Nastya Semyonov first met Haze at a bar, but for Haze Hopkins, duty calls before either can act on their desires. He’s gone without a glance back, leaving her thinking that maybe all the hot looks were only one-sided.
Fast forward to the next day, Nastya hitches a ride to her car that she left behind the night before, only to run into the same man from last night.
Neither one truly thinks before they act, and they spend a hot fifteen minutes in a fast-food restaurant bathroom before parting ways again.
It’s as she’s walking back to her car that she realizes how badly she’s screwed up.
Because her car is surrounded in police tape, and there’s one very angry man wearing a badge standing in front of it with her name on an arrest warrant for killing a man.
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.
There was right, there was wrong, and then there was the in-between.
The place where normal people reside, understanding that there are two sides to every coin. People that do bad things for good reasons. People that do bad things for bad reasons.
First, I knew that Shasha Semyonov was a bad man. One that did bad things for bad reasons. That didn’t mean that I was rational when it came to him.
He was toxic to my health, yet I wanted him anyway.
They say the first step to healing is admitting when you have a problem.
My problem happened to be six feet two inches tall, two hundred and twenty pounds, and bearded to perfection.
Oh, and he was also the scariest guy I knew.
Meanwhile, I was the laughingstock of the city.
The woman who was cheated on by her boyfriend with her best friend, and it was captured live while a band played in the background, perfectly accenting the humiliating video.
There was no way that Shasha Semyonov would notice me.
Mafia reads may not be my go-to, but if Lani writes it, I’m going to read it, and, no surprise, I am already in love with the Semyenovs.
As I’ve said before, I am just amazed at Lani’s ability to create worlds, characters, and storylines that continue to be fresh and entertaining, and STAY TOXIC shows that she is still at the top of her game. Having met the Semyenov family as part of Maven’s story in the Carter Brothers series, I was hoping that they were going to get their very own books, and I could not be happier that Lani is doing just that. Shasha and Brecken make for a great entry into this world, and I now can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of these characters.
One of the things that I like most about Lani’s books is how she ties worlds together. It was nice to catch up with Maven, Auden, and their kids, and see how their lives are tied to the Semyenovs, and to be introduced to some new characters that I am hoping will stay the course and get their stories, too.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lani’s books, or this is your first time reading her, you will love this book. And while there is tie-in to the prior series, you can absolutely read the Semyonovs all on their own (although once you start, you’re going to want to go back and read ALL of the books!). Either way, jump in and enjoy, and get ready for more passion, action, and fun the way that only Lani can write it. Happy reading! ❤️
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.
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the final installment in her beloved Wilds of Montana series, featuring a small-town, marriage of convenience, second-chance love for the ages!
I have loved Millie Wild for more than eight years. Since that summer long ago when we were inseparable, stealing moments and keeping our love a secret.
And my girl has hated me for just as long.
When my father found out about my love for Millie, the daughter of the rival family next door, he threatened everything I love the most if I didn’t let her go. My father didn’t make idle threats.
So, I did the only thing I could to keep her safe: I made her hate me.
For eight long years, I’ve stayed away. But now, my monster of a father is dead and buried, and he couldn’t help but stick it to me one more time by leaving a caveat in the will that stated in order to inherit what’s rightfully mine and my sisters’, I have to marry and stay that way for one full year.
There’s only one woman in the world that I would consider saying “I do” to.
Millie is happy with her life. She owns the local coffee shop and enjoys being with her family. I torture myself by visiting her coffee shop under the guise of needing caffeine. I deserve her glares and snarky comments. Every moment of pain, whether self-inflicted or from her, is mine to own.
She deserves so much more than me and my baggage, standing on her doorstep, asking her to marry me. To help me.
But she says yes. Yes to one year of being mine, but I plan to show her that she’ll be mine until the stars fall from the sky.
With the name Lexington, I know that I’ve caused pain for not only Millie but the entire Wild family. Will I be able to convince my wild rose that I’m in love with her for all the right reasons? Or will the centuries-old family rivalry tear her away from me? For good, this time.
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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.
Dixie met Mary in a bar in the middle of nowhere. He knew the moment she served him “whatever the hell she wanted to” that she was the one.
That day, he takes her from her abusive life and gives her everything she’s ever wanted.
For thirty-one years, they’re married. For thirty-one years, he worships the ground she walks on. For thirty-one years, she makes him the happiest man on the planet.
They have babies. They lose babies. They laugh and they love. They’ve fought and they’ve struggled.
But nothing prepares him for the day she leaves him. The day that his life ends, and he goes on existing, waiting for the day that he can join her again.
