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Santa Baby Daddy

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Santa Baby Daddy
Paula Dombrowiak
(Hollow Reign, )
Publication date: November 3rd 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Hollow Reigns bassist, Casey Beaumont, came to town for the holidays—to catch his bandmate’s Christmas show and have a little fun. One reckless night with a gorgeous stranger definitely counts as fun.

What he didn’t count on was running into her again… as the show’s costume designer. Or spotting the baby bump under all that holiday sparkle.

Casey was never great at math but he’s an expert at falling—for Ava, for the baby, and for a future he can’t stop picturing.

Ava Ramirez has been burned before. The last man who put a baby in her life walked out and never looked back. She is not handing her heart to a serial playboy no matter how cute he is.

But for once, Casey isn’t running. He’s all in.

Ava can’t make the same mistake twice… but would she be missing out on the family she so desperately wants?

Santa Baby Daddy is Book 4 in the Hollow Reign Christmas Novellas, a series of interconnected, steamy holiday romances. Each book can be read as a standalone and features a guaranteed happily ever after.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

The pregnancy book I’m reading says hormones may increase sexual desire. May, in the same way the ocean may be damp.

So I’m chasing waffles—a safe, legal, closed-toe-shoes kind of craving I can actually satisfy at midnight. Because I’m alone, four and a half months pregnant, in a city where I know exactly four people, and one of them just secretly married a guitarist.

A few months ago, my life was predictable. Planned. I knew where I was going and what the next year was supposed to look like. Now I’m pregnant, living on savings and a theater paycheck, hiding out in Sin City because packing a suitcase felt easier than sticking around to watch that carefully constructed future fall apart.

Vegas was supposed to be temporary. A place where I could keep my head down, sew sequins onto costumes for a naughty Christmas show, and buy myself enough time to figure out how the hell I’m going to raise a human being on my own.

The diner is all buzzing neon and cracked vinyl. There are maybe six people scattered through the place, including a waitress named Lou who looks like she’s been working the graveyard shift since Vegas was built, which is exactly the kind of quiet I came looking for.

Casey Beaumont is sitting at the counter with a milkshake and a stack of pancakes tall enough to qualify as architecture, looking like the universe personally designed him to test the limits of my second-trimester self-control. His blond curls are a little wild, his skin somehow still golden in December, like the sun makes a special exception for him.

He catches sight of me before the bell above the door finishes chiming, and his whole face lights up.

And suddenly, my cravings have been given a target.

“Ava Ramirez,” he says, like I’m the best thing that’s happened to him all day. Considering his band imploded into a tabloid circus before dinner, I’m competing against a remarkably low standard.

I sit. Not because he patted the stool like I’m supposed to come when called, but because the counter is closer to the syrup, my feet already hurt from walking in high-heeled boots—I’m pregnant, not fashion-averse—and refusing a perfectly good seat just to make a point would be childish.

The fact that Casey Beaumont is ridiculously easy to look at has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Lou comes over with her order pad. “Strawberry waffles, extra whipped cream, and a side of dill pickles?” God bless her, she doesn’t even blink.

Casey turns on his stool and looks at me, those pretty blue eyes full of something close to reverence.

“Bold,” he says, lifting an eyebrow. “I respect a woman with range.”

“Don’t judge me, Third Row. My stomach wants what it wants.”

He nudges his milkshake toward me. “Want some? It’s peppermint and festive.”

“I don’t share milkshakes with strangers. Especially ones with carnal knowledge of pretty much the entirety of the chorus line.” I roll my eyes.

“First of all, hearsay. And don’t believe a word of what Denise says—she likes to embellish, unless it’s about certain areas.” He not-so-discreetly gives a nod to his lap before pulling the milkshake back, completely unbothered. “Second of all, we’re not strangers. I know you belt Mariah Carey when you think the theater’s empty, I know nobody touches the thread wall and lives, and I know exactly which pocket the emergency Snickers lives in.” He lifts an eyebrow.

“What are you, the Phantom of the Opera lurking around the theater? It’s creepy.”

