"Would you slap a teammate for twenty-five grand?"
"Uh, yeah. There are a few I'd slap for free. Just point me in the right direction."
Problem number one: My personal life is falling apart.
Problem number two: My public life is also on thin freaking ice.
Problem number three: The ridiculously hot NHL D-man with the inability to remove his head from his ass has decided I’m his number one target.
And that last one is a bit of an issue since his idea of targeting me is to have absurdly hot hate-hookups with me in the locker room. Which I don’t necessarily mind…
Except there’s one tiny snag in his plan: I don’t like guys.
Or, well, I didn’t think I liked guys.
But when Alexio Zeki drops to his knees and, uh, gets to business, I realize my very narrow view of my own sexuality needs some adjustment.
And that’s ironic coming from a blind man.
Admitting I’m bisexual is the easy part.
Admitting I’m kind of, sort of, ridiculously into the man I claimed to hate is something else entirely. But the more he insists that I’m worth keeping, the more I start wanting to believe him.
Stick Around is the first book in the Punk as Puck spin-off series, Legends and Fury. It’s a high heat, enemies to lovers rom-com with a snarky NHL goalie who has a lot of big opinions and doesn’t care if they’re unsolicited, a PPHL goalie with a mountain of problems and no way to reach the top, locker room hookups, praise, swoony romance, a low-stakes bi-awakening, hockey bro banter, tons of chirping, and the
Family drama drives this story, but it never feels heavy—instead, it highlights Jonah’s strength and character. I enjoyed the hate-to-love dynamic and how naturally the relationships developed, especially as Jonah lets Nicos into his life during his father’s Alzheimer’s journey.
Alexio adds another great layer, and I loved his protective side. Vanya brings humour while still acting as an unexpected voice of reason. The side characters are used well, and I’m definitely intrigued by the setup for Micah’s story.
RELEASE TOUR - Stride for Stride by Kim Stephenson
Length: 75k words Series: Running for the Romance 2 Prior Reading: Prior reading NOT required Genre: contemporary, sports Tropes: Rivals to lovers; Only one tent; Olympics; Coming out; Secret relationship Trigger/Content Warnings: Reference to homophobia, Parental illness, Minor injury Designer: 100 Covers
Rivals on the track. Teammates on paper. But could they be more?
Jackson and Elliot have been neck-and-neck since their first race. Two elite marathoners constantly pushing each other to the limit. But with the Olympics looming, they’re forced to do the unthinkable: train together.
Altitude camp means long runs, cold nights, and the kind of tension that’s not just competitive anymore. When a single kiss shatters the fragile line between enemies and something much more complicated, both men are left breathless, for reasons that have nothing to do with their last tempo run.
But between the pressure of the Olympics, increased media scrutiny and career-threatening injuries, their chance at love might not make it to the finish line.
Can they go stride for stride toward something real, or will the world pull them apart before they’ve even begun?
Stride for Stride is the sizzling follow up to Your Pace or Mine. It is a standalone spicy MM Sports Romance and book 2 in the Running for the Romance series.
If you loved Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid and Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffrey, you’ll fall hard for Jackson and Elliot in Stride for Stride.
“You’re a great runner, Elliot. I’d be proud to call you a teammate…or even a friend.”
Elliot sighed and dropped his phone. He angled himself towards Jackson, resting his head on a hand as his hair fell over his eyes in a cascade of silver.
“I’ve told you, Jennings, I don’t want to be your friend,” he whispered.
“What do you want, then?”
The sounds of the woods around them intensified as Jackson’s focus narrowed on Elliot’s soft exhale. He found himself frozen in place, his gaze glued to the deep storm clouds brewing in Elliot’s eyes.
Years from now, Jackson would think back on that moment and still be unable to say who had moved first, but somehow Elliot’s mouth ended up on his, and it was fucking glorious.
Elliot’s kiss was almost the polar opposite of everything he was in life. It was uncontrolled, wild, all teeth and tongue. It left Jackson gasping for air, and rock hard.
“You’re right—not friends. Not friends is a good plan,” Jackson mumbled.
Elliot smiled and pulled Jackson back down into another, slower, more cautious kiss, as though he were asking permission. Jackson moaned as he felt Elliot’s hardness brush against him. He wanted to pull him closer and feel every inch of his body against his.
“You’re a total arsehole sometimes, you know,” Jackson said as they parted for air. It came out far more tender than he was comfortable with.
“Yeah,” Elliot breathed, lips ghosting over his.
“I can’t fucking get you out of my head,” Jackson groaned, kissing him again. He was more aggressive this time, his teeth clashing angrily against Elliot’s as he rolled on top of him, making the entire tent shudder. “Haven’t been able to, ever. You’re always there, always pushing me, always that little bit ahead, driving me fucking crazy.”
“Thought you said you never think about me.”
“I lied,” Jackson said as he kissed down Elliot’s jaw.
In a delightful mix of competition and friendship, Jackson and Elliot, two passionate marathon runners, are each aiming for a spot on Team GB at the Olympics. Their shared training sessions not only highlight their rivalry but also reveal the surprising emotions that are starting to develop between them.
I really loved how their rivalry felt genuine, built through the little moments in their early interactions, without turning either of them into a true "bad guy." As their bond grows stronger, the chemistry between them feels both natural and inevitable, making their connection even more special.
about the author:
Kim Stephenson is a UK based author with a love for running and romance. When not writing you can find them hitting the local pavements and trails chasing PB's and HEA's. @runningfortheromance (ig) Kimstephensonauthor.com
Getting pregnant after a one-night stand with my brother's best friend was never part of the plan.
We're talking about Foster Davis here.
Chicago Colts closing pitcher. The broody king of one-word answers. And the man everyone knows keeps one foot out the door.
Surprisingly, when two pink lines turn my world upside down, Foster doesn't run. He steps in, he shows up, and he insists we do this together.
Pretending we're fine is easy. Pretending this is just about the baby? Not so much.
Because Foster is gentle when no one's watching. Because he looks at me like I'm something worth protecting. Because the walls he's built start to crack—and I'm the one he's letting inside.
Our arrangement was supposed to be simple. Boundaries were set. Co-parents and no catching feelings.
Okay, maybe a few sex lessons were added in too. Bad idea, I know.
Because the more time I spend with Foster Davis, the harder it is to remember why I ever thought he was the risky choice.
Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited
The Wild Card is Fosters book and his story is not without the past running to the forefront of his mind!
The raw emotions and feelings are heartbreaking to read about but I loved Foster and Callie’s journey.
Ahhh Foster he just doesn’t know his worth and who could blame him! It isnt till he finds out hes going to be a father that he goes into protective mode!
Callie and Foster enter into a co parent arrangement with rules! Rules to hinder feelings!
So many feels and I honestly just wanted to give them both a huge hug!
You will have to read it for yourself to see how they co exist or do they!!!??
A new, sexy standalone novel from New York
Times Bestsellers, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward…
The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I
definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were
impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a
walking bad decision.
But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss,
apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another
war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new
city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new
bodyguard.
Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also
infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought
I wasn’t paying attention. Little by
little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard
became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out,
Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life.
Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t
find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried. But while I was busy losing my heart, the man
who took it was hiding a secret.
And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.
This mafia romance was absolutely magnificent. It features an incredible bodyguard hero who, surprisingly, brings plenty of humor—especially during a book club scene where he’s hilariously the only man present.
Juliette, the daughter of a powerful mob boss, finds herself in need of protection… enter Wes, her brooding and captivating bodyguard.
The banter between Juliette and Wes is simply fantastic. I laughed until I cried—some moments are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny.
The story itself is wonderfully written, engaging from start to finish, with just the right balance of romance, tension, and humor.
The narration truly elevates the experience. Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow deliver outstanding performances, bringing the characters and story vividly to life.
Crooked is without a doubt one of the most interesting and intriguing books I have read. I mean a bodyguard and a mobsters daughter, yes please …lol
I think what I really enjoyed most was the way Wes and Juliette’s journey went and their banter is very entertaining but also emotional at times. I was on tender hooks through most of the book and I honestly was thrown by the way the storyline flows.
I love how the authors threw a different direction in, than what you think may be happening.
Wes as a bodyguard is protective as well as caring and will do his utmost to shield Juliette from harm. His relationship with his family made me swoon.
But all is not what it seems and oh my goodness you will be shocked.
I liked Juliette but felt she was a bit reckless in regards to her personal safety and lack of consideration to those around her.
All in all this is a truly wonderful story!
VI KEELAND
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 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.
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 millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
I started my career in adult entertainment at eighteen, and now, at almost forty, I'm realizing my days in front of the camera are numbered. It's the only reason I agreed to a collab with a guy who's brand new to the industry...and fifteen years younger than me.
I've been doing this a long time, and I've worked with a lot of guys, but I didn't expect the actual ray of sunshine that turned up on my doorstep. Riley is everything I'm not: young, self-assured, green. I've always been alone, because it's easy to avoid hurt if there's no one around to disappoint you. But one collab with Riley has me wanting to open up my life to him...and maybe even my heart.
The Resilience of Stars is a fast burn spice, slow burn love MM romance between two unconventional coworkers with a guaranteed happily ever after.
Luke I’ve always known who I am. With no family to answer to, I built my life—and career—on my own terms. At thirty-nine, I’m established and not looking to babysit newcomers… even if the idea of something new is tempting.
Riley I’ve always dreamed of stepping into this world—something I could never do back home. With enough savings to start fresh, I take the leap… and land my first collaboration with Luke Larson. Talented, intense, and impossible to ignore, he’s everything I didn’t expect—and can’t look away from.
When ambition meets experience, sparks are bound to fly. This stand-alone debut novel is such an amazing story seeing how Luke and Riley met then continued is written with love.
In a delightful mix of competition and friendship, Jackson and Elliot, two passionate marathon runners, are each aiming for a spot on Team GB at the Olympics. Their shared training sessions not only highlight their rivalry but also reveal the surprising emotions that are starting to develop between them.
I really loved how their rivalry felt genuine, built through the little moments in their early interactions, without turning either of them into a true "bad guy." As their bond grows stronger, the chemistry between them feels both natural and inevitable, making their connection even more special.
In a delightful mix of competition and friendship, Jackson and Elliot, two passionate marathon runners, are each aiming for a spot on Team GB at the Olympics. Their shared training sessions not only highlight their rivalry but also reveal the surprising emotions that are starting to develop between them.
I really loved how their rivalry felt genuine, built through the little moments in their early interactions, without turning either of them into a true "bad guy." As their bond grows stronger, the chemistry between them feels both natural and inevitable, making their connection even more special.
