Reese Ryan Romance

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Rachel Hamilton

💖 March is Developmental Disabilities Month. Here’s a list of romances that offer representation.📚

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Happy Friday!

How has your week been? 

The month of March is already winding down. But I wanted to highlight that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. One of the things I take very seriously as an author is the privilege and honor of offering representation to readers of all kind who, like me perhaps, didn’t see themselves in the pages of a book when they were growing up.

Maybe it’s because they were Black or plus-sized or dark-skinned. Maybe it’s because they were a stutterer or had ADHD. Maybe it’s because they are the caretaker of a child or sibling who is on the autism spectrum. Whatever the case, despite the wholesale attempt in the United States and other countries to suppress or erase the stories of people who are in any way “different,” I am grateful to be able to read and write stories that offer representation for everyone—including those with developmental disabilities.

Two of my favorite reads featuring characters with developmental disabilities are The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and The Brown Sisters trilogy by Talia Hibbert. Check out my list of books that include characters with developmental disabilities in the next section. Developmental disabilities can include the following and more:

  • Intellectual Disabilities
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Learning Disabilities
  • ADHD
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Vision, Speech, and Hearing Impairments
  • Down Syndrome

Click the graphic above to learn more.

Do you have a favorite book that offers representation to those with developmental disabilities? Share them here.

SPIN THE BLOCK Turns 1! Download for FR33 everywhere! 

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Happy Friday!

How has your week been? I hope you were able to find moments of peace and joy despite the chaos of life in these unprecedented times. Because rest is an act of resistance. (More about this here.) One of the things bringing me joy today is the first anniversary of the launch of my first indie series: The Love & Music Suite. 

This friends-to-lovers, second chance romance series is set in Atlanta, Georgia and follows the romantic and career adventures of music industry celebrities who are alumni of the fictional Peachtree School of the Arts. As this group reunites, connections are made, old friendships blossom, and love blooms.

Today is the birthday of the first book in the series, Spin the Block. And to celebrate this very special anniversary, Spin the Block is now FR33. And while the book is no longer part of Kindle Unlimited, it is now available for FR33 at a wide variety of online retailers: Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Everand, Smashwords, Angus & Robertson, and more.

So if you haven’t read Karris and Ward’s love story and been introduced to the Peachtree gang, be sure to grab your copy below. Already own a copy of the book? Be sure to tell a friend. Then tell me what you do to find peace, joy, and rest. I’d love to hear about it here.

She needs a favor from her ex…again. This time, he has a few demands.

Karris

Five years ago, I was the reigning princess of pop. Now, I’m just a former boy band member’s ex. I’ve been in this business a long time, so I’ve developed a tough skin. But negative press is hijacking my fundraising campaign to save my performing arts high school in Atlanta from being demolished. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So to spin the story my way, I’ve asked celebrity DJ Ward Hughes to reprise his role as my fake boyfriend—a stunt we pulled in high school. But this time, Ward has demands.

Ward

I started out spinning records in underground clubs in Atlanta and rose to fame playing sets at legendary clubs and festivals all over the world. Ten years in, and I’m tired of grueling, international tours and living out of hotel rooms. I’m ready to shift gears and become a songwriter and record producer. But A-list artists are reluctant to work with an unproven writer and producer. Working on Karris’s comeback album will give me the chance to showcase my pen game and production skills while helping her make music with a soulful vibe that she was always meant to sing.

But faking it as high school sweethearts who spin the block hits a little too close to home because nothing about our feelings has ever really been fake.

Happy Valentine’s Day! + Snag Signed Love & Music Suite Paperbacks + Tia Williams Event Recap!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

How has your week been? I hope that regardless of how hectic your life might be that you were able to find moments of peace and joy. This week, I let go of all the stressors in my life for a couple of days as my husband and I took a short road trip to Winston-Salem for my chat with Tia Williams. 

It’s a little less than a two-hour drive. But something about just hanging out together and not worrying about anything or anyone else was truly special. It was a much-needed chance for us to destress, take a mental break, and reconnect. Here’s hoping you’ll get some time to recharge this weekend, too.

Got any special plans in mind? I’d love to hear about them here.

Would you like a signed copy of Never the Right Time, or More Than Friends? A limited number of signed books are currently in stock. Click below to request yours today while they’re still available.

Get your signed paperback HERE!

So let me tell y’all… This event was so much fun! It was an honor to meet Tia Williams and to chat with her about her fantastic book, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, which I read from cover to cover in a single day. Despite the cold, rainy weather, the turnout was fantastic, and the readers were lovely. I enjoyed meeting many of them—some of whom had driven several hours to be there. And the staff and volunteers at Bookmarks were incredible, as always.