“A Phantom sounds badass, but it’s not lurking—it’s called paying attention,” he says, and points his fork at me with delight.

I hold in a giggle. He’s lucky he’s pretty.

That’s the thing about Casey Beaumont. For weeks, I’ve watched him make himself at home in my theater, usually sprawled across the third row with his boots propped on the seat in front of him, radiating the energy of a golden retriever who found the treat cabinet open. He’s Hollow Reign’s bass player and, according to the warning I received shortly after meeting him, “the one we don’t leave unattended.”

My waffles arrive and I stop pretending I have manners. Casey watches me drag the pickle through the whipped cream with the rapt attention most men reserve for playoff games.

“Incredible,” he says softly. “You’re my favorite person I’ve ever watched eat.”

I pause mid-bite and stare at him. “You should get out more.”

Author Bio:

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.

For more ways to learn about Paula and her books, check out her website: @www.pauladombrowiak.com

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Breathe

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A gifted psychic, tormented by a serial killer who has the key to his mind, finds hope in a talented detective with a tortured past. Together, they will learn what it means to trust again and fall into a love they never thought they deserved.


Breathe

A Soul’s Caress Book 1

by Camelia Bennett

Genre: LGBTQ+ Paranormal Romantic Murder Mystery


Zayne Matthews is looking for someone to save him. His visions of a serial killer are pulling him deeper into a world of darkness he no longer has the strength to fight against. Detective Bodie Hale is looking for someone to save. His haunted past isolates him from the people who love and care about him, imprisoning his heart behind icy walls no one can break through.

But fate has plans for them. It will bring Bodie and Zayne together in a collision of emotions, forcing them to face their deepest fears. Their broken hearts will start to mend as they fight for a chance to have the one thing they thought they’d never find…LOVE.

And not just any love. A love brought to life through A Soul’s Caress.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads




Bodie stood and offered his hand as if it was the most natural thing to do.

 

“Come on. The aquarium staff is going home for the night. I’ll walk you back to your car.”

 

Zayne cocked his head sarcastically. “You don’t think I can take care of myself, detective?”

 

“It’s not that.”

 

“Oh, I get it. Porter and Harris told you to keep an eye on me.”

 

“Actually, they told me the opposite.”

 

“Then why are you doing all this? I mean, the ice cream, the aquarium, escorting me to my car.”

 

Zayne took a step closer to the young man still holding his hand. A burst of heat erupted in his chest. His skin felt like it was on fire. The scent of sandalwood swirling around him tempted him to give in to the undeniable need coursing through his body. Unable to resist, Zayne leaned even closer to the sexy detective.

 

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say this was our first date, Detective Hale.”

 

Bodie’s expression remained unchanged, but he couldn’t hide the lovely shade of pink that was now coloring the tips of his ears.

 

Zayne’s thumb drew slow, seductive circles on the back of Bodie’s hand. He daringly slipped his long, elegant fingers between Bodie’s until their palms touched. When their grip tightened with a natural ease, his heart stuttered as Bodie’s breathing quickened. Their intimately joined hands sent the most exquisite tremors rushing through his body.

 

“What are you doing?” Bodie whispered, his voice ragged.

 

“I don’t know. But it feels right. Doesn’t it?”

 

Zayne’s heart thrashed wildly inside his tight chest as Bodie lifted his free hand and cupped the side of his face. He could feel the calloused skin tenderly cradle the smooth skin of his cheek. Giving in to his body’s demands, he closed his eyes and nuzzled into Bodie’s warm hand.

 

“Zayne…we…we can’t.”

 

Zayne’s eyes shot open. He wrenched his hand free and took three quick steps back.

 

“I-I-I’m so sorry! I don’t know what I…”

 

Bodie turned, heading for the exit, his head hung low. “It…It’s fine. Come on. Follow me.”

 

Zayne couldn’t see the detective’s face. But he could read Bodie’s body language loud and clear.

 

What the hell came over him? Of course, Bodie would be disgusted. He’s a man, for god’s sake! A damn hot man who, even if he was gay, would never be interested in Zayne.

