Not Pretending Anymore is Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward’s next standalone. I have read all of their co-written books and have loved every single one of them. They are definitely unique in their own ways. Yes, we have read roommates to lovers, fake relationships, and friends to lovers but this one has a twist to it.
Molly needed a roommate and fast. She was shit out of luck until he walked in. Declan Tate. She didn’t want a male roommate but he made a good case plus his cupcakes were unbelievably good. He also made her laugh and would be gone most of the time since they worked different schedules. What she didn’t expect was to like him so much. They quickly become friends and come up with a plan to get their crushes to notice them. Their relationship was perfect. He cooked. She ate. They could really talk and not worry about wanting the other until…
Yep! You know it. Feelings. Those pesky things get them both all mixed up. I can’t really go into it anymore but I will say that I wanted to slap both of them a few times. Lol. I was definitely hooked and invested in their relationship. They made me laugh, get frustrated, cry, and laugh some more. They also made me want to make breakfast for dinner.
Quotes:
“It’s okay to admit you like my cooking, you know.”
Molly shook her head. “From the short time I’ve known you, I’m positive you don’t need anyone stroking your ego and making it bigger.”
“You’re right. I got something better than my ego that grows when you stroke it.” I winked.
“That was definitely special. It wasn’t me—it was us.”
“Did you believe the green ones made you horny?” he said in greeting, rather than hello.
I chuckled. “No, but I do think Twinkies will outlast the apocalypse.”
Not Pretending Anymore is the newest romance from Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. It’s a roommates to lovers with a very slow burn. Molly and Declan are roommates but are interested in other people so it seems it’s going to work out! After a few awkward encounters and a lot of miscommunication, they finally realize they want each other. The writing is wonderful, as always! The back and forth was frustrating but worth it in the end!
PENELOPE WARD
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. 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.
Not Pretending Anymore is Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward’s next standalone. I have read all of their co-written books and have loved every single one of them. They are definitely unique in their own ways. Yes, we have read roommates to lovers, fake relationships, and friends to lovers but this one has a twist to it.
Molly needed a roommate and fast. She was shit out of luck until he walked in. Declan Tate. She didn’t want a male roommate but he made a good case plus his cupcakes were unbelievably good. He also made her laugh and would be gone most of the time since they worked different schedules. What she didn’t expect was to like him so much. They quickly become friends and come up with a plan to get their crushes to notice them. Their relationship was perfect. He cooked. She ate. They could really talk and not worry about wanting the other until…
Yep! You know it. Feelings. Those pesky things get them both all mixed up. I can’t really go into it anymore but I will say that I wanted to slap both of them a few times. Lol. I was definitely hooked and invested in their relationship. They made me laugh, get frustrated, cry, and laugh some more. They also made me want to make breakfast for dinner.
Quotes:
“It’s okay to admit you like my cooking, you know.”
Molly shook her head. “From the short time I’ve known you, I’m positive you don’t need anyone stroking your ego and making it bigger.”
“You’re right. I got something better than my ego that grows when you stroke it.” I winked.
“That was definitely special. It wasn’t me—it was us.”
“Did you believe the green ones made you horny?” he said in greeting, rather than hello.
I chuckled. “No, but I do think Twinkies will outlast the apocalypse.”
This is my last chance to ditch my playboy reputation and finally fulfill my potential. So I’ve made three rules for our biggest season yet: no boozing, no women, and no scandals.
Especially that last thing.
So who do I befriend on the very first day back at the rink? An amazing female hockey player. I want Sylvie in a way that’s more than just friendly. I crave her. But I have a championship to win, and so does she.
Then she gets her heart broken by my teammate, and I make the foolish mistake of comforting her in the best way I know how. Our night together sets off a string of sins.
Nobody can know about our affair, especially my overprotective teammate. I can’t let anyone see into my greedy little heart. Not even her.
The things I want from her, and the things we’ve already done? If anyone knew, there’d be bombshells.
