That is until I woke up in Vegas married to a former hockey player who also happens to be my best friend’s ex.
Cole Hebert and I are opposites. I’m the new town doctor, a rule follower, and five-five on a good day. He’s the six-seven bad boy currently doing court-ordered community service.
I’m struggling to earn the respect of the people in our hometown, and he’s doing some soul searching after an injury ended his hockey career. We’ve already drunkenly said I do, so we agree to a marriage of convenience.
Forced to live together, we slowly become friends. I see a side of Cole I never knew existed. He coaches kids’ hockey, knits for the entire town, and loves snuggling while watching Jeopardy.
Soon, we’re growing closer, and the way the hockey-playing lumberjack worships my plus-size body and obsessively calls me his wifey has me embracing my inner bad girl and tearing down all my carefully constructed walls.
Our feelings eventually burn as bright as our passion, but the small town we both love is harboring dark secrets. After a shocking discovery, we learn there are those who want us silenced forever, and we’re forced to risk it all to protect our happily ever after.
Author’s Note: If you enjoy opposites attract, flirty banter, possessive heroes, wood-chopping, meddling moose, and small-town hijinks, you will not be disappointed.
Welcome to Lovewell, Maine, where the moose outnumber the people and you can’t swing an axe without hitting a hot, grumpy lumberjack. The books of the Maine Lumberjacks Series are ALL standalones but are most fun when read in order!
To Logan, I’m just the nanny, watching his kid. But in the book world, even though I’ve sucked for the past few years, I’m still very well known. If the tabloids put a picture out of Logan Sterns with his mystery girl and my readers saw it, they would go insane. And I don’t want that sort of attention.
“Why, Boston? You embarrassed to be seen with me?” he teases.
“No,” I answer quickly. “It’s not that I’m embarrassed. But if pictures got out, my readers would jump to conclusions. You know, about you and me. And that’d just make things weird.”
“Or they’d eat that shit up, and you’d be forced to write a hockey romance about a hot single dad.” He winks. “Now, that’s got a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
“No.” I try to give him an annoyed look.
But the truth is, since being around him, I’ve had a new story plot brewing in my mind. One about a single father who happens to be insanely good-looking. Oh, and he plays professional hockey.
I can’t tell him all of that. He’ll think I’m a stalker.
“You’re so going to make me your muse, aren’t you?” His smirk only intensifies. “Wait … can I be on the cover?”
“No!” I reach forward, swatting his arm lightly. “You are not my muse. And, no, you cannot be on my cover!”
“You’re no fun.” He sighs. “As for fans at Christmas Land with the shitty cookies, I’ll wear a hat and sunglasses, and no one will know who I am. Hopefully.”
“All right,” I utter. “Are you going to choose something to watch?” I wave toward my bowl. “My popcorn is nearly gone, and you just keep scrolling past everything.”
“I’ll make you more,” he tosses back. “Hey, before I put on a show and we space out on whatever trash I choose, can I ask you, when is your next book release?”
“Why?” I scowl, not able to stop myself.
“Whoa. Calm down, sparky.” He shakes his head. “I just wanted to know so I could give you the day off for it. I mean … that’s a huge deal.”
Relaxing, I instantly feel bad. “Sorry,” I breathe out. “It’s a sore subject. Writing hasn’t exactly been easy the past few years.” I sit a little taller. “But a few days ago, I wrote a few hundred words, and I’m really hoping that if I continue to write, I can have a spring release.”
“Are your books dirty?” His eyes narrow, a sneaky smirk on his lips.
“No,” I lie.
“They totally are.” He grins. “Where can one get these books?”
“They are all sold out. Everywhere,” I lie again. “Guess you’re out of luck.”
He gives me a playful once-over. “That was a test, Miss Maci. I already found your books. I also know they are dirty as hell. I’m telling ya, you need a hockey book.” He waves his hand at himself. “The ladies love them a puck boy.”
“Oh my God. I cannot believe you looked up my books!” I whine as my cheeks heat, to the point of damn near pain. “Okay, we’re done talking about this. Time to find something to watch.”
He tosses me the remote, and I begin searching through Netflix.
“Oh, and, Maci?” I can hear the amusement dripping from his voice.
“What?” I huff out, terrified of what he’s going to say next.
“You can totally use me as inspo, just FYI. I give my permission.”
I peek over, and he winks.
“I know; I’m pretty inspirational.”
