New releases coming at ya this week!
AVAILABLE NOW
THE BEST NEXT THING by Natasha Anders
A second shot at love. Her best next chance at happiness.
After years of torment and pain, Charity Cole feels safe again. The isolated house within which she lives and works is her haven. But her sanctuary is invaded when her icy, reserved boss shows up unannounced. He sees her as he was never meant to see her and Charity’s carefully constructed safe world begins to crumble.
Miles Hollingsworth is a stone cold workaholic. His life revolves around his company and when ill health forces him to take time off he heads to his holiday home where he knows he won’t have to deal with anyone but his dour live-in housekeeper, Mrs. Cole. Cut off by violent winter storms and alone in the huge and isolated house, Miles and Charity are forced to spend more time together than they have before.
The attraction between them burns fiercely and uncontrollably but both are reluctant to act on it. Something has to give but both Charity and Miles have too much at stake to be the first one to break.
DIRTY TACTICS by Emma Salah
His best friend’s little sister never looked so good…
Two weeks.
A trial period, in which hockey superstar Zac Quinn will prove to Reagan Thomas—his best friend’s younger sister and the one woman he can’t seem to keep his hands off of—that they can’t possibly date for real.
After all, the Thomas family is the only family he’s ever had. He can’t risk losing them, no matter how much he wants Reagan. She’s too important to him; he can’t let things get weird.
But Reagan has known they’re meant to be since forever. She’s not about to back down now.
If she has to play dirty to bring him around?
No problem.
This book is approximately 70,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
THE JEZEBEL by Dylan Allen
THE JEZEBEL is a tale of forbidden love and second chances by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Dylan Allen.
His love is a secret my heart can’t keep.
After years of playing the trophy, puppet, perfectionist,
I’ve forgotten who I am.
Until the boy from my past walks back into my life.
Handsome as sin, charming beyond belief—Stone Rivers is temptation personified.Our combustible chemistry shatters my resolve.
His blistering kisses remind me of everything I used to want.But, our present is just as messy as our past.
And reckless as it may be, I can’t let him go.My name is Regan Wilde.
I’m a mother, a sister, a daughter.But Stone and I?
We’re a scandal in the making.
RELEASING JULY 21
QUARTER MILES by Devney Perry
From USA Today Bestselling Author Devney Perry comes a small town, friends-to-lovers romance.
Katherine Gates has been in love with Cash Greer since the moment he saved her life from a runaway goat. According to Cash, she’s the little sister he never had, the greatest roommate in the world and his favorite coworker. They’re friends—best friends.
In the dark days of her youth, it was her friendships that kept her alive and made life in a junkyard worth living. So she’s learned to shove her feelings for Cash down deep, even if that means ignoring eyes that shine brighter than the Montana summer sun and the smile that illuminates the snowiest winter day.
Except with every passing year, the denial takes its toll on her wounded heart until one day Katherine decides to take an impulsive road trip to the Oregon coast. Alone. That is, until Cash cons his way into the passenger seat.
The farther they travel, the harder it is to pretend. And when she confesses her feelings, she learns that Cash has some secrets of his own. Secrets that will either bond them together.
Or rip them apart.
A TOUCH OF STONE AND SNOW by Milla Vane
Milla Vane returns to a world of kings, magic, and passion in her exhilarating A Gathering of Dragons series, as a great alliance forms to stand against an evil warlord intent on their destruction.
Danger lurks in the western realms. The Destroyer’s imminent return has sent the realms into turmoil as desperate citizens seek refuge—but there’s no safety to be found when demons and wraiths crawl out from the shadows. Even Koth, a northern island kingdom left untouched by the Destroyer a generation past, is besieged by terrors spawned from corrupt magics.
When Lizzan leads the Kothan army against these terrors, only to see her soldiers massacred and to emerge as the only survivor, she is called a coward and a deserter. Shunned from her home, Lizzan now wanders in solitude as a mercenary for hire, until she encounters a group of warriors seeking new alliances with the northern kingdoms—a group that includes Aerax, the bastard prince of Koth, and the man who sent her into exile.
Though they were childhood friends, Aerax cannot allow himself to be close to the only woman who might thwart his treacherous plan to save their island realm. But when a goddess’s demand binds them together, Lizzan and Aerax must find a way to overcome their painful pasts. Or there will be no future for the western realms…
WINNING MY BEST FRIEND’S GIRL by Piper Rayne
Imagine lying in a hospital bed and the doctor who pulls the curtain back to treat you is the one who got away. Even if you never really had her in the first place. She’s not only your high school crush, she’s the ex-girlfriend of your ex-best friend. The one girl you’ve always wanted.
