A Valentine for Christmas
Author: Reese Ryan
Series: Valentine Vineyards, #1
Published by: Harlequin Desire
Publication date: November 29th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Opposites do more than attract when an older woman falls for a younger man in Reese Ryan’s brand-new Harlequin Desire series, Valentine Vineyards!
A red-hot romance between a career-focused woman and a determined younger man?
Doctor’s orders!
Dr. Julian Brandon is too charming, too sexy and too young for Chandra Valentine. But after the successful bachelor rescues her—twice—she owes him. Still reeling from life-changing family revelations, Chandra somehow agrees to pose as Julian’s girlfriend. And now the irresistible Julian has plans that start with seduction under the mistletoe and end with their fake relationship erupting into a scorching affair. Now Chandra’s questioning everything she believed about love…
From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Valentine Vineyards series:
Book 1: A Valentine for Christmas
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo
an excerpt
Was the warmth surging through her from the unexpected shot of bourbon or seeing Julian in that suit that hugged his muscular body like a glove?
“Now, about your friend…” Naya gestured in his direction.
The crowd around him had gotten larger. Now there was an older woman standing with a younger woman who looked like her daughter. Even from this distance, it was obvious the woman was angling for a son-in-law.
“I feel sorry for Julian,” Chandra said. “An entire night of fending off husband-hunters can’t be much fun.”
“Then what do you plan to do about it?” Naya asked.
“Me? Why do I need to do anything about it? It’s not like we’re involved.”
“They don’t know that,” Naya noted. “The dude came to your aid twice.” Naya held up two fingers. “Here’s your chance to return the favor.”
“And what exactly do you expect me to do?” Chandra turned toward her sister.
“Strut your fine ass over there and stake a claim on your man. Or, you know…your pretend man.” She sipped her cider.
How many of those spiked apple ciders had her sister had? “You’re suggesting that I pretend to be his girlfriend, unsolicited? I don’t know, Nay. I’d love to help Julian out, but it isn’t like he asked me to run interference.”
“Look at the poor man. His eyes are pleading for help.” Naya gestured toward him. “He rescued you from a bear-induced car accident. We cannot let him spend the evening miserable.”
When Chandra didn’t respond, Naya handed Chandra her mug and stood taller. She propped up her already perky breasts, then fluffed her wig.
“Fine. If you won’t do it, I guess I’ll have to. I’m going to walk right up to the baby doc and stick my tongue down his throat. That should send a pretty clear message.”
“No!” Chandra’s objection came out louder than she’d intended. She handed the mug back to Naya. “I’m the one indebted to him. I’ll do it.” She raked her fingers through her hair and straightened her shoulders.
Naya sipped her drink and grinned maniacally.
Manipulative little brat.
Chandra cut her eyes at Naya. “I hate you sometimes, you know that?”
“Love you, too, sis.” Naya giggled. “Now let’s see you work it. Show those little girls what’s up.” Naya slapped Chandra on the bottom and she jumped.
If this thing went sideways, Chandra was going to strangle her sister.
Chandra sucked in a deep breath, then walked to the other side of the room. She made her way through the crowd of women and touched Julian’s arm.
“There you are, babe. I didn’t realize you’d arrived.” Chandra smiled sweetly, hoping he wasn’t about to out her as a lunatic feigning a relationship.
Surprise flashed in his dark eyes, followed by an appreciative smile. He slipped a strong arm around her waist. She was reminded of when he’d lifted her from her car. Julian kissed her cheek and whispered, “Thanks, I owe you one.”
“I just arrived,” he said for the benefit of the women around him whose faces displayed varying degrees of disappointment. The redhead looked completely undone. “I was catching up with a few old friends.”
“You two are dating?” The older woman who was standing with her daughter gestured between them. “That’s news.”
“I certainly haven’t heard anything about you having a girlfriend.” The redhead’s tone was accusatory, as if there was some official town registry for dating couples.
“We met recently.” Julian pulled her closer, not acknowledging either of them directly. “But the moment I laid eyes on Chandra—” a warm smile lit up his handsome face “—I knew she was the woman for me. Made it my mission to make her mine.” He kissed her temple.
about the author
Reese Ryan writes sexy, deeply emotional romances with family drama, surprising secrets, and unexpected twists.
Past president of her local Romance Writers of America chapter and a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Reese is an advocate for the romance genre and diversity in fiction.
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