NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you a new grumpy-sunshine standalone holiday romance
Blakely
When my boss tells me I’m taking over the planning of the annual Christmas gala, I can barely contain my excitement. Not only is it a huge opportunity, but I also love all things Christmas.
I’m on cloud nine until I realize I have to work closely with the grumpy doctor, who is my opposite in every way. He loathes the holidays. At least that’s what he says. His eyes tell me a different story.
That’s why I make it my mission to make him fall in love with Christmas. That’s our family motto after all. I’ll make him love the holidays harder than ever before. How hard can it be?
Oliver
My contract states I have to serve on a committee. When I fail to submit which committee I’d like to work on, I’m assigned the Christmas gala. Me… the guy who detests the holiday.
In years past, I let the marketing manager handle it all. I was there if she needed me. She never did. I expected more of the same this year, but it turns out, I get more than I bargained for. I didn’t anticipate her. Miss Ray of Sunshine, assistant manager.
That’s how I find myself attending holiday events and attaching myself to her any way I can. She’s trying to make me fall in love with Christmas. Instead, I’m falling in love with her.
Having watched Blakely Kincaid grow up in the Kincaid Bros. series, I was so excited to see her as a young woman who finds her own person in Merry With Me!
Oliver is a fantastic grumpy hero. He was badly burned by a past relationship and has hated Christmas for the past four years as a result. When they are paired together to work on a fundraiser for the hospital where they both work (along with Uncle Brooks!), Blake makes it her mission to restore Oliver’s faith in the season and the magic of Christmastime. Oliver resists, of course, which just makes it all the more enjoyable to see him soften as Blakeley breaks down his walls.
There are some great winks to the OG Kincaid series in here, like Blake’s references to her childhood “weiner pants” and Oliver’s arm p@rn. There are also some great cameos from all of Blakeley’s aunts and uncles, who naturally give Oliver a hard time.
This book gave me hope that the next generation, Blakeley’s cousins and siblings, will get a spinoff series of their own! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
AUTHOR BIO
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has been crowned the Queen of Swoon by her readers. With nearly fifty romance books under her belt, she’s known for penning happily ever afters with heart. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand or hanging out with her family where she resides in her home state of Ohio.
From the praised author of Saving Rain and Warrior Blue comes a thrilling love story between a pink-haired dancer and her half-blind protector … I never knew how to stick up for myself.
I never had to.
That’s what Nate Manning, my best friend, was for.
After an accident left me disfigured and half-blind, I took the torment and bullying while Nate fought my battles for me, as unhinged and questionable as his methods were—and I let him.
But that was before I bumped into the confident and strong Indigo Sky.
Suddenly, I had something to fight for, something to defend—something more important than me … especially after taking a job as a bouncer at the club where she danced.
I made a vow to protect her at all costs.
And I will do anything to keep that promise … even if it means burning bridges with my best friend—or risking my own life to save hers …
I love Kelsey Kingsley’s male-POV stories. Her last two (Spider & Saving Rain) were gut-wrenching tragedies… I don’t want to say that Indigo Sky is a lighter story — because it’s not — but it didn’t make me cry the way those other two did.
Revan did not have an easy childhood. He was disfigured after an accident, leaving him blind in one eye. He was bullied relentlessly at school, until bad boy Nate stepped up to be his protector. For as young as he was, Nate operated in the gray, and over the years, Rev got dragged into some situations he probably wouldn’t have otherwise.
There comes a point in time where Rev needs to distance himself from Nate, and that’s when Rev meets Kate. Well, rather, reconnects with Kate. And as their relationship develops, and Kate’s life is in danger, the guy who once needed protecting becomes the protector.
This was a really lovely story about friendship, forgiveness, family, and the power of love — both romantic and of friendship, because Nate and Rev eventually come back into one another’s lives. I thought I had this story figured out, but wow, I really didn’t. Kudos to Kelsey for those plot twists1
I would *love* to see a book from Nate’s POV. The dude went through some seriously awful things. I love that he eventually got his own HEA, but I would love to see KK expand on his backstory and fluff that out!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Meet Kelsey Kingsley:
Kelsey Kingsley is an author of twenty novels. She lives in New York with her family and a cat named Ethel. She loves music, makeup, tattoos, and watching Frasier reruns. Kelsey is a Slytherin. She also curses a lot but won’t apologize for it.
