Kilby Blades

SOMETIMES CUPID MISSES... These characters have had it with love-or, if not with that, with Valentine's Day. But no matter how they fight it, Cupid refuses to relent. From struggling singles to secret crushes to enemies turned much, much more, these lightning strikes of love will add a spark of hope to your holiday.

It's the most wonderful time of the year OK--scratch that. It's time for another obligatory family gathering. And nothing spices up the egg nog like bringing your partner home. Surely your belligerent brother-in law, your gimlet-eyed granny and your drunken uncle will keep it classy. With forced proximity and alcoholic beverages, what could possibly go wrong?The Worst Holiday Ever series shares stories of love and holiday survival among couples from varied backgrounds. Straight couples, gay couples, inter-racial and inter-species couples...this collection has it all. Bringing your black girlfriend to your WASPy family's Thanksgiving dinner? Having your wife find out you're an angel when your super-natural nemesis crashes Christmas? Ex-con cousins breaking bread with the cop in the family? It's hard to beat that kind of drama. Worst Holiday Ever delivers hilarious, heartwarming and sometimes sexy stories from nine award-winning authors. So, go ahead--take a break from your own crazy and cozy up to the fire. You're gonna need a drink for this...

Chase Greenleaf made a promise: that he'd always take care of his best friend's widow. And he's kept it in the years since Todd's death. He quit his job as a firefighter, gave Violet a plum job on his peach farm; and plays super-dad to her two kids.Nevermind the small matter of being in love with her. Coveting Violet is a shame he'll take to his grave. So he'll be her shoulder to cry on; her cool, quirky boss; her always-there-but-totally platonic friend.But when Violet tenders her resignation for reasons she won't explain and new revelations come out about the fire that killed Todd, Chase's world is upended. Joining the investigation may help Violet win her battle against Todd's insurance company but it will trigger Chase's PTSD.He'll stop at nothing to find justice for Todd, but can he stop the woman he loves from leaving? And will he risk everything to tell her the real reason why he can't let her go?'Wild Goose Chase' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #8 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

For the reasonable price of $1, Natalie Malone just bought herself an abandoned villa on the Amalfi Coast. With a detailed spreadsheet and an ancient key, she's arrived in Italy ready to renovate--with only six months to do it. Which seemed reasonable, until architect Pietro Indelicato begins critically watching her every move... From the sweeping ocean views to the scent of the lemon trees, there's nothing Pietro loves more than his hometown. And after seeing too many botched jobs and garish design choices, he's done watching from the sidelines. As far as he's concerned, Natalie should quit before the project drains her entire bank account and her ridiculously sunny optimism. With Natalie determined to move forward, the gorgeous architect reluctantly agrees to pitch in, giving her a real chance to succeed. But when the fine print on Natalie's contract is brought to light, she might have no choice but to leave her dream--and Pietro--behind.

Forrest Winters isn't just a federal fire marshal; he's a thorn in Ranger Sierra Betts's side. The way he swings his big axe, fixes her with his chameleon gray eyes, and talks about his jurisdiction has a way of breaking her concentration. He has a way of showing up everywhere he doesn't belong, including Greenbrier Ranger Station. And he really needs to quit stealing her bacon bites.When a series of suspicious fires, an underhanded co-worker, and a cagey Parks Police Chief threaten her job and the park itself, Sierra grudgingly agrees to partner with Forrest. Their side investigation may be her best shot at preventing the framing of an innocent man. But can his firefighting expertise and her detective skills lead them to the real arsonist before Forrest breaks her with his charm?'Forrest for the Trees' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone and is book #1 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe

"From USA Today best selling author Kilby Blades, a college and new adult romance that gives Roxy and Jag a second chance...When their parents foil their plan to attend the same college, Jag and Roxy have a choice: try the long-distance thing and risk a messy ending, or let go and hope for a "someday"" second chance. Jag hates the friend zone, but bides his time as Roxy's next-best thing: her biggest cheerleader, a shoulder to cry on and her best friend.Six years later, when they've earned what their sacrifices were meant to achieve, Jag is a prodigious composer and Roxy writes for Rolling Stone. But it's hard to revel in their own success when they've lost the one thing they were always meant to be: together."This is one of the best books that I have read in awhile...well-written, and very enjoyable. I could actually FEEL the angst in each of the characters. Well done "- Jamie Pederson, Amazon Reviewer"Great book about true romance and the struggles of young love when life intrudes. Great book, wonderful characters."- Mikitwins, Amazon Reviewer"Kudos to Kilby Blades for another good book. High School sweethearts hoping for a second chance at love...a page-turner with great characters. I'm finding that Kilby Blades is going to be an author I turn to since the books don't seem to disappoint."- KWOO, Amazon Reviewer""This YA mosaic novel uses music as an effective backdrop for a tale of social media, drama, and romance."- Publisher's Weekly review of Friended, Book 1 in the Modern Love series

