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So what the heck is 'forced proximity' in a romance trope? 'Forced' doesn't sound sexy or fun at all. Yet, it's one of the time-tested fun romance tropes that's still used to develop an awesome HEA.
Author Nicole Terry wrote an excellent post on why she loves this particular trope. Check out her explanation here. THE MOVIES
Leap Year, staring Amy Adams and Mathew Goode. Like how in the heck does THIS...
...turn into this...
It Happened One Night with (sigh) Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert came out in 1938. Yep, 80 years ago. Yes, the dialogue is dated, but the trope obviously isn't.
Other movies I love with this particular trope include Shrek (2001) starring a green ogre and a donkey; The Bounty Hunter (2010) with Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston; Bringing Up Baby (1938 again) starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant; and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) with Jason Segel and Mila Kunis.
All of those movies are comedies, but dramas also take advantage of the forced proximity trope: Brokeback Mountain (2005); Titanic (1997); Silver Linings Playbook (2012). Sorry, no HEAs in the first two but passionate love spring up from that forced proximity. The Books
Here are a few of the books with a Forced Proximity trope written by LoveRomanceReads authors. If you like the trope, you'll absolutely love these reads!!!
A Shot at Love by Peggy Jaeger
Nothing’s impossible when love is on the menu. In Peggy Jaeger’s luscious series, the only thing more tempting than a delicious meal is a truly delectable romance . . .
Look for exclusive recipes in each book! Photographer Gemma Laine is looking for arresting faces on the streets of Manhattan when her camera captures something shocking—a triple murder. In that moment, she becomes a target for the mob—and a top priority for a very determined, breathtakingly handsome, FBI special agent. With deadlines to meet and photo shoots on her calendar, Gemma chafes at the idea of protection, but every moment she spends under his watchful eye is a temptation to lose herself in his muscular arms . . . With two of his men and one crucial witness dead, Special Agent Kyros Pappandreos can’t afford to be distracted. But Gemma is dazzling—and her connection to Kandy Laine’s high-profile cooking empire makes her an especially easy mark for some very bad people. Keeping her safe is much more pleasure than business, but as the heat between them starts to sizzle, Ky is set to investigate whether they have a shot at love . . .
Fools Rush In by Donna S. Frelick
She thought she had the toughest job in Rescue--
until the day she had to convert a pirate into a hero. Interstellar Rescue “conductor” Rayna Carver is deep undercover on a slave ship bound for an isolated region of space when the ship is attacked by pirates. Her liberator is Captain Sam Murphy, a man known in the spacer bars to love only profit, adventure and women. But Murphy hates a few things, too, chief among them slavers. Will it be enough to gain his help for Rayna’s mission—ferreting out two spies bent on sabotaging an arms factory to turn the tide in an alien civil war?
Crazy On You by Nicole Terry
Meet Diane. What will you do when love is in the fast lane?
Diane Thompson wakes up in the backseat of her car, shocked to find she’s acquired a chauffeur. Realizing she’s been inadvertently kidnapped, she swears off tequila—and Chili’s—then dials 9-1-1. But her rescue comes at a cost. Her savior, too-macho-for-words Lt. Cole Anderson, refuses to let Diane out of his sight until her kidnappers are apprehended. He’s already lost one woman he cared about due to his inattention; he’s not letting it happen a second time. But Diane isn’t a damsel-in-distress type of girl. When it turns out the criminals left a valuable item in her car and they want it back, involving Cole isn’t part of her plan and not only because the criminals have forbidden her from involving the cops. Men are like birds—messy, easily distracted, and only around when there’s something to eat. She’s got this. All she has to do is find and return the item in question to the drug runners threatening her life, survive a high-speed car chase, and keep her vow to never trust a man with her heart. " A unique, relatable heroine with an hilarious, snarky, unstoppable attitude." - Contemporary Author, Jessie Gussman
Blast From Her Past by Katy Eeten
After a disastrous failed engagement, Sydney Hampson is leaving her past—and her faith—behind to focus on her career instead. However, following through with her new, albeit misguided, resolution proves easier said than done when former classmate, and reformed bully, Grant Williams signs on with her company, and they must work closely together.
