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.
However, the business mogul that the masses haven’t seen in over ten years finds himself out of options when a mysterious illness hits his beloved house attendant.
Due to its unknown nature and the possibility that it could be killing her, Weston is left with no choice but to invite his employee’s only daughter, Brynley Winters, to stay at his estate as his concierge doctor desperately works to heal her.
Unfortunately for Weston, Brynley’s unwanted visit quickly leads to a massive uncovering of secrets, lies, love, and hidden identities that have many on the property wishing things would’ve simply stayed private.
TROPES:
Alpha Male
Forced Proximity
Opposites-Attract
Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Beauty & The Beast Retelling/Reimagining (Modern Not PNR)
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE novel…
No one but me knew why I was actually in the California desert that day.
Nestled deep within the desolate, rocky area was a recording studio.
When a door suddenly opened, a man mistook me for someone he was supposed to be interviewing for a job.
The next thing I knew, I was whisked inside.
The position? An assistant on the upcoming tour for one of America’s most famous rock bands.
Pretty exciting opportunity for a twenty-two-year-old, just out of college.
Not surprisingly, I bombed the interview.
When I ended up mistakenly walking into the men’s room on my way out, I struck up a conversation with a stranger—not realizing it was the lead singer, Tristan Daltrey.
He seemed to like the fact that I had no idea who he was, that I saw him as a normal person.
That night, I got a call offering me the job.
So began my complicated story with Tristan.
Millions of women loved him.
Yet for some reason, after the shows, he only wanted to hang out with me.
Late-night talks. Casual dinners in his hotel room.
I wasn’t supposed to be fraternizing with the band’s frontman.
Despite our fifteen-year age difference, Tristan and I had a connection.
But I had a secret.
One that would eventually lead to my leaving the tour.
And one that would lead Tristan and the band straight to the small town where I came from.
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 millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
A forbidden romance with my brother’s hockey teammate wasn’t on my to-do list when I moved across the country…
Neither was getting locked out of a friend’s place wearing next to nothing.
Or spending the night with the sexy stranger who rescues me.
But I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone so getting out of the rest of my clothes with him seems like a good way to start.
In the morning, I learn the filthy-mouthed man with the talented hands is not only the hotshot new hockey player on my brother’s team: he’s also – wait for it – my brand new roommate.
I’m a good student turned good librarian. A rule-follower. I’m not the kind of girl who does complicated flings. So we agree to another rule: friends-only.
It’s not easy though. Wes is bossy, flirty and generous.
He gives me rides to work.
Pitches in at my library’s fundraiser.
Takes care of me when I get hurt.
And looks at me like I’m the only one.
Soon, I’m falling hard for my brother’s teammate.
Especially when Wes comes to my door and tells me exactly how he’d like to break our rules.
I smile stupidly against the dark window, so no one can see how I look right now. The glass is cool, but I’m warm everywhere. I don’t want to talk about me with Josie. Not with my teammates around. And honestly, not that much in general. I want to talk about her.
Wesley: It was. But what are you up to? Also, it’s late. Go to bed.
Josie: That’s where I am.
Josie: Here’s your proof of bed.
She sends a picture of the lower half of the bed. Her legs are clearly under the covers. A paperback sits on the white cover. Zooming in, I read the title. Someone Else’s Ring.
Wesley: New book. Does this mean you finished the thriller? The Woman In The Hotel?
Josie: I did and the thrill was thrilling.
Wesley: How’s this one?
Josie: It reads like you f*&k.
Forget warm. I’m red hot under the collar of my dress shirt, remembering the words she wrote on hotel stationery more than a month ago. He f*&ked like a page turner that you didn’t want to put down.
Is it just me or is Josie getting…naughtier? Bolder? More brazen? Pretty sure it’s not just me – it’s her, turning up the heat.
I’m feeling the burn in the dark of the quiet jet, streaking across the sky. Here, it’s like no man’s land, free of consequences, devoid of risks. A place where we can flirt because of the miles between us. So I tap out a reply
Wesley: Bet I still “read” like that.
Josie: You’d keep me up all night?
Wesley: Like a page turner, Josie. Like a f*&king page turner.
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.
After meeting Efa in Doctor Single Dad, the last book in The Doctors series by author Louise Bay, I was excited to see her get her own story. We already knew that she was smart, and set to head off on an American adventure, and Louise does not disappoint. THE BOSS + THE MAID + CHEMISTRY is signature Louise, and the perfect segue from The Doctors into this new group of characters.
Ben Fort is doing his best to hide in plain sight, but leave it to Efa, who wants nothing more on earth than to work for him, to out his secret in no time at all. This should alert Ben to the fact that life as he knows it is about to change, but sometimes it takes a while to figure out that you’ve met your match.
Efa and Ben are actually perfect together, and I enjoyed reading their story so much. Their banter, the way that they grow together, and yes, the steam factor, make me want to see more of them. As well, Ben has his guy friend group, which is something that Louise does well, and that I’ve always enjoyed in her books. As always after reading one of Louise’s books, I’m already ready for the next one, and can’t wait to get Leo’s story in THE PLAY + THE PACT = I DO. In the meantime, snap this one up and enjoy! ❤️
Meet Louise Bay
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).
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! ❤️
The Bodyguard and the Bombshell by Lexi Blake is now live!
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…
The Bodyguard…
Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit. He never imagined himself risking his life for celebrities and the wealthy, but it will do for now. It will also give him a chance to reconnect with old friends, including the girl who’d been like a little sis to him ten years before.
These days, however, his feelings for Daisy O’Donnell are anything but brotherly.
The Bombshell…
Daisy O’Donnell is a girl on a mission, and it does not include falling for one of her brother’s best friends. She has plans, and while chaos always seems to follow her, she’s determined to see this through. Daisy finds herself in need of a bodyguard when a job goes terribly wrong. She’s sure her dad will find someone suitable, but she didn’t expect a big, gloriously masculine Aussie to show up ready to take a bullet for her. Maybe spending some time with Nate Carter won’t be so bad after all.
An explosive match…
Thrown together by danger, Nate and Daisy can’t resist the insane chemistry between them. But when his past and her present collide, they must decide if they can hold it together or go their separate ways forever.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
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.
Logan Kemp buried the love of his life when he was nineteen and, unable to face the loss of his future mate, he left Shadow Pines. Six years later, he’s been summoned back to deal with his ailing father and take his rightful place as Pack Alpha. Only, the pack he left behind has changed and everything he thought he knew is turned upside down with one fateful encounter.
She’s done with the lies.
Wren Culvert was sixteen when her sister drowned. It was ruled an accident but she always believed Lark’s boyfriend was involved and that his Alpha father covered for him. She wants to rip him apart when she sees him again but instead, a bond sparks between them and all her righteous fury is suddenly wrapped up in the confusing need to be mated with this man she hates.
Only the truth can set them free.
Can Logan and Wren manage to put the past behind them or will the need for revenge ultimately destroy them… and their pack?
Jess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl’s life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance.
She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt’s Harlequin collection and she’s been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.
Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn’t afraid to tell you that your school isn’t as cool as hers… or that your sports romance got it all wrong.
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.
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Saucy Southern Readers 