Bombshells is the next book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series by the fabulous Sarina Bowen. Oh Lord, baby Bayer how I love you so! And Sylvie you are a bada** bombshell! I love a good hockey romance and this was men and women’s hockey! Oh heck year! Anton Bayer is cleaning up his act. No booze, no scandals and no women. And then he meets Sylvie. She’s the goalie for the women’s hockey team, the Bombshells. And a long time friend of his teammate, Campo. This is not good. But Anton wants to be around her. She makes him smile and laugh and he can’t stay away from her. They become work out buddies and friends. And then more than friends. And it’s fun, sexy and exciting but they are not exactly telling people. What will it take for Anton to finally admit his feelings before it’s too late? I loved Anton and Sylvie! Their fun banter, the sexiness, the hockey! It was everything I wanted it to be and more! I loved all the new characters and can’t wait for more from the Bombshells!
Audio: Patrick Zeller, Desireé Ketchum are both new narrators to me and I loved them! Patrick was the perfect Anton using his voice to show his emotions. Desiree did a great French accent and I’m looking forward to listening to more from these narrators!
Football club lawyer, Santino Rossi is known in the locker room as the two-month chump. For years he’s been on a mission to find someone he can share his basil plant with and cure him of his former playboy ways. So when he ends up stuck in an elevator with the one that got away, he thinks a replay is a great game plan. Download now or read in Kindle Unlimited
Anyone can fall for their brother’s best friend…Tilly Logan fell for her brother’s enemy.
Football club lawyer, Santino Rossi is known in the locker room as the two-month chump. For years he’s been on a mission to find someone he can share his basil plant with and cure him of his former playboy ways.
Tilly Logan is a fiery, Scottish lass who didn’t bat an eye five years ago when a smoldering Italian pulled her into a nightclub bathroom. He was dark, dangerous, and exactly the good time Tilly was looking for—even if he worked for her over-protective brother’s team.
But a lot has changed and when Tilly returns to London five years later only to find herself trapped in an elevator with the smoldering Italian, it isn’t a happy reunion. Especially because her brother blames Santino for her high tailing it back to Scotland in the first place.
Tilly doesn’t want a replay of past mistakes and reconnecting with Santino is playing with fire.
But if they keep their relationship a secret, it could be worth the burn.
Replay is new book in the Harris brothers world by the fabulous Amy Daws. It’s a delicious and sexy second chance love story between the team lawyer, Santino, and Mac’s sister Tilly. Santino, Santino, Santino. Just for the record, I never hated your sexy, Italian face. I was incredibly intrigued by you and you lived up to all my expectations and then some! Not only are you Italian, you can cook, you are sexy, you love your family, but you always had a thing for Tilly. Now she’s back in town and they have a second chance and Santino isn’t going to waste any time. He wants to get to know her again. Their past was a little crazy, so they are starting over. Tilly wants to go slow this time, and that’s fine with him, as long as he gets to have her. They have some obstacles in their way. Mainly her beast of a brother, Mac, and some secrets from their pasts. But when they decide to face it all, it’s a beautiful, sexy, hilarious story! And I loved every second of it!
⚽️⚽️⚽️
“Sei bellissima stasera,” I growl, sliding my hands into her loose, straight locks as I press my lips to hers for a quick kiss. I drag the backs of my fingers down her pale cheek and add, “Beautiful.”
She grips my arms, her eyes wide and challenging. “How did I never know you spoke Italian?”
“I’m a man of mystery.” I dip my nose to the area below her ear, inhaling her intoxicating scent of honey and citrus. After spending the night making out with her a few days ago, I haven’t been able to stop craving her scent. She arches into my touch, and the motion causes my cock to stir inside my jeans. Pulling back, I stare at her lips. “And no one said I spoke good Italian. I might have just told you that you look like a beetroot.”
Her hands slide up the short sleeves of my shirt, her fingers biting into my biceps. “I love beetroots.”
“Nobody loves beetroots.” I laugh and tilt my head with a smug look. “Hai delle labbra così deliziose…Vorrei tanto baciarti.”
Her jaw drops. “What did you just say?”
Smiling, I lean in and whisper against her lips, “I said your lips are so delicious…I would really like to kiss you.”
Without pause, I fuse our mouths together and tease my tongue along her lush lips. She tastes minty, and that, coupled with her honey scent, has me deepening the kiss even further. Her hands move from my arms to my waist as she fists my T-shirt. When I thrust my tongue deep into her mouth, she inhales sharply, and her faint moan vibrates against my lips. Moving my hands down to her arse, I pull her into me so she can feel the effect she’s having on me.