Join Dixie as he remembers the love of his life in this heartbreaking story that speaks of love and loss and finally, a happily ever after.
Jeremiah + Merriam
Jeremiah Dixon has a way with words.
In the professional hockey world, he’s known as Mr. Suave. The man who always says the right thing and can charm the pants off of anyone.
Of course, when a damsel in distress falls into his arms after practice, he can’t stop himself from pursuing her. Who wouldn’t instantly fall in love with a woman who looked like Merriam Kennedy did?
She was beautiful, fierce, and everything he’s ever wanted in a woman.
They fall in love with each other over wings and beer. But before he can get her number, she leaves and takes his heart with her.
As luck would have it, he runs into her a few days later. She’s still as beautiful as ever, with a sizable bruise on her face and defeat haunting her eyes.
He tries to break through her walls, but she’s adamant that she can make it on her own.
Until, that is, her abusive father threatens her baby girl. Then she has no other choice but to run into a blizzard on Christmas Eve to escape him. And she knows just where to go.
To him. Jeremiah Dixon—the man that her heart and soul know is the one meant to fix all the broken things inside of her.
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.
Forever the Highlands by Samantha Young is now live!
He’s her brother’s best friend. She’s totally off-limits. But when life takes an unexpected turn, she’s the only one he wants at his side…
Fyfe Moray raised himself. His only real family is his best friend, Lewis Adair. For that reason, Lewis’s sister Eilidh is totally off-limits. Fyfe is in deep denial about their intense attraction. Thankfully, Eilidh is a famous actor living in London while he runs his cyber security company from the Highlands. They’re worlds apart. Until one day, Eilidh reaches out asking for a lifeline and Fyfe can’t bring himself to turn her away.
Acting isn’t what Eilidh Adair expected. As a kid, she wanted to be just like her famous uncles. But the double-edged sword of fame cuts deeper than expected. Afraid to admit she’s made a mistake, Eilidh is spiraling. The only person who knows the truth is Fyfe, but her childhood crush has developed into a love he won’t return. Yet when she comes home intent on starting over, Fyfe can’t seem to stay away. His confused feelings might just be the end of them. Until a woman from Fyfe’s past abandons the baby daughter he never knew he had.
Now a single father, Fyfe needs support. He just never expected Eilidh to be the one he needed most. Fyfe can’t believe how quickly he falls for his child and how rapidly his world view changes. He’s ready to admit the truth: he’s madly in love with his best friend’s sister. And Fyfe’s done wasting time. But someone else believes Eilidh belongs to them. Someone who has been watching her far longer than she realizes. Just when she thinks she might have everything she wants, Eilidh finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a person intent on destroying everything she holds dear.
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What a wrap up to this series! Samantha Young has brought all of the heat and heart to FOREVER THE HIGHLANDS, the sixth and final book in The Highlands series. Fyfe’s and Eilidh’s story was a long time coming, but it was totally worth the wait, and I loved every single word.
It’s said that you should write what you know, and Samantha’s books set in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland are a perfect example of this. The characters, the setting, the stories, all paint a beautiful picture of life in this lovely part of the world. I could see the beauty in my mind’s eye, and came to feel like I was a part of this community and the stories that Samantha has woven, which for me is the mark of a really good book.
Fyfe’s and Eilidh’s journey is long, filled with detours and misunderstanding, but in FOREVER THE HIGHLANDS we finally get the ending that I have been hoping for. There is plenty of angst, passion, suspense, and moments that broke and remade this reader’s heart, all of the things that I love. And as an unabashed lover of epilogues, I could not have asked for a better way to end the book and the series.
Although I’ll miss the Highlands and all of these beloved characters, I know that Samantha is going to dazzle with whatever is up next, and I can’t wait. If you haven’t read her books, now is the time! ❤️
Meet Samantha
Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries. She resides in Scotland.
Kristen Proby has revealed the gorgeous covers for She’s a Wild One!
Releasing: December 12, 2024
Cover Design: Hang Le
Photographer: Jade Stacy Photography
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the final installment in her beloved Wilds of Montana series, featuring a small-town, marriage of convenience, second-chance love for the ages!
I have loved Millie Wild for more than eight years. Since that summer long ago when we were inseparable, stealing moments and keeping our love a secret.
And my girl has hated me for just as long.
When my father found out about my love for Millie, the daughter of the rival family next door, he threatened everything I love the most if I didn’t let her go. My father didn’t make idle threats.
So, I did the only thing I could to keep her safe: I made her hate me.
