Kandi Steiner has revealed the gorgeous cover for Hail Mary!
Releasing: February 15, 2023
Cover Design: Kandi Steiner
Photographer: Ren Saliba
Model: Anonymous
Leo F*cking Hernandez.
North Boston University’s star running back, notorious bachelor, and number one on my people I would murder if I could get away with it list.
And now?
He’s my new roommate.
I used to think I loved him.
But that was before I hated him.
He doesn’t remember who I am, or how he made my life miserable for years. And before I unknowingly moved across the street from him, I couldn’t have cared less. I was living my life despite him and what happened that summer, chasing my dream of becoming a tattoo artist.
“The Pit,” as the university so gracefully nicknamed the house he lives in with three other football players, has served as nothing more than a pain in my ass and a constant reminder of the boy who broke my heart. Watching him parade his one-night-stands in and out of it never helped, either.
But with rent this cheap and so close to the tattoo shop, I’ve learned to ignore him — no matter how he’s tried to get under my skin.
At least, until this summer. Because when a water and mold disaster leaves me with no choice but to vacate my house, I have nowhere to go. And Leo Hernandez offers me a deal I can’t refuse.
Live at The Pit with him and the guys, free of charge, until my landlord fixes this mess.
Ignoring him was easy when I lived across the street, but in the same house, with him shirtless half the time and watching me with his cocky grin and searing gaze? It’s impossible.
Still, I have to try. I have to push him away, even when he makes it infuriatingly difficult to do so.
Kandi Steiner is an Amazon Top 5 bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing "emotional rollercoaster" stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance -- in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you're a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she's your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women's Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her "freedom of press."
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn't writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, playing with her fur babies and soaking up the sweetness of life.
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her "events" tab to see all the signings she's attending in the near future: www.kandisteiner.com/events
How to Lose at Love was just delightful! I met my husband when he was playing college football and he was a little bit like Dallas…… so southern, too busy with football for girls, but inside he was dreamy! This book takes me right back to 1993. I loved Ryann- she's so sassy and a perfect match for Dallas. And of course since Dallas reminds me of the love of my life, I found him pretty perfect and such a hoot. What a great start to a new series!
I spent twelve hours writing algorithms for one of the largest companies in the world and then came home to work on a pet project of mine—feeding facts about the men I knew into a formula to find my perfect match before my twenties came barreling to a close.
But then a man knocked on my door and handed me some papers that turned my life upside down.
Apparently, a father I never knew existed had left me something in his will. That something turned out to be part ownership in a professional football team.
Next thing I knew, I was learning a sport I knew nothing about by spending time with the team’s quarterback who was out with an injury, a man who my formula would definitely determine was all wrong for me.
Christian Knox was too handsome and confident for his own good and could have any woman he wanted. Only lately the only woman he seemed to want was me.
But there was no way I was getting involved when I was now his boss, even if he was insanely gorgeous and had the dirtiest mouth I’d ever come across.
It would be wrong, wouldn’t it?
Probably. But you know what they say about things that are wrong...sometimes they feel so right.
Christian Knox is hands-down one of my favorite book heroes. He was so charming and I loved how he patiently wooed our heroine Bella. I always find Vi Keeland's books to be hard to put down, and The Game was no exception. There was everything I love about romance novels- witty banter, scorching chemistry, and characters I'd love to hang out with. Keeland always gives her readers unique premises and situations, and I loved that Bella was a female owner of the football team that Knox played for. (And this Okie also loved that Knox's brother played for a team in my state- we totally need an pro team here!) I laughed, I longed right along with Bella and Knox, and I positively swooned!
AUTHOR BIO
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, Israel, 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.
I shook my head. “No, here with me at this moment. You must have plenty of other things you could be doing right now that are more fun than listening to my drivel.”
“Maybe I like drivel.”
I snort-laughed. “No one likes drivel.”
He smiled, and his eyes dropped to my lips for a fraction of a second. “Maybe I like you.”
I shifted in my seat to face him. “Why?”