“Okay, Sonny Corleone, no need to get cheeky.” She breaks our kiss, her face adorably flushed as she glances around nervously and finger combs her mussed locks. “We’re in public, after all.”
I shove my hands into my pockets. “It’s been a long time.”
“It’s been a few days.”
“Give or take five years.” I wink playfully, causing her to roll her eyes.
Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 13 bestselling author of sexy, contemporary romance novels. She enjoys writing love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond in England. When Amy is not writing in a tire shop waiting room, she’s watching Gilmore Girls, or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy smiles awkwardly from a distance. For more of Amy’s work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com
Not Pretending Anymore is Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward’s next standalone. I have read all of their co-written books and have loved every single one of them. They are definitely unique in their own ways. Yes, we have read roommates to lovers, fake relationships, and friends to lovers but this one has a twist to it.
Molly needed a roommate and fast. She was shit out of luck until he walked in. Declan Tate. She didn’t want a male roommate but he made a good case plus his cupcakes were unbelievably good. He also made her laugh and would be gone most of the time since they worked different schedules. What she didn’t expect was to like him so much. They quickly become friends and come up with a plan to get their crushes to notice them. Their relationship was perfect. He cooked. She ate. They could really talk and not worry about wanting the other until…
Yep! You know it. Feelings. Those pesky things get them both all mixed up. I can’t really go into it anymore but I will say that I wanted to slap both of them a few times. Lol. I was definitely hooked and invested in their relationship. They made me laugh, get frustrated, cry, and laugh some more. They also made me want to make breakfast for dinner.
Quotes:
“It’s okay to admit you like my cooking, you know.”
Molly shook her head. “From the short time I’ve known you, I’m positive you don’t need anyone stroking your ego and making it bigger.”
“You’re right. I got something better than my ego that grows when you stroke it.” I winked.
“That was definitely special. It wasn’t me—it was us.”
“Did you believe the green ones made you horny?” he said in greeting, rather than hello.
I chuckled. “No, but I do think Twinkies will outlast the apocalypse.”
Not Pretending Anymore is the newest romance from Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. It’s a roommates to lovers with a very slow burn. Molly and Declan are roommates but are interested in other people so it seems it’s going to work out! After a few awkward encounters and a lot of miscommunication, they finally realize they want each other. The writing is wonderful, as always! The back and forth was frustrating but worth it in the end!
PENELOPE WARD
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. 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.
Not Pretending Anymore is Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward’s next standalone. I have read all of their co-written books and have loved every single one of them. They are definitely unique in their own ways. Yes, we have read roommates to lovers, fake relationships, and friends to lovers but this one has a twist to it.
Molly needed a roommate and fast. She was shit out of luck until he walked in. Declan Tate. She didn’t want a male roommate but he made a good case plus his cupcakes were unbelievably good. He also made her laugh and would be gone most of the time since they worked different schedules. What she didn’t expect was to like him so much. They quickly become friends and come up with a plan to get their crushes to notice them. Their relationship was perfect. He cooked. She ate. They could really talk and not worry about wanting the other until…
Yep! You know it. Feelings. Those pesky things get them both all mixed up. I can’t really go into it anymore but I will say that I wanted to slap both of them a few times. Lol. I was definitely hooked and invested in their relationship. They made me laugh, get frustrated, cry, and laugh some more. They also made me want to make breakfast for dinner.
Quotes:
“It’s okay to admit you like my cooking, you know.”
Molly shook her head. “From the short time I’ve known you, I’m positive you don’t need anyone stroking your ego and making it bigger.”
“You’re right. I got something better than my ego that grows when you stroke it.” I winked.
“That was definitely special. It wasn’t me—it was us.”
“Did you believe the green ones made you horny?” he said in greeting, rather than hello.
I chuckled. “No, but I do think Twinkies will outlast the apocalypse.”
The first time I saw her was across the room at a bar. I had no idea at the time that she was only sixteen. All I knew was that she was beautiful, she was sending me do-me vibes from across the room, and I was fresh off a deployment where there’d been nobody but men for nine of the longest months of my life.
