Reese Ryan Romance

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Reading

What I’m Reading + Cowgirl & Tech Genius + See You in Chicago

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How has your week been? The temperature here in Central North Carolina has been extremely chilly, so our fireplace has been working overtime. What’s the weather like where you are?

If you’re looking for something to read this weekend, and you haven’t read my Dynasties: Willowvale Springs collaboration with author Jules Bennett, great news! Working With Her Crush, my cowgirl and tech genius romance, which is the first book in the series, is just $2.99. I love this small town romance between former childhood friends who have very different ideas about what should happen to the horse ranch she’s worked on for most of her life. 

Click below to grab your copy while the e-book sale lasts. Read on to discover more.

Grab Working With Her Crush for $2.99 now!

She wants to the restore the ranch to its former glory. He needs to sell it to save his company. Old crushes and new secrets clash in the first title of the Dynasties: Willowvale saga!

An inheritance stirs up old resentments…

And revives undeniable sparks.

Dray Walker is devastated when tech entrepreneur Kahlil Anderson inherits the horse ranch she’s managed for years. Her friend (and secret crush) left town decades ago without looking back, and now Kahlil, whose tech skills do not apply to thoroughbreds, needs her help.

As feelings from the past resurface, a shared business trip leads to a spectacular night of passion. But when she discovers Kahlil’s plans, will Dray be able to forgive him…again?

Download Working With Her Crush

What I'm Reading

It’s been a weird few weeks for me. I’ve done a TON of writing. Nearly 60,000 words in a month which is more than insane for me. But to balance out that level of intense output, I’ve also watched a lot of movies and read more books in a week than I’d read the previous few months. Here are a few of the books I’ve been reading:

Sinnamon & Golds by Lady Marie

Sinnamon & Golds by Lady Marie was a quick, fun ride. I literally read the entire thing while taking an extra long bubble bath. The book is set at Thanksgiving (the day I actually read it). It was steamy and messy with lots of family drama. This was my first Lady Marie book, but I’ve already downloaded my next one.

Ares by Asia Monique EROS by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Ares by Asia Monique and Eros by Stephanie Nicole Norris, the Love and War series, has been sitting on my Kindle for the longest. I finally made time to read them. Ares is the soft and fluffy read with a romance between a sunshiney, star-gazing, geek girl scientist and a grumpy club co-owner whose father is the mayor of Houston. I loved this couple and watching him fall for her so quickly. Eros is the more amiable of the two brothers, but his story is anything but soft and fluffy. This one brings the drama with a capital D. The heroine is part of a dangerous underworld and begins the story by challenging the current leader of the shadowy organization in a fight to the death. You’ll need a strong stomach because you can practically feel the blows in these well-written fight scenes. But if you love reading about alpha men who will do whatever it takes to protect the women they love, these two authors have got you.

Surrender by Kimberly Brown Passion by Monica Walters

The Arranged Hearts Series is an author collaboration of stories about couples who are tired of the dating scene and choose to go through an agency that finds the perfect match for them. The catch is they won’t meet that perfect match until the two of them are standing at the altar. So far I’ve read Surrender by Kimberly Brown—a new favorite author, Passion by Monica Walters, and I just started Allure by Iesha Bree. Next up are Desire by Kay Shanee, Tension by C. Monet, and Embrace by Mya. I’m loving this series, and can’t wait to finish it.

A Stalker's Prey by K.D. Richards

West Investigations Series by K.D. Richards has been a favorite of mine since the release of Book One: Pursuit of Justice. I read and loved the first several books, then started to fall behind on this now 12-book-long ongoing series. But I just finished A Stalker’s Prey and just started Under Lock and Key. If you like romantic thrillers, I highly recommend the series. But note that this particular imprint goes hard with the crime/thriller elements and the heat level is much lower. But K.D. does a great job of keeping both the story tension and the romantic tension between the characters going throughout.

