Smartypants Romance

Leo Cooper is back in Green Valley to hide. Not fall in love with the tenacious band director who's determined to drag him into the light. After being kicked out of his massively successful rock band, Leo is content to spend Bunco nights with his mom, lay low making snacks, and lick his wounds. He'd rather work in his garden than give any attention to his failed music career. Cut to the gorgeous high school band director relentlessly popping up in his life, making demands, and talking about giving back to the community. Mari Mitchell knows what it's like to be overlooked. She's determined to do whatever it takes to ensure her students get the best shot possible even if that means running herself ragged. And when a former rockstar returns to town, who could be better to help her favorite student make their dreams come true? Does it matter that he's a moody musician who reminds her of a handsome tragic hero of an old-timey movie? NO She's too busy for things like burning hot physical attraction and chemistry that won't quit. She needs Leo for more than his irresistible drummer arms. No matter how amazing they feel wrapped around her... But what nobody knows is that the hit to Leo's pride was a big one, and Mari might be asking too much. Can these two band together? Or will their painful pasts prevent them from having the future they deserve?'Band Together' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

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. Scotia Simmons. The name says it all-ornery, judgmental, mean-but underneath a woman like that is typically a shattered heart. Locked within her secrets, this fried pickle princess has used her unkindness as a shield of protection against the loneliness. However, menopause and a one-night stand can change a woman's perspective on things. Who knew it would take a man the likes of him to push her strong will to its limits? Chester Chesterfield. The name has more than one meaning-generous, quiet, private-but within one man is a multitude of personas. The gruff oil mogul has a wounded heart (and a big secret) that holds him hostage from the man he's meant to be. His past defined him, or so he thought. He never imagined it'd take a woman like her to push him over his carefully constructed edges and show him love has no boundaries. When you're in a pickle, it's time to relish what-or rather who-stands before you and accept that even over forty, a second chance at love can be a big dill (every pun intended).'Love in a Pickle' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the Small Town Silver Fox series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

When a silver fox veteran returns to his small town, he sets out to prove to one prickly farm owner, she has what he wants most: a second chance at her land and her heart. Beverly Townsen has pulled back from her mountain valley community, preferring the isolation of her farmhouse and her daily routine of viewing home improvement television programs. It's more than her frail body that prevents her from associating with others, but a fragile heart shattered more than once. When a personal renovation becomes mandatory, she's not so excited about the reality of life versus DIY cable shows. However, her new tenant isn't backing down from this extreme makeover. Jedd Flemming understands physical pain and personal loss, but it's never stopped him from bucking forward in life. A former military man and rodeo star, his life as a nomad comes to an end with false accusations and a family matter in his hometown. His absence has been long, but once returned, there's nothing he wants more than to reclaim what he's lost and maybe stake a claim on the elusive buzzing-bee female who holds a sliver of his heart. When faced with a challenge, sometimes deeds are louder than words, and Jedd's out to prove love is worth another go around the pasture for these forty-somethings.'Love in Deed' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the Small Town Silver Fox series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

When a silver fox biker encounters a quirky, small-town librarian, these opposites might have more in common than one suspects and a long overdue second chance at love. Naomi Winters will be forty-soon-ish-and she's only been with one man. One night. One time. Long ago. She believes everything happens for a reason, and the universe spoke about him. But when her past stands before her looking sexier than ever with silver scruff and a smirky dimple, she's giving her inner goddess a second listen. Nathan Ryder isn't the same man who hightailed his bike out of Green Valley eighteen years ago. Coming home goes against everything he should do. However, he's always been a rule taker, and women are one area he acts a fool. Case in point-the local librarian. When he encounters her between the stacks, it doesn't matter that he can't get a read on her, he just knows he's not willing to risk losing her. Again. Despite little in common, the stars align in mysterious ways and the due date on their love might not be expired after all.'Love in Due Time' is a full-length, contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Small Town Silver Fox series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Love can appear at the most unexpected times. Grayson is hiding from the world when she finds him. Now, he can't imagine his world without her. Is her love and support enough to help him rediscover his true self, or will he remain trapped in a life of unfulfillment? My Story of Us: Grayson is the third narrative in the Story of Us collection, modern love stories written as intimate correspondence from a man to the woman he is in love with. Written and performed by Chris Brinkley, these stories are best experienced via audio.

There are three things you need to know about Lady Cassandra Fields: 1. Despite being beloved, this diamond of the first water has yet to land a husband.2. Her bold personality and giving heart help fuel her charitable endeavors.3. She's looking for adventure--something beyond ballgowns, drawing rooms, and her ladylike skill with needle and thread. 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 Matched', a Penny Reid Universe Reimagining, is a full-length historical romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the London Ladies Embroidery series, Smartypants Romance Out of this World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Nikki has a lot going on at the moment. She's the best sound engineer and mixer at XY Records, she's working on a super-secret project with a pop megastar, and holding the busier-than-usual studio together. The last thing she wants or needs is her ex-fianc to start working in the studio over the summer. She's over it-him. Obviously. Being ghosted has that effect. But working near someone she used to love has made her life that much more complicated. Andre has it all figured out. Two and half years ago he had no idea what he was doing when he walked away from the love of his life. But time has given him perspective, and he's grown up. Which is why the paleontology professor is working part-time at his ex's recording studio. Because he wants to make amends. And maybe win her back. Will Nikki give him the chance he thinks he's ready for? Or will it be her turn to walk away from him?'All Mixed Up' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #8 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

