Three steamy small-town Christmas romances where love is the best gift under the tree…
Small towns come alive at Christmas. Where the holiday magic is real, sometimes the snow isn’t, and love has a way of showing up when you least expect it. This sizzling bundle delivers three standalone holiday romances featuring strong, curvy heroines and the irresistible men who fall hard for them.
A Very Cheeky Christmas – When Mr. Perfect Cheeks injures his most famous asset, he meets the one woman who sees past his reputation. Can a small-town Texas charmer melt the heart of a jaded California medic who’s sworn off love?
Grumpy Santa – Hardware store owner Jared is all growls and scowls until one explosive night with his employee Audrey changes everything. But when he goes back to pretending nothing happened, Audrey discovers their night together left her with more than just memories.
Joy and Payne – Bestselling horror novelist Eli rescues candy maker Joy from a blizzard while she’s stranded in an elf costume. When the storm of the century traps them together, this grumpy writer discovers that sometimes the sweetest stories aren’t fiction.
Bonus Story: Kiss Me – What happens when a one-night stand in New York follows you home to small-town life? Hannah thought her fling with younger man Colton was just a memory—until he shows up wanting forever.
Four heartwarming stories. Four couples who prove age is just a number and love conquers all. Four guaranteed happily ever afters that will leave you believing in Christmas magic.
Warning: Contains steamy holiday scenes, laugh-out-loud small-town antics, and enough Christmas spirit to make even the grumpiest Grinch believe in love.
The West just got Wilder! Meet the cowboys of Devil’s Ditch, Montana, one steamy, instalove story at a time.
This paperback volume includes Trig, Colt and Bray. TRIG: I’m a rodeo champ. I live for the eight second rush astride an angry bull. But now I live for her. The One I save from a Montana blizzard. Stranded together, I make her mine. When danger arrives on my front porch, I protect what’s mine. But how do I protect the woman I love if I don’t know who she really is?
COLT: She’s The One. The one who got away. After a steamy encounter at the rodeo, I thought I’d never see her again. I’ve been given a second chance when I discover she’s the new doctor in town. I do everything I can to make her mine, but she resists. It makes no sense, until I learn the truth of her past. I won’t let her escape again, even if I have to handcuff her to my bed.
BRAY: I’ve known her for years… but it’s time to make her mine. My little sister’s best friend needs my help, to be her fake boyfriend. Fake? Nothing’s fake with her. She feels it, too, but can’t understand why I finally want her after all this time. I’d take the time to prove it, but someone’s out to hurt her. That means she’s mine now whether she likes it or not.
These short reads are MF with a guaranteed spicy HEA. While they are standalone, it’s best to read them in order.
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Trig – When Ellie is being forced into a future she doesn’t want her only thought was escape, which has placed her in danger until Trig comes to her rescue. From the moment that Trig sees Ellie he knows that they are meant to be together and he is protective, possessive and determined to not let anyone come between them.
Colt – From the moment that Colt saw Molly the sparks fly until they are separated by unexpected event. Months later Molly moves to town for her job as a doctor where she reunites with Colt and learns about what derailed their relationship. As the chemistry continues to escalate between them Colt is determined to protect her and convince her to give him a second chance.
Bray – Katie doesn’t have a lot of people to depend on so when she finds herself trying to evade the attentions of a determined patron she approaches her best friend’s brother Bray for help. Bray hasn’t pursued his feelings for Katie but that changes when pretending to be her boyfriend leads to him claiming her for real.
It is great to have the first three stories of these series in one collection as they take us on a journey that includes heat, emotions and a little suspense.
Meet Vanessa Vale
I’m Vanessa Vale and I’m a USA Today bestseller of over 95 small town and cowboy romances. I live in the American West where I’m always finding inspiration for my next story.
AT FIRST PLAY Renee Harless Release Date: January 14
Meet Renee Harless: Renee Harless is a USA TODAY bestselling author with an affinity for wine and a passion for telling a good story.