Books I Hope to Read Sooner Than Later

I Like You Like That by Kayla Gross

I Like You Like That by Kayla Gross has been on my TBR forever. So I’m really hoping to get this one read before the end of the year. 

One Bed by Joss Wood
One Bed by Joss Wood is a forced proximity story (one of my Top 5 romance tropes), which will be available as an audiobook and e-book on New Year’s Eve. Joss is an author friend I’ve collaborated with on several Harlequin series. I love her voice and stories, so I’m looking forward to this one.

Save the Date: Cavalcade of Authors Chicago 2025

Save the Date for this amazing event happening in Chicago in October 2025. The Cavalcade of Authors event will coincide with the Ultimate Women’s Expo and features celebrities like Brandy, Keke Palmer, Loni Love, Hillary Duff, Melissa Gilbert, Susan Lucci, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jackeé, Sandra Lee, Valerie Bertinelli, Holly Robinson Peete, Fran Drescher, Tamar Braxton and so many more. That’s in addition to rock star authors like Reshonda Tate and so many of your current and soon-to-be faves.

Find out more about the Ultimate Women’s Expo here. Get your tickets for the Cavalcade of Authors which includes admission to both days of the Ultimate Women’s Expo by clicking the button below.

Reserve Your Spot Now

Happy Reading!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Four Weeks Until Ced & Nikki’s Story + Content Notes + Sneak Peek

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📚

In today’s post:

  • Ced & Nikki’s Story Coming in Four Weeks!
  • Never the Right Time Content Notes.
  • Exclusive Sneak Peek
  • Fall into a Book Save-the-Date

Ced & Nikki’s Story coming in Four Weeks!

I can’t believe NEVER THE RIGHT TIME, Ced and Nikki’s story, will be here in just FOUR weeks. If you read SPIN THE BLOCK, you know that Cedrick Brown is Ward’s long-time best friend and business partner. Nikki is the high school sweetheart he’s adored since they were sixteen, but their careers as music celebrities and family obligations have kept them apart. I can’t wait for you to dive into Ced and Nikki’s story of love, family, healing, and forgiveness. But there are two caveats. 

When I first envisioned this story of two high school sweethearts who are a textbook example of right person, wrong time, I had no idea that Nikki would appear on the page as a woman struggling with anxiety and self-doubt—despite the success she’s had in her career. However, her anxiety immediately became a huge factor in her story. The second unexpected element of the story for me has been how big a role Ced’s late mother plays in this story. He and his two college-age sisters struggle with the loss of their mother nearly two years ago. Nikki supports them in various ways as they learn to deal with their grief. I’m adding the content notes below to the book and the book page on retail sites. But while it’s an emotional story, it’s also a story of love, family, and friendship. I love seeing how Nikki and Ced support one another in their lives and careers.

Bonus caveat: This story gets a little spicy (even for me), as does the language. A few readers have noted that the writing in my recent indie releases DATE FOR HIRE and SPIN THE BLOCK feels “freer,” and I’d have to agree. Drop me a line here to let me know if you think so, too.

Spicy food and possibly triggering content isn’t for everyone. I totally get that. So if you need to sit this one out, I understand. But if you’re up for the ride, be sure to click the button below and reserve your copy of NEVER THE RIGHT TIME.

Pre-order Never the Right Time HERE

Never the Right Time Content Notes!

NEVER THE RIGHT TIME deals with a variety of issues that may be difficult for some readers. Please note that this story deals with the following:

Each of these topics is dealt with in an informed and respectful manner. However, some readers may prefer not to read a romance that deals with such heavy, real-life issues.

Pre-order Never the Right Time HERE

Exclusive Sneak Peek!

“Enough about me.” I force myself to stand. I miss the comforting warmth and scent of Ced’s body, which manages to be both strong and soft with a hint of cushion around his middle. I’d rather curl up in a ball and absorb every bit of heat and the calm and comfort I always feel in his presence. But it’s already late, and I’m really looking forward to exploring Ced’s beautiful new place. “You promised me a house tour.”