Grant Williams gave up his teenage antics years ago, and now he’s looking forward to a future that includes a strong relationship with God. When he realizes he’ll be working with none other than Sydney Hampson—the girl he had a secret crush on throughout high school—he couldn’t be more thrilled. Until he discovers she’s not the same caring, compassionate woman she used to be. When a business trip gone awry leaves the pair stranded in the middle of a snowstorm, Grant sees his chance to make things right and put their past wrongs behind them…if only Sydney can get over her distrust of men. And with a conniving coworker working to destroy Sydney’s happiness, no matter the cost, can she put her faith back in God and learn to trust in Grant before she loses her chance at happiness?
Blind Ambition by Gwen Hernandez
IT’S ABOUT TO GET HOT IN THE JUNGLE
Rescuing a kidnapped aid worker from St. Isidore’s dangerous rebels is just another day at work for former pararescueman Dan Molina. But his mission falls apart when the woman—who once shattered his heart—refuses to leave the island. Alexa Alyssandratos can’t return to her life as a nurse on the hurricane-ravaged Caribbean island, but she won't leave until she’s certain the orphans she cared for—especially one sick little girl—are safe from the rebels. Denied their ransom, a would-be dictator and his soldiers are hunting Alexa, and Dan is the only person who can protect her. Old passions reignite as she and Dan race to save the children before they disappear forever.
A Dose of Danger by Kim McMahill
When researcher Grace Talbot and her team discover a possible solution for weight loss they become targets of a group dedicated to controlling the multi-billion dollar a year diet-product industry. Her unsanctioned testing methods bring tragedy to the family ranch and the attention of the local sheriff’s deputy. With her colleagues either dead, missing, or on the run she soon realizes she must trust the deputy with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?
Love on the Forbidden Side by Mariah Ankenman 
Assistant District Attorney Julie Ryder plans to hide out at her brother’s ranch house in Peak Town, Colorado after a killer she put away escapes. Hoping for a little peace and quiet, what she gets instead is hot and bothered when she discovers the good sheriff is gone, and his sexy best friend is house-sitting.
FBI agent Liam Graham is on medical leave after a career-jeopardizing injury. He's taking the time to rethink his professional choices while watching his buddy’s place, but he never expected to watch the guy’s sister, too. Julie is a fiery ball of sweet temptation he's been denying himself for years. When she finally reveals the real reason for her visit to Peak Town, Liam does everything in his power to keep her safe. But with his focus on protecting her body, Liam fears he may lose his heart.
Beloved Enemy by Hywela Lyn
Cat Kincaid is obsessed with killing the man she believes is responsible for the torture and death of her sister, but when she eventually catches up with him, survival becomes a greater priority than revenge.
Kerry Marchant, haunted by memories, regret, and self-blame, shields himself from the pain of the past by committing himself totally to the starship, Destiny, of which he is part owner. However, the beautiful, red-haired woman who reminds him of his lost love, and who he suspects is working for a corrupt regime, represents a possible threat not only to the ship, but to his heart. Marooned on an inhospitable planet, they need to work together to stay alive, fighting not only unknown assailants, but their growing attraction. But how can they learn to trust each other when he has vowed never to get close to a woman again, and she made a solemn pledge to destroy him?
Destined & Redeemed by RK Cary
From Book 1: Graphic content, for adult readers only...He was from a world that had suffered horrendous losses and he had committed revolting acts just to survive. He knew he had hurt others and took their very freedoms away. He wasn’t evil or merciless. He was as much a victim as they were, a casualty of circumstance: raised to be stronger, pushed to be smarter, better, tougher, and faster than everyone else. His destiny had been set long before he was born, survival his only option.
She had overcome great odds to achieve what she had. Everything she had, she had earned, and deserved. She was a strong woman who believed in acceptance and forgiveness. Her beliefs, would be put to the test and her life would never be the same again. Would she be strong enough to not only survive, but be able to embrace this new life? Could she accept this situation and accept him, accept who and what he was? To do so, she would have to be able to forgive him. Would she be able to, and against all logic, would she be able to love him? For better or worse, till death do they part, when all hope was lost, fate put them on the path that they were destined to be on, to save both their worlds. The saga begins…Destined & Redeemed
Devil's Deal by Michelle Arris
A diverse title that won a coveted RWA Golden Heart distinction, Devil’s Deal is a solid debut from an up-and-coming author.
