Just like yesterday, his palm pressed against my throat, but this time he didn’t squeeze. His thumb brushed up and down over my pulse point. His skin trembled against my own—warm, firm, unyielding, and yet somehow vulnerable too. Maybe that was what drew me to him, because it wasn’t rational how much I wanted him closer, his arms around me, his body against mine.
We were suspended like that for seconds…minutes. It could have been hours. Somehow deep inside, I felt protected for the first time in forever. It didn’t make sense. It didn’t have to, but in my jailer’s arms, in this moment, the void melted away and lightness spread. I wanted more, but the instant I reached for him, before I even touched him, he jerked away.
He cleared his throat.
“Never ask that of me again.”
“Or what?”
He stomped across the room and threw the door open so hard it crashed against the wall and skittered back in scattered croaks.
A strangled laugh choked out of me. Pain shot up my side, and tears seeped under my eye dressings. None of this was funny, but his switch in moods was giving me whiplash, especially after the lightness of that memory.
“You don’t possess a touch of sunshine, do you? You’re angry. Tormented, so you hide behind violence thinking it makes you so tough, but you’re nothing but a big ol’ grump, trying to spread his own misery.”
“You know nothing about me.”
He didn’t stick around for my rebuttal. The door battered the frame on his way out, and the lock clicked loudly into place. His absence left me lonelier than before, and I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that. One thing I was almost certain of though. He didn’t really want to kill me. The next time I saw him, I’d put that to the test.
Author Bio:
Addy Anders writes dark romance meant to tug hard on your heartstrings and never let go. Her books deliver deliciously possessive anti-heroes, strong heroines, a touch of angst to set you on edge, and a cocktail of spice.
Addy loves to travel, preferably outside of major cities. When she’s not writing or out in the wilderness, she can be found with her kindle and a very large cup of tea surrounded by her very supportive husband, two kiddos, and two fur babies.
Heidi McLaughlin and Kassidy Maye are here to tell us about Sail Away With Me, the Seaport Series, a contemporary romance.
This audiobook is narrated by Stephen Borne and Samantha Summers.
_______________________
Title: Sail Away With Me (The Seaport Series)
Authors: Heidi McLaughlin with Kassidy Maye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Narrators: Stephen Borne and Samantha Summers
Hosted by:Buoni Amici Press, LLC.
Embark on a captivating seaside romance by Heidi McLaughlin, the New York Times bestselling author of Forever My Girl: The Motion Picture. Experience the magic of a beachside romance, where love and adventure collide against the picturesque backdrop of Seaport.
When Sail's reckless lifestyle catches up with him, he has no choice but to return to his hometown of Seaport. Determined to pay off his debts, Sail plans to win a high-stakes sailing competition and return to his party-filled Miami lifestyle. However, everything changes when he meets Galvin at her father's diner. Sparks fly instantly, but their differing circumstances threaten to pull them apart.
As Sail and Galvin spend their days sailing the open waters and their nights exploring Seaport, their connection deepens. Sail is determined to make Galvin fall in love with him, while Galvin tries to guard her heart against the inevitable goodbye. Can their love overcome the challenges of their conflicting lives?
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.
Kassidy Maye, owner of The Tuesday List and law student, dips her toes into the other side of the literary world with her debut novel, The Lobster Trap, co-written with her mother, Heidi McLaughlin.
The slower pace is exactly what my burned-out brain needs. I’ve even made a few friends—including Weston Smith, a new player for the Ice Breakers hockey team who shows up when I need him most.
A local crisis draws me in, and suddenly I’m more involved than I ever planned. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or maybe it’s Weston. I came here planning to leave… but now, I’m not so sure.
Weston
Maple Falls is my fresh start—new team, new town, and a chance to prove myself. I didn’t expect to get wrapped up in this community so fast—or to fall for a certain city girl.
Fiona is bold and energetic, and I’m drawn to her more every day. When she’s pulled into a town-wide crisis, I don’t hesitate to help.