Ced looks disappointed. Maybe he was enjoying our cuddle moment, too.

“Wow. I didn’t realize how late it is.”

I catch sight of the time on a wall clock. It’s a large, wrought iron treble clef with a wave of staff lines and additional music notes on the side. I bought it for Ced one Christmas maybe four of five years ago. I’m touched by the fact that Ced is still wearing the cologne I bought him and prominently displaying the wall clock I gifted him.

And while I’m trying really hard not to make this weird, I’m standing here frozen with my mouth hanging open.

“You remember.” Ced stands beside me and admires the clock, too. “You’ve always been really good at knowing what I want. I love how it looks in the new place, don’t you?”

“I do.” The words practically come out as a whisper.

I clear my throat, move to the other side of the table, and slide my feet into Ree’s shoes, which are a size too big for me.

“Like I was saying, I didn’t realize it was this late. I’m sure you had plans for tonight or maybe early tomorrow. I can call a car service and head back to my hotel.”

The words are flying out of my mouth like someone is chasing them with a shotgun.

The hint of amusement in Ced’s expression tells me he doesn’t miss that I’m nervous as hell. Which is ridiculous. I’ve known Ced forever.

We’ve gotten through the tough conversations. So why am I still so nervous? I’ve never been like this around Ced before. I came here to get our friendship back on track, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. I should feel relieved—not nervous. And yet…

Pre-order Never the Right Time HERE

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.

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.

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.

January 2019 Reese Ryan Recommends

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This winter has been brutal. I’m battling the same cold for the third time, and I’ve been working like crazy to complete my summer 2019 titles. (My publication schedule for 2019 is listed below.) I just turned in my August title. (Woo hoo!) So I’m celebrating with a hot toddy.

What’s on your agenda for the weekend? If you’re looking for a new romance to read, you’re in luck. I have four recommendations below.

Happy reading!

Reese Ryan 2019 Publication Schedule

Looking for your next read? Try one of these.

Looking for a hot read to keep you warm this winter? Here are a few options:

The Rancher’s Bargain
(Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction Book 5)
by Joanne Rock

The Rancher's Bargain by Joanne RockIf you read my latest release, His Until Midnight, the next book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series is The Rancher’s Bargain by Joanne Rock.Here’s the story:

Can a bachelor auction gone wrong…
mean temptation for the rich rancher?

James Harris needs a nanny for his nephew—now! So when Lydia Walker’s sister reneges on an extravagant bachelor-auction bid, the Texas Cattleman’s Club president has an idea. He’ll cover the debt, and Lydia will care for the baby. Neither is prepared for the passion that blindsides them. But is a permanent personal arrangement more than they bargained for? Get your copy of The Rancher’s Bargain here.

The Johnson Family Series (Books 1-3)
by Delaney Diamond

The Johnson Family Series by Delaney DiamondFamily. Wealth. Power. Romance.
Books one, two, and three of the Johnson Family series—available in a box set for a limited time!

UNFORGETTABLE: She offered everything he never knew he needed…
Ivy Johnson is stunned when Lucas Baylor makes an appearance at her family’s event in Seattle. She hasn’t seen him in nine years and never expected to again. Avoiding him is a must. She can’t let him uncover her secret, but Lucas won’t be denied. When her deception is revealed, it throws his life into a tailspin and forces them to face the truth of their feelings for each other—feelings they’ve both tried in vain to forget.

PERFECT: Does the end justify the means?
Cyrus Johnson is rich, powerful, and used to getting his way. When his estranged wife shows up at his office demanding a divorce once and for all, he not only refuses, he makes a demand of his own.
Daniella Barrett-Johnson has little bargaining power where Cyrus is concerned, and he’s already used his vast financial resources to prolong their divorce and keep her tied to him. Her only hope is to give him what he wants, but if she does, how will she ever be able to leave him for good?