CEO Billionaire Lucas Marx isn’t used to hearing the word “no.” So when he hits on gorgeous moonlighting waitress Bailey Walters and she coldly turns him down, he becomes focused on finding a way into the captivating woman’s heart. Bailey knows men are more trouble than they’re worth, and golden boy Lucas is especially dangerous. Turns out he’s not just any guy, but the ex of her boss, who is determined to get him back. Bailey is focused on building her career in interior design, and if her boss finds out she’s stolen her man, she’ll lose everything. When Bailey’s assigned a design project for Lucas’s home, their attraction soon becomes too hot to handle, and Lucas resorts to bribing Bailey’s best friend into setting up a date for them. But building a relationship on lies and deceit is never a good idea… Can Lucas crack Bailey’s steely façade to find the vulnerable woman hiding beneath? Or will he discover it’s his own heart that needs defending? Sensuality Level: Spicy
Dangerous Liars by Naomi Bellina
"A tangled web of a storyline that you won't want to put down!"
"This book was an interestingly different romance with a slightly futuristic bend... I found it engaging, and as I got deeper into the book, I was hooked." To get the position he craves and keep a promise to a dying woman, he'll break his vow to go straight. One more harmless con that won't hurt anyone. She'll do whatever it takes to get her life back. A little lying, a lot of stealing. But weaving a web of deceit demands a price, and they're both about to pay. Jaxon has a mission. Retrieve a valuable emerald for an entry fee and join Maxime, the most prestigious club in the Secure States of America. Guarantee safety for the boy he swore to protect. No problem, if his ex-thief, super-hacker friend Riley can lower the shield around an island where the stone is hidden. And when he discovers a purple-eyed woman who can make herself invisible, he adjusts his plans to include her skills. But Violet has plans of her own, and a guy who can knock down a shield will fit in nicely. To get her disfiguring scars repaired and allow her to lead a normal life again, she needs access to another island, so when opportunity knocks, she grabs it. Even if it means telling a few lies. Or stealing. Or putting herself in the crosshairs of a pissed-off drug dealer. Working with Riley again on the other side of the law fires up cravings Jaxon thought he'd suppressed, and he fights to escape the shadow of his notorious family. As Violet struggles to create the perfect future, demons from the past haunt her. Focusing on their goals and keeping their agendas hidden, they travel from Maine to Florida, fighting each other, and a battle with lust and love. Each book in the Messed-Up Heroes series can be read as a stand-alone.
Heart of Frankenstein by Lexi Post 
Can a monster find love?
In 1718, he was abandoned then betrayed, spurring his relentless desire for revenge against his creator, Victor Frankenstein. It is now the 21st Century, and despite his fervent wish for death, he still exists, tortured by his crimes, searching only for peace. Angela Ellis would have frozen to death in the harsh Alaskan wilderness if not for the man who found her on an icy ledge. He calls her Angel, but has no name himself. He is kind, caring, handsome, and scarred both outside and inside. The more she learns about him, the more she wants to know…and the more she falls in love. He is unworthy of love unless he can confess, but his secrets are buried deep and to reveal them would be to rip out his soul and lose his Angel. Unfortunately, he is given no say in the matter. Nature has a way of revealing all.
Awakening Love by Reina M. Williams
Philip Prince can’t forget the voice of the woman whose singing woke him from a coma. Before he can track her down, family obligations call him to the Sierra mountains and a snowstorm strands him. Roads blocked and phones out, he goes to a friend’s vacation cabin where a woman invites him to stay—a woman with a familiar voice.
Ashley Bright has to spend the holidays alone, in hiding from her abusive ex. But when Philip shows up, caught in a storm, she opens her home—and soon, her heart—to him. With help from his quirky aunts and her cranky—but not around Philip—cat, Philip and Ashley awaken to new feelings. When Ashley’s past threatens, will they chose to confront trouble together, or lose each other forever?
