Tropes: age gap; workplace romance; brother’s business partner; insta-attraction; forced proximity
In the final installment of Meghan Quinn’s Bridesmaid series, Bridesmaid by Chance, delivers a satisfying conclusion through the forbidden romance between Sloane and Hudson. Their chemistry—electric and complicated—drives a narrative that explores both personal growth and the delicate balance between family obligations and individual happiness.
The central relationship between Sloane and Hudson captivates from the first page. Their connection is forbidden on multiple levels—he’s her boss and her brother’s business partner—creating a tension that Quinn masterfully navigates. What makes this dynamic particularly compelling is the contrast between Sloane’s confident ownership of her sensuality and Hudson’s honorable resistance to his growing attraction to her. This push-and-pull creates moments that are both humorous and profoundly emotional.
Quinn weaves a narrative filled with complications that feel both authentic and engaging. When Hudson needs to appease a prospective partnership by volunteering Sloane as a stand-in bridesmaid, their professional relationship begins to blur. Their attraction eventually boils over, leading to a relationship that faces multiple obstacles: Hudson’s sense of obligation that temporarily drives him away from Sloane, her brother’s discovery of their relationship, and the eventual reconciliation that demonstrates significant character growth for all involved. Hudson’s realization of Sloane’s importance and her brother Jude’s acceptance of her autonomy create a satisfying emotional payoff.
The individual character arcs prove as compelling as the romance itself. Hudson, the perpetually responsible Hopper sibling who has sacrificed personal happiness for duty, finds himself transformed by Sloane’s influence as she teaches him to embrace life beyond his obligations. Meanwhile, Sloane battles perceptions about her age, underscored by the gap between her and Hudson, and fights for recognition of her emotional maturity. Her history—growing up in poverty and losing her parents—has forced an adulthood on her that others are slow to acknowledge. When she finally stands up to her brother and earns his respect, the moment resonates as a triumphant fulfillment of her character journey.
The appearance of characters from previous books adds both humor and emotional weight to the narrative, creating a sense of community that enriches the reading experience. The intimate scenes between Hudson and Sloane strike an effective balance—passionate without overshadowing the emotional core of their relationship. Quinn’s signature humor permeates the story, providing levity amid the more serious emotional developments.
Bridesmaid by Chance stands as the strongest entry in Quinn’s series, delivering the perfect blend of chemistry, character growth, and emotional resolution that romance readers crave. For those who have followed the series from the beginning, this conclusion offers a deeply satisfying payoff, while newcomers will find themselves immediately drawn into Quinn’s world of complex relationships and genuine emotion.
I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve.
He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club.
Our paths aren’t meant to cross.
Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun.
Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape.
Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback.
He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next.
He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg.
What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good.
But it has to end.
Because I have a secret…
That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave.
Even his revenge.
Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown
From New York Times, USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn. This steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating standalone romance is now available in all formats! Check out the excerpt below and one-click your copy today!
About BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE: When a chance at being a bridesmaid turns into a chance at being a bride, how can she possibly refuse? Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring Jude’s younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she’s now his assistant. But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson’s business partners, she comes up with a trade. She’ll be a part of the regency wedding―corset and all―if Hudson marries her in return. Sloane knows the value of the trade: he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career. It’s an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and that he will benefit from the marriage, too…well, Hudson might just find himself saying “I do.” down―and her heart along with it.
“Didn’t I fire you yesterday?” “I believe that you did.” She nods as if it’s no big deal. “Okay, so…care to tell me why you’re here, in my office, handing me a green drink with no sugar?” “I chose not to take part in the firing.” “What the hell does that mean?” I ask. And then to my surprise, she plops herself on top of my desk, crosses one leg over the other, and leans back on her hand, the pose incredibly too sexy, especially since the position makes the lapels of her suit jacket pop open, revealing that she’s not wearing a shirt under that blazer. Just a bra. Christ. “It means I chose not to be fired.” “That’s not a thing,” I say. “Oh, it is. You see, I’ve been taught to seize what I want, to take charge, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Therefore, I’ve decided that I’m not fired.” “You can decide that all you want, but that’s not how things work. I’m the boss, you work for me; therefore, when I say you’re fired, you’re fired. There will be no point in coming into the office because I will not be paying you.” “Says who?” she asks.