JUST FRIENDS: Should they risk their friendship for a chance at love?
Alannah Bailey is tired of being the boring best friend of Trenton Johnson and decides on a makeover. After the changes, she starts dating, but instead of being happy, Trenton acts like he wants to keep her under lock and key.
Trenton is used to partying and having his pick of women. Such an advantage comes with the Johnson name, their money, and his own good looks. When he needs downtime, he depends on his best buddy, Alannah. But he doesn’t like the changes he sees in her lately, and by the time he figures out why, it might be too late.

Get yours here.

At the CEO’s Pleasure by Yahrah St. John

At the CEO's Pleasure by Yahrah St. JohnAuthor Yahrah St. John makes her Harlequin Desire debut.

Here’s the story:“What do you want from me?”

“I want you back.”

He’d broken his “no office affair” policy once and lost his best assistant. Now rich businessman Ayden Stewart needs Maya Richardson back…at any price. Taking the job, Maya tells herself the years apart have cooled their chemistry. So why are they breaking rule number one again…and again? Ayden makes her want what she can never have—real love. Will it be different this time?

Get your copy here.

Another  Excerpt from His Until Midnight

His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan is Available Now!

“It’s time for the surprise you gents have been waiting for this evening. Fellas, please welcome our lone bachelorette, Miss Tessa Noble.”

Ryan pulled out his phone. He’d promised Tripp that he’d record his sister’s big debut.

There was a collective gasp in the room as Tessa stepped out onto the stage. Ryan moved away from the bar, so he could get a better view of his friend.

His jaw dropped, and his phone nearly clattered to the ground.

“Tess?” Ryan choked out the word, then silently cursed himself, realizing his stunned reaction would end up on the video. He snapped his gaping mouth shut as he watched her strut across the stage in a glamorous red pantsuit that seemed to be designed for the express purpose of highlighting her killer curves.

Damn, she’s fine.

He wasn’t an idiot. Nor was he blind. So he wasn’t oblivious to the fact that his best friend also happened to be an extremely beautiful woman. And despite her tomboy wardrobe, he was fully aware of the hot body buried beneath relaxed fit clothing. But today…those curves had come out to play.

As if she was a professional runway model, Tess pranced to the end of the stage in strappy, glittery heels, put one hand on her hip and cocked it to the side. She seemed buoyed by the crowd’s raucous reaction.

First there was the collective gasp, followed by a chorus of Oh my Gods. Now the crowd was whooping and shouting.

A slow grin spread across her lips, painted a deep, flirtatious shade of red that made him desperate to taste them. She turned and walked back toward where Rachel stood, revealing a large, heart-shaped cutout that exposed the warm brown skin of her open back. A large bow was tied behind her graceful neck.
Tessa Noble was one gift he’d give just about anything to unwrap.
She was incredibly sexy with a fiercely confident demeanor that only made him hunger for her more.

Ryan surveyed the crowd. He obviously wasn’t the only man in the room drooling over Tessa 2.0. He stared at the large group of men who were wide-eyed, slack-jawed and obviously titillated by the woman on stage.

Tessa’s concerns that no one would bid on her were obviously misplaced. There were even a couple of women who seemed to be drooling over her.

Ryan’s heart thudded. Suddenly, there wasn’t enough air in the tented, outdoor space. He grabbed his auction paddle and crept closer to the stage.

Rachel read Tessa’s bio aloud, as Alexis had done with the bachelors who’d gone before her. Tessa stood tall with her back arched and one hand on her hip. She held her head high as she scanned the room.

Was she looking for him?

Ryan’s cheeks flushed with heat. A dozen emotions percolated in his chest, like some strange, volatile mixture, as he studied his friend on stage. Initially, he wanted to rush the stage and drape his jacket over her shoulders. Block the other men’s lurid stares. Then there was his own guttural reaction to seeing Tess this way. He wanted to devour her. Kiss every inch of the warm, brown skin on her back. Glide his hands over her luscious bottom. Taste those pouty lips.