Six years ago, he was her one-night stand, and now they’re sharing a villa for the holidays.
I thought I was over him. That his good looks and British accent couldn’t affect me anymore. But the minute our eyes lock across the elevator, all those feelings come roaring back to life.
Then I find out we’re competing for the same job.
Next comes the realization that we have to spend a week together on a ski vacation because of some six-degree-of-separation nonsense.
The real kicker is when I find out the two of us have to share a villa. A very small, very cozy villa.
Needless to say, this Christmas getaway is starting off rockier than the mountains we’ll be skiing down.
I’ve stayed away for years, what’s one week? But I forgot how much easier it is to ignore him with an ocean separating us—especially when he’s determined to win me back.
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Another adorable holiday romcom from Piper Rayne! Merry Kissmas is packed with so much Christmas goodness!
Six years ago, Brynn and Pierce had a steamy weekend together in London, where she was studying abroad, only for it to all fall apart the next day when they realized that he was the TA in her college class. Years later they reconnect when they are both up for the same job, and then through a weird twist of fate, end up spending Christmas week together in a one-bed villa with her family. At first, Brynn is still upset, hurt, and humiliated over how Pierce blew her off all those years ago. But as they spend time together participating in all of her family’s Christmas activities, she begins to soften toward him.
I loved Pierce’s determination to win her back. I loved getting to know his backstory. He’s been so lonely for so long. He fit in seamlessly with her family and all of their wacky Christmas traditions. There was such a great connection between the two of them right from the start. The witty banter and sizzling chemistry is exactly what I love about Piper Rayne’s books.
I can’t believe it took me until Chapter 20 to realize that this book is connected to Piper Rayne’s other holiday books! Pierce is Andrew’s cousin (Single & Ready to Jingle) and Brynn is Tre’s sister (Claus & Effect).
The book is narrated in duet by Shane East and Stella Hunter, both of whom did an amazing job. I could listen to Shane East and his British accent all day long. I really enjoyed listening to the audio in tandem with reading the ebook.
Well done! I look forward to next year’s Christmas book! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
I don’t know why I’m surprised every time I read a Catherine Cowles book and absolutely love it, but I am! Cope, Sutton, and Luca’s story was captivating, from start to finish, filled with sweet and tender moments in between.
Sutton and Cope’s meet-cute is more like a hate-cute — they definitely get off on the wrong foot when they meet outside of her son’s hockey camp where the NFL pro is coaching. Cope is immediately smitten with the intriguing woman he nicknames “Warrior” and I so enjoyed the journey these two characters went on. Sutton is carrying physical scars, and Cope mental ones; the way they help each other heal and work through that trauma is beautiful. Cope is such a swoony hero, and the way he connects with Luca totally gives him extra book-boyfriend points.
Connor Crais and Erin Mallon are at the top of the audiobook game, and they did a great job in sharing the story of these broken characters.
I have loved getting to know the Colson family. My heart broke for Cope and all the guilt he’s been carrying around ever since the car accident years ago that killed his father and brother!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
About Catherine Cowles
Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she’s not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
The hottest rock star in the world walking into my work wasn’t on my bingo card. Speak of the devil . . .
My soon-to-be ex-husband.
Shane Faris is taller than I remember. Scruffier. More attractive than ever and sporting a sinful smirk that tells me he hears “Yes” too much. Figures.
He offers me the divorce I want, but on one condition . . .
A weekend together, for old times’ sake.
He’s partied his way through time zones, collecting ink on his skin to commemorate events I wasn’t a part of. While I struggled to earn my degrees, Shane chased fame and made memories without me.
It’s time to move on.
So why does his presence cause my heart to kick up a beat and my cheeks to blush when he sends me a wink? I can’t resist him. And he is my husband, after all, if only for a few more days.
When that weekend becomes two lines on a pregnancy test, we must decide whether this is a second chance worth taking together.
Tropes: Rock Star, Slow Burn, He Falls First, Second Chance, and Accidental Pregnancy
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Not quite sure what to shelf this one as… it’s not a traditional second chance romance, but it kinda is, and not quite a marriage of convenience, but it kinda is. But any way you slice it, Shane and Cate’s story was definitely entertaining!
I loved Shane’s cocky confidence, and how he didn’t quite know what to do with all the big things he was feeling for Cat. As they navigate their feelings for one another — and the fact that they are somehow married! — an easy rapport grows between them. There are many heart-to-heart conversations between Shane and Cate, and neither of them shy away from communicating with the other. Or being vulnerable. I appreciated that kind of maturity in their relationship.
