Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.
For the past two years I’ve been pondering the development of either an author podcast of YouTube channel. I decided to go with Door #2, and now feels like the right time to feel the fear and do it anyway. So I’ve posted the first video and the channel is here: https://bit.ly/ReeseRyanChannel.
You can watch the video below. Look forward to fun content and collaborations with some of my favorite authors who are likely some of your favorite authors, too.
I hope that you and yours are safe and well during these uncertain times. While necessary, social distancing can be isolating. So be sure to stay in touch with friends, loved ones, fellow readers, and authors who’d love to hear from you. And look for glimmers of light and joy despite all of the sobering news. Today, I’m doing my part to bring you a happy distraction.
I’m thrilled to finally bring you CANDIDLY YOURS, my contribution to the multi-author Carnivale Chronicles series. The common factor in all thirteen stories is the fictional Chi-Flavor Caribbean Carnivale in Chicago, but each story is a standalone.
CANDIDLY YOURS is set in my fictional town of Pleasure Cove, North Carolina. (Look for cameos by familiar characters!) But we’ll travel with Layla and Quincy to various Caribbean carnival celebrations. I enjoyed learning about Caribbean carnival culture and customs in places like Trinidad & Tobago, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
I hope you’ll enjoy the journey, too!
Read an excerpt of the story here. Waiting for a signed paperback copy of the book? Pre-order here. Then stay tuned for an announcement as soon as they are available.
Download your copy of CANDIDLY YOURS on Amazon now or read the story as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Here’s what CANDIDLY YOURS is about:
He’s not looking for anything serious. She doesn’t do flings. But neither of them can deny the sizzling attraction between them.
Layla St. John has the talent, creativity, and drive to start her own clothing line. What the big-hearted entrepreneur lacks is the capital. So when a celebrity photographer offers to connect her with investors if she’ll let him feature her in his photography series about Caribbean carnival culture, it’s a deal she can’t refuse. But Layla can’t help being attracted to the brilliant artist. Too bad he’s her little brother’s former best friend and way too young for her.
Quincy Johnston has spent the past ten years making a name for himself as a photographer and avoiding complicated relationships. But when an impromptu trip to his small hometown, Pleasure Cove, leads to a chance encounter with the woman he’s been crushing on since he was a kid, Quincy gets a taste of the deep connections he’s been missing.
Can Layla and Quincy move past their relationship fears and take a chance on turning their short-term, secret fling into a shot at forever?
Download your copy of CANDIDLY YOURS here or read it in Kindle Unlimited. Then scroll down to check out some of the other Carnivale Chronicles titles.
Be sure to drop me an email to let me know if you’ve ever attended a Caribbean carnival or if it’s one of the things on your bucket list. I’d love to hear about it. And I’d love to hear what you think of Layla and Quincy’s story.
Got a question for me about the content of this newsletter or one of my books or series? Respond to this newsletter with your question/comment and I might even answer via a FB live post.
Happy reading!
Happy Wednesday, Dear Reader!
I hope you are safe and well given the crazy times we’re all experiencing right now. If you’re one of the millions of people who is doing their part to #FlattenTheCurve by #StayingHome, you’ve probably been doing a lot more reading and binge watching your favorite shows.
If you’re looking to add to your TBR list and you haven’t already read Secret Heir Seduction, I’ve got great news. First, Darius and Audra’s story is Frolic Media’s Book of the Week. Check out the review here. Then grab your e-copy of the book now for just $1.99 here.
Need more books for your #StayAtHome TBR list? Harlequin is currently having a sale on many of their March 2020 e-books. So if there is a Harlequin author or imprint you’ve been dying to try, now is the perfect time. Box sets are on sale, too.
Here’s the cover for A Reunion of Rivals—the next title in my Bourbon Brothers family saga. This one is middle brother Max’s story. The story hits shelves on July 1st, but it can be pre-ordered here.