The embarrassment I was just feeling slowly fades. Rolling my eyes, I bark out a laugh. “I’m not even going to respond to that. Now, be quiet. Let’s watch Love Island. You wanted trashy? You got it.”
He starts to say something, but I hold my hand up, silencing him.
“No more talk of my books, or I’m going to leave right now.”
I glance at him to see him pouting. Slowly, he turns his attention toward the screen, and thank the Lord, he leaves me alone.
He might not know it—and I’ll never admit it out loud—but he is already my inspiration.
Because … hello … he’s Logan freaking Sterns.
BLURB:
As a single father, I often feel like the weight of the world sits on my shoulders. When my daughter’s nanny gives me her two weeks’ notice, I’m sweating bullets. Fear that my NHL season with the New England Bay Sharks could be derailed consumes me.
Finding a replacement seems impossible when, suddenly, Maci McKenzie—a struggling author who’s running from some deep, dark secret in her past—steps into the picture. She needs a change of scenery to help her write, and I just need someone who isn’t a complete weirdo to watch my kid when I’m not around.
As we grow closer, I learn she’s struggling to write the so-called “spicy” scenes. And, well, me being the nice fella I am, I offer my assistance and show her how a real man should treat a woman in between the sheets. It’s the perfect deal really. I get off, and she gets the inspiration she needs to write a book.
And not just any book … a hockey romance book.
But like all deals, it’s not black-and-white. Soon, I find myself falling in love with the woman. But the closer I get to her … the further she pulls away. Then, I finally find out what’s haunting her from her past.
Whoever says the truth will set you free has never heard a secret like this one.
𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 by Julia Connors is releasing on January 31, 2025!!! This is a single-dad, enemies-to-lovers, professional hockey romance you won’t want to miss, and we are thrilled to share the cover with you! Preorder today! https://geni.us/CrossChecked
❄️ ℂ𝕆𝕍𝔼ℝ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝔼𝔸𝕃 ❄️
𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒆: 𝑨 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒚, 𝑱𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒆 by Amber Kelly releases on November 14th. We are thrilled to share this gorgeous cover with you!!
I am a ballet dancer from New York City, currently in Lake Mistletoe, Idaho, to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker at the Sun Valley Ski Resort. After my breakup with my boyfriend, I needed a break from my fast-paced life. This quiet, snow-covered town seemed like the perfect escape. Staying at The Gingerbread Inn feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. However, what really catches me off guard is Dutch.
Dutch is the electrical engineer working on the sets, and he’s a single dad to Josie, an adorable little girl who loves ballet. As I bond with Josie, I find myself drawn to Dutch in a way I didn’t expect, and the life I left behind in Manhattan starts to feel distant. He’s a different kind of distraction. He’s not the type of guy I usually go for—he’s all flannel, muscle, and practicality. But there’s something about him that’s hard to ignore.
What starts as a hot holiday fling turns into something more, and I begin to wonder if small-town life, with its snow-covered streets and warm, welcoming people, is what I’ve been searching for. Maybe Lake Mistletoe isn’t just a temporary stop but the beginning of my second chance at love.
Standing at the top of the DeAngelis empire isn’t as glamorous as it sounds.
Sure, it comes with the kind of power one could only ever dream of, and having three men to lavish me with undeniable pleasure is the greatest perk of all. But where there’s power, there’s pain, and many rivals have died at my feet while learning that lesson.
But this time it’s different. This time, they’ve crossed a line.
When an enemy comes for my power, they lose their life.
But when an enemy touches what’s mine, they better fucking run.
Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers; Second Chance; Best Friend’s Sister; Age Gap; Sworn Off Love; Wallflower; Opposites Attract
Release Date: October 2, 2024
Over twenty years have passed, but some things never fade…
Brynn is back in Leo’s world, even though neither of them expected to see each other again. In Leo’s world, danger is a constant threat, and with Candace determined to take out everything he loves, he’s never been more vulnerable.
As old feelings resurface and the spark between them reignites, Brynn holds the key to saving Leo from the chaos surrounding him. She’s the one person he never would have expected to return and fight for him.
Will Brynn and Leo finally have a future together, or will they find that forever is just out of reach?
Get ready for the thrilling conclusion of the Banachi Family saga.
Even though it has been two decades since he and Brynn were together Leo’s love for her has not wavered. Events have brought her back into his life and the feelings between them are stronger than ever but so is the danger they are facing.