He swallowed hard, conscious of his rapid breathing. He hoped the video wasn’t picking that up, too.

Get your copy of His Until Midnight today.

Reese Ryan Recommended Reads: Safe with Me & Secrets of a (Somewhat) Sunny Girl

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Happy Friday, Dear Readers!

Are the temperatures dropping in your part of the world? I’m shivering here in Central North Carolina. On cool autumns evenings, I love cozying up in front of the fireplace with a good book. Maybe you do, too.

If you’re looking for something new and different to read, here are a few contenders:

About Safe With Me (Falling for a Rose Book 1)

Safe with Me by Stephanie Nicole NorrisSmall business owner and financial advisor, Samiyah Manhattan is mourning the death of her six-year marriage when she vows never to trust men again. Alone at a local bar, Samiyah attempts to put her situation in perspective when she is drawn inexorably to the presence of a nearby patron.Celebrity ex-boxer and heavyweight champion turned business mogul, Jonas Alexander Rose never takes women too seriously. They only attach themselves to him because of his star-studded status. However, when he meets the beautiful Samiyah Manhattan mulling over a mimosa at his favorite bar and grill, Jonas is overwhelmed by the heart throbbing heated attraction, and now he is on a mission to explore this thing called love. But can Jonas break the barrier that Samiyah’s put up and is he even ready? Find out if Jonas and Samiyah are a match made in heaven or if they will miss out on their happily ever after in Safe With Me. Book one in the Falling For A Rose Series.

Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072KX6L1N/

Available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited

 

Secrets of a (Somewhat) Sunny Girl by Karen Booth

As sisters, they tell each other all their secrets…except one.

Secrets of a (Somewhat) Sunny Girl
With divorce and infidelity hanging from nearly every branch of her family tree, Katherine Fuller sees no point in marriage. Boyfriends? Sure. Sex? Of course. Wedding vows? No, thanks. Still, when her younger sister Amy gets engaged, Katherine gathers all the enthusiasm she can. She won’t let Amy down. She’s done enough of that for a lifetime.As the sisters embark on wedding plans, Katherine’s college love resurfaces. It nearly killed Katherine to part from sexy Irish musician Eamon more than a decade ago, but falling under his spell a second time forces her to confront everything she hid from him. The secrets surrounding her mother’s death are still fresh and raw in her mind, but one has haunted her more than the others. She can’t bear to tell anyone, especially not Amy. It could ruin far more than a wedding. It could destroy a sister’s love forever.Get your copy here: http://books2read.com/u/mlepQP.

 

A Fun Excerpt from The Billionaire’s Legacy

 

“What names have you considered?”

She was quiet for a moment. “For her? Scarlett.”

“As in O’Hara?”

“As in Johansson.”

Benji nodded thoughtfully. “I do like a woman who can play a badass Marvel superhero. What else you got?”

“Vivian.”

“As in Leigh?”

“No, as in Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman.” Sloane grinned. “Do we need to talk about your obsession with Gone with the Wind?”

“It’s my mom’s favorite movie.” Benji shrugged, frowning at the mention of his mother. “And do I need to spell out the reasons I’m diametrically opposed to naming my daughter after a character that was a prostitute?”

“Hey, sex workers are people, too.” Sloane poked his bicep. “But point taken. What about Bailey?”

“I love the name Bailey for a girl.” He nodded. “Let’s stick a pin in that one. And for Little Dude?” He gave her a sarcastic grin.

“Phillip, Beau or maybe Benjamin.” Sloane looked straight ahead, but her cheeks warmed as Benji looked over at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road.

“I’m honored that you’d propose making him a junior. But I’ve never liked the idea of putting additional pressure on a boy to be like his father. I want our kids to do or be anything they want. And I’m grateful they’ll have the resources to do that.”

“Me, too.” She glanced over at him, realizing for the first time how grateful she was that her children would never strugglelike she and her mother did.

