left and the cashier’s check out to the right. A portly appearing older gentleman appears to be reading the newspaper, sitting on a stool behind the counter. “Hi. Are you Elliot? I’m working with my brother this summer and he sent me to pick up lunch for his crew.” “Ah, Harry your brother?” he asks around a toothpick dangling from the corner of his mouth. “Yes, sir.” “Well, any brother of Harry’s is a friend of mine. I’m Jo.” “Matt. Nice to meet you. Oh. Salty Jo is you?” He grins, and I instantly have the feeling this man is a fixture in Candy Cane Key. “I don’t recall this place from when I grew up here.” “What’re you? Thirty?” “Close. Twenty-eight.” The bell chimes again, and I notice customers meandering around the place. No one seems the slightest bit concerned about the condition of the place. I’m sure they have to pass inspections with the health department, but I still can’t help being a tad concerned about eating lunch from a place like this. “Well, we’ve been here as long as you’ve been on the planet, son. Although it probably looked a bit better back then. Time and multiple tropical storms have taken their toll on the place. After a while, it gets to feel silly sinking any more money into it. But your brother has come to our aid more than once for the important stuff.” This makes me smile. My brother really is a good dude. “Speaking of your brother, I guess we need to keep his boys fed.” Jo removes the toothpick that remains in place throughout our conversation and points toward his right. “Elliot’s over there. In the deli area.” A mischievous smirk curls the corner of his mouth. What’s that about? “Thanks.” “Nice to meet you, Matt. Hope to see you ‘round.” I turn in the direction of the deli and feel my stomach grumble as I’m hit with the aroma of fried chicken. Now I live in a mountain town in North Carolina where home cooking is a staple. So for the scent of these gas station offerings before me to cause me to salivate says something. Bending forward, I take in the options within the glass case. There are perfectly prepared pieces of chicken, both on and off the bone, macaroni and cheese, green beans, collard greens, baked apples, and an assortment of pies. Hell, they even have banana pudding here. As my eyes travel to the back of the display area, I find I’m drooling for an entirely different reason. A set of shapely calves, thick thighs, and the hottest backside I’ve ever seen is bent over before me. This girl is leaning into the oven while her tiny cut-off shorts ride up her legs, causing my dick to twitch. Hell, is she on the menu? As if on cue, she stands to her full height. She’s probably about five foot five, with generous curves in all the right places. Those perky tits have to be at least a C cup, if not more. They are perfectly proportioned to her rounded hips and trim waste. Her thick auburn hair is pulled up in a messy bun, covered with a hair net. Yet, I can’t help picturing it tumbling down her back toward that fantastic ass. Shit. I don’t remember anyone in Candy Cane Key looking like this when I lived here. Well, maybe one girl, but she was just that. A girl. While this one is all woman. I barely finish my thought before said stunner turns to face me. While I stand here with my mouth hanging open at the beauty wielding silver tongs before me, I’m met with the biggest green eyes I’ve ever seen. She simply gives me the once over as if this happens all the time. This curvy girl has my mouth watering when it suddenly hits me. Wait. Do these guys come here for the hot chicken or the hot chick?
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.
Title: Brooklyn Cupid A Hidden Identity Roommate Romance Author: Lexi Ray
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance Tropes: Hidden Identity/Roommates to Lovers Release Date: July 25, 2023
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HE IS ABOUT TO SHOOT HIS DREAM GIRL…
Bounty hunting can be dangerous, but Jace Reed is used to danger and always follows the rules. Including the most important one—never get emotionally involved.
But everything goes haywire when the Brooklyn “it girl” interrupts his most important assignment.
Beautiful Lucy Moor may or may not hold the only clue to the target that Jace has been tracking for months. So becoming her roommate to get the intel from her should be easy… right?
SHE IS ABOUT TO CHANGE HIS LIFE…
Nothing is easy when Jace’s simple organized life collides with hers.
His most important rule? Broken as soon as he moves in.
His self-control? Gone with the first taste of her lips.
His sanity? Shattered when he discovers her secret.
Turns out, his new roommate is not as innocent and sweet as she seems at first. And her secret is, oh, so spicy!
Jace never knew love. But now that he falls fast and hard, he is determined to claim it and keep it for himself.
If only he hadn’t brought the danger of his job right to her doorstep…