Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward are excited to bring you the Cocky Hero Club: original works from various authors inspired by Keeland and Ward’s New York Times bestselling Cocky Bastard series.
BLURB
My love life has been epic.
Epically disastrous.
But that’s all in the past. I put my unrequited crush on Zach, my best friend’s grumpy brother, behind me years ago. My ex-fiancé, the jerk who left me at the altar, is also in my emotional rearview. Now, I’m focusing on my career. I don’t have time for romance.
Then my ex shows up and everything changes.
Zach comes to my defense in a big way, pretending to be my boyfriend. Then he suggests we keep up our mutually beneficial fake relationship for a few more months.
And it’s not long before I realize my crush on Zach might not be as over as I’d hoped.
It might not be as unrequited as I’d thought, either.
But as much as I’d love to trust him, to give him a second chance, I’m not sure I can. I gave him my heart once and he broke it.
This time, I’m afraid trust might be a luxury I can’t afford.
Broody Nerd, part of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Hero world, is a light-hearted, contemporary romance standalone featuring plenty of mutual pining, a strong, curvy heroine, and a slightly nerdy, growly hero. Happily ever after guaranteed…along with a slow-burn romance.
Welcome back Autumn Grey!! Oh, how I have missed your writing and your stories.
Broody Nerd is exactly what you get in this book.
Zach is Chloe’s best friend older brother. And also the first guy to break her heart. But he’s also been there to support her through other difficult times.
Broody Nerd is a slow burn, best friend’s brother romance and I am here for it.
I thoroughly enjoyed how this story played out. It was very real and authentic and just made me love them both so much.
The only reason this isn’t 5 stars is I wanted more of them after everything happened. Plus there’s one particular part of Chloe’s job that was very important to her & once she achieved that (read to find out), it was sort of took a backseat. I felt it should’ve stayed revelant through the end.
Overall, I loved this book and I’m excited to read more from her.
Autumn enjoys writing angsty romance, featuring flawed and quirky characters and hard-won happy ever afters. When she’s not working as a nurse assistant, you’ll find her behind keyboard writing stories, or curled up on the couch with a book. Her work has been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After.
She lives with her two children and one fur baby, enjoys good wine and binge-watching TV shows whenever she can.
Trope: Second chance, age-gap, found family, college professor/student, HEA
Synopsis
Daniel
I got my Ph.D. and a fantastic teaching job by keeping my nose to the grindstone and avoiding relationships. Not that I didn’t like men—quite the opposite—but getting involved took time I didn’t have.
One summer evening, I went out for a drink and met the most beautiful guy I’d ever seen. After an unforgettable night, I couldn’t wait to meet up again, but I missed our date. Imagine my panic when I realized we’d forgotten to trade numbers.
Caleb
A summer job as a law firm intern kept me busy, but one night, I needed to blow off some steam. At the bar, a gorgeous man saved me from an overzealous admirer. My rescuer gave me the kiss of my life, and I wound up in his bed. After the night turned out to be even better than the kiss, we made a date to meet again. Unfortunately, he no-showed on me, leaving me disappointed and confused for months.
The following spring, when I showed up for a class taught by some hotshot new professor, a breathtaking man walked into the room. My heart stopped because my new professor was the guy who stood me up last summer. Was I glad to see him? I wasn’t sure. But one thing was certain—I was the very last person he wanted in his class.
One man is trying to get tenure in the job of his dreams; the other is set to graduate and begin law school. Life brought them together under random circumstances, and their path isn’t an easy one. How can they make a relationship work without sacrificing everything?
My Perfect Screwup is a contemporary gay romance involving a missed opportunity and second chance to get it right. The book includes a relationship between a college professor and student, age gap, unwavering connection, incendiary heat, found family, and dreamy HEA.
Ryan Taylor met his husband and co-author, Joshua Harwood, in law school. They live in a suburb of Washington, DC, and share their home with a big, cuddly German shepherd. Ryan and Josh love to travel. In addition, Ryan also enjoys swimming, and Josh likes to putter in the garden whenever he can. They began writing to celebrate the romance they were so lucky to find with each other, and the sharing soon developed into a passion for telling stories about love between out and proud men.
From New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, discover The Park Avenue Promise Series… Three young women make a pact in high school— to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan. She’s a high-tech boss who lost it all…
Ivy Jensen was the darling of the tech world, right up until her company fell apart completely after she trusted the wrong person. Her reputation in tatters, she finds herself back in the tiny apartment she grew up in, living with her mom. When a group of angel investors offer her a meeting, she knows she has to come up with the new big idea or her career is over.