He squeezed her hand and gave her a warm smile before putting his hand back on the wheel and changing lanes. “I like Beau. It goes nicely with Bailey, don’t you think?”

“Beau and Bailey.” She repeated the names softly. “What do you think, Little Dude and Buttercup? Do you think you can deal with Beau and Bailey? Think carefully before you answer. You’re going to have those names your entire lives. Unless you become actors or strippers.” When Benji’s eyes widened, she laughed. “Relax, I’m kidding.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “If your way of cheering me up is supposing that our daughter might become a stripper, I’m gonna need you to work on your cheering-up game.”

“Who said I was talking about her? I could’ve been referring to him. Just think, our son could grow up to be the next Magic Mike.”

“If you weren’t carrying Beau and Bailey, I’d put you out on the side of the highway and make you walk the rest of the way to Magnolia Lake.” He laughed.

Both the babies moved.

“They just responded to the sound of your voice,” she told Benji, then spoke again, projecting her voice down toward her belly as she placed her hands on either side of it. “Does that mean you two like your names?” When there was no movement, she told Benji, “Say their names again.”

“Beau and Bailey, this is your father. You two okay in there?”

Beau seemed to stretch his legs and Bailey responded by doing the same.

“I think we have a winner.” Sloane rubbed her hand in a circle over the babies, her heart full and her eyes stinging with tears.

Get your copy of The Billionaire’s Legacy today.

Why I’m the Poster Child for #WeNeedDiverseBooks / #WeNeedDiverseRomance

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Diversify Your Shelves by Kelly Garbato

I know what you’re thinking. I’m an author of color. Of course I’m pushing the #WeNeedDiverseBooks and #WeNeedDiverseRomance campaigns.

I admit that, like every other author of every color, I would love for my books to be widely read. But that’s not what makes me the poster child for either movement. It’s my #EpicFail as a POC (person of color) reader that illustrates why these movements are needed.

Today I’m over at the Contemporary Romance Cafe making my shamefaced confession about when it finally struck me that by not actively seeking out diverse literature, I’d effectively tuned out great books by POC authors.  I’d love to hear your experience. Pop over to the Cafe and let’s discuss Celebrating Diversity in Romance (or Why #WeNeedDiverseRomance).

Look forward to seeing you there!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

 

Diversify Your Shelves courtesy of Kelly Garbato.

Seducing Jordan by Andrea Dalling #MWTease #MM

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Happy Hump Day, Gang!The Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino

Welcome to the Mid Week Tease hosted by the fabulous Sandra Bunino. Each week a group of authors offers a sampling of their work. Whether you like your romance served up straight or with a side of mystery, thriller or paranormal, with a hint of sweetness or wildly erotic, we’ve got something for you.

Last time I hosted a guest it was so much fun, I’ve decided to do it again. This week Andrea Dalling, a fellow member of my local and Women’s Romantic Fiction RWA chapters, is sharing a tease from her debut M/M romance, Seducing Jordan, which I’ve already read and highly recommend. First, check out the summary, then the excerpt.

Seducing Jordan Summary

Princeton-bound Jordan Callahan is done pining over his straight best friend Rick. He can’t wait for college so he can scope out a man to drive away his pointless crush. Alone on a camping trip just weeks before the semester starts, Rick confesses he’s been fantasizing about Jordan. With his secret wish within his grasp, Jordan is torn between lust and good judgment. Sex will change their relationship forever, and giving in could cost him his oldest friend.

Rick Ferguson can’t escape his obsession. To get Jordan out of his system, he plans a weekend away together without revealing that the mountain cabin has only one bed. Curiosity gives way to deeper feelings, forcing Rick to choose between his best friend and his own identity. Seducing Jordan could be the biggest mistake of his life.

Seducing Jordan, a gay erotic romance, is Book 1 of the Second Chances series.

Warning! This novella is intended for an adult audience. It contains scenes of groping, fumbling, wet kisses, angst, shirtless volleyball, sex toys, and two-man showers.