Here’s a step-by-step list to finally win her over…
Key to win #1: Try not to take offense that she snuck back into town without telling you—six months ago.
Key to win #2: Rekindle the friendship to ease the awkwardness. But… DO NOT enter the friend zone.
Key to win #3: Ignore the fact that she went speed dating the night before. Take it as good a sign—maybe she’s looking for a relationship.
Key to win #4: Attempt to keep the two of you out of the town gossip blog and away from your large family.
Make sure you don’t let this last one throw you off your mission.Key to win #5: Don’t get deterred when you find out the past is about to repeat itself. Because the man she met at the speed dating night is your best buddy from work.
Just remember, you sat back and let her slip away once, you won’t do it a second time. Failure is not an option.
Author Note: This book does NOT contain cheating.
MORE THAN MAYBE by Erin Hahn
“Like your favorite song, More Than Maybe burrows inside your heart and stays there. Vada and Luke’s story of music, family, and first love will shoot to the top of your book playlist. A rich, sweet, rock and roll ride.” – Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces and How to Make Friends With the Dark
Growing up under his punk rocker dad’s spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn’t in front of a crowd, it’s on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.
Vada’s got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom’s boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil’s music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor’s summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out of this world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, reallywishes it was her?
In More Than Maybe, Erin Hahn’s swooniest book yet, Luke and Vada must decide how deep their feelings run and what it would mean to give love a try.
THE DAWN OF THE END by Kristen Ashley
Once upon a time, in a parallel universe, there existed the continent of Triton.
The land was filled with beauty, but it was also splintered by war. Out of the chaos grew a conspiracy to reawaken the Beast, a fearsome creature who wrought only tragedy and devastation.
The only way to stop him was to fulfill an ancient prophecy: Triton’s four strongest warriors must wed its four most powerful witches, binding all nations together and finally bringing peace to the land.
This is the story of their unions: the quiet maiden Silence and the savage king Mars.
The cold warrior Cassius and the fiery witch Elena.
The steadfast soldier True and the banished beauty Farah.
And the pirate king Aramus and the mysterious queen Ha-Lah. Their unions will not be easy, but each couple must succeed, for the fate of their world is at stake….
THE BREAKING SEASON by K.A. Linde
A sexy stand alone arranged marriage romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde…
I signed on the dotted line. A marriage contract to seal my union with the devil.
I thought I knew what I was doing. His money and name were mine for the taking. But Camden Percy always gets exactly what he wants. And what he wants is me—my body, my obedience, my surrender.
He wants to break me.
But I’m Katherine Van Pelt. I’ll never break. I’ll never beg. I’ll never give in.
Except I promised him one more thing—a baby. A Percy heir.
There’s no way out of this one. Either I comply or lose everything. Do I risk the husband I’m just learning to love or is this my breaking season?
THE DEVIL’S CROWN by Monica James
I was feared.
Respected.
Worshiped.But all of that changed when the impossible happened—I fell in love. Only those feelings weren’t reciprocated, because who could love a monster like me?
My empire crumbled. People died. I went from being a victorious leader to lurking in the shadows, planning revenge on my half-brother who now reigns in my place.
An orphanage is where I find sanctuary, but when she walks into my world and evokes a yearning I thought long dead, my demons are awakened and want what they can’t have—her. Sooner or later, I knew I’d need to feed the darkness inside me.
Mayhem, power, and control course through my veins. I will use them to regain my crown, my throne, and then claim her, despite what solemn vows she might’ve made.
I will break them…and her.
MISADVENTURES WITH A SEXPERT by Elizabeth Hayley
Time to call in the sexpert…
Isla Scott seeks to enhance her sexual repertoire, and she’s using every available app to do so. But no matter what buttons she pushes, she isn’t having much luck during her frequent coffeehouse dating rendezvous. If she’s to eventually satisfy Mr. Right—and herself—in every way, she needs to gain some more experience. But so far she’s only encountered duds.
Grayson Hawkins’s marriage fell apart when he caught his wife with his best friend. Emotionally bankrupt, he’s left her and his high-pressure job to start over in a new town. A clean slate for the artist. A new coffeehouse to patronize. A fresh page on which he can draw his illustrations.
Grayson and Isla form an unconventional pact where he agrees to be her sex guru to help her gain the experience she seeks in trade for permission for him to sketch her comical dates for his newspaper’s Instagram page. But such a pact doesn’t come without pitfalls, and Isla must make a decision. Does she apply her newfound knowledge on one of her dates, or will she realize her Sexpert was always the one?
Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They’re the perfect bedside read, a ‘quick blush’ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.
CHASE AFTER ME by Cynthia Eden
It’s an undercover mission. Get in. Get close to the woman. Get the intel. Get out. Should be easy enough. Right?
Wrong.
Chase Durant’s newest assignment goes wrong from the moment he meets Vivian Wayne. She’s not cold and calculating. The scientist is charming, funny, and absolutely freaking gorgeous. He’s supposed to be seducing secrets out of her. She’s supposed to be a selling classified intel. She’s supposed to be bad.
She’s the best thing he’s ever seen.
Doesn’t take long for the Wilde agent to realize that Vivian has been set-up, and the folks setting her up thought they could use Wilde to do their dirty work. Thought they could use Chase in order to make Vivian vulnerable so that she’d be the perfect target.
Wrong.
Instead of using her, Chase is determined to protect Vivian. The only problem? He’s been lying to her from day one, and things have…heated up between them. More like gone molten. Because Chase wants her more than he’s ever wanted anyone, and he’s not about to step back and let another agent take over her case. Vivian needs protecting, and he’s just the man for the job.
Correction—he’s just the man for Vivian. He just has to prove that he can be the right one for her.
Wrong.
But when Vivian finds out that he’s been lying, how can she trust him? Time is running out, and Vivian’s heart is in tatters. She fell for the wrong man, and now she might pay for that mistake with her life. Chase seemed perfect. He flew past her defenses, and she thought he seemed might be just—
Right.
Chase won’t back down. He won’t give up. He’ll prove to Vivian that she can count on him. Prove to her that he will always put her first. Prove to her that he can be the right man for her. He simply has to destroy her all of enemies and convince Vivian to fall for him once more. Only this time, she’ll be falling for the real man. Not the lie.
All in a day’s work for a Wilde agent…right?
Author’s Note: Opposites don’t just attract—they explode. Sparks are gonna fly, lust is gonna burn, and Mr. Cocky and Confident Chase is about to fall hard for a woman who snuck right past his guard. Bam. There may be groveling involved before the book is done. And, of course, lots of scorching scenes. Happy ending guaranteed, no cliff-hangers—just fun, hot romance, and plenty of action.
HOW TO DATE A YOUNGER MAN by Kendall Ryan
If you accidentally bang your best friend’s younger brother, here are a few important tips . . .
One: Do not brag to your friend about how well-endowed her brother is.
Two: Do not go back for seconds (or thirds).
Three: Do not let him see your muffin top or jiggly behind. And definitely don’t let him feed you cookies in bed. Cookies are bad. Remember that.
Four: Act like a damn grown-up and apologize for riding him like a bull at the rodeo. And do not flirt with him when he laughs at said apology.
Five: This one is crucial, so pay attention.
Do not, under any circumstances, fall in love with him.
A DATE FOR THE DERBY by LP Dover & Heidi McLaughlin
New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover come together for a sexy new series that delivers romance for every season!
For Brielle Armstrong the pomp and circumstance of the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby are truly the most thrilling time of the year. Press junkets, designer gowns, everyone schmoozing her in hopes of getting in her daddy’s good graces. What’s not to love?
But this year, her heart is racing with anticipation to see Colby Hensley. As a former trainer of her family’s champion horses, his rugged sex appeal has always filled Brielle’s mind with naughty thoughts of a little barebacked fun.
Even though Colby walked away from their farm, her father Butch, would never approve of him. But what daddy doesn’t know can’t hurt him. If their secret comes out, it could cost Brielle everything. Still, what fun is life if you don’t ride it at a gallop?
Grab your riding crop, and place your bets. It’s Derby Day!
RELEASING JULY 22
COMPLETE ME by Claire Raye
Life at its most complete is still unexpected.
Reid Bowen ruined her life and he is the one person she trusted.
She had no business getting involved with him.
Sienna Parker is the only girl he’s ever wanted and now he’s lost her.
But he will stop at nothing to win her back.
Forced together by circumstance, Sienna’s heart will be tested, but it’s Reid who must risk it all to protect them both.
With their future at stake, it’s the unexpected that changes their lives.
RELEASING JULY 23
VARSITY TIEBREAKER by Ginger Scott
Abby Cortez is a girl with goals, on the verge of turning eighteen and on the brink of stardom. Falling in love isn’t just something she doesn’t have time for, it’s something she doesn’t really believe in. Her rule? Date but never, ever fall.