It was not a lack of love that tore Brynn and Leo apart and their experiences while they were apart have shaped them into the people they are today. The one thing she does know is that she will do whatever is necessary to protect Leo and his family and isn’t about to let anyone stand in her way.
Leo and Brynn’s story is filled with suspense, surprises and a love that was always meant to be as we finally get to see Leo have the happiness he has always deserved.
Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Winter Travers is a devoted wife, mother, and aunt turned author who was born and raised in Wisconsin. After a brief stint in South Carolina following her heart to chase the man who is now her hubby, they retreated back up North to the changing seasons, and to the place they now call home. Winter spends her days writing happily ever afters, and her nights being a karate mom hauling her son to practices and tournaments.. She also has an addiction to anything MC related, puppies, and baking.
𝖳𝖧𝖤 𝖲𝖮𝖴𝖭𝖣 𝖮𝖥 𝖲𝖤𝖢𝖱𝖤𝖳𝖲 (The Monsters Duet Book 2) by NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover releases on October 23rd on all retailers! We are thrilled to share this teaser with you!
It began with a contract, with Channing Harvey being forced into marriage by the world’s grumpiest billionaire. She hated every moment of her marriage to Win Halliday… until she didn’t. It was hard to resist when he proved he valued her more than his massive fortune. Channing is having a hard time picturing her life without him, and if Win finds that out, he won’t rest until he has all of her. Deep, dark secrets included.
Some secrets scream.
Win Halliday is so close to having everything he’s ever secretly wanted. He’s ready to do battle with Channing’s demons, no matter what they are. Or who they might be. Someone from Channing’s past wants to use her, and they’ll go to desperate lengths to get what they want, including targeting an innocent teenager. But whatever lengths they go, Win will go farther. He finally has the family he’s dreamed of, and he’s going to protect them at all costs.
***NOTE: This is book two and a continuation of The Monsters Duet. It is strongly recommended that you read The Silence of Monsters first.
**TW: Mental health and mental health disorders, suicide, domestic violence, and loss of a child.
Thomas O’Grady is the unofficial King of Sugar Mountain. He’s always been untouchable; the kind of man you admire from afar, but don’t get to be close to. So imagine my surprise when I get offered a job working underneath him at his resort. It’s a dream come true… until it isn’t. He’s grumpy, opinionated and judgemental. I want to tell him exactly where he can shove it, but then I meet his daughter…
Nothing matters more to me than my little girl. My world stops and starts with her. Running my family’s resort is a job. Being Clara’s dad is a gift. I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but when Brooklyn walked into my office with her firey red hair and matching personality, all bets were off. I’ve tried to keep it professional, but that woman pushes every single button I’ve got. And hell, I sort of love her for it.
As a single father, I often feel like the weight of the world sits on my shoulders. When my daughter’s nanny gives me her two weeks’ notice, I’m sweating bullets. Fear that my NHL season with the New England Bay Sharks could be derailed consumes me.
Finding a replacement seems impossible when, suddenly, Maci McKenzie—a struggling author who’s running from some deep, dark secret in her past—steps into the picture. She needs a change of scenery to help her write, and I just need someone who isn’t a complete weirdo to watch my kid when I’m not around.
As we grow closer, I learn she’s struggling to write the so-called “spicy” scenes. And, well, me being the nice fella I am, I offer my assistance and show her how a real man should treat a woman in between the sheets. It’s the perfect deal really. I get off, and she gets the inspiration she needs to write a book.
And not just any book … a hockey romance book.
But like all deals, it’s not black-and-white. Soon, I find myself falling in love with the woman. But the closer I get to her … the further she pulls away. Then, I finally find out what’s haunting her from her past.
Whoever says the truth will set you free has never heard a secret like this one.
I’m known as the bad boy of baseball, and I’ve always used that to my advantage. Men want to be me. Women want to be with me. I’ve ridden that wave all the way to the top. But when my quick temper lands me in hot water with my team, I have to think fast in order to save my spot on the Daytona Fury roster. Unfortunately, the only person who can help me carry out my crazy plan is the one woman I can’t stand, but also want so badly that I can barely control myself.
