February 05, 2026

Spotlight: Until the Truth Comes Out by Melanie Summers

February 05, 2026/ Michelle Bowles

Publication date: February 5th 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A rockstar at the height of his fame.
A wife on the edge.
A secret that can’t stay hidden.
And a single night that will change everything.

In the spring of 1997, Zane McCreight and his wife, Sienna, appear to have it all—sold-out stadiums, magazine covers, and the perfect family. But behind the image, their marriage is fracturing, and a scandal is quietly spiraling out of control.

As Zane’s band prepares for a massive tribute concert in the desert—under the eerie glow of the Hale-Bopp comet—tensions rise. Lies are told. Loyalties are tested. And two women find themselves trapped between ambition, betrayal, and the impossible weight of motherhood.

Then, on the night of the show—while the world is watching the stage—the youngest two McCreight children vanish.

Emotionally complex and deeply character-driven, Until the Truth Comes Out is a gripping tale of fame, marriage, the devastating cost of keeping secrets—and the strength of the women left to carry it all.

Excerpt

Sienna sat in the driver’s seat of her Range Rover mindlessly eating a Double Whopper. She knew she’d feel sick by the time she polished off her meal, but she couldn’t seem to stop. She never ate this late, and she certainly never ate Burger King at this hour, but she did eat there once a month—usually right before she got her period. It was a secret ritual of hers. Something she started after she’d come out to the world as a vegetarian. Huge mistake. To announce something like that before a proper test drive. She had given an interview to US Weekly magazine shortly after they adopted Billie. “Welcoming this sweetheart into our home has made me think about all the animals in the world who need love. Zane won’t let me adopt them all, so I’ve decided to stop eating meat forever.”

Idiot.

Being vegetarian was impossible for someone raised on grade-A Montana beef. Sienna longed for a medium-rare steak piled with fried mushrooms or ribs smothered in sauce all summer during barbecue season, and Thanksgiving would never be the same without the turkey. But it wasn’t only that. She hated how she felt like her head was fuzzy all the time, like her brain was in dire need of something you can only get from a juicy piece of meat. So every four weeks, she’d don a pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap, then drive to Reseda, where she would order the same thing—a Double Whopper with cheese, fries, and a chocolate shake. She would park in the back corner of the parking lot, eat the entire thing, then quickly step outside to deposit all the evidence into the trash bin. After that, she’d drive home with the windows rolled down to get rid of the smell. Then she pulled into their driveway, back to her life of being a sanctimonious vegetarian, setting a ‘good example’ for the world.

She’d gone on her Burger King run three days earlier, but tonight she let herself do it again. She was starving, having not eaten since seven that morning, when she’d had a Slim-Fast strawberry shake and half a grapefruit. The rest of the day had gone by without a single thought of food.

Her sole focus was on how her life would forever be divided into two parts. Before Zane told her and after. And here she had believed everything was getting better between them. She’d just been saying to her best friend, Kylie, the week before, “Zane is a changed man. I don’t know what happened. Maybe it’s a midlife crisis or something, but he’s different now. He’s the husband I always knew he could be.”

Kylie had given her a skeptical look, and Sienna could tell her friend thought she should probe a little to find out what had brought on such a change. But Sienna didn’t want to know. She would do what she had always done with her husband. She’d take him as he was, because that was what marriage was all about. Unconditional love. Accepting your partner for who they were, not who you wanted them to be.

But this? This was too much. He’d fathered a child with someone Sienna had thought was a friend. Well, maybe not a friend, but an ally, anyway. Claudia was someone she’d invited into their home on numerous occasions. A confidant who knew how hard it was to have her husband leave so often. How lonely it could be. How much the kids missed their dad and how exhausting it was to fill in for him. And Claudia had been so sympathetic, so sweet that Sienna was certain she had Sienna’s back when they were out on the road.

Only that wasn’t the case, was it?