The second time that I saw her was at a court hearing that would decide how long I’d be sent to prison for. She was a cute little curly-haired blonde with wide, expressive eyes, a banging body, and the reason that I’d gone to prison in the first place.
The third time I saw her was through a glass divider of the prison visitation room as she waited for her stepfather, my lawyer, to tell me how sorry he was that he lost my case. Especially when I’d been the one to kill the man that was about to kill his daughter.
The last time, the time that I decided enough was enough, was when I saw her at my bar eight weeks after I’d been set free.
Unlucky for her, I’d stopped being a good guy about two seconds after those bars closed behind me twelve years ago. Now all that was left was a shell of a man that didn’t see the good in anything. Anything except for her.
Jailbait is the third book in the Souls Chapel Revenants MC series by Lani Lynn Vale. I’m loving this series full of sexy men who all went to prison for saving someone. Trick met Swayze when she was just sixteen and he fell hard for her. He saved her and went to prison for it, but got out early to help the mayor. He didn’t expect to see Swayze waltz into his bar, but her she is. Older, more gorgeous and living across the street from him. This isn’t going to be good. He thinks he hates her, but he really doesn’t. He doesn’t blame her for his actions and he can’t seem to stay away from her. Swayze is hilarious, independent and can’t stop feeling guilty. They try to stay away from each other but it’s no use, they are just destined to be together. When danger keeps showing up, Swayze is in trouble again and Trick is going to do whatever it takes to save her again. This time he’s going to be smart about it and he has his team to help. I loved Trick and his attitude and sexiness. Swayze cracked me up and together they made me swoon and cry! Already looking forward to the next one!
About Lani Lynn Vale
Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.
When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.
Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.
Healing Hearts is the third book in the Hope River series by Margaret McHeyzer. You can read each book as standalone but I recommend reading the series since they are all unique in their own ways. Plus, tied together but the cutest small-town with the best gran ever.
Tabitha and Charlie had an agreement. A no-strings attached booty call situation. That was it. Sex. Sex. And more sex. And in secret. It’s a small town after-all. Tabby didn’t grow up in Hope River but loved to visit her aunt and has decided to lay down her roots at twenty-three in town. Charlie was one of the newest residents. It wasn’t planned but when his sister, Hope stayed, he did too. When he saw Tabitha he knew he wanted her. And being a no-relationships type of guy it was the perfect situation when Tabby said she was on the same page. It was a guy’s wet dream until he wanted more and she pushed him away.
Tabitha can’t give him more. The only person she has let in is Aunt May. Her parents weren’t ever around. Friendships have been broken. She can’t trust that Charlie won’t walked away. Won’t love her enough to stay. So, why start something, right?
Wrong! Charlie isn’t having it. And I love that about him. I can’t say anything more but I will say that these two have some healing to do. Can he break down her walls?
I have loved this series. It’s definitely different from Margaret’s other books and I love that she did that. It’s not better. It’s not worse. It’s different. I believe this is the last of the series but I am not sure. There is definitely some characters who I would love to find love.
Quotes:
She’s wearing a flowery dress that comes to her knees, and her fucking hot black cowboy boots. There’s something about her in cowboy boots that makes me want to do dirty things to her.
“Hope River, a small town where everyone is willing to help. Ha, maybe that should be the motto.” I chuckle. “And everybody knows everyone else’s business.”
“You’re undressing me with your eyes, Pop Rock. And I’m shamelessly loving it.”
Recently I was fortunate in obtaining New York Times best-selling status on my YA/NA book – Ugly, and my YA book – Mistrust.
My last six books have been YA and I’m completely in love with the genre. I love being able to communicate with people through my words and stories.
My writing genres all differ, but the one thing I keep consistent is my heroines. All my female lead characters are strong, gutsy and not the ‘perfect’ woman. While my books all have romantic elements in them, they aren’t just about the romance. They’re about finding strength, acceptance and making life long connections.
I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I have while writing them.
The woman drummed her fingers on her thigh. “I’m a musician.”
I glanced down at the renter’s application in my hand. Lyric Chords was the name listed at the top.
