Reese Ryan Romance

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Mindful Banter

Get the tea from my chat w/ Danielle Allen (F.R.3.3 today only!) + What I Read

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In today’s post:

  • Danielle Allen Curvy Girl Confessions Chat
  • Barnes & Noble Pre-Order Sale for The Soulmate Project!
  • What I Read: Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen 
    Hold Me While You Wait by Kimberly Brown
  • Fall into a Book Save-the-Date

Curvy Girl Confessions with Danielle Allen

Join me TODAY for this super fun chat I had with Danielle Allen, author of one of this summer’s hottest books, CURVY GIRL SUMMER! 

In this episode of Curvy Girl Confessions, Danielle Allen and I talk about life, love, relationships, and books: https://www.patreon.com/posts/curvy-girl-with-103129707

Watch the episode as a free member today only! 

Join Danielle’s Patreon for full access to all past and future chats!

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! Join for FREE! patreon.com/TheArtofBeingDanielle

GET IN ON THE CONVERSATION!

Pre-order THE SOULMATE PROJECT During B&N Sale!

Have you pre-ordered your copy of THE SOULMATE PROJECT, the next book in my Holly Grove Island series? If not, here’s the perfect time to reserve Nick & Em’s friends-to-lover story. THE SOULMATE PROJECT hits retail shelves on October 8th. Clink the link below to pre-order your copy.

Pre-order THE SOULMATE PROJECT from B&N

About THE SOULMATE PROJECT:

In this delightful small‑town romance, can the search for a soulmate make two best friends realize the perfect person was right there all along?

Emerie Roberts is tired of waiting for her best friend, Nicholas Washington, to realize that the two of them would make a perfect couple. And she’s fed up with seeing everyone else get their happy ending while hers is nowhere in sight. When she finally works up the nerve to tell Nick how she feels, she’s devastated to discover that he doesn’t share the same feelings. With her heart broken, Emerie makes a promise to herself that by the same time next year, she will have found the love of her life using a seven-step Soulmate Project.

Meanwhile, despite his deep-seated relationship issues, Nick is forced to confront his growing feelings for his best friend, whether he wants to or not. Can Nick accept that Emerie is his soulmate before the project tears them apart for good?

Pre-order THE SOULMATE PROJECT from B&N

What I Read: Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

Loved this book. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the strong female friendships; the body positive attitude of the female main character, her friends, and the male main character; watching the development of the relationship; and the growth of the female main character.  It’s giving self-discovery, humor, family drama (I’m still mad and wanna slap the hell out of her uncle) and lots of spice. 

Reese Ryan

Here’s what the story is about:

Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Survival of the Thickest in Danielle Allen’s CURVY GIRL SUMMER, a smoking-hot, hilarious novel about the perils of online dating.

“There’s got to be an easier way than dating. I want the shortcut. I just want to find my person and start our lives together.”
After a one-night stand with her clingy ex, Aaliyah James has an epiphany: this ain’t it. She knows what she wants, and she’s ready to move past casual hookups, flings, and situationships.

But for her family, the clock is ticking—after all, she’s almost thirty. And when they imply that her personality (and her body) might be too big to land a man, she lets them know they’ve gone too far—and her (nonexistent) man loves her curves, thank you very much. Now, she has seven weeks to find the perfect boyfriend to rub in their faces at the big, fancy birthday celebration she’s been planning.

After her first blind date goes wrong, charming local bartender Ahmad Williamson consoles her with a drink and some playful banter. Aaliyah takes him up on his suggestion to use a dating app—but the more she sees of his warm, funny, and easygoing nature, the less she wants to check her DMs. Will her next swipe bring her closer to true love—or is her real match closer than she thinks?

Reese’s content warning: Deals with the loss of a sibling and fatphobic comments from a relative and a few other awful people.

Grab your copy of CURVY GIRL SUMMER

What I Read: Hold Me While You Wait
by Kimberly Brown

I adored this story about two single parents who find love when their daughters become best friends. The male main character and his daughter both have vitiligo. I loved the representation and how he helped his daughter grow more confident in her own skin. This book is giving adorable strangers to lovers, family dynamics, drama from exes that pop up out of nowhere, and growth for both main characters and some secondary characters, too. I honestly can’t recommend this book enough. It’s my first Kimberly Brown book. I guarantee you, friends, it will not be my last.

Reese Ryan

Here’s what the story is about:

Somya Hilton has known nothing but a life of ultimatums. From a young age, it was her and her sister Eliza against the world. When both of them find love and start families of their own, Somya finally feels like she has the life she deserves. Then tragedy strikes, leaving both her sister and brother-in-law dead and Somya to care for her niece Jazlynn who is ten at the time. For Somya there is no question that Jazzlyn should be with her. Her husband, however, has a difference of opinion. 

Xander Tripp has always taken care of business. The product of a drug addicted mother and a felon for a father, all he knows is hustling to survive. After the birth of his daughter left him a single father, Xander pulls himself together to be the parent she deserves. Twelve years later they have a beautiful life, but Xander is lonely… until he meets the beautiful Somya, the recently divorced mother of his daughter’s new best friend.

What starts as a friendly exchange, quickly turns into a beautiful, unexpected love. Trauma bonded them, but is their bond strong enough to withstand the tests of a jealous ex and the return of Xander’s baby mama? Will Somya and Xander thrive under pressure or fold under the weight the world on their shoulders?

Reese’s content warning: Deals with the loss of a sibling, childhood abandonment, life in foster care, an awful ex, and a parent who gives up a child.

Get your copy of HOLD ME WHILE YOU WAIT

Save the date for the 5th Annual Fall Into a Book Giveaway 

Click the link below to make sure you are a member of the Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Facebook Group, so you won’t miss a thing. 