Maple Falls isn’t just where I play hockey—it’s starting to feel like the place where my future truly begins.
***
Soulmates and Slapshots is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. In this slow burn, soulmate romance, a charming city girl meets a nice guy who falls first. Set in a small town with all the chemistry, but none of the spice.
Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.
Wow. That sounded like the worst pickup line ever, and I immediately regret saying it.
Before I can excuse myself, she turns around and gives me a curious look.
“No. At least I don’t think so,” she says. “Is Maple Falls even big enough to get lost in?”
I laugh. “That’s a good question.”
Why did I even say that? I’ve only been in town a short time, so I wouldn’t be able to help if she needed it.
“Honestly, I’m trying to decide what to do next,” she says. “I’m not used to having so much free time on my hands.”
“I wouldn’t know,” I admit. “What’s free time?”
She gives me a casual smile. “So what recommendations can you give a Maple Falls visitor?”
I knew it. She didn’t seem like a local.
I raise my eyebrows. “Well, I probably won’t be much help since I just arrived in town myself.”
She smiles. “Ah, another new person. That’s a relief because I’m assuming everyone else in this town already knows each other.”
“Most likely,” I agree. “But you’re not the only newbie, so don’t worry.”
“What brought you to Maple Falls, Washington?” she asks.
“Work,” I reply. This is the truth. I just leave out the hockey part, and I’m not sure why.
She flashes a slight smile. “That’s a good reason.”
I’m trying not to stare, but this woman is stunning. So flawless it can’t be ignored. And it’s obvious she has a confidence and openness that instantly draws people in.
“And while we’re on the subject, what made you come to this booming metropolis?” I ask, before she catches me staring.
A flash of amusement spreads across her face. “I’m visiting my aunt, and I actually left a booming metropolis to come here.”
“Really? Where?”
“New York.”
Now it all makes sense—she has a city girl vibe. She’s confident, polished, and a little bit mysterious.
“Ah, the city that never sleeps. It’s a great place,” I say. “One of my favorites for sure.”
She nods slowly. “It is. But there’s something special about this little town too.”
“I agree,” I say. “I moved here from Tennessee. Not quite as fast-paced as New York, but more thrilling than Maple Falls.”
She lifts an eyebrow. “I don’t know…I’ve heard Maple Falls isn’t as sleepy as people think.”
“Really?” I ask, leaning in a little.
She lowers her voice dramatically, even though the only other people nearby are across the street. “I heard there might be a town scandal happening right now.”
“Ooh, now that’s interesting.”
“Yes, it is,” she says with a playful smirk. “And they even have their own professional hockey team.”
I laugh. “Yes, I’m familiar with the Ice Breakers.”
She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes at me with curiosity. “Hockey fan?”
I shrug, unable to hide the grin pulling at my lips. “More than a fan. I play on the team.”
Her eyes widen. “Wait—seriously?”
“Weston Smith, defense,” I say, offering my hand. I’m not sure why I added my player position, but it doesn’t matter now. Maybe she likes hockey?
She takes my hand and grins. “Fiona Hale. And wait until I tell my aunt. She’s going to lose her mind when she hears this—she’s a die-hard fangirl of your team.”
I chuckle. “We love our fans. I’m sure I’ll meet her sooner or later.”
She studies me for a moment, clearly still processing. “So, you’re a hockey player.”
Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. She brought this vision to life, becoming an award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. Melissa is also a wife, mother, new empty-nester, and travel advisor.
Her books feature charming, ambitious, and real women, whom she considers part of her tribe. Although she rarely takes a day off, when she's not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and booking Disney vacations. Melissa still uses a paper planner, and her guilty pleasures include Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.
Visit authormelissabaldwin .com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe on Facebook
Ellie Hall is here to tell us about her contemporary sports romance Skating and Fake Dating, Love in Maple Falls #4.
There's also a great giveaway.
_______________________
Skating and Fake Dating
Ellie Hall
(Love in Maple Falls, #4))
Publication date: September 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
I’m pretending to be his stable girlfriend while he plays my successful boyfriend. But now faking feels a lot like falling.