 

This is crazy! I’m not even gay! I’m not. At least, I’m pretty sure I’m not. I’m just tired, lonely, and fucking horny. I can’t even remember the last time I got laid. This is ridiculous. How am I going to look him in the eye after this? He probably hates my guts. He’ll probably tell the captain he can’t work with me anymore. Whatever. I didn’t want his help anyway.

 

“Are you coming?” Bodie asked.

 

But Zayne didn’t seem to hear him. He remained where he was, internally scolding himself for acting like a complete idiot. It wasn’t until he felt Bodie’s fingers threading through his that he snapped out of his bubble of self-loathing. He looked into the detective’s eyes, shocked to see a devilish satisfaction shadowed by a hint of hope in their golden depths.

 

“I’m not angry,” Bodie said softly, gently squeezing Zayne’s hand. “You’re tired and, just taking a guess here, hungry?”

 

Zayne nodded. Well, he may have read Bodie all wrong, but the detective knew exactly what he was feeling. It was nice—really nice—to finally be seen by someone. Granted, it was by a complete stranger, which was the damndest thing. Yet Bodie didn’t feel like a stranger. How was that possible? Had they met before?

 

“Alright then. We’ll stop for something on the way back to the station. But nothing greasy or spicy. You’ll have nightmares.”

 

Zayne gave Bodie a broken smile.

 

Oh, Detective Hale. You have no idea what a nightmare is. Trust me, junk food is the least of my worries.

 

Zayne could tell Bodie was trying to read his thoughts. The way a tiny wrinkle appeared between the detective’s brows and his pale eyes danced with questions had Zayne thinking hard about trusting this man with his secrets.

 

“Everything okay?” Bodie asked.

 

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

 

“Well then, follow me.”

 

Zayne shook his head casually. “Not until you answer my question.”

 

“What question?”

 

“The one I asked earlier.”

 

“Ohhh. The one about why I’m doing all of this. That one?”

 

Giving Bodie an annoyed smile, Zayne replied, “Yes, that one. I mean, you’re a detective sent here to catch a serial killer. Shouldn’t you be out looking for clues or arresting suspects instead of buying me food and taking me to see fish?”

 

A smile borne from honesty lifted the corners of Bodie’s lips. “What can I say? I enjoy taking care of you. I like to see you smile. You should do it more often. It’s sexy.”

 

Eyes wide and heart racing, Zayne gulped down the words taking shape on his tongue. Bodie’s answer caught him off guard and left him wondering if he was dreaming.

 

“Come on,” Bodie whined, tugging on Zayne’s hand. “I won’t let you down. I promise.”

 

Of that simple fact, Zayne was now convinced.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“Do you trust me?”

 

Zayne looked into Bodie’s unrelenting gaze and answered from his heart.

 

“Absolutely.”

 



Soul Moon: First Encounter

Soul Moon Book 1

by Camelia Bennett

Genre: LGBTQ+ Urban Fantasy, Norse Mythology 



Caden Mitchell, a wolf shifter, thinks he’s on a mission to stop a deadly weapons exchange. What he finds instead is a pair of silver eyes and a body carved by sin. Erick Shaw is a struggling bartender whose scent has awakened Caden’s lonely heart and ignited a fire in his dying soul. Drawn together by an unknown and inexplicable familiarity, they will search for answers as to why humans want Erick dead and shifters wish to possess him.


Fate has brought them together for a reason. However, time is against them. Will Caden be able to save Erick from the people hunting him? Can Erick change his destiny and survive a horror none have been able to before?


Their hearts will be tempted, their bond tested. Yet, through it all, Caden and Erick will follow the longing in their souls back to the one their passion burns brightest for.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads




Caden Mitchell wasn’t supposed to be here. It wasn’t supposed to be him sitting in this seedy strip club, avoiding the advances of women he had no interest in. Initially, his head of security had been assigned to this location. But, when they got a last-minute tip about an illegal shipment of drugs arriving tonight down at the harbor, Caden was forced to take the mission at the club while his associate followed the lead at the docks.

