From USA TODAY Bestselling author Xavier Neal comes the jaw-dropping, heart pounding conclusion to this best friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, romantic suspense duet!
The assignment is simple.
Don’t let the client get kidnapped.
Don’t let someone kill her.
Don’t screw up our now very real relationship.
It’s the last part that complicates what would otherwise be a fairly run of the mill operation.
If we weren’t dating, the only thing I would have to worry about would be following standard procedures such as making sure her locations are secure.
That we aren’t being followed.
That those in her inner circle haven’t been compromised.
But because we are, I now have to deal with her sabotaging ex boyfriend.
And an unexpected female guest showing up on our double date.
And a meddling team member who thinks he’s helping instead of simply giving me more headaches.
All of these things make my mission significantly harder.
As does trying to decide if we’re moving too fast.
As does having to come in second to her career.
As does my best friend herself when she finally has to decide what our future together looks like.
To the company I work for, my main objective is to find and eliminate the unidentified threat that’s been stalking one of their most valuable assets.
But to me?
My only job is to protect the love of my life – or die trying.
About Xavier Neal
Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub-genre to sub-genre like a game of Hopscotch she can’t resist.
In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self-improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy’s t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).
She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband “Lumberjack”.
When my boss got fed up with the constant bickering between me and another tattoo artist, she decided a company retreat was in order. But when Cade and I wound up snowed in alone at the cabin, things took a turn…. There’s a reason they say there’s a fine line between love and hate, and we had no idea which way things were going to turn out.
Christmas in Chestnut Springs – by Elsie Silver
T’was the night before Christmas . . . in Chestnut Springs! Check in with the Eaton family to see holiday pranks, new friendships formed, and maybe even a new baby born. Five chapters as told by five of your most beloved heroes.
Storm of the Century – by Susan Stoker
When a snowpocalypse leaves Police Chief Simon Hill stuck in the traffic jam from hell two days before Christmas, freezing to death is a real possibility. Until he finds his secret crush, the woman who warms his heart, stranded just a few cars away.
The Rebel – by Marni Mann
One bed.
Two stranded strangers.
Three wildly passionate nights.
A thousand secrets between them.
After an unplanned, sizzling weekend together, what happens when Cooper Spade and Rowan Cole return home and realize they spent seventy-two unforgettable hours with the enemy …
And loved every second …
Always Mine – Brittney Sahin
Two worlds collide when Eva Scott and Bree McGregor wind up in danger in this Stealth Ops – Dublin Nights crossover event. Luke Scott and his team join forces with the McGregors to save the ones they love before it’s too late in this exclusive short story.
Rolland Ruins Christmas – Meagan Brandy
I don’t want a woman to call my own. It’s a decision I made long ago and one I plan to stick by.
Too bad for me, the little brat down the road seems determined to change that, prancing around in her little Santa suit and bringing me things I don’t want.
No matter how many times I ignore her not so subtle advances, the girl keeps trying.
I’m going to have to set her straight the hard way … even if it means ruining Christmas.
COVER CREDIT:
Cover designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative
From USA TODAY Bestselling author Xavier Neal comes the jaw-dropping, heart pounding conclusion to this best friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, romantic suspense duet!
The assignment is simple.
Don’t let the client get kidnapped.
Don’t let someone kill her.
Don’t screw up our now very real relationship.
It’s the last part that complicates what would otherwise be a fairly run of the mill operation.
If we weren’t dating, the only thing I would have to worry about would be following standard procedures such as making sure her locations are secure.
That we aren’t being followed.
That those in her inner circle haven’t been compromised.
But because we are, I now have to deal with her sabotaging ex boyfriend.
And an unexpected female guest showing up on our double date.
And a meddling team member who thinks he’s helping instead of simply giving me more headaches.
All of these things make my mission significantly harder.
As does trying to decide if we’re moving too fast.
As does having to come in second to her career.
As does my best friend herself when she finally has to decide what our future together looks like.