Bailey
I’m a walking contradiction—professional on the job, a hot mess at home, and working my “I’ve got this” smile until my cheeks ache while hiding my hobbies: making maple butter and finding a husband. With my perfect sister’s recent engagement, I’m desperate to avoid Mom’s pitying looks and matchmaking attempts.
Carson
I used to be hockey’s laid-back southern charmer until a crushing rejection from my high school sweetheart transformed me into a workaholic. When I’m unexpectedly traded to a new team, rumors circulate about whether the gentleman wingman lost his edge. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove them wrong.
Bailey
When our worlds collide after a dessert disaster, we come up with a mutually beneficial solution to our respective woes: a fake relationship. The rules are simple: I get a “successful” boyfriend for family events. He gets a “stable” girlfriend for team image. No feelings, no complications, and a definite expiration date.
Carson
But between posing as a couple at the fall festival, midnight maple butter-making sessions, trying to keep our stories straight, and undeniable chemistry, what started as a convenient lie is beginning to feel inconveniently real. As the clock runs down on our arrangement, we’ll have to decide: walk away when the final buzzer sounds, or take a shot at the love neither of us saw coming.
***
Skating and Fake Dating is a heartwarming hockey romcom featuring Bailey and ‘Bama who are perfect for each other in all the most imperfect ways, plus, small-town charm, family shenanigans, and a guaranteed happily ever after sweeter than homemade maple butter blondies.
Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.
“In one simple move—” Waving his hand across the links of the cuffs, my pulse skips and then plummets.
Nothing happens.
A consummate professional, he declares, “That was to show that no ordinary person has the ability to free these people from their bonds. No, it takes a special flick of the—” He motions again, and I expect the handcuffs to drop from our wrists, but they remain fixed, locked.
His smile wavers. My expression morphs into a scowl. Bailey grins as if this is all part of the act and she’s expecting the handcuffs to vanish like the coin from the box.
I know better … or at least, my stomach thinks it does.
The magician tries one more time, but we remain locked together.
“Ah, yes. I must’ve, um, we’ll just take a moment in my stall to—” Turning his back on the crowd, he ushers us inside and then closes the black curtain at our backs.
“Get these off, now,” I say, forgoing my manners and the word sir.
Bailey adds, “Please.”
Sweat dots his forehead. “I don’t know what went wrong. Yes, of course. Let me just find the key. It’s here—” He rifles through a little drawer in a wooden chest.
I glance at Bailey and her shoulders droop slightly. She mouths, I’m sorry.
No, it’s this clown show of a magician who should be sorry.
“Ah ha!” He says, pinching a small key between his fingers.
“Hurry up. We have a wedding to go to.” I belatedly realize I included myself when in reality I’m dropping Bailey off and then going, well, I’m not sure where. She must, though, having arranged my moving plans.
The magician slides the key into the lock, but again, nothing happens. Wrenching it from his fingers, I say, “Let me try.”
Author Bio:
Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.
Ella Braeme is here to tell us about Rekindled Flame, Burning Hearts #1, a contemporary romance.
There's also a great giveaway.
_____________________
Rekindled Flame
Ella Braeme
(Burning Hearts, #1)
Publication date: September 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
He swore to protect his town—but guarding his heart is the real challenge.
Volunteer firefighter Shawn Miller thought he had his life figured out in small-town Elken Grove. His print shop pays the bills while his real passion—fighting fires—keeps him connected to the community he loves.
Then his new Captain walks through the station doors: Rebecca “Becks” Schwartz, the woman who walked out of his life nine years ago. Now she’s his superior officer, and someone in the department is determined to drive her away—or worse.
As danger closes in, Shawn must balance protecting Becks with respecting her authority. But when sparks fly hotter than ever between them, he realizes some flames aren’t meant to be extinguished—they’re meant to be stoked.
Get REKINDLED FLAME today and feel the heat of this slow-burn second chance romance!