Christian shrugged again. “I don’t know. I think you’re interesting.”
My eyes narrowed. “What about me is interesting?”
“You’re a billionaire who lives in a rent-controlled apartment over a fruit stand and tried to give the team you inherited to your grandfather. What’s not interesting about you? Given your situation, most people I know would live in a penthouse by now and take car services, not walk twenty minutes to the stadium every day after getting off the train.”
I raised an eyebrow, and a grin spread across Christian’s face.
“Plus, you’re hot.”
That last part made me smile. “And technically, I’m your boss.”
His grin widened. “That makes you even hotter.”
I chuckled. “Tell me about yourself, Christian. I feel like you know so much about me, but I don’t know anything about you, other than your stats, of course.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“You think I’m hot too, don’t you?”
I laughed. “Just answer the question, Knox. Something tells me your ego gets stroked enough.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He shook his head. “No girlfriend.”
I tapped my lip with my pointer. “What do you do in the offseason?”
“Recover. Let my body heal. Sleep. Fish. I have a cabin on a lake up in Maine. Spend time with friends. Travel. Keep up with my training.”
“That sounds so…normal.”
“The season is anything but normal when you play in the NFL. It’s tough on the body and mind. You’re on the road all the time, the media follows your ass around, women hand you underwear with their numbers written on them and sneak into your hotel room. So normal is good.”
My face wrinkled. “Women give you their underwear?”
Christian smiled. “Any other questions?”
“Am I demented if I’m curious to know whether the underwear are clean or not?”
He laughed. “Maybe. But I like the way you think.”
Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live - no other messages at all!
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-six 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.
“I think about you every second of
every day, Lia. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life.”
A LONG TIME COMING,
a brand new sexy, friends-to-lovers standalone romance from USA Today bestselling
author Meghan Quinn, is Now Available in all formats, including the illustrated
hardcover edition!
Get ready to fall
in love with this unassuming, smoking hot billionaire and his beautiful, quirky
best friend he’s destined for! One-click your copy of this sexy, laugh-out-loud
romance full of charm and heat today!
Yeah, neither has my best friend's
soon-to-be monster-in-law. Ooo, sorry, I meant mother-in-law. Nor has she heard
of the term, what the bride wants, the bride gets.
With wedding planning underway and a
short timeline, my best friend, Lia, has recruited me to help her battle the
snarly beast that is Mrs. Beaver. Not scared at all, I accept the challenge as
her man-in-waiting--aka, man of honor--and take matters into my own
hands.
The only problem is, with every
second we draw closer to the wedding, I'm starting to see my best girl in a
different light.
She's always been beautiful to me,
but now . . . I find myself staring a touch too long. My hand lingering for one
more minute. And when she's upset? Allowing her to sleep in my bed.
And before I know what's happening,
it hits me like a ton of bricks. I'm in love with my best friend. Not just in
love, but infatuated.
No one compares to her and nothing
seems to distract me from that realization.
Not the girl I try to date while I
help plan Lia's wedding.
Which means, there's only one thing
left for me to do. Prove to Lia I'm the one she should be with instead. But
with the pressure of her engagement, the stress from her soon-to-be
mother-in-law, and the breath-stealing nerves running through me, I'm
finding it a lot harder to claim the girl than I would like to
admit.
Erin Mallon and JF
Harding are narrating this sizzling hot, hilarious, forbidden romance in duet.
One-click your copy of A LONG TIME COMING on Audible today!
My review: 5 stars!
Best friends to lovers is MY FAVORITE and I adored Breaker and Lia's story. I fancy myself a little quirky, so I always relate to the quirky heroines and Lia was perfection. I want to be her friend and do game night with her! And Breaker, well, he was a fantastic best friend, such a hoot, but when the switch flipped for him and he realized that he indeed loved his best friend, he rose to a whole different level for me. Swoon swoon swoon! (And I love that he admitted to watching one of my favorite makeup artists, Mikayla from Boston, on TikTok! That was just adorable!) The Cane brothers have all been so much fun, but Breaker is my fave for sure.
