REVIEW: The Woman From Nowhere by Kristen Ashley

 

5 SMOOCHES!

   

 

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

 

After a heartbreaking betrayal, Mabel Adams reinvents herself for the fourth time. Regardless of the alarming reputation of the deceptively sleepy town of Misted Pines, she decides to move all the way across the country to start yet again.

Mabel has a one-night stand with a mountain man who rocks her world in bed but doesn’t tell her his name.

The next day, after receiving a threatening note from her neighbors, she discovers she’s living next to an extremist cult where the women go in and are never seen again.

After serving, former Navy SEAL Hutch Hutchison is living a peaceful life on his patch in the mountains outside Misted Pines. He’s been burned so many times by women, he’s happy to train his guard dogs, play his guitar, live remote, and most of all, quiet.

Until he hooks up with a beautiful woman who lives just down the way. And then he discovers she’s been threatened by the cult next door.

Hutch’s protective instinct sparks, and he decides his next mission is to keep Mabel safe at all costs.

But there’s something even hinkier about that cult than Hutch or local law enforcement expect.

As Hutch executes the riskiest mission of his life—keeping Mabel safe at the same time keeping both of their hearts intact—Hutch and the Sheriff’s Department try to unravel the mystery of The Lion and The Lamb before it’s too late.

Because Mabel is in their crosshairs.

And Hutch is not about to allow her to disappear.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

 

Another heart-pounding addition to Kristen Ashley’s Misted Pines series of romantic thrillers, The Woman From Nowhere was an unputdownable fusion of sizzling chemistry and sharp dialogue in an edge-of your-seat, suspense-filled storyline. The story kicked off with the no-names exchanged one-night stand between Hutch, a broody former Navy SEAL living a quiet life in the mountains, and his new neighbor, Mabel, who moved across the country to Misted Pines to re-invent herself after a heartbreaking betrayal. Following their incredibly hot night together, things get really complicated when Hutch finds out she’s being targeted by an extremist cult. Suddenly their sexy encounter unexpectedly evolves into a desperate fight for survival.

KA masterfully built their dynamic from scorching physical attraction into something far deeper through witty back-and-forth banter that revealed layers of vulnerability, trust and undeniable connection. The perfectly-paced mystery plot kept me guessing as Hutch and Mabel raced against time to outmaneuver her relentless pursuers. Told in KA’s engaging and entertaining storytelling style, this novel delivered everything I crave in a Kristen Ashley romance—a love story that was messy, passionate and hard-earned. Gripping, steamy and totally satisfying, The Woman From Nowhere gets five smooches from me!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


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RELEASE BLITZ: Be The Full Problem by Lani Lynn Vale

BE THE FULL PROBLEM, an all-new small town romantic suspense novel from Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author, Lani Lynn Vale, is available now!

 

 

I knew he was hell, yet I chose to burn with him anyway…

 

 

I blame getting pregnant on my sister getting mauled by a bear.

If she hadn’t been attacked that day, I wouldn’t have come home to check on her. I wouldn’t have run into Boone Windsor at that bar. I wouldn’t have gone home with him, ready to drown my sorrows in a different, more satisfying way.

I wouldn’t have given him that second chance.

Not after he’d so badly burned the first chance.

I would’ve gone back to work half the country away, and I would’ve kept my head in the sand where Boone was involved.

But my sister did get attacked. I did give Boone a second chance.

And I almost died because of it.

After my memories are lost in an accident that almost takes both of our lives, Boone makes me fall in love with him all over again.

And since I didn’t know all the hell that awaited me, I didn’t guard my heart.

I fell, and fell, and fell until there was nowhere else to go but down.

Then, when those memories come back and I’m faced with the consequences of my actions, I didn’t falter.

I knew he was hell, yet I chose to burn with him anyway.

 

 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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Add to Goodreads  |  Find on BookBub

 

 

 


About Lani Lynn Vale:

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.

Connect with Lani:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Reader Group  |  Instagram  |  TikTok  |  Twitter  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  Goodreads

Sign up for Lani’s newsletter!

 

RELEASE BLITZ: A Simple Hello by Lacey Black

A SIMPLE HELLO, a sweet and sexy new friends-to-lovers, small town romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Lacey Black, is available now!

 

 

My easiest hello might be my hardest goodbye…

 

 

Cade

When it comes to women, keeping things casual is my forte. What can I say, I like to live life to its fullest. Then I spot the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen at The Tipsy Lizard, and I know I need to get to know her.

Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn. The only issue is, she’s dating someone else.

So, the only choice I have is to give Oaklee my number and tell her to use it when she’s single.

To my surprise, that phone call came sooner than I expected. She’s just getting out of a relationship and isn’t looking for anything serious, which is right up my alley. Spending time with her isn’t a hardship, and sending little gifts to her office to say hello is a lot more fun than I would have imagined.

The problem is, I’m not sure I can keep her safely in the friend zone much longer.

Oaklee

Relocating to a small town was exactly what I needed. However, from the moment I arrived in Cooper Town, everything seemed to snowball. The jerk I was dating decided to cheat, leaving me in a new place with a new job and a support system of one to lean on.

Meeting Cade at a bar turned out to be more than just a casual happenstance.

Being around him is easy. He’s gorgeous, charismatic, fun, and always sends me little things to let me know he’s thinking of me. When I have to start working beside my ex, Cade kicks it into overdrive, showing me exactly how easy it could be to fall for a guy like him. Too bad he’s not looking for forever. Cade only wants right now.

Suddenly, my easiest hello might be my hardest goodbye.

 

 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY OR READ FOR FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 

“A low drama, high heat, heart-filled, makes-you-smile kind of romance…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

 


About Lacey Black:

USA Today Bestselling Author Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and three rowdy chickens.

Connect with Lacey:

Website  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Group  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Bookbub 

Sign up for Lacey’s newsletter

 

REVIEW: A Simple Hello by Lacey Black

 

5 SMOOCHES!

 

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

 

Cade

When it comes to women, keeping things casual is my forte. What can I say, I like to live life to its fullest. Then I spot the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen at The Tipsy Lizard, and I know I need to get to know her.

Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn. The only issue is, she’s dating someone else.

So, the only choice I have is to give Oaklee my number and tell her to use it when she’s single.

To my surprise, that phone call came sooner than I expected. She’s just getting out of a relationship and isn’t looking for anything serious, which is right up my alley. Spending time with her isn’t a hardship, and sending little gifts to her office to say hello is a lot more fun than I would have imagined.

The problem is, I’m not sure I can keep her safely in the friend zone much longer.

Oaklee

Relocating to a small town was exactly what I needed. However, from the moment I arrived in Cooper Town, everything seemed to snowball. The jerk I was dating decided to cheat, leaving me in a new place with a new job and a support system of one to lean on.

Meeting Cade at a bar turned out to be more than just a casual happenstance.

Being around him is easy. He’s gorgeous, charismatic, fun, and always sends me little things to let me know he’s thinking of me. When I have to start working beside my ex, Cade kicks it into overdrive, showing me exactly how easy it could be to fall for a guy like him. Too bad he’s not looking for forever. Cade only wants right now.

Suddenly, my easiest hello might be my hardest goodbye.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

 

Lacey Black writes the kind of sweet, small-town romances that are just right for curling up with, and A Simple Hello, the second book in her Cooper Town Boys series, fits that bill perfectly. This friends-to-lovers story follows Cade, an easy-going good guy and heavy equipment operator, and Oaklee, a nurse who’s new to town and still finding her footing. Their first meeting was nothing flashy—just a simple hello—but I immediately felt that little spark of something between them. I loved their witty banter and how natural their friendship felt before things started heating up between them.

Lacey did a great job of building the kind of sweet and sexy tension that made me root for Cade and Oaklee with every passing page. A low drama, high heat, heart-filled, makes-you-smile kind of romance set in a cozy small town where everyone knows everyone else, I polished this lighthearted and addictive friends-to-lovers romance off in an afternoon. Five smooches from me for A Simple Hello by Lacey Black!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


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BLOG TOUR WITH EXCERPT: Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

CROOKED, a new bodyguard/mafia daughter forbidden romance from New York Times Bestselling Authors, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, is available now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

Getting involved with him was reckless…

 

 

A new, sexy standalone novel from New York Times Bestsellers, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward…

The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a walking bad decision.

But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss, apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new bodyguard.

Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.  Little by little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out, Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life.

Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried.  But while I was busy losing my heart, the man who took it was hiding a secret.

And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.

 

 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY OR READ FOR FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Paperback  |  Alternate Cover Paperback  |  Audio

Narrated in duet by Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 

“…a thrilling and seductive romance…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

Copyright © 2025 by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

 

“Sorry for making up that story,” he said. “But I didn’t know what else to tell him. Wasn’t like I could admit the real reason I’m here looking out for you.”

I crossed my arms. “Maybe you should’ve, and he could’ve carted you away, so I don’t have to deal with any of this.”

“Now, now. Is that how you talk to your loving boyfriend?” He winked.

“Please don’t repeat that.” Especially in that annoyingly seductive voice.

“Well, you don’t think at some point we’re gonna have to pretend to be something to each other? People are going to wonder who the hell I am. How else are you going to explain me, if I’m not your boyfriend?”

“I’m hoping not to have to explain you at all because I’m counting on this arrangement ending soon.”

“Well, if you’d let me sleep inside like you should’ve, I wouldn’t have attracted the neighbor’s attention.”

“I will admit that making you sleep outside was a mistake, in hindsight.” I rubbed my pounding temples. “Do you want some coffee? I need to get a cup before my head explodes.”

He smiled wide. “I would love some.”

God, those dimples.

Had they been there yesterday?

Of course they had.

Again, I needed coffee.

After I filled two mugs, I handed him one. “As you just saw, my neighbor is very nosy. You need to keep a low profile. That means no hanging around outside my house unless absolutely necessary. She’ll try to talk to you.”

“I’ll be fine if she does. I’m a pretty good liar.”

“How commendable.”

He shrugged. “I don’t make a habit of it. But in this business, you have to be able to stretch the truth with a straight face.”

Putting my coffee down, I crossed my arms. “We have to set some ground rules.”

Wes grinned from behind his mug. “Okay…”

He’d better be taking this seriously. I took another long sip of coffee. “One, you have to sleep on the couch. I only have one bedroom. So…”

“All right. I was expecting that. No big deal. I’ve slept on worse things.”

“Not even gonna ask.” I sighed. “Also, no walking around without your clothes on.”

Wes raised a brow and laughed. “Why would I do that?”

“I don’t know. You seem like the type who might be comfortable enough in your skin to want to flaunt it or something. Just letting you know I won’t appreciate that.”

“No naked ass. Got it.” He nodded. “What else?”

“No eating anything in my refrigerator that belongs to me. I just went to Erewhon to stock up. Practically spent a week’s salary.” I opened the fridge and began moving my items to the right, leaving spots on the left of the top two shelves empty. “You can keep your stuff on this side.”

“How generous of you…” He grinned.

I tilted my head. “Are you mocking me?”

“No.” He pursed his lips, probably to keep from laughing.

I sighed. Maybe I did need to calm down. This situation was making me more high-strung than usual.

After a moment, he asked, “Are you done?”

“I’ll let you know if I think of anything else.”

“Look…” he said. “I don’t wanna be here any more than you want me here. So let’s just try to make the best of it.”

“We don’t need to make the best of it. We need to stay out of each other’s way and not make each other insane.” I downed the last of my cup of joe.

Wes’s expression dampened. Had I hurt his feelings? This situation stressed me out and made me less than pleasant. My father’s antics brought out the worst in me. I felt like I needed a time out.

On that note, I took my own advice and ventured back to my room to have my second cup of coffee in peace.

When I walked back out into the living room about fifteen minutes later, my jaw dropped. It was like I’d walked onto the set of Love Island. Wes was sitting on the couch with his feet up on the ottoman—shirtless, with every beautiful contour of his bronzed chest on full display.

What. The. Heck. I gulped. “What are you doing?”

He stood, looking confused. “What do you mean? I’m just sitting here.”

“You’ve only been here a matter of minutes, and you’ve already broken a rule.” I scoffed. “The most important one, I might add.”

He drew in his brows. “What rule?”

I glared. “Naked?”

He looked down at his chest. “I’m not naked.”

“You took your shirt off.”

“That’s shirtless. Not naked. You say naked, and I think…junk hanging out. This is not naked.”

I shook my head. “You need to wear a shirt in this house.”

He stalked toward me. “It’s hot as Hades in here. Does your air conditioner even work?”

“I don’t like it too cold. I freeze easily.”

“I guess that’s what happens to people who are already cold enough.”

As he stood there with his hands on his hips, I did feel oddly warm, actually. And it had nothing to do with the air-conditioner setting.

He smirked. A chill ran down my spine.

F*ck. Those dimples.

I’m going to kill my father for hiring this guy.

 

 


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Vi Keeland:

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Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

 

Find Vi here:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Fan Group|  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon
Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first to be updated on news and new releases!

Penelope Ward:

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 thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

Find Penelope here:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Fan Group  | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon
Stay up-to-date with Penelope by signing up for her mailing list!

 

RELEASE BLITZ: Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

CROOKED, a new bodyguard/mafia daughter forbidden romance from New York Times Bestselling Authors, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, is available now!

 

 

Getting involved with him was reckless…

 

 

A new, sexy standalone novel from New York Times Bestsellers, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward…

The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a walking bad decision.

But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss, apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new bodyguard.

Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.  Little by little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out, Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life.

Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried.  But while I was busy losing my heart, the man who took it was hiding a secret.

And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.

 

 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY OR READ FOR FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Paperback  |  Alternate Cover Paperback  |  Audio

Narrated in duet by Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Vi Keeland:

91FFBs19XQL._UX250_

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

 

Find Vi here:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Fan Group|  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon
Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first to be updated on news and new releases!

Penelope Ward:

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 thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

Find Penelope here:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Fan Group  | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon
Stay up-to-date with Penelope by signing up for her mailing list!

 

REVIEW: Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

 

5 SMOOCHES!

 

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

 

A new, sexy standalone novel from New York Times Bestsellers, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward…

The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a walking bad decision.

But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss, apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new bodyguard.

Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.  Little by little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out, Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life.

Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried.  But while I was busy losing my heart, the man who took it was hiding a secret.

And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

 

Crackling with tension, wit and irresistible chemistry, Crooked, the latest contemporary romance collaboration from the incomparable author writing duo of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, was an electrifying forbidden romance that kept me hooked from the very first page. I listened to the audiobook, narrated in duet by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow. Their natural chemistry leant itself perfectly to these characters, and both narrators did an amazing job bringing these characters to life.

When Juliette, a mafia princess determined to escape her family’s shadow and pursue her screenwriting dreams in LA, was saddled with Wes, the dangerously handsome, fiercely protective bodyguard that her father sends to watch over her, their instant animosity ignited a battle of razor-sharp banter and simmering attraction that neither could resist. This dynamic author duo masterfully crafted a slow-burn build-up where every heated argument and stolen glance inched them closer to an explosive connection, all while Wes harbored a secret that could shatter everything. The enemies-to-lovers tension was palpable, the stakes were high, and the chemistry between these two was absolutely volcanic. Told with Keeland and Ward’s signature blend of sharp dialogue, heartstring-pulling emotion, passionate romance and captivating storytelling, Crooked was a thrilling and seductive romance that I listened to in a single sitting. Five smooches from me for Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward!

~Danielle Palumbo

 


BUY IT NOW!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Paperback  |  Alternate Cover Paperback  |  Audio

 

EXCERPT REVEAL: Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

CROOKED, a forbidden new bodyguard/mafia daughter romance from New York Times Bestselling Authors, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, is coming March 29th!

Scroll down for a sneak peek!

 

 

Getting involved with him was reckless…

 

 

A new, sexy standalone novel from New York Times Bestsellers, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward…

The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a walking bad decision.

But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss, apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new bodyguard.

Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.  Little by little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out, Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life.

Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried.  But while I was busy losing my heart, the man who took it was hiding a secret.

And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.

 

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY OR READ FOR FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Alternate Cover Paperback  |  Audio

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 

EXCERPT:

Copyright © 2025 by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

 

“Sorry for making up that story,” he said. “But I didn’t know what else to tell him. Wasn’t like I could admit the real reason I’m here looking out for you.”

I crossed my arms. “Maybe you should’ve, and he could’ve carted you away, so I don’t have to deal with any of this.”