He’s an up and coming coder…
Heath Marino has always been fascinated with writing code. He’s worked on a dozen games and apps and is considered one of the industry’s more eccentric talents. But now he’s back in New York to spend time with his grandmother. She was known as one of the city’s greatest matchmakers, and he wants to know why. Surely there’s some kind of code in his grandmother’s methods, and he’s going to find them.
When Ivy meets Heath it’s instant attraction, but she’s got a career to get back to and he just might be her on-ramp. It could be a perfect partnership or absolute heartbreak.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
Start Us Up is the first book in Lexi’s newest series, Park Ave Promise.
This book was right down the middle enjoyable for me. I did not hate it but it also did not wow, which honestly surprised me because I love just about anything that Lexi writes.
Start Us Up is definitely woman’s fiction than romance as it primarily focuses on Ivy’s personal growth with a tad of romance sprinkled throughout. I can read just about anything but having this promoted as a romance, it felt a bit misleading and I think that played into my expectations.
This book is strong and very well written. You can tell that Lexi did her own research, especially when it comes to the more techy aspect of this book and all the ins and outs of that world. The depth she brings to her characters and their interactions definitely kept this book entertaining.
Overall, it’s a good read.
Meet Lexi
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.
She’s a country music star trying to escape the spotlight. He’s the scorching hot bodyguard she doesn’t want on her vacation. And there’s only one bed.
Hideaway Heart by Melanie Harlow is now live!
All I wanted was a break—two weeks off from being Pixie Hart, country music sensation, and fourteen days of peace, privacy, and solitude as plain old Kelly Jo Sullivan.
But thanks to some overzealous paparazzi, my family refuses to let me go anywhere alone, and I’m stuck sharing this tiny cabin with a tall, dark, and bearded bodyguard.
And guess what? There’s only one bed.
Well, he can couch it.
Xander Buckley might be hotter than a stolen blow torch, and I get that he’s a former Navy SEAL and all, but the man gives new meaning to the words overbearing, overprotective, bossy alpha male. I can’t even post a photo on social media without him warning me it’s not safe, or take a morning jog without him following behind.
But he’s made it clear that what he says goes, and if I don’t like it, I can kiss my vacation goodbye.
Instead, I end up kissing him.
I don’t even know how it happened—one minute we were at each other’s throats, the next we were at each other’s mercy. What’s even more shocking is how good we are together. He understands my need for freedom, and I understand his need for control.
But emotional trust doesn’t come easily to me. And we’re on two completely different paths.
Without question, I’d put my life in his hands.
Just don’t ask me to give him my heart.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow writes sweet, sexy, feel-good romance. She likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. If she’s not writing or reading, she’s probably at Orangetheory or watching Schitt’s Creek again. She lifts her glass to readers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
Right Guy, Wrong Word by Jewel E. Ann is now live!
Do books have souls?
Anna Black has the perfect novel choice for her book club. She also has a sexy new neighbor who jumps at the opportunity to join fellow bookworms in discussing her pick for their summer read.
It’s lust at first sight and the marriage of two literary souls.
The charismatic owner of a new T-shirt store in Des Moines’s East Village, Eric Steinmann, has a confident air and an irresistible “mating dance.” He’s almost perfect … until he says the wrong word.
Will Anna and Eric write their own story? Or will their chemistry die when fiction turns into reality?
**Right Guy, Wrong Word was originally written as a short story, The Last Person. It’s been revised with significant changes to the original content and extended into a full-length novel.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
You can never go wrong when it comes to a book by Jewel E. Ann.
I truly love when I am reading a story and I just find myself all smiles and giggly and that’s exactly what Right Guy, Wrong Word did.
It is impossible to not love Eric from the get-go. He truly had me enamored the entire book (and his mating dance – LOL). Anna, she was a bit different but in true Jewel fashion, she had me really liking her by the end.
Overall, this is another great read from Jewel and you will truly love every bit of this book.
Meet Jewel E. Ann
Jewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author with a quirky sense of humor. When she’s not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance.
The One I Want, an all-new emotional, angst-filled new adult stand-alone romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis is available now!!!
We thought we were forever, but fate had other plans…
I never intended to fall in love.
This girl had goals and guys were an unwelcome distraction.
Until I met Garrick, my sophomore year of college, and he blasted through the walls I kept around my heart, tearing them down.
He knew what he wanted, and he wanted me.
Falling hard and fast, I experienced the rollercoaster highs and lows of first love.
Until life threw us a curveball, and everything flipped overnight.