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 Tropes. Often as much a hot-button topic for romance authors as politics is for others. Some authors love them and some authors like ‘em as much as they do a dead spider on the bottom of their shoe. For me, the tropier, the better. Why? Because they’re so handy! Whether as marketing tools (“Hey, what’s your book about? Well, it’s a story of a man posing as a woman’s fake fiancée who then uses the opportunity to show her how he’s felt for year?”) or writing guides (“The whole story centers around a surprise pregnancy. Let’s figure out how the baby got made, when did she discover she was preggers, how does the partner feel about the baby, when is she due…”) they provide a shorthand with which to snag an industry professional’s attention or a reader’s notice. But I’ve discovered there is one trope in particular that appears calls to me, luring me in like a BOGO sale at Amazon on Black Friday. The forced proximity trope. With this trope, your main romantic characters are forced by circumstances (sometimes another trope) into spending time together. This could be anything from trapped in a cabin during a storm of some sort to a road trip romances; anything that the characters cannot escape the romantic interest’s presence. But it’s not an easy trope either. As you know, being trapped in an elevator with a stranger for hours can create a world of hurt. The temperature rises. You become hotter and hotter but you can’t unlayer because you’re trapped some rando you don’t know from Adam and there’s nowhere to go and the walls are closing in and your breath wheezes in and out and your heart lodges in the back of your throat until, until…BOOM. Then you have to explain your nightmares of being trapped underground because one of your parents died in a cave collapse. But that’s one of the reasons I adore this trope. The vulnerability it allows your characters. But you can’t just force them together and say they’re in love. You have to do justice to the characters (and your story) at the same time showing the progression to love. Forced proximity provides the means, not the excuse. These characters are still human, with their everyday human failings, and most of the time with a resistance to falling in love. Opportunity is the beauty of forced proximity. Forced proximity enables a character to give a romantic interest a chance they might not have otherwise. The people in the situation bypass the usual first meeting timidity and hesitations to slice immediately to the heart and meat of the character and story. The shy fellow who can’t talk to guys and often finds himself pushed to the background gains an opportunity when the only person to talk to is the handsome guy next door, the one he’s been crushing on for months. Think of all the times you met someone on a blind date, only to discover three dates in how much of a douche the other person was. Wouldn’t you have rather gotten all that information immediately instead of wasting your time? Opportunity is one of the hallmarks of romance. Why now and why this person (or persons)? That is the heart of our stories—to answer those questions. If something didn’t arise to force the other person into the other’s path (and keep them there), the character would never discover a person who could love them and bring them to a higher level of awesome. So in a way, all romances have an element of this trope. And is the main reason I adore it. To me, it’s the essence of romance. Want to try this trope for yourself? Here are a few of my favorites: Delaney’s Desert Sheikh by Brenda Jackson, Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye, Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren, and Take the Lead by Alexis Daria. Crazy on You Meet Diane. What will you do when love is in the fast lane? Diane Thompson wakes up in the backseat of her car, shocked to find she’s acquired a chauffeur. Realizing she’s been inadvertently kidnapped, she swears off tequila—and Chili’s—then dials 9-1-1. But her rescue comes at a cost. Her savior, too-macho-for-words Lt. Cole Anderson, refuses to let Diane out of his sight until her kidnappers are apprehended. He’s already lost one woman he cared about due to his inattention; he’s not letting it happen a second time. But Diane isn’t a damsel-in-distress type of girl. When it turns out the criminals left a valuable item in her car and they want it back, involving Cole isn’t part of her plan and not only because the criminals have forbidden her from involving the cops. Men are like birds—messy, easily distracted, and only around when there’s something to eat. She’s got this. All she has to do is find and return the item in question to the drug runners threatening her life, survive a high-speed car chase, and keep her vow to never trust a man with her heart. " A unique, relatable heroine with an hilarious, snarky, unstoppable attitude." - Contemporary Author, Jessie Gussman
We've read this story before. The protagonists meet, there's an instant dislike or conflict, sparks fly, sexual tensions rise, and in the end they admit their love for one another.
Cue the eye roll. Stripped down to its elements, the Enemies to Lovers trope seems simple and silly. After all, how often would this actually happen in real life? Yet, it's as old as Shakespeare (I'm sure even older), a simple trope repeated in books, movies, TV shows. If it didn't hit home, it wouldn't be used over and over again. What is it about this plotline that people adore? Reason #1: Loved for who you really are If someone loves you after they've seen your worst, then it has to be true love, right? After you've ranted and raved, maybe said things meant to wound, or at least said things that were hurtful, and they still fall in love with you? It must be because you're worthy of that love. They've seen the 'good' and the 'bad' and love you even more because of it.
Reason #2: It gives us hope
We can feel anger, angst, even moments of hatred. But on the other side of those feelings can be deep love. Of course, ALL romance gives us hope, doesn't it? Hope not only for love and that Happy Ever After (HEA), but hope in transformation. With Enemies to Lovers, there's a change that happens - both characters have to reflect and learn in order to open themselves to love. If that can happen between two people who begin as enemies, perhaps there's hope for the world.
Hell, I'm still holding out hope for Rey and Kylo Ren in Star Wars.
First, the Movies
So besides Pride & Prejudice by Janes Austin and (maybe) the latest Star Wars installment, what are some other well-known Enemies to Lovers stories?