 

It really was the best plan. Unfortunately, now he’s the one stuck sitting here in this hell of overstimulation instead of the quiet of his condo, reading a good book while enjoying a cup of tea.

 

The flashing, colorful lights around him make his eyes hurt. The loud music, if you can even call it that, feeds the headache clawing at the front of his skull. The pungent smell of the filthy carpet, the ripped vinyl seats, and the smoky air all trigger waves of nausea that churn his empty stomach. Everything about this place reeks of desperation and sex.

 

From the moment he sat down over an hour ago, Caden has kept his head and eyes down. He can’t afford to draw attention to himself if he wants to complete his mission. However, as he catches the scent of someone new walking through the doors, his head lifts slightly so his sharp eyes can follow the man he was sent here to observe, possibly capture, but most likely, kill.

 

His senses heighten as he watches his target casually approach the bar and order a beer. The man dressed in a blue suit too expensive for this cheap club turns to scan the crowd cautiously. Caden quickly lowers his head again and casually takes the final sip of bourbon from his glass. A minute ticks by before he looks up to zero in on his target again.

 

But instead of finding his prey, Caden is met with a pair of striking gray eyes staring back at him with an arousing playfulness.

 

He can’t look away. Even though his breaths remain slow and even, his heart rate accelerates like a racehorse out of a starting gate. The blood in his veins burns like fire beneath his skin, yet he keeps his expression shrouded with disinterest. Heated shivers ripple outwards through his body as his eyes catch the faint, mischievous smile taking shape on the bartender’s perfectly bowed lips. When the owner of those mystifying silver eyes begins walking toward him, Caden’s grip on the empty glass in his hand tightens. 

 

Everything in the club fades to the background except for the man striding confidently to the small round table in the corner, where Caden waits, his sensitive ears listening to the steady beat of the bartender’s strong heart. His cobalt blue eyes catch every movement of the young man’s sinewy muscles beneath his black, skin-tight jeans and barely-there crimson red shirt. Everything about the bartender fascinates him. But it’s the innocent man’s scent that truly captivates him.

 

Caden has never smelled anything this heavenly before. The bartender’s fragrance is a potent blend of rosewood and sweat, compelling him to inhale deeply until he can taste it on his tongue. The combination is exhilarating, yet there’s something else subtly interwoven beneath it that draws him in like a siren’s song—something Caden believes he has smelled before but has been lost to him over time.

 

“What can I get you, handsome?” the bartender asks with a flirty tilt of his head.

 

Caden’s fingers itch to bury themselves in the man’s soft hair. The urge to pull on the strands at the root, baring the man’s neck to his teeth, has him clenching his jaw. He swallows stiffly as the bartender’s large, almond-shaped eyes openly travel up and down his body. They’re lined with endless rows of black lashes so thick that it gives the illusion that the young man is wearing eyeliner. It makes Caden want to see if the barkeep is as dangerous as he looks. His eyes drink in the young man’s bare arms, his mouth going dry when the sly minx of a man flexes his biceps. The bartender has veiled them, along with the sun-kissed flesh covering his exposed collarbones, with some sort of fine body glitter. The seductive man’s naked skin glistens with every breath he takes, every minute shift of his lean body, and all Caden wants to do is lick it off him. 






When I was young, I read books to escape the small town I grew up in. College, work, and family took me away from the stories I loved. But in 2020, when everyone was isolated, my youngest daughter introduced me to Japanese anime, and I fell into a hole I never want to leave. Fan fiction showed me that anyone can create stories and share them with the world. Three encouraging words from my best friend gave me the courage to write my first fan fiction later that year. Not long after, I completed the series, A Soul’s Caress, my first original story but not my last. At 55, I now understand the meaning of George Eliot’s quote, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

 

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Double Trouble for Nick

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Double Trouble for Nick
May Wynn
Publication date: July 30th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

An emotional story of second chance romance, friendship bonds, and brotherly love!
Identical twin brothers. Mistaken identity! A surprise pregnancy!