“Now, now. Is that how you talk to your loving boyfriend?” He winked.

“Please don’t repeat that.” Especially in that annoyingly seductive voice.

“Well, you don’t think at some point we’re gonna have to pretend to be something to each other? People are going to wonder who the hell I am. How else are you going to explain me, if I’m not your boyfriend?”

“I’m hoping not to have to explain you at all because I’m counting on this arrangement ending soon.”

“Well, if you’d let me sleep inside like you should’ve, I wouldn’t have attracted the neighbor’s attention.”

“I will admit that making you sleep outside was a mistake, in hindsight.” I rubbed my pounding temples. “Do you want some coffee? I need to get a cup before my head explodes.”

He smiled wide. “I would love some.”

God, those dimples.

Had they been there yesterday?

Of course they had.

Again, I needed coffee.

After I filled two mugs, I handed him one. “As you just saw, my neighbor is very nosy. You need to keep a low profile. That means no hanging around outside my house unless absolutely necessary. She’ll try to talk to you.”

“I’ll be fine if she does. I’m a pretty good liar.”

“How commendable.”

He shrugged. “I don’t make a habit of it. But in this business, you have to be able to stretch the truth with a straight face.”

Putting my coffee down, I crossed my arms. “We have to set some ground rules.”

Wes grinned from behind his mug. “Okay…”

He’d better be taking this seriously. I took another long sip of coffee. “One, you have to sleep on the couch. I only have one bedroom. So…”

“All right. I was expecting that. No big deal. I’ve slept on worse things.”

“Not even gonna ask.” I sighed. “Also, no walking around without your clothes on.”

Wes raised a brow and laughed. “Why would I do that?”

“I don’t know. You seem like the type who might be comfortable enough in your skin to want to flaunt it or something. Just letting you know I won’t appreciate that.”

“No naked ass. Got it.” He nodded. “What else?”

“No eating anything in my refrigerator that belongs to me. I just went to Erewhon to stock up. Practically spent a week’s salary.” I opened the fridge and began moving my items to the right, leaving spots on the left of the top two shelves empty. “You can keep your stuff on this side.”

“How generous of you…” He grinned.

I tilted my head. “Are you mocking me?”

“No.” He pursed his lips, probably to keep from laughing.

I sighed. Maybe I did need to calm down. This situation was making me more high-strung than usual.

After a moment, he asked, “Are you done?”

“I’ll let you know if I think of anything else.”

“Look…” he said. “I don’t wanna be here any more than you want me here. So let’s just try to make the best of it.”

“We don’t need to make the best of it. We need to stay out of each other’s way and not make each other insane.” I downed the last of my cup of joe.

Wes’s expression dampened. Had I hurt his feelings? This situation stressed me out and made me less than pleasant. My father’s antics brought out the worst in me. I felt like I needed a time out.

On that note, I took my own advice and ventured back to my room to have my second cup of coffee in peace.

When I walked back out into the living room about fifteen minutes later, my jaw dropped. It was like I’d walked onto the set of Love Island. Wes was sitting on the couch with his feet up on the ottoman—shirtless, with every beautiful contour of his bronzed chest on full display.

What. The. Heck. I gulped. “What are you doing?”

He stood, looking confused. “What do you mean? I’m just sitting here.”

“You’ve only been here a matter of minutes, and you’ve already broken a rule.” I scoffed. “The most important one, I might add.”

He drew in his brows. “What rule?”

I glared. “Naked?”

He looked down at his chest. “I’m not naked.”

“You took your shirt off.”

“That’s shirtless. Not naked. You say naked, and I think…junk hanging out. This is not naked.”

I shook my head. “You need to wear a shirt in this house.”

He stalked toward me. “It’s hot as Hades in here. Does your air conditioner even work?”

“I don’t like it too cold. I freeze easily.”

“I guess that’s what happens to people who are already cold enough.”

As he stood there with his hands on his hips, I did feel oddly warm, actually. And it had nothing to do with the air-conditioner setting.

He smirked. A chill ran down my spine.

F*ck. Those dimples.

I’m going to kill my father for hiring this guy.

 

 


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Vi Keeland:

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Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

 

Find Vi here:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Fan Group|  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon
Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first to be updated on news and new releases!

Penelope Ward:

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 thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

Find Penelope here:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Fan Group  | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon
Stay up-to-date with Penelope by signing up for her mailing list!

 

RELEASE BLITZ: The Hockey Problem by Kendall Ryan

THE HOCKEY PROBLEM, a new forbidden, single dad, hockey romance from New York TimesWall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kendall Ryan, is available now!

 

 

He’s the NHL’s most guarded single dad.
She’s the one woman who can’t afford to fall for him.

 

 

He’s the NHL’s most guarded single dad.
She’s the one woman who can’t afford to fall for him.

Tori Wells didn’t fight her way into the NHL just to become another cautionary tale. As a team physical therapist, she lives by strict rules: heal the players, protect her career, and never—ever—cross the line with a hockey player.

Then she’s assigned to Zayden Bishop.

On the ice, he’s untouchable—a French-Canadian superstar with a reputation for being cold, private, and impossible to read. Off the ice, he’s a devoted single father running on discipline, stubbornness, and too little sleep. Until a serious shoulder injury threatens his season—and the stability he’s built for his six-year-old daughter.

Tori is in charge of his rehab. Full oversight. Daily sessions.
No room for mistakes.
No room for attraction.

Except Zayden isn’t what she expected.

The more time they spend together—early mornings, quiet road trips, late-night conversations—the harder it becomes to pretend this is just professional. Because Zayden doesn’t just need his shoulder fixed. He needs someone who sees the man behind the jersey.

And Tori is dangerously close to becoming that someone.

Crossing the line could cost her everything she’s worked for. And Zayden can’t risk bringing anyone into his daughter’s life unless he’s certain they’ll stay.

 

 

ORDER YOUR COPY NOW OR READ FOR FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!

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“A heart-melting forbidden romance…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 4.5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

 


About Kendall Ryan:

New York TimesWall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold millions of books and they have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.

Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 100 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA TodayNewsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Kendall:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon Author Page  |  BookBub

Visit Kendall’s website for all of her latest book news and fun extras!

 

REVIEW: The Hockey Problem by Kendall Ryan

 

4.5 SMOOCHES!

    

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

SYNOPSIS:

 

He’s the NHL’s most guarded single dad.
She’s the one woman who can’t afford to fall for him.

Tori Wells didn’t fight her way into the NHL just to become another cautionary tale. As a team physical therapist, she lives by strict rules: heal the players, protect her career, and never—ever—cross the line with a hockey player.

Then she’s assigned to Zayden Bishop.

On the ice, he’s untouchable—a French-Canadian superstar with a reputation for being cold, private, and impossible to read. Off the ice, he’s a devoted single father running on discipline, stubbornness, and too little sleep. Until a serious shoulder injury threatens his season—and the stability he’s built for his six-year-old daughter.

Tori is in charge of his rehab. Full oversight. Daily sessions.
No room for mistakes.
No room for attraction.

Except Zayden isn’t what she expected.

The more time they spend together—early mornings, quiet road trips, late-night conversations—the harder it becomes to pretend this is just professional. Because Zayden doesn’t just need his shoulder fixed. He needs someone who sees the man behind the jersey.

And Tori is dangerously close to becoming that someone.

Crossing the line could cost her everything she’s worked for. And Zayden can’t risk bringing anyone into his daughter’s life unless he’s certain they’ll stay.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

REVIEW:

 

A heart-melting forbidden romance, Kendall Ryan’s The Hockey Problem struck the perfect balance between sizzling tension and tender emotional depth. Zayden, a fiercely protective professional hockey player and devoted single dad to his young daughter, was assigned to work with the team’s compassionate and skilled physical therapist, Tori, on rehabbing his shoulder. Their therapy sessions quickly morphed into a slow-burn masterclass in brewing chemistry and stolen glances.

Ryan crafted their electric connection through late-night chats, sweet stolen moments, and a growing emotional intimacy that made all their interactions feel meaningful. While they navigated the forbidden lines of their professional relationship, both characters experienced emotional growth with Zayden learning to let someone in again and Tori discovering her own strength and worth. This was a captivating, feel-good hockey romance about healing hearts and second chances. The Hockey Problem by Kendall Ryan gets 4.5 smooches from me!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


BUY IT NOW!

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