“Second Chance Christmas” by Ellen Butler. (Photo: Entangled)
Here are some new contemporaries and romantic suspense, compiled for you and HEA by some of our favorite authors (info provided by publishers and / or their websites):
Second Chance Christmas by Ellen Butler (Entangled). Prominent DC attorney Emma Taylor is pulled away from a promising date the week before Christmas to pick up her ex-fiance from the ER after a bar fight. She’s in no mood to re-open old wounds, but it’s Christmas and she can’t just leave him alone and injured. Eight hundred eighty-four days. That’s how much time has passed since Major Colton Evans made the biggest mistake of his life. Even after two tours of duty and too much shrapnel in his leg, it’s still the loss of Emma that haunts him. And if he can win her back, he’ll take any chance. When she insists he stay with her during the holiday, they put out enough sexual electricity to rival the most decorated house on the block. But will it be enough to light the way to a future together?
Christmas Dinner by Robyn Neeley (Crimson Romance). News anchor Amanda Turner used to love everything about the holidays-the eggnog sugar cookies, the tacky family Christmas sweaters, and a lawn decorated with so many multi-colored lights that 747s could land safely. That is until her boyfriend dumped her in front of the whole town on Christmas Eve. Humiliated, she fled her small town to start a new life. Two years later, she’s finally ready to return to the scene of the emotional crime, until she learns that her ex is engaged. Now, the only thing worse than going home is going home single.
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Kristan Higgins, author of The Best Man . Her website is kristanhiggins.com.
The Ninety Days of Genevieve by Lucinda Carrington (Harlequin MIRA). He’s an arrogant, worldly entrepreneur who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is for Genevieve to spend the next ninety days submitting to his every desire … The dark sensual tale of love and obsession that has become a classic the world over.
Wake to Darkness by Maggie Shayne (Harlequin MIRA). Rachel de Luca’s uncanny sense of perception is the key to her success as a self-help celebrity. Even before she regained her sight, she had a gift for seeing people’s most carefully hidden secrets. But the secret she shares with Detective Mason Brown is one she has promised to keep. As for Mason, he sees Rachel more clearly than she’d like to admit. After a single night of adrenaline-fueled passion, they have agreed to keep their distance-until a string of murders brings them together again. Mason thinks that he can protect everyone he loves, including Rachel, by taking them to a winter hideaway, but danger follows them up the mountain.
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Desiree Holt, author of Ride a Cowboy . Her website is desireeholt.com.
Five Exotic Fantasies by Serenity Woods (Samhain). Love in Reverse, Book 3. Between caring for her disabled mother and taking over as McAllister Dell law firm’s office manager, Coco Stark has zero room for one more thing on her precariously balanced plate. Enter “one more thing”, a hotshot lawyer who’s defending one of the partners in a sexual harassment case. Coco has her own reasons to hope the partner is found guilty-reasons she doesn’t want Mr. Hotshot Fancy Pants to find out. The moment Felix Wilkinson sets foot in his client’s office, the 1950s vibe grates on his idealistic, modern sensibilities. Only the strict, sexy Miss Stark captures his attention, and he’s determined to free the wild woman trapped inside her buttoned-down persona. In spite of herself, Coco is captivated by Felix’s killer combination of sensual and smart, finally free to explore the exotic fantasies that freaked out her ex. But when Felix inevitably discovers the truth, she has trouble reminding herself that he was never for keeps. And Felix must choose to follow his head, or listen to his heart.
Unforgettable Summer by Sami Lee (Samhain). Wild Crush, Book 1. Champion surfer Ty Butler is living the dream-a great career, a globe-trotting lifestyle, and his pick of women. Then a visit to his hometown forces him to face Summer Campbell. A decade on, she still gives him an adrenaline rush to beat the biggest waves. She’s also as unavailable as ever, or so he thinks. When the truth comes out, Ty decides it’s time to lay old ghosts to rest-and lay Summer flat out in bed. Ten years ago Summer committed the ultimate sin by falling for her sister’s boyfriend. She rejected Ty’s love out of duty, even marrying another man in an attempt to move on. An attempt that failed. She never forgot Ty-or the havoc loving him wreaked in her life. Her body wants to finish what they started long ago. Her head tells her she can indulge in a wicked affair with no regrets. But when the pro-surfing tour inevitably calls him away, her heart could crumble like a sandcastle beneath his feet.
GAY CONTEMPORARY
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Sylvie Fox, author of the LA Nights Series. Her website is www.sylviefox.com.
Long the Mile by Ally Blue (Riptide). When Judah went to prison for insider trading, he lost everything he thought was important: his business, his money, his power. But when he gets out, homelessness strips him of the one thing he has left: his self-respect. When another homeless man saves him from a beating, he begins to learn to rely on the goodness of those around him. For Toby, life on the streets has become familiar. Comfortable. So comfortable he wonders if he’s given up on changing his life for the better. Then comes Judah. Formerly rich, newly homeless, all his pride and attitude gone along with his material possessions. Helping Judah feels good. Their unexpected connection-physical and beyond-feels even better. Their shared situation nurtures a growing closeness that blossoms into something deeper. But when change comes knocking, it will take all their strength to keep fear and insecurity from tearing them apart.
Let It Snow by Heidi Cullinan (Samhain). Stylist Frankie Blackburn never meant to go to Logan, Minnesota, but his malfunctioning GPS decided otherwise, and a record-breaking snowfall ensures he won’t be heading back to Minneapolis anytime soon. Being rescued by three sexy lumberjacks is fine as a fantasy, but in reality the biggest of the bears is awfully cranky and seems ready to gobble Frankie right up. Marcus Gardner wasn’t always a lumberjack. Once a high-powered Minneapolis lawyer, he’s burned out and back home in Logan to lick his wounds, not play with a sassy city twink who might as well have stepped directly out of his past. As the north winds blow and guards come down, Frankie and Marcus find they have a lot more in common than they don’t. Making a relationship last beyond a snowstorm could prove impossible when one man won’t live in the country and the other won’t return to the city. Yet the longer it snows, the deeper they fall in love, and all they want for Christmas is each other.
Indebted by A.R. Hawkins (Dreamspinner). For Aaron Quinn, the decision to drop out of med school turns his life upside down, and his father piles on the guilt over the tuition costs. So when his father cooks up a plan to hold off a Mafia loan shark’s wrath, Aaron reluctantly agrees, desperate to make up for his failings. Raised and groomed to take over his father’s position in the Mafia, Liam Sandoval has his own issues. Looking for any escape from his horrible life, he accepts the offer of a weekend of pleasure from Aaron. A mutual attraction ignites, and they realize a weekend will never be enough. But the growing relationship will be put to the ultimate test when enemies target Liam’s new weak spot-Aaron. Can they overcome the outside forces threatening to pull them apart?
What You Own by A.M. Arthur (Dreamspinner). For Ryan Sanders, the Paige Community Center is more than a place where he teaches at-risk teens about musical theater. He found a sense of belonging there during one of the hardest times of his life. With the center facing a financial crisis, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep the doors open-even soliciting fundraiser donations from Langley-Quartermaine Financial. Adam Langley has a plan: survive an internship at his father’s company, finish college, get his trust fund, and find his former high school best friend Ryan and beg his forgiveness. In that order, because if Ryan does forgive him, Adam believes he’ll finally find the courage to come out to his wealthy, bigoted father. Adam’s carefully considered plan is shattered when Ryan appears at the office a full ten months before Adam is ready, and Ryan is just as stunned. Against his better judgment, Adam gets involved with the fundraiser-and Ryan. Old feelings won’t be denied, and as Ryan and Adam reconnect, they realize neither knows the entire truth about the horrific night three years earlier that tore their friendship apart.
Newton’s Laws of Attraction by M.J. O’Shea (Dreamspinner). Rory was Ben’s oldest and best friend until senior year of high school, when they confessed they’d harbored feelings for each other all along. They enjoyed only a few months of happiness until Ben chose closeted popularity over true love … and he’s regretted it ever since. Eight years later, Ben is out and proud and teaching art at the same high school he graduated from. When he learns the chemistry teacher is retiring, he’s excited to meet her replacement until he finds out the brand new teacher is none other than Rory Newton-the first love he’s never quite gotten over. Despite a painfully awkward start, it doesn’t take Ben long to realize he’ll do whatever it takes to win Rory back. But it’s starting to look like even his best might not be enough.
Inside Out by Andrew Grey (Dreamspinner). Former mercenary Bull Krebbs now heads up security at his nightclub in Harrisburg, PA. Working the door night after night, he’s seen it all. Though tough on the outside, he’s a little hurt that people find him unapproachable. Then he pulls a cute twink out of line to perform a random search, and he’s surprised when the guy giggles and squirms. Zach Spencer, graphic artist, twink, and seriously ticklish, isn’t intimidated by Bull. He’s in awe, and when Bull saves Zach from being trampled on the dance floor, Zach finds his inspiration for the superhero in his graphic novel. Soon Zach wants more and makes his move by asking Bull on a date. Though small, he has a backbone of steel. He’ll need it-their happily ever after is thwarted at every turn, including by Bull’s interloping mother showing up unannounced and enemies from Bull’s past threatening to pull him to the other side of the world.
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Susan Vaughan, author of Never Surrender , Once Burned and Twice a Target . Her website is www.susanvaughan.com.
Hard as It Gets by Laura Kaye (Avon). Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey’s tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome – pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He’s left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander’s daughter. Loyalty won’t let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too. With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn’t expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees. Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge …
Down Range by Lindsay McKenna (HQN). Trained to kill, but built for love … Captain Morgan Boland is at the top of her game, as is her former lover, Navy SEAL Jake Ramsey. Then a military computer selects them to partner in a special op. The mission can’t be compromised by their personal history-and they have truckloads of it. But the Afghan assignment might provide the discipline they need to finally get it together-outside the bedroom, that is. A lot has happened over the two years since they last went their separate ways. And there’s way more to Morgan than Jake has ever given her credit for ….