Stuck in a limbo state, I was falling apart while trying to be strong for my boyfriend.
Then he entered my life. The hot, slightly older guy who looked like a cross between a tatted biker and a billionaire businessman.
Beck understood me, and our situation, in a way no one else could.
As a friend, he held me together and helped to piece back the shredded fragments of my heart.
I didn’t mean to fall in love with him—it just happened.
No one understands, least of all me.
Now my heart is split in two, and I don’t know what to do.
Is my first love my one true love? Or do I belong with the man who brought me to life?
“Can I get you anything else?” I ask, my eyes darting to the door. It’s crazy busy and I need to get back. I also wouldn’t mind putting some distance between the two of us. His presence is magnetic, and it concerns me that I’ve noticed.
Little beads of sweat cling to his brow before he swipes them away with the back of his hand. His disarming smile is firmly in place as he stalks toward me. “Just your company.” He moves in closer, and his breath tickles my face when he speaks. “What’s your name, and do you go to school here too?” Curiosity lights up his handsome face as his inquisitive gaze probes mine.
“Why do you want to know?” I step sideways to create some distance between us.
“I’m just making conversation.”
There’s a weird tension in the air. A crackling charge ripping across the space separating our bodies, and I don’t like feeling some freaky connection between us. “Well, I’m working, and they need me outside, so I should go.”
“It’s too quiet in here, and I don’t like hanging around by myself.” His earnest eyes are shielding nothing, and I know it isn’t a lie or a ruse to trap me into spending time with him. “Not when I’m pumped full of adrenaline. Normally, my friends would be here, but they all had shit to do tonight.” His eyes soften. “You’d be doing me a big favor if you kept me company.” He flops down on the couch, still maintaining eye contact with me. He pats the space beside him. “I only have a short break, and I promise I won’t bite.”He flashes me another ovary-clenching smile. “I’m betting you haven’t taken a break all night. Rest your feet and take a breather.”
A break does sound nice, and he’s right. I wasn’t able to take my usual ten minutes earlier because it was too busy. Suddenly, my feet feel heavy, and my legs ache like they might go out from under me.
Garrick hops up and grabs two chilled bottles of water from the mini refrigerator as I lower my tired butt onto the couch. Fridays are always nightmarish because I have classes until lunch, then I work my shift at Butterfly Flowers, and run back to the apartment I share off-campus with my friend Ellen to grab something to eat and a quick shower before showing up for my shift at the bar. I usually sleep in late on Saturday morning, too exhausted to get up early.
“You look like you need this as much as me,” he says, handing me a water.
“Thanks, and I do. It’s hot out there tonight.”
“It’s a veritable sauna, ”he agrees. “If it’s like this every Friday night, I might start showing up in nothing but shorts.”
“That would be one way of keeping your fans loyal,” I tease as I uncap the bottle.
“I’m here for the music, not the girls.” He flashes me a flirty look, that seems to contradict his statement, before gulping back his drink.
“Said no rock star ever,” I deadpan, fighting a grin. “I’m not a rock star nor do I have any desire to be.”
“How come? You must know you’re good, and isn’t it what most musicians dream of?”
He shrugs before draining his second bottle of water and tossing the empty in the trash can. “Not me. Music is a hobby. It’s a release. A way to indulge my creative side. It will never be anything more.”
“It seems a shame to waste such natural talent, but I admire you for knowing what you want and sticking to your resolve.”
“I still don’t know your name.” He twists around on the couch. His knee brushes against my jean-clad leg as he leans in closer, giving me his undivided attention.
It’s unnerving, but I still can’t force myself to get up and leave.
“And you didn’t tell me if you go to UO too,” he adds, looking at me like I’m the most fascinating person in the world.
“I’m Stevie, and yes, I go to school here. I’m studying floral management and just about to finish my sophomore year.”
“Same here.”
My eyes pop wide. I’m pretty sure there are no guys in any of my classes. Floral management is not really a guy thing.
He chuckles. “I meant I’m a sophomore. I’m majoring in family enterprise.”
“Oh, cool. Does your family have a business?”
He nods as his tongue darts out wetting his lips. “My dad is CEO of Allen Lumber and Allen Wineries. I’ll be joining the business when I graduate.”
His tone is very matter-of-fact, and it doesn’t seem like he’s bragging. Wouldn’t matter if he was. I’m hard to impress, and I can’t think of any guy who has ever managed to do it. “I know Allen Wineries. The country club I used to work at back home buys their wine. So, you’re from Seattle too?”
“Born and bred.”
“What part?”