Renee Harless, her husband, and children live in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She studied Communication, specifically Public Relations, at Radford University. Growing up, Renee always found a way to pursue her creativity. It began by watching endless runs of White Christmas – yes even in the summer – and learning every word and dance from the movie. She could still sing “Sister Sister” if requested. In high school she joined the show choir and a community theatre group, The Troubadours. After marrying the man of her dreams and moving from her hometown, she sought out a different artistic outlet – writing. To say that Renee is a romance addict would be an understatement. When she isn’t chasing her kids around the house, working her day job, or writing, she jumps head first into a romance novel. Represented by Stephanie at SBR Media for Foreign and Audio Rights.
Blurb: Bailey Hart has mastered the art of staying small. A lighthouse-bookstore, a quiet life in Coral Bell Cove, and enough romance novels to drown out the heartbreak she swore she’d never repeat. She’s sworn off big leaps, big risks, and especially the boy who once left her love note—and her heart—on full display. Crew Wright was supposed to have it all. The charming quarterback with a Southern smile and a future paved in stadium lights… until an injury sent everything crashing down. Now he’s back home to heal his shoulder, his pride, and the parts of himself he buried beneath fame. He’s not expecting Bailey—the girl who saw him before the world ever did. What starts as borrowed tools, paint-splattered afternoons, and late-night confessions quickly turns into something neither of them can outrun. Bailey wants to protect her heart. Crew wants a second chance to prove he won’t break it. But when old wounds reopen and the world comes calling for him again, they’ll have to decide if love is something you chase… or something you stay for. At First Play is a slow-burn, banter-filled, small-town romance about forgiveness, falling again, and finding the one person who feels like home—no matter how far you’ve run.
In High School, Daphne Elliot was voted “most likely to become a romance novelist.” After spending the last decade as a corporate lawyer, she has finally embraced her destiny. Her small town steamy novels are filled with flirty banter, sexy hijinks, and lots and lots of heart.
Daphne is a coffee-drinking, hot-sauce loving introvert who spends all her free time in her garden. She lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, two kids, two dogs, twelve backyard chickens and a hive of Italian honeybees.
Nine months ago, I had one perfect, reckless night with Jasper Lawrence, the tall, tattooed firefighter who made me feel fearless. I told myself it was a mistake I’d never repeat.
Then he finds me at the Maple Festival… in labor with our surprise baby.
The best part? I had no idea I was pregnant.
Now Jasper is everywhere. The two of us stumble through new parenthood together. And he doesn’t just step up, he moves in. Almost. He pitches a tent in my backyard and sleeps outside so he’s never far away from us. He’s a shirtless, helpful menace who cooks, cleans, and cuddles our son. He makes me feel safe, seen, and wanted. And I hate how much I love it.
Every time I shove him away, he shows back up, golden retriever energy and all, with coffee and pastries in tow, ready to carry the baby, the groceries, and occasionally me.
I came to Maplewood, Vermont, to discover my independence. But it’s hard to keep my distance when the town’s been shaken by danger, the scars from my past refuse to stay buried, and the firefighter I should absolutely avoid keeps setting my world on fire.
Turns out the biggest threat to me in America’s most charming small town might be the man who won’t stop rescuing me.
Author’s Note: Sap & Secrets is a small-town romance featuring a curvy black cat, a tattooed golden retriever, and a (very cute) surprise baby. If you enjoy acts of service, small-town shenanigans, and maple syrup madness, you will not be disappointed.
Series Note: Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon.
Simon Weston grew up royal in a place where aristocracy still mattered. Serving Queen and country meant everything to him, until MI6 marked him as damaged goods and he left his home in disgrace. Ian Taggart showed him a better way to serve his fellow man and introduced him to Sanctum, a place to pursue his passion for Dominance and submission. Topping beautiful subs was a lovely distraction until he met Chelsea, and becoming her Master turned into Simon’s most important mission.
A Woman without Hope
Chelsea Dennis grew up a pawn to the Russian mob. Her father’s violent lessons taught her that monsters lurked inside every man and they should never be trusted. Hiding in the shadows, she became something that even the monsters would fear—an information broker who exposed their dirty secrets and toppled their empires. Everything changed when Simon Weston crossed her path. Valiant and faithful, he was everything she needed—and a risk she couldn’t afford to take.