From USA Today bestselling author Kilby Blades, the first in the Hot in the Kitchen series... TV chef Cella journeys to an idyllic seaside town to write an Italian cookbook. She's also mourning a failed restaurant project, dodging her predatory agent, and finding respite from soul-crushing fame. When she learns that her next-door neighbor, hot doctor Max, is the nephew of a late, famed Italian restaurateur, she convinces him to teach her authentic touches that will help her write the book. This is a mixed blessing for guilt-ridden Max, who botched his own attempt to become a chef--a failure that's left his aunt's gorgeous restaurant sitting empty for years. No one has challenged Cella when it comes to her cooking in ages. Max's fiery disposition sparks her intuition and reminds her how to feel the food. But the heat between Max and Cella may be hotter than the flames on the stove. Max's gentlemanly nature and Cella's professionalism stop being enough to keep them apart. With Max's vacation ending and Cella slated to return to L.A., how will they ever say goodbye? "Blades delivers a saucy romance full of lovely characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal, blending an inviting, homey locale with scrumptious descriptions of Italian cuisine. Romance-inclined foodies will love this contemporary."- Publisher's Weekly "The Secret Ingredient was a slow-burn, highly developed, and impeccably detailed romance novel."- T. Rosado, Goodreads "I absolutely loved this book. The writing was excellent and the characters well developed. But the thing that made me keep reading was how flawlessly the author told the story."- Karen, Amazon reviewer "By the time I finished this book I felt as tho ugh] I had taken a trip to Italy. It's not set there and I've never been there but the atmosphere created by this author was absorbing and real."- L_iam, Amazon reviewer Awards and Accolades for The Secret Ingredient 2021 Finalist. The RWA Vivian Award 2020 Finalist: The HOLT Medallion 2019 Quarterfinalist: Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize for Fiction 2020 Finalist: National Readers Choice Award 2020 Finalist: New England Reader's Choice Award 2019 Winner: I Heart Indie Contest 2018 Winner: Unpublished Stiletto Contest 2018 Finalist: Sexy Scribbles Contest

"From USA Today bestselling author Kilby Blades, a tale of first teenage love, complete with interfering friends and mixtapes...Compared to life on tour with her wannabe rock star mother, finishing high school in Rye is a snooze. At least Roxy has her best friend, Zo , her dad, and her music. When her standoffish Civics class partner, Jag Monroe, breaks ranks and randomly friends her on Instagram, Roxy swiftly declines. Jag is Roxy's total opposite: stinking rich, conceited, and hot in that obvious kind of way. Roxy's sure that his repeated friend requests must be a joke. Then Zo does the unthinkable: snatches Roxy's phone, accepts Jag's latest friend request, and follows him back. As the posts (and sparks) fly, Roxy begins to suspect that Jag may not be as shallow as everyone thinks, and that he may be into more than just her music."This YA mosaic novel uses music as an effective backdrop for a tale of social media, drama, and romance."- Publisher's Weekly review of Friended, Book 1 in the Modern Love series""This book is super hilarious, and the music references make me want to pull up Spotify and disappear in them for awhile.""- Auburn, Goodreads Reviewer""This novel was funny, nostalgic, and heartwarming. With a depth you would find surprising.""-Isiah, Goodreads Reviewer""A fabulous story of teen love. I love that this story is about the ice breaking, the friends, and the scary parts. So many modern love stories are about sex but this is about love. A great book.""- Teen Angel, Amazon ReviewerAwards and Accolades for Friended1st Place Winner: 2019 New England Reader's Choice Award2nd Place Winner: 2019 International Digital AwardFinalist: 2019 WISRWA Write Touch AwardFinalist: 2019 National Excellence in Romantic Fiction AwardFinalist: 2019 CRWA Stiletto ContestFinalist: 2019 Book Buyer's Best Contest