<===Seducing Jordan Excerpt===>

Rick took his hand. “I can’t stop thinking about you. I don’t know what it means, but I need to find out.”

The glide of a thumb across his palm left him weak with desire. Lips pressed to his shoulder. A shiver shot through him. Rick’s mouth traveled along his collarbone to his neck.

“You like it when I touch you.”Seducing Jordan by Andrea Dalling

Jordan massaged his brow. “That doesn’t mean I’m ready—”

“We’ve been friends since we were six years old. We’re attracted to each other. Why shouldn’t we—”

“Because you like girls! Because we’ve never been on a date!”

Rick slid his hands into the pockets of his shorts. “You can set the pace. If you’re not ready for sex—”

“Is that why you brought me here? To a cabin with a king-sized bed?” The realization washed over him like a cold rain. “There’s no second bedroom, is there.”

“I can sleep on the couch, if that’s what you want.”

“How long have you been planning this?”

Rick shrugged. “About a month. I’ve been thinking about it a lot longer. I didn’t know how else to tell you.”

He stared. “We hang out every day. You couldn’t have just said something?”

Rick lowered his eyes and shuffled his feet. “I wanted to make it special.”

Fucking idiot. “You can’t use me like that, experiment to see if you’re gay.”

“I’m not saying I fantasize about men. I fantasize about you.” Rick cupped Jordan’s cheek in his hand. “The dimple in your chin when you smile. The way the sunlight turns your hair to gold. When you look at me, I feel this sudden dip in my stomach. I’ve got a huge crush on you. I need to know what that means.”

He paced. Rick followed after him. “If you don’t want to, I understand. It won’t change our friendship either way.”

“You think you can fuck me, and go back to being just friends.”

Rick looked away, then murmured, “I don’t know.”

“Well, I can’t.” He swallowed hard. “You’re thinking about the sex, not after. It will change things between us, and maybe not in a good way.”

“I’m willing to risk it.”

“I’m not.” He took Rick’s hands. “I love you too much to lose your friendship. What if one of us doesn’t like it? What if one of us wants more from the relationship than the other?”

“What if we decide this is what we want for the rest of our lives? Are you willing to miss out on that? Because I’m not. Getting closer will only make me love you more.”

<===End of Excerpt===>

Pick up your copy of Seducing Jordan on Amazon here. Next week, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for (patiently): Jamie and Miles finally make it to his bedroom. Now, it’s time for some more Mid Week Teases. Hold out your hand…there! Now you’ve got your official Mid Week Tease VIP stamp. Time to move the party to the next stop on the hop. Can’t wait to see you there!



Fat Girl by @LeighCarron Excerpt #MWTease

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The Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino

This week I’m excited to host my very first guest for the Mid Week Tease, hosted by Sandra Bunino. This week’s tease is brought to you by Leigh Carron who is treating us to an excerpt from Fat Girl, her debut novel, and the first book in her Perfectly Imperfect series. Before I give you the tease, here’s a summary:

Years after fleeing small-town Springvale, Illinois, Deeana Chase has picked up the pieces of her shattered heart and built a new life for herself as a child advocacy lawyer. Her food addiction is quasi under control, her secrets are buried, and she has even made a tenuous peace with her plus-size body. Until… 

Micah Peters—the very sexy and now famous man she fled— walks through her office door and sends Dee reeling. His demand that she help a young boy caught in a custody battle will reunite her with the past she left behind. Torn between duty and self-preservation, Dee isn’t easy to convince. 

But when obligation wins, the former lovers get more than they bargained for—a searing passion that burns hotter than ever and startling revelations about what really happened the fateful night she left. 

Will the truth set Dee free to love again? Or will past hurts and lingering insecurities destine her to walk away from her heart again, this time for good? 

Now for the tease where things get…hot…in Dee’s kitchen:

<===Fat Girl Excerpt by Leigh Carron===>

Fat Girl by Leigh Carron

“Mick…”

My hand slides up her neck, testing the rapid beat of her pulse.