10 Things I Hate About You An adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. It became a teen favorite when it was released in 1999. Sadly, the passing of Heath in 2008 has cemented this movie as a classic.
Ella Enchanted An adaptation of the delightful book by Gail Carson Levine, Ella was one of our household's favorite movies to watch. Starring Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy, it's a light-hearted, funny romp. The Ugly Truth In all honesty it's not the best movie, though the two protagonists definitely start out with a ton of animosity. However, Gerard Butler is the main dude and I LOVE Gerard. So, The Ugly Truth is on this list. Romancing the Stone This movie HAS to be on the list. Not only are Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner perfect for one another (they get that hate to love thing perfectly!), but Joan Wilder (played by Kathleen) is a romance author! So yes, Romancing the Stone gets 20 thumbs-up. The African Queen An adaptation of the novel The African Queen by C. S. Forester, the movie was released in 1951 and stars Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. I saw this as a kid and hated the movie because I couldn't understand what Rose (played by Katharine) saw in Charlie. He was crotchety. Grunted. And he wasn't cute. It wasn't until I was older, more seasoned, did I appreciate their relationship. Just as Rose did, I ended up falling in love. The Sound of Music What is NOT to love about this movie? I grew up on The Sound of Music and loved it tremendously (though in all honesty I usually stop watching it after the van Trapps are married - because what's the point?). That scene in the gazebo when they sing Something Good is so sweet. Finally! The Books!
There are soooooo many books with this trope! We're featuring a few here, all from LoveRomanceReads authors. Let us know which of your favorite you'd include on this list!!! Who did we forget??? If you could recommend ONE Enemies to Lovers books, which would it be?
Daemon Uprising
by Mariah Ankenman The world of the supernatural is real and living among us, a fact Tabitha Culver knows all too well. Ten years ago, evil supernatural creatures she never thought existed attacked Tabitha. Now, she works for the Supernatural Council to defend humanity against the malevolent forces unknowingly hunting them. A new darkness has risen up in the form of Kakodaemons. Tabitha, a by-the-books straight arrow is teamed up with the Euadaemon Kiernan, a bend-the-rules, sexy bad boy. With Tabitha and Kiernan the sparks fly, sometimes literally! To take down the bad guys, they have to put their differences aside and work together. However, a dark secret and sizzling attraction could prove to be distractions they can’t afford. Tabitha must learn to trust her partner, and her heart, in order to eliminate this new threat to humanity. 
The Queen of Paradise Valley
by Cat Dubie Diana Rennie, daughter of a wealthy rancher, attempts to persuade mystery man Del Russell to leave his grievances behind and forgive her father for past mistakes. Her careful plan goes awry and results in a shotgun wedding and a prison sentence for Del. Four years later, Del is back in her life with a vengeance—back for his rightful share of Diana's ranch, back to prove he isn't the criminal she thought he was, back to finish what the two of them started years ago in a passionate daze. And he isn’t going anywhere, no matter what beautiful, treacherous Diana does or says to try to get rid of him. 
Save the Last Dance For Me
by Candy Caine Evie Bennington and Dillon MacAllister sizzle on the dance floor. And between the sheets. The green-eyed hunk professes his love for Evie and promises never to leave her. Then suddenly, inexplicably, Dillon disappears. Evie is devastated and wonders if her mother’s warning about trifling white men is true after all. In time Evie picks up the pieces when a handsome, bronzed EMT named Ty woos her. She determines to forget about her passionate love affair with Dillon and give Ty a chance. Then Dillon reappears. The circumstances surrounding his earlier disappearance are tragic. And he wants her back. But even though just the sight of Dillon makes her quiver with longing for his lovemaking, how can Evie choose between two men who mean so much to her? 
The General's Wife: An American Revolutionary Tale
By Regina Kammer An English Lady and a handsome American Patriot in a battle for her heart - will she submit to the enemy? A War Zone Seduced into marriage by the wicked British general Lord Strathmore, Lady Clara Hastings is forced to leave her beloved England for the shores of the uncivilized American colonies. They arrive upon the outbreak of that young nation's struggle for independence. Unexpected Revelations Kidnapped and held for ransom by Strathmore's enemies, Clara learns of her husband's debauched pleasures and sadistic past, and discovers her own sensual needs and carnal desires. A Quest For Freedom Escaping captivity, Clara is taken by patriot fighters. In their clutches, her beliefs are challenged, her values are threatened, and she is caught up in a battle for her heart in the arms of a handsome American revolutionary. 
