Showing results by author "Smartypants Romance" in All Categories

I’ve spent the last few years watching my dreams of a writing career and true love fade away, settling for a dead-end job and denying my feelings for my best friend—until I find a list of dating advice for single women to “find a husband” in the 1950s. I decide to experiment: Try out the 1950s advice on my 21st-century dating pool and write about the results. If love is timeless, some of the dating advice still holds value. Maybe my experiment will launch my writing career. Maybe I’ll get over my best friend and meet someone new.

Living with her mother seemed like a good idea at the time. But Elliott Donovan's living arrangements are not working for her anymore. Desperate to get back on her financial feet after a divorce and out from under her mother's thumb, Elliott takes a job in the child care center at Weight Expectations, a local gym. It has everything she needs - family friendly hours, more pay than she expected, and a super-cute trainer who just happens to have part of his house for rent.

Lois Washington is at the end of her rope. Struggling as a single mother in an apartment the size of a closet is not the New York City adventure she dreamed of in her starry-eyed youth. When her job goes on the chopping block, she is ready for a major life change. Joining her best friend in Tennessee to become the newest employee at the Green Valley Public Library isn't exactly where she thought life would take her, but she feels up for the challenge. Only this relocation comes with more than she bargained for.

Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her 22 years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley. Her strategy works until one fateful phone call initiates a series of events that shakes up her quiet existence.

Zara Lorna is kind of a big deal. After winning Artist of the Year (again), having a public argument with her boyfriend (again), and being whisked away by a man she barely knows (that’s new), it feels like she can’t go anywhere without drawing attention. It’s taking a toll on her and she could use a break. Asa Young was a rock star (almost). His dreams of traveling the world with his band came true (almost). He should definitely stay away from Zara, no matter how much fun they have and how easy their connection is.

Rian Thompson thought she joined the gym to get healthy. Little did she know she was about to add 190 pounds of swoonworthy abdominal muscles and arrogance to her life.

Gabriel is a security expert for Cipher Security, and a former UN Peacekeeper with a fierce protective streak that finds its focus on the beautiful P. I., Shane. Their attraction is like an elephant in a room full of breakable things, and figuring out how to trust each other with their hearts, and maybe their lives, is the most fragile thing of all.

Noah Malone is back in his hometown for a short break from his stunt work, but his mother’s set on convincing him to settle down in Green Valley so he can give her grandbabies like the good Lord intended. Not only is she pushing him to help out at the Donner Bakery decorating cookies, but her matchmaking is relentless.

Roxy Kincaid isn't a biker chick anymore. She's made herself more than Jethro Winston's castoff, and she's never going back to her old life with the Iron Wraiths. But one summer night, a charming stranger threatens to sweep Roxy off her feet. Ignoring fate and their instant attraction, she has to get back to her real life in Green Valley. He couldn’t be the one that she wants when he’s exactly the thing that could ruin everything. If only she could stop thinking about him.

Molly Cooper is through with men. She means it this time. Being stood up and humiliated was the last straw. But after her all grown up and smokin’ hot childhood bestie kissed her to help her save face, she’s left wondering if it was the tequila or his lips that gave her all the feels. Garrett Monroe had no intention of falling for his childhood best friend. Unfortunately, one unplanned kiss in a bar was all it took for him to stumble. Now he’s stuck with a crush that won’t quit on the most stubborn woman he’s ever known.

After catching her husband in a compromising position, Finley Granger finds herself in a new hell: reentering the dating world. When she moves in with her grandmother, her great-aunt, and their best friend, Finley finds herself surrounded by a trio of well-meaning yet bumbling matchmakers. In spite of their efforts, Finley only has eyes for one person, and that’s Zeke Masters - the 6’4”, impossibly built, and ridiculously good-looking new man in town. Along with her nether regions, Finley’s journalistic spidey-senses tingle as to why he’s on sabbatical from Seattle.

After scandalous events during the London season, Lady Jane is attracting the wrong kind of attention. Her reputation is at risk as well as all her carefully laid plans for the future. And for better or worse, a chance encounter with a mysterious lord sets forth a series of events that will change their lives forever.

Love doesn’t have to be complicated, but sometimes life can get in the way. In his own words, speaking directly to the woman he’s falling for, Zach recounts a story of love and loss, uncertain whether this tale is one that ends in forever or is ultimately about the woman who got away.

When a mysterious silver fox becomes intrigued with this small town’s most disliked society woman, he finds she’s more than a little trouble and possibly a whole lot of heart.

Helen is just your normal, everyday librarian who writes romance novels on the side except she also happens to be a former nun, new to life outside the order and to the dating scene. Helen isn't just a virgin in her 30s; she's never had a boyfriend, never kissed anyone, never even so much as held someone's hand. Becoming a nun was always her path, until it wasn't anymore, and trying to forge a new path in life has been tricky.

Vali Erickson is the classic middle child - misunderstood, underestimated, and overlooked. He’s fine with it. Really. The overlooked part is actually serving him well during this phase of life. Margaret O’Neal is an only child who has led a sheltered life. She’s used to being a wallflower. Her ability to blend into the background is what allows her to maintain her anonymity as a gossip columnist for the Green Valley Ledger.

After Tempest Cassidy walks in on her husband banging her high school nemesis, her whole world gets turned upside down. She goes from being known as the Duchess of Muffins to the town crazy. Her new MO: revenge. Eventually, Tempest grows weary being arrested. Yet, what choice does she have? If she’s not angry, then she’s simply...sad. Just as she decides to get her life back on track, in walks Cage Erickson, the new bouncer at the local strip club.

Following a disastrous appearance on a televised baking show, Sophie Copeland is certain things can’t get any worse. Several calamities later, Sophie finds herself in Green Valley, Tennessee, with no plan, no place to stay, and no prospects. But, at least, she has a temporary seasonal arrangement with the famed Donner Bakery. And that's something, right? It's not permanent, and it's not a home, but it's still something.

Thus far, Cassandra’s abysmal luck has kept her from reaching her goals. With no husband and no household, she’s beginning to wonder if she has a future at all. A surprising encounter with a cunning thief brings more to light than Cassandra is prepared to handle. But the lady has never backed down from a challenge, and it seems this mystery man might have finally met his match. When circumstances, once again, threaten Lady Cassandra’s dreams, she must decide if she’s willing to risk her careful plans for the thief who has stolen her heart.

Love can be complicated...when life gets in the way. Thomas is caught off guard when his lifelong love tells him their relationship isn't working anymore. His effort to make things right leads Thomas on a journey of self-discovery. Is it enough to save his marriage, or is it too late?