I bit my tongue and tried to keep an open mind. This was the twelfth woman I’d interviewed as a prospective roommate. Just because she had a few safety pins in her eyebrow and what looked like a dog collar around her neck didn’t mean I should rule her out.
“Oh. That’s nice. Are you a singer?”
Lyric shook her head. “Drummer. Do you know the dimensions of the bedroom I’ll be sleeping in? I have two sets of drums I need to fit.”
“Umm… I think it’s fourteen by fourteen. But you don’t practice at home, right? I wrote in my ad that I’m looking for a quiet roommate because I work nights.”
“I do. But no worries. I’ll practice in my room.”
My bedroom and my potential roommate’s bedroom shared a wall, so that was the end of interview number twelve. I sighed and forced a smile. “Thank you for coming. I have a few other people left to meet with before I decide. I’ll let you know.”
“Great.” The woman stood. “Also, I know your ad said two months’ rent up front, but I’m running a little short right now. Would one be okay?”
I smiled. “Sure, no problem.” Since you’re not going to be living here.
After Drummergirl, I interviewed two more candidates. One wanted her boyfriend to move into the room with her, even though my ad had specified I was only looking for a single. And the other arrived twenty minutes late, reeked of alcohol, and slurred her words…at three thirty in the afternoon.
Why in the hell was it so difficult to find a roommate in a city of almost three-million people? I needed my last interview of the day to be a miracle, or I was going to have to shell out money for another ad and start the entire process all over. And I definitely didn’t have the time or the funds for that. Rent was due in two weeks. If I got stuck paying the full amount on this place myself again, I’d be eating cat food for a month.
When my last appointment knocked right on time, I took a deep breath, looked up at the ceiling, and asked the big guy in the sky for a little assistance.
Opening the door, I blinked a few times.
Uhhh. I think you answered the wrong prayer, God.
A man stood in my hallway—and not just any man, an absolutely gorgeous one with a perfect, straight nose, cheekbones to die for, a masculine, square jaw, full lips, tanned skin, and the sexiest chocolate brown, almond-shaped eyes I’d ever seen in my life.
“Uh. Can I help you?”
He flashed a killer smile, one that I immediately suspected had made countless women remove their panties.
“Hi. I have a four-thirty appointment with Molly Corrigan.”
“You do?” I had the last application in my hand and looked down at the name on the top. “I don’t think so. My appointment is with a D. Tate?”
He extended a hand. “That’s me. Declan Tate.”
“But…you’re…not a woman.”
He smiled again. “You’re correct. Very observant. I am most definitely not a woman. But my last roommate told me I should’ve been because I use moisturizer at night and cried at the end of Marley and Me. And if I’m being honest, I also got a little watery at the end of Toy Story, so maybe I’m a bit of a wuss. Either way, I think you should consider those my positive feminine qualities.”
I was thoroughly confused. “Umm… I’m sorry. You must’ve missed that my ad said female only.”
“Actually, I didn’t. But if you’ll give me just five minutes, I think I can convince you I would be a better roommate than a woman.”
I chuckled. “Let me get this straight… You hid your first name—what did you say it was again?”
“Declan.”
“Right. Declan. Anyway, you applied to an ad for a female roommate, intentionally deceiving the person who is going to decide if you get the room by leaving your first name off. And your strategy is to convince me I don’t really know what I want in less than five minutes? Do I have that right?”
He flashed that boyish charm again. “You sure do.”
I debated how to handle the situation. On one hand, he was going to waste my time, and I had done enough of that today. But on the other, my curiosity was definitely piqued. Something about his grin told me this could be amusing. Screw it. I had nothing better to do anyway.
I opened the door wider and stepped aside, holding my hand out for him to enter. “I’m setting the timer on my phone, and I’m getting a glass of wine before you start. I like a drink while I’m being entertained.”
Declan smirked and strolled into my apartment.
I motioned to the couch. “Have a seat. I’ll just be a minute.”
When I got to the kitchen, he called after me, “Hey, Mollz?”
I turned back. “Yes?”
“How about you make that two glasses of wine?”
I chuckled. “Sure. Why not, Decs.”
I poured a couple of glasses of pinot grigio and returned to the living room.
“Here you go. Hope you like white.”
“You see? We’re perfect together already. I prefer white over red.”
I brought my wine to my lips. “Yes, perfect. A match made in heaven. I think we might even be soul mates.”
Declan showed me his pearly whites once again. He really did have a great smile, nice teeth, too. Too bad he also had a penis. I knocked back half the contents of my glass and placed it on the coffee table. Picking up my cell, I swiped to the timer app and set it for five minutes.
I showed him the screen. “You ready?”
“I’m always ready.”
I pressed start, placed the phone face up on the coffee table between us, and folded my hands. “Go.”
“Okay. Well…what’s your favorite color?”
“My favorite color?”
Declan pointed to the timer. “Time’s a ticking, Molly. I’m going to need you to not repeat questions.”
I laughed. “Fine. My favorite color is pink.”
Declan reached into one of his pant pockets and pulled out a set of keys. The keychain had a bunch of pink beads with white letters between each one. The letters spelled out his name. “Mine too.”
I arched a brow. “Did you make that yourself?”
“No. My niece, Arianna, made it for me.”
“So how do I know that isn’t just Arianna’s favorite color?”
“Good point. Let’s move on. Your ad said you work nights.”
“That’s right. I’m a nurse. I work the night shift on the maternity ward.”
“So you sleep during the day, then?”
“I get off at seven, and I try to get to sleep as soon as I get home.”
He held his hand to his chest. “I work days. I leave for the gym by six and usually don’t get home until after seven at night. So the apartment will be quiet when you need it to be.”
I nodded. “Okay. I’ll give you that that would make you a good roommate. But most people work days, so it’s not really something that makes you too special.”
“Do you cook?” he said.
“Does macaroni and cheese count?”
“I grew up in a multigenerational Italian home. My nonna taught me how to make sauce from scratch.”
“So you’re going to cook for me?”
“If that’s what it takes to get this apartment, yes.”
“As tempting as that might be, there’s an Italian restaurant around the corner that makes great food. Funny enough, it’s called Nonna’s Place, and an actual nonna makes most of my meals. Not a knockoff.”
Declan took an exaggerated breath and blew it out. He glanced at the cell on the table. “Three minutes and thirty-eight seconds. I can see you’re not going to make this easy. How about you tell me why you can’t have a male roommate so I can address that head-on. Is it because of the toilet-seat thing? Because I have four older sisters, so I’m appropriately trained. When I was eight, I made the mistake of leaving it up once, and my sister sat down where I’d accidentally left a little pee. She dunked my head in the toilet bowl before she flushed. That was the last time I left the seat up.” He held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor. It won’t be an issue.”
I smiled. “It’s not because of the toilet thing.”
“Alright. So why don’t you want a male roommate, then?”
I’d actually never given much thought to why my roommate had to be female. It just seemed natural to have another woman sharing the apartment. “Well…I don’t really have a specific reason. I would just be more comfortable living with another woman. For example, I sleep in a T-shirt and underwear. When I get up to start the coffee, I don’t get dressed. It would be weird to do that in front of a man.”
“Why?”
“Why would it be weird to walk around with my ass cheeks on display in front of a man and not a woman?”
“Yes.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. It just would. I guess because the women I’ve lived with aren’t attracted to other women, so it doesn’t feel sexual in any way.”
“Ah. Now we’re getting to the crux of your issue. So you’re afraid of some sexual tension going on between you and me? Is it because I’m so handsome?”
“What? No! And aren’t you full of yourself, assuming I think you’re handsome, and I’m worried I won’t be able to control myself.”
“Just keeping it real, Mollz. You’re only giving me five minutes, so I’m trying to get to the heart of the reason.”
“I guess I just don’t want to feel like I have to cover up to come out of my bedroom. When I dry my hair, I wear a towel or a bra and underwear—that type of thing.”
“Would you feel you had to cover up if I told you I was gay?”
That question gave me pause. Would I? I wasn’t sure. “Are you?”
“Fuck, no. I was just trying to pinpoint your issue. Is it the fact that I’m a man, or the fact that I might admire your ass if it were on display? Sounds like it’s the latter. So let me put your mind at ease: I won’t.”
I felt oddly offended. “What’s wrong with my ass?”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t looked. You know why?”
“Why?”
“Because I’m in love with someone else.”
As insane as it was, I felt a pang of jealousy. “Oh. Well, why aren’t you moving in with her?”
“Because she doesn’t return the feelings…yet. So basically, if your concern about having a guy for a roommate is that he’s going to be checking you out, you have nothing to worry about with me. I’m a one-woman man. If you want, I can give you the numbers of some of my exes for references. I’m no cheater.”
Hmmm… “I don’t know…”
Declan looked down at the clock. Thirty-one seconds were left. “We’re running out of time, so we need to speed things up. How about if I just give you the facts you need to know?”
“That would be good.”
“I’m twenty-eight years old. I make six figures. My credit score is eight hundred and ten, and I have references from previous landlords. I’m neat and clean up after myself. I’m not home a lot, but when I am, I’m pretty quiet. I’m also damn good with a hammer.” He glanced around my apartment and pointed at a hole I’d accidentally made in the wall when I flung the closet door open too hard. “I can spackle that and put on a door stopper so it won’t happen again.” He pointed to the kitchen. “And those cabinets are pretty tall. I’m six foot one. No more having to stand on a chair to reach something on the top shelf. And—”
The timer on the stopwatch buzzed.
“Can I just say one last thing?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“I’ll share my Hulu and Netflix passwords. I have the premium Hulu account.”
I laughed. “Well, those are some pretty enticing qualities for a roommate.”
He smiled. “So I’m in?”
I sighed. “I’m sorry. While I appreciate your tenacity, unfortunately, you’re not. Though I interviewed fourteen other people today, and I have to say, you do seem like you’ll make some other lucky person a fantastic roomie.”
Declan frowned, but nodded. “I figured it was worth a shot. This is a great building, and I work right around the corner. It’s hard to find an apartment where it’s only a six-month commitment.”
“My lease is up then, and I haven’t decided if I’m going to extend or not.”
“See? That’s another reason I’d be perfect. I’m only in town for six more months.”
“I’m sorry. This is definitely a case of it’s me and not you.”
He picked up his wine and guzzled it down before standing and extending his hand. “I appreciate you giving me your time. And thanks for the pinot.”
We shook. “It was nice to meet you, Declan.”
After I walked him out, I shut the door and leaned back against it. What a shame; he really seemed like a nice guy and the best candidate I’d met by a mile. I was just about to go wallow in another glass of alcohol when there was a knock at my door. Checking the peephole before opening, I found Declan standing there.
“I forgot something important,” he said.
“Oh? What’s that?”
He took out his wallet and produced a photo of a nun. “This is my sister Catherine, and it’s not a costume from Halloween. She’s a legit nun. How bad can a person be if his sister is a nun?”
I laughed. “Is this the sister who dunked your head in the toilet?”
He grinned. “It is, actually.”
“Well, I’m not sure there’s a direct correlation between your sister deciding to dedicate her life to the church and you being a good person. Though, even if I take your word for it, it still doesn’t change my answer.”
Declan’s shoulders drooped. “Had to try. She tells me her being a nun won’t get me into heaven. Thought maybe it was good for something.”
“Goodbye, Declan.”
“Later, Mollz.”
***
“So…how’s the roommate search going?” Emma poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the small table in our break room.
I sighed. “Why is it so hard to find a normal person these days? I’ve interviewed more than a dozen people, and not one suitable candidate.”
“Did you post an ad on the employee bulletin board, like I suggested?”
I shook my head. “I don’t want another nurse or tech. It makes it weird at work if things don’t work out.”
“Maybe Dr. Dandy will apply.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I heard he’s sleeping on Dr. Cohen’s couch until he finds a place.”
That information certainly perked me up. “Really? Will and whatshername broke up?”
“Yup. Lisa in X-ray told me Dr. Cohen told her he’s staying with him. Apparently he and the wannabe actress are finito.”
“Wow.”
Emma smiled. “Yup. And fair warning, my friend… I’m allowing a ten-day grace period for him to grieve the end of a year-long relationship. But after that, I’m going to be up your butt making sure you let the man know you’re interested. He’s not going to be on the market for long, and you missed your opportunity last time he was single. You can’t keep pining for the guy.”
Of course she was right. And while I felt elated that Will was back on the market, the thought of coming clean to him about my feelings made me want to throw up. Will Daniels—or as Emma called him, Dr. Dandy, because of his last name and uncanny resemblance to a male model named David Gandy—and I had been good friends for four years now. We’d started on the very same day at the hospital and had gone through orientation together. I’d had a boyfriend back then, and he’d been seeing a girl from med school at the time, so even though I’d always thought he was insanely handsome, things didn’t bloom until two years ago. And most of the time since then, he’d been seeing one woman or another. Emma was right that the man never seemed to stay single for long.
“He’s going to be at happy hour this Friday night,” I said. “A few of the crew from CCU are meeting up over at McBride’s. I’m curious to hear what he says about the breakup.”
“Does he know you’re looking for a roommate?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Well, he needs a place to sleep, and you need a roomie.” Emma shrugged. “Timing is everything. Maybe it’s fate and he’ll move in and take care of two of your needs.”
“I think your imagination might be getting ahead of itself. Why don’t we start by seeing if things are really over with him and whatshername? They’ve split up a few times, but he always winds up going back.”
“Okay. But I have a good feeling about you two.”
“Could you possibly have a good feeling about me finding a roommate instead? I just had to pay for another damn ad.”
Emma shook her head. “I can’t believe you didn’t find one decent candidate.”
Remembering my last interview, I said, “Actually there was one who would’ve been perfect—great credit score, neat, cooks, leaves early in the morning, and works long days.”
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. 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.
Headhunter: A With Me in Seattle Mafia Novel by Kristen Proby is now live!
Things have never been more intense in New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby’s With Me in Seattle Mafia series…
As the son of one of the States’ most prominent mob bosses, Shane Martinelli’s always been immersed in society’s shady underbelly. Learning to navigate it and keep to the edges was working just fine until an acquaintance turns up missing, and he fears the worst. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. Luckily, as an ex-special operative, he’s uniquely qualified to track her down and keep her safe. Unfortunately, nobody’s making that easy–not the people who took her nor the woman herself.Ivie Jordan has led a pretty uneventful life, and that’s just how she likes it. Especially since she’ll be the first to admit that she doesn’t do so well in social situations. She’s a proud business owner, and while she doesn’t have family, she does have a network of people who look out for her. Little did she know that being accepted into that fold came with a laundry list of issues. When the worst happens, and she’s forced to rely on the ruggedly handsome alpha hero who comes to her rescue, she discovers her inner badass–and the sultry vixen on her other shoulder.Too bad the two of them are literally running for their lives and trying to ensure the safety of those they love. There is way more at stake than meets the eye.It’s time for the hunted to become the hunters.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Kobo, Barnes & Noble!
Headhunter is the second book in the With You in Seattle Mafia series by Kristen Proby. You can read each book as standalone but I recommend reading them in order since they are connected by the Martinelli brothers. Plus, the women are friends!
Shane wanted Ivie the moment he saw her at a wedding a few months ago. Since that day they have become friends flirting on the edge of more at a distance. She was in Seattle while he was in Colorado. So, when Ivie was taken by an unknown man he was ready for a fight. To kill. It’s a good thing he has connections and determination to find the woman who took a piece of his heart with her the day they met.
Ivie thought she disappeared from this life. A life of the underground. That was until she was kidnapped and had no idea where she was when she woke up. She knew the Martinellis would find her but there was no ETA in this kind of situation. And when it was over, she was only taken somewhere else. Shane’s hideaway and he was not about to let her go. He was going to protect her at any cost. The danger wasn’t over…
It was just the beginning.
I love Shane and Ivie! They are both total badasses even with her klutzy ways. Their story is full of suspense, laughter, heat, and love. And of course family! I can’t wait for the next book. Omg! It’s going to be be so f*cking good!
Quotes:
She closes the door behind her and turns to walk my way. Suddenly, she trips and lands on the bed, hard.
“Sorry, I didn’t see the floor there.”
“The Martinelli brothers are ridiculously sexy. Like, their gene pool must be made of gold.”
“How do you do this to me when I’m still fully clothed?”
“Talent.”
Meet Kristen
Kristen Proby has published more than forty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion and Romancing Manhattan Series.
Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two cats.