ABOUT MEGHAN
QUINN:
USA Today Bestselling
Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic
comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect
combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Never miss
another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.
This was a fast and fun holiday novella that I really enjoyed. There was great chemistry and dialog, a cute and unexpected pet, family drama, and a magical setting.
Although my teenage age years were quite a while ago, I so enjoy this crew and their antics! Mallory's parents arriving in London adds quite a bit of activity for our group (I was not at all surprised that Mohammad and Mallory's mom hit it off shopping!) and of course we still get the teenage angst that makes this series so addictive. I was glad to see Olivia featured a bit more and becoming more likable in this installment. After the ending, I am excited for Book 8 and can't wait for the release!
From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a festive short romance about old flames and mistaken identities.
After a bad breakup, Nola wants nothing to do with Christmas, especially in her quaint hometown of Bright Harbor, Maine. Infuriatingly charming and cheery, Nola’s surroundings only worsen her sour mood.
To make matters worse, Caleb, the boy who broke her heart years ago, is all grown up and still living in town. While doing her best to avoid him, Nola bumps into the local mailman, who gives her a mysterious letter. And when she finds that the writer is a fellow Scrooge, she can’t help but feel her spirit lifting.
Nola writes back to her new pen pal—who, unbeknownst to Nola, is none other than Caleb. When Caleb gets a response hand delivered by the mailman, he’s intrigued by the mystery sender. A friendly correspondence develops—and quickly turns flirtatious.
Although Nola and Caleb claim they can’t stand each other, they can’t deny the simmering attraction that brought them together in the first place.
Can these nameless pen pals write their own love story—or will they be too caught up with the ghosts of their Christmases past to find a future together?
My review: 4 stars
Oh I wish this was longer! Caleb and Nola's second chance holiday romance was delightful, and I adored Grandma Louise and postman Arden too. It was a neat surprise to get to visit author Quinn's Port Snow again (hello Lobster Landing!). Resting Scrooge Face and Ho Ho No have me ready to celebrate the holidays with a smile.
Audiobook (add to Ebook for $1.99) – Stella Hunter
& Teddy Hamilton
Tropes: Small Town Romance, Single Mom, Retired
Baseball Pro
Excerpt:
I’m lifting my glass to take another sip of sugar when a
shoulder brushes against mine. I’m two seconds from turning and giving someone
a warning . . . but stop.
My body stills as a set of large, calloused hands presses
against the laminate countertop next to me.
Thick, muscled wrists attach to forearms the size of my
biceps. The space around me is impregnated with a very heady, very masculine
vibe.
A bubble of curiosity blooms in my stomach. The intrigue
grows as a rich, balmy scent licks at my senses. It’s the kind of cologne I
love—the type that makes the person smelling it feel better, more confident, more
attractive by proxy.
That is not a harbinger of good things, though. I know from
experience.
I ignore the warning bells dinging in my head like the
seasoned expert I am and twist to the side . . . and nearly fall off
my stool.
Holy. Man. Candy.
His hair—thick and wild, lying to the side in an errant
wave—is the color of tobacco. It’s a stark juxtaposition to the chips of
sapphire sparkling in his eyes. A sharp jaw is dusted with more than a day’s
worth of stubble, finishing the glorious package with a sinful edge.
“Hey,” he says, his voice smooth and inviting.
“I’m sorry,” I say, finding my voice. “Do I know you?”
When my ex dumped me right before Christmas, I was left with a luxury, all
-
expense paid
trip for two to Cabo - private jet and all. Somehow, my best friend roped me into giving
away the other half of the trip as a contest prize on her podcast. Kelly won the
“World’s Worst Dump Story.” She and I didn’t meet until we
arrived at the airport, which was when I discovered she was actually a
he. Apparently we’d forgotten to include open to women only
in the rules. My trip to Cabo started as a disaster, but as time went on Kelly and I grew
close. Until someone unexpectedly showed up…
Christmas in Birdville by Jewel E. Ann
Henry Bechtel’s
mom is coming home for Christmas. Only, he lost the family house
in a game of poker. Days before his mom’s arrival, he meets the new owner and seizes
the opportunity to coerce her into letting him move back “home” for the
holidays. What
he doesn’t know is that she has questionable motives, too.