When was the last time she saw Claudia? Was she already pregnant? Had the affair started? She couldn’t piece it together right now. Her brain was too exhausted. She needed to eat. Then it would come to her.

Her cell phone rang, but she ignored it. A few seconds later, it beeped to let her know she had a message. She flipped it open and listened to her sorry-sounding husband as his voice cracked and wobbled. Babe, I got the kids to bed. Well, Ivy might be up. I’m not sure. But she’s in her room, anyway. I want to see if you’re okay. I mean … I know you’re not, but I want to make sure you’re safe. Oh, God, I love you so much. Come home so I can make you a grilled cheese and we can talk. Or you can slap me until you don’t hate me anymore. I’ll do anything to make this right.

She snorted. Make this right.

“Not possible, jackass,” she muttered with her mouth full.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally - then she'll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for 'K' Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn't require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she's not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken 'from above'. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something--more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

Connect:

https://mjsummersbooks.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/mjsummersbooks

https://www.instagram.com/mj_summers_author/

https://www.facebook.com/MJSummersAuthorPage

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17105602.Melanie_Summers

April 24, 2025

Spotlight: My Big Fat Beach Wedding by Melanie Summers

April 24, 2025/ Michelle Bowles

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

The plan was simple: fake the wedding, save her career. Then she met the best man.

Vivian Whitlock’s social media empire is about to crumble. She’s closing in on thirty, and her fans are moving on to their ‘weddings and babies’ era. About to be dropped by her management team, she pretends she and her secret boyfriend are ready to take the plunge.

There’s just one problem: he doesn’t exist.

Enter Dominic James, a charismatic actor working at the idyllic Paradise Bay Resort. He’s got Broadway dreams and the perfect cover story. The two strike a deal—he’ll play her doting fiancé, and she’ll launch him into New York stardom.

But Vivian’s picture-perfect plan takes an unexpected turn when she moves into the beachside bungalow Dominic shares with his brother, Ben—an intense, fiercely-devoted single dad with no time for romance.

Surrounded by swaying palms, ocean breezes, and a precocious five-year-old who steals her heart, Vivian starts to wonder if she’s been chasing the wrong dream all along.

Is she about to lose everything she built—or finally find something that lasts?

My Big Fat Beach Wedding is a STAND-ALONE laugh-out-loud, banter-filled tale of two people who can’t fall in love but do anyway. It’s the perfect heartwarming, feel-good escape from the real world.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Single Dad who would do anything for his young son

Opposites attract
Living in the Same House

World’s most adorable 5-year-old (with cute red glasses)

Loads of witty banter
A slow burn, plenty of steam, and a hint of spice

Expect

osephine has gone to the other side of the island for a two-day solo hiking trip up a mountain (of course she did). I agreed to go for a sunset dip in the ocean with Henry and Ben this evening, which means we’re all frolicking around playfully in the water in our swimsuits, and Mr. Not-Dad-Bod is in a pair of black trunks that are leaving very little to my imagination. And I know I shouldn’t be looking. Like, I actually do know it, okay. No one has to tell me that it’s completely inappropriate to be ogling my future BIL. But at the same time, my eyes are drinking in the sight of him right now as he gets Henry set up on a surfboard laying on his stomach and sends him back toward the shore. Ben’s arms and chest flex as he pushes the board, and I can’t seem to look away. Also, he’s laughing and smiling, and dear God, but he’s got the best smile I think I’ve ever seen. Better than Giancarlo by about ten million percent. I’m in the water up to my ankles so I can catch Henry if needed, but honestly, he doesn’t need my help. The kid is a total pro, and I’m pretty sure he’s been riding a surfboard since he could walk.

Other than us and the odd seagull, the beach is empty. The waves roll gently in toward the shore in white foamy swirls that disappear into the sand. Behind Ben, the sun is about to dip down to reach the horizon, and the only sound competing with the lapping water is that of HenryBen takes the surfboard from me with his free hand, his fingers touching mine as he does, sending a thrill right through me to my toes. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’ve laid on your stomach before, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Then you can do this.” He holds the board in place for me while I climb on, trying my very best not to think about the fact that he’s so close to my bikini-clad bottom right now. God, I hope she looks good like this. Be perky, bottom.

No, don’t worry about that, silly beans! He’s not looking. He’s a gentleman.

I grip the board with both hands and hold on.

“You ready?” he asks in his deep voice.

“Yup,” I squeak out, even though there’s nothing scary about what I’m about to do.

“Away you go!” he says, pushing the board toward shore.

I squeal and hold on, feeling like a kid again as I zip toward the beach. When I get there, I quickly stand, then turn to Henry and Ben, who are cheering mightily as if I’ve just done something spectacular. I give them a deep bow.

“Again! Again!” Henry says as I walk back to them.

(Okay, so I’m not walking like I normally do. I may or may not be striding toward them with a little extra hitch in my hips and my shoulders back a wee bit more than normal. Bad Vivian. Bad. And yet, still doing it.)

“You know who hasn’t had a turn?” I ask Henry.

“My dad?”

“Yup! Your poor dad, right? I bet he wants a turn.” I give Ben a smile and I have to say, I don’t hate the look on his face right now. All that hip swaying might not have gone unnoticed.’s irresistible little giggle. He reaches the shore and I put my foot out to hold the board steady while he gets off, his life jacket clearly making the task a little more difficult. He adjusts his prescription goggles, then grins up at me. “Come on, Auntie Viv, you’ve got to try it!”

“Oh, no, you keep going. You’re having so much fun,” I tell him, picking up the board and holding it under my arm like the real surfers do.

“I get to do this every day. I want you to try it,” he says, taking my hand while we wade back out to Ben against the gentle surf.

Ben grins at me and lifts Henry up onto his hip. “Yeah, why don’t you give it a try? I bet you’ll love it.”

“Do it! Do it!” Henry chants.

Blushing a little, I say, “All right, but I’m not exactly sporty, so try not to laugh.”

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

Connect:

https://mjsummersbooks.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/mjsummersbooks

https://www.instagram.com/mj_summers_author/

https://www.facebook.com/MJSummersAuthorPage

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17105602.Melanie_Summers

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 21, 2024

Spotlight: Tide Together by Melanie Summers

August 21, 2024/ Michelle Bowles

(Paradise Bay, #7)
Publication date: August 22nd 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

What happens when a stressed-out bridesmaid and a laidback pilot are stranded alone together on a sun-kissed Caribbean island?

Paige Chadwick is having the worst day of her life. Her tyrant boss has made her three days late for her sister’s destination wedding trip, and now she’s stuck on the wrong Caribbean island with the wedding just hours away.

Enter Mac Gamble, a brooding yet irresistibly attractive pilot, who reluctantly agrees to get her to the church on time.

When a fast-moving storm leaves them stranded on a deserted island, they’re forced to rely on each other to survive. As they navigate their new surroundings, tempers flare and an undeniable attraction grows.

Amidst the stunning sunsets and white sand beaches, Paige starts to see that underneath Mac’s gruff exterior is a heart of gold.

Can these two opposites find a love as deep as the ocean, or will their differences stir up a hurricane of heartbreak?

Tide Together is a STAND-ALONE hilarious and heartwarming, banter-filled tale of two complete opposites stranded together in a tropical paradise.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Opposites attract
Stranded together on a tropical island
Forced proximity/only one bed
Fish out of water
Deliciously witty banter
A whole lot of tension, plenty of steam, and a hint of spice

Excerpt

I plunk myself on my suitcase and give in to despair. Sobs pour from my chest. I’m the worst sister of all time. Tiffany is never going to forgive me. It’s not as if this is the first time I’ve flaked on her. The truth is, since Guy offered me the job, I haven’t been there for her at all. I wouldn’t forgive me either.

I’m crying so hard, I don’t even register the sound of a plane until it lands in the water nearby. I watch as it slows and turns, then glides to the far side of the dock. It’s bright yellow and a little rickety. In my normal life, I’d never step foot on that thing, but it’s my only chance.

I stand, load up my arms, and drag my suitcase as I run toward the plane, waving my makeup case at the pilot while the propellers slow to a stop. The door opens, and a tall, built guy in jeans and a white t-shirt hops out.

“Hey! Hi, there!” I holler.

He ignores me in favor of locking the door.

“Hello, Mr. Pilot Man! I need your help!” Mr. Pilot Man? WTF, Paige?

His body stiffens, then he turns to me with an irritated look on his face. Even though he’s wearing aviators, his set jaw is making it clear that he’s annoyed. Why am I so annoying when I panic?

I stop right in front of him, panting. “Hi! Sorry. I need to get to Azure Island right away.” Pant. Pant. How embarrassing. Chadwicks don’t pant. Especially not in front of insanely hot men.

He sniffs, then says, “All done for the day. Check back with me tomorrow. Or better yet, check with someone else.” Looking me up and down, he adds, “You look high-maintenance. I don’t do high-maintenance.”

Wow. What a jerk. “First of all, the last thing I am is high-maintenance. And second, I’m not asking you to do me. I’m asking you to give me a ride.” Although, my lady bits wouldn’t mind negotiating the type of ride I’d be getting.

He grins down at me, and it’s not a particularly friendly grin at that. There’s something about it that causes a shiver to run down my spine. Pointing to my makeup kit, he says, “What’s in there?”

Lifting my chin, I say, “None of your business.”

“If I’m not mistaken, it’s filled with all sorts of creams and paints and powders you don’t need. Any woman with that much makeup is high-maintenance.”

Well, that was certainly rude. Except for the part about me not needing makeup. “That’s a pretty big assumption. What if there’s no makeup in here at all? Maybe I have a chronic illness and I need dozens of medications every day to keep me alive?”

“Do you?”

“Are you always this nosy?”

“You do realize you need something from me, and not the other way around, right?”

“Fine. It’s makeup,” I say. “But it’s for my job, not because I care about this kind of thing. And I work sixteen hours a day. I don’t have time to be high-maintenance.”

He pockets his keys and turns away from me, calling over his shoulder, “Where do you work? Inside a tanning booth?”

What a jackass! I stand, frozen in place while he strolls toward the parking lot. My brain seems to have seized up and I can’t quite think of a response. He’s arrogant, rude, know-it-all-y, and just plain awful. But he’s also my very last chance. So instead of running up behind him and pushing him into the ocean (which is super tempting at the moment), I leave my suitcase on the dock and follow him like a puppy. “Wait! It’s just a very short ride, I promise you! Are you familiar with Azure Island? It’s only five minutes away. You can still catch almost the whole soccer game!”

“It’s seventeen minutes from here, and I have no interest in football, but I still can’t help you out.” He continues striding toward one of the few remaining vehicles here—a shiny motorcycle.

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Take your pick. The result’s the same.” When he reaches the bike, he mounts it with one quick move, then starts it up. Well, that was ridiculously slick. Why on earth do I find this awful man so attractive? I mean, yes, he’s tall, he’s got thick chestnut brown hair that I want to run my fingers through, and he’s devilishly handsome. Sure, he’s built like a tank. All muscles on his muscles. But still. Rude.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally - then she'll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for 'K' Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn't require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she's not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken 'from above'. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something--more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

Connect:
https://mjsummersbooks.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/mjsummersbooks
https://www.instagram.com/mj_summers_author/
https://www.facebook.com/MJSummersAuthorPage
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17105602.Melanie_Summers

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 06, 2024

Spotlight: Love Signals by Melanie Summers

June 06, 2024/ Michelle Bowles

(Love Struck Romantic Comedy, #2)
Publication date: June 6th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

A loud-out-loud, opposites-attract, only-one-bed, revenge romantic comedy from Amazon All-Star Melanie Summers…

Allie Cammareri is about to get her revenge. It’s been twelve years coming, but she’s finally going to defeat the ex who stole her research then dumped her.

She’s in a race against him to finish the same big project, and there can only be one winner. All she needs is a few more weeks of working around the clock, and victory will be hers.

So when her boss announces she’s being pulled off the project to mentor a Hollywood A-lister who’s preparing for an upcoming movie role, Allie is devastated. She doesn’t care that it’s People’s Sexiest Man, Hudson Finch.

Allie refuses to let him get in her way, even if Hudson is the most distracting (and delicious-smelling) man on the planet. But between the close confines of her tiny office and a night stranded together in a secluded mountain cabin, her feelings for Hudson turn into something she never could’ve predicted.

She may be falling hard for him, but can Allie really find her happily ever after in his muscley arms?

*** Love Signals is an irresistibly charming, deliciously dishy, banter-filled tale about an ordinary woman and the superstar who falls for her. With a crazy cast—including a father who’s sure no one will ever be good enough for his little girl—there’s sure to be plenty of cringe-worthy moments, lots of laughs, and even a few tears. It’s a standalone rom-com with a few tablespoons of extra spice than a regular Melanie Summers book.***

Excerpt

“Can I talk to you in the hall for a second?”

“Of course,” he says, following me as we cross the large room.

As soon as we round the corner, I whisper, “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. They’re crazy people.”

“They seem fine.”

Shaking my head, I say, “They’re insane. And they’re going to ask you all sorts of embarrassing questions and my dad’s going to assume you’re trying to sleep with me so he’s going to be just awful to you and they’re going to make you eat so much, you’ll feel sick. You should just go, while you still can.”

Placing both hands on my shoulders, he says, “Allie, I’m fine. In fact, I’m going to have a great time. Now, you go get to work.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure. This whole thing was my idea,” he says. “Now go.”

I stare at him for a second, feeling all kinds of warm, gooey feelings. He’s here to help me. He just showed up exactly when I needed him. “Okay, but only if you’re sure you’re sure.”

“I’m totally sure I’m sure.”

I start toward the stairs, but he stops me. “Wait. I should probably borrow that apron. My stylist will kill me if I get this shirt dirty.”

I tuck my lips between my teeth to stop myself from laughing, and he says, “Yeah, I just heard it myself. Let’s pretend I didn’t say that.”

I reach behind my back and try to untie the strings, only to discover they’ve knotted up somehow. “Just a sec,” I tell him, leaning to my left as if that’ll work.

“You need some help?”

“No, I’m good. I’ve got it,” I say through gritted teeth while I attempt to twist the apron. It is not going to budge. Dammit.

“Allie, let me help,” Hudson tells me, his voice a little more forceful this time.

I grunt a little, then let my shoulders drop. “Fine.”

I spin on my heel and stand with my back to him, my temperature rising three degrees centigrade as I feel his fingers brushing against my lower back.

“Has anyone ever told you how stubborn you are?”

“I prefer the word independent.”

“I’ve met independent. You’ve crossed the line to full-on stubborn.”

“Hey,” I answer, attempting to turn around so I can argue with him, but he stops me with his hands on my waist.

“Stay still.”

God, that felt good. It’s been way, way too long.

Holding my breath, I take in every second while he fiddles with the knot, his big, strong hands only inches from the top of my bottom. My mind wanders right back to him carrying me out of my office, and it occurs to me that here he is, saving me again, when he is under no obligation to do so.

“There, got it,” he says, and far before I’m ready, his hands are gone.

I turn back to him and lift the apron off my neck and place it around his, and there’s that cologne again. Wow. I watch as he wraps the strings around his narrow waist and ties it in front. Grinning at the sight of him in my mom’s flowery old apron, I say, “Do you want me to take some pics for your Insta account?”

He grins. “Is this a good look for me?”