Nicholas and Nathaniel Hastings, identical twins, are at completely different places in their lives.
Nick is committed to his best friend and soulmate. He’s anxious to make Abby his wife.
Nate is a wild bachelor playboy at a crossroads. True love will blindside him, hard and fast!

Over the course of one weekend, a series of mishaps and a wild mix-up forever change their lives! Abby makes a heartbreaking mistake and calls off the wedding to Nick.

Will fate intervene and bring Nick and Abby back together?
Will Nate find out a major secret before it’s too late?

Perfect for readers who enjoy identical twin mix-ups and second-chance romance!

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Rush this? Are you kidding me over here?” she stammered. “I’ve been wanting you for years. I think I’m finally ready,” she said, offering him a small smile, as she blushed. “I really mean it, Nick. I know you’ve dated other women, with my blessing, but it’s been bothering me. Seeing you with Sadie lately has been driving me crazy. I know she has the hots for you and I don’t like it, at all,” she huffed.

“Is that so?” he smirked. “Well, I never thought I’d hear you say you were jealous. I think I actually like the sound of that, coming from you. But to set the record straight, I have zero interest in Sadie. In fact, I have zero interest in anyone long term, but you, Abs.”

A breathtaking smile spread across her face. She reached over to hold his hand.

—–

“What’s going on, Abby?” he asked quietly, watching her over the brim of his glass.

“I thought we could hang out, find something new to do? Maybe even something dangerous, you know, like strip poker or something?” she suggested, but wouldn’t look him in the eye.

Okay, now he knew something was off. She didn’t even know how to play poker. What the hell? Knowing her better than she knew herself, he was determined to draw her out.

“So, this idea for strip poker? Is this something new or…” he trailed off, watching her closely. She was not like most of the other women at school. Abby was smart, but vulnerable. She was naïve when it came to relationships. He’d accepted that a long time ago and loved her just the way she was.

“Well, is strip poker something you’re interested in? Have you played it before? I mean, I haven’t, but I’m willing to. I just thought it would be fun, sexy even,” she said shyly, still not looking him in the eye.

“Hmm, sexy huh? I do like the sound of that,” he said with a smirk. Then he put his glass down on the table and turned toward Abby. “But do you know what interests me more? How about you tell me what’s on your mind? Why are you about to come out of your own skin, Abs?” he asked gently. He tilted her chin up to lock their eyes. He took both her hands in his.

She looked at him and took in a deep breath. He had a calming effect on her. She offered him a warm soft smile as her eyes watered. The same pretty blue eyes he stared into at the playground when they were seven and he’d helped her off the merry-go-round.

“There she is. There’s my girl. What can I do to help?” he whispered.

Tears started flowing lightly down her cheeks. Her lower lip trembled. And then the other shoe dropped. “I don’t even know how to seduce you. I came over here to seduce you. Now I’m just a blubbering mess,” she cried.

“Abs, look at me,” he demanded gently as he met her gaze. His heart fluttered. “Don’t you understand? There is no comparison. You do not now, nor will you ever, have to compete with anyone for my attention. You need to always know that,” he said, staring into light blue eyes that took his breath away.

Author Bio:

May Wynn writes contemporary romance novels known for their emotional depth, engaging characters, and a satisfying happily-ever-after. A lifelong reader, her passion for storytelling began early, inspired by a close mentor who introduced her to a wide range of authors and genres. Together, they shared their own version of a book club before book clubs were even a trend.

After a successful career in the corporate world, May turned her focus to writing, bringing her love of romance to the page. She is an enthusiastic world traveler. She and her husband share a love of culture, history, and adventure, having traveled to more than 60 countries together. She draws inspiration from the places she has visited, weaving them into the stories she creates.

May lives in Florida with her family, where she enjoys writing on her lanai with a latte in hand, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

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That Touch

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That Touch…
Christi Snow
Publication date: September 10th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

A swoon worthy, he falls first, love story filled with laughter, tears, and a surprisingly romantic work trip to the Colorado mountains where late night revelations change everything.

Izzy and Leo have been best friends since second grade.

