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Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

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Books

PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION Paperback available today

June 20, 2017 by ReeseRyan

Peeking my head out of my writing cave to share some exciting news.

PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION by Reese Ryan

Today I’m hunkered down in my writing cave where I’m busy working on another looming deadline. (Stay tuned for a future announcement about that!) But I wanted to give you a sneak peek of my second chance romance Playing with Temptation. This second book in my Pleasure Cove series hits bookstore shelves today.

Here’s the story:

A love for all time

North Carolina pro footballer Nate Johnston built his reputation on talent, drive and good sportsmanship. But a devastating recent loss derails his team’s shot at winning the championship…and Nate’s career when a compromising video goes viral. In need of a miracle, the star wide receiver feels ambushed when his brother enlists media consultant Kendra Williams to do damage control. The reignited desire for the woman he once wanted to spend forever with can only cause Nate deeper heartache.

Walking away from the man she loved seven years ago is the biggest regret of Kendra’s life. Now her son needs a closer relationship with his father…and Kendra needs to win back Nate’s trust. After breaking his heart, repairing his career is the least she can do to help save his dream. Powerful passion still smolders between them, tempting the former lovers to move beyond their painful past. Will the emergence of a jealous ex with a vicious revenge scheme sabotage their second chance at a future and a family that’s almost within reach?

Here’s a taste of the story:

Nate Johnston entered the private dining room at his favorite seafood restaurant and froze, his expensive Italian loafers rooted to the floor.

The ghost of relationships past.

Kendra didn’t need to turn around for him to recognize the woman he’d once shared his bed with; the mother of his six-year-old son. He sensed her presence—like something warm wiggling beneath his skin—the instant he stepped into the room.

Nate was in the midst of the biggest crisis of his eight-year-long professional football career. Why would his brother invite him to dinner with the woman who shattered his heart seven years ago?

“Glad you’re here, Nate. Have a seat.” His brother Marcus indicated the seat next to Kendra.

Nate narrowed his gaze at his brother and took the seat beside him instead. “You asked me to meet you for dinner to discuss the situation.”

As if Kendra and every other sports network viewer hadn’t seen the grainy cell phone footage of him in a club, after a few drinks, ripping his teammates to shreds following the ass-whipping they’d endured at the hands of their division rivals. A devastating loss that put the brakes on the Memphis Marauders play-off run for the third year in a row.

The video had been edited to make him look like the villain. It didn’t include him detailing how his own mistakes—a dropped pass and a costly fumble—had contributed to the loss.

“That’s why she’s here.” Marcus’s response was terse. As Nate’s sports agent, Marcus’s job had become ten times harder since the tape hit the airwaves that morning.

“Hello, Nate.” Kendra’s apologetic smile indicated she knew something he didn’t.
Nate’s attention was drawn to her expressive face. How did she manage to get more beautiful every time he saw her?

Head full of short, dark curls. Sheen on high blast. Style on point. Body-hugging knit dress in his favorite color on her—Marauders blue. The color perfectly contrasted the expanse of smooth brown skin exposed by the neckline of her dress.

An uneasy feeling crawled up his spine. Nate turned to his brother. “What do you mean that’s why she’s here?”

(Order your copy today.)

Prefer a digital copy of the book? Pre-order your e-book here. 🙂

Got a question or comment about Playing with Temptation or any other story? Would you like to request that I attend or participate in a chat about this book or another of my available titles? Email me here. I love hearing from readers!

Happy reading!

Filed Under: Books, Excerpts, News, Playing with Temptation, Pleasure Cove Tagged With: north carolina romance, Playing with Temptation, Pleasure Cove, Reese Ryan, second-chance romance, small town romance, sports romance

Author News: Hope to see you in Cary, LA, Atlanta, Greensboro or Durham

April 19, 2017 by ReeseRyan

Check Out These Romance Reader Events and Book Festivals Happening Across the Country!

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

If you enjoy reading romantic fiction as much as I do, you could probably easily spend hours (or days) with your head buried in books, not speaking to a solitary soul. Writers of romance find themselves in a similar situation. Heads bent over the computer and fingers flying across the keys. Our heads buried in novels and craft books as much as our schedules will allow.

Reading and writing can be very solitary activities. However, in the last few years, I’ve discovered the joy of getting out and meeting other readers and writers–my tribe.

If you’re an avid reader of romance, they’re probably your tribe, too. A little more than a week ago I had the privilege of leading off a panel discussion on writing contemporary romance. The other participating authors? Talented and prolific authors Samantha Chase and Marquita Valentine. Yep, still pinching myself that I got to be counted with these two fabulous authors.

North Carolina authors Reese Ryan, Samantha Chase and Marquita Valentine

During the next month and beyond I’ll also be participating in several more reader events, listed below:

  • Celebrating Our Local Stars of Romance Fiction at the Barnes & Noble in Cary, North Carolina on Friday, April 21st at 7 PM
  • Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the USC University Park Campus on April 22-23. I’m a panelist in the Romance: I’m Too Sexy for This Book conversation.
  • RT Booklovers Convention in Atlanta, Georgia from May 2-7
  • Make a Date with Harlequin Booksigning (at RT) on Thursday, May 4th at 8:30 – 9:45 AM
  • North Carolina Romance Writers Festival on May 28th from 2-5 PM
  • Lights! Camera! Action! Girls Night Out on August 25th 6 – 10 PM
  • Lights! Camera! Action! Arts Festival on August 26th 10 – 5 PM
  • Believable Characters / Secondary Characters Writers Workshop on October 14th 9 AM to 4PM — tentative date & time, Washington, NC

I’m thrilled to be participating in these events. In addition to booksignings there will be lively discussions about the romance genre and its impact on us as readers. So if you’re local to (or an easy drive from) one of these events, I hope you’ll come out and join us.

Join us on Friday, April 21st in Cary, NC to celebrate our wealth of local romance authors!

One more thing…

Thank you if you read Playing with Desire, Playing by the Rules or Baby Be Mine and were kind enough to leave a review. If you’ve enjoyed any of these stories and haven’t already, I’d love it if you’d leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, iTunes or Harlequin. This helps other readers find them, too.

One last thing…

Next month I’ll be running my second quarter giveaway, and it’s going to be a good one, so stay tuned for that email in the coming weeks!

Happy Reading!

Filed Under: Author Events, Doing, News, Playing by the Rules, Playing by the Rules -- Book 1, Playing with Desire -- Book 1, Pleasure Cove, Reader Events, What I'm... Tagged With: Barnes and Noble, LA Festival of Books, Marquita Valentine, Reese Ryan, RT Booklovers Convention 2017, Samantha Chase

Free Reads, Release Day Fun, Prizes and a Pampered Reader Giveaway

February 28, 2017 by ReeseRyan

Tomorrow is a big day for me. March 1st is my birthday and the official release date for Playing with Desire, the first book in my new Pleasure Cove series with Harlequin Kimani Romance.

Playing with Desire by Reese Ryan -- Pleasure Cove Book #1

I’m so excited to share this new series with you! To celebrate the big day, I’m saying thank you to readers with giveaways and goodies.

First up, if you haven’t already read it, my short story Baby Be Mine is available in its entirety as a free read here on ReeseRyan.com and on Harlequin.com.

Here’s the skinny on this Valentine’s Day romance–an introduction to the world of my Pleasure Cove series:

When Mitchell Johnston returns to Pleasure Cove for the holidays, he finally gives in to his long-held passion for Monique James–his best friend’s flirtatious little sister. But after their memorable night together, they’re torn apart by the revelation of secrets and lies. Will the unexpected consequences of their night together finally lead them to the love they’ve been longing for?

Just click one of the links above to read the entire story on the site of your choice or via your smartphone using the Harlequin Book Breaks app.

Now for my Pampered Reader Giveaway!

Pampered Reader Giveaway by Reese Ryan

Join my Playing with Desire Release Day Party on Facebook tomorrow night from 7-8 PM Eastern for a chance to win my Pampered Reader Giveaway which includes:

  • An OliaDesign Diary String Key Leather Bound Notebook
  • A full-size Early-Harvest Raspberry Body Butter from The Body Shop
  • An Everyday Luxe Peony Gardens Home Fragrance Candle

There will be fun, games, music and prizes offered by authors like Deborah Fletcher Mello and Joy Avery. Don’t miss out on the party. RSVP now for this interactive online event. Then join us tomorrow evening for a chance to win more prizes.

Happy reading!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.
Please note: Physical prizes sent to U.S. mailing addresses only. International winners are eligible for a gift card instead.

Filed Under: Author Events, Free Reads, Giveaways, News, Playing with Desire -- Book 1, Pleasure Cove, Reader Events, Release Party Tagged With: #ReaderGiveaway, Deborah Fletcher Mello, Facebook party, giveaway, Harlequin, Joy Avery, Kimani Romance, Playing with Desire, Pleasure Cove, Reader Contests, reader events

Baby Be Mine Goes Live + Playing with Temptation Cover Reveal

January 23, 2017 by ReeseRyan

I’ve got so much good news to share with y’all. Seriously! After three years of writing, planning, and plotting that didn’t include a single book release, this year I’m coming at you with seven releases.

Yes, I said SEVEN.

Check out the graphic below and stay tuned for news of an eighth, super-secret project I’m working on as we speak.

First up…

Baby Be Mine is Now Live

Baby Be Mine, a free, serial novelette, begins TODAY on Harlequin’s Extras site. One chapter of the serial will drop each weekday for four weeks. So go back daily for the latest installment of the story through February 17th.

Here’s the story:

When Mitchell Johnston returns to Pleasure Cove for the holidays, he finally gives in to his long-held passion for Monique James–his best friend’s flirtatious little sister. But after their memorable night together, they’re torn apart by the revelation of secrets and lies. Will the unexpected consequences of their night together finally lead them to the love they’ve been longing for?

Read it online here now and come back tomorrow for the next chapter. And if you like the story, don’t forget to vote at the bottom of the page.


Playing with Temptation Cover Reveal

Playing with Temptation by Reese Ryan
Now available for pre-order.

I know Pleasure Cove Book #1 hasn’t launched yet, but Book #2 is already on deck and available for pre-order. Here’s the cover for Playing with Temptation, Book #2 in my Pleasure Cove series.

Here’s the story:

When compromising video of a star wide receiver goes viral he must rely on his ex, a savvy media consultant, to help him repair his reputation and secure his last big contract, but keeping their relationship strictly business will be more difficult than either of them imagined.

Pre-order your copy here.


2017 Publication Schedule


Share Your Review of
Playing by the Rules

Have you downloaded your copy of Playing by the Rules? If you enjoyed Hunter and Merrie’s story, please consider sharing a review on your favorite platform—Amazon, iTunes, B&N, Kobo or Goodreads—to help other readers find their story.


Pre-order Playing with Desire

We’re on the countdown! Playing with Desire hits bookstore shelves on February 21st. Buying an electronic version? Pre-order your copy now. It’ll be delivered on my birthday, March 1st.

Lastly, stay tuned for news of the Playing with Desire Facebook & Twitter launch parties, including a chance to win some great prizes.

Happy reading!

Filed Under: Author Events, Books, Cover Reveal, Excerpts, Free Reads, News, Playing with Temptation, Pleasure Cove Tagged With: Baby Be Mine, Free Read, Harlequin, Playing with Temptation, Pleasure Cove, Reese Ryan

Claim Your Advance Copy of PLAYING BY THE RULES

December 28, 2016 by ReeseRyan

via GIPHY

So things for me have been a little crazy. (I know I’ve been saying that all year, but it’s true. Really.) Despite another minor surgery and a few other issues, there has been a lot for me to celebrate in a year that has otherwise been sucky for so many reasons. (RIP George Michael and Carrie Fisher.) Since I inked the four book and holiday novella contract with Harlequin Kimani Romance this past spring, I’ve been offered a few additional opportunities with them. News I’ll be announcing to my VIP Readers soon.

I’ve been busy with my Pleasure Cove series with Kimani–debuting on bookstore shelves on February 21, 2017, my London-based novella series Playing by the Rules and a new short story I’ll share more about soon. However, I’m peeking my head out of my writing cave for another helping of holiday cake and to tell you that at long last, I’m delivering on my promise to give all of my VIP Readers a complimentary copy of Playing by the Rules Book 1. 

Playing by the Rules (Book #1 ) by Reese Ryan

Not currently a VIP Reader? No worries. Claim your free, advance copy of Playing by the Rules and join my VIP Reader list in one simple step over at instaFreebie.

Your advance copy of Playing by the Rules will be available now through January 8th, then it goes on sale at online booksellers on Tuesday, January 10th.

About Playing by the Rules

When Meredith Jane encounters her ex’s elder brother at a saucy Valentine’s Day party for singles, the last thing she expects is to spend “seven minutes in heaven” with him or to discover that he has deep feelings for her.

Hunter Westbrook adored Merrie long before his competitive younger brother asked her out. Now that Merrie’s relationship with his brother has ended, he faces the hardest decision of his life. Will he risk his relationship with his brother and jeopardize the future of their family’s luxury resort empire by pursuing the woman he loves? Or will he suffer in silence to keep peace in the family and risk losing her forever?

Merrie discovers a startling truth: She’s been with the wrong brother all along. But as one of the few women on the management team at her firm, she can ill afford to get caught up in the gossip and scandal sure to come if she chooses to be with Hunter. Nor does she wish to hurt Liam’s family or disappoint her own.

Hunter and Merrie have spent their entire lives playing by other people’s rules. In a society where perception is everything, is true love worth risking everything they’ve worked so hard for?

Claim your free advance copy of Playing by the Rules in your preferred format today.

Filed Under: Books, Free Reads, Playing by the Rules, Playing with Desire -- Book 1, What I'm..., Working On Tagged With: #ReaderGiveaway, Free Reads, indie publishing, Instafreebie, Playing by the Rules -- Book 1, Playing by the Rules series, Reese Ryan

And the winner of my Labor Day Weekend #ReaderGiveaway is…

September 7, 2016 by ReeseRyan

Hi All,

For those of you in the United States, hope you had a fabulous Labor Day weekend!

The past few months have been pretty crazy for me with lots of writing, revisions and travel. It was nice to have a weekend where I got some relaxation in and time with my family. However, I managed to sneak some work in, too.

The Inspire Journal and Colorful Pens -- Reese Ryan VIP #ReaderGiveaway

One of the things I enjoyed doing this weekend was picking out the journal and colorful pen set, pictured above, that will go to the contest winner of my Labor Day weekend giveaway along with a $25 gift certificate. Since I’m a journal and pen junkie, I couldn’t resist getting a set of each for myself. 🙂

Now, with no further ado, I give you the winner of the Reese Ryan 2016 Labor Day weekend #ReaderGiveaway: Sherri Hollister.

Congratulations to Sherri, who is also a writer. This journal is chock-full with creative inspiration and encouraging sayings. I know you’re going to love it, Sherri!

When you love what you have, you have everything you need

If you didn’t win this time, no worries. These journals were so awesome, I bought out the entire stock and I’ll be giving them out quarterly to my awesome, patient VIP readers whom I adore. So look for another opportunity to win during the fourth quarter giveaway in late October or early November.

I’ll be answering some of the excellent reader questions I received during the contest via video right here on the blog. So, be sure to subscribe to my blog (6th block down in right sidebar) to stay tuned to the latest shenanigans and/or connect with me on Instagram or Facebook.

Chase your dreams, you might catch one

Now, this girl has a proposal to write for Book #3 in my Pleasure Cove series and an indie project to edit. Stay tuned for more info on the series and my coming indie release.

Namaste,

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Filed Under: Doing, Giveaways, Playing by the Rules -- Book 1, Pleasure Cove Tagged With: #ReaderGiveaway, Contest winner, Kimani Romance, Playing by the Rules, Playing with Desire, Pleasure Cove, Reese Ryan

Final Day of Labor Day Weekend Giveaway Contest

September 5, 2016 by ReeseRyan

Reese Ryan Labor Day Weekend Giveaway

Today is the last day to enter my Labor Day Weekend giveaway exclusively for my VIP Readers. I’m giving away a lovely journal, a set of colorful pens and a $25 gift card from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes or Starbucks–winner’s choice. If you’re not a VIP Reader already, entry is easy peasy.

  • Step one: Join my VIP Reader mailing list. (See the box on the top of the right sidebar.)
  • Step two, email me and tell me how you spent your summer.
  • For a bonus entry, ask me a question about my new Pleasure Cove series or March 2017 release PLAYING WITH DESIRE.

Please note: This contest is open internationally. However, only the digital gift card will be sent to winners outside of the United States. The physical items will only be shipped within the United States or Canada.

It’s been great connecting with all of you and hearing about how you spent your summer. Readers have posed some excellent questions which I can’t wait to answer in future vlogs, right here on this blog, so stay tuned.

Good luck on your entry and Happy Labor Day!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Playing with Desire -- Book 1 Tagged With: #Giveaways, Harlequin Kimani Romance, Playing with Desire, Pleasure Cove, Reader Contests, Reader giveaway, Reese Ryan

Breaking News from Reese Ryan: A New Publishing Deal

March 11, 2016 by ReeseRyan

The Playing with Bad Boys series has a new name and a new publisher.

A new publishing deal requires a celebratory mug of tea.
Celebratory mug of tea, anyone?

First, let me apologize for being missing in action the past few months. This year has been full of health challenges and there are plans for surgery ahead, but there was some really exciting news, too.

Along the way to indie publish my planned Playing with Bad Boys series, I got an offer for a traditional publishing deal I just couldn’t refuse. So the series is getting a new name which I shared exclusively with my VIP Readers earlier today.

Hop on over to Hot M.A.M.A. Land to get details on why I’ve been Secret Squirrel the past few months , how this unexpected publishing deal came to be and when you can expect to see the first book in the series at your local bookstore.

But before you go, I’m inviting you to a fun reader event I’ll be participating in this fall.

Kianna Alexander’s Fall into Romance Reader Event at Disney World

FallIntoRomanceKianna

Don’t miss an exciting reader event hosted by a fellow Hot M.A.M.A. and Kimani Romance author. Kianna Alexander’s Fall Into Romance reader event is going to be a ton of fun. Join me, Kianna, Cheris Hodges, Piper Huguley, Deborah Fletcher Mello, Farrah Rochon, K.M. Jackson, Te’ Russ, Synithia Williams, Lena Hart, Kaia Danielle and Siera London for fun in sunny Florida as we celebrate romance written by and about women of color.

Join us October 20-24th at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Orlando in Lake Buena Vista for a great reader event celebrating diversity in romance. Plus, there will be plenty of time to get your Disney on. Learn more about this event by visiting the Kianna Alexander Fall into Romance Facebook page. Reserve your spot at the event here.

We’re going to Disney World, y’all! Woo hoo!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Secret Squirrel Over and Out

Filed Under: Doing, Hot M.A.M.A.Land, News, Playing by the Rules -- Book 1, Playing with Desire -- Book 1, Pleasure Cove, Publishing Industry, Share the Journey, The Writing Life, What I'm... Tagged With: Cheris Hodges, Deborah Fletcher Mello, Farrah Rochon, K.M. Jackson, Kaia Danielle, Kianna Alexander, Kimani Romance, Lena Hart, Piper Huguley, Playing by the Rules, Playing with Bad Boys, Pleasure Cove, publishing deal, Reese Ryan, Siera London, Synithia Williams, Te' Russ

Serial Novella Launch: Playing by the Rules

November 6, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Playing by the Rules by Reese Ryan

I’m excited that today is finally the launch of my VIP Reader Lounge where I’ll share free reads and other reader goodies. To kick off the opening of the lounge, today also marks the release of the first installment of Hunter and Merrie’s love story. Playing by the Rules is the prequel to my Playing with Bad Boys series that will launch in early 2016.

Playing by the Rules will be released as a free read to my VIP Readers over the next 12 weeks. The cover is above and the summary is below.

Not on the list? Join my VIP Reader mailing list using the form at the bottom of the post and find out how you can get up to 12 entries in my $25 Gift Card giveaway.

Happy reading!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

 

Summary

After five years and zero commitment, Meredith “Merrie” Jane walked away from her long-term relationship. She wants to be with someone she can start planning her future with. A man who will love her madly and deeply. When she crosses paths with her ex’s brother at a party six months later, the last thing she expects is to discover that he’s been harboring feelings for her and that she has feelings for him, too.

Hunter DeSeau adored Merrie long before his competitive younger brother asked her out. Unable to dismiss his feelings for her, he spent the past year distancing himself from them both. But now that their relationship is over and done, he’s faced with the hardest decision of his life. Break the rules and pursue the woman he wants more than anything in the world or keep putting everyone else’s happiness ahead of his own. 

Merrie has spent her entire life playing by other people’s rules. As she examines her feelings for Hunter, she realizes a startling truth. She’s been with the wrong brother all along. But choosing Hunter means exposing herself to gossip, rumors and hard feelings. In a society where perception is everything, is their love worth the risk?



Filed Under: Free Reads, Giveaways, News, Playing by the Rules -- Book 1, Pleasure Cove Tagged With: Free Reads, Playing by the Rules, Playing with Bad Boys, Reese Ryan

Weekly Wrap Up: The Sun Returns and a Cover Reveal

October 9, 2015 by ReeseRyan

The sun returns to North Carolina.

This has been a busy week. I’ve been working on my novella and it was my turn on both of my group blogs. Earlier this week on the Contemporary Romance Cafe I celebrated the return of the sun to my neck of the woods and shared a little diddy adapted from Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop’s “The Song That Never Ends.” It got stuck in the head of one of my fellow Cafe authors. (Sorry Samantha!)

Over on Hot M.A.M.A. Land today, I’m giving Hot M.A.M.A. readers an early peek at the cover for the free serial novella that will be released to my VIP Readers beginning on Friday, November 6th. (VIP Readers got first reveal last week.) Here’s a portion of the cover.

Sneak Piece of Playing by the Rules Cover

For the full cover and a summary of the story, pop over to Hot M.A.M.A. Land.

And don’t forget, the serial is only free to my VIP Readers. So if you’re not already on the list, get your pass here.

Shine on!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Filed Under: Cover Reveal, Hot M.A.M.A.Land, News, Playing by the Rules -- Book 1, Pleasure Cove Tagged With: Contemporary Romance Cafe, Hot M.A.M.A. Land, Playing by the Rules, Playing with Bad Boys, Reese Ryan

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