Here’s what the story is about:
Sparks in the boardroom
and the bedroom…
She can’t let anything derail her passion project,
Not even a second chance with the sexiest man alive…
The deal that could bring Quinn Bazemore’s career back from the brink has one catch: she must partner up with her ex-lover Max Abbott. Quinn can’t forget the pleasure-filled summer they shared. But now she’s butting heads over business strategy with the mouthwatering marketing VP, even as their reawakened desire threatens to expose her deepest secrets…
Last summer I announced that I have a brand new small town series in the works with Grand Central Forever. It’s called the Holly Grove Island series and it is set on a fictional island in Outer Banks, North Carolina. Book One of the series is Second Chance on Cypress Lane. The book hits retail shelves on November 24, 2020—just in time for Thanksgiving weekend. You can pre-order your copy here. Here’s what the story is about:
In this heartwarming second-chance romance, a woman returns home and discovers that, when it comes to finding love, there’s no place like home.
When a romance gone wrong lands reporter Dakota Jones in the pages of the tabloids, her rising star crashes and burns. Instead of getting the weekend anchor job she’d been promised, she’s promptly shown the door. Which leaves her one option: return home to lick her wounds, eat lemon meringue pie, and plot her comeback while actively avoiding the man who once broke her heart.
Dexter Roberts made a huge mistake when he walked away from Dakota, and he’s regretted it ever since. So when Dakota returns to Holly Grove Island to regroup and decide what’s next, Dex can’t pass up the opportunity to win back the love of his life. Now he just needs to convince Dakota to give him a second chance.
Includes a bonus story by Annie Rains!
Available for pre-order here now.
During the month of March I’m running an international reader giveaway.
Here’s the giveaway:
For a chance to win, enter here: https://gleam.io/kI…/reese-ryans-march-into-romance-giveaway
And yes, you can enter if you already follow me on BookBub.
Good luck!
I’ve been lax about posting news here. For that I apologize! To keep up with the very latest Reese Ryan news:
The links are listed and the end of the post below.
So here’s the big news: I’ve signed a three-book deal with Grand Central Forever! I’m partnering with the team at Forever to bring you a brand new small town series set in the Outer Banks. Starting Over, the first book in the Holly Grove Island series, comes to you next fall.
Here’s the deal announcement:
Here is a summation of award news from the past two months, originally posted in the newsletter of The Knight Agency, which represents me.
SAVANNAH’S SECRETS by Reese Ryan won the CIMRWA Elevation of Love contest for Contemporary Romance, while ENGAGING THE ENEMY was a New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Finalist. HIS UNTIL MIDNIGHT was nominated in the BRAB (Building Relationships Around Books) Reading Warrior Choice Awards, and Reese was also nominated for the Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year. Finally, Book Riot listed her Bourbon Brothers series as one of 19 of the Best Romance Book Series for Adult Readers.
Courtesy of the Knight Agency
As you can imagine, I have a lot going on right now. But I love hearing from readers. Connect with me via my newsletter or private reader group below.
PS: For the next six months I’ll be treating my newsletter subscribers to one or more free books from some of my author friends every single month. Don’t miss out. Subscribe below.
This winter has been brutal. I’m battling the same cold for the third time, and I’ve been working like crazy to complete my summer 2019 titles. (My publication schedule for 2019 is listed below.) I just turned in my August title. (Woo hoo!) So I’m celebrating with a hot toddy.
What’s on your agenda for the weekend? If you’re looking for a new romance to read, you’re in luck. I have four recommendations below.
Happy reading!
Looking for a hot read to keep you warm this winter? Here are a few options:
If you read my latest release, His Until Midnight, the next book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series is The Rancher’s Bargain by Joanne Rock.Here’s the story:
Can a bachelor auction gone wrong…
mean temptation for the rich rancher?
James Harris needs a nanny for his nephew—now! So when Lydia Walker’s sister reneges on an extravagant bachelor-auction bid, the Texas Cattleman’s Club president has an idea. He’ll cover the debt, and Lydia will care for the baby. Neither is prepared for the passion that blindsides them. But is a permanent personal arrangement more than they bargained for? Get your copy of The Rancher’s Bargain here.
Family. Wealth. Power. Romance.
Books one, two, and three of the Johnson Family series—available in a box set for a limited time!