Leo…

He’s been in love with Izzy almost ever since, and was sure someday she’d see him the same way he saw her…as more.

But someday never came and now Leo is twenty-seven years old and ready to shed his virginity, and heartbreak. It’s time for him to find someone else…besides Izzy.

But when she needs a last-minute photographer for the biggest advertising campaign of her career, he can’t let his best friend down. He’s already decided this will be their last job together.

Izzy…

She grew up in the fantasy world of romantic comedy movies that her mom idolized. That “ideal” man was so much better than the disappointing reality of her philandering father.

That same father is now Izzy’s boss, making her work her way up through the misogynistic ranks of his executive team at the family advertising firm. When her dream account wants to hire her, she takes it on, without consulting anyone else in the company.

This is her account, her chance to prove her worthiness.

Escape to romantic Colorado…

But she’s working under a time-crunch, which can make things dangerous on a snowy mountainside. This work trip to Colorado for a last-minute photoshoot has the potential to change everything when Leo and Izzy are faced with having to share a hotel room and the confusing world where attraction becomes a distraction.

They say never fall for your best friend.

How has Izzy never noticed Leo, the man, before? Unfortunately, that discovery may be too late, because he already has other plans, and they don’t include Izzy.

A snowy mountain small town never looked so romantic before, but family drama has a way of ruining everything…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Izzy

I paused Pillow Talk and crawled out from under my piles of blankets I’d cocooned myself in for my day of self-care so I could answer the door. Hopefully, my UberEats guy had known I needed my regular order from Tommy’s Tacos tonight, even if I hadn’t called and ordered it yet.

At this point I ordered so much, he could probably foresee my needs like that.

Maybe—and I knew this was sudden—I should date him. God, that was an idea. Forget the tall, dark, and handsome losers I kept dating who treated me like shit.

I glanced over at Rock Hudson, frozen on the screen. I should just accept my dream guy was an impossibility of fiction.

It was time to try something else. Give me a guy who could foresee my needs for tacos. Now that would be the perfect match.

I’d built this idea up in my head so much in the last few seconds crossing the room that my shoulders dropped when I opened the door and didn’t find the UberEats dreamboat.

“Oh, hi, Leo.”

I left the door open for him to come inside while I shuffled back to the couch.

“Wow, I feel the love,” he said from behind me as he followed me inside. “I’m overwhelmed by that welcome. Now, I’m sure I made the right decision to skip the wrap party of the West Coast Babes show to bring my sad friend her favorite Tommy’s Tacos.”

At the sound of my two favorite “t” words, I swung back around and realized that yes, Leo held the distinctive red and green greasy bag from Tommy’s.
I reached for it. “Oh my god. Forget my UberEats guy, you’re my dream guy.”

His eyes widened comically for a minute until I laughed. “You should see your face. Don’t worry, Leo, definitely no romance between us. You will always and forever be my BFF. I decided that twenty years ago. I will not change my mind about it this late in the game.”

Something weird flitted through his gaze before he frowned at me. If I weren’t spending the night wallowing in my broken heart, I might have considered it more.

Author Bio:

As an avid reader her entire life, Christi Snow always dreamed of writing books that brought to others the kind of joy she felt when she read. But…she never did anything about it besides jot down a few ideas and sparse scenes.

When her husband retired from the Air Force, Christi decided it was time to chase her dream and she started writing. She hasn’t stopped since. With twenty-two published books in various romance genres, she’s found her passion. Now she spends her days with her laptop writing about sexy, alpha heroes and the loves of their lives.

Writing, Christi has fulfilled her dream… filling the world with more romance and suspense.

Her tagline is… Passion and adventure on the road to Happily Ever After. She loves this adventure and has truly found her tribe!

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It’s a Wonderful Wife

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It’s a Wonderful Wife
Anna Valleria
(Lords Fall First, )
Publication date: October 27th 2026
Genres: Adult, Historical, Holiday, Romance

He wished he had never met her… until he saw the world without her.