To the company I work for, my main objective is to find and eliminate the unidentified threat that’s been stalking one of their most valuable assets.
But to me?
My only job is to protect the love of my life – or die trying.
About Xavier Neal
Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub-genre to sub-genre like a game of Hopscotch she can’t resist.
In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self-improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy’s t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).
She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband “Lumberjack”.
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes THE STAND-IN, the newest novel in her beloved Single in Seattle series, featuring Drew Montgomery!
I don’t like my new boss. Not at all.
London Ambrose is a spoiled billionaire’s daughter. And now she’s the new co-owner of the Seattlefootball team,but that doesn’t mean that she knows diddly squat about football.
There’s nothing I hate more than having someone micromanaging me, shadowing my every move, and giving me their two cents on Every. Little. Thing. as I coach MY defensive line.
I don’t care about new team jerseys and branding or answering her million and one questions about how I do my job. But, I can’t help but come to her defense when an old flame shows up and starts harassing her. I’m a Montgomery. We don’t let anyone mess with women.
Now, I’m suddenly in a fake relationship, pretending to date the gorgeous billionaire and learning so many surprising things about this captivating woman that I just can’t seem to stay away from her.
When the lines between our fake relationship and real relationship blur, and my initial distaste for her turns into desire, I find myself coaching the most important game of my life – do I let my guard down or do I let London Ambrose walk away forever?
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I loved the parents, and I’m loving the kids! Kristen Proby’s Single In Seattle series is a much-loved continuation of the With Me In Seattle series, and I remember why these characters and their stories are some of my most favorite ever with each subsequent book. Every visit is like reconnecting with much-loved family members or close friends, and I am so happy that Kristen decided to keep the family love going strong.
I knew right away that I was going to love Drew, because I have long adored his father and mother, and none of the Montgomery clan raised a kid that isn’t awesome. Drew is down to earth, honest, and loving, and just what London and Caleb need to show them the true meaning of family, acceptance, and unconditional love.
One of my favorite things about Kristen is that she writes strong women, women who are secure in who they are and who are living their lives on their terms. London is all of these things, demonstrating that it is possible to be a savvy businesswoman and a mother, that giving equal time to her family in no way keeps her from kicking but in the business world, and that her softness with Drew doesn’t mean that she cannot hold her own in the workplace. She and Drew are a true power couple in every way, and it’s really nice to see.
It never feels like enough time with these characters, so I cannot wait for the next visit to Seattle in THE SOULMATE, Liam’s and Bianca’s book. And can I just say that the glimpse that we get of her upcoming series, the Wilds of Montana, has me doing the happy dance.? There is so much goodness coming our way, and I am so excited. If by some chance you have not started this series, now is the time. Jump in, fall in love (because I know that you will!), and enjoy. ❤️
Meet Kristen
Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
Rule number one for having a one-night stand: Don’t fall for the girl.
After a lengthy dating slump, I finally met someone who sparked my interest.
Well, first the sparks flew when we argued. Later in the evening those sparks ignited into something more.
I was drawn to Devyn, in a way I hadn’t felt in a really long time.
Needless to say, I was disappointed when she abruptly left after our amazing night together.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her. But she hadn’t even given me her number.
In a city with eight-million people, I figured I’d never see Devyn again.
So imagine my surprise when I knocked on the door of an apartment in the building I lived in, and none other than my one-night stand stood on the other side.
If I thought Devyn didn’t want anything to do with me before, that was nothing compared to how she felt after finding out I was the landlord and she was about to be evicted…
And that was just the first surprise that would rock my world when it came to the mystery woman in apartment 410.
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
I’m in London, in disguise, trying to hide from the tabloids, when I slam into a wall.
Except it’s not a wall. It’s a hot hunk of British man.
And I just poured scorching hot coffee all over him.
He goes from burn victim to my fiancé in three days flat. It’s all fake to divert tabloid attention away from my recent breakup with my longtime boyfriend-turned-traitor.
Except it doesn’t feel fake. The way he looks at me makes me shiver. When he touches me, I’m molten lava.