For eight long years, I’ve stayed away. But now, my monster of a father is dead and buried, and he couldn’t help but stick it to me one more time by leaving a caveat in the will that stated in order to inherit what’s rightfully mine and my sisters’, I have to marry and stay that way for one full year.
There’s only one woman in the world that I would consider saying “I do” to.
Millie is happy with her life. She owns the local coffee shop and enjoys being with her family. I torture myself by visiting her coffee shop under the guise of needing caffeine. I deserve her glares and snarky comments. Every moment of pain, whether self-inflicted or from her, is mine to own.
She deserves so much more than me and my baggage, standing on her doorstep, asking her to marry me. To help me.
But she says yes. Yes to one year of being mine, but I plan to show her that she’ll be mine until the stars fall from the sky.
With the name Lexington, I know that I’ve caused pain for not only Millie but the entire Wild family. Will I be able to convince my wild rose that I’m in love with her for all the right reasons? Or will the centuries-old family rivalry tear her away from me? For good, this time.
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.
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.
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes On the Wild Side, a sizzling single mom, cowboy, small town romance in the beloved Wilds of Montana Series!
Brady Wild has focused on one thing this entire adult life: riding bulls. A three-time world champion, Brady’s body has taken a beating over the years and he knows he’s nearing the end of his impressive career. He’s had no time for relationships with his dangerous career but the minute he sees sexy single mom, Abbi Kastella, he knows it’s game over for his resolve to be single.
Abbi is a mom, first and foremost, and she’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep her daughter safe from the danger that’s chased them for half a dozen years. She’s finally been able to set down roots in Bitterroot Valley for herself and Daisy. She adores this community that has welcomed them with open arms, her new business is thriving, and she has a circle of friends that she loves and trusts. And don’t even get her started on the hazel-eyed, muscled up cowboy that makes her whole body tremble with need. Life is good in this little Montana town and Brady is showing her and her little girl what real love is supposed to be.
Despite Brady’s best intentions he can’t resist his blue-eyed siren, or the sweet little girl that has him wrapped around her little finger. But when Abbi’s past catches up with them, Brady quickly realizes that the secrets that Abbi’s been keeping from him are far worse than any damage his career could do to them. Will they lose everything before it even really begins? Or will love prevail so they can get started on their forever On the Wild Side?
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Real live cowboy: check. Single mom with a past: check. Cute as heck kiddo: check. One of my favorite new series from one of my favorite authors: check. What do all of these things have in common? They are at the heart of ON THE WILD SIDE, the fourth book in the Wilds of Montana series from one of my all-time favorites, Kristen Proby. Did I love it? Yes, I did, because this series is awesome, and never fails to win me over big time, book by wonderful book.
Brady Wild and Abbi Kastella have been dancing around each other for forever. Abbi and her daughter, Daisy, are like adopted members of the Wild family, and it’s all that Brady can do to ignore his growing feelings for Abbi. Try as he might to fight it, both Abbi and Daisy have gotten under Brady’s skin and into his heart, and it’s not long before he’s all in.
Abbi’s life hasn’t always been easy, and while she has created a safe life for herself and Daisy, there are dark shadows that keep her from ever feeling truly settled. Just when Abbi finally feels like Brady and his love can help her overcome everything, her past threatens to end all that she has come to love in Montana, and she isn’t sure that her newfound happiness will be enough to save her.
Kristen continues to deliver heart, heat, passion, and intensity with ON THE WILD SIDE, along with all of the family shenanigans, small town life, and friend moments that make her one of my go-to authors. This book is a solid addition to the series, and I enjoyed every single word. I can’t wait to get more of the Montana Wilds with SHE’S A WILD ONE, Millie’s book. In the meantime, this is a must-read, and will win your heart. ❤️
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.
What isn’t great is having the hots for the same woman your twin does.
Been there, done that, have the t-shirt.
Since Auden Carter made that mistake in his teens, he’d promised himself never to do that to his brother again.
Hence why he’s tried so hard to stay away from Maven, the sexy bakery owner that seems to have been put on this planet to tempt him.
After months of watching his brother never make a move, Auden’s had enough. He tells his twin to either shit or get off the pot. Only, come to find out, his twin was never on the pot. He’d never had the hots for Maven at all, but her cute little assistant.
Unfortunately, at this point, he’d done his level best to appear undesirable to Maven, and had gone out of his way to make it very clear that he wasn’t interested.
He has a lot of work to do to convince her that he’s not the guy he’d been acting like for the last few months.
Luck is on his side, though, and soon Maven needs his help, giving him the perfect opportunity to worm his way into her life…and her heart.
But that help she needs turns into a desperate plea for protection, and all he has to do is quit his beloved job to give it.