"It's my life to ruin "Pippa Fleming is a woman who always has a plan... until she finally secures a coveted promotion and her dream job suddenly feels worse than getting caught under the sun as a redhead with no sunscreen. Exhausted and confused, Pippa seeks an escape by signing up for a reality dating show. Everyone is allowed one identity crisis, right? And where better to recharge than on a beach sipping cocktails with little umbrellas? As long as she remembers she's only here to have fun, not lose her heart..." She was a walking red flag, so far out of my league that I couldn't even see what league she was in." August Weather is laid back and content with his quiet life. But when his sister nominates him for a reality dating show, he sees it as a chance to experience the world outside of his small town. What he didn't expect was to fall for someone like Pippa. She's his complete opposite - prickly, vivacious, full of adventure and big dreams... and despises him on sight. Except, he can't stop thinking about her and finding out what lies beneath her guarded surface... When the whirlwind of the show throws them together, Pippa and August discover how wrong first impressions can be. But, can their newfound connection survive the real world? Or will their differences sweep their love match out to sea?'Meet Your Matcha' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Love defies logic when two polar opposites attract. Chloe and Brandon have nothing in common. She's a spontaneous, people-loving fiber artist; he's an uptight, introverted law student. The only thing they agree on during their blind date is that they hope to never see each other again. Except they do have something in common-Brandon's mother Dawn, who happens to be Chloe's boss and dear friend. Which is how they end up stuck with each other for a six-hour road trip to Dawn's destination wedding. But as they get to know each other better, their mutual irritation morphs into an inescapable connection. Maybe these two opposites aren't so mismatched after all. Could Brandon be the yin to Chloe's yang? The peanut butter to her jelly? The rock to her roll? Or will their differences tear them apart when they return to their normal lives at the end of the wedding weekend?'Ewe Complete Me' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #6 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Marly Rivers is not crazy. No matter what everyone says. They may think her dream is foolish, but she plans to prove them all wrong-one jar of moonshine at a time. Single dad Wade Kelley is just fine. No matter what his best friend Jed says. He doesn't need a woman in his life. But when his son Jake breaks a jar of moonshine, he sets something in motion that neither Wade nor Marly are prepared for. A friendly favor turns into late nights, long dinners, and a romp in the woods. And in a deer stand too. By the time Wade realizes he's fallen hard and deep for Mad Marly, it may be too late to tell her. When she falls into real and sudden danger with poachers, he may not even be able to save her.'Peaches and Dreams' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Ivy Lunden is Team Keep Things Casual... I am Toby Azumah's opposite in every way. I'm a pessimist; he's an optimist. I'm into art; he's into sports. Still, I'm highly entertained by our flirtationship. When he finally talks me into a date, everything goes wrong. Chaos descends on my orderly life when my mother falls and needs nearly round-the-clock care. Add in my nosy neighbor, and my peace of mind has been turned inside out. When Toby, Mr. Best-Case Scenario himself, offers to help, I'm skeptical. A relationship with him would only make things more chaotic, right? Or maybe Toby is the real deal, and giving him a chance is a smart move after all. Toby Azumah is Team Happily Ever After... I've wanted to take the mysterious, beautiful Ivy Lunden to dinner ever since we met, and I'm confident she just needs a little time to warm up to the idea of us. But nothing goes according to my daydreams. Despite a no-show date, some flirty texts, and the fierce ways she protects herself and her mom, I see through the chaos and smoke to the real Ivy. The Ivy she rarely shows to the world. How can I convince her I'm making the smart move and playing for keeps?'Smart Move' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Nate Hanover's future was set. The perfect girlfriend, the perfect career... He's the perfect man with the perfect life-until he lost it all this summer. Now he's not sure about anything, except that no one can know the truth lurking behind his "perfect" facade. Especially not at this week's high-stakes corporate circus known as Tele-Con. Natalie McAllister has no time for games. After working nonstop since... ever, she's one win away from the dream promotion she's been chasing for years. All she has to do is land the Sandeke Telecom account at this week's telecom conference and life will be perfect. But when a chance encounter leads these strangers to an incredible night of intimate soul-searching, "perfect" might look different than they thought. With so much on the line, it's a good thing they'll never see each other again. Well, not until the following morning when they learn they're competing for the same account, their firms despise each other, and a nut-obsessed enigma named Chad Smith is the key to their success. Oh, plus their forbidden connection is still fully charged and more off-limits than ever. What could go wrong when the perfect night explodes into the perfect storm?'Look Smart' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #6 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

What happens when an uptight preppy frat boy sets his sights on a punk rock princess? #superherolevelchaosZack Worthington's life is a carefully curated performance. Controlled by his politician father, he stands on his mark and recites his lines. There's no room for deviation, no time for comic books and no patience for obscure Trekkie facts. He's all business, polished to a shine-the sparkling jewel in his father's crown. Then one night, Zack lays eyes on a girl he can't unsee... Open minded, self-sufficient, Deaf drummer, Molly Mills is working hard to find her rhythm in a competitive college music program. She's driven to prove herself to nearly everyone, even while living off of packaged noodles and thrift-store clothing. Watching her alone on the dance floor, punky, free and wild, Zack told himself that opposites attract was totally not a real thing. But a couple days later when he realizes he's the teaching assistant in her research methodologies class, he can't ignore his instincts. He has to know her. Only Molly isn't interested in his platitudes and superficial chit-chat. Suddenly, all bets are off because this buttoned up, rule-following rich guy actually wants to be more than meets the eye...'The Vinyl Frontier' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Mousy bookworm. Psychology nerd. The kind of girl who constantly sticks her foot in her mouth. The last thing I am is the type to attract the intimidating, motorcycle-riding guy in the apartment next door. Especially when that mouth of mine gets me in trouble and he overhears me talk smack about him... So no one's more surprised than me when he shows up as a participant in the psych study I'm running on campus. Or when he generously offers me some much-needed self-defense lessons. Or when we grow closer than I thought possible. It turns out some people aren't at all what they seem at first glance. They can actually be everything you never knew you wanted in a man. The thing is, Austin Langford is so far out of my league, it's laughable. Muscled boxers don't go for nobodies like me. I need to forget about this one-sided attraction. Even when it feels like I can't fight it.'Can't Fight It' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

First rule when returning to your hometown after storming out of sight: don't fall for the guy who broke your heart. Julia Browne should know better than to kiss where she bakes. She's built a bread empire in California, and only plans to stay in Green Valley long enough to sell the family house. She certainly won't spend any more time with Shane Meadows than she has to...and she will not let him draw her in with his soft blue eyes or level her with his handsome smirk of a grin. The last thing she wants is a temporary gig at Donner Bakery, baking sourdough side-by-side with Shane and clashing with his ego. And he thinks the sassy baker should take her fancy bread and go back where she came from. But that's before they take a series of wrong turns on a road trip to look at wheat, leaving them stranded for the night. Out on the open road, neither of them can escape the sizzling attraction and old feelings that feel a lot more real this time around. But life is complicated, and Julia's life in California might derail their second chance at love. Will they wake up and smell the sourdough? They say you should leave the past in the past, but what if it's the winning recipe for love?'Dough You Love Me' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

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. To end his mother's awkward set-ups, Noah needs a no-strings-attached pretend girlfriend. And who better than Carla, a mysterious recluse who seems to have taken an instant dislike to him? When she reveals she's been isolated by illness, he proposes a fake relationship that'll stop his momma's shenanigans and help Carla ease back into the world. Tech-geek Carla creates a spreadsheet of fake-date challenges. She's serious and focused on her goal of slowly becoming more social... until daredevil Noah starts messing with her spreadsheet. He's ridiculously charming, and his sexy additions may be even more appealing than the cookies he brings her, but Carla won't let her resistance crumble. Opposites may attract, but can such different people find a recipe for love?'Tough Cookie' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

There are three things you need to know about Lady Eliza Morgan: 1. In addition to being a busy physician, she's an accomplished seamstress.2. She's the victim of a broken heart.3. The man who shattered it is the one man she can never have. Some things are better left in the past, but Eliza has spent years running from hers. When the man who upended her life re-enters it in the most unexpected way, Eliza must decide if reacquainting herself with Nicolas is worth the heartache. He's charming and irritating and makes her realize there is so much more than the life she's been living. But first she must confront her painful past if she and Nicolas have any hope for a future.'Well Acquainted', a Penny Reid Universe Reimagining, is a full-length historical romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the London Ladies Embroidery series, Smartypants Romance Out of this World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

There are three things you need to know about Lady Eliza Morgan: 1. In addition to being a busy physician, she's an accomplished seamstress.2. She's the victim of a broken heart.3. The man who shattered it is the one man she can never have. Some things are better left in the past, but Eliza has spent years running from hers. When the man who upended her life re-enters it in the most unexpected way, Eliza must decide if reacquainting herself with Nicolas is worth the heartache. He's charming and irritating and makes her realize there is so much more than the life she's been living. But first she must confront her painful past if she and Nicolas have any hope for a future.'Well Acquainted', a Penny Reid Universe Reimagining, is a full-length historical romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the London Ladies Embroidery series, Smartypants Romance Out of this World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

In the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA. Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two 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. Tattooed adventure-seeker Ozzi Erickson goes where the wind takes him. When he blows into Green Valley for his big brother's wedding-and to figure out his next move-he isn't prepared for the knock-out punch coming his way. With Ozzi sticking around the Tennessee mountain town, his brother gives him a temporary assignment as Willow Bernard's trainer. His job is to teach her how to fight. But will she have the skills required to protect her heart?'Knock Out' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Fighting for Love series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.