If you’re able to get to Winston-Salem, NC, do yourself a favor and attend one of the amazing events hosted by Bookmarks bookstore. They have so many terrific author events, book panels, and regular book club meetings. They also host a wonderful book festival in early fall. Plus, Bookmarks independent bookstore is actively working to make a diverse range of books accessible to readers at a time when we are seeing a growing call for book bans. Check out Bookmarks here. See a quick video recap of the event on Instagram here.

Join Me & Tia Williams in Winston-Salem on Wednesday 12th February!

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I hope you’re having a great week and that you’ve got something fun or relaxing planned for the weekend. I’m behind on the super secret project I’m working on, but I’m squeezing in some time with the grandkiddos this weekend. How about you? What are your plans for the weekend? 

Then, next week, I’m excited that I get to chat with Tia Williams, the New York Timesbestselling author of Seven Days in June, at a reader event in Winston-Salem NC, hosted by Bookmarks—one of my favorite independent bookstores. If you’re an easy distance from Winston-Salem, I’d love it if you’d join us on February 12th at 6:30 PM. 

We’ll talk about Tia’s latest release, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, her career, and a variety of other topics. Tickets for the event are $23 (plus taxes & fees) and include a paperback copy of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. Tia’s books will be available for purchase at the event, as will paperback copies of my Love & Music Suite: Spin the Block, Never the Right Time, and More Than Friends. A booksigning will follow the seated program. 

Got a question you’d like me to ask Tia Williams? Submit it here.

Click the button below to reserve your ticket.

DATE: 02/12/2025

TIME: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

PLACE: Reynolds Place Theatre (inside Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts), 251 North Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

In this sexy modern-day fairytale from the New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June, a free-spirited florist and an enigmatic musician share a soul mate connection told through the history, art, and the magic of Harlem.

Leap years are a strange, enchanted time. And for some, even a single February can be life-changing.

Ricki Wilde has many talents, but being a Wilde isn’t one of them. As the impulsive, artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, she’s the opposite of her famous socialite sisters. Where they’re long-stemmed roses, she’s a dandelion: an adorable bloom that’s actually a weed, born to float wherever the wind blows. In her bones, Ricki knows that somewhere, a different, more exciting life awaits her.

When regal nonagenarian, Ms. Della, invites her to rent the bottom floor of her Harlem brownstone, Ricki jumps at the chance for a fresh beginning. She leaves behind her family, wealth, and chaotic romantic decisions to realize her dream of opening a flower shop. And just beneath the surface of her new neighborhood, the music, stories and dazzling drama of the Harlem Renaissance still simmers.

One evening in February as the heady, curiously off-season scent of night-blooming jasmine fills the air, Ricki encounters a handsome, deeply mysterious stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way.

Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked.

Get your copy HERE

 If You Love Second Chance Romances + Join Me & Tia Williams in Winston-Salem!

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It’s been a week for so many reasons, personally and globally. So I’m not even going to go into it. Instead, I hope to bring a bit of joy and sunshine to your inbox and perhaps give you a reason to smile—as your feedback and comments so often make me smile. So first off, here’s hoping that you’ve had a good week and that you have something fun planned for the weekend. 

The highlight of my week was celebrating my thirty-sixth wedding anniversary with my husband. We went to a local steakhouse that was once our town’s library. The book theme was perfect and the food was absolutely delicious.

I’d love to hear about something good that happened for you this week or what you have planned for the weekend, even if it’s just reading a new book or going for a walk around the block. Let me know here. 

And if you enjoy reading second-chance romances like More Than Friends, click the graphic above or click here. You’ll discover a list of my books by trope. Now, I’d love a rec of some of your favorite second chance romances (or any other trope). Send me your recs by clicking here or clicking below.

Join me for a conversation with bestselling author Tia Williams on Wednesday, February 12th at 6:30 PM in Winston-Salem. We’ll talk about her latest release, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, her career, and a variety of other topics. Tickets for the event are $23 (plus taxes & fees) and include a paperback copy of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. Tia’s books will be available for purchase at the event, as will paperback copies of my Love & Music Suite: Spin the Block, Never the Right Time, and More Than Friends. A booksigning will follow the seated program. 

Got a question you’d like me to ask Tia Williams? Submit it here.

Click the button below to reserve your ticket.

DATE: 02/12/2025

TIME: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

PLACE: Reynolds Place Theatre (inside Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts), 251 North Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

“Romance for Rebuilding”  is an online auction dedicated to supporting the Altadena homeowners who lost their homes in the recent fire. This event celebrates the power of love, community, and storytelling by featuring books from some of the most talented Black romance authors out there.