Savannah's Secrets
By Reese Ryan Falling for the boss, or taking him down? Savannah Carlisle had the perfect plan. By infiltrating the Abbott family’s Tennessee bourbon empire as their events manager, she’d be one step closer to claiming half of the business they stole from her grandfather. Now she’s not so sure. Because sexy Blake Abbott, heir to it all, is simply intoxicating. He’s supposed to be the enemy. But after one long, stormy weekend, she’s pregnant with his child… 
Fools Rush In
Donna S. Frelick She thought she had the toughest job in Rescue-- until the day she had to convert a pirate into a hero. Interstellar Rescue “conductor” Rayna Carver is deep undercover on a slave ship bound for an isolated region of space when the ship is attacked by pirates. Her liberator is Captain Sam Murphy, a man known in the spacer bars to love only profit, adventure and women. But Murphy hates a few things, too, chief among them slavers. Will it be enough to gain his help for Rayna’s mission—ferreting out two spies bent on sabotaging an arms factory to turn the tide in an alien civil war? 
Dangerous Addictions
Naomi Bellina With the aid of an inexplicable but opportune superpower, he's determined to conquer any hurdles to gain back his freedom. Except one hot mess of an obstacle he can't get around.A terrorist attack poisons the water and leaves hundreds of thousands of Americans dead. Countless more are left with diminished brain function. As the government seizes control, order is restored in the country but freedom is taken away. A nation is quarantined, all citizens regulated to stay within the borders. For Riley, a genius hacker, that lack of freedom, particularly travel restriction, is not acceptable. When he suddenly develops a bad-ass power and learns he can manipulate electricity, he sets out to use that power to gain back control. The discovery of a murder forces Riley to team up with Danika, an enigmatic woman with her own freaky power and scary secrets. When they find that the dead scientist was working on a machine to uncover more people with superpowers, the adventure begins as they attempt to track the device. Death and danger shadow the pair as they travel to the waterways of Florida, the mountains of Colorado and places in between. With each of them following their own agenda but compelled to work together, they search for answers in a world shaped by devastation, and discover love, and buried pieces of themselves along the way. 
A Kiss of Cabernet
Pamela Gibson Napa Valley vineyard manager Paige Reynoso is furious. After a six-year absence, her boss—big-city entrepreneur Jake Madison—has returned, only to announce he's selling the vineyard. Paige has always dreamed of buying Garnet Hill, which sits on land where her ancestors first settled, but without the cash, she's out of luck. And then there's an even bigger problem…she has a serious thing for the surprisingly tempting man who's just destroyed her dream. Jake's in a tight spot. With his other business ventures struggling, he needs cash--fast. The last thing he needs is the too-lovely Paige convincing him the grapes are an effective long-term investment. Or needing Paige herself, whose spirit and heart bring his to life. But as their attraction grows, Jake knows he's not in a position to offer her anything beyond this moment. Because Jake has a big secret…and it has nothing to do with sour grapes. 
Blindsided
Gwen Hernandez SHE’S RUNNING FOR HER LIFE Framed for espionage, reformed hacker Valerie Sanchez has no choice but to run. Worse, when the proof of her innocence is destroyed, things turn deadly. Can she trust the sexy terrorist hunter who mysteriously turns up to protect her, or is he the real threat? HE’S HOT ON HER TRAIL Former Marine sniper Scott Kramer’s job was supposed to be easy. Follow the hot computer geek who stole plans for classified weapons until she meets her buyer, then let law enforcement take over. But when Valerie becomes an assassin's target, Scott's gut says she’s innocent. Now, he must risk his life—and his heart—to keep her safe. 
Dangerous Vengeance
Naomi Bellina Dishonored by a raging force he can't control, he has one chance to make amends. When Grant loses control of a freakish telekinetic power and is kicked out of the Army, his dream of becoming a cop and upholding the family tradition is destroyed. Unless he follows a government mandated program, he's screwed. But he's vowed to protect his country, and if that means jumping through hoops and teaming up with a crazy woman in anger management class, so be it. A road rage incident lands Zoe in trouble with the law, slowing her plans. Zoe's mission; find the man who drugged and attacked her, and stop him from hurting anyone ever again. Court-ordered counseling sucks, and playing nice with her mandated jerk-partner, Grant, sucks more. But when she discovers the jerk has skills to help find her attacker, she'll do whatever it takes to convince him to work with her. The last thing Grant’s life needs is Zoe, but his force reacts to her and desire builds. A murder, and the theft of a priceless violin, brings more questions, and more time spent together in close proximity. As lust intensifies to something deeper, two wounded, angry souls must learn to trust. 