The mysterious wedding that neither one of them remembers is a different spin on the married couple trope, and I enjoyed seeing these two fall in love as they tried to figure out the details of their accidental marriage. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and while the circumstances were a little crazy — and a gerontology nurse and a world-famous drummer seem to be an unlikely couple — they just worked.
The Break Up is heartbreaking, heartwrenching, and leaves Cate shattered. But Shane really puts in the work to make things right, and I loved the reunion.
Speak of the Devil is a standalone spinoff from the Westcott series, in the Faris Wheel series, I guess, following Never Have I Ever. There are some cameos from Larid and Poppy (and the Crow Brothers crew), and I loved getting an update on those characters.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Meet S.L. Scott
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, writes character driven, heart-racing suspense, and swoony romances that will leave you glued to the page. With stories ranging from witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, her stories are highly regarded as emotional, relatable, and captivating.
Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.
Blurb: The job was supposed to be easy. Get my best friend’s older brother back on his feet and put my life back together. But when we end up sharing a bed, all those plans flew out the window. He was a notorious underground rodeo champion. Ladies’ man and legend. It’s not until he sustains an almost career ending injury that his family learns his secret – he wasn’t just the head of Sunny Brook Farms after all. What started as professional morphed into something more, and not only because the cowboy refused to wear a shirt around the house.
Not that I was complaining. But he was like a tempting piece of dessert that I needed to steer clear of. Except, the more time I spent with him, the more I learned he was more than what he seemed. He was protective and devoted, and when I had my first taste of him, I was hooked.
We knew it was wrong. We knew it would be our secret.
Neither of us wanted to cross the line drawn in the sand. There was his sister to consider and my crushed heart. But all of it was about to get more complicated when that pink plus sign showed up.
Big brother Andrew finally gets his HEA in Wild For You, the 5th book in the Sunny Brook Farms series!
Andrew is the quintessential grump. He was severely injured in a rodeo accident, and he hates feeling helpless. Even more, he hates that his little sister’s best friend, Kelsey, has been hired by his family to be his live-in physical therapist to assist in his recovery. Kelsey is fresh off a breakup that caused her to lose her job, so the position comes at a perfect time. She is all sunshine and rainbows, the perfect foil to Andrew’s grumpy and gruff demeanor.
I loved that this isn’t the typical accidental pregnancy romance; Kelsey’s surprise pregnancy brings Andrew’s life full circle, giving him the opportunity to step up the way his stepfather had all those years ago. It’s a beautiful moment. I enjoyed the chemistry between these two, as well as the twist when a woman from Andrew’s secret rodeo past comes crashing into their lives.
I’m sad to see the Sunny Brook Farms series come to an end, but it went out on a high note with Andrew and Kelsey’s story! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
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.
When the holiday wish list calls for fake dating my billionaire boss…
The plan: make my ex jealous. The problem: falling for my billionaire boss instead.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a sexy, standalone holiday romance, MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE! This spicy, small town, fake dating, billionaire, single dad, office romance will give new meaning to rocking around (or under…) the Christmas tree! MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE is now available in all formats including the special edition hardcover and free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Check out the excerpt below and one-click your copy of this steamy, holiday romance today!
Wanted: one hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous when you kiss me under the mistletoe at all the holiday parties. Bonus points if you make him cry.
To my surprise my billionaire boss is more than up for the challenge of coming down the chimney as my holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one at a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor.
And since my ex is in the wedding party too, my boss and I team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season, including during the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.
But soon staying up late to string the best popcorn balls ever turns into a scorching night in his arms where the chestnuts aren’t the only thing roasting on the open fire.
Can all these winter wonderland nights seeking revenge turn into the real thing when we return to the office? Or are we destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s?
“Not in the least.” Then she murmurs under her breath, a little sensually, “Sir.”
Well, then. That’s a whole lot of info delivered in that tone. I can’t not ask: “So not only does it not surprise you, it sounds like you don’t mind it either?”
She tips her chin up at me, challenging me with, “What do you think?”
I don’t think. I do. I slide my thumb along her pretty chin. God, it feels so good to touch her again. “That you like to give me hell. That you like to keep me on my toes. And that you love to give me a hard time.”