This auction is to help rebuild Altadena, a historical community, that is home to middle and working-class Black families, and has been for generations. All proceeds go directly to assisting families as they rebuild their lives and homes.

Help make a difference, one story at a time.

Place your bid by clicking the button below.

Bidding ends on Monday, February 3rd!

Here’s Why Readers are Absolutely Loving MORE THAN FRIENDS!

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Have you read Toby and Leilani’s friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, More Than Friends? I’m so excited for you to read their story of love, friendship, and support. And I’m thrilled with the early feedback from readers. Here’s what readers are saying:

“Reese Ryan packs a lot of characterization and plot into More Than Friends, and it’s a real page turner in the best ways. An excellent read!” ~ F. Chen

“This series has been so good. I love reading the growth Lei went through.” ~ TLW

“I learned so much about ADHD and it was eye opening and educational. This book made me laugh and cry. Fantastic book!” ~ Avidrdrswil1

“Loved this couple, loved, loved, loved Toby.” ~ Vilma A.

In case you missed it, I shared Chapter One and Chapter Two of More Than Friends last week. Get your copy of Toby and Leilani’s story in e-book, paperback, or through Kindle Unlimited by clicking below. 

If you’ve already read the book, thank you so much for buying and reading it! If you enjoyed it, I’d love it if you shared your honest review on your favorite review site. 

Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?

Leilani

Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue destination wedding and a petty prank by his scheming ex and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

Toby

For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.

She’s nothing he wants. And everything he needs. 

Preston: I’m Mr. Serious, the guy they call “all work and no play.” So of course my grandfather’s sadistic will has put me in charge of fun at the family’s wedding resort. I have just a few weeks to come up with an all-ages activities program for the resort’s guests—or lose my family’s land forever. Meanwhile, the clock’s ticking at my finance firm, where I’m up for a huge promotion—if I can prove I’m a team player.

Worse, I have to work with the reigning queen of fun, Natalie Archer. If there’s a party, Natalie’s there, and she’s the one dancing on the tables. She doesn’t think much of my suits, ties, cufflinks, and spreadsheets, and I don’t think much of her fun-first–safety-last attitude. But for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about her gorgeous curves, wild curly hair, or sparkling smile. I’m a man who values self-control—and I’m running low. 

Natalie launches Operation Fun to help me loosen up and win the promotion I’ve been chasing. Now we’re spending days and nights together—and learning that some activities are a lot of fun for both of us. But as our deadline approaches and our collaboration heats up, Natalie and I find ourselves asking a big question: Opposites may attract, but can they live happily ever after? 

A spicy, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, enemies to lovers, billionaire hero standalone romantic comedy set in the beloved small town of Rush Creek.

Three songs from the MORE THAN FRIENDS playlist I’m obsessed with!

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How was your week? Mine was a bit up and down. I spent a lot of downtime enjoying my snow days by mostly hanging out in bed and reading or bingeing television. That tiny voice in the back of my head reminded me that I have books to plot and write. Still, it was nice giving myself a small break between writing More Than Friends and the super secret project I’m working on next.

How was your weather this past week? Did you do something fun? Let me know here. 

Today, I’m sharing the playlist for Toby and Leilani’s friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, More Than Friends. I make playlists for every book I write. But the playlists are so much more meaningful in my Love & Music series, which follows the romantic and career adventures of music industry alumni of a school of the arts in Atlanta. 

Leilani is a session singer who has a thing for classic jazz. Toby is the VP of A&R at a record label, and he’s obsessed with the Neo Soul music era. The full playlist reflects both eras with a few current songs thrown in that spoke to me when I was writing this story. Here are three songs I was a little obsessed with while writing More Than Friends.

This was one of the first songs that popped in my head once I realized that Toby adored the Neo Soul era of music as much as I do. Erykah Badu is one of my favorite artists of this subgenre. This song, which is on the soundtrack for the movie Brown Sugar (a friends-to-lovers romantic comedy), is a long-time fave.

I was seriously obsessed with the album Songs in A Minor when Alicia Keys first burst onto the scene. (Yep, totally dating myself here.) The song is an ode to the fluttery sensation you get when you realize you have feelings for someone. It’s one of my favorite songs on the album. And it fit the vibe of Toby and Leilani’s story. They’ve been best friends for more than half their lives. But suddenly, they each experience a reawakening of past feelings.

This is one of the few songs on the playlist that fits neither the Neo Soul nor classic jazz theme. But I was obsessed with this song about an admittedly flawed person who is looking for someone who will love and appreciate them, warts and all. The moment I heard it, I knew it was right for Leilani’s story. She is keenly aware of her quirks and failings. But she hopes to eventually find someone who truly appreciates what she brings to the relationship and will love her despite her flaws.

Click either playlist graphic or scan the QR Codes for the complete More Than Friends playlist. 

In case you missed it, I shared Chapter One and Chapter Two of More Than Friends. Get your copy of Toby and Leilani’s story in e-book, paperback, or through Kindle Unlimited by clicking below. Try listening to the More Than Friends playlist while you read the story.

And if you’ve already read the book, thank you so much for buying and reading it! If you enjoyed it, I’d love it if you shared your honest review on your favorite review site. 

Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?

Leilani

Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue destination wedding and a petty prank by his scheming ex and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

Toby

For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.

MORE THAN FRIENDS is available now! + Read Chapter Two!

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Happy Toby and Leilani Day!

One long overdue destination wedding, a petty prank by his scheming ex, and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

👩🏿‍❤️‍👨🏾 Best friends-to-lovers⁣
💙♥️ Second-chance romance
👰🏾🤵🏾‍♂️ Destination wedding, only one bed 🛏
🍩 Cinnamon roll
🧠🌈♾ FMC has undiagnosed ADHD
🫢 MMC has a huge secret

Get MORE THAN FRIENDS in e-book, paperback, or read in Kindle Unlimited.

I can’t wait for you to meet these long-time best friends who discover there is far more than just friendship between them. And if you’ve been keeping up with the Love & Music Suite series, you’ll get a chance to catch up with Ward, Karris, Ced, and Nikki, too. 

Yesterday, I shared a sneak peek of Chapter One. Keep scrolling for a preview of Chapter Two. Then click below to get your copy in e-book, paperback, or through Kindle Unlimited.

Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?

Leilani

Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue destination wedding, a petty prank by his scheming ex, and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

Toby

For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.

Content Notes

MORE THAN FRIENDS deals with a variety of issues that may be difficult for some readers. Please note that this story deals with the following:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • ADHD
  • Prison / Justice system
  • Physical abuse discussed
  • Explicit language
  • Explicit love scenes

Each of these topics is dealt with in an informed and deliberate manner. However, some readers may prefer not to read a romance that deals with such heavy, real-life issues.

“Brunch with your parents today was a little intense,” I say as we make our way to her car after we say goodbye to her parents.

“You’re always so diplomatic.” Leilani frowns. “You can just say what we both already know. It was a complete shit show. My mother was in rare form today.”

“Why?” I don’t bother disagreeing.

“I don’t know.” Lei shrugs, going for the passenger door of the black BMW X1 hybrid SUV her parents gifted her. “But would you mind driving?”

“Something must’ve triggered her.” I hop into the driver’s seat, start the engine, and back out of the parking space. “That was a lot, even for her.”

“Daddy is always making excuses for her,” Leilani gripes. “But he says she’s super stressed at her job these days. Personally, I think what triggered the whole ‘you need to do something with your life, Leilani’ conversation was me going on and on about Ced and Nikki getting married and about how both of their careers have blown up.”

Leilani shakes her head and groans.

“Here I was all excited about the amazing things happening for our friends. Instead of being happy for them, too, my mother uses it as ammunition against me. To remind me of how much better my life could and should be right now.” Leilani sighs heavily as she stares out the window, the back of her head facing me. “When am I going to learn?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Lei. You should be able to share things like that with your mom. Maybe your dad is right about the job getting to her.”

We’ve got a few hours before our next scheduled event of the day—Cedrick and Nikki’s engagement party. So I’m headed toward the luxury condo in Midtown that Lei’s parents gifted her a few months ago, insisting it’s an investment property they’ll rent out when Lei’s in New York. So far, Leilani and I are the only people who’ve ever stayed there.

“All the more reason why I’m conflicted about the idea of moving back to Atlanta.” She huffs, turning toward me again. “You know I love my parents. I am the ultimate daddy’s girl. But I just don’t know if I want to live in the same city with them again. I can’t take the judgment and constant feeling of being a disappointment. The pressure…” She turns almost fully sideways in her seat now. “You realize that the truck, the condo, they’re gifts meant to A: guilt me into moving back to Atlanta and B: make me less likely to push back on all of my mother’s pressure to be or do something else with my life.”

“You could’ve turned them down.” I play Devil’s advocate.

“Then I would’ve been the bratty, ungrateful daughter who doesn’t appreciate that my parents are self-made millionaires who both came from nothing and fought and scraped for every penny they have now.” She sighs heavily. “My mother is still mad I didn’t want to get matching fur coats from Konstantine.”