James Reed, Lord St. George, the Baron of a struggling estate, has spent years in London avoiding the responsibilities of his title and the wife he married for her dowry. Mariah Reed, the daughter of an Irish linen mogul, has spent those same years saving the family estate, supporting the nearby mill town, and secretly nursing dreams of becoming a playwright.

When James returns to Bailey Hall with a secret plan to save his childhood home by pressuring Mariah’s father to lower worker wages, he finds a woman far more passionate and capable than the shy bride he left behind. After a drunken confrontation leads to the destruction of Mariah’s community project and her dreams, James is met by a mysterious figure who shows him what a charmed life he had.

Through a harrowing vision of a world where Mariah never entered his life, James witnesses the ruin of his brother and the total desolation of his town. Faced with the reality of his own selfishness, James must embark on a path of redemption to prove to Mariah, and himself, that he is worthy of the life she built for them.

Return to the Victorian world of the Lords Fall First series in this emotional, second-chance holiday romance!

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

He spent five years ignoring their arranged marriage until a brush with death made him realize she’s the only thing that matters. Too bad she isn’t interested in his apologies.

“Mariah,” he began purposefully, “something happened, I—” How could he explain what had happened without sounding like a madman? She would likely have him sent to Bedlam if he attempted to explain his revelations. “I don’t know how to say this to a person such as you.”

“A person such as m-me?” While her tone had previously leaned toward emotionlessness, he recognized his error as her body became rigid.

Double damn, he had only meant he did not know how to apologize to a woman, but he had well and truly put his foot in it.

“I’m sorry.” Was all he found he could say. “For the assembly hall, for Barrymore. Bloody hell, for everything. For spending your father’s hard-earned money on anything besides saving the estate. I’ve been…beyond selfish since we wed, it’s only taken me losing almost everything to see it.”

She stayed in the same position before him, her uneven breath the only indication she was at all affected by his words. For a moment, something softened in her eyes before that chilling emptiness returned.

“Very w-well. I accept your apology.”

“Mariah, you can’t—” he began before her words registered. “You do?” A previously unknown joy shot off within his chest. “Mariah, I don’t deserve you, thank heavens. I was thinking, perhaps… Perhaps we could start again, you and I—”

“James,” she said sharply. “I said that I f-forgive you, but I would still like for you to go to London.”

“My lord,” she continued, “I b-believe that we should carry on as we had before. Live s-separate lives.”

“But why should we when we have this?” He let out a low growl, closing the distance between them before ensnaring her waist in his firm embrace, hoisting her closer to his heat. His gaze descended to her pillowy lips, lingering for a heartbeat to offer her the chance to utter a denial.

When no denial came, he claimed her mouth with his own. She tasted of tea and fresh mint, a scent uniquely hers that he had relished upon many occasions, yet never before had their coupling kindled such a profound sense of exhilaration within him. Embracing her now sparked a previously unknown ecstasy as he finally acknowledged the truth of his own heart.

“How can we live apart when we have this?” he rasped, reluctantly pulling his lips from hers.

Her dilated eyes refocused, and she shoved his hands off of her and turned, wrapping her dressing gown around herself more tightly. “Just because I forgive you does not mean I trust you. Or wish to have a real marriage with you.”

“Mariah… I think I could love you. I’m…I’m falling in love with you.”

Mariah stared at him as something pulsed in those midnight blue eyes. Then, as if a curtain had been drawn, they went blank.

“You d-don’t know me, James. Not really.”


Author Bio:

Anna Valleria is an award-winning historical romance author who believes that everyone deserves to see themselves on the page. Her mission is to write steamy Regency and Victorian stories featuring socially active heroines and devoted heroes that reflect windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for all readers, including characters of different sizes, backgrounds, abilities, and neurodiversities. Her novel The Baron Takes a Wife was the 2025 winner of the Hearts Through History Romance Through the Ages Contest in the published Georgian/Victorian category.

Currently residing in a beautiful, historic city in the southeastern U.S. with her family and a rescue pup. If she’s not writing, she’s likely in a coffee shop, walking with her son or dog, or trivia with her team, Stone Cold Jane Austen.

Website / Instagram / Goodreads


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