The Lucky One by Sarina Bowen
Finnish hockey player Ivo Halla is new in town. He can't speak the language, he can't
understand the coach.
Life is hell until he walks into an Italian cafe (thank God "pizza" is the
same in Finnish and English) and falls for the waitress. He'd better learn the language soon, or
she won't agree to date him...
First Holiday
by Katee Robert
After a year of turmoil, Hades and Persephone prepare for their first holiday together.
A Cloverleigh Farms Christmas by Melanie Harlow
Christmas Eve at Cloverleigh
Farms is even more exciting this year, thanks to a blizzard, a
power outage, and a baby that wants to make a dramatic entrance. Catch up with the beloved
Sawyer family and find out what happens when Meg and Noah's bundle of joy gives the family a
wonderful
--
and sudden
--
reason to celebrate!
Have Yourself a Grumpy Little Christmas by Pippa Grant
Trevor Stafford hates Christmas. But his best friend’s little sister, whom he stupidly
agreed to take in
as a temporary roommate when she got a new nannying gig down the street
from him, loves it.
She’s turning his house into a freaking winter wonderland of bad memories.
But the bigger problem?
He’s had a crush on her for years, and there’s no amount of annoying holiday
cheer that can cure him of his attraction. If anything, watching her in her natural element is
making it worse.
What’s a grump to do when the last thing he ever wanted is suddenly the only thing
he needs?
TEMPT, an all-new steamy small town, one-night-stand, age gap romance featuring a plus-sized heroine and a hot single dad from USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Melanie Harlow, is now available!
You’ve heard the story about the wedding planner who falls for the groom? Well, this is the one where she falls for his father. And that groom? He’s my ex.
I didn’t realize who the gruff, gorgeous older man was the night he rescued me from a creep in a Manhattan hotel bar. All I knew was that a hot, bearded stranger with a protective streak showed up right when I needed a reminder that real gentlemen still exist.
(Although he left his manners behind after asking me up to his room.)
It was the hottest night of my life, but I never thought I’d see the former Navy SEAL again.
Imagine my surprise at the rehearsal dinner one week later, when my sexy one-night stand is introduced as the father of the groom. Even more surprising? That temptation we felt in New York was no fluke.
In public, we pretend there’s nothing between us.
In private, we can’t keep our hands off each other.
The situation is beyond complicated. Zach never even knew he’d fathered a child until recently, and he wants to earn his son’s trust and respect. As for me, I’m looking for a man who wants to start a family, and Zach has made it clear he’s not that man. He’s fifteen years older, newly divorced, and he lives across the country.
But no matter how many times we draw the line, we keep crossing it.
Nothing so wrong should ever feel so right.
Grab your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
I was just lifting the glass to my lips when I noticed someone sitting around the curve of the bar to the left. He was broad through the chest and shoulders, wore a black dress shirt with the cuffs rolled up, and sat alone. His hair and beard were short and dark. Our eyes met and my body grew warm. His bone structure was beautiful—his face looked like it was chiseled from granite. He held my gaze for a moment then looked away, and I did as well, focusing on the first cold sips of my martini.
But in seconds, my eyes were drawn to him again, and I noticed the hand holding his glass—wide palm, long, solid fingers, thick wrist. I indulged in a brief and magnificent fantasy that involved those hands in my hair, his beard against my cheek, that brawny chest bare and warm above me. Was it hairy? I’d bet yes. He looked like a man’s man. My nipples tingled inside the bustier I wore beneath my dress.
Once more he caught me staring, and I realized too late that I was actually biting my lip.
Gawd.
The guy next to me whistled loudly and yelled at the bartender, “Hey! Can I get another round down here?”
The bartender, who was busy making other drinks, didn’t even look over. I didn’t blame him.
“The service is so shitty in this place,” he said. “You need a pair of tits to get any attention.” He glanced at my chest. “Yours are fantastic, by the way.”