“I remember that.” I scratch my beard. “It wasn’t pretty.”

“That’s an understatement.” She laughs bitterly.

Leilani didn’t feel comfortable wearing a fur. Mrs. Stephens proceeded to drag her like she was her opponent in a courtroom, insisting she was being a hypocrite because she owned leather bags and shoes and still ate meat.

Leilani went vegan for about three months. Then she couldn’t take it anymore. One weekend she came to visit me in LA, and I swear the girl ate every box of chicken and plate of ribs she could find.

“You know what, I’m being ridiculous whining about my rich girl problems right now.” She takes a deep breath and tries to shake off the conversation. “I’m just glad we get some time to hang out before the engagement party tonight. I haven’t seen you much since you and Renita got together, so I’m glad you’re here. But I’m surprised she didn’t come with you to Ced and Nikki’s engagement party. And that she signed off on you staying at my place for the weekend.”

“About that…” I focus on the road ahead, but I can’t help noticing how Lei’s head snaps in my direction.

“I knew it!” She shakes a finger in my direction, like I’ve been holding out on her.

“You knew what?”

“I knew something was up with you and Ren, the psychotic chihuahua,” she says, referencing the classic Nickelodeon cartoon, The Ren & Stimpy Show.

Bingeing classic cartoons and sci-fi shows are Lei’s idea of a comfort watch whenever she’s stressed or in avoidance mode.

Usually, I tell Leilani to back off and give Ren a chance. But right now, I’m not so sure my best friend wasn’t right about her all along.

“The last few times we talked, you just sounded… I don’t know… weird. Like you weren’t happy but you didn’t want me to say…”

“I told you so?” I glance over at her briefly. “Still don’t.”

“Okay, I won’t.” Lei gives me her full attention. “But you have to admit that while I might be absolutely horrible at identifying shitty men, my crazy bitch radar is always on point. Takes one to know one.”

“You are not a crazy bitch,” I say. “Yes, you’re wild as fuck sometimes, but I happen to appreciate that about you.”

“And I appreciate the fact that you always come to my defense. Even if you’re defending me from me.” She grins and I do, too. After a few minutes of silence between us, she says, “Look, maybe I wasn’t a fan of ol’ girl. But I am your biggest fan, and you liked her. So I’m sorry things didn’t work out. What happened exactly? Unless you’d rather not discuss it.”

“Honestly? Everything just started moving way too fast for me. Less than two months in, and she’d pretty much moved herself in.”

“No! You never told me that.”

“Because I knew you’d say I should pump the brakes and you’d be right. But at the time, things were going really well, so I didn’t want to rock the boat. I had a lot of industry events to attend, and Renita loved that. But in the quiet moments when there wasn’t some gala to attend, I started to realize how little we had in common. Things kind of fell off the rails from there. I went from looking forward to coming home to her to avoiding home and looking for reasons to travel for work.”

“So that’s why you’ve been on the road so much.” Leilani places a gentle hand on my shoulder.

I try to ignore the electricity that flows up my arm. I can’t help wondering if she feels it too or if I’m living in this torturous delusion all alone.

She’s looking at me expectantly, so I clear my throat and continue because I know she wants the full tea on the implosion of my relationship.

“We were both miserable. It wasn’t fair to either of us, so I sat her down and stated the obvious. That this wasn’t working. She didn’t appreciate it when I ended it and asked her to move out of my crib. Like she really, really didn’t appreciate it.”

My jaw tenses as I recall the full-on tantrum she threw that became the talk of my usually quiet street in Grenada Hills where the most exciting thing that happens is watching the paint dry on a recent reno. I’m a low-key, no drama kind of guy. So I was pissed when Renita made a scene like she was auditioning for a fucking Tyler Perry movie.

“Do I need to pay ol’ girl a visit?” Leilani punches a fist against her open palm like some bully in an eighties film.

That’s when I realize the way she’s wearing her natural hair pulled into a messy top bun with the loose curls flowing down around the sides looks a lot like how Sho’Nuff, the bully in the campy eighties classic The Last Dragon, wore his. And now I can’t unsee it, and I can’t stop laughing.

“What is it?” she asks.

“I swear, if you ask me if you’re the meanest, prettiest, baddest mofo lowdown around this town, I’m gonna have to pull over.” I’m laughing so hard my cheeks and my stomach hurt.

Not an uncommon occurrence anytime I’m with Leilani.

“Hey, I’m way more Bruce Leroy than I am Sho’Nuff.” She jabs a finger in my bicep and it only makes me laugh more. “But if I’m being honest… I kind of channeled Sho’Nuff today when I got dressed for brunch with my mom.” She indicates the red sundress she’s wearing.

I dissolve into a deep belly laugh and so does she. Somehow, I’m able to keep it together enough to drive, though I’m laughing so hard I’m wiping tears from my eyes. Finally, our laughter dies down and I sigh, getting serious again.

“I appreciate you being ready to suit up for me. But it’s all good. Ending it was the right thing for both of us. Renita probably realizes that now, too. Not everyone gets their happy ending like Ced and Nikki.”

“I’m sorry things didn’t work out this time, Tobe. I know you want to get married and have a family someday.” Lei smiles softly. “And you will. Just because Renita wasn’t the one, it doesn’t mean the girl of your dreams isn’t out there.” She strokes my arm with her thumb. “I know she is.”

I stare at my friend as her car idles at a light. I can’t help thinking about how beautiful and amazing she is. She’s the one person on earth who can always make me laugh, no matter what else might be happening in my life. And she is always ready to ride at dawn for me whenever she feels I’ve been wronged.

There’s no one in the world I love or trust more than Lei.

If I had to sum up in a single sentence why things didn’t work out between Renita and me, it would be because she wasn’t Leilani.

Lei and I have been just friends for nearly two decades. But lately, I find myself comparing every woman I get involved with to her. I’m not even sure when it began, and I’m not doing it consciously. Still, I am doing it. And more often now it’s thoughts of Leilani that fill my head.

I’ll be standing at the office printer grinning like a loon and lost in thought over some crazy shit she did or said a day or two earlier.

“I know she’s out there, too,” I say finally, pulling off when the impatient driver behind me honks her horn.

I know most people don’t get a second chance to get it right, like Ced and Nikki did. But sometimes I wonder if that could ever be us.

Read Chapter One of MORE THAN FRIENDS!

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First, I hope you and yours are safe and well. With fires raging in California and winter weather on the way for many of us, I’d love to hear from you, so please check in and let me know that you’re okay . I’ll be heading out shortly to get a few supplies before the storm hit tomorrow.

Tomorrow is release day for More Than Friends! So I’ll be holed up here with my fireplace raging, burrowed beneath a pile of blankets, hoping we maintain power. But I’ll also be doing some fun posts and giveaways in the Coffee, Cupcakes, and Contemporaries group here. So feel free to join us on Friday.

In the meantime, keep reading for a sneak peek of Chapter One. Chapter Two is coming tomorrow.

GRAB IT HERE

Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?

Leilani
Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue wedding, a couple bottles of champagne, a few too many shots, and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

Toby
For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.

Leilani

“Leilani, dear, we can hear you.” My mother lightly taps her diamond-studded ear. Her voice is low and syrupy sweet. Her big, round eyes—which mirror my own—dart around Toast on Lennox in Midtown Atlanta, where we’re eating brunch. “No need to broadcast your business to the entire restaurant.”

“Yes, ma’am.” My face and neck burn as hot as the surface of the sidewalk on this Sunday afternoon on Labor Day weekend.

All my life, I’ve been told that I’m too much. Too loud. Too bold. Too high strung. Yet somehow I’m all of that while also managing to never be quite enough. Just ask anyone.

The teachers who told me how smart I was and how far I could go if only I’d apply myself a little more. The jobs I got but could never stick with because I found them overwhelming, I was bored out of my skull, or I tried to whoop the manager’s ass for being shitty to me or a co-worker one too many times. The vocal teachers who swore I could be the next big thing if only I was a little more disciplined. Or my parents: Dr. James Stephens and Barbara Stephens, Esquire.

He’s a podiatrist to the stars—athletes, mostly. She’s a lawyer for an elite investment firm. Neither of them would’ve chosen session singer as the career they imagined for their only child. In fact, they spent my entire childhood debating whether I should become a doctor or a lawyer. College dropout definitely wasn’t on the menu. But what can I say? I’m an off-the-menu kind of girl.

I’m the polar opposite of my high-achieving, stop-making-excuses-and-just-get-it-done parents. I’m also the complete opposite of my best friend, Tobias Hanlon. We were Peachtree School of the Arts’ very own Odd Couple. He’s neat, organized, and fastidious, as my mother loves to say, while I’m “chaos personified.” Also, a direct quote from my mom.

Toby, whom I dragged to this brunch with my parents, is seated beside me in a matching green velvet chair. He squeezes my thigh beneath the table, and it shakes me from my daze to find everyone looking at me expectantly.

“Uh… yes?” I say, since the three of them are obviously waiting for me to say something.

Maybe my mother asked me for the hundredth time when I’m going to get serious about my life, settle down, and give them grandchildren.

“Aren’t you going to finish your story, baby girl?” My father forks a generous piece of his jumbo lump crab cake and dips it into the garlic aioli sauce before lifting it to his mouth.

I watch with envy as he takes a bite. His entire face lights up as he savors the morsel.

“Story?” I look down at my own plate. As much as I adore the Strawberry Shortcake French Toast here, suddenly I’m in the mood for something more savory than sweet.

“Yes, darling,” my mother says. To her credit, I can tell she’s doing her best not to lose her patience. “You were telling us a story about when you were in the studio the other day…”

“Studio?” My mind is on Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and garlic aioli sauce. Or maybe Fried Catfish and Grits. Also, I’m not one hundred percent sure I turned off my garment steamer after I steamed this linen sundress which looks more wrinkled now, after an hour of wear, than it did before I steamed it.

“You were telling your parents about your conversation with Ced and Ward about working with more of their artists at Peachtree Records,” Toby offers with an encouraging smile. The kind that hits you down deep and you can’t help smiling, too.

I’m reminded of all the reasons I love this man… as my best friend, not as more than friends. We’ve been there and done that. The love connection didn’t work out. At sixteen, they rarely do. Instead, we became besties for life. And I couldn’t ask for a better best friend.

Toby Hanlon is my ride or die, and I don’t play about him. As more than one of his two-timing exes discovered the hard way.

“Right.” I broaden my smile, though I can’t help stealing glances of my father throwing down on that crab cake. “What Toby said.”

“That’s it? That’s the entire story?” My mother puts down her fork and delicately dabs the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “I thought you were going to say they offered you a deal like Karris and Nikki.”

My eyes drift closed momentarily. I take a deep breath and count to five in my head. Then I cock my head and force a smile.

“I’m a session singer, Mom. That means I provide background vocals and harmonies and occasionally features on other artists’ projects. Tour with them sometimes. But always on a contract basis.” I speak slowly, carefully enunciating each word as I try to strain the annoyance and resentment from my voice.

Despite being labeled a rebel, I’m a Southern girl who was raised to respect my elders. And I live with the very real fear that my late maternal grandmother Fannie Alexander would rise out of her final resting place back in Panama and whoop my ass for being disrespectful to my mama.

“I’m aware of what a session vocalist does, darling. My point is that you’ve been doing it for quite some time. Don’t you want more than that at this point in your life, sweetheart?” There’s a hint of desperation in my mother’s voice.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with being a session singer,” my father quickly jumps in, waving the piece of crab cake on his fork as he speaks, sending the savory scent in my direction. “After all, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Whitney Houston… they all started off as background singers, too.”

“They also actually wanted to be lead singers. I don’t.” I stare at my father’s plate. I tear my gaze away to meet my mother’s again. “I love singing background vocals and harmonies, and sometimes writing a few lyrics,” I add.

“But you have such a beautiful voice, Leilani,” my mother objects.

“Voice like an angel.” My father beams, taking another bite of his crab cake.

“She does.” Toby’s deep, sexy voice and broad smile calm my rising irritation and the panicky feeling of a cat being backed into a corner. “Lei’s vocals and input add texture and layers to a song. She’s helped turn several good songs into chart-topping, award-winning songs. What she does is mostly behind the scenes, but it makes a huge impact. That’s why she’s so in-demand right now. But if she accepts Peachtree’s offer to work with more of their artists, that means she’ll be spending a lot more time back here in Atlanta.”

“You mean we’d get to see a whole lot more of our baby girl?” my dad asks excitedly. “Well, we certainly can’t be mad about that, now can we, Barbie?”

We all turn to look at my mother. Because the only thing she bugs me about more than getting serious about my life and giving her grandbabies is the fact that she wishes I’d come home to visit more often.

“Well, I mean… of course, having you home more often would be nice.”

My mother, who is a shark at the negotiation table is now stumbling and stuttering. I can’t lie, I’m kind of enjoying it.

“Does that mean you’ll be ditching your overpriced apartment in New York and moving back home?” My mother picks up her fork and spears a few roasted potatoes and pops them into her mouth.

Just like that, the goodwill and happy feelings have evaporated like morning fog.

“The industry is growing here in Atlanta,” Toby interjects as he takes my hand, balled into a fist beneath the table. “But New York is still the center of the industry with LA being a close second.”

“It’s too bad you didn’t choose LA, baby girl. Then at least I’d know Toby was there to look out for you,” Dad grumbles.

“Then she’d be twice as far away,” Mom complains.

“But at least she’d have someone we trust looking after her.” Dad’s voice is tight and his nostrils flare.

“First of all, I’m thirty-five. I can take care of myself.” Barely, but I don’t add that part. “Second, Toby does look out for me. All the time. Even though we live on opposite coasts. Just like you and your sorors look out for each other even though you’re scattered all over the country.”

My mother sucks her teeth and gives me a side-eye, her mouth twisted. A concession that I’ve won this round, but we’ll be coming back to it soon.

Toby squeezes the hand that’s no longer balled into a fist and I squeeze his back, grateful he agreed to come to brunch with me.

GET YOUR COPY HERE

What I’m Reading + Cowgirl & Tech Genius + Cavalcade of Authors 2025.

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How has your week been? The temperature here in Central North Carolina has been extremely chilly, so our fireplace has been working overtime. What’s the weather like where you are?

If you’re looking for something to read this weekend, and you haven’t read my Dynasties: Willowvale Springs collaboration with author Jules Bennett, great news! Working With Her Crush, my cowgirl and tech genius romance, which is the first book in the series, is just $2.99. I love this small town romance between former childhood friends who have very different ideas about what should happen to the horse ranch she’s worked on for most of her life. 

Click below to grab your copy while the e-book sale lasts. Read on to discover more.

It’s been a weird few weeks for me. I’ve done a TON of writing. Nearly 60,000 words in a month which is more than insane for me. But to balance out that level of intense output, I’ve also watched a lot of movies and read more books in a week than I’d read the previous few months. Here are a few of the books I’ve been reading:

Sinnamon & Golds by Lady Marie was a quick, fun ride. I literally read the entire thing while taking an extra long bubble bath. The book is set at Thanksgiving (the day I actually read it). It was steamy and messy with lots of family drama. This was my first Lady Marie book, but I’ve already downloaded my next one.

Ares by Asia Monique and Eros by Stephanie Nicole Norris, the Love and War series, has been sitting on my Kindle for the longest. I finally made time to read them. Ares is the soft and fluffy read with a romance between a sunshiney, star-gazing, geek girl scientist and a grumpy club co-owner whose father is the mayor of Houston. I loved this couple and watching him fall for her so quickly. Eros is the more amiable of the two brothers, but his story is anything but soft and fluffy. This one brings the drama with a capital D. The heroine is part of a dangerous underworld and begins the story by challenging the current leader of the shadowy organization in a fight to the death. You’ll need a strong stomach because you can practically feel the blows in these well-written fight scenes. But if you love reading about alpha men who will do whatever it takes to protect the women they love, these two authors have got you.

The Arranged Hearts Series is an author collaboration of stories about couples who are tired of the dating scene and choose to go through an agency that finds the perfect match for them. The catch is they won’t meet that perfect match until the two of them are standing at the altar. So far I’ve read Surrender by Kimberly Brown—a new favorite author, Passion by Monica Walters, and I just started Allure by Iesha Bree. Next up are Desire by Kay Shanee, Tension by C. Monet, and Embrace by Mya. I’m loving this series, and can’t wait to finish it.

West Investigations Series by K.D. Richards has been a favorite of mine since the release of Book One: Pursuit of Justice. I read and loved the first several books, then started to fall behind on this now 12-book-long ongoing series. But I just finished A Stalker’s Prey and just started Under Lock and Key. If you like romantic thrillers, I highly recommend the series. But note that this particular imprint goes hard with the crime/thriller elements and the heat level is much lower. But K.D. does a great job of keeping both the story tension and the romantic tension between the characters going throughout.

Books I Hope to Read Sooner Than Later

 Like You Like That by Kayla Gross has been on my TBR forever. So I’m really hoping to get this one read before the end of the year. 

One Bed by Joss Wood is a forced proximity story (one of my Top 5 romance tropes), which will be available as an audiobook and e-book on New Year’s Eve. Joss is an author friend I’ve collaborated with on several Harlequin series. I love her voice and stories, so I’m looking forward to this one.

Save the Date for this amazing event happening in Chicago in October 2025. The Cavalcade of Authors event will coincide with the Ultimate Women’s Expo and features celebrities like Brandy, Keke Palmer, Loni Love, Hillary Duff, Melissa Gilbert, Susan Lucci, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jackeé, Sandra Lee, Valerie Bertinelli, Holly Robinson Peete, Fran Drescher, Tamar Braxton and so many more. That’s in addition to rock star authors like Reshonda Tate and so many of your current and soon-to-be faves. Find out more about the Ultimate Women’s Expo here. Get your tickets for the Cavalcade of Authors which includes admission to both days of the Ultimate Women’s Expo by clicking the button below.