UNFORGETTABLE: She offered everything he never knew he needed…
Ivy Johnson is stunned when Lucas Baylor makes an appearance at her family’s event in Seattle. She hasn’t seen him in nine years and never expected to again. Avoiding him is a must. She can’t let him uncover her secret, but Lucas won’t be denied. When her deception is revealed, it throws his life into a tailspin and forces them to face the truth of their feelings for each other—feelings they’ve both tried in vain to forget.
PERFECT: Does the end justify the means?
Cyrus Johnson is rich, powerful, and used to getting his way. When his estranged wife shows up at his office demanding a divorce once and for all, he not only refuses, he makes a demand of his own.
Daniella Barrett-Johnson has little bargaining power where Cyrus is concerned, and he’s already used his vast financial resources to prolong their divorce and keep her tied to him. Her only hope is to give him what he wants, but if she does, how will she ever be able to leave him for good?
JUST FRIENDS: Should they risk their friendship for a chance at love?
Alannah Bailey is tired of being the boring best friend of Trenton Johnson and decides on a makeover. After the changes, she starts dating, but instead of being happy, Trenton acts like he wants to keep her under lock and key.
Trenton is used to partying and having his pick of women. Such an advantage comes with the Johnson name, their money, and his own good looks. When he needs downtime, he depends on his best buddy, Alannah. But he doesn’t like the changes he sees in her lately, and by the time he figures out why, it might be too late.
Get yours here.
Author Yahrah St. John makes her Harlequin Desire debut.
Here’s the story:“What do you want from me?”
“I want you back.”
He’d broken his “no office affair” policy once and lost his best assistant. Now rich businessman Ayden Stewart needs Maya Richardson back…at any price. Taking the job, Maya tells herself the years apart have cooled their chemistry. So why are they breaking rule number one again…and again? Ayden makes her want what she can never have—real love. Will it be different this time?
Get your copy here.
“It’s time for the surprise you gents have been waiting for this evening. Fellas, please welcome our lone bachelorette, Miss Tessa Noble.”
Ryan pulled out his phone. He’d promised Tripp that he’d record his sister’s big debut.
There was a collective gasp in the room as Tessa stepped out onto the stage. Ryan moved away from the bar, so he could get a better view of his friend.
His jaw dropped, and his phone nearly clattered to the ground.
“Tess?” Ryan choked out the word, then silently cursed himself, realizing his stunned reaction would end up on the video. He snapped his gaping mouth shut as he watched her strut across the stage in a glamorous red pantsuit that seemed to be designed for the express purpose of highlighting her killer curves.
Damn, she’s fine.
He wasn’t an idiot. Nor was he blind. So he wasn’t oblivious to the fact that his best friend also happened to be an extremely beautiful woman. And despite her tomboy wardrobe, he was fully aware of the hot body buried beneath relaxed fit clothing. But today…those curves had come out to play.
As if she was a professional runway model, Tess pranced to the end of the stage in strappy, glittery heels, put one hand on her hip and cocked it to the side. She seemed buoyed by the crowd’s raucous reaction.
First there was the collective gasp, followed by a chorus of Oh my Gods. Now the crowd was whooping and shouting.
A slow grin spread across her lips, painted a deep, flirtatious shade of red that made him desperate to taste them. She turned and walked back toward where Rachel stood, revealing a large, heart-shaped cutout that exposed the warm brown skin of her open back. A large bow was tied behind her graceful neck.
Tessa Noble was one gift he’d give just about anything to unwrap.
She was incredibly sexy with a fiercely confident demeanor that only made him hunger for her more.
Ryan surveyed the crowd. He obviously wasn’t the only man in the room drooling over Tessa 2.0. He stared at the large group of men who were wide-eyed, slack-jawed and obviously titillated by the woman on stage.
Tessa’s concerns that no one would bid on her were obviously misplaced. There were even a couple of women who seemed to be drooling over her.
Ryan’s heart thudded. Suddenly, there wasn’t enough air in the tented, outdoor space. He grabbed his auction paddle and crept closer to the stage.
Rachel read Tessa’s bio aloud, as Alexis had done with the bachelors who’d gone before her. Tessa stood tall with her back arched and one hand on her hip. She held her head high as she scanned the room.
Was she looking for him?
Ryan’s cheeks flushed with heat. A dozen emotions percolated in his chest, like some strange, volatile mixture, as he studied his friend on stage. Initially, he wanted to rush the stage and drape his jacket over her shoulders. Block the other men’s lurid stares. Then there was his own guttural reaction to seeing Tess this way. He wanted to devour her. Kiss every inch of the warm, brown skin on her back. Glide his hands over her luscious bottom. Taste those pouty lips.
He swallowed hard, conscious of his rapid breathing. He hoped the video wasn’t picking that up, too.
Get your copy of His Until Midnight today.
Got questions about my latest release Savannah’s Secrets or my Pleasure Cove Series? Bring them tonight!
Topics up for discussion include:
At 8:30 PM Eastern, listen via your computer, tablet, or cell phone here or call into 845-277-9218, if you’d like to ask questions live.
If you can’t join us live, feel free to listen to the playback at your convenience. Just click here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/diamondsworld/2018/03/17/diamonds-world-presents-reese-ryan.
Catch you tonight!
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I discovered today, quite by accident, that you–my lovely, incredible readers–have nominated Nate Johnston of PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION as a 2017 Harlequin Hero of the year.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Y’all are too much! The sweetest, most incredible and truly supportive readers ever. I seriously don’t deserve you!
My reaction to this unexpected bit of good news?
True story. Awkward dancing and all. Except my jammies aren’t nearly as cute as Will’s.
As amazing as you all are, I need to ask you for one more teeny, tiny favor. Please vote for Nate in this first round. Don’t worry! It’s easy as pie. Just go here and click on the book cover of your choice in each matchup. (Nate is in Matchup #3). Just click on the cover of PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION and voilà! You’re done.
If you haven’t read Nate and Kendra’s story, you can snag your copy here.
If you have read their story, or any of my other titles, and enjoyed it, consider leaving an honest review for the book on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, iTunes or wherever else you buy and/or review books. Your honest review goes a long way toward helping others find my books.
I know the books have been coming at you fast and furious this year. So, in case you missed something, here are my releases from this year. Haven’t read one or more? Just click on the book cover to purchase the book on Amazon.
Do you have a question or comment about one of the above titles or any of my other stories? Email me here. I love hearing from readers! Would you like to request that I attend or participate in a book club chat about one of my available titles? Visit https://www.reeseryan.com/readers/book-clubs/ to begin the process of making a request.
Now, back to my writing lair (also known as my living room couch recliner) where I’m revising SEDUCED IN SAN DIEGO–my contribution to the Millionaire Moguls mini-series. I am in love with the chemistry and sassiness happening between these two characters, and I can’t wait to introduce them to y’all in April 2018.
Stay tuned VIP Readers!
When these former friends reunite, Dash Williams gets the 5-year-old daughter he didn’t know he had and regains the best friend he foolishly lost. Mikayla Mitchell gets a second chance with the only man she’s ever loved.
Today is the day, lovely readers!
I know what you’re thinking…holiday anthologies already? But it’s only September!
I had the same reaction when I walked into my local home improvement store and saw the aisle of Christmas trees on display. And yet, 2017 is making a mad dash toward the finish line. Which means it’s time for holiday stories aplenty.
Don’t fight it! Just come along for the ride. 🙂
If you prefer your books in digital format, Never Christmas Without You –a holiday anthology which includes my Pleasure Cove novella “His Holiday Gift”–is available for pre-order and hits e-readers on October 1st.
Here’s Dash and Mikayla’s story:
Pleasure Cove’s prodigal son just got the ultimate Christmas surprise—Madison—his five-year-old daughter he knew nothing about. Maddie’s aunt, Mikayla Mitchell, was once one of Dash Williams’s best friends…and his secret admirer. Now, seeing the sexy, ambitious lawyer with his little girl, Mikayla’s more smitten than ever. And Dash is starting to realize Mikayla’s the only one who could make his days merry and bright, and fill his nights with bliss…
Here’s a sneak peek:
“Be straight with me.” Dash stepped toward her. “Why the sudden need to leave?”
“You really are oblivious, aren’t you?” She wished she could take the words back as soon as she’d uttered them.
His eyes sparked with recognition. “You overheard us talking.”
“Yes.” She’d showed her hand. Might as well own it. “I heard Kendra say she thought I was in love with you. So I turned around and came back to my room.”
Dash rubbed his forehead. “Is it true?”
“Get over yourself.” She forced an incredulous laugh, her heart racing. “It was a teenage crush. Ancient history.”
The corner of his sensuous mouth curved in a grin that did things to her. Made her want to do things to him. “If it’s ancient history, why’d you kiss me last night?”
“I didn’t.” Her cheeks stung with heat and her defiance faltered. “You kissed me.”
“It was definitely a two-person operation.” He stepped closer, leaving little space between them. “Don’t recall you complaining about it.”
“God, I forgot what an arrogant ass you can be sometimes.” She shoved her hands into the solid wall of his muscular chest.
He didn’t budge.
The arrogant son of a bitch smirked. Which only made her angrier. And more turned on.
Seriously, does he live in the gym?
Her hands had a mind of their own. They remained planted on his chest as she raised her eyes to meet his.
Dash dropped his gaze to her mouth and leaned in, his heartbeat thundering against her palms. Heat radiated off his skin, suffocating her. Each breath took more effort than the last. She needed space and a fresh supply of air, absent his clean, citrus scent that made her want to plant hot kisses on his neck and chest, working her way down until…
No. Stop it. Stay strong.
Mikayla dropped her hands from his chest. “If you expect me to fall into your arms and confess my undying love, you bought tickets to the wrong show, pal, because—”
He cradled her face in his strong hands and captured her mouth in a kiss, silencing her protest.
Dash Williams had a lot of damned nerve.
She had every intention of telling him that, but he was an amazing kisser.
Pick up your copy of NEVER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU at:
AMAZON: https://smile.amazon.com/Never-Christmas-Without-You-Holidays-His-ebook/dp/B01N7805HY/
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-christmas-without-you-nana-malone/1125167366?ean=9780373865178 – /
ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/never-christmas-without-you/id1178650941?mt=11
And other retailers.
I was fortunate enough to participate in a fun, multi-author serial project for lovers of drama and scandal. (Think Dynasty, Scandal, Dirty Sexy Money and Brothers and Sisters.) Secrets of the A-List is a 12-episode weekly serial. New episodes are available each Sunday. And for right now, you can get the first episode for free here. My episode–Episode #4–launches this coming Sunday, September 24th.
Here’s the story:
The wealthy Marshall family is untouchable. Or so they thought. But when a car accident puts patriarch Harrison in a coma, cracks appear in the family facade. It seems Harrison had an awful lot of secrets, and he’s not the only one. His wife, Mariella, and children, Luc, Rafe and Elana, not to mention nephew Gabe, all have things they’d rather keep hidden.
Enter a mysterious figure called the Fixer… Who is this person, and what is the Fixer’s connection with Harrison? And with those cracks becoming ever wider, what sins will be revealed?
Super Rich. Super Sexy. Super Addictive.
Secrets of the A-List—read all 12 episodes!
Here’s the full line-up of participating authors:
Do you have a question or comment about Never Christmas Without You, Secrets of the A-List 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!
Now, back to my writing cave where I’m working on my final changes to the debut story in my upcoming Bourbon Brothers series with Harlequin Desire. Look for that book in March 2018. Stay tuned VIP Readers!
Last night I chatted with Stephanie Phillips of Stephanie’s Book Reports Book Blog about just about everything under the sun. We talked about my Pleasure Cove series, my upcoming Harlequin Desire Bourbon Brothers series, the Secrets of the A-List serial project I was part of with eleven other Harlequin authors, some of the behind-the-scenes info on locations that are used in the series I’ve written, and so much more.
Topics for conversation included: the Biltmore Estate, Charleston, BBQ, Bourbon. the Louvre, the Cleveland Museum of Art, tulips, bourbon, Scotch, and Jack Daniels sauce. I’m not even kidding. And that isn’t even a complete list. LOL. Watching it is like hanging out with two fellow book lovers who talk about books, travel, liquor, and a host of other things.
Do you have a question that didn’t get answered? Feel free to post it below and I’m happy to answer it.
Check out Stephanie’s blog here or join her Facebook readers group here.