“There’s something else you should know before you leave.”
Something in the chief’s tone made Shawn sink back into his chair. “Sir?”
“The new captain is a woman,” Washington said carefully, clearly bracing for resistance. “Rebecca Schwartz from the Charlotte Fire Department. Goes by Becks, according to her application. She’ll be arriving Thursday next week for an informal meet-and-greet at Mr. Jones & Husband, then coming by on Saturday to meet the volunteers during training before officially starting on Monday.”
Shawn nodded, unfazed by the gender revelation. “A female captain? That’s fine by—“
But the words died in his throat as the full name registered. The folder slipped from his suddenly numb fingers, papers spilling across the floor. Rebecca Schwartz. The name echoed in his head like the aftershock of an explosion.
“Rebecca Schwartz?” he repeated, his voice sounding distant to his own ears.
Washington’s eyebrows rose slightly at Shawn’s reaction. “You know her?”
Know her? Shawn almost laughed at the absurdity of the question. He’d known her as Becca back then—sweet-faced but determined Becca with her infectious laugh and fierce ambition. He’d known the curve of her smile and the scent of her skin. Known her dreams and fears. Known the sound of her voice first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.
Until he hadn’t.
“We trained together,” he said finally, the understatement of the decade. “At the North Carolina Fire Academy. When I knew her, she went by Becca, not Becks.”
Washington frowned, clearly surprised by this information. “I didn’t connect the dots when reviewing your files.” He leaned forward, suddenly concerned. “Is this going to be a problem?”
Shawn bent to gather the scattered papers, grateful for the chance to hide his expression. Memories he’d buried years ago resurfaced in vivid detail—Becca’s fierce determination during training exercises, her infectious laugh during rare moments of downtime, the devastating fury in her eyes the last time they’d spoken.
“I never want to see your face again, Miller. Keep six feet away from me for the rest of our lives.”
He straightened, clutching the reassembled folder, his knuckles white against the manila paper. “No, sir. No problem at all.”
Author Bio:
Ella Braeme writes steamy small-town romance where protective heroes and the women who capture their hearts find love in the mountains and marshlands of Georgia. Whether her characters are running toward danger or running from their past, they always find their way to happily-ever-after. When she's not dreaming up new ways for couples to fall headlong into danger (and love), she's in her garden, supervised by a dog who firmly believes digging holes helps the flowers grow. Her quick, satisfying reads deliver the perfect escape, whether you're sneaking in a chapter during lunch or staying up way too late to reach that happily-ever-after.
Cindy Kehagiaras is here to tell us about Songs, Sails, & Silly Dating Schemes, a Love in Destiny contemporary romance.
There's also a great giveaway.
_____________________
Songs, Sails & Silly Dating Schemes
Cindy Kehagiaras
(A Love In Destiny Romance)
Publication date: September 2nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Shay Lazar was a childhood TV star and a 1990s “It Girl,” but left the spotlight to raise her two kids and be the supportive partner to “America’s Sweetheart,” Jack Cole…for almost thirty years. Now she wants back into the Hollywood Machine at fifty-two but the producer for show she wants to do called her Jack’s “Doormat”. Now she’s reassessing her life by hiding at her aunt’s house in Destiny, Florida, after a very publicized and possibly a career-ending incident.
Drew Slater wants to be left alone. The former ‘One-Hit-Wonder’ will never play his song again. He’s pretending his life is settled, but when a star falls out of the sky and onto his boat, he knows a hurricane is coming, and her name is Shay Lazar.
Songs, Sails & Silly Dating Schemes is a steamy over-40 romance set in the magical town of Destiny with Yacht Rock vibes and a Fake Dating Trope gone right with a stunning Hollywood Ending. SS&SDS is the fourth book in the Destiny Romance Series.
He drove straight out onto the runway of the small airport, then came to a stop next to another police cruiser with its lights off, a big black Lincoln Navigator sat at the base of an impressive private jet. The stairs were down and the light inside glowed behind the sheen of the early morning mist. A peach illumination in the distance reminded me how much I hated sunrises these days.