I point to my chest. “Says me.” “And would you say that you’re the one that makes all the decisions?” “Uh, yeah. That’s what the term boss entails. The decision-maker.” “And your choice is to fire me?” What kind of fucking circus is this? Is this some sort of social media trend? Refusal to be fired? Am I actually old and I don’t realize it? “Yes, my choice is to fire you; that’s why I did it yesterday: I fired you.” “You did, but a part of me thinks that you might regret that decision.” I stick my hands in my pockets and ask, “What makes you think that?” “Because I have a proposal for you.” She hops off my desk and gestures toward my seating area. “Please, join me.” Skeptical but also intrigued by the fuckery, I follow her and take a seat on the couch as she does, only about a foot of space separating, close enough to catch the lavender scent that clings to her. “What’s going on, Sloane? I have things to do.” “I know; this won’t take too much of your time.” She places her hands on her lap and looks me in the eyes. “I was thinking about yesterday and everything that happened. And I know the right thing to do would be to come in here and tell you I didn’t mean any of the things that I said, but that would be a lie. I meant every single word.” Every single word? Because I remember specifically one thing in particular that she tried to deny saying, but I’m not going to bring that up, not when she’s sitting this close and smells this damn good. “Okay,” I say. “And an apology is not why I’m here. I’m here on business.” “Sloane, I don’t think I can give you your job back.” “Not looking to be your assistant,” she says, and then, to my surprise, she gets down on one knee in front of me, takes my hand in hers, and continues. “I’m looking to be your wife.” My WHAT? “Hudson Mitchell Hopper, will you marry me?” She smiles up at me. Blinks. Fucking winks… She’s kidding right? I look for something, anything, to tell me this is a joke. I glance around the room. Are there hidden cameras in here? Am I on a daytime talk show where someone is going to come out, have a gotcha moment, and say to the audience that I’ve been lusting after my too-young-for-me assistant? I wait a few seconds, and when I realize none of that is happening, I clear my throat. “Excuse me?”
“Look at you, in shock. How cute.” She pats my hand. “Hudson, it’s a simple question. Will you marry me?” “Uh…” I shake my hand out of hers and slide back on the couch, putting space between us. “Not to sound like an obtuse ass, but why the fuck would I marry you, Sloane?” She rolls her eyes. “And here I thought you were a smart businessman.” She gets off the ground and sits back on the couch. She straightens her clothes while I try to comprehend what the hell is happening this morning. This is why I need more coffee in the morning. Forget the green drink, I need a twenty-ounce cup of pure, unfiltered coffee, straight from the goddamn bean. “I’ll lay it out for you: you need a wife, and I’m the one for the job.” “I fail to see how I need a wife.” “Are you really that dense?” she asks. “Uh, are you really this delusional?” I counter. Another roll of the eyes. “Jesus, Hudson. You need to impress Archie’s father-in-law, right? What’s one way to do that? Slip into the Mayfair Club. And what is one of the requirements to get into the club? You must be married.” She holds out her hand and points to her empty ring finger. “All you’ve got to do is put a ring on it.” Wow. Okay. She’s lost it. I think the conversation I need to have with Jude is going to veer in a different direction that I’d thought. More like I think your sister might need some help . “You know, not really in the market for a wife at the moment, but thanks for the offer. Now, I think it’s time that you leave.” She shrugs. “Suit yourself.” She stands and starts heading toward the door. “By the way, your father called this morning. I took a message for you because I thought I might be helpful despite being fired. He said to tell you that he still plans on suing you, but he’s currently working on another investment, so he might be held up at the moment.” And then she heads out of my office, leaving my skin prickling with irritation. What the fuck just happened?
Jason Clarke and Vanessa Edwin narrate this steamy, marriage-of-convenience romcom in duet. BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE is now available on Audible!
ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN: New York Times Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Kandi Steiner’s next story in the exciting world of professional hockey, Save Your Breath, is available now. You absolutely do not want to miss the fireworks between Mia Love and Aleks Suter.
THIS JUST IN: HOCKEY BAD BOY AND POP STAR EXTRAORDINAIRE ENGAGED!
That was the headline we’d wanted. If only I’d known the cost to get it.
Aleksander Suter has been my best friend since high school—and the only man who’s ever been able to truly get under my skin. With his reputation for trouble and a smirk that could melt ice, he’s also the NHL’s favorite bad boy.
When my publicist’s plan to fix my image collides with his need to clean up his own, we find ourselves in a fake engagement that feels too real from the start.
Now, I’m releasing my new album, putting on a show for the paparazzi I usually try to dodge, and falling too fast for a man who never falls for anyone. Every stolen glance, every heated touch blurs the lines between us until I’m wondering where the lies end and the truth begins.