MONROE
I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. My pretentious parents controlled my every move, and when I finally realized it was more for their interests than mine, I left home and started fresh, reinventing myself into the woman I always wanted to be. But when I unexpectedly find myself needing a source of income, the only option is to move to Daytona and pretend to date a man I loathe—the same man who, after one wild night last year, ruined me for anyone else. I’m here to do a job and move on to the next chapter of my life. I just have to figure out a way to resist him so I don’t get caught in his grip for a second time.
He’s Major League Baseball’s former power hitter, and now he’s making a play for her heart.
Maggie doesn’t know why she’s in the small mountain town of Starrycard Creek. After a blow to the head leaves her with amnesia, all she has left is her name stitched onto an apron.
And then there’s him…the man who saved her life.
Christian Starrycard was trying to drown his sorrows after an injury ended his baseball career. The last thing he expected to become was a woman’s hero. But Maggie isn’t just any woman. She’s the woman he’s been dreaming of—his dream girl he thought existed only in his mind.
His dreams become their steamy reality when he insists she live with him until her memories return. When their attraction deepens into an undeniable love, they can’t imagine life apart. But when fragments of her past resurface, so does the fear that her heart might belong to someone else.
Christian can’t bear the thought.
Town folklore says that love is always in the cards in Starrycard Creek. And Christian won’t let Maggie go. Not without a fight.
Where love melts the ice and dreams come to fruition. Welcome to the Carolina Fury, where passion thaws even the most frozen hearts.
Brooklynn Greene has it all—a successful salon, a close-knit group of girlfriends, and a life she loves. But there’s one thing she can’t seem to get out of her mind–her irresistibly charming neighbor.
She can’t have him. He’s a dream. No, he’s the dream.
Her neighbor is off-limits. At least, that’s the way that she sees it, and she’s tried to keep him at arm’s length. But he needs her help. And it wouldn’t be neighborly to deny him.
Even if it means playing his fake girlfriend.
Forrest Westwood doesn’t worry. He lives his life the way that he wants, knowing that money is no object. The day he turns twenty-five, his trust fund is his. Life is going to be a comfortable one once his checks start coming in.
He plays by his own rules. She’s everywhere. Across the street, in the stands, and his dreams.
Life has a way of becoming complicated. The confident and independent woman is right in front of him. But can a fake relationship between them stay that way, or will the lines between pretend and reality blur as they play the most dangerous game of all—falling in love?
A heartwarming love story set at Christmas time by USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.
In the enchanting mountain town of Chestnut Ridge, where tree farms blanket the hillsides and the promise of a white Christmas is ever-present, a heartwarming holiday romance is about to blossom. When Sheila’s best friend convinces her to help decorate a tree in the annual Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser, she embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, all wrapped in the cozy embrace of a tight-knit community. As she immerses herself in the joy of twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and the camaraderie of the townsfolk, Sheila’s world begins to transform, and she finds the sense of belonging she never knew she needed.
Meanwhile, Tucker, the town’s reliable fire captain, is gathering volunteers to help a family with four young children who have just lost their home to a devastating fire weeks before Christmas. Sheila offers her helping hand, and as the town rallies to support the family in their time of need, sparks of love begin to flicker between her and Tucker.
In this charming town where dreams come true, and Christmas magic is everywhere, come along for a tale of love, community, and the true spirit of the season.
When her best friend invites her to spend the Christmas season in Chestnut Ridge Sheila isn’t certain if she will enjoy it as it is very different from the bustle and stress of her current lifestyle. Her arrival also gives her a chance to reconnect with Tucker, whom she met previously, while he helps out a family in need and sees how wonderful the town and the people truly are.
Tucker is always there to help whoever is in need whether it comes to him personally or his career as the fire chief. When a local family’s Christmas is turned upside down, he is the first to step in along with Sheila which not only allows him to help but to find love as well.
Both Sheila and Tucker were focused on their careers to the detriment of their personal lives. Seeing them share all the heartwarming moments will not only have them believing in love but you as well.
There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss.
When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe.
But just as much as she wants him, Gable just as much wants nothing to do with her.
It’s like a cold stab of ice right to the gut at the knowledge that the person you want, that you love, wants nothing to do with you.
At least, that’s what she thinks.
In reality, Gable wants Athena Grace Murphy with every piece of his soul.
But how can he confidently say he’s doing the right thing by bringing her into his life when it’s so dangerous? She’s already lost every person she loves, how can he put her through the possibility of losing one more?
That’s right, he can’t.
So he’ll stay away from her. Even if it kills him.
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations 