The Roommate Rule by Georgia Stone

 Dylan is the kind of person who is always fifteen minutes early and never leaves things to chance--so she can’t believe she’s about to spend six weeks on a last-minute trip to Wales that she didn’t plan, living in a cabin with a man she’s only met once.

Max always goes with the flow, and after his plus-one drops out of his all-expenses-paid travel influencer trip, he’s happy for his sister’s friend to take the spot. After all, from what he remembers of their brief meeting a year ago, Dylan is the kind of woman he’d be more than happy to spend some alone time with.

Not that anything is going to happen between them, because Dylan knows getting involved with this reckless, irrepressible flirt is the last thing she needs. So she makes a house rule: they are roommates only, and under no circumstances can anything . . . untoward . . . happen between them.

But as the days go by, Max starts to realize how much he enjoys chipping away at the walls Dylan hides herself behind, while Dylan begins to admit to herself that there may be more to Max than she first assumed. And before she knows it, she finds herself wondering if their “roommate rule” might be one rule she actually wants to break…

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The Roommate Rule: A Novel: Stone, Georgia: 9780063434844: Amazon.com: Books

Georgia Stone is a London-based author of contemporary romance. She writes love stories that she hopes make people laugh out loud and clutch at their hearts in equal measure.

After dabbling in fan fiction as a teen growing up in rural Switzerland, she didn't write her own stories for years, until one fateful day, she had the idea that sparked her debut novel. She fell back in love with writing and now very much appreciates that being a fiction author is essentially just a socially acceptable way of having imaginary friends.

When she's not reading or writing, you can usually find her trying out DIY projects in her ridiculously colourful flat, spending far too much time feeding The Algorithm, or acting unhinged at gigs with her friends.

You can also find her at @georgiastonewrites on Instagram and TikTok.

My thoughts...

My second book by Stone and I was not disappointed. Max, yes please, I love how he tore Dylans walls down little by little. This book was everything and more. I am so happy I was included in the ARC run of this book. I highly recommend this one. Run don't walk and order your copy!

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Best Little Motel in Texas by Lyla Lane

 After a childhood spent combing the dive bars of Sarsaparilla Falls to collect her fun-loving momma, Cordelia West now enjoys a simple, respectable life in Dallas. Then one phone call from the hometown she’s spent years trying to forget throws it into chaos.

Cordelia's great-aunt Penelope has passed away, naming Cordelia the sole heir to the Chickadee Motel. She has no memory of a great-aunt and no interest in hospitality, but the will stipulates that the motel can’t be sold until its residents leave or pass away – so she reluctantly heads back down to Sarsaparilla Falls to figure out who's living in the Chickadee, and how to get them out.

But upon her arrival, Cordelia discovers the Chickadee isn’t a motel—it’s a brothel, housing three women in their sixties known as the Chicks. For decades, Daisy, Arline, and Belinda Sue have entertained the men of Sarsaparilla Falls (with their wives’ blessings)—including the upright Pastor Reed-Smythe, who thunders against the town’s favorite sins when he’s not indulging. Cordelia doesn’t want to be a hotel manager or a madam, but she can’t just sell the only home the Chicks have known—especially not after the pastor is found poisoned in Daisy’s bed.

With the Chicks—and the town—on the verge of a breakdown, Cordelia steps up to mop up the mess. For a small town, there are plenty of suspects: could it be the obsessed nurse with access to arsenic? Developers eager to gobble up the land? The righteously angry town librarian? Things are heating up in Sarsaparilla Falls, and with the Pastor’s obnoxiously attractive son Archer—Cordelia’s childhood nemesis—investigating the Chicks and getting close, straightlaced Cordelia may just have to get a little dirty to make a killer come clean.

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                  The Best Little Motel in Texas: A Novel: Lane, Lyla: 9780063469327: Amazon.com: Books

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Lyla Lane is a pen name for Sonia Hartl, author of the romcoms Rent to Be and Heartbreak for Hire, which has been optioned for television, as well as the YA novels Not Your #Lovestory, Have a Little Faith in Me, and The Lost Girls, also optioned for television. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and two daughters.

Faking Cinderella by Pippa Grant An Heiress In Disguise Rom Com

 A grumpy former bodyguard, an heiress in disguise, and an accidental roommate situation...

If I'd known a tall, broad mountain of a man would crash the one-bedroom cabin I'm borrowing, I might have handled things differently.

I still would've lied to him. He doesn't need to know all of my reasons for wanting to meet my surprise triplet half brothers while undercover as a housekeeper.

But if I'd known I was going to have a surprise roommate, I wouldn't have rigged a homemade security system in the cabin that left him...erm... Let's just call it easy to spot in a crowd.

And he wouldn't have tried to blackmail me when he figured out my real identity.

And I wouldn't have been so attracted to his audacity that I started looking deeper at the wounded man beneath the gruff exterior.

And then we wouldn't be here, with him making me scream his name for all of the good reasons every night.

But I can't keep faking Cinderella forever, and when it's time for me to come clean, he'll have to choose-loyalty to my half brothers or belief in me and the noble reason for the long game I've been playing.

Faking Cinderella is a swoony romcom featuring a mountain of a man with an even bigger wounded heart and an heiress determined to right a wrong. This opposites attract, secret identity romance stands alone and comes with a sweetly satisfying happily ever after. 

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Faking Cinderella: An Heiress in Disguise Romcom (Small Town Sisterhood): Grant, Pippa: 9781955930567: Amazon.com: Books

Pippa Grant wanted to write books, so she did.

Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually merged into a career. Today, she has more than 30 knee-slapping Pippa Grant titles and nine published under the name Jamie Farrell.

When she’s not writing romantic comedies, she’s fumbling through being a mom, wife, and mountain woman, and sometimes tries to find hobbies. Her crowning achievement? Having impeccable timing for telling stories that will make people snort beverages out of their noses. Consider yourself warned.

My Thoughts...                                                                                                  I have read all the books in the Small-Town Sisterhood series. But this one was the one that I felt the most feels. It was so much fun, and the banter was the best. I loved that some of past characters made appearances in this book. Grant has really out done herself with this series. Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own. 

Shooting Star Above by Patricia Leavy

 Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel—but despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself.

The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story, but old traumas soon rise to the surface as Jack struggles with the death of a loved one and Tess is forced to confront her childhood abuse. Can unconditional love help heal their invisible wounds? Together, will they be able to move from darkness to light?

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Amazon.com: Shooting Stars Above: A Celestial Bodies Romance (The Celestial Bodies Romances) eBook : Leavy, Patricia: Kindle Store

Patricia Leavy, PhD is a novelist, sociologist, and arts advocate (formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Founding Director of Gender Studies and Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology at Stonehill College). She is widely considered the world's most visible proponent of arts-based research, which merges the arts and sciences. Patricia has published over 50 books, nonfiction and fiction, and her work has been translated into numerous languages. She has received over 100 book awards. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2016 Mogul, a global women’s empowerment network, named her an “Influencer.” In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the State University of New York at New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established "The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research." In recent years, her passion has turned to penning romance novels. For more information, please visit her website.

The Book of Judges by Gary Fields

 For fans of Dan Brown, a debut contemporary thriller about a young lawyer thrust into a deadly search for an ancient secret—one that has the power to steer the course of destiny.

A beloved judge is murdered. His virus-infected laptop holds an ancient secret. Young lawyer Joshua Sutton, together with doctoral candidate Samantha Bollinger and tech wizard Mark Roth, are thrust into a deadly three-day quest for answers—a quest that leads them across millennia.

As Mark extracts clues from the computer, Josh and Sammi are chased around Florida by the hulking murderer and others who desperately want the laptop.

Josh and Sammi realize they’ve both been haunted by dreams about historical judges. In Mongol-ruled China, Imperial Rome, Byzantium, post-Renaissance Venice, Henry VIII’s England, and Charlemagne’s Frankish kingdom, judges heroically seek justice in life-and-death cases that come to define human rights. As they do, they are exposed to a startling secret.

Josh, Sammi, and Mark end up in a pulse-pounding race to New York City to stop the murder of another judge, one who could potentially save humanity.

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The Book of Judges: A Novel (The Words Series): Fields, Gary: 9781684633487: Amazon.com: Books

Gary Fields earned his law degree from the University of Miami and his degree in mathematics/computer science from SUNY Albany. He has designed computer systems for Fortune 500 companies and built a law practice specializing in community associations. He’s written hundreds of songs, performed professionally as a solo acoustic artist, been a leader in civic activism in his community, and coached youth sports for 18 years. The Book of Judges is Gary’s first novel. He is currently working on a sequel. Gary and his wife, Debbie, now live in the Los Angeles area, close to the rest of their family

Redemption in Amish Country by Pamela Desmond Wright

 Escape from the past

Trusting Her Amish Heart by Cathy Liggett

Running from betrayal, Leah Zook finds purpose caring for the older owner of an Amish horse farm. But when he's injured and his estranged son returns home looking for redemption, Leah's resolve is tested. The mysterious Zach Graber has all the power to fix the rundown farm—and Leah's locked-down heart. But together will they be strong enough to withstand his secret…and hers?

Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright

After her twin sister’s death, Maddie Baum flees to Wisconsin Amish country with her nephew in tow in the hopes of protecting him from his criminal father. Befriending Amish shopkeeper Abram Mueller gives her a glimpse of the happiness she’s been yearning for all along. Can she find a fresh start with Abram—or will old sins tear them apart?

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Redemption in Amish Country (Love Inspired): Liggett, Cathy, Wright, Pamela Desmond: 9781335454560: Amazon.com: Books

New York Times & Publishers Weekly bestselling author Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparents' cabin. The cabin was later donated to The Muleshoe Heritage Center in Muleshoe Texas where it can be viewed by the public. For more info, visit Pamela online at: www.pameladesmondwright.com

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson

 When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined.

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave decades of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love.

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All Booked Up: A Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance with Bookish and Literary Themes: Melody Carlson: 9780800747251: Amazon.com: Books

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including Romantic Time's Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright

 Regrets from the past

could lead to a chance for redemption…

After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.

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An Amish Widow's Hope: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance – A Texas Amish Second Chance Story of Redemption (Love Inspired): Wright, Pamela Desmond: 9781335621382: Amazon.com: Books

New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late '90's, Pamela moved into traditional publishing, writing for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher's book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.

In 2013, Pam took a break from publishing. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus, fulfilling a promise to write wholesome books readers of all ages could enjoy.

This was a fast, fun read. I am very picky when it comes to Amish fiction, I like the books to be different not the same story told over and over and Wright writes fresh Amish fiction.

I recommend this book.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Where We Belong by Savannah Carlise Preorder Today!

 

Chloe Beckett has always believed in the magic of community. Raised on Big Dune Island, Chloe found her place in the kitchen of her grandmother’s coastal home, where neighbors became family and stories were passed down over cups of coffee.

Years later, Island Coffee isn’t just a café. It’s the heart of Main Street. Locals gather beneath its string lights, with mismatched china, sharing morning rituals and lifelong memories. After years of living in her famous brother's shadow, Chloe is stepping into the spotlight—competing on a reality TV show for a prize that could expand her café’s legacy to the next town over.

However, the competition is fierce with social media superstars and slick MBAs. Chloe knows exactly who she should ask for help—Michael Russo, a New York real estate investor whose world revolves around profits and projections. Her crush on him has gone unnoticed for years, and this is the perfect excuse to spend more time with him. But it's Chloe who begins to rewrite everything he thought he knew about success.

Will competing for her dreams finally help Chloe transform from the little sister who needed help into the woman who can stand on her own, both in the eyes of her family and Michael?

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Where We Belong: A Warmhearted, Uplifting Romance (Big Dune Island Book 3) - Kindle edition by Carlisle, Savannah. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Savannah Carlisle writes heartwarming romance novels with idyllic beach settings. Her stories transport readers to fun and quirky small towns where friends feel like family. So, if you’re ready for a mental vacation, you’ve come to the right place!⁠

Savannah jokes that she's living her own Hallmark movie because she's a former big city corporate attorney who now lives in the small beach town of Fernandina Beach writing romance novels.

When she isn't busy at her laptop writing her next book, Savannah enjoys putting her feet in the sand with a good book in hand. She lives on Amelia Island in Florida with her husband, German Shepherd, and three cats.

 Some people fall in love.

Scott Harris and Tori Johnson collide.

It starts as a game. A pool table. A stolen drink. A pair of red lace panties slipped into his back pocket with a dare to chase her down.

No promises, no futures, no staying long enough to get hurt.

But it never stays that simple.

Across ten years, war zones and waiting rooms, broken bodies and unfinished goodbyes, they keep choosing each other at the worst possible times. They circle through bars and bedrooms, deployments and disappearances—never quite together, never quite free.

War changes Scott. Ambition carries Tori forward. Timing ruins everything.

Years pass. Lives fracture. Choices harden.

When circumstances finally pull them back into the same orbit, they are no longer the people who first struck the match. Desire is still there. So are the scars. And this time, walking away might cost more than staying ever did.

Some fires don’t burn out.

They smolder.

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Chasing Fire: (Fire and Fury Book One) - Kindle edition by Kingston, Avery. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Avery Kingston writes sexy, emotional romance featuring wounded characters at a high heat level.

Avery is a wife to a man who’s demons play well with hers. Mom to a slew of crazy kids. Dog lover. Crazy cat lady. Artist. Free spirit. Lover of unusual beauty. Fitness junkie. Collector of boots and fonts. Angsty drama addict and avid wearer of yoga pants.

Avery is a military wife and a sucker for a good wounded hero story. She set out to write stories where the leading characters were smart, sexy, confident and strong. Avery began writing the type of romance novels she would want to read. Stories about real couples, wounded either physically or emotionally, with an open door into their steamy bedroom.

Avery loves to hear from her readers! Please contact her at averyjkingston@gmail.com

Avery loves to be social. Follow her on:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/averyjkingston

Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @averyjkingston

The Beginner's Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

 A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.

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The Beginner's Quilt: Brunstetter, Wanda E: 9798891511590: Amazon.com: Books

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

My Thoughts...

I read most of Brunstetters books and the two that goes with this one were read some time ago. This reads as a standalone. It's your typical Amish fiction read with Brunstetters voice on each page.

I'm glad I read it; I love the cover model on the gorgeous cover.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Shamrock Kisses by Serena Pier

 Am I going to get lucky? Maybe if the hunky nerd I met yesterday takes me up on my invite to attend High Five's St. Paddy's Day party ...

Rachel Wagner, who's sworn off dating apps, is the last single one in her friend group. Focused on running her thriving cleaning business in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the thirty-one-year-old is caught off guard when she stumbles upon a bearded nerd while cleaning her biggest client's lake house.

Patrick Nowak, a reclusive cat-loving hacker, prefers code to conversation and planned to spend the St. Patrick's Day weekend out of Chicago enjoying a digital detox at his friend's lake house. But when Rachel, a confident brunette who seems way out of his league, invites him to a local bar's St. Paddy's party, his anxiety just might prevent him from taking her up on the offer.

In a game of attraction and vulnerability, neither of them is prepared for just how much their lives can change in a day.

(This is Book #3 in an interconnected series. It is encouraged, but not essential, to read Santa's Coming and Cupid's Shot before reading Shamrock Kisses.)

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     Amazon.com: Shamrock Kisses: A Spicy St. Patrick's Day Romance Novella: Instant Connection, Strangers to Lovers, Small Town, Holiday Romance, Younger Man, Nerdy Guy Gets the Girl (High Five Novella): 9798330606740: Pier, Serena: Books

Serena Pier is a recovering girl boss, mom, and wife. After being called a brat for as long as she can remember, she decided to lean into it—writing sassy, strong, complex female characters who fully embrace the sexy side of the word. Her books are influenced by her endless fascination with power dynamics and how they play out in relationships, workplaces, and everyday life. Most of her stories are set in and around Chicago, paying tribute to her Midwestern roots and love of all things dairy. When she isn’t in front of a screen, Serena can be found pontooning with her family, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, and driving as fast as she can on the track. Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media

Hero Ever After by Kait Nolan

 I never meant to be anyone’s heroine.

Not when I became the acting mayor of my hometown after the flood. Not when I kept my law practice afloat out of a booth in my grandmother’s diner. And definitely not when my secret romantasy novels went viral.

Nobody in Gibson Hollow knows I’m the author behind the pen name. And nobody was supposed to kiss me at that book convention—least of all my brother’s best friend, cosplaying the hero he doesn’t know I modeled after him.

Now Ramsey Shaw is back in town. Volunteering. Smiling at me like I’m not on the verge of shattering. Like he remembers the kiss. Like he sees the truth.

I’ve spent my whole life being strong. Quiet. In control. But for the first time, I don’t want to be any of those things.
I just want to be his.

In a town held together by hope and heart, it’s the people who show up that make it shine.

Pick up your copy here...

Hero Ever After: A second chance, brother's best friend, small town steamy romance (Gibson Hollow Book 1) - Kindle edition by Nolan, Kait. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Kait Nolan is a USA Today best-selling and RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food. When she's not writing, reading, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.

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