And when a hurricane traps us together in his high-rise condo, all my carefully built walls collapse, and resisting the pull between us becomes a losing game.
Suddenly, the stakes are higher than just headlines, and the risks feel more personal than ever.
But as our past resurfaces and old feelings reignite, I realize the biggest risk isn’t losing my career—it’s losing my heart to the one person I thought would never be mine.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes the next standalone romance in the Bridesmaid for Hire series, BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE! This steamy, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romantic comedy is full of the witty banter, sizzling hot scenes, and laugh out loud moments you’ve come to love from Meghan Quinn! Narrated in duet by Vanessa Edwin and Jason Clarke, BRIDESMAID UNDERCOVER releases April 15th in all formats!
Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring his younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she’s now his assistant.
But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson’s business partners, she comes up with an equal trade. She’ll be a part of the regency wedding–corset and all–if Hudson marries her. Sloane knows the value of the trade; he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career.
It’s an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and he will benefit from the marriage too . . . well, Hudson finds himself saying “I do.”
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Tia Louise has revealed the covers for The Way We Collide!
Releasing April 10, 2025
Football is my life. I’m not interested in marriage or babies or poopy diapers. Yet here I am, standing in front of a judge saying “I do,” with a six-month-old on my hip and an aspiring storm-chaser on my arm.
From the time I was a little boy, sleeping with my head on a football, I’ve had one goal: carrying on the Bradford-family legacy.
Our famous father trained all my older brothers and me to be star athletes just like him, but seven years later, I’m the only one still focused on the game.
Until Raven Gale storms into my life.
She’s smart, sassy, curves for days, and lightning in the sack. When I met her at my little sister’s wedding we bonded immediately over our dedication to our dreams, our determination to let nothing stop us, and our insatiable, all-night, barrier-busting chemistry.
A baby girl is a surprise neither of us expected, but Raven has a plan. We’ll have a quickie marriage to secure her trust fund, be together three months tops, then shake hands and walk away.
The only problem is with every late night I spend chatting with my wife or consummating our marriage (which we agreed was a bad idea) or rocking my baby girl to sleep or yes, even changing poopy diapers, the stronger our bond grows.
It never rains in California, there’s no football (for me) in south Alabama, but when you collide with a cyclone, everything changes, including what you thought were your plans.
(THE WAY WE COLLIDE is a small-town, surprise baby, sports romance with a marriage of convenience, close proximity, an over-protective alpha daddy, a feisty plus-sized FMC, and a few twisters. No cheating. No cliffhanger. No third-act breakup.)
Photographer: Wander Aguiar Cover Designer: Lori Jackson Design Cover Illustrator: Laura Moore “LCM Designs “ Cover Designer: Kari March Designs
Tia Louise is the USA TODAY best-selling, award-winning author of super-hot and sexy romances. All her heroes are alphas with hearts of gold, and all her heroines are the smart, sassy ladies who love them.
NEVER miss a New Release or Sale–get her newsletter now: http://smarturl.it/TLMnews OR Get New Release Text Alerts: Text “TiaLouise” to 64600 (U.S. only)
Keep up with her at TiaLouise.com or Instagram (@AuthorTLouise) or Facebook (@AuthorTiaLouise).
Tropes: MC romance; inter-connected worlds; forced proximity; romantic suspense; found family
Kristen Ashley’s storytelling magic continues to enchant readers in her latest novel, Smooth Sailing, part of the Wild West MC series. Her ability to captivate audiences across multiple genres—from fantasy to paranormal, MC to contemporary romance and romantic suspense—stems from two key strengths: her masterful use of the found family trope and her creation of emotionally intelligent heroines.
In Smooth Sailing, Ashley takes on the challenge of expanding her Wild West MC universe through Big Petey, Hugger, and Diana’s perspectives. The story follows Harlan “Hugger” McCain, a man haunted by his mother’s death who, despite being a member of Chaos, keeps himself emotionally distant from his brotherhood. It’s only when he meets Diana, the female protagonist, that he begins to understand the true meaning of family. Diana, like many of Ashley’s heroines, may not immediately recognize the dangers around her, but she serves as the catalyst for profound personal transformation. Through her own complicated relationship with her parents, she helps Harlan recognize and embrace the family he already has in his brotherhood. This emotional journey, particularly Harlan’s growing acceptance of his Chaos family, forms the heart of the narrative and elevates Smooth Sailing above Ashley’s recent works in terms of emotional depth and storytelling complexity.