I used to love them. Seeing a sunrise meant I’d spent an entire night with friends and lovers talking and partying all the way to the next day. It meant I was living, really living. Not waisting too much time asleep but being awake and free to create music and memories. That was long ago. Three lifetimes ago. Now it meant I couldn’t sleep. That the memories kept me awake. That I was still living and forced to be a functioning human. I was surviving enough for my daughter and her insistence that I stay in her life, when she wasn’t mad at me. And the music, always the music, but other people’s music. Not mine, never mine. “Alright.” Kurt met me at the top of the stairs. “Now, this is strictly confidential. I’ve had explicit instructions to deny any goings on here for the safety of the passenger,” he stated gravely.
“What in the hell are you talking about?”
He used to work for Bernie and Sandy when they lived at BernSand full time. But they let his crew go when they left on their cruise and Kurt wasn’t too happy about it. I wasn’t sure why he was involved with this mystery person or who was paying him.
Kurt turned his bulky body sideways and placed his hands on his hips. My view of a heap on the floor in the middle isle of the plane was still slightly obscured by his massiveness. I pushed past him to get a better look. I’d seen women passed out on the floor before, maybe too many times to have any strong emotions about it. I only wanted to know who it was that was so important that the police needed my sorry ass in the middle of the night.
“I’m not sure how many of these she took,” The airplane captain in his white uniform held out a prescription bottle to me on the far side to the body. I didn’t take it. I needed to see who the woman was.
I knelt at her bare feet. She wore ivory silk pants and matching blouse, almost like pajamas making her look ethereal in the way she lay on her side like a Botticelli painting. Her dark hair lay across her face. I heard a gasp from Stewie when I brushed the hair way from her face. The bandage across her forehead and large yellow and purple bruise on her swollen cheek almost made her unidentifiable, except for the dark beauty mark next to her right eye, long luscious lashes, and full pink lips.
I looked back at Kurt. “This is Shay Lazar.”
Author Bio:
"The Perpetual," my over 40-second chance romance, has won the coveted "Stiletto Award" by Contemporary Romance Writers in the Mid-length Contemporary Romance category.
BIO: My writing journey began after my 50th birthday, and the pandemic lockdown allowed me to write. Some of my stories have haunted my dreams for decades. When the characters shouted day and night, I knew I had to write about them. These days I love to read and write stories about second chances with GenX characters in over 40, later in life, and mature steamy romances.
My previous lives have been in advertising, fashion, and small business owner. I've made it my life’s ambition to push through the challenges of dyslexia to consume novels, poetry, and articles and tell my stories.
A proud native Californian, I live in Hermosa Beach, CA, with my husband of 17 years, two beautiful kids, and two spunky-rescue kitties.
I survived chronic illness and a cheating ex. Surely I can resist one charming hockey player…right?
Clara
Working as the social media manager for a pro hockey team is all fun and games—until you trip into the arms of their biggest flirt during a livestream. Now the fans are shipping us, my boss is thrilled with the engagement, and I’m stuck dodging feelings for Cade Lennox, aka the certified charmer. The problem? My contract says he’s off-limits. My heart, unfortunately, didn’t get the memo.
Cade
I came to this small town to turn over a new leaf. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. All bets are off the second Clara Johnson literally stumbles into my arms and straight into my heart. She’s focused, loyal, and the most beautiful challenge I’ve ever met. All I have to do is prove I’m worth the risk.
Offside and Off-Limits is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. It’s a forbidden love story between one flirty hockey player and the team’s social media manager in this small town romance with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.
Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.
“Oh, man, this is awesome!” Joel declares, holding my phone in his hands. “You guys look sick! Even you, Clara.”
I let out a surprised laugh at Joel’s comment when Asher calls, “And now turn!” and as I do my legs fly from underneath me, and my breath wooshes out as I scrunch my eyes shut, bracing for the impact of cold, hard ice against my poor, under-protected butt.
