When Alexis agrees to help the school's player, she must guard the secret that could unravel everything - even as unexpected feelings complicate the game. *** What happens when Alexis Dawson, the 'resident loser' of Redwood High, agrees to help the school's notorious player, Aaron Walker? How can she stop herself from falling for him? It isn't all love and romance - Alexis has a secret of her own. Join them on a journey of jealousy, betrayal, trust, friendship, and love. A little favour just got a whole lot more complicated. *** He was so close, his breath hit my lips. His eyes darted from my eyes to my lips. I stared intently, awaiting his next move. His lips fell near my ear. "Shut up and kiss me" He whispered roughly. A chill shot up my spine. I pulled back, staring at his eyes and leaned in...

Nayeli is a 30-year-old single mother raising her spirited 7-year-old son, in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. After enduring heartbreak from failed relationships, including the painful fallout with her son's father, Nayeli has sworn off the idea of romance. Instead, she pours herself into her career and focuses on being the best mom she can be. But life has a way of shifting even the most carefully laid plans. When news spreads that a mutual friend from Nayeli's close-knit circle has tragically passed away, old bonds are rekindled. Among those returning to town for the memorial is Shai Smith, a 36-year-old successful sports trainer who has spent years traveling for his career. Nayeli and Shai have known each other for over a decade, always sharing playful banter and harmless flirtation. They've laughed off their chemistry as nothing more than jokes - two people who were never in the right place at the right time. In the wake of loss, Shai stays in town longer than planned, reconnecting with old friends and reflecting on the fragility of life. As he and Nayeli cross paths more often, their once lighthearted interactions deepen. Despite the spark between them, both Shai and Nayeli carry the weight of past heartbreak. Shai's last relationship left him wary of trust, and Nayeli is terrified of exposing her son to a love that might not last. But as the days pass, their connection becomes undeniable. Through laughter, tears, and the lessons of loss, Nayeli and Shai learn that healing isn't about forgetting the past, but finding the courage to embrace what's ahead. In the echoes of shared memories they discover that sometimes, love doesn't come when you're searching for it.

When Franny learns why former popular boy Tyler fell from grace, she gets thrown head-first into his dangerous world but also closer to his timid heart. ***** Eighteen-year-old Tyler Madden used to have everything. He was captain of the football team, popular, high achiever, and was set to have a successful career. But when a secret too hard to handle comes to light, he turns to underground fighting to deal with the pain. Now, he's in too deep. And when Francesca Howard befriends him at school in the hopes of figuring out what went wrong, she unknowingly gets pulled into the criminal world he's now stuck in. As the two find comfort in each other, they find themselves faced with their impending future and trying to get Tyler out alive. Content/Trigger Warning: this story contains scenes pertaining to drug use, substance abuse, and violence. [#1 in teen fiction, romance and action]

When a young data scientist unexpectedly steals the heart of a highly sought after executive, the passion between them could lead her into a whole new world of sexual expression. Standalone in the Professional Restraint series *** After a string of one-sided relationships left her feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied, Ella put her love life on the back burner to focus on her career. But when she is called in last minute to give a huge presentation for her business partner, she not only lands the sought after account, but catches the eye of the handsome COO, Liam. Most attention from men just sets the shy Ella on edge, but somehow Liam is the exception-the magnetic pull between them not only enlivens Ella, but he makes her feel safe. Liam is focused, driven, and extremely controlled in his professional and personal lives. Both his perfectionism and his particular tastes demand it. An experienced Dominant, Liam has rarely considered or found fulfillment in relationships with women outside of the lifestyle, but innocent, guileless Ella sets a passionate fire like nothing else raging within him. Not only is she brilliant and gorgeous, but, in her, he can sense a natural submissive despite her lack of experience. As Ella struggles with having been burned so many times before, Liam wonders if he'd ever be able to reveal the truth and be accepted. Will she be able to trust him, and even if she does, will all of him be too much to handle?

[WATTY WINNER - NOW PUBLISHED ✨ Find it on Amazon and in local bookstores!] Noah Archer dates girls for two weeks and then moves on-but none of his exes seem to mind. Skyler Fox can't figure it out. When her best friend becomes Noah's latest "victim," Sky decides it's time to expose him. Her plan? Be the next girl he dates. Charming and confident, Noah accepts Sky's unexpected dating proposal. Beneath his reputation, Noah is searching for something real, driven by a secret. Each short-lived relationship is his way of chasing a connection before it's too late. Sky sets out to expose Noah, but the closer she gets, the more she starts to question her motives... and her heart. As their two weeks unfold and Noah's secrets begin to surface, Sky is forced to confront the one question she never expected: can she be the one to break his two-week streak? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For fans of contemporary, humorous, clean teen romance by Beth Reekles, Sarah Dessen, and Jenny Han comes a debut YA novel about uncovering secrets, challenging first impressions, and discovering that love-and people-are far more complicated than they seem.

[ Travel / Nonfiction ] Two RVs, four adults, five children (9-16), seven campsites, 20+ hours of driving, thirteen points of interest (give or take), camping/RV experience that's pretty much nil, no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, or consistently paved roads. What could possibly go wrong!? (Please, don't answer that. Oh, and pray for us!) After four COVID-wrecked vacations, we're eager to hit the road and commit to something no pampered suburbanite in our acquaintance would be crazy enough to attempt. So, without further ado, buckle up, friends, and get ready for ROAD TRIP: ALASKA. *** @nonfiction / CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES Reading List #49 NONFICTION (8/21/22) #NonFicSpotlight (October 2022)