However, the romance does present one challenge: its temporal distance from previous Wild West MC stories and Ashley’s broader universe makes it difficult to keep track of returning characters, even for devoted readers. While Ashley thoughtfully provides a character list for reference, readers might find themselves wanting to revisit earlier books to fully appreciate the interconnected nature of her world.
Despite this minor setback, Smooth Sailing reinforces why readers like myself remain devoted to Ashley’s universe: her unparalleled ability to demonstrate how a found family strengthens people and enriches romantic relationships. For those seeking stories with emotional resonance and powerful themes of belonging, Kristen Ashley’s universe continues to be an irresistible destination.
She lives life to the fullest. He doesn’t know what hit him.
Smooth Sailing, an all-new page-turning forced proximity, opposites-attract MC romance from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley is available now!
When the Chaos Motorcycle Club came to call, Harlan “Hugger” McCain wasn’t ready to be welcomed into the fold. They said he was a legacy. He felt like an outcast.
But he patched in anyway.
And he was all in to be a part of their not-quite-outlaw missions.
This takes him down to Phoenix, right into the orbit of Diana Armitage, a beautiful, green-eyed woman with a heart of gold and a scarily honed tendency to sacrifice for pretty much everyone she cares about, and some people she barely knows.
Hugger has been existing. Life has never given him much, now, he expects even less.
Diana lives life to its fullest. And she doesn’t keep it a secret she wants to drag Hugger right along with her.
But Hugger is certain he’s got bad blood. He’s got one foot in Chaos, one foot out. One foot in Diana’s life, one foot out.
Diana and his brothers in Chaos have their work cut out to show Hugger who he is.
Tropes: hate to love; cinnamon roll MMC; grump/sunshine; forced proximity; workplace romance
Vi Keeland’s Indiscretion delivers a captivating romance that elevates the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope through exceptional character development and emotional depth. At its heart, this spicy contemporary romance succeeds by focusing on the compelling evolution of its main characters, Dawson and Naomi, whose journey from antagonism to love feels both authentic and deeply satisfying.
The story’s greatest strength lies in Dawson’s character arc. Keeland crafts a masterful transformation of a man initially closed off to love, peeling back his layers with deliberate care. His journey from emotional unavailability to vulnerability isn’t just convincing—it’s impossible not to invest in. The author takes her time developing his character, ensuring that each step toward opening his heart feels earned rather than rushed.
Naomi serves as the perfect catalyst for Dawson’s transformation. Keeland writes her as a force of nature who refuses to accept Dawson’s emotional walls at face value. What makes Naomi particularly compelling is how she challenges Dawson’s preconceptions about love and relationships without losing her own identity in the process. She’s written with a refreshing combination of strength and vulnerability that makes her feel real rather than just a plot device for Dawson’s growth.
The antagonistic chemistry between Dawson and Naomi crackles from their first interaction, but Keeland demonstrates her skill by building tension naturally through their evolving dynamic. The “hate” in this enemies-to-lovers story never feels contrived; instead, it stems from genuine conflict between two strong personalities with opposing views on love and life. This makes their eventual transition to romance all the more satisfying.
The spicy elements of the story are well-integrated, serving to enhance the emotional connection between the characters rather than overshadowing it. Keeland maintains a perfect balance between steamy scenes and character development, ensuring that each intimate moment advances the story and deepens the reader’s understanding of both characters.
What truly sets Indiscretion apart is how Keeland keeps readers invested in the outcome even when the happy ending feels inevitable. The journey to get there is so compelling, and the character growth is so well-executed that readers will find themselves turning pages not just to reach the conclusion but to savor each moment of Dawson and Naomi’s evolution both as individuals and as a couple.
Indiscretion proves that even familiar romance tropes can feel fresh and exciting in skilled hands. Through strong character work, emotional authenticity, and engaging storytelling, Keeland has created a romance that will satisfy readers looking for both heat and heart.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes the next standalone romance in the Bridesmaid for Hire series, BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE! This steamy, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romantic comedy is full of the witty banter, sizzling hot scenes, and laugh out loud moments you’ve come to love from Meghan Quinn! Releasing April 15th in all formats, check out the cover and blurb and pre-order your copy today!
Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring his younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she’s now his assistant.
But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson’s business partners, she comes up with an equal trade. She’ll be a part of the regency wedding–corset and all–if Hudson marries her. Sloane knows the value of the trade, he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career.
It’s an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and he will benefit from the marriage too . . . well, Hudson finds himself saying “I do.”
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Professor Romance 