An NPR Books We Love selection for 2023
“An unforgettable read that should be at the top of every TBR list.”—NPR
In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.
New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.
Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.
As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.
The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton – $1.99 for a limited time.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents the first two novels in a captivating saga about the lives and loves of four brothers on the windswept shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
Sea Swept
A champion boat racer, Cameron Quinn travels the world spending his winnings on champagne and women. But when his dying father calls him home to care for Seth, a troubled young boy not unlike Cameron once was, his life changes overnight.
Rising Tides
Of the three brothers, it was Ethan who shared his father’s passion for the Maryland shore. And now with his father gone, Ethan is determined to make the family boat-building business a success. But amidst his achievements lie the most important challenges of his life.
The Quinn Brothers: 2-in-1 (Chesapeake Bay Bundle Book 1) by Nora Roberts- $1.99 for a limited time.
A Library Journal Romance Pick of the Month
Bestselling author Olivia Dade welcomes you to Harlot’s Bay in this delightfully sexy rom-com about a woman who buys the town’s famous Spite House, only to realize the infuriating man she can’t stand lives right next door—and their unwilling proximity might spark something neither can ignore.
When Athena Greydon’s fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the Spite House she recklessly bought him as a wedding gift. Which is a problem, for several reasons: The house, originally built as a brick middle finger to the neighbors, is only ten feet wide. Her ex’s home is literally attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third—AKA the uptight, judgy jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her—is living on her other side, only a four-foot alley away.
If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she might as well have some fun with the situation. By, say, playing erotic audiobooks at top volume with those windows open. A woman living in a Spite House is basically obligated to get petty payback however she can, right?
Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her move. He listens. And he’s kind of…hot? Dammit.
Matthew may not regret ending his brother’s engagement, but he does regret what the breakup has done to Athena. He’ll help her however he can. If that means finding her work, fine. If that means enduring nightly steamy story hours, so be it. And if that means watching Athena through their windows a bit too often and caring about her a bit too much…well, nothing can come of it. She’ll never forgive him. Even if she did, how could he ever tell his beloved younger brother the truth—that Matthew wants the very same woman he encouraged Johnny to leave?
At First Spite: A Harlot’s Bay Novel by Olivia Dade- $1.99 for a limited time.
A new stand alone fake relationship romance set in the glitz and glamour of the Cruel world from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde…
The most eligible bachelor in New York City just asked me to be his fake fiancé.
Gavin King is six and a half feet of delectable billionaire with a devil’s smile that says he knows exactly what he’s going to do to me later. Because he has.
Three years ago, I caught him in the shower and promptly fell into his bed. But neither of us were relationship material. Not to mention I’d just broken up with his best friend.
Now, I’m back in the city and he has a plan:
Go to his cousin’s wedding.
Convince his family that he’s not an eternal bachelor.
Post a huge elaborate break up later.
With those big puppy dog eyes begging me to agree, claiming I’m the only one who can pull it off, I say yes. What could go wrong? Other than pulling it off so successfully that the line between real and fake blurs.When my family flips the whole script, I can’t see a way out. And I’m starting to wonder if I even want one.
Cruel King by K.A. Linde – FREE for a limited time.
It’s not every day you ask your older brother’s teammate to be your fake boyfriend. But desperate times call for gorgeous, impulsive measures.
Miles Garrett is a pro basketball player with a heartstopping smile and infamous cocky charm.
But to me, he’s always been more than a celebrity. Miles is the guy who puts friends and family first…and my college crush.
When my sorority sister decides to bring my ex to our reunion, I need a plus-one who can have my back and save my pride. Asking Miles is the perfect solution.
Until he raises the stakes for both of us.
He says he’s only playing to win. He’ll be the best fake boyfriend I’ve ever had.
But his gaze hunts mine across a crowded room. He protects me with a fierceness that steals my breath. Our just-for-show kisses ignite a wildfire inside me.
I’m fighting feelings that have been simmering for years. Soon our pretend relationship starts feeling dangerously legit…
Because it’s hard to fake what’s always been real.
Tropes
- teammate’s little sister
- brother’s best friend
- fake dating
- pro athlete hero
- cinnamon roll hero
- he’d do anything for her
- sassy heroine
- college crush
- only one bed
Hard to Fake is a pro basketball romance with banter, spice, and all the swoony vibes. It’s the first book in the Denver Kodiaks series. Miles and Brooke’s story continues in Hard to Take.
Want even more Denver Kodiaks? Read the King of the Court series for Clay and Nova’s story! (It is NOT necessary to read King of the Court before reading Denver Kodiaks):
- Game Changer
- Shot Taker
- Play Maker
- Game Day
Hard to Fake: A Brother’s Best Friend Sports Romance (Denver Kodiaks Book 1) by Piper Lawson- FREE for a limited time.
The monster within him won’t be denied.
Since being bitten and cursed to shift into a werewolf every full moon, Aleksandar has lived in exile. Until he receives a letter from Solenne, the woman he promised his heart to years ago. She’s the only thread that keeps him anchored in the chaos, the only memory that keeps him sane. Now she is in danger. He must protect her from creatures that stalk her family, but how can he protect her from himself?
She needs a monster hunter.
She got a monster.
Wolf’s Bane (Monsters of the Nexus Book 1) by Nancey Cummings – $.99 for a limited time.
“Vampires, ancient evil, and forbidden romance? Montoya brings it all!”—Tracy Wolff, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Crave series
A fledgling vampire and a headstrong vampire huntress must work together—against their better judgment—to rid the world of monsters in this irresistible young adult romantasy.
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Carolina Fuentes wants to join her family in hunting the bloodthirsty vampiros that plague her pueblo. Her father, however, wishes to marry her off to a husband of his choosing, someone who’ll take her away from danger.
Determined to prove she’d make a better slayer than wife, Carolina vows to take down a monster herself. But when she runs into un vampiro who is somehow extremely attractive and kind, her plan crumbles.
Lalo Villalobos was content leading a perfectly dull life until un vampiro turned him. Now forced to flee his city, he heads to the pueblo where he believes the first vampiro was made. Surely its residents must know how to reverse this dreadful curse. Instead of finding salvation, Lalo collides with a beautiful young woman who’d gladly drive a dagger through his heart.
Fortunately, Lalo and Carolina share a common enemy. They can wipe out this evil. Together. If his fangs and her fists can stay focused, they might just triumph and discover what it feels like to take a bite out of love.
A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya – $1.99 for a limited time.
The Chesapeake Bay series by Nora Roberts is a favorite of her series. I have the paperbacks on my shelf.