“Dad lives in North Bend, and Mom lives in Medina. I used to split my time between both homes.” Air trickles out of his mouth as he drags one hand through his messy dark hair.
Something akin to desire pools low in my belly, but I ignore it.
“What about you? Where do you call home?” he asks.
“Ravenna. I live with my mom, and my nana is close by too.”
“No dad?”
“I never knew him.” I’m not about to get into it with a guy who is a virtual stranger even if he seems like an okay guy and the conversation is flowing easily.
“This feels a little like fate.” His eyes sparkle with excitement.
“What does?”
“Us meeting like this.”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “It’s coincidence. Not fate. And it’s not like there aren’t a ton of people attending Oregon from Seattle.”
“True, but I’m sticking to my convictions. You call it coincidence. I’m calling it fate.” He attempts to dazzle me with that flirty smile again, and it almost works. Angling his body closer, he stares at my mouth like he wants to kiss me.
Siobhan Davis never ceases me to amaze with her writing and stories.
Gah!! I do not even know where to start this one. I finished this book over the weekend and I was all up in my emotions the whole time.
I am not going to rehash this story – read the blurb if you want to know what to expect. I’m not even going to talk about the characters because I truly feel that this is one story that the reader needs to read without any knowledge except what the author has told you in the blurb.
I will tell you that this story rocked me in so many ways. I felt everything from sheer joy, to laughter to unbelievable heart ache and just raw emotions. I love a story that seeps deep into your bones, directly into your soul and The One I Want does exactly that!!!
I cannot love this book enough. It is a long book and yes, the beginning is a bit slow. BUT, there’s reason for that and I urge you to not stop because the reward it so worth it.
Grab this book now!! It’s worth every ounce of emotion you feel. The is Siobhan at her best.
Learn more about Siobhan Davis and her releases by visiting her website:
From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a new age-gap standalone romantic comedy featuring a new cast of characters that will immediately have you hooked.
This steamy, enemies-to-lovers small town romance delivers the perfect happily ever after every romance lover craves. One-click your copy of THE WAY I HATE HIM today!
And don’t miss the Illustrated Hardcover? It’s NOW LIVE and has over 30 hand-drawn illustrations so you can take a deep dive into Hayes and Hattie’s love story! You can get your copy HERE!
About THE WAY I HATE HIM:
Why am I holding a box of stolen memorabilia in my arms? It’s called . . . revenge.
After failing my last semester of grad school, I decided to come back to my hometown and wallow in my boyfriend’s sympathetic arms. Instead, he proceeded to dump me . . . for being boring!
Now, I’m not typically a spiteful person, but there’s only so much I can take. Hence why I’m holding the box of his most cherished possessions…stolen possessions no less!
The plan? To give the box back to its rightful owner and rat my ex out. How’s that for being boring?
But plans never go the way you want them, because instead of dropping off the box with a note, I’m pinned with the crime by the true owner of the box himself.
Hayes Farrow is grumpy, arrogant, and stupidly hot in a way that makes it hard to even look him in the eye. Not to mention he’s my brother’s nemesis so I fully intended to stay far far away from the gorgeous jerk.
But to add insult to the injury that has become my life as of late, Hayes gives me two options: turn me into the police and press full charges . . . or work it off. How could I possibly work for someone I can’t stand? Easy, I don’t look good in orange.
But working for Hayes isn’t as horrible as I thought it would be. The way I hate him begins to turn into something else – something I never thought I’d feel. But the way my brother reacts when he finds out I’m working for his enemy? He’d prefer me in prison orange.
Vanessa Edwin and Teddy Hamilton narrate in duet and are a dream team in THE WAY I HATE HIM! They are sublime in these roles and bring Hattie and Hayes to life! Pop in your earbuds and give it a listen today!
USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.
Teagan’s world shatters when she uncovers the mafia ties of her friends Fallon and Luca. To ensure her silence, she’s thrust into an unwanted marriage with Christiano, the boss’ cousin—an enigmatic man who despises her for this arrangement. Christiano is a methodical killer with no time for women, much less a wife.
But as they’re forced to live together, Teagan’s vibrant presence both captivates and challenges him. Yet, their mutual distrust remains steadfast. And if the truth about their union comes to light, it has the potential to set off a full-blown mafia war, putting everyone at risk, particularly Teagan.
As their marriage blurs the line between love and hate, Christiano finds himself torn between his growing attraction to Teagan and the dangerous organization he’s sworn to protect.
If he falters, the very existence of the Syndicate will be erased.
A standalone novel from the Chicago Syndicate world.