Is your book dripping with deliciousness? Seething with steam? Boiling with sultry heat? Congratulations You just wrote yourself into an advertising problem. Mainstream authors can earn new readers through mass market advertising networks. But not you, my naughty friend. Your racy blurbs and steamy covers flout the rules set forth by important ad platforms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. Marketing Steamy Romance distills what I've learned as a 15-year digital marketing veteran and writer of erotic romance into actionable advice for authors. The first part introduces decision points around whether to advertise on major platforms, then presents strategies for creating book covers, titles, blurbs, video trailers and ads and other assets that are less likely to be rejected by ad networks. The second part presents a litany of tips, tricks and hacks for getting the most out of well-known marketing opportunities if you write in racy genres. Additional opportunities for authors who can't, or just plain don't want to, tone down their creatives are also presented here. A third part practical matters like dealing with reviews from offended readers, bans and blocks on social profiles, and thinking through disclosures and disclaimers, is included. A meaty final chapter discusses being smart about budgeting, setting ad performance expectations and measuring advertising results. This is a book about anticipating challenges, navigating around problems, and helping authors of steamy content understand their place in the marketing ecosystem. Its wisdom comes not only from romance novel marketing, but also from my experience advertising other restricted products for non-literary clients. Marketing Steamy Romance is crafted to transcend the advice of well-meaning marketing manuals-advice that simply doesn't fit for purveyors of racy content-and to divert authors from mistakes that cost time, frustration and money.

From USA Today bestselling author Kilby Blades, the stunning sequel to Snapdragon...When taking the promotion that means leaving Darby turns out to be the biggest mistake of Michael's life, crafting a second chance is his only redemption. He'll go to extremes to unravel their tangled web. But winning her heart may be the least of his worries. Darby's father is up to no good, a crooked senator whose dirty dealings are at cross-purposes with Michael's social justice work. They are two powerful men, both vying for control over the future of Chicago's South Side, both vying for Darby's loyalty. Only, Frank Christensen plays dangerous games. When Frank goes too far and places Darby in a bad situation with the mafia, how will Michael protect her from half a world away? "Gosh this series just keeping getting better and better. Such an emotional read with lots of surprises."- BP34, Goodreads "I knew I wanted more of Michael and Darby's story. I had no idea I'd love it this much."- Ames Hart, Goodreads" The story is masterfully written with authentic, loving characters...It took me places in my mind and in my heart. So romantic, intelligent, and thought provoking."- Santa Cruz Lover, Amazon "Blades manages to ease feminism and equality into her novels, which is always a delight to see in a genre written and read by women."- IndieReader Starred Review Awards and Accolades for Chrysalis2018 Emma Award Finalist for Interracial Romance2018 Emma Award for Diversity in Romantic Literature - Best Debut Author"

Awards and Accolades for Snapdragon 2018 NECRWA Reader's Choice 1st Place Award Winner - Erotic Romance 2018 IPPY Award Winner - Bronze Medalist - Romance 2018 Foreword Indie Awards Honorable Mention - Erotica 2018 Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize for Fiction Semi-Finalist - Romance 2018 Holt Medallion Finalist - Erotic Romance and Best First Book 2018 Emma Award for Diversity in Romantic Literature Finalist - Erotic Romance 2017 National Reader's Choice Awards Finalist - Erotic Romance and Best First Book A Deeper Look at Snapdragon Deeply meaningful, desperately sexual, and inevitably bittersweet, Snapdragon deals with the quandary of choosing love over career, the weight of adulthood and the complexity of modern work-life. It rewrites the book on what a 21st century relationship should look like and keeps the reader wondering how it will end. Michael is a prodigious young architect with natural charisma and impeccable polish. Darby is an accomplished medical researcher who takes the trappings of her high-born status in stride. The casual sex deal they strike up at a mutual friend's wedding seems workable so long as their agreement to keep things fun and simple remains intact. But when companionship gives way to intimacy, they begin to depend on one another, and the agreement begins to fall apart. Darby is being sabotaged by a misogynistic boss. Michael is crumbling under the pressure of high expectations. Deep fears about professional failure make their individual stakes high. When Michael becomes a fierce ally in alleviating Darby's work problems, a light to chase away the shadow of her notorious father, and the antidote to her crushing loneliness, Darby must rethink her position around love vs. ambition. But it's complicated. Michael has become entrenched in every area of Darby's life and, at times, she still feels as if she doesn't know him. Yet, their feelings for one another are undeniable, and the story becomes about surrendering parts of themselves in order let the love grow. It is bittersweet, with plenty of sugar to satisfy hopeless romantics, yet with complications that will captivate readers desperate to know whether it will come to a bitter end. Snapdragon rips open a new chapter in the romance genre, presenting complex characters, intense attraction, complicated choices and modern love for the real world. It is for anyone who struggles with competing priorities and demands on their time, but who wants to believe in love. It is told from Darby's point of view and its sequel, Chrysalis, is told from Michael's. Chrysalis is Book Two in the series continuation, and the conclusion of the Love Conquers None duet.