But the ice-cold contact fails to happen, and when my eyes spring open I see Cade, his eyes wide with alarm as large, strong arms pull me against his firm body.
He grins down at me as my heart beats out of my chest.
I tell myself it’s because I almost fell, but being in Cade’s arms feels…well, it feels pretty dang amazing.
Not that I’m going to tell him that.
“Thanks,” I mumble, the heat rising in my cheeks as I gaze up at him, at total odds with the cold of the arena.
“My pleasure,” he replies, and the way he says those two words sends a flash of something hot through me that I’ve got to work hard at resisting.
But resist it I must, no matter how good this feels.
I haven’t been held by a man since Dwayne left me for my friend. And that was years ago.
I heave out a breath as I drag my gaze from his. I need to remember that this guy is a total player, and I don’t mean just on the ice. He probably catches falling women in his big, strong arms every day of the week—and I bet most of them don’t even bother to resist the heat this feeling elicits.
But I’m not one of those women, and I refuse to act on my physical attraction for this man. There are so many reasons, the non-fraternization clause in my employment contract being right at the top of that list.
Throwing away my new job because I’m attracted to one of the players? Not going to happen.
“You guys, I’m getting so many likes on this!” Joel calls out.
Wait. Likes?
I snap my attention to Joel, who’s still holding up my phone, pointing it straight at Cade and me. “Cade, would you mind putting me down? Like now.”
“I’ll do you one better,” he replies as he glides me smoothly back toward the bench, still holding me close in his arms. Holding me in one arm, he pulls open the door, and returns me to my feet—which I note are now trembling.
Author Bio:
Kate O’Keeffe is a USA Today bestselling author known for her fun, feel-good romantic comedies brimming with humor, heart, and happily ever afters. A native of New Zealand, Kate has crafted numerous popular series, garnering a devoted international readership.
With a flair for witty banter and irresistible heroines navigating the ups and downs of modern dating, Kate’s novels showcase strong friendships, comedic entanglements, and the of course sometimes bumpy but always hopeful road to love.
When she’s not writing, Kate can often be found reading romcoms, binging her favourite shows, or spending time with her friends and family in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand.
Susan Horsnell is here to tell us about her contemporary romance One Year in Paris.
There's also a great giveaway.
____________________
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 07-25-2025
Publisher: Lipstick Publishing
When Annalise Garner arrives in Paris to study art, she’s chasing
quiet—far from her Southern roots, far from expectations. What she
doesn’t expect is to meet Jett Hunter, a star American soccer player
with green eyes, a bruised past, and a future under a constant spotlight.
Jett lives for the game. Annelise lives for the canvas. But when fate
intertwines their worlds on a rain-soaked street in the City of Lights,
neither is prepared for the slow-burn connection that follows.
And just when they start to find their rhythm, a devastating injury changes
everything.
Set against the romance of Paris and the quiet beauty of rebuilding a life,
One Year in Paris is a tender story of love that endures the noise, finds
strength in the silence, and blooms where it’s least expected.
Excerpt
Chapter One
Paris, France.
March.
Paris smelled like warm bread, rain, and the kind of freedom you didn’t
realize you were starving for until you tasted it.
Annelise Garner pressed her sketchbook to her chest as she crossed Place du
Tertre, her long blond curls pulled into a loose braid and a soft, excited
nervousness fluttering in her chest. This wasn’t just a
vacation—it was a year away from all expectations. No cotillions, no
pageants, no family name to maintain. Just art, sunlight, and the faint
promise of something more.
Hard chest. Expensive cologne. An arm around her waist, steadying.
“Whoa—pardon,” a deep voice rumbled. American, unmistakably.
Rough with surprise. Smooth with heat.
Annelise looked up—and found herself staring into the greenest eyes
she’d ever seen.
The man holding her was tall…Ridiculously tall. His hair was dark and
swept back in the kind of effortless way that meant effort had definitely been
involved. A few people nearby had slowed down to look. Some pointed.