“Don’t,” Dee breathes, but the protest sounds as weak as my will to withstand her.

I lower my head and skim my lips along her bare shoulder. The fragrance of her soft, quivering skin seduces my senses.

“I’ve never gotten the smell of you out of my head…or the taste of you.”

Her breath hitches and I pull the sound deep into my mouth. I might regret my weakness later, but the silk of her lips, the sweet flavor I’ve never forgotten, spins my head, and trumps all rational thought or common sense.

I tug the band from her hair and grab two fistfuls of curls. And Dee’s right with me. No token resistance. No pretense. She gives back, just the way I need it. Hot and mindless. Going up on her toes, she winds her arms around my neck and molds her body to mine. Our tongues collide in a rush of longing. Tasting, tangling.

No woman has ever filled me so completely, to the exclusion of everything else. In that moment of frenzy, the past, my anger, and her transgressions are all white noise against the clamor of something louder and more powerful roaring in my blood.

I crush her back into the kitchen counter and muscle my thigh between her legs, leaving no doubt as to how badly I want her. Releasing my grip from the twist of curls I cup her unfettered breasts through the thin material and squeeze their ripe fullness. The nipples harden to bullets beneath my palms, and when I whisk my thumbs across the peaks, Dee’s breathy moans drive me full throttle.

I drag my mouth down her neck and chest, sliding my tongue across the points, dampening her shirt until the little chocolate morsels are visible through the cotton. Alternating between the two, I suck the tips into my mouth, hard enough to entice her to the edge, then lick them softly so that the next sharp pull is all the more acute.

“Oh, God,” she moans and turns away to grip the granite as if it’s too much.

But I’m not nearly done. I haven’t even begun to do all the things to Dee that I fantasized about on those lonely nights when the hurt had receded into the shadows and all I was left with were the bittersweet memories of touching her, and tasting her, of driving inside her hot, wet body.

Her back to me, I slip my hand beneath the elastic waist of her pajama bottoms and splay my palm across her feminine belly. Dee feels even better than I remembered in my dreams. There’s not a single straight line, just soft, luscious curves. The body she never seemed comfortable with I still find sensually opulent.

Her skin scorches me as I slide my hand lower. Without any panties to hinder me, my fingertips encounter silky, damp curls and plump, slick lips. Pure luxury. I press snugly between the globes of her juicy ass and, whispering her name, thrust two fingers into the creamiest heat a man could ever imagine.

“Mick!” Dee cries out and rolls her hips in a tantalizing rhythm against me.

Desire snapping like a whip, I nose her hair aside, exposing her neck, and greedily suck the fragrant flesh into my mouth. I sink my fingers deeper and faster, while circling her swollen clit with my thumb. I’m drowning in the feel of her, in the wispy breaths of her pleasure.

My need raw, I grate against her ear, “Come for me, Dee. Come all over me.”

<===END OF EXCERPT===>

Whew! Very hot, indeed. Looks like things are really heating up between Mick and Dee. To find out what happens next, get your copy of Fat Girl, available here.

Now, let’s keep the #MWTease party rolling. Grab yourself a cold drink and some appetizers, then visit the other teasers for more tasty treats.



Recommendations needed: Romance trilogy or series featuring the same couple

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Bared to You by Sylvia DayI’m working on a historical romance set during the Harlem Renaissance. My original idea was to write a series featuring three different couples. To be honest, I’m still strongly inclined to follow through with that plan.

However, I’m exploring the possibility of going deeper into the story of how these two characters get together. To accomplish that, I considered revealing their love story over a series of three novellas. So, I’d like to read a few romance trilogies or series that feature a single couple and that are done especially well.

Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series has been recommended by several people, so I’m putting it at the top of my list. What other series would you recommend and why?

Also, I’d love to hear your opinion on this type of series.

Do you like this deeper exploration of a love story? Or does it drive you crazy and you’d rather have the romance wrapped up in a single novel?

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