Three Reluctant Promises by Kierstin Marquet (Soul Mate Publishing). Nineteen-year-old Illegal immigrant Tommy Ramirez made three promises to a dying woman. Kidnapping a cop’s daughter is the only way he can keep them. College student, Ashten Mason, is a stranger to trouble until a gorgeous guy with a gun jumps into her car. Realizing Tommy is running from people trying to kill him doesn’t change the fact that trusting a criminal is the ultimate oxymoron.
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Gail Barrett, author of A Kiss to Die For . Her website is gailbarrett.com.
Yuletide Protector by Julie Miller (Harlequin Intrigue). As the lone surviving victim who can put her attacker away in prison, heiress Bailey Austin becomes the key to the DA’s case against a notorious criminal. As lead detective, Spencer Montgomery must prep her for trial. But he becomes her personal protector when she starts receiving terrifying “gifts” meant to scare her away from testifying. Spencer is a cop on the fast track to making captain one day, if he can keep his emotions in check. But as the stalker’s threats escalate, he can’t deny that Bailey has thawed his icy heart. Her courage touches him in ways no other woman has, and reminds him that she’s more important to him than any investigation.
Cold Case at Camden Crossing by Rita Herron (Harlequin Intrigue). People in town believe Tawny-Lynn Boulder is the only reason the Camden Cross case went unsolved. She survived the bus accident that left several dead and two missing, but the severe trauma left her with amnesia. So when she returns to her family’s ranch after seven years, Sherrif Chaz Camden presses her to help locate the girls who were never found-including his own sister. But someone in town is threatening to kill Tawny-Lynn to keep the case closed. Now she must trust that the sexy sheriff she once loved will protect her and show this murderer that in Camden, accidents don’t happen … justice does.
The Cradle Conspiracy by Robin Perini (Harlequin Intrigue). CIA agent Daniel Adams, once a prisoner of war, is a loner out of necessity. But rescuing an amnesiac woman left buried alive bonds them in ways neither can resist. All “Raven” knows is that her baby is in danger. All Daniel can focus on is finding the missing child-and protecting Raven every step of the way. Her memories are lost and his are scarred from the damages of war. But as they depend on each other for survival in the rugged west Texas mountains, the pieces of their broken pasts start to come together. Now all they have is the risky hope of a future together as they confront the threat that can destroy them both.
Undercover Twin by Lena Diaz (Harlequin Intrigue). DEA agent Nick Morgan had no choice but to break up with the love of his life, Heather Bannon. He knew that if he was seen anywhere near the gorgeous PI, he could kiss his career goodbye. But when Heather’s twin is abducted, Nick reconsiders his priorities. As Nick leads Heather on a dangerous undercover mission to rescue her sister and topple an elusive drug lord, he knows he was wrong to end their relationship. Working side by side, Nick realizes his love for her is as strong as ever, and he’ll risk his life to prove it. Having Heather pose as her twin-down to her tattoos-could be genius … or a fatal mistake.
Justice is Coming by Delores Fossen (Harlequin Intrigue). The armed and dangerous woman trespassing on federal marshal Declan O’Malley’s Texas ranch isn’t a killer. She’s Eden Gray, and the P.I. is trailing trouble and unfinished business. He’s the last person she wants to visit, but now a vengeful enemy is targeting them both. Eden’s orders were very clear: kill Declan, or her sisters die. Sworn to find out who’s after her and why, she’s forced to team up with the devastatingly attractive lawman. As desire flares, a decades-old secret erupts, turning everything Declan believed into a lie. Everything except the passion driving him and Eden to fight for a future they might not live to see.
Dirty Little Secrets by Mallory Kane (Harlequin Intrigue). New Orleans detective Ethan Delancey has a mission to solve a senator’s murder. Putting Laney Montgomery-the sole witness, who now has a cold-blooded killer on her heels-under his protection? Pure instinct. Every hour pushes her deeper into danger. The only way to ensure her safety-and capture a criminal-is to keep her close. Neither expects the flare of desire that pushes them over the line between professional and personal. Even as Laney’s secrets start to unravel, Ethan is driven to watch over her despite the rules of his job and the threat against them. Together, they’re on the verge of discovering every dirty detail of the truth … unless an unknown murderer finds them first.
If you’re an author who has an upcoming new romance, you can send information about the book (subgenre, title, author, publisher, 75ish-word blurb) to happyeverafterusat@gmail.com. Please include “new release contemporary” (or whatever subgenre it is) in the subject line. HEA will do its darnedest to get your listing into a new releases post as close to your publication date as possible. All romances and subgenres are accepted, including self-and indie-pubbed.
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