“Y-you’re American,” she blurted in surprise before she
could stop herself.
He smirked. “So are you.”
“Atlanta.”
“New York.”
They paused.
“I’m Annelise.”
“Jett Hunter.”
And as he stepped back, letting her go with a soft brush of his fingers, she
noticed the gym bag over his shoulder, scuffed cleats peeking out the side.
That name…Jett Hunter. It tickled something in her brain. A memory from
a sports magazine her friend from back home, Abigail, had fawned over.
She blinked.
“You play soccer…”
He gave her a crooked smile. “A little.”
“How long have you been in Paris?”
“Two years…You?”
“Two months…I’m here studying art for a year courtesy of a
generous inheritance from my grandpa.”
“My contract ends in seven months.”
Annelise nodded. “I wish I could stay forever, but—” she
shrugged.
She didn’t give a reason and Jett didn’t know her well enough to
ask.
Jett Hunter didn’t believe in fate. He believed in timing—on the
field, in life, in love, if that was even something he still believed in at
all.
But when he spotted her again the next morning, crossing Rue des Abbesses with
a portfolio twice her size and sunlight catching in her golden hair, he felt
something stir.
She hadn’t seen him yet. She was juggling her sketchbook tucked under
one arm and what looked like a artists satchel in the other. Same soft curls,
same honey-sweet presence…Annelise.
He pushed his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose to be sure.
Yep. It was her.
Jett stood up from his table before he thought better of it, dodged a Vespa,
and stepped into her path just as she looked up.
She gasped, nearly bumping into him again, and blinked in surprise.
“You?”
He gave a crooked grin. “Starting to think you’re following
me.”
Her lips parted—then curved. “Or you’re following me.”
She shifted the satchel and sketchpad awkwardly. “Do you usually begin
your mornings by bumping into strangers?”
“I had a need for croissants,” he explained. “And accidental
run-ins with beautiful strangers are a bonus,” he added.
Her cheeks colored faintly. It looked good on her. Real. Not rehearsed like
the women he usually met who were after him for nothing more than his fame and
fortune.
They sat under the striped awning, a plate of flaky pastries between them. Two
Americans in the heart of Montmartre pretending Paris wasn’t working
some strange kind of magic on them.
Annelise told him about her art studies and Georgia summers. She spoke briefly
of her political family, being an only child, how she used to sketch horses in
the back pasture and dream of painting sunrises in another country.
Jett told her about New York, the endless push of fame, and how Paris had been
a necessary escape. He didn’t mention the pressure from the club or the
headlines speculating about his focus slipping. Not yet.
“I prefer to keep to myself. I don’t usually do people,” she
admitted, stirring her espresso slowly. “They’re
too…complicated.”
“Yet here you are sat across from one this morning.”
Annelise looked up. “You’re different. You feel like—”
She stopped herself.
“Like what?” he asked softly.
“Like someone real.”
Jett became quiet. It had been a long time since anyone had said that to him.
Even longer since it felt true.
When Annelise stood to leave, she gave him a smile that felt like spring.
She looked over her shoulder as she walked away. “If the croissants are
this good again.”
He watched her go—shoulders relaxed, curls bouncing lightly, sunlight
wrapped around her like a promise.
Jett sat back in his chair, let the Paris air fill his lungs, and for the
first time in a long time, he didn’t feel like he was running toward the
next match or away from himself.
He just felt…here.
And that was enough.
About the Author
I’m an Australian author who writes in a variety of genres,
including Western romance, historical romance, Gay Romance, and contemporary
romance. I also have a Thriller Murder/Mystery, children’s, non-fiction
and young adult.
I have published over 60 books and novellas, many of which feature strong,
independent heroines and rugged, alpha male heroes. Some of my popular series
include the Outback Australia series and The Carter Brothers series.
My books are known for their well-researched historical details and vivid
descriptions of the Australian landscape.
My work has garnered praise from readers and critics alike, and I have won
several awards for my writing.
If you're interested in learning more about my books:
