And not just because of who we are. Passion. It’s reckless. Doesn’t care who sees or what it costs. It’s good if you have a little. Just enough to aim and shoot. Hit your goal. But it shouldn’t be spilling all over the place. Damn. I knew the danger. The whole time. She seemed a little lonely, but she seemed decent. Moral. Had her head in the right place. I just can’t remember why I thought that would keep me safe. Why would a woman not have the power to consume me, just because she was decent and moral? Since when did pure oxygen become less of a threat to a match? But then, a wild, stubborn, loudmouth son of a bitch like me definitely shoulda kept her safe. So I don’t know what the hell is goin’ on. A stern and heartfelt warning from the author: This book contains the first-person perspective and inner monologue of a former nazi/white supremacist main character named Adam Kerr. He has a swastika tattoo on his arm and lives in a racially segregated town called Bethesda, set fictionally in North Carolina. He is not politically correct. He's not a Republican, but he's sure as hell, not a Democrat. He's never heard the term "cisgender," he has no pronouns and he does not know what "safe spaces" are. He does not keep up with current events on the world stage. He does not have social media because he does not have friends, he only has family. He doesn't mind you reading about him, nor he does care your thoughts and feelings about his thoughts and feelings. He only cares about what one woman thinks about him, and that woman is JoAnn Abrams Kerr.  If this is your first C.L. Donley book, I recommend that you put off buying this one, and start with a different book [my recommendation: Leftovers With Benefits]. If you don't like that one, then you will hate this one. If you do like it, then proceed with Adam and Jo at your own risk. I create all my characters with unflinching realism, empathy, and dimension, so if you have problems feeling positively and/or negatively toward a person that you don't agree with, who is the main focus of the book, then you should move on.  For those of you who've read my work before and appreciate it, check out the sample before downloading the book. This book is unlike the others, in that it straddles the fence between romance and literary/women's fiction. If you know and trust me as an author, I'm hoping you will trust me again. It is incredibly steamy. You will be triggered. You will be challenged. You will cry. You will laugh. You'll cry again. You should probably take off work.  Wanna read a story? Then let's flippin' do this.  C.L.

    He’s arrogant. He’s smart as a whip and sexy AF. He has too much money. He’s bossy, and he’s usually right. All I saw were his clear blue eyes, tight butt, and ripped torso. I gladly handed him my V-card that night, ten years ago. I was so stupid. I swore I’d never be that stupid again… Emmy Barton works for a dry cleaner? Yes, that Emmy Barton—long, blonde hair, bright blue eyes, pretty smile… Sexy little body. Smart mouth. She was the only girl who interested me, but I was leaving to be an officer in the Navy. Now I’m home, running my business. My life is perfectly ordered until I bump into her, divorced and struggling to make ends meet. I hate seeing her like this. I hate that she married Burt “The Dick” Dickerson. What an a--hole. She says she hates me, but when we fight, it’s all heat and lust. I won’t leave her this way. She will let me help her and her son. She will stay… It’s a thin line between love and hate, and this line is on fire. (STAY is a STAND-ALONE enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, marriage of convenience romance. No cheating. No cliffhangers.)

    After she’s forced to return to her hometown St. Aster, Louisiana, she lands a waitressing job at Ady’s Creole Café. Life’s not done giving her lemons just yet, though. Ady’s Creole Café is on the brink of going out of business. If Rosalie hopes to recover from her disastrous marriage and keep her job, she must figure out a way to save the restaurant. But the only question is how?​When Nicholas Fontaine hires Rosalie Underwood, he doesn’t expect his newest waitress to stir the pot. He was hoping to keep up the charade he’s created since his mother’s passing. Soon he realizes that Rosalie refuses to let Ady’s fail. She cooks up a plan to salvage the business—including the part where she enters the restaurant in a food competition to generate town-wide buzz. ​There’s no time for butting heads. The clock is ticking and the business is tanking. Nick’s stuck teaching Rosalie how to cook the one-of-a-kind menu. Rosalie’s trying her best to learn the delicious recipes. In order to succeed, they must come together and work as a team, but brewing feelings between them only complicates matters. Is this a recipe for disaster or a recipe for love?

    Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B—which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it.When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either.As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved—and hated—about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets—old and new—will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.

    It is intended for mature audiences. BLURB: Tony Romano’s life was torn apart at age fifteen when his father died. His mother moved him and his brother from New Jersey to Belle Glade, Florida, a place rife with crime and bleakness. With his widowed mother working two jobs to support them, she was rarely home and the streets were soon raising Tony. Cassidy Macklin was raised by her grandmother for most of her life. Smart, creative, and kind-hearted, she does her utmost to prevent her circumstances to bring her down. Reading helps her escape to a different life and place, even if only in her imagination. And Grandmama’s soulful food is the balm that heals her heart and keeps her world afloat. Tony and Cassidy form a connection, which deepens as the days pass. But soon, darkness rears its head and things fall apart, bringing havoc and turmoil. Years later, the two cross paths again and both must come to terms with the monsters of their past. Their discoveries trigger emotions they’ve never faced before. Secrets, pain, and old habits—some of those die hard. Will Tony and Cassidy be able to finally have the life together that they so deserve, or will they be forced to part again, this time forever? Read ‘Gumbo’ to find out!

    But I’m settled now. In a place I love, in a home I renovated, spending time with new friends I adore, and working a job that fulfills me. I am reconciling the past and laying the groundwork for the future.Then Garrett Frost moves in next door.He’s obstinate and too bold, a raging force of nature that disrupts the careful order of my life. I recognize the ghosts that haunt him, the torment driving him. Garrett would be risky in any form, but wounded, he’s far more dangerous. I fear I’m too fragile for the storm raging inside him, too delicate to withstand the pain that buffets him. But he’s too determined…and too tempting.And sometimes hope soars above even the iciest desolation.Emotional and heartrending, Butterfly in Frost marks a brilliant return by global sensation Sylvia Day, the #1 international multimillion bestselling author of the Crossfire saga.

    Her tenure at the University is in question, funding for her employees uncertain, and her faux-fiancé, Jackson James’s unpredictability is wearing on her last nerve. Just when Zora is convinced things can’t get more complicated, life proves her wrong.What the heck is he doing here?NICK ROSSI’s complicated life is still extremely complicated. He’s used to fighting for everything he has, but he’s also used to winning. Now a man of power and influence, his return to Green Valley after so many years hasn’t gone according to plan, especially with the woman he’s always wanted.She can’t know why I left, or why I’m back.A powerful woman intent on righting the wrongs of the world, Zora doesn’t have time or energy to deal with the man who broke her young heart.A powerful man intent on righting the wrongs of the past, Nick can’t help wanting to protect Zora, even if his devotion is unrequited.Been There Done That is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Leffersbee series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

    That was then. Now Antonia is jobless, alone and at a crossroads. What better time to travel the world? A solo honeymoon on the Emerald Isle will be like hitting the reset button. No distractions, no drama.Add some luck o’ the IrishAiden Byrnes may be a literature professor, but words fail him when he meets the woman staying in the cottage next door. Tully Cross is meant to be a sleepy little village, and he’s meant to be on a working holiday—not a vacation, and most definitely not with his beautiful neighbor.And you get some mighty good craicThey say laughter is the best medicine—and as it turns out, superhot sex isn’t so bad either. Antonia and Aiden’s spark quickly grows into what could be something special, if they’re willing to take the leap. Ending up an ocean apart is unthinkable, and when real life comes calling, there’s no ignoring that leap anymore…

    In this first Cabot novel, a legacy of secrets tests old friends seeking a second chance at life and love. On the second anniversary of her husband’s suicide, Colby Cabot-Baxter is ready to let go of her grief and the mistakes made during her turbulent marriage. Her fresh start comes in the form of A CertainTea, the restaurant she’s set to open along Lake Sandy, Oregon, with help from her family. But when her executive chef quits just weeks before the grand opening, Colby is pressured to hire old family friend Alec Morgan. His award-winning reputation could generate buzz, but their friendship has withered since her husband’s reckless dare cost Alec’s brother his life.Distracted by guilty secrets concerning the tragedy that changed his and Colby’s lives, Alec self-destructed and lost his famed restaurant. With his career in tatters, he’s determined to use this opportunity to redeem his reputation and to help the woman he’s loved from afar find happiness again.But secrets have a way of coming out. When Alec’s do, they might destroy the new life he and Colby have rebuilt together.

    Diane Matthews is not just beautiful and smart, she’s got an infectious passion for everything in her life, from her three daughters to her new play. For him, the search is over. He knows they belong together.For Diane, it’s not as simple. She’s almost twenty years older than Michael. She’s not interested in remarrying – she’s very happy with her life just the way it is, thank you very much. But she can’t deny the growing attraction between them – and it’s not just his touch that she craves. But it’s not until Michael is gone and an old love returns that she realizes just what he meant to her. He said he would love her forever. Can she trust that? Or should she find a safer route to happiness?A Different Kind of Forever is the story about two complicated people finding – and trying to hold on – to love.

     But you did notice. We spent one life-changing week together before you left, and we said goodbye on day eight, exchanging addresses at the last minute. I saved every letter you wrote me, your words quickly becoming my religion. But you went radio silent on me months ago, and then you had the audacity to walk into my diner yesterday and act like you’d never seen me in your life. To think … I almost loved you and your beautifully complicated soul. Almost. Whatever your reason is—I hope it’s a good one. Maritza the Waitress PS – I hate you, and this time … I mean it. AUTHOR’S NOTE: For a *limited time* the eBook version of P.S. I HATE YOU includes two bonus novels (ABSINTHE and DARK PROMISES). Rest assured P.S. I HATE YOU is still a full-length (~70k word) novel even though it might end around 33% on your device.

     Tyler’s worked hard to kick the dust of the Chicago suburbs off his heels and move on with his life as Hollywood’s newest up-and-comer, burying his demons and hiding his scars from the world. Just as everything seems to be going his way, a scandal from his past threatens everything he’s worked for. Now he’s stuck back home, where his family of lawyers can maybe help sink the scandal and find out who’s behind it. Afraid to love. Josh doesn’t know what to think when his ex’s little brother falls into his arms, other than that Tyler is trouble with a capital T. But when Tyler’s publicist suggests that an adoring fake boyfriend might be just the ticket to saving Tyler’s acting career, Josh doesn’t mind playing along. It’s not like he has anything else going on, and faking a relationship with someone you’ve known your entire life can’t possibly be that difficult. A second chance for two damaged hearts. Now they’re stuck together for the foreseeable future, and neither can deny their mounting attraction. Why should they? They’re supposed to be in love, at least out in public. But in private, when no one is watching, Tyler and Josh grow closer in a way that has nothing to do with their agreed upon arrangement. What do they do when make-believe becomes real, and how can two men with such different lives have a shared future? Damage Control is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance with no cliffhanger and a HEA.

    I wasn’t ready for Jacob Clark. He was sin and dark edges, wrapped in regret. He was my Kryptonite. His words oozed over me like warm honey. His dark eyes pricked my soul, and his touch….those fingers set my skin on fire. Of course he was too good to be true. And before I could wipe the icing off my greedy lips, I was walking away. So, why was he invading her dreams? Jacob She was the remedy to everything. Until my family, my past, provoked me. I made one little scene, and Sandra walked away without a word, despite our mind-blowing connection. When I finally barged in on her life again, she told me she didn’t want me. I told her in her pretty face she did. She more than wanted me. Remember the ache? When I’m with her, it goes away. If she wants a chase, I’ll give her one. Who knows? When I catch her, I might never let go.

    An unbreakable bond. One tragic event that shatters everything. It all started with the boys next door… Devin and Ayden were my best friends. We were practically joined at the hip since age two. When we were kids, we thought we were invincible, inseparable, that nothing or no one could come between us. But we were wrong. Everything turned to crap our senior year of high school. Devin was turning into a clone of his deadbeat lowlife father—fighting, getting wasted, and screwing his way through every girl in town. I’d been hiding a secret crush on him for years. Afraid to tell him how I felt in case I ruined everything. So, I kept quiet and slowly watched him self-destruct with a constant ache in my heart. Where Devin was all brooding darkness, Ayden was the shining light. Our star quarterback with the bright future whom everyone loved. But something wasn’t right. He was so guarded, and he wouldn’t let me in. When Devin publicly shamed me, Ayden took my side, and our awesome-threesome bond was severed. The split was devastating. The heartbreak inevitable. Ayden and I moved on with our lives, but the pain never lessened, and Devin was never far from our thoughts. Until it all came to a head in college, and one eventful night changed everything. Now, I’ve lost the two people who matter more to me than life itself. Nothing will ever be the same again. A standalone new adult contemporary romance with a happy ending. Only suitable for readers aged eighteen and older due to mature content and possible triggers.

    Oh, I've wanted him since forever. He's just amazing. He's that perfect man you can't help but dream about. He has an amazing heart. He'll do anything for you. He has a smile that will make you melt where you stand. He has a body that's sheer perfection. And his eyes, oh man, they can look through your soul and strip you bare until you have no choice but to give yourself to him. It's a power he's had over me since the first day we met. Hands down, ladies, he's fine as hell. Oh, and his lips, goodness, I can't forget those. Let me tell you, the moment he touches you with his lips, you instantly cream. You can't help it. The feeling he generates is like no other. With just the simplest touch, he can make you soak with a need that only he can satisfy. He can effortlessly bring nothing but sweet ecstasy and pure desire all through your body.Do you see why I want him? He's my addiction, and I crave him with every second I draw breath.So why can't I have him? It's simple; I don't deserve him. You see I've had an opportunity to make him mine forever, and I blew it. I blew it so bad that I don't know if he'll ever give me another chance. But, oh, if he does, I promise you; I won't waste it.Brad...I've never met anyone like this woman. She had me the first day I laid my eyes on her. She's beautiful. No doubt about it; she's a goddess. She has curves that I can't keep my hands off of. Her skin is smooth like melted chocolate on your fingers. She has an unbelievable spirit and fierce loyalty that you'd want in your corner. Did I say she's sexy as shit? She turns me on with just the sheer thought of her. My favorite part of her are those lips of hers. Damn, I want to kiss her all the time. I can't get enough of her taste. She's made for me, I know this... I'm not denying that.I've been in love with her since before I even knew she existed. She's my best friend. I can't live without her. I just don't know if that's enough, if my love for her is enough. I want to give her a second chance, but I don't know if she's ready. They say that you only give second chances if a person has learned from their mistakes. What if she hasn't?What do you do when the one you love has an addiction stronger than you? Do you fight for her or do you let it consume you both? Life is about second chances. The question is can we survive?