It’s not every day that you are in love with your boss’s daughter, who just so happens to be the chief of police of Dallas, Texas—your beloved police department that you’ve worked at for your entire career.
It’s also not every day when that boss pulls out every stop, and ruins your life to the point where you’re not sure you can find your way out of the downward spiral he’s forced upon you.
There is one thing Auden knows for certain, though. Maven is worth it. He’ll fight the chief of police, or the entire world, putting his life on the line to do it, as long as it keeps her safe.
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.
Having been a diehard romance reader and blogger for so many years now, I cannot believe that it took me such a long time to enter into the fantastical world that is the creative amazingness that is Lani Lynn Vale. I mean, seriously, how one person has so many zany, action-packed, original stories in their head just blows me away, and I do mean every single time. Case in point, CLAP BACK, the 4th book in Lani’s Carter Brothers series.
CLAP BACK is Auden Carter’s and Maven Brumfield’s book, and I absolutely loved it. These Carter boys fall fast and hard, and Auden is no different. He knows that he wants Maven, and that’s what’s happening, whether her father, who is also his boss, is on board or not. Because when one Carter is involved, all of them are, and they are a force to be reckoned with.
Maven’s life has been all kinds of crazy, and things haven’t settled down yet. She’s worked for a long time to get out from under the controlling thumb of her father and brother, and there’s no better help for it than having a whole family of Carters on her side.
The twists and turns and ‘wait, what?!’ moments abound, making CLAP BACK another winner for me. Next up is Atlas and Elliette in RENT FREE, and I can’t wait. If you haven’t met the Carter Brothers (and fam!), what are you waiting for? Grab these gems and get ready to have a blast. Happy reading! ❤️
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new Small Town, Single Dad, Brother’s Best Friend, Cowboy romance.
Ryan Wild thought he had everything he could ever want. A billionaire before thirty, he’s finally moved back home to Bitterroot Valley, built a beautiful house on his ranch, and has recently adopted a teenage boy that has brought nothing but joy into his life. The only thing that’s been missing is the feeling of Polly in his arms since their incredible night together months ago. Memories of her touch aren’t nearly enough to satisfy him, and Ryan will do anything he can to make her his.
Polly can’t forget the one night she spent with Ryan all of those months ago, but she understood that it was a one-time deal. Yes, she still thinks about the sexy billionaire cowboy and his strong arms wrapped around her, but she’s a busy woman, with a thriving clothing shop and a group of friends that keep her on her toes. When you add in a house that always needs repairs, Polly’s days and nights are completely full. But when Ryan starts coming around, tempting her with that killer smile, heated bedroom eyes, and generous gifts, how is she supposed to stay away from him?
Polly knows how important the bond between father and son is and feels guilty for taking some of Ryan’s attention away from Jake, especially when Ryan whisks her away to Paris for the romantic vacation of her dreams. And just when the three of them start to settle in together, where Polly, Jake and Ryan start to feel like a family, she starts getting warnings and prank phone calls. Someone wants to come between them and their growing relationship.
The love they share is beyond their wildest dreams, but when danger lurks, will they be torn apart forever?
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So, can I move to Bitterroot Valley, Montana? Because I’m ready, thanks to Kristen Proby, who continues to create a place and people that feel just like home. The Wild family and their circle are, as with Kristen’s previous series, the kind of folks that make you wish that you were part of it, and in WILDEST DREAMS, the third and latest book, I have found my current favorite.
I just love Ryan Wild. He’s smart, business savvy, straightforward, and, as his family are seeing, very much a family man. He knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to go for it, whether it’s a business deal, becoming found family for his foster son, or pursuing Polly Allen, who is pretty amazing in her own right.
Polly, owner of Pocket Full of Polly (love it!), is a shrewd businesswoman, and one that lifts other women up at the same time. She’s known the Wilds for her whole life, and thinks of them as best friends and family, but Ryan, well he’s in a class by himself, ever since the night that he showed her a whole other side of himself.
Yes, these two are passionate about each other, but what I love the best in their relationship is that they really LIKE each other, they communicate with each other, and they support each other in all of the ways. They are truly relationship goals, and the way that they love their friends and family makes them even more of a power couple.
This series continues to get better with each book, which is saying something, because I’ve loved all of them. Next up is Abbi and Brady in ON THE WILD SIDE, which promises to be as amazing as all of the others, and I cannot wait. If you haven’t met the Wilds of Montana, now’s the time. One-click your way through these books, and I guarantee, you’ll want to move to Bitterroot Valley, too. Happy reading! ❤️
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.
Saucy Southern Readers 