Beloved Enemy
Hywela Lyn Cat Kincaid is obsessed with killing the man she believes is responsible for the torture and death of her sister, but when she eventually catches up with him, survival becomes a greater priority than revenge. Kerry Marchant, haunted by memories, regret, and self-blame, shields himself from the pain of the past by committing himself totally to the starship, Destiny, of which he is part owner. However, the beautiful, red-haired woman who reminds him of his lost love, and who he suspects is working for a corrupt regime, represents a possible threat not only to the ship, but to his heart. Marooned on an inhospitable planet, they need to work together to stay alive, fighting not only unknown assailants, but their growing attraction. But how can they learn to trust each other when he has vowed never to get close to a woman again, and she made a solemn pledge to destroy him? 
In Death's Shadow
Siobhan Muir After three hundred years, Princess Maia is done with dryads. Imprisoned by the wood folk for a crime she didn’t commit, Princess Maiasora Silvercloak wants her life back. If she finds the Key to the Twelve Realms and returns it to the dryads by the summer solstice, she’s free. Too bad she has no clue where to look. And the dryads’ solution might kill her. Master Assassin Quinn Talen wants safe passage across the dryads’ forest after his last contract put him in the crossfire. The dryads offer him a deal: Escort a princess on her quest to find a magical artifact and he’ll be released. One catch: she’s the daughter of the king who killed his brother. Spell-bound together, they must scour the world for the pieces of this artifact without getting killed or killing each other. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan as they race against time to secure the Key before the deadline. But nothing’s ever simple when magic is involved and death isn’t the worst outcome if they fail to find the Key. 
Chasing Sisyphus
JL Peridot [Siren Allure: Erotic Futuristic Romantic Suspense, M/F, HFN] Bounty hunter Adria Yuan is hot on the trail of her final hit: a notorious hacker wanted by the city's elite. With the reward, she can pay for her brother's surgery and finally get out of Basilica City. Trouble is, her line of work's not exactly legal, and she's barely staying ahead of the cops who want her target, too. Detective Rhys Carver may be a little unorthodox, but he's a good cop. Born and bred in Basilica, he does his part to keep his city clean. As clean as it gets, at least. And with Adria suddenly in his sights, it's going to take more than falling in love for him to let her go. As the pair close in on their mark, they are unwittingly drawn into a high profile conspiracy that could thrust the whole of Basilica into chaos. Can Adria and Rhys set aside their differences, and their desires, to save the only home they know? ** A Siren Erotic Romance 
Stake and Dust
Karen Michelle Nutt A Lamia, a sea creature worthy of John Keats' prose, teams up with a vampire with serial tendencies. When young promising artists are found dead, the Preternatural Bureau sends Cassandra Hayes to the Hamptons to help a fellow hunter track down this lethal duo. She's only spoken to Mr. Green once on the phone and when she meets him in person, he is not what she expects. His hunting skills are spot on, but there is something the man is hiding, and she's determined to find out what it is despite the attraction developing between them. Tremayne Graystone, a vampire from one of the oldest septs, is not pleased when he finds a dead hunter left on the doorstep of his pub. He should have never answered the hunter's phone, but someone is trying to frame him and he wants answers. Surely he can masquerade as Mr. Green, the hunter Cassandra is supposed to meet, before she figures out his true identity and stakes him. She's a Hayes, from a long line of vampire hunters, and fraternizing with the enemy is simply not done, but as they work together and follow the clues, the lines become blurred when he falls for the hunter's charms. 
Loving Nick... Again
Joanie MacNeil Claire Vincent’s unexpected encounter with old flame, Nick Sheridan threatens her hard-earned independence and the life she’s created for herself and her young sons. She is determined that nothing will take that independence away from her, not even Nick. Nick is licking his wounds after a messy divorce. When he sees Claire for the first time in fourteen years, the passion he once felt for her, passion he thought died long ago, is reawakened. Is he ready for a new relationship and an instant family? Will Claire learn to trust her heart to Nick a second time? 
Goldie's Locks and the Three Men
Liz Adams From bestselling author Liz Adams comes this modern erotic retelling of the Fairy Tale Goldilocks, a Spicy Reverse Harem Tale. What if the only way to find the right man was to instead find the right men? As a thief, Goldie is always on the run so she can never settle down with one lover. But when she tackles one final job, could the three bearish men inside the mansion she's staking out promise her more than she could ever dream possible. Goldie's Locks and the Three Men, a modern erotic fairy tale fantasy for women. Her locks and her men, she sure knows how to pick 'em. WARNING: In this modern erotic fairy tale, Goldie is a thief that has a way of unlocking men’s hearts and stealing their money and clothes. In her search to find rich men to swindle, she instead finds a heart-pumping, thigh-squeezing fantasy for women like herself, including: solo M, M/F, F/F, light B&D, and lots of bare-chested men to enjoy. For 18 years and older. 
At First Sight
Candy Caine When Autumn Stiles lands the advertising job of her dreams, it’s the happiest day of her life. She doesn’t count on the tall, handsome, dreamy-eyed Stuart Tanner doing this best to get her to quit. When Tanner learns the newest employee at the advertising agency where he works comes from a privileged background, he makes it his mission to get rid of her. She’s obviously just another pampered rich girl playing at a job she thinks is easy and glamorous. But soon the heat sizzles between them and he determines he will never give in to his desires. I'm thrilled that Claire was able to interview her character Brandt Dempsey. At Last in Laguna is a PERFECT example of the 'Forbidden Love' trope. And be sure to read the New Release information at the bottom of the post - the third book in the series is ON SALE as a pre-order! Claire: Where are you from? Brandt: Laguna Beach, California Claire: Tell us a bit about AT LAST IN LAGUNA, the book you star in. Brandt: It’s the story of how my best friend Nick’s little sister, Alyssa, jolted me out of my resolve to treat her like a surrogate baby sister. Little did she know that I avoided her not just because Nick’s the closest thing I’ve got to a family, but because I have a screwed up past and simply didn’t deserve a beautiful, intelligent, perfect woman like her. Claire: What did you think the first time you saw Alyssa Morgan? Brandt: Well, she was a tall, skinny, geeky teenager when I first saw her. She was only seventeen years old and wore these thick coke-bottle glasses that obscured her striking gray-blue eyes. Almost. She wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous like she is today. I remember making an extra effort to be kind to her because she was so shy. Claire: What was your second thought? Brandt: Once she felt more comfortable around me, I was surprised at her sarcastic sense of humor. Claire: Did you feel it was love at first sight? Brandt: Not when she was seventeen! When I saw her again when she returned to Laguna after college, my jaw dropped. She was beautiful and confident. I’m not going to lie, she was hot as hell. I don’t know if I believe in love at first sight, but I wanted her. But, her brother Nick is my closest friend and I couldn’t jeopardize our relationship. He’s like an over-protective father from the 1950’s, probably because they lost their parents when Alyssa was only fourteen and he’s her only family. So, I did my best to ignore her. Claire: What do you like most about Alyssa? Brandt: That’s a tough one. Her compassion and warmth draw me to her. She’s really intelligent and I like her geeky side. Her kisses. Well, let’s just say I wish I was kissing her right now. Claire: How would you describe her? Brandt: She’s incredible. Her independence and wit impress me and her natural beauty and warmth blow me away. She’s a creative, talented interior designer with an intuitive sense in all she does. I feel like she “gets” me, if that makes sense. Claire: How would she describe you? Brandt: The best-looking guy in Laguna. Kidding. More likely she’d say I was a stubborn pain in the butt. Claire: Why are you building Tearmann House? Brandt: There’s a whole demographic of people who the system fails. I want to help abused women and children who have nowhere to go and/or need a short refuge to get back on their feet again after tough times. Claire: What is your biggest fear? Brandt: You’ll have to read AT LAST IN LAGUNA to find out. ;-)  Alyssa Morgan has secretly been in love with her older brother Nick’s best friend, Brandt Dempsey, since she was an awkward, lonely teenager. When she catches the bouquet at Nick’s wedding, she throws caution to the wind and propositions Brandt to a two-week fling. He’s tried to ignore how Alyssa has blossomed into a strong, talented, gorgeous woman because as his best friend’s baby sister, she’s off limits. After they share a mind-blowing kiss, Brandt struggles to fight their undeniable chemistry. His tragic childhood scarred him, but he pushes it deep inside, only allowing the world to see a wealthy, carefree entrepreneur. Forced to work together on Brandt’s latest charitable venture, Brandt and Alyssa’s passion cannot be denied. Alyssa knows he’s the one. Can she convince him they belong together? SUNSET IN LAGUNA |