Soraya Naomi is the author of the Chicago Syndicate Mafia series. She writes provocative novels with a sinfully seductive blend of romance, suspense & men who love hard and at all costs. The Chicago Syndicate series – #1 Amazon Organized Crime series – has been translated into several languages.
Soraya has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Arts & Culture from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Apart from indulging in chocolate pastries much too often, Soraya Naomi is also an avid reader. She has a passionate obsession with the written word and reads many genres but favors intense, seductive, and provocative novels where the male character loves fiercely, without remorse or boundaries. She adores Dark Romances, Romantic Suspense, Historical Romances, New Adult, and PNR.
Her debut novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1) was released on July 26, 2014. She’s honored that For Fallon won “Best Breakout Novel 2014” in the Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards.
Tropes: Friends to Lovers/Forced Proximity/Roommates
Release Date: July 26, 2023
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A rule follower gets stuck living with the off-limits woman he’s always wanted in this small-town romance that sizzles with slow-burn heat.
Jolene Daniels is my best friend. Sorry…was. She was my best friend a lifetime and ten years of witness protection ago. Now that I’ve returned to my hometown, Jolene and I are once again hanging out.
As friends.
I do not fantasize about the time we fell asleep in the tree house we built, and I woke up with her tucked against my aching chest. I don’t replay the days we raced through the woods, nothing but carefree adventure and laughter filling the air.
Nope. We’re just old pals, and I’m thrilled to have her back in my life. Of course, I notice how stunning she is, but it’s fine.
Until her apartment floods and she temporarily moves into my place. In the room beside mine. Nothing but a thin wall between us. She also walks around in flimsy tank tops. Zero bra.
Did I mention she’s my brother’s ex and he’s looking to rekindle their romance?
Good thing Jolene Daniels and I are nothing but the best of friends.
Please leave your message at the sound of the beep…
Tatiana, it’s currently four o’clock in the morning, and I can’t sleep because I’m drunk and wide-awake thinking about you.
How I was almost yours, and you were almost mine…
My life is currently in shambles, and my entire fighting career is hanging in the balance. So, I have to make some huge changes.
Since you still owe me that favor from years ago, I need to cash it in now.
I need you to pretend to be my fiancé for ninety days.
Just ninety days.
We don’t have to talk behind closed doors and we don’t have to try to be friends again. We don’t even have to kiss—even though I can guarantee no man has ever kissed you better…
I can promise that we won’t touch either. Although the last time we ran into each other, you looked like you wanted me all over again. (Don’t deny it.)
Anyway, I’m just cashing in that delayed “I.O.U.” that you swore would “never be too late to redeem.”
I’m not asking for much. I just want you to pretend it’s real, for me.
Break Up With Him, for Me, is the first standalone in the You Belong To Me Series and Now Available and Free via Kindle Unlimited.
About the Author
Whitney G. is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author. Her books have been published in twelve languages.
Whenever she’s not penning a new novel, you can find her blogging about self-publishing at The Indie Tea, drinking hot coffee, or traveling the world in sweater boots.
You can connect with Whitney via whitneyg.com & via social media:
Don’t forget to sign up for Whitney’s monthly newsletter, The F.L.Y. List, by clicking here.
Affiliate links used. If you purchase something through these links, the affiliate may get awarded a commission for that purchase at no additional cost to YOU.
A small town, best friend’s sister, age-gap, grumpy, sunshine, contemporary standalone
Confirmed bachelor—that’s what I’ve become.
Life is safe and predictable. After all, Riverbend doesn’t exactly have a roaring social life or an influx of women looking to be the wife of a farmer.
Hold on.
I’m not looking for a wife—or even a girlfriend.
When my best friend tells me that his little sister, Devan, is moving back to Riverbend to teach science, I envision the little girl with pigtails, freckles, and an annoying urge to be wherever her older brother was. Of course, that was twelve years ago when she was ten years old.
Newsflash. Devan is no longer a child.
Imagine my shock when I learn that she is the woman who disappeared after one passionate kiss—one I couldn’t get out of my head.
Once I realize Devan is my mystery woman, I can’t walk away.
The problem is that she’s my best friend’s little sister, ten years younger than me, and definitely off-limits.
What will it mean for my friendship if I pursue my feelings?
Can one kiss change everything?
Have you been Aleatha’d?
ONE KISS is a stand-alone, age-gap, best friend’s sister, small-town forbidden contemporary romance set in Riverbend, Indiana, and one of Aleatha’s Lighter Ones. Sit back and enjoy the hijinks as Justin’s safe and predictable world is turned upside down.
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!