“Totally.” And the crazy part is, it actually is.

“Now, go get to work,” he says, pointing up the stairs with his thumb.

“It’s not too late. You can still sneak out.”

“Never.” He gives me a wink and walks back into the kitchen.

As I’m heading up the stairs, I hear my dad’s voice. “So, Hudson. That blonde with the huge knockers. What’s she like in real life?”

Oh, sweet Jesus. This is going to be a total disaster.

A totally wonderful, incredible, heart-fluttering disaster…

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally - then she'll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for 'K' Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn't require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she's not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken 'from above'. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something--more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 01, 2024

Spotlight: The Space Between Us by Melanie Summers

March 01, 2024/ Michelle Bowles

(Brainiacs in Love, #1)
Publication date: February 29th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Love just might be the final frontier…

S.E.T.I. researcher, Gwen Fox, is a woman on a mission—to answer the cosmic question of the ages: Are we alone?
Along with her work family, Gwen is perfectly happy spending her days listening for extraterrestrial signals— until the worst happens. They get word that they’re about to be shut down by Ty Sterling, their billionaire backer whose heart is as cold as interstellar space.

About to lose everything, Gwen has no choice but to travel to Peru to change his mind. Armed only with scientific zeal and optimism, Gwen faces off against Ty, who just might be the most stubborn, cynical man in the galaxy.

As the tension between the pair builds, so does the undeniable chemistry that neither of them saw coming. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Peruvian jungle, the space between enemies and lovers begins to collapse.

Will Gwen and Ty discover that together they form a supernova of passion? Or will their budding relationship crash and burn on impact?

*** The Space Between Us is a swoony, adventure-filled, delightfully funny tale of a woman who will do anything to save her job and the stubborn billionaire who dared to get in her way. It’s a standalone rom-com with a little more spice than a regular Melanie Summers book. ***

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Enemies to lovers
S.T.E.M. romance
Billionaire
Adventure, romantic settings, and a little danger
Forced Proximity/Only one tent
A secret cinnamon roll hero
Loads of banter, awkward moments, and delicious tension

Excerpt

“Anyway, I’m really sorry about Dr. Napper. I’m sure this must be just awful for you—losing your business partner and probably your best friend.”

He stiffens a little, then says, “Thanks, but I’m fine.”

“He was an incredible human,” I say, glancing out to see that we’re no longer flying over Lima, but are now at the base of the mountains. “Not only generous, but so full of life and really incredibly inspiring. I watched every one of his adventures on the Dick Cam.”

Mr. Sterling blinks slowly, then says, “You needn’t bother. I meant what I said earlier—about there being absolutely no chance of me funding any of your projects.”

“I know you did. You hate what we do, even though SETI is a real and highly respected line of research. Not like a lot of the other projects in the foundation.” Leaning toward him a little, I say, “I mean, come on, the search for Atlantis? Might as well look for King Arthur’s sword. Embarrassing.”

His lips curve up ever so slightly, and I’ll be damned if those aren’t a nice set of lips. “Let me get this straight. You look down on them?”

My face heats up with humiliation, which turns instantly to rage. Doing my best to stay icy calm, I say, “I assure you what those other teams do and what we do are nothing alike. Ours is a very real science based on facts and certainty. Theirs is a fairy tale.”

“I have news for you. You’re not that different.”

Okay, now I’m mad. “We most certainly are nothing like those crazy Yeti people.”

“You most certainly are. You all employed exactly the same strategy when it came to sending someone on this godforsaken trip to try to handle me.”

“Which is…?”

“Sending a young, attractive woman to convince me not to shut you down.” His eyes sweep over me. “It’s insulting really.”

Attractive? Did he just call me attractive? Is my face bright red right now? Because it feels ridiculously hot. Stupid face. “That’s not why I was picked.”

He arches his left eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” I answer, sounding haughtier than I should. “There was a very good reason my team sent me.”