Neither of us is looking for anything serious.
Except…did I tell you how hot he looks playing naked Twister? He might just be husband material.
For real.
A standalone fake relationship romance in the Doctors Series.
Although Louise Bay’s books have been some of my favorites since early days, I had not read any of the books in the The Doctors series. Until now, that is, because I have just fallen in complete and total love with Beau Cove and the entire Cove family, and I can’t wait for more.
DR. FAKE FIANCÉ is easily one of the most enjoyable books that I’ve had the pleasure of reading lately. Likable characters and a modern and relatable story line made for a book that I could not put down. I loved both Vivian and Beau, and the supporting cast of characters are awesome (I must admit to being a little bit in love with Beau’s dad…). This story is an absolute feel good read, which are few and far between, and so stands out as a favorite even more vividly. Can you tell that I really, really liked this book?
If you’ve read the other stories in the series, DR. FAKE FIANCÉ will be an easy and much-loved next step in the saga. For those of you like myself that have not, it will be just the read to send you back to the beginning to devour every one of the books about the Coves that you can clap your eyes on. Truly, do not miss this book. One of my favorites of 2023, and one that I cannot recommend enough. Happy reading! ❤️
AUTHOR BIO
International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh – the kind she likes to read.
Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.
Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).
When life took an unexpected turn, I decided to get out of New York for a while. What better place to go than the idyllic small town my father spoke about so fondly when I was growing up? Laurel Lake held the title America’s Friendliest Town for seventeen years running, and friendly was just what I needed right now.
Unfortunately, friendly wasn’t the welcome I got when I arrived.
Instead, I got Fox Cassidy. My tall, dark, and burly neighbor, who grunted at me instead of saying hello.
Okay, so I might’ve had his mailbox in my hands the first time we met. And it might’ve been a little crushed after removing it from under my tire. And I might’ve needed his help breaking into the place I was staying in after the key broke off in the lock. But still…he didn’t have to be so grumpy.
As time went on though, I started to notice things about Fox other than his glares. Like how he watched me when he thought I wasn’t looking, or how fire ignited in his eyes whenever we bickered. Though I was in Laurel Lake to escape my problems, not create new ones. And getting involved with a man like Fox screamed trouble, even if he was gorgeous and unlike any man I’d ever met.
But alas, problem seemed to be my middle name this year. So why not have some fun while I was here for the summer? It seemed like a good plan. At least until it was time to go home…
They say what happens at the lake, stays at the lake. But it’s not so easy to walk away when what stays behind…is your heart.
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AUTHOR BIO
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria, Israel, and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
Plagued with an overactive imagination, Lauren spends her free time reading and writing. Her dream is to travel to all the places she writes about. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can’t help loving. She likes sharing fast-paced stories with angst, steam, and the emotional spectrum.
Her extra-curricular activities include watching YouTube, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.
Kelsey Owens just wants to settle in with her gorgeous husbands, surrounding herself with her reclaimed family. Preparations should be made for the arrival of their new son. The world has other plans. War is brewing, powerful forces are lining up against everyone she loves, and her latest prisoner also happens to be her best friend in the world. Being the sheriff of the supernatural world really sucks sometimes.
Olivia Carey lost everything. Stripped of the magic that gave her life color and substance, she thought it couldn’t get worse. Then Kelsey was gone. She found a light in the darkness. A path back to her magic, but claiming it somehow put her on the opposite side of a war with everyone she knew and cared for. She knows that her cause was just, but lately things are confusing. Captured by the rebels she tormented and once called friends, she is forced to question everything she knows.
When someone dear to them both is struck down, Kelsey and Liv must join forces again. Only Liv can work the spell to save them, but that spell requires a unique ingredient found only on the Hell plane. Stealing it will mean risking everything—including the growing bond between Liv and her old boyfriend, Casey Lane. Hell has some tricks up its sleeve for both Liv and Kelsey. And in the midst of battle, Liv will be forced to decide between saving their world and burning it all down.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.
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Saucy Southern Readers 