Do it right now. I’ll wait…

Join the Isn’t It Romantic Book Club here.

Have a great weekend!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

See you in Atlanta! + Why I Love Second Chance Romance + Sneak Peek of THE SOULMATE PROJECT!!

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So I’ve been sitting on a secret and I’m so excited to finally share that I’ll be an attending author at the inaugural Black Romance Book Fest happening May 30 – June 1, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia! Check out the website here. But for all of the latest news and announcements, be sure to join the Facebook group here.

You have to see the incredible list of authors that will be attending this event including many of our faves like Kennedy Ryan, A.E. Valdez, J.L. Seegars, Tay Mo’ Nae, Sharon C. Cooper, D.L. White, Vanessa Riley, Tina Martin, Taj McCoy, and so many more.

Early bid tickets will go on sale this weekend from June 2nd – June 4th. Join the FB group to stay informed about the event. Hope to see you there!

What I Love About Writing Second Chance Romance

I love playing with all of the fun tropes in romance: friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, best friend’s younger sibling, workplace romance, fake dating, and more. Each has its own set of challenges and possibilities. But one of my favorite tropes to incorporate into a story is second chance romance. Why do I love writing second chance romances?

  • There’s already an established relationship. We aren’t starting from scratch. This couple has some history and already know each other.
  • But do they really know each other? I love playing with the idea that in some ways they don’t really know each other at all. At least, not at this stage in their lives. Maybe he was an arrogant asshole back then. Has he grown up and made genuine change? Perhaps she was a workaholic or wanted a family and he didn’t. Have their priorities shifted and finally aligned?
  • Seeing the characters’ growth individually and as a couple. Most of us aren’t the same person at thirty as we were at eighteen. Nor the same person at forty as we were at thirty. That’s true of my characters, too. I love seeing their growth and watching them evolve over the course of a novel. I also enjoy watching the characters discover each other’s growth and maturity. And that moment when a character’s level of maturity allows them to admit they made mistakes in the relationship, too… Chef’s kiss

I’d written several books before I realized how much I enjoyed the complexities of a good second chance romance. There are so many possibilities as to how they became a couple and what tore them apart. And even knowing how much I enjoy writing a second-chance romance, I didn’t intentionally set out to write a four-book series of second chance romances (The Love & Music Suite). It just sort of…happened. But I love all of the very different second-chance love-stories in this series. 

If you haven’t read them yet, check out: 

  • Spin the Block. High school “sweethearts” who are now famous music celebrities who fake date again to level up their careers and save their old school of the arts.
  • Never the Right Time. They’ve been on again and off again since high school, but their careers have taken them to different parts of the globe. But he has twelve weeks to prove to her that their love is worth the sacrifice. Available for pre-order!
  • More Than Friends and When It Comes to You coming late 2024 and early 2025.

If you’re a fan of second chance romances, here are a few more of mine:

  • Second Chance on Cypress Lane
  • A Reunion of Rivals
  • The Bad Boy Experiment
  • Secret Heir Seduction
  • Just a Little Married
  • Playing with Temptation
  • Playing with Seduction
  • “His Holiday Gift”

For a list of my books by trope, click here.

A Sneak Peek of The Soulmate Project!

Kassie took a deep breath and sat taller. “You began this journey because you said you were ready to find Mr. Right and settle down. But it seems you’ve gotten cold feet. Have you changed your mind?”

“Definitely not.”

“Then stop hanging out by the side of the pool and jump in with both feet, the way you jumped out of that plane on your thirtieth birthday.”

“Sometimes the dating pool seems really shallow, and I’m pretty sure there’s pee in it.” Em shuddered. “Seriously, some of these guys make Marcus look like the cream of the crop.”

“That is so gross, yet, sadly accurate.” Kassie sighed in commiseration. “Will you meet a lot of Mr. Wrongs? Probably. But eventually, you will find Mr. Right. But only if you put yourself out there and try.”

Kassie picked up Emerie’s phone and handed it to her. “Open up your dating app.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, now. Just think of me as a mama bird. It’s my job to give you a gentle shove out of the nest. And if that don’t work, I’m fully prepared to go with the foot‑in‑the-ass method.” Kassie grinned and Em dissolved into laughter.

“Okay, fine.” Em unlocked her phone and opened the app. “Now I suppose you want me to swipe right.”

Pre-order The Soulmate Project HERE!

📖Watch My Chat w/ Karen Booth + What I’m Reading, Listening to, and Watching 🎵

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Watch the Replay of My Chat with Karen Booth and Get Signed Books.

Earlier this week, I had the honor of chatting with friend and fellow author Karen Booth during her release day celebration. Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill hosted the chat. We talked about her new grumpy /sunshine romance Swap and Smell the Roses, the tough business of being an author, and a lot more.

You can buy signed copies of Swap and Smell the Roses and my book Return to Hummingbird Way from Flyleaf Books by clicking the button below. 

Click here to order signed books

What I’m Reading…

Fake It Till You Make It by Siera London 

Last Saturday, I got to attend another author friend’s book event. Siera London did a booksigning at the local Barnes & Noble and chatted with us about her latest release, Fake It Till You Make It. It’s a fish-out-of-water, grumpy/sunshine, small-town romance. I always find it fascinating to hear the inspiration for and insight into another writer’s story. Siera talked about her own background as a nurse, and how it contributed to this story about family, community, redemption, second chances, and having the courage to start over again.

Learn more about Fake It Till You Make It and get your copy by clicking below.

Click here to grab your copy of Fake It Till You Make It by Sierra London

What I’m Listening To: The Loop by Jordan Rakei

I discovered Jordan Rakei’s song, “Midnight Mischief” by chance several years ago and fell in love with the song and his distinct voice. I’ve been playing his latest album, The Loop, on heavy rotation. I love the entire album, but my current favorites are: “Freedom,” “Friend or Foe,” “The Learning,” and “Hopes and Dreams.”

Watch it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9EVjm8OHus

An honorable mention goes to WILLOW whose album empathogen is also getting a lot of play.

PS: Yes, I am that girl who has always listened to “weird” music in addition to everyone’s faves. LOL.

What I’m Watching: The Madame Blanc Mysteries

The Madame Blanc Mysteries on Acorn

I’m slightly obsessed with British and Canadian mystery shows. A few weeks ago, I discovered a new-to-me British show called The Madame Blanc Mysteries streaming on Acorn. It’s about an antiques dealer whose husband dies in an accident and leaves her nearly bankrupt—except for a little cottage he owned in Sainte Victoire, France. When she arrives in town, the quirky locals believed another woman—who is now mysteriously missing—was his wife. Madame Blanc (Jean White) begins investigating her husband’s now suspicious death, but soon finds herself lending her antiques expertise and clever mind to help the local police chief solve other mysterious happenings around town.

What are you reading, listening to, and watching?

I’d love to hear what it is that you’re reading, listening to, and/or watching. Drop me a line and let me know by emailing me at Newsletter@ReeseRyan.com

Fun, Food & Music in Atlanta + A Taste of Never the Right Time + Small-Town Shenanigans 

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How is the weather in your part of the world? I stepped out of my editing cave to discover that it was a sizzling 91° F. That shouldn’t be surprising since April was the hottest April globallyever recorded. But since I’m a mild weather loving kind of girl, the intense heat on the second day of May was a bit of shock to my system.

What about you? What’s your favorite time of year?

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of giving a session at a local reader conference on Enhance Your Story with Compelling Secondary Characters. I talked about the different roles a secondary character might take on. The final one mentioned was Story World / Setting. Making the story world a character in the story is something we frequently see in fantasy, historical fiction, and Southern fiction. And it’s something I’d like to do more with future books and series. 

My Love & Music series is set in Atlanta. As we get deeper in the series, you’ll hear more about people and places in Atlanta. We’ll also get more glimpses of the yummy foods available at Atlanta eateries.

If you’re an Atlanta native or a frequent visitor, what restaurants, events, or venues would you like to see in future books in the Love & Music series? Click below to share your favorites and why they should be included. Then check out Never the Right Time, the next book in the Love & Music series.

Pre-order Never The Right Time!

When on-again, off-again high school sweethearts Cedrick “Ced” Brown and Anika “Nikki” Hart meet up again at the jubilee celebration of their arts high school in Atlanta, they are both at a crossroads in their lives and careers.

Nikki was once part of a top-selling female group. The lead singer left the group to become an international sensation, while Nikki is still struggling to establish a solo career. She plans to move to Europe and work with a few producers there, feeling that’s her best chance to find herself musically and emotionally.

Cedrick, one of the hottest producers on the radio, thought he lost Nikki forever when she got engaged to someone else. Now that she’s free again, he’s tired of the off-again, on-again dance with Nikki. He’s ready for something real, and Nikki has always been the only woman for him. He just needs one last chance to prove that he and Nikki are the perfect match in love and music.

Ced, co-owner of a newly formed record label, offers Nikki a one-album contract to be produced over twelve weeks. That’s all he needs to show her that she’s the one who owns his heart and that he’s the one who will always put her needs first—in love and music.

Once the album is done, they’ll decide whether to give the project and their relationship their all or walk away forever.

Pre-order here – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CXRZTT5G

Small Town Shenanigans On Holly Grove Island.

What often sets small-town romance apart is its use of place as a character in the story. It’s not the rugged, unforgiving wilderness or a dystopian world that acts as an antagonist for the main character. Instead, the small town is that friendly neighbor or sweet, all-knowing grandmother who is always dispensing her timely wisdom (think Mama Mae in Return to Hummingbird Way). When a reader says they’d like to move to Holly Grove Island, it always makes me smile because I know I’ve done my job as the author in making the place feel real.

If you haven’t read my Holly Grove Island series, now is the perfect time to get acquainted with the town and its quirky residents before the third book in the series—The Soulmate Project—is released on October 8th.

Check out the series here – https://www.reeseryan.com/book-series/holly-grove-island/

Pre-order the Soulmate Project

The Soulmate Project will be on e-readers and store shelves on October 8th. But you can pre-order Nick and Emerie’s friends-to-lovers story here now.

In this delightful small‑town romance, can the search for a soulmate make two best friends realize the perfect person was right there all along? 

M. Malone’s Newest Release is here!

My plan was simple. Career, marriage and kids by the big 3-0. Instead my life imploded and now I’m fixing up my grandma’s ramshackle house in Violet Ridge, Virginia, trying to find a handyman who doesn’t mind being paid in brownie bars and bless your hearts.

Unfortunately the only one who doesn’t require six months and a kidney is Hendrix Evers.

I’m searching “how to sell a kidney” when Rix proposes a deal. He’ll fix up the house if I let him stay rent-free. To everyone else he’s a hardworking, small town hero, but he’s also my best friend’s brother, so I know the truth. He’s rude, juvenile and has a long history of ruining things for me.

But I’m suddenly the breadwinner for my family and an adoptive mom to a pug with anger issues so I can use all the help I can get. Surely we can co-exist for one summer without burning the house down or strangling each other, right?

This was so not in the plan.

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Small Town Romance

Tropes: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine

Get your copy here – https://geni.us/YouRuinEverything

https://www.reeseryan.com/book-series/holly-grove-island

New series coming March 15th: The Love & Music Suite!

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I’m so excited to be launching my first indie series: The Love & Music Suite. The series follows alumni of a performing arts high school (think FAME) in Atlanta, GA. The series finds the group trying to save their old school from the chopping block, renewing past friendships, and reigniting old flames. (Wee for second chance romances!) The series kicks off on Friday, March 15th with SPIN THE BLOCK.

Ward—a celebrity DJ—and Karris—a former pop sensation—are high school exes who once fake-dated to become homecoming king and queen. This time, they are fake dating for the greater good: to keep the focus on the fundraising campaign to save their old school. But faking it is so much better the second time around.

Pre-order your copy of SPIN THE BLOCK here: https://amzn.to/48kpoGP

I’m giving away five e-ARCs of SPIN THE BLOCK. Each title in the Love & Music series is a song title. To enter the ARC g!v3aw@y, share a song that would make a great book title.

Note: If you’re a blogger, Bookstagrammer, Booktokker, or reviewer and would like to request an ARC, send your request to ConnectATReeseRyanDOTcom.

Check out the rest of the Love & Music Suite Covers

CANDIDLY YOURS Fr33 for a Limited Time

If you haven’t read it already, my sibling’s best friend / age gap / Caribbean carnival travel romance, CANDIDLY YOURS, is currently free to download. Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/49etfGF

Here’s what it’s about:

He’s not into commitment. She’s looking for forever. But neither of them can deny the sizzling attraction between them.

Layla St. John has the talent, creativity, and drive to start her own clothing line. What the big-hearted entrepreneur lacks is capital. So when a celebrity photographer offers to connect her with investors if she’ll let him feature her in his photography series about Caribbean carnival culture, it’s a deal she can’t refuse. But Layla can’t help being attracted to the brilliant artist. Too bad he’s her little brother’s former best friend and way too young for her.

Quincy Johnston has spent the past ten years making a name for himself as a photographer and avoiding complicated relationships. But when an impromptu trip to his small hometown, Pleasure Cove, leads to a chance encounter with the woman he’s been crushing on since he was a kid, Quincy gets a taste of the deep connections he’s been missing.

Can Layla and Quincy move past their relationship fears and take a chance on turning their short-term, secret fling into a shot at forever?

Want to Be Among the First To Know About Sales, G!v3aw@ys, and New Releases?

Want to be among the first to know about Reese Ryan new releases and sales, podcast news, scheduled appearances and get access to fr33 reads, exclusive excerpts, bonus material, and more? Then join my VIP Reader Mailing List below.

Rilzy Adams + Beach Reads + Adventures in Wilmington

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In Case You Missed It: Check out my chat with Rilzy Adams

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent chat with readers and Rilzy Adams—author of GO DEEP. It was such an honest, authentic conversation. She talked about how she got started writing, the challenges she’s faced, what she wishes she’d known at the outset of her career, and the issues she still struggles with as a creative.

I felt seen as an author dealing with many of the same struggles. Rilzy shared some invaluable insight, and we learned a lot from our conversation with her. Two of her comments stuck with me. The first was: “My worst day as an author is better than my best day as a lawyer.” That was a truly powerful statement, and it reminded me of how fortunate I am to do what I love. But my favorite quote of the evening was: “Discipline breeds motivation, not the other way around.” As an adult with ADHD who often struggles with productivity, I felt that DEEP.

Catch the replay of my chat with Rilzy Adams by clicking the graphic above or by clicking here.

Here’s What I’ve Been Doing

I spent a few days exploring Wilmington—the town Rett & Sin take a road trip to in RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY. We passed the Farmer’s Market where Sin encounters her ex, and we planned to go to The Copper Penny—where Rett and Sin had dinner followed by an unexpected kiss. But we didn’t make it there. I look forward to returning to Wilmington, NC soon. So I’ll be sure to visit both sites next time.

And while I didn’t make it to the Farmer’s Market or The Copper Penny, our hotel was on the boardwalk (pictured above), and we got to visit both Wrightsville and Kure Beach. We had a fantastic time, and it was a much-needed trip. I look forward to venturing there again soon.

What’s on your agenda for this summer? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

Get Return to Hummingbird Way now!

Here’s What I’ve Been Reading

While I was at the beach, I snuck in some reading. I’m reading Against the Currant a cozy mystery by Olivia Matthews. The protagonist’s family opens a bakery that specializes in making Caribbean treats like currant rolls, despite a rival baker threatening to shut them down because he considers this new bakery to be a threat to his business. The heroine is typically pretty low-key and doesn’t like confrontation. But she and her family have invested so much into this bakery, they can’t stand to see it fail. She stands up to the bully baker and they get into a very public argument. So when the cantankerous bakery owner—who had no shortage of enemies—ends up dead, guess who becomes the number one suspect in the awful man’s murder? Yep, you guessed it. Our mild-mannered protagonist must clear her name if she hopes to stay out of jail and protect her family’s investment in the new bakery. 

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, fun family dynamics, and Caribbean culture, you’ll enjoy this story.

What are you reading right now? Tell me in the comments below.

Here’s What I’ve Been Watching

https://youtu.be/O0JG6V-12ac

I’ve been watching lots of fun shows lately. If you’ve ever heard me talk about what I love, you probably already know I love a good mystery show. But lately, I’ve been on kind of a spy kick, too. I just got finished watching two great shows: THE NIGHT AGENT on Netflix and THE CITADEL on Amazon Prime. If you’re into Mission Impossible or The Bourne Identity, you’ll love both of these shows. What shows are you watching? Tell me in the comments below.

New Releases & Book Deals from Author Friends

His enemy’s little sister is the only person with the power to undo him.

Nothing rattles stone-cold FBI Agent Kai Roman. Not chasing down ruthless criminals. Not the grief of losing his wife years ago. Not even inadvertently being caught in the middle of a bank robbery.

Except Camila Garza is right beside him when danger strikes, and suddenly he’s the only person who can protect the off-limits beauty. No matter how much her older brother hates him.

And no matter how much he secretly wants her.

Camila knows she should hate Roman. He’s made it clear he doesn’t like her—or possibly anyone—one bit. But when they have to go on the run to save their lives, she begins to see past his icy exterior to the man who would do anything to keep her safe.

Including risk it all.

****

The Agent is the sixth and last standalone in the Intelligence Unit series, set in the shared world of Remington. Full of edge-of-your-seat action and scorching romance, this adversary’s little sister, grumpy hero, lovers on the run from danger romance will have you swooning and sweating. No cheating, no cliffhangers, all hard-fought HEA.

Flirting With Danger is a FREE short, sexy prequel to the full-length standalone, The Agent. It contains loads of banter, scorching heat, and ends in a cliffhanger that leads to the novel. Detective Kai Roman first appears in The Guardian. This prequel contains spoilers to that title.

 For maximum enjoyment, recommended reading order is 

1. The Guardian 2. Flirting With Danger 3. The Agent

Flirting With Danger 

She’s the only woman who can bring him to his knees.

FBI Agent Kai Roman’s nickname is The Iceman.
He doesn’t do emotions, and after losing his wife in a tragic accident five years ago, he definitely doesn’t do anything as dangerous as love.

Impulsively flirting with his enemy’s little sister? That he does.
He just didn’t expect Camila to flirt back—or to want her so much.

But when the radio silence after their one night of wanting
ends in the two of them being caught in a bank robbery,
Roman finds himself having to protect the one woman he can’t have…

🌊 🏖 Craving a beachy escape? Joanne Rock has a great deal on her 3-book box set of sexy romantic suspense titles– all in memorable beach settings from Puerto Rico to Coronado ☀. Pick up the To the Rescue collection for just 99¢ while the deal lasts ~ https://books2read.com/rescuebox

Have You Read RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY

Have you read Sin & Rett’s enemies-to-lovers, high-school hate-crushes turned co-wedding planners and renovation collaborators story, RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY? If not, click the graphic above or click here to grab your copy and take your next adventure to Holly Grove Island. If you have, I’d love it if you would leave your honest review at your favorite review site(s) like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, or Goodreads. Your honest review helps more readers find the book. 😘

Until next time!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Happy Valentine’s Day! I’ve got gifts for you. 😘

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Happy Valentine’s Day, Dear Reader!

Gorgeous brown skin woman holds a pink, paper heart to her lips

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day today, Galentine/Palentine Day yesterday, neither, or something in between, I come bearing gifts. 

First up: If you’re on NetGalley, my April 25th release, RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY is available as a Read Now. Check out the details below.

Second: If you haven’t read my short novella, BABY BE MINE, it’s currently a F-R-E-E online read over on Harlequin.com. Just click the graphic below.

Lastly: Keep scrolling to check out the covers and titles of the next two books in my Valentine Vineyards series. Ain’t they pretty?

Return to Hummingbird Way
is a Read Now on NetGalley


RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY by Reese Ryan is a Read Now on NetGalley
Return to Hummingbird Way Read Now on NetGalley! Request your copy HERE!

Be among the first to read my sexy, small-town romance about high school hate crushes forced to collaborate on two high-stakes projects and the matchmaking grandmother determined to get them together.

THREE THINGS TO KNOW:

I cannot wait for you all to read Sin & Rett’s sexy, snarky romance and meet his grandmother, Mama Mae.

Don’t let that sweet cover fool you…it’s getting hot up in these pages. So bring yourself a fan and a glass of iced tea. 🧋

Run, don’t walk, to grab your copy of RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY while it’s a Read Now on NetGalley this week only.

RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY is a Read Now on NetGalley: http://netgal.ly/kz3nDi

WHAT THE STORY IS ABOUT:

In this heartwarming small‑town romance, can three months, two planning projects, and a meddling grandmother finally make two high school hate crushes see just how right they are for each other?

Ambitious real estate agent Sinclair Buchanan is ecstatic to be her best friend’s maid-of-honor—until she discovers the best man is Garrett Davenport. Sin and Rett’s mutual hate crush ignited when they were teens and hasn’t let up since . . . except for that one extremely hot (and extremely regrettable) night they shared five years ago.

Nothing gets Rett fired up like going toe-to-toe with Sinclair. She’s as infuriatingly stubborn, and as absolutely gorgeous, as when he fell for her back in high school. Working together to plan their best friends’ last-minute wedding is one thing, but when his matchmaking grandmother gets involved Rett knows he’s in deep.

Attraction has always simmered between them, but this time, they’re both in danger of losing their hearts.

RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY is a Read Now on NetGalley: http://netgal.ly/kz3nDi

Pre-order here: https://books2read.com/ReturnToHummingbirdWay

Baby Be Mine is a Free Online Read

BABY BE MINE by Reese Ryan

Read Baby Be MineF-R-E-E Online Read!

A New Year’s Eve kiss leads to a forbidden night of passion for Monique and her brother’s irresistible best friend in the FREE Online Read: BABY BE MINE by Reese Ryan. https://bit.ly/3wMEHId

When Mitchell Johnston returns to Pleasure Cove for the holidays it’s to escape his dull corporate job. But he’s immediately confronted by the very reason he left town ten years ago—his best friend’s beautiful and vivacious little sister, Monique James. He can’t deny that he’s attracted to the outspoken and unconventional artist, but won’t gamble a lifelong friendship on what could only be a short-lived fling.

A New Year’s Eve kiss does little to douse the flames of Monique James’s dangerously flirtatious relationship with Mitch. But after an intensely passionate night together, a deep-rooted secret is uncovered and the aftermath of it leaves them both in very different places. Monique would like to forget Mitch’s heartbreaking rejection, but not before he realizes the truth…that they were destined to be together.

Read BABY BE MINE online HERE

Valentine Vineyards Cover Reveals

ONE SUMMER OF LOVE by Reese Ryan
When a cheery STEM nerd and a no-nonsense CFO work together, opposites definitely attract! Only in the next Valentine Vineyards book from Reese Ryan.

She’s beautiful, competent…and wreaking havoc on his self-control!

Brains and beauty? Scientist Delaney Carlisle challenges all of CFO Nolan Valentine’s professional boundaries—and inspires a passion unlike any other. Their chemistry is as intoxicating as the wine they’re creating. But she’s an employee. She’s off-limits. Not to mention, the determined single mom is only in town for the summer to help turn Valentine Vineyards into a success. Then she’s off to a full-time job and stability. Yet when Nolan finally rebels thanks to Delaney’s irresistible charms, he’ll have to choose between listening to his head and following his heart…

Pre-order One Summer of Love HERE

SNOWBOUND SECOND CHANCE by Reese Ryan

Being snowed in with a guest, especially one who’s an infuriating (and sexy) workaholic, puts this innkeeper to the test, in Reese Ryan’s Valentine Vineyards novel.

When #yoga, #meditation, and #serenity become #passion, #fantasies, and #seduction!

Evelisse “Evvy” Jemison has the perfect plan to escape memories of her ex and infuse more positivity in her life: return home to Magnolia Lake and run her sister’s country inn. With enough positive thinking, she might even heal her childhood wounds in the process. Contending with the inn’s surly resident, Sebastian Valentine, isn’t part of the plan.

After suffering a health scare due to overwork, Sebastian has begrudgingly returned to Magnolia Lake and brought his glass-half-empty attitude with him. Yet when a snowstorm strands Evvie with the sexy CEO, neither can deny their explosive chemistry—nor the ticking clock that will bring their idyll to an end…

Pre-order SNOWBOUND SECOND CHANCE HERE!

Happy Reading!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Blending My Passions: Books, Food, and Music

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A small piece of me surfaces in every story that I write. And since books, food, and music are a few of the things I am passionate about, music and food often show up in the stories I write.

One of my favorite scenes in Engaging the Enemy is where Kayleigh teaches Parker—her former friend and fake fiancé—how to dance with Marvin Gaye crooning “I Want You” in the background. In The Billionaire’s Legacy, Benji and Sloane dance to L.T.D.’s “Love Ballad” at Blake and Savannah’s wedding. And in A Valentine for Christmas Julian and Chandra can’t resist going down the Soul Train line when McFadden & Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” begins to play.

And as for food…well my characters are always eating and drinking. From the fluffy, crispy, delicious waffles Parker and Kayleigh shared over breakfast at their mountain cabin to the meals Blake cooks for Savannah in Savannah’s Secrets or the gooey, decadent brownies Dallas and Zora shared in Waking Up Married the night before they awoke to discover that they’d gotten hitched at a Vegas chapel.

My latest release, Twice Faked—an HEA Collective Exclusive—gave me another opportunity to mash up my love of books, music, and food. The story is about a fading pop star and a celebrity DJ who find themselves faking a relationship again, just like in high school. Only this time the stakes are much higher than vying to be Homecoming King and Queen.

Karris Baker is trying to stave off the bad press after her breakup with her former boy band beau so it doesn’t detract from the publicity she’s trying to drum up to save her old high school in Atlanta, Georgia, which is dilapidated and on the verge of closing. Ward Hughes is tired of traveling the world and living in hotels. He wants to settle down in Atlanta and start the next phase of his career as a songwriter and record producer. So helping Karris write and produce her comeback album would be just the thing to help him switch tracks in his career. But as they fake a relationship to save their old school and revive their careers, they discover that maybe nothing about their relationship has ever really been fake.

I had so much fun writing Twice Faked—available exclusively through the Happily Ever After Collective patreon here. The story is a blend of fake relationship, enemies to lovers, and second-chance romance with lots of fun banter and a host of memorable secondary characters (something I also love.)

To get your copy, join the Happily Ever After Collective for as little as five dollars a month. You’ll get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes info, exclusive author chats, HEA Collective merchandise and so much more.

Read the second excerpt of Twice Faked below. Read the first excerpt here.

Twice Faked Excerpt #2

“So… about this proposal of yours that we date. For publicity reasons,” he added quickly.

“You’re considering my request?” Karris turned toward Ward. “What happened to ‘request made and denied’?” She mimicked his deep voice.

“You know you’re not helping your cause, right?” Ward furrowed one of his thick brows and frowned.

“Sorry.” Karris tucked her hair behind one ear. “Maybe I’m looking a gift horse in the mouth here, but you were so adamant about not doing it. What changed?”

Ward shifted his gaze from hers to his photos on the wall, then back to her again. “I’ve had a change in perspective.” He folded his leg, propping an ankle over his knee and resting his chin on his fist. “Tell me how you see this playing out?”

Between her own objections to this plan and Ward’s rejection, she hadn’t thought through the details.

“I just need to change the story out there about me. I was thinking we could go on a few dates. Be seen having brunch at Café Intermezzo and a few other spots around town. Be photographed at a nightclub or high-profile event in New York or LA—whichever you’d prefer.”

Ward stared at her with an unreadable expression, so she kept prattling on.

“You’re a very busy person, so I want to be respectful of your time and work around your schedule. It’ll take a little planning so we can leak our location to the right media outlets. Take a few photos with fans to ensure the sighting hits social media and the right blogs.”

“Will we be required to wear matching outfits?” Ward groused.

“I’m a solo act, sweetie. I don’t do matching outfits.”

One of Ward’s thick eyebrows shot up.

“Correction: I haven’t done matching outfits since we wore them in high school,” she clarified.

“Humph.”

Karris was beginning to think conversing with a tiger would be easier. At least the tiger would eat her and put her out of her misery.

Eat her?

Okay, now she was having indescribably naughty thoughts about those sensual lips of Ward’s.

And if you’re on TikTok or Instagram, don’t forget to follow me there.

Until next week!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Fake Relationships, Anyone? + A VALENTINE FOR CHRISTMAS ARCs

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Happy Friday, all!

I’m so excited to share that my fake relationship romance set in Atlanta, Georgia—TWICE FAKED—is now live! When it comes to romance tropes…who can settle on just one favorite? Personally, I have a Top 5. Fake relationships and second chance romance are solidly among them. My new novella, TWICE FAKED—set in Atlanta, Georgia among a group of former high school friends all currently in some area of the music industry—delivers both.

Ward Hughes is a celebrity DJ and Karris Baker is a pop star whose career has seen brighter days. In high school, they faked a relationship so they could become Homecoming King & Queen. But after a rough few months, Karris wants Ward to reprise his role as her fake boyfriend—not so much for herself, but to save their old high school.

It was so much fun writing Ward & Karris’s love story. I can’t wait for you to read it. Check out an excerpt below. Then click the link to join the Happily Ever After Collective Patreon and grab a copy of your own copy of my HEA Collective exclusive novella. Plus, check out the other three fake relationship novellas available this month.

Calling All Bloggers, BookTokers & Bookstagrammers! Request an ARC of A Valentine for Christmas

Click the graphic above to request an e-book or paperback ARC of A Valentine for Christmas now!

Twice Faked Excerpt

“I was hoping to have a quick chat with Ward. Is he available?”

“Depends on who’s asking.” Ward made his way down the stairs and rounded the corner. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his gray pants, seeming neither surprised nor pleased to see Karris standing in his foyer.

Wardell Hughes had best been described as “cute” back when they attended Peachtree School of the Arts together. But now… it was safe to say the man was movie-star handsome. Was it any wonder he’d been on the cover of a handful of music and lifestyle magazines looking hot enough to set the glossy pages afire?

“I’ve got it, sis.” Ward sauntered toward the open front door, his expression unreadable as his dark eyes locked with hers.

A shiver ran down Karris’s spine; her throat suddenly seemed parched, and for a moment, she could hardly remember her own name.

“Great. Then I’ll get started on lunch,” Wanda said. “Should I set another place?”

“No.” The chill coming off that single word was unmistakable. “Our guest won’t be staying.”

Wanda gave Karris an apologetic smile, then turned and walked away.

Ward leaned against the doorway with his arms folded. His broad shoulders and wide chest seemed to fill the space. He was a couple of inches shy of six feet tall. And his athletic build made Karris wonder about the musculature beneath the cobalt-blue linen T-shirt that hugged his chest, emphasizing his pecs.

He leaned forward a little. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“You didn’t ask one.” Karris tipped her chin. “Not technically. And let’s not pretend you don’t know who I am, Ward. You’re not really going to be that petty, are you?” 

One corner of his broad mouth curved in a smirk, and his nostrils flared. “You call it being petty. Maybe I feel it’s justified. After all, when we broke up in high school—”

“I was kind of a bitch about it,” Karris admitted with a deep sigh. She tucked her hair behind her ear. “You’re right. I certainly could’ve been kinder about it. But I was young and dumb and feeling myself a bit if I’m being honest. I’ve wanted to say that for years. But whenever we crossed paths…” She shrugged. “The time and place were never right.”

Ward stared at her without response, his arms still folded.

Karris glanced over her shoulders at the homes on either side of his. She had no reason to believe the paparazzi were following her this morning. But it was possible someone might’ve been watching Ward’s house. Former pop star pleading with now-famous ex wasn’t a headline she wanted to see either.

“May I come in for a minute?” Karris asked. The chill from Ward’s stare sent a far less pleasurable shiver through her. “I won’t keep you long.”

Ward stepped aside begrudgingly and gestured toward the double French doors of his office. Karris thanked him and stepped inside, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of Ward’s desk.

He settled into his chair on the other side and steepled his fingers. “So… how about we get to the part where you ask me whatever it is you came here to ask?”

Is that what her former classmates thought of her? That she only reached out to them because she needed something? Even worse, perhaps they were right.

“And don’t give me that ‘I was just in the neighborhood’ crap. We both know that isn’t true.” Ward sat back in his chair and checked his watch. “I have a brisket sandwich and a warm slice of apple pie waiting for me. So just know that every minute my food is getting colder, I’m feeling slightly less generous.”

“Then I’ll get right to the point.” Karris laid her purse in her lap and folded her hands on top of it. “I’d like to propose a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“A mutually beneficial arrangement.” Ward mimicked her voice, then laughed bitterly. “Like your proposal that we ‘date’”—he used air quotes—“simply for the sake of becoming homecoming king and queen?”

“Just like that, actually.” Karris’s face warmed. A knot clenched in her stomach in response to Ward’s widened eyes, followed by a deep frown. He didn’t speak, so she continued. “I realize I’m not your favorite person, Ward.” She ignored the grunt, which confirmed her deduction more heartily than necessary. “But like before, we can help each other achieve our goals.”

“And what exactly is your goal here, Karrisma?” Ward cocked his head, hitching one brow so high it practically hit his hairline.

He evidently remembered how much she hated being called by her given name and was trying to goad her. She wouldn’t let him.

Focus on why you’re here and reason with him.

She took a calming breath. “Maybe you’ve noticed that I’ve been getting a lot of less-than-flattering press lately.”

“No, actually, I hadn’t,” Ward said coolly, folding his hands over his stomach as he stared at her. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do…” Karris sucked in another deep breath and lowered her voice. “I didn’t do anything other than getting dumped by my fiancé. Which, I’m fine with,” she added quickly. “That’s his prerogative.”

“So, what’s the problem?” Ward shrugged.

“The problem is that six months after our breakup, Monté has apparently found the love of his life. But rather than just celebrating his newfound happiness”—Karris practically spit the words which were a direct quote from one of the countless articles about the newly engaged couple—“the narrative has become poor little washed-up Karris Baker who hasn’t had a hit in years. Whatever will she do?”

“Here’s a bit of free advice, sweetheart. We’re public personalities.” Ward shrugged. “People are gonna manufacture shit about us that isn’t true. On television, in print, on social media… You can’t chase down every unflattering headline out there. It isn’t good for your psyche, soul, or career. My advice? Let it go. Some other current or former pop star will do something stupid, and the news cycle will move on.”

Want to read the rest of my fake relationship, second chance romance TWICE FAKED? Click here to join the HEA Collective Patreon.

Fake Relationships Galore

Check out the four fake relationship novellas available this month for Happily Ever After Collective patrons and join for as little as $5 here.

New from Tina Martin & Stephanie Nicole Norris

Dangerously in Love (Love Doses, Book 1)

Dangerously in Love. New from Tina Martin and Stephanie Nicole Norris

When love and danger collide…

Wasn’t Supposed To Love Her by USA Today bestselling author Tina Martin

Ex-soldier Royce Pembroke has a new assignment on the anti-human trafficking task force – to monitor Makeena Ellison who’s just been trafficked in an undercover operation. She’s young, vulnerable and naïve. Royce’s team is bent on bringing the traffickers to justice, but he’s constantly distracted by this beautiful young woman who’s desperate for love. Can he focus on his assignment without catching feelings?

Mistaken Identity by USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Nicole Norris

Identical looks were their only commonality.

For Tiana, life is one challenge after another, but her greatest struggle is sharing a face with the sister she despises. Briana seems to have it all when her charmed life is ripped apart, and memory loss leaves her uncertain of who she is. With the help of a handsome stranger, Briana’s new life and love blossom, but Tiana won’t rest until Briana has no life at all.

Dangerously in Love features the previously published novels, Wasn’t Supposed to Love Her by Tina Martin and Mistaken Identity by Stephanie Nicole Norris. Pre-order now to receive two novels for only $2.99! (Release date November 4, 2022)

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGYDK1F1

BN https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dangerously-in-love-tina-martin/1142372806?ean=2940166759122

BN https://bit.ly/3RuYkfH

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dangerously-in-love-13

Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6443592782

Scribd https://www.scribd.com/book/597330431

Cover Reveals + A Giveaway + Book News

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Happy Friday!

Summer is winding down, and it feels like 2022 is blowing by in a flash. It’s been a rough year for many of us, but there have also been many moments to celebrate. My goal for the rest of the year is to pop in on Fridays and give you a quick update. But today, there’s lots to share.

Cover Reveal: A COWBOY KIND OF THING

A COWBOY KIND OF THING by Reese Ryan

This one is for Tripp Noble’s story. You might remember him in his sister’s story, HIS UNTIL MIDNIGHT—my first Texas Cattleman’s Club book.

Here’s what the story is about:

A cowboy and a career-focused city girl can’t agree on anything—until they fall into bed in this latest installment in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: The Wedding.

He’s Texas. She’s Hollywood.
…and together they’re playing with fire!

Dionna Reed is in Royal, Texas, to help plan her starlet bestie’s wedding. But when the bride and groom bail, all the planning falls to Dionna…and the too-hot, too-sexy best man who’s convinced Texas can outdo Hollywood for this wedding event of the year. Well, bring it on, cowboy.

Tripp Noble has one week to convince city-slicker Dionna that Royal is the perfect place for his cousin’s wedding—all the while keeping his hands off the gorgeous maid of honor. But cowboys don’t always follow the rules…

Coming February 2023

Pre-order your copy of A COWBOY KIND OF THING here.

Cover Reveal: RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY

Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan (Holly Grove Island Book #2)

We’re finally making our return to Holly Grove Island! I can’t wait for you to read Sin & Rett’s love story, meet his adorable, matchmaking grandmother, and catch up with Dexter and Dakota.

Here’s what the story is about:

Can three months, two planning projects, and a meddling grandmother finally make these high school hate crushes see just how right they are for each other?

Coming April 2023

Pre-order your copy of RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY here.

Find My Books on Kindle Unlimited

My two marriage of convenience trope stories are currently available on Kindle Unlimited: WAKING UP MARRIED & JUST A LITTLE MARRIED. Click the graphics to download each respective title.

Download WAKING UP MARRIED
Download JUST A LITTLE MARRIED

Praise for RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY & WAKING UP MARRIED

SECOND CHANCE ON CYPRESS LANE on list of 13 Captivating Novels Set in the South
13 Captivating Novels Set in the South
WAKING UP MARRIED on the list of 25 Marriage of Convenience Romance Recommendations
If You Can’t Get Enough of the Marriage of Convenience Trope, Then Check Out These 25 Books

Reader Giveaway

I’m hosting a signed book giveaway over in The Corner of Smart & Sexy reader group. To enter to win one of two signed 2-n-1 paperbacks, join the group and follow the instructions on the post here.

Just a Little Married & Waking Up Married by Reese Ryan

Until next Friday!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.