Reese Ryan Romance

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

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Pre-order your signed books now + More F-R-E-E Reads!

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  • Pre-order your signed books now! 
  • Download My F-R-E-E Novella, Made for Me
  • Check out B Fly’s Book Bistro

Happy Weekend!

I hope you’re finding peace and joy despite the chaos in the world. I’m deepening my connections. Doing a better job of staying in touch with friends. Spending more time with family. Finding joy in reading and writing stories. And exploring ways to turn a favorite hobby into a possible side gig. What about you? How are you coping with the chaos, uncertainty, and unrest? Drop me a line here to tell me.

One of the things I’m really looking forward to is the opportunity to connect with readers and author friends at two upcoming events: the Boozy Book Tour Raleigh on May 17th and the Black Romance Book Fest May 30 – June 1st in Atlanta. Will you be attending either event?

If so, and you’d like a signed copy of one of my books, be sure to pre-order yours by clicking one of the links below. The deadline for the Boozy Book Tour is April 20th and the deadline for the BRBF in Atlanta is April 27th.

Looking for another resource for F-R-E-E reads? Check out BFly’s Book Bistro. Each week, Book Bistro offers a curated menu of Black love stories written by Black authors, fr33 books, and delicious deals of ALL genres.

Marcus

India Wells and I have been friends since we were kids, but life took us in different directions. I’m an entertainment lawyer in Atlanta. She’s a classically trained violinist living in Boston. But when my cousin, the record producer, needs a session violinist, I call India up and offer to let her stay with me while she takes on this career-defining project. I’ve been happily divorced for three years. But the more time I spend with India, the more I realize what I’ve been missing.

India

After Juilliard, I followed my doctor boyfriend to Boston. I got the fairytale wedding, but all that glitters ain’t gold. Post-marriage, my sole focus has been elevating my career and breaking down the barriers I’ve faced while inspiring the next generation of classical musicians. But as Marcus and I get reacquainted, there’s an undeniable attraction between us.  

Crossing the line means risking my friendship with the one person I can always count on. We’ve both been burned before. So when desire turns into something deeper, is one of us prepared to sacrifice everything we’ve worked for for a second chance at love?

📚Get MADE FOR ME and 44 More Exclusive, Black Romances Absolutely F-R-E-E!📚

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  • Download My F-R-E-E Novella, Made for Me
  • Meet Marcus & India of Made for Me
  • Download Claiming You by Tina Martin for FR33!

In case you missed it, I just dropped a brand new novella in the Love & Music Suite universe. Made for Me is an exclusive, original friends-to-lovers story that is part of the Book Baes & HEAs g1v3aw@ay hosted by Prolific Works. You can download these Black romances for absolutely F-R-E-E for a limited time. So grab your virtual shopping basket, click the button below, and download as many as you’d like right now.For more about Made for Me, keep reading.

Marcus

India Wells and I have been friends since we were kids, but life took us in different directions. I’m an entertainment lawyer in Atlanta. She’s a classically trained violinist living in Boston. But when my cousin, the record producer, needs a session violinist, I call India up and offer to let her stay with me while she takes on this career-defining project. I’ve been happily divorced for three years. But the more time I spend with India, the more I realize what I’ve been missing.

India

After Juilliard, I followed my doctor boyfriend to Boston. I got the fairytale wedding, but all that glitters ain’t gold. Post-marriage, my sole focus has been elevating my career and breaking down the barriers I’ve faced while inspiring the next generation of classical musicians. But as Marcus and I get reacquainted, there’s an undeniable attraction between us.  

Crossing the line means risking my friendship with the one person I can always count on. We’ve both been burned before. So when desire turns into something deeper, is one of us prepared to sacrifice everything we’ve worked for for a second chance at love?

Download your copy of MADE FOR ME and a host of other Black romances during the Book Baes & HEAs g!v3aw@y by clicking below!

At 39, Remington (Remy) Lennox married Emory McNeil. He told her their marriage was strictly for business, a private arrangement between friends with no need for the rest of the Lennox family to know.