Horrified, I picked up my glass and finished my drink in a couple swallows. I should have thrown it in his face, but it would have been a waste of a good martini. Setting the empty glass down, I reached into my bag for my credit card.
“Hey, don’t rush off.” The asshole leaned closer. He wore a white shirt and blue blazer, and he reeked of cologne. “We’re just getting to know each other.”
“Not interested,” I said, trying to catch the bartender’s eye so I could get my check and leave.
“Why not? I’m alone, you’re alone.” He covered my hand with his. That’s when I noticed he wore a wedding band.
I snatched my hand away and slid off my stool, putting it between us. “I’m not alone.”
“Oh no?” He laughed and glanced around. “Looks like it to me.”
I finally caught the bartender’s eye, and he came right over. “Can I get you something?”
“I’ll cash out,” I said quickly.
The bartender glanced at the asshole. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine, I was just waiting for someone, but he couldn’t make it, so I—”
“Sorry I’m late.” A hand circled my wrist.
Startled, I spun around and saw a black shirt. Wide shoulders. Dark eyes.
The hot stranger and I exchanged a look of understanding before he leaned in and kissed my cheek. His beard was softer than I’d imagined.
“Forgive me?” His voice, by contrast, was deep and gravelly.
“Of—of course,” I stammered, my heart pounding. I couldn’t stop staring—the guy was gorgeous. A little older than I’d thought—there was silver in his hair and beard—but those dark eyes, that deep voice, and the possessive grip on my wrist? The whole package made my knees go weak.
He looked over my head at the bartender. “She’s with me.”
“Dude, she’s not with you,” argued the jerk in the blazer. “You were over there by yourself a minute ago. I saw you.”
Dropping my wrist, the stranger turned to him and growled, “You should go.”
The jerk slid off his barstool and put one palm up. “Listen, I don’t want any trouble. I just thought—”
“It’s fuckin’ obvious what you thought.” The stranger’s words were laced with fury, but he kept his volume low. Somehow it was even scarier than if he’d yelled. “Now get the fuck out of here, and don’t even look in her direction as you walk out, or you’ll be trying to do it with two broken legs.”
The jerk stood up taller, like he might be thinking of protesting, but he looked like a gerbil facing off against a Doberman. Then he adjusted his lapels and moved toward the exit without even glancing my way.
The stranger watched him go with hooded, hawklike eyes before looking down at me again. “You okay?”
“Yes.” But I was struggling to catch my breath.
“Can I bring you two another round?” the bartender asked.
The stranger looked at me. “Would you like another drink?”
I took a breath, willing myself to be brave. “Only if you’ll stay and have one with me.”
He hesitated, rubbing one hand along his jaw. “Okay. Sure.”
“Another martini for the lady and a Glenlivet on the rocks, coming right up,” said the bartender.
I perched on my barstool again, crossing my legs. “Thanks for coming to my rescue.”
“You’re welcome.” He sat down next to me. “I hope I didn’t insult you.”
“Insult me?”
“I didn’t mean to imply you couldn’t handle that jackass on your own.”
“Oh! Well, maybe I could have.” I laughed a little. “But I liked your way better.”
One side of his mouth twitched, setting off a thousand butterflies in my stomach.
“This round is on me,” I said as our drinks appeared.
He shook his head. “Not a chance.”
“But I’d like to repay you for standing up for me.”
“No payment necessary. Any gentleman would have done it.”
“Gentleman, huh?” I tilted my head and gave him a playful smile. I was a pretty good flirt when I wanted to be. “So you’re saying I’m safe with you?”
He didn’t answer right away, and I sat up a little taller in my seat. Slightly arched my back. But his eyes stayed put on mine. “You’re safe with me.”
About Melanie Harlow USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like Ted, Lasso, Schitt’s Creek, and Fleabag. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.
Melanie is the author of the BELLAMY CREEK series, the CLOVERLEIGH FARMS series, the ONE & ONLY series, AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, and the FRENCHED series. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
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