She leans into my touch, almost like she’s saying with her body don’t stop. “And I think you love all those things too,” she says in a husky voice that gives a little hint of her desire.
My thumb travels up to her cheek. She moves with me, her breath gusting across those gorgeous lips. “You’d be right,” I say, heat flaring inside me.
My Favorite Holidate was so much fun! Fake date, boss, single dad, revenge, secret feelings, Christmas story? Yes, please!
Fable and Wilder were such great characters. I did not read any of the other books in this interconnected series, but I did not feel like I was missing out on pieces of their backstory, and I immediately connected with both of them. This feel-good story is a lighthearted read. Even though it starts out with some major drama when Fable walks in on her ex with another woman, the rest of the story is low-drama. Lots of sexy shenanigans, Christmas time goodness, and a fake relationship that becomes so much more for the Renegades owner and his lead graphic designer.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke narrate this book in duet fashion — which is hard to *not* want all the time now that I’ve been spoiled by a few duet narration books! They made listening to Fable and Wilder fall in love so much fun. As a bonus, My Favorite Holidate had a full cast to round out the secondary characters, with performances from Andi Arndt, Connor Crais, Vanessa Edwin, Teddy Hamilton, Erin Mallon, and more!
It’s been a while since I’ve read anything by Lauren Blakely, and I enjoyed returning to her world with this fun — and funny — holiday romance!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:
A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s cute but spicy. Lauren likes dogs, cake, and show tunes and is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you the continuation of the stand-alone series surrounding five best friends who co-own a tattoo studio. “Are You Ready?” is an age gap, single mom, found family, small-town romance.
Forrest
The moment I met Briar, I couldn’t stay away. She’s my sister’s friend, but that didn’t stop me. Especially after her daughters stole twin pieces of me.
I might have inked her flawless skin, but she’s the one under mine. Something about her draws me in, even when she pushes me away.
Every time we’re together, it feels like I’m home. I want to give her my heart, my time, and my love—not just to her but to her daughters too. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove I’m the man they can depend on.
Briar
I never thought I’d fall in love again, not after everything I’ve been through. Then Forrest walked into my life, turning everything upside down.
He’s tough on the outside—with his tattoos and confidence—but underneath, he’s gentle, patient, and kind—especially with my girls. He shows he cares in small, consistent ways, even letting the twins paint his nails, making them sparkle.
The fact that they adore him scares me, because it’s not just my heart at risk if he leaves. I love him more than I’ve let myself believe. But now, I’m ready to admit it—to him and myself. The next time he asks me, I’ll be ready.
Wow, Are You Ready? is one of the best Kaylee Ryan books I’ve read. I was not expecting such an emotional, moving story from this single-mom romance.
Forrest and Briar were so well-matched. I adored how patient he was with her and how he helped her work through her trauma. From the moment he met her, he knew there was something special about Briar. They start out as friends, and it’s a sweet slow burn. Every stop along the way, Forrest asks Briar, “Are you ready?” — he is pretty high up there as far as book boyfriends go. And he was completely smitten with her twins, River and Rayne, whom he affectionately nicknames Razzle and Dazzle.
Well done!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has been crowned the Queen of Swoon by her readers. With nearly fifty romance books under her belt, she’s known for penning happily ever afters with heart. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand or hanging out with her family where she resides in her home state of Ohio.
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills returns with a sexy he-falls-first sports romance about a quarterback and his frenemy-matchmaker.
On an ordinary day, Jane Darling wouldn’t be caught dead in a sports bar wearing a toga with angel wings. But she’s desperate to launch her matchmaking business to secure her young daughter’s future. Her mission: to attract new clients at any cost.
Her Cupid outfit catches the eye of New York’s beloved star quarterback, Jasper Jannich. She and Jasper have always clashed, but when a pushy admirer goes too far, he steps in as an unexpected knight in shining armor.
He offers a tantalizing proposal: to be Cupid’s Arrow’s premier client. Reluctantly, Jane agrees, aware of the business potential despite her reservations about Jasper and his playboy reputation.
As she sets him up on date after date, it grows clear that Jane’s the only woman he wants. She is his goal, his endgame.
She’s not not interested…but her heart has been burned before. To get anywhere, they’ll need courage and faith.
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My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a charming, frenemies-to-lovers romance between a football star and his matchmaker. Jane is a quirky character, a fiercely protective mama bear to her daughter Londyn, and Jasper is a charming, misunderstood pro athlete with some insecurities and a huge heart.