“What? Are you the only one who speaks Klingon or something?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Obviously not. I’m the only one who had the necessary qualifications.”

He looks impressed for a second, but then I realize he’s just pretending. “So you’re the brains behind the whole operation then?”

“No, everyone on the team is … the brains behind the operation. We’re all one big brain and together we have all the skills and knowledge needed. Honestly, the whole thing would fall apart if you got rid of any of us,” I say, laying the groundwork in case he does give us funding but then decides to turn around and downsize us. Well, he could let Chad go. That would be fine. I’m about to say as much when the helicopter suddenly seems to be lifted up out of nowhere, pushing me into my seat with a terrifying force.

Without thinking, I reach for Mr. Sterling’s hand and he does the same to mine. We grip each other as the nose of the aircraft pitches up violently and the engine stalls. Closing my eyes, I feel panic take over me as it feels like we’re about to drop out of the sky. Without a parachute in sight. Thank God I went pee back at the airport…

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

August 13, 2023

Spotlight: A Hollywood Ending by Melanie Summers

August 13, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

Publication date: August 10th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

When life hands you heartbreak, grab a sexy bodyguard…

America’s sweetheart Courtney Bennett had it all – fame, fortune, and a doting husband in one of Hollywood’s most powerful men. But when he trades her in for a younger actress, Courtney’s world topples down around her.

With paparazzi on her tail and nowhere to turn, she hides away in a secluded cabin in Colorado with her new (and deliciously hot) bodyguard, Damien Young.

As Courtney strives to rebuild her shattered heart, she finds herself drawn to Damien, the man determined to get her back on her feet again.

But as a man of honor, Damien won’t take advantage of a woman in such a vulnerable state, no matter how undeniable their chemistry is.

Author’s Note: A Hollywood Ending is a sizzling, opposites-attract romance. It’s much spicier than a regular Melanie Summers rom-com so you may want to grab a fan (or maybe a glass of cold milk).

Excerpt

“Can you believe it?” Damien asked, lifting her up and spinning them in a circle.

She laughed with pure joy, her mouth mere inches from his. “I can’t. It’s too good to be true.”

He smiled up at her, loving how she felt in his arms. The scent of her perfume enveloped him, and he loved the feeling of his hands under her perfect ass, holding her against him. Her flirty, short sundress rode up, and he wanted her to wrap her legs around his waist more than anything.

Their celebratory hug quickly turned into a real embrace, and she slowly slid down his body until her feet touched the floor as they both seemed to realize what was happening. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and his were around her waist. He knew he should let go, but he couldn’t. He needed to redirect them back to celebrating, where it was safe.

“You did it,” he said, pride surging through him at how she had handled the call.

“I didn’t do anything except get the good news.” Courtney said, her voice thick with emotion.

God, she was gorgeous. “Not true. You handled that perfectly. You didn’t say too much or give anything away, just in case.”

“Do you think I need to worry about Dawn?” she asked, still not letting go.

“I don’t think so. She’s about to hand over everything you need to nail Brock’s ass to the wall. No way they’d want her to do that,” he answered, glancing down at her lips.

Lifting herself onto her toes, Courtney moved closer to him. “Good point,” she whispered. “I think it’s safe.”

“I think so too,” he said, knowing they were no longer talking about Dawn. Do not kiss her. Do not do it.

Courtney inched closer to him, her mouth so close to his that he could feel the warmth of her lips.

He swallowed hard and fought every urge he was feeling long enough to say, “We can’t do this.”

“Because I’m married?”

“Married?” His head snapped back a little. “You’re hardly married. It’s because you don’t need the complications of a rebound—and I don’t need the complications of a connection with a client.”

She nodded, disappointment filling her eyes as she slid her arms down from his neck and down to his chest. But then she gave him a sexy smile as she balled up his T-shirt with her fist. “What about a connection with a friend? Would that make it okay?”

Before he could answer, she had closed the distance between them, pulling him down until her mouth met his, hungry and wet.

Buy on Amazon