Tory “Salvatore” D’Angelo loves falling in love…just not for real. The star basketball player at Allensville Public High gives his heart away one girl at a time then takes it back when he’s ready to move on. No serious feelings, no serious pain.
They’re both good plans until Abby’s jaded heart gets all tangled up with Tory’s hopeless one. A friendly rivalry grows into friendship, and long talks start to blur the lines. Just one problem—Abby’s current boyfriend is Tory’s twin brother, Hayden.
*This is book 2 in The Varsity Series by Ginger Scott. You can start this series of stand-alone mature YA sports romances now with Varsity Heartbreaker. Book 3, Varsity Rulebreaker, releases in October.
RELEASING JULY 24
THE WHAT IF GUY by Lauren Blakely
A sexy standalone romance with a single dad you’ll fall hard for! It should be an easy rule to follow – don’t bang your boss…
But I didn’t know who he was when I met him.
And the first time I saw him, our connection sounded like the stuff of romantic legends — that whole “their eyes locked across a crowded room” moment that turned into more.I didn’t believe it. . . . until it happened to me.
Fine, the charming, clever, sexy-as-sin guy in the tailored suit was only trying to buy the same Snoopy lunchbox (as a gift!), but still, our eyes totally locked, and my lady parts definitely tingled as we vied for the prize.
Naturally, I did what any badass business woman would do. Negotiated for the lunchbox, then found my what-if guy online and made plans to see him the next night.
One night only — that was the deal we made.
But one fantastic night had us both changing our minds in the morning. And making plans for another.
Until I walked into the office to learn he just bought my company.
And here’s the biggest rule of romantic legends — no matter what, don’t bang your boss.Especially if you’re already falling for him.
THE WHAT IF GUY is a sexy standalone you can escape into! The other standalone romances in The Guys Who Got Away series include The What If Guy!
NIGHTFALL by Penelope Douglas
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes the thrilling, final installment in the Devil’s Night series…
What happens when it’s five against one and nowhere to run?EMORY
They call it Blackchurch. A secluded mansion in a remote, undisclosed location where the wealthy and powerful send their misbehaving sons to cool off away from prying eyes.
Will Grayson has always been an animal, though. Reckless, wild, and someone who was never bound by a single rule other than to do exactly what he wanted. There was no way his grandfather was going risk him humiliating the family again.
Not that the last time was entirely his fault. He might’ve enjoyed backing me into corners in high school when no one was looking, so they wouldn’t catch on that Mr. Popular actually wanted a piece of that quiet, little nerd he loved to torture so much, but…
He could also be warm. And fierce in keeping me safe.
The truth is… He has a right to hate me.
It’s all my fault. Everything.
Devils Night. The videos. The arrests.
I’m to blame for all of it.
And I regret nothing.
WILL
I never minded being locked up. I learned a long time ago that being treated like an animal gives you permission to act like one. No one has ever looked at me any other way.
Their only mistake is believing anything I do is an accident. I can sit in this house with no Internet, television, liquor, or girls, but I’ll come out of here with something far more frightening to my enemies.
A plan.
And a new pack of wolves.
I just didn’t expect one of my enemies to come to me.
I don’t know who smuggled her in or if they meant to leave her here, but I can smell her hiding in the house. She’s here.
And as the security detail leaves the supplies, the gates close, and the door to my gilded cage opens, giving me free reign of the house and grounds for another unsupervised month, I remember with a smile…
Blackchurch houses five prisoners. I’m only one of her problems.
*Nightfall is a full-length, romantic suspense suitable for readers 18+. It’s necessary to read the prior installments in the series before starting this story.
CRASH INTO ME by L.A. Fiore
When a stabbing death calls homicide detective Molly Donahue and her partner to Central Park, it’s just the beginning of a string of murders in an investigation that leads them to Los Angeles, and the death of a Hollywood starlet three decades earlier.
During the course of their investigating, they interview billionaire Kade Wakefield. Molly isn’t prepared for her reaction to him. He’s stoic, intense and possibly on the wrong side of the law, but she’s undeniably attracted.
Kade Wakefield isn’t expecting detective Molly Donahue. She’s the law, and he follows it when it suits him, but the insatiable hunger she stirs has his well-honed control pushing at the cage to break free.
As the investigation heats up, they start an intensely passionate affair but soon learn what’s between them is more than physical, something they’re willing to give it all up for, but her case takes a deadly turn and the one she hunts is now hunting them.