What Remington hasn’t told Emory is that he’s been in love with her from the start. While she believes they’re only friends, he’s secretly devoted to her, worshiping the ground she walks on. He’s kept his feelings hidden—until now. As his younger brother, Giovanni, starts edging closer to Emory, Remington realizes he can no longer stand by quietly. It’s time to claim his woman and confess his love, because keeping their marriage a secret is no longer an option.

Don’t miss out on this incredible g!v3aw@y of forty-five Black love stories by some of your current and soon-to-be favorite Black authors. Alexandria House, Monica Walters, B. Love, Danielle Allen, Sherelle Green, Elle Wright, Sheryl Lister, AC Arthur, Tatum James, ML Bash, K.C. Mills, DL White, Stephanie Nicole Norris, Tina Martin, me, and so many more.

Psst! Wanna hear about my super secret project? + Check out my recent book chats.

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  • Super Secret Project Coming Soon!
  • Check out my chat with Romance in Colour
  • My chat with Black Writers Read Podcast
  • A Hint of What My Super Secret Project is About

Happy Friday!

I’m so excited to finally be able to give you some details on a super secret project I’ve been working on. Book Baes and HEAs is an amazing g!v3aw@y of FORTY-FIVE exclusive, original e-books that you can download, starting on April 1st. The incredible, Black indie authors participating include:

  • Alexandria House
  • B. Love
  • Danielle Allen
  • Stephanie Nicole Norris
  • Monica Walters
  • Tina Martin
  • Elle Wright
  • Sherelle Green
  • ML Bash
  • Aubree Pynn
  • Moi
  • And many, many more!

Look for my email with the link to download all these books on Tuesday, April 1st. Scroll to the bottom of this email for a sneak peek of my title, book cover and what the book is about.

Recently, author Tati Richardson (The Build Up, Losing Sight) and I chatted about author life, the publishing industry, my Love & Music Series, and so much more. So if you miss my Story Behind the Story podcast, currently on hiatus, you’ll definitely want to check out both of my recent podcast appearances. If you ever wanted to know my unfiltered thoughts on just about anything, these two podcasts will give you just that.

Scan the QR code or click the button below to listen to my no holds barred chat with Tati. Got questions or comments? Feel free to share them here.

Nicole Young-Martin is an adjunct professor, so we got into the nitty gritty of discussing a range of topics from why I chose to write the Love & Music Suite as an indie series, why I opted to write the series in first person, my honest take on why Black, brown, and LGBTQIA+ books are somehow the only books being targeted by book banning Yahtzees and their wannabe king, and a whole lot more.

Click the graphic above to watch my illuminating discussion with Nicole M. Young-Martin. It includes me reading a passage of More Than Friends and at times is NSFW. If you have questions or comments about our discussion, feel free to share them here.

When an ambitious corporate lawyer hosts his childhood friend—a classically trained violinist—while she takes on a career-defining project over the summer, things heat up. By summer’s end, desire has bloomed into something deeper, but they’ve both been burned before. Is one of them willing to sacrifice their career ambitions for a second chance at love?

Download link coming April 1st!

💖 March is Developmental Disabilities Month. Here’s a list of romances that offer representation.📚

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Happy Friday!

How has your week been? 

The month of March is already winding down. But I wanted to highlight that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. One of the things I take very seriously as an author is the privilege and honor of offering representation to readers of all kind who, like me perhaps, didn’t see themselves in the pages of a book when they were growing up.

Maybe it’s because they were Black or plus-sized or dark-skinned. Maybe it’s because they were a stutterer or had ADHD. Maybe it’s because they are the caretaker of a child or sibling who is on the autism spectrum. Whatever the case, despite the wholesale attempt in the United States and other countries to suppress or erase the stories of people who are in any way “different,” I am grateful to be able to read and write stories that offer representation for everyone—including those with developmental disabilities.

Two of my favorite reads featuring characters with developmental disabilities are The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and The Brown Sisters trilogy by Talia Hibbert. Check out my list of books that include characters with developmental disabilities in the next section. Developmental disabilities can include the following and more:

  • Intellectual Disabilities
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Learning Disabilities
  • ADHD
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Vision, Speech, and Hearing Impairments
  • Down Syndrome

Click the graphic above to learn more.