A Force too Strong to Resist
When dark forces from her past threaten her newfound family at Sanctum, Chelsea must turn to Simon, the one man she can trust with her darkest secrets. Their only chance to survive lies in a mystery even Chelsea has been unable to solve. As they race to uncover the truth and stay one step ahead of the assassins on their heels, they will discover a love too powerful to deny. But to stop a killer, Simon just might have to sacrifice himself…
🎧Review🎧 Simon has been drawn to Chelsea’s feisty personality since they met however all his attempts to get closer have been rebuffed. He wasn’t sure how to break through the walls that she created to distance herself from him until she comes to him looking for help to protect her from her past.
Chelsea has escaped her past, but the emotional and physical scars remain. She is genius when it comes to hacking however she has been forced to put that life on hold until her past resurfaces with a vengeance. Even though she finds Simon intriguing she wasn’t about to let him into her life until she needs help which he is willing to offer with a caveat.
Chelsea is a woman who has been shaped by her past which creates its own set of problems, but Simon is supportive, protective and loves her just the way she is as they take us on a suspenseful and romantic ride. Ryan West was a perfect choice to narrate as he brings out the humorous banter, the great chemistry and the intrigue of this entertaining story.
✨NARRATOR REVEAL: ONLY FOR LOVE by @natashamauthor is coming to audio January 9th and will be performed by the amazing Teddy Hamilton & Stephanie Rose!
Growing up in the eclectic, small town of Bliss was wonderful for Callie Sheppard. She loved everything about it, except for the lack of potential romantic partners. She only went wild once in her life, sharing a perfect weekend in Dallas with two incredible men she never thought she would see again. When they parted, she was left with a hole in her heart she feared would never be filled.
One romantic weekend
DEA agents Nathan Wright and Zane Hollister were thrilled when Callie agreed to spend the weekend with them. Just days away from a long, undercover assignment, they considered this passionate affair to be an ideal way to spend their last days of freedom. They never expected to fall in love. Leaving her behind was the hardest decision of their lives.
An unexpected reunion
Six years later, Callie is preparing to break in a new sheriff after Rye Harper walked out on the job. Her heart skips a few beats when the man walking through the door is none other than Nate Wright. Nate and Zane have come to Bliss, but their time undercover has left them broken and scarred. The boys are determined to win back Callie’s heart. But when the criminals they took down come seeking revenge, Nate and Zane may have to save the strange little town of Bliss before they can reclaim the woman they love.
🎧Review🎧 Callie has always been protected by her friends and family in Bliss and was inexperienced when it came to men until her friend Stefan gives her a birthday present in the form of a steamy evening with Nate and Zane. That evening led to a weekend until they walk out of her life only leaving a note behind until six years later when they move to Bliss.
When Zane and Nate met Callie they knew they only had the weekend as they had plans to join the DEA. When the last assignment ends up with Zane injured they move to Bliss where Nate is the new sheriff however what he didn’t know is that Callie worked in the office as well. The feelings between them are stronger than ever however when the danger escalates will they be able to emerge with their lives and each other?
It is always entertaining to visit Bliss, and this story is no exception as Callie, Zane and Nate fight for their love and a life that will make them all happy. Kitty Bang and Lee Samuels bring out the hot chemistry, suspense, emotions and personalities of all the characters.
A promise made to my best friend, when she was losing her battle with her own body, has me setting out on an epic road trip. It was something we planned to do together but alone will have to do. Well, alone with some of her ashes.
I’ve gotten halfway across the country, halfway through my promise, when everything falls apart and my car breaks down. At least I’m in a town and not stranded somewhere without help for miles. Storyville is quaint, but not my final destination.
When I stroll up to the library to figure out who I need to call for help, the last person I expected to be the librarian is Elwood. He’s unlike any librarian I’ve ever met. The longer I’m stranded in Storyville and unable to stay on track for my road trip, the more Elwood worms his way into my heart. When my car is ready, can I leave him and the little town I’ve fallen in love with behind?
ELWOOD
Small town living doesn’t involve a lot of surprises. Books have given me a chance to escape and explore which is why I became a librarian. It surprised some people, but no one who knew me and certainly not my sister.
I was not prepared for Hollyn walking into the library needing help navigating Storyville to get her car fixed. She wants to get back on the road to fulfill her promise to her best friend. But the moment I see her, I know she’s meant to be mine.
The only thing I’m sure of is that I only have until Hollyn’s car is fixed to prove to her that we’re meant to be together. She might be on a road trip to fulfill a promise, but it’s more than that. She’s searching for something, but I know that she’s found the place she’s meant to be.
Hollyn has set out on a road trip to honor the last request from her best friend when car trouble leaves her stranded in Storyville. When she is advised it may take a week to have her car fixed she originally views it as an obstacle to her trip however the more time she spends with Elwood and the rest of the townspeople the more she wonders if this was her destiny.
Elwood is the town librarian who was smitten by Holly from their first meeting and when he sees her again and finds out she is stranded he doesn’t hesitate to offer her a place to stay. He knows that they are meant to be together and now he just needs to convince her that this isn’t a stopover but a place to call home.
This is a heartwarming story and love, loss, healing and realizing that sometimes there is a bigger plan even if you don’t see it at the time.
She’s sworn off musicians. He’s a rock star trying to go country. What could go wrong?
Darian Mercer’s rock career crashed and burned with his band Reverend Sister. Now he’s hiding out in Nashville, playing dive bars and trying to forget everything that went wrong. The last place he expects to find his next song is at The Songbird, where venue owner Rye Hayes has spent three years keeping other people’s dreams alive while burying her own. Rye doesn’t perform anymore. She books acts, pours drinks, and raises her ten-year-old daughter. When Darian takes her unfinished melody and turns it into something she couldn’t write herself, she’s pissed. She’s also intrigued. Their collaboration starts as one song, one session. But music has a way of breaking down walls neither of them meant to build. When Darian’s past catches up and the industry comes knocking, they’ll have to decide what matters more: playing it safe or taking the risk that could destroy them both. Some songs are worth the fight. Some aren’t.
Music has always played a starring role in Darian’s life but when he is betrayed by those he thought he could trust he moves to Nashville in part to be close to his sister and in part to get a fresh start. As he tries to find a new voice he meets Rye, who manages a local spot, and he is drawn to her by their mutual love of music, but she doesn’t make it easy.
At one time Rye had plans for a career in music but a couple betrayals and now she does what she can to help others with their careers. She is focused on her daughter and isn’t ready to let any many close and it especially won’t be a musician.
Both Darian and Rye are facing challenges when it comes to their careers and their personal lives which does create some complications, but Darian knows that Rye is special and is willing to be patient while he shows her that he is the one musician and man she can count on.
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.
Wheeler Rankin isn’t here for romance—she’s come to Lucky River Ranch to visit her best friend, wrangle a business deal, and prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her. But when she collides with Duke Rivers—resident heartbreaker, restless cowboy, and brother to her best friend’s new flame—sparks fly hotter than a Texas summer.
Duke has always dreamed of more than dusty trails and small-town life. He’s itching to see the world, but one unforgettable night with Wheeler changes his course. When a blizzard and a business road trip leave them stranded together, their no-strings flirtation ignites into something deeper.
But passion brings complications—and unexpected news threatens to upend everything Wheeler’s built. As family pressures, old wounds, and new dreams collide, Duke is determined to stand by her side, ready to forge a future neither of them ever imagined.
Can two fiercely independent souls trust in love, face their fears, and find home in each other’s arms? Or will the ghosts of the past keep them apart for good?
Welcome back to Hartsville, where family is found, love is hard-won, and every cowboy has a story worth telling.
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🤠Review🤠 After being disregarded by those who should support her Wheeler is cautious about who she lets close and that includes Duke. She is willing to enjoy the time she spends with him, but she isn’t looking for more as she believes that she will disappoint him like everyone else in her life. When she finds out she is pregnant she expects him to walk away not for him to be determined in his pursuit of her.
Duke is a swoony cowboy who appreciates his roots but isn’t certain if it is the life he wants. When he meets Wheeler he is smitten but he also knows she is nervous about pursuing anything with him, but he is a patient man who isn’t about to give up. Finding out she is carrying his baby is only confirmation that they were always meant to be together.
The way that Duke supports and protects Wheeler is everything you could want and more. He believes that she is perfect just the way she is and is going to do whatever is necessary to ensure that she believes it as well not only for her sake but for their baby’s as well.
Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations 