REVIEW TOUR - Smash by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

 

Title: Smash

Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Forbidden Romance

Release Date: October 25, 2026

BLURB

A new, shockingly forbidden standalone from New York Times bestselling authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland…

Sometimes one floor is all that separates the life you planned from the life you never saw coming…

Moving to New York with my boyfriend, Calder, was supposed to be a fresh start.

A new city. A new job. A beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn we'd call home. The beginning of our forever.

There was just one catch: Calder’s best friend lived in the apartment downstairs.

Rafe—a gifted artist who smashed glass into masterpieces. With his unruly blond hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me, he was impossible to ignore.

He was also completely off-limits.

Yet somehow, every walk past his apartment or trip to the basement laundry room turned into another deep conversation neither of us ever wanted to end.

At first, it was innocent.

Then I found myself looking forward to running into him again.

Before long, I was creating opportunities to be around him.

Somehow, Rafe and I made each other feel seen in ways neither of us expected.

I tried to ignore our connection, reminding myself that Calder’s best friend was the last man on Earth I could ever fall for.

But with every stolen moment, that lie became harder to believe.

Maybe some love stories aren't about finding the right person—but what happens when you find them too late.

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This audiobook was an absolute delight! Talia and Rafe’s forbidden romance pulled me in from the start, with a beautifully written connection, undeniable chemistry and plenty to keep me listening.
Talia has moved in with her boyfriend, Calder, but what happens when she finds herself attracted to his best friend, Rafe, the artist living downstairs? The romance and tension make this such an enjoyable story!

The narration was spot on, with Andi Arndt, Lee Samuels and Austin Stone bringing the characters to life. Austin Stone’s sultry voice as Rafe was absolutely perfect. 

I could picture him so clearly, and he was absolutely mesmerising! 

Smash is a smash hit of a story with turmoil, tension and a forbidden romance!

My heart didnt know what to do! 

There were a few times I actually had to put the book down coz I was nervous at what potentially lay ahead! 

I genuinely liked the characters and felt the overwhelming angst made my heart hurt! 

I felt so many emotions throughout that I had veritable whiplash with, will they, wont they?

Talia moves to New York to be with her boyfriend. She has a new job as well and being in a new city is hopefully the start of a great life for them. That is until she meets his best friend Rafe. 

Omg the tension, the connections along with the secrets and lies, made for a very rough and unpredictable journey for all involved. Quite the story indeed.

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 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.

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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, 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.

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RELEASE BLITZ - Smash by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

 

Title: Smash

Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Forbidden Romance

Release Date: October 25, 2026

BLURB

A new, shockingly forbidden standalone from New York Times bestselling authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland…

Sometimes one floor is all that separates the life you planned from the life you never saw coming…

Moving to New York with my boyfriend, Calder, was supposed to be a fresh start.

A new city. A new job. A beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn we'd call home. The beginning of our forever.

There was just one catch: Calder’s best friend lived in the apartment downstairs.

Rafe—a gifted artist who smashed glass into masterpieces. With his unruly blond hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me, he was impossible to ignore.

He was also completely off-limits.

Yet somehow, every walk past his apartment or trip to the basement laundry room turned into another deep conversation neither of us ever wanted to end.

At first, it was innocent.

Then I found myself looking forward to running into him again.

Before long, I was creating opportunities to be around him.

Somehow, Rafe and I made each other feel seen in ways neither of us expected.

I tried to ignore our connection, reminding myself that Calder’s best friend was the last man on Earth I could ever fall for.

But with every stolen moment, that lie became harder to believe.

Maybe some love stories aren't about finding the right person—but what happens when you find them too late.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

ALTERNATE COVER PAPERBACK

DUET AUDIO / GOODREADS

Read in Kindle Unlimited

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 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.

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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, 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.

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EXCERPT REVEAL - Smash by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

 

Title: Smash

Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Forbidden Romance

Release Date: October 25, 2026

Take a sneak peek at SMASH

You know you want to...

Copyright © 2026 by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

There was a beat of silence. For some reason I continued to stand there. Rafe looked at me for a few more seconds, like he was deciding something. Then he lifted his chin, gesturing toward the hallway. “You just got back from a run?”

I nodded. “First one since I left Montana.”

“How was it?”

“Definitely different. There are so many people out on the streets.”

He smiled. “There’s an art to dodging the slow walkers and people glued to their phone. You’ll pick it up.”

“I’m guessing I’ll also learn to stop apologizing to people I cut around. I think I said ‘I’m sorry’ a hundred times on an hour-long run.”

“Dead giveaway you’re from out of town.”

I laughed. “That and the fact that I’m wearing purple. What is it with everyone wearing black in New York? Especially women. They’re all in black pants, black leggings, black tops, black coats, black purses...”

His eyes flicked over me again—this time I definitely didn’t imagine it. “I like that you wear color.”

My stomach did a small, traitorous flip. “Thanks.”

Another pause stretched between us, this one charged in a way I couldn’t quite explain. Then Rafe walked to the table and grabbed his shirt, pulling it on. It made me wonder if he’d caught himself looking at me and felt wrong—exactly the way watching him felt for me.

“I, uh, I’m sorry Calder and I didn’t make it to your girlfriend’s show the other day.”

Rafe smiled. “Not my girlfriend and not a big deal.”

“How was it?”

“Good. I like plays better than musicals, but it was fun watching someone I know become someone else onstage.”

Maybe that’s why it sometimes felt like he was watching me—because being around him turned me into someone else. Or maybe this was the real me. I wasn’t sure who the hell I was anymore.

“Any good plans for the week?” he asked. “You start your new job soon, right?”

I nodded. “The Monday after next. I’m planning to hit a different museum each day as I count down.”

“Nice. I love museums. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with dinosaurs. I used to beg my babysitter to take me to the Museum of Natural History. I’ve probably been there fifty times over the years. It’s still one of my top two favorites.”

“What’s the other one?”

“It’s called the Noguchi.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

He nodded. “It’s in Queens, so it’s not as popular as the museums in Manhattan that the tourists hit. It has a lot of sculptures, but the best part is the outdoor garden. It’s one of the most peaceful places in the five boroughs.”

“I’ll have to check it out.”

“It’s a good place to think. Or not think.”

I laughed. “I might need both of those this week.”

He held my gaze for a second, like he understood more than I’d said out loud. “Yeah…you should go.”

I shifted my weight, suddenly aware again that I was still lingering in his doorway. “Thanks for the recommendation.”

“Anytime.”

Another pause. Why wasn’t I leaving?

Rafe smiled. “I was just going to make some breakfast. Want to join me?”

I thumbed toward the hall. “I should probably get upstairs and shower.”

“You sure? Your boyfriend texted and told me to keep an eye on you while he’s away. I think that might include making sure you don’t start any more cooking fires.”

“I didn’t start—”

Rafe laughed. “I’m teasing. Go take your shower. I’ll have breakfast ready when you’re done. Consider it payback for helping my aunt.”

I hesitated. I should’ve said no, even though everything in me wanted to say yes. But I didn’t. “Okay. I’ll be quick.”

“No rush.”

I forced myself to start up the stairs.

It’s just breakfast.

No big deal.

Calm down already.

Heck, Calder told him to look out for me.

Still, I took a little more time in the shower than usual and let my mind wander to places it shouldn’t. When I got out, I wrapped a towel around myself and started digging through my drawers for something to wear. One drawer, then the next, and eventually moving onto the closet.

I blew out a breath.

I was being ridiculous. Who cares what I wear? I was going downstairs to eat eggs, not attend a black-tie event.

And yet…

I sprayed on a little perfume. Took a few extra minutes fixing my hair. Put on eyeliner when I normally just brushed on a bit of mascara. By the time I got dressed, it felt like I’d crossed an invisible line I hadn’t meant to step over.

Or maybe I had.

I shook the thought away. It’s just freaking breakfast. I grabbed my phone, took one more glance in the mirror, and headed back downstairs. 

★★★ 

Excited? We are too!

RELEASING OCTOBER 25^th!

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BLURB

A new, shockingly forbidden standalone from New York Times bestselling authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland…

Sometimes one floor is all that separates the life you planned from the life you never saw coming…

Moving to New York with my boyfriend, Calder, was supposed to be a fresh start.

A new city. A new job. A beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn we'd call home. The beginning of our forever.

There was just one catch: Calder’s best friend lived in the apartment downstairs.

Rafe—a gifted artist who smashed glass into masterpieces. With his unruly blond hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me, he was impossible to ignore.

He was also completely off-limits.

Yet somehow, every walk past his apartment or trip to the basement laundry room turned into another deep conversation neither of us ever wanted to end.

At first, it was innocent.

Then I found myself looking forward to running into him again.

Before long, I was creating opportunities to be around him.

Somehow, Rafe and I made each other feel seen in ways neither of us expected.

I tried to ignore our connection, reminding myself that Calder’s best friend was the last man on Earth I could ever fall for.

But with every stolen moment, that lie became harder to believe.

Maybe some love stories aren't about finding the right person—but what happens when you find them too late.

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 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.

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

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GOODREADS

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, 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.

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COVER REVEAL - Smash by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

 

Title: Smash

Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Forbidden Romance

Cover Design: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster, @lanefotograf

Model: Callum Arnold

Release Date: October 25, 2026

BLURB

A new, shockingly forbidden standalone from New York Times bestselling authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland…

Sometimes one floor is all that separates the life you planned from the life you never saw coming…

Moving to New York with my boyfriend, Calder, was supposed to be a fresh start.

A new city. A new job. A beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn we'd call home. The beginning of our forever.

There was just one catch: Calder’s best friend lived in the apartment downstairs.

Rafe—a gifted artist who smashed glass into masterpieces. With his unruly blond hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me, he was impossible to ignore.

He was also completely off-limits.

Yet somehow, every walk past his apartment or trip to the basement laundry room turned into another deep conversation neither of us ever wanted to end.

At first, it was innocent.

Then I found myself looking forward to running into him again.

Before long, I was creating opportunities to be around him.

Somehow, Rafe and I made each other feel seen in ways neither of us expected.

I tried to ignore our connection, reminding myself that Calder’s best friend was the last man on Earth I could ever fall for.

But with every stolen moment, that lie became harder to believe.

Maybe some love stories aren't about finding the right person—but what happens when you find them too late.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PRE-ORDER LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

ALTERNATE COVER PAPERBACK

AUDIO PREORDER TO COME

Sign up for Penelope & Vi's mailing list now and be the first one notified when it goes live!

SIGN UP HERE

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 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.

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

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GOODREADS

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, 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.

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REVIEW TOUR - The Fall Affair by Vi Keeland

 

Title: The Fall Affair

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Opposites Attract/Found Family

Release Date: August 18, 2026

BLURB

She’s counting down the days until she leaves Tuscany. He’s counting on making her stay.

Some people go to Tuscany to find themselves.

I went to escape—New York, my ex’s new relationship, and a career that derailed the moment I was passed over for partner.

My plan was simple: settle my eccentric Italian grandmother’s estate, sell whatever wasn’t nailed down, and return to the life I’d worked too hard to lose.

Instead, I walked into a mess—a crumbling antique shop, two hundred acres of leased vineyard land, and one infuriating clause in the will: Live and work in the shop for three months, or inherit nothing.

Then there’s the neighbor I clash with instantly. Matteo Lucchese is the infuriatingly handsome winemaker who leases my family’s land and refuses to be impressed by my credentials—or my attitude. He’s rugged and stubborn, stuck living in a time that has long passed us by, and the word rush isn’t part of his vocabulary. Basically, we’re exact opposites.

But as the days stretch into weeks, Tuscany chips away at the armor I didn’t realize I was wearing, and Matteo shows me the appeal of slowing down, of staying rooted, of wanting something other than climbing the corporate ladder.

I came to Tuscany to escape.

But now that the countdown to going home was on, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to leave. And the life I was falling for came with a looming expiration date.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Opposites Attract

Under the Tuscan Sun Vibes

Found Family

NYC Heroine x Italian Hero

Late-summer Magic

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eBook available in Kindle Unlimited

What an incredible audiobook! 

I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t stop listening to this beautiful audiobook! Connor Crais and Andi Arndt were absolutely fantastic and brought every emotion to life.

Set in the stunning Tuscan countryside, the story follows Allegra as she travels to Italy to settle her grandmother’s estate. She doesn’t trust easily, and neither does her neighbor Matteo, a winery owner still carrying the scars of a past relationship. Their friendship slowly grows into something more, but both are afraid to take the next step.

The story weaves between the present and Matteo’s past, revealing why his heart is so guarded, while Allegra uncovers family who I secrets that change everything she thought she knew.

I loved watching this story unfold. It has romance, mystery, family secrets, and a wonderful cast of characters. From start to finish, I was completely invested and highly recommend both the book and the audiobook.

The Fall Affair is a wonderful, intriguing story. It is full of surprises, secrets and of course, romance. 

Allegra Bianchi travels to Italy after her grandmother passes away. The will has some stipulations and Allegra has to navigate her new life as it where. Meeting Matteo though, who knew her grandmother, makes her life more interesting. Oh yes.

The sizzling chemistry that bubbles to the surface between them, is difficult to ignore, however Allegra is undoubtedly undecided about her future. I mean, who could blame her. 

I really loved Matteo, he’s caring, charming but also guarded. 

I feel like, throw in the Italian countryside, the slower pace of life, a hot Italian man 

and certain things Allegra finds out, should be a no brainer, however she does have to make some decisions. Will she choose wisely, taking everything into consideration and throw caution to the wind or go back to her life in New York? 

I have to say though, my heart belongs in Italy now….

I loved how the storyline unfolded and especially how it ended. Well done!

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, 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.

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