Do you have a favorite book that offers representation to those with developmental disabilities? Share them here.

SPIN THE BLOCK Turns 1! Download for FR33 everywhere! 

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Happy Friday!

How has your week been? I hope you were able to find moments of peace and joy despite the chaos of life in these unprecedented times. Because rest is an act of resistance. (More about this here.) One of the things bringing me joy today is the first anniversary of the launch of my first indie series: The Love & Music Suite. 

This friends-to-lovers, second chance romance series is set in Atlanta, Georgia and follows the romantic and career adventures of music industry celebrities who are alumni of the fictional Peachtree School of the Arts. As this group reunites, connections are made, old friendships blossom, and love blooms.

Today is the birthday of the first book in the series, Spin the Block. And to celebrate this very special anniversary, Spin the Block is now FR33. And while the book is no longer part of Kindle Unlimited, it is now available for FR33 at a wide variety of online retailers: Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Everand, Smashwords, Angus & Robertson, and more.

So if you haven’t read Karris and Ward’s love story and been introduced to the Peachtree gang, be sure to grab your copy below. Already own a copy of the book? Be sure to tell a friend. Then tell me what you do to find peace, joy, and rest. I’d love to hear about it here.

She needs a favor from her ex…again. This time, he has a few demands.

Karris

Five years ago, I was the reigning princess of pop. Now, I’m just a former boy band member’s ex. I’ve been in this business a long time, so I’ve developed a tough skin. But negative press is hijacking my fundraising campaign to save my performing arts high school in Atlanta from being demolished. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So to spin the story my way, I’ve asked celebrity DJ Ward Hughes to reprise his role as my fake boyfriend—a stunt we pulled in high school. But this time, Ward has demands.

Ward

I started out spinning records in underground clubs in Atlanta and rose to fame playing sets at legendary clubs and festivals all over the world. Ten years in, and I’m tired of grueling, international tours and living out of hotel rooms. I’m ready to shift gears and become a songwriter and record producer. But A-list artists are reluctant to work with an unproven writer and producer. Working on Karris’s comeback album will give me the chance to showcase my pen game and production skills while helping her make music with a soulful vibe that she was always meant to sing.

But faking it as high school sweethearts who spin the block hits a little too close to home because nothing about our feelings has ever really been fake.

Rest is an Act of Resistance

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Happy Friday, all!

How are you doing? No, I mean…really. How are you doing, babes?

I recently saw a post on Threads where a reader asked how other people were able to read, write, and talk about books when the world is on fire. (I couldn’t find the original post, I’m sorry!) It wasn’t a criticism. It was a legitimate question. One I completely sympathize with as a person who’s been stressed and finding it difficult to sleep lately. But what I’ve also come to realize is that rest and self-care are acts of resistance at a time when an authoritarian and unelected billionaires, who display the cruelty of a poorly developed cartoon villain, are eroding human rights and denying support to the most vulnerable members of our society: the poor, the disabled, veterans, underserved communities, and children, to name a few. 

Rest is an Act of Resistance

So, my darling, take that one-tank, weekend trip. Go ahead and buy yourself that book or borrow it from your local library. Then take that long, soaking bath. Unplug and go for a walk in your neighborhood or at your favorite park. Spend some time with the people you love by unplugging and being completely present. Binge your favorite show. Take an at-home reading retreat. Do yoga. Meditate. Throw an at-home dance party. Do whatever you need to do to give yourself a measure of peace, space to breath, and the chance to reset in preparation for whatever comes next. Because if we don’t refill our own cup first, we can’t support the people we love and fight for the causes that are most important to us.

I’d love to hear what it is you’re doing for self-care and to rest during these stressful times. Tell us in the comments.

In the meantime, be good to yourself, cherish those you love, and enjoy your weekend!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Happy Valentine’s Day! + Snag Signed Love & Music Suite Paperbacks + Tia Williams Event Recap!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

How has your week been? I hope that regardless of how hectic your life might be that you were able to find moments of peace and joy. This week, I let go of all the stressors in my life for a couple of days as my husband and I took a short road trip to Winston-Salem for my chat with Tia Williams. 

It’s a little less than a two-hour drive. But something about just hanging out together and not worrying about anything or anyone else was truly special. It was a much-needed chance for us to destress, take a mental break, and reconnect. Here’s hoping you’ll get some time to recharge this weekend, too.

Got any special plans in mind? I’d love to hear about them here.

Would you like a signed copy of Never the Right Time, or More Than Friends? A limited number of signed books are currently in stock. Click below to request yours today while they’re still available.

Get your signed paperback HERE!

So let me tell y’all… This event was so much fun! It was an honor to meet Tia Williams and to chat with her about her fantastic book, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, which I read from cover to cover in a single day. Despite the cold, rainy weather, the turnout was fantastic, and the readers were lovely. I enjoyed meeting many of them—some of whom had driven several hours to be there. And the staff and volunteers at Bookmarks were incredible, as always.

If you’re able to get to Winston-Salem, NC, do yourself a favor and attend one of the amazing events hosted by Bookmarks bookstore. They have so many terrific author events, book panels, and regular book club meetings. They also host a wonderful book festival in early fall. Plus, Bookmarks independent bookstore is actively working to make a diverse range of books accessible to readers at a time when we are seeing a growing call for book bans. Check out Bookmarks here. See a quick video recap of the event on Instagram here.

Join Me & Tia Williams in Winston-Salem on Wednesday 12th February!

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I hope you’re having a great week and that you’ve got something fun or relaxing planned for the weekend. I’m behind on the super secret project I’m working on, but I’m squeezing in some time with the grandkiddos this weekend. How about you? What are your plans for the weekend? 

Then, next week, I’m excited that I get to chat with Tia Williams, the New York Timesbestselling author of Seven Days in June, at a reader event in Winston-Salem NC, hosted by Bookmarks—one of my favorite independent bookstores. If you’re an easy distance from Winston-Salem, I’d love it if you’d join us on February 12th at 6:30 PM. 

We’ll talk about Tia’s latest release, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, her career, and a variety of other topics. Tickets for the event are $23 (plus taxes & fees) and include a paperback copy of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. Tia’s books will be available for purchase at the event, as will paperback copies of my Love & Music Suite: Spin the Block, Never the Right Time, and More Than Friends. A booksigning will follow the seated program. 

Got a question you’d like me to ask Tia Williams? Submit it here.

Click the button below to reserve your ticket.

DATE: 02/12/2025

TIME: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

PLACE: Reynolds Place Theatre (inside Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts), 251 North Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

In this sexy modern-day fairytale from the New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June, a free-spirited florist and an enigmatic musician share a soul mate connection told through the history, art, and the magic of Harlem.

Leap years are a strange, enchanted time. And for some, even a single February can be life-changing.

Ricki Wilde has many talents, but being a Wilde isn’t one of them. As the impulsive, artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, she’s the opposite of her famous socialite sisters. Where they’re long-stemmed roses, she’s a dandelion: an adorable bloom that’s actually a weed, born to float wherever the wind blows. In her bones, Ricki knows that somewhere, a different, more exciting life awaits her.

When regal nonagenarian, Ms. Della, invites her to rent the bottom floor of her Harlem brownstone, Ricki jumps at the chance for a fresh beginning. She leaves behind her family, wealth, and chaotic romantic decisions to realize her dream of opening a flower shop. And just beneath the surface of her new neighborhood, the music, stories and dazzling drama of the Harlem Renaissance still simmers.

One evening in February as the heady, curiously off-season scent of night-blooming jasmine fills the air, Ricki encounters a handsome, deeply mysterious stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way.

Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked.

Get your copy HERE

 If You Love Second Chance Romances + Join Me & Tia Williams in Winston-Salem!

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It’s been a week for so many reasons, personally and globally. So I’m not even going to go into it. Instead, I hope to bring a bit of joy and sunshine to your inbox and perhaps give you a reason to smile—as your feedback and comments so often make me smile. So first off, here’s hoping that you’ve had a good week and that you have something fun planned for the weekend. 

The highlight of my week was celebrating my thirty-sixth wedding anniversary with my husband. We went to a local steakhouse that was once our town’s library. The book theme was perfect and the food was absolutely delicious.

I’d love to hear about something good that happened for you this week or what you have planned for the weekend, even if it’s just reading a new book or going for a walk around the block. Let me know here. 

And if you enjoy reading second-chance romances like More Than Friends, click the graphic above or click here. You’ll discover a list of my books by trope. Now, I’d love a rec of some of your favorite second chance romances (or any other trope). Send me your recs by clicking here or clicking below.

Join me for a conversation with bestselling author Tia Williams on Wednesday, February 12th at 6:30 PM in Winston-Salem. We’ll talk about her latest release, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, her career, and a variety of other topics. Tickets for the event are $23 (plus taxes & fees) and include a paperback copy of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. Tia’s books will be available for purchase at the event, as will paperback copies of my Love & Music Suite: Spin the Block, Never the Right Time, and More Than Friends. A booksigning will follow the seated program. 

Got a question you’d like me to ask Tia Williams? Submit it here.

Click the button below to reserve your ticket.

DATE: 02/12/2025

TIME: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

PLACE: Reynolds Place Theatre (inside Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts), 251 North Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

“Romance for Rebuilding”  is an online auction dedicated to supporting the Altadena homeowners who lost their homes in the recent fire. This event celebrates the power of love, community, and storytelling by featuring books from some of the most talented Black romance authors out there.

This auction is to help rebuild Altadena, a historical community, that is home to middle and working-class Black families, and has been for generations. All proceeds go directly to assisting families as they rebuild their lives and homes.

Help make a difference, one story at a time.

Place your bid by clicking the button below.

Bidding ends on Monday, February 3rd!

Here’s Why Readers are Absolutely Loving MORE THAN FRIENDS!

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Have you read Toby and Leilani’s friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, More Than Friends? I’m so excited for you to read their story of love, friendship, and support. And I’m thrilled with the early feedback from readers. Here’s what readers are saying:

“Reese Ryan packs a lot of characterization and plot into More Than Friends, and it’s a real page turner in the best ways. An excellent read!” ~ F. Chen

“This series has been so good. I love reading the growth Lei went through.” ~ TLW

“I learned so much about ADHD and it was eye opening and educational. This book made me laugh and cry. Fantastic book!” ~ Avidrdrswil1

“Loved this couple, loved, loved, loved Toby.” ~ Vilma A.

In case you missed it, I shared Chapter One and Chapter Two of More Than Friends last week. Get your copy of Toby and Leilani’s story in e-book, paperback, or through Kindle Unlimited by clicking below. 

If you’ve already read the book, thank you so much for buying and reading it! If you enjoyed it, I’d love it if you shared your honest review on your favorite review site. 

Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?

Leilani

Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue destination wedding and a petty prank by his scheming ex and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

Toby

For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.

She’s nothing he wants. And everything he needs. 

Preston: I’m Mr. Serious, the guy they call “all work and no play.” So of course my grandfather’s sadistic will has put me in charge of fun at the family’s wedding resort. I have just a few weeks to come up with an all-ages activities program for the resort’s guests—or lose my family’s land forever. Meanwhile, the clock’s ticking at my finance firm, where I’m up for a huge promotion—if I can prove I’m a team player.

Worse, I have to work with the reigning queen of fun, Natalie Archer. If there’s a party, Natalie’s there, and she’s the one dancing on the tables. She doesn’t think much of my suits, ties, cufflinks, and spreadsheets, and I don’t think much of her fun-first–safety-last attitude. But for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about her gorgeous curves, wild curly hair, or sparkling smile. I’m a man who values self-control—and I’m running low. 

Natalie launches Operation Fun to help me loosen up and win the promotion I’ve been chasing. Now we’re spending days and nights together—and learning that some activities are a lot of fun for both of us. But as our deadline approaches and our collaboration heats up, Natalie and I find ourselves asking a big question: Opposites may attract, but can they live happily ever after? 

A spicy, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, enemies to lovers, billionaire hero standalone romantic comedy set in the beloved small town of Rush Creek.