From all outward appearances, Jasper looks like a playboy, but there’s always been something about his friend’s sister-in-law that he’s been drawn to. When Jane is struggling to get her matchmaking service a boost, Jasper volunteers himself as tribute… but the only one he really wants to go on dates with is Jane herself.
Both Jane and Jasper have deep-rooted abandonment issues, as they were both left behind by their mothers. I liked Jasper more than I liked Jane, to be honest. I found myself mentally yelling at her to open up her eyes and just accept what Jasper was so clearly offering her.
This is a lighthearted feel-good frenemies-to-lovers romance. There is some drama with Londyn’s dad coming back into the picture, that I didn’t think contributed all that much to the story and could have done without. But if you’re looking for a feel-good single mom story, check this out!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Meet Ilsa Madden-Mills
#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances.
A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.
She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.
WILDFLOWERS AND WIDE RECEIVERS by Kathryn Andrewsis AVAILABLE NOW!
Blurb:
Wildflower and Wide Receivers is a second-chance, contemporary sports romance about our hero who unexpectedly becomes a single guardian over his five-year-old niece and the one who got away.
When fate throws a second chance . . . catch it.
Jonah Dallmann
Over two years ago, I met a woman on New Year’s Eve, and it was the best night of my life. That is until the next morning when it became the worst.
One voice message. One swerve over a double yellow line. One little girl, my niece, that’s now mine.
It hasn’t been easy, these things never are, but we’re trying. Now, I’m twenty-six, and determined to be the best wide receiver on our team, while she’s seven and spends her days reading books and dancing ballet.
Only, I haven’t just grieved the loss of my brother, but her too. My heart has ached for what could have been, and what I had to let go. I know what I did to her was wrong, unfortunately, I never had an opportunity to explain that at the time I thought I was right. But as the door opens and she steps in wearing green scrubs and a long white coat, shock ripples through me and hope that I might finally get the chance.
Sophie Black
I always wondered if this day would come, but I never expected to see him here, with her, in one of my patient rooms. He’s even better looking than I remember and giving off single dad vibes, too, as he cares for his adorable niece. A niece I didn’t know he had.
I was surprised when he asked if he could see me again, but I instantly declined. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Only now we keep running into each other, and I’m confused. Is fate throwing us a second chance, and if so, should I catch it?
I could not have loved Wildflowers and Wide Receivers more!
Jonah and Sophie meet at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by mutual friends. They have an instant connection, share an amazing night together, and he leaves the next morning planning on returning later for more. But unbeknownst to Jonah, his brother and sister-in-law were killed that night, leaving him the guardian of his 5-year-old niece, Vivi. Somehow they never again cross paths until Vivi has an accident and it turns out that Sophie is the orthopedic doctor Jonah takes her to.
From there, this story evolves into a wonderful second-chance romance that also deals with the many delicate layers of grief and mourning. Jonah is such a cinnamon roll hero. I adored how gentle he was with Vivi; the death of her parents impacted them both tremendously. I also loved how affectionate he was with Sophie, not wanting to waste the second chance he’d been given with Sophie, the one that got away. He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable or show emotion; I loved that about him.
Meanwhile, Sophie had a plan for her life and career. Reconnecting with Jonah, and falling in love with him and Vivi, definitely has her rethinking what she thought she wanted out of life. Sometimes, you have to embrace the unexpected, because it’s exactly what you need!
And then… And then… the meaning behind Wildflowers and Wide Receivers! Oh, Jonah!
I am looking forward to getting to know the rest of the Tampa Tarpon guys!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Meet Kathryn Andrews:
Kathryn Andrews is a #1 Inspirational Romance Bestselling Author who loves stories that end with a happily ever after. She started writing at age seven and never stopped. Kathryn is known for Chasing Clouds, the Starving for Southern series, and her much loved Hale Brothers series. Her stories are sweet, southern, and fall into the genres of chi-lit, contemporary romance, sports romance, and southern fiction.
Kathryn graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. She spends her days as a sales director for a medical device company and her nights lost in her love of fictional characters.
When Kathryn is not crafting beautiful worlds that incorporate some of her most favorite real life places, she can be found hanging out with her husband and two young sons, while drinking iced coffee and enjoying the sun.
Sunny Shelly Reads 