Melissa Brayden

Her new job as an on-air reporter in sunny San Diego is a big break for Skyler Ruiz. No more covering small-town softball games or vegetable growing competitions. She'll be working at the same station as her TV mega-crush and longtime idol, anchorwoman Caroline McNamara, and that doesn't hurt either. Unfortunately, people don't always live up to expectations. Skyler's hopes of impressing Caroline are dashed when she discovers Caroline has little time for newbie reporters and is downright unwelcoming. But when Caroline drops her guard, Skyler is left with her head happily spinning, her heart wide open, and oh-so ready to explore a romance she never saw coming. So, of course, the network pits them against each other. It's only when Skyler is ready to sacrifice everything she's ever dreamed of for Caroline does she begin to suspect love is nothing but fake news.

Allison Hale had always played second fiddle. She didn't win the science fair, have a million friends, or become the world's best mom. That was her sister, Betsy. However, Ally's managed to do something her sister couldn't, connect her family's failing business to the wealthy Carmichaels through her engagement to their son, Brent. All she has to do is plan the wedding of the century with the hottest wedding planner in town, Megan Kinkaid. How could she have ever guessed that Megan and her zest for life would threaten everything she'd carefully planned? Megan Kinkaid knows how to produce a wedding for the history books and she's not about to miss out on the chance to tackle high-profile Brent Carmichael's. His fianc e, however, is not who Megan imagined for shiny Brent. Ally Hale is beautiful, earnest, selfless, and fun. She's also everything Megan ever wanted for herself, and their chemistry hovers in the stratosphere. But can she make Ally see that there's more to life than making others happy before it's too late?

Finding forever is simply too hard.As a renowned chef, Gabriella Russo knows how to season a good dish. It's her personal life that's been too spicy for her liking. Ready to take a break from the roller coaster of romance, Gabriella's moved to Oregon to open Tangled, a restaurant on the grounds of Tangle Valley Vineyard. A good glass of wine and space to create is all she requires.Ryan Jacks brings all the girls to the yard, or so it should say on her business card. She's a skilled carpenter who's been told more than once that she's good with her hands. When Ryan takes a job building a new restaurant, her world comes to a halt. The sassy chef is sexy, insightful, and comes with the kind of smart mouth that has Ryan rethinking just about everything. But with Gabriella off the menu, what's Ryan supposed to do?

No one pencils in falling in love.All work and no play has Autumn Primm in the market for a little excitement. Her Venice Beach coffee shop, The Cat's Pajamas, is her pride and joy. While she doesn't mind the long hours, she finds herself staring dreamily out the window, imagining the life she's yet to lead. The time has come to take off the apron and see what the world has in store.Kate Carpenter needs to get away. And quick. A small-town firefighter, Kate's been crowned a local hero for reasons she can't quite get behind. An open highway and some time off have her fleeing the scene to sunny California to catch her breath and put some distance between herself and the unwanted acclaim. Dreamy Autumn Primm was never supposed to be part of that bargain. What Kate needs is a temporary escape, emphasis on temporary.

Just because you're through with your past, doesn't mean it's through with you. Margaret Beringer didn't have an easy adolescence. She hated her name, was less than popular in school, and was always cast aside as a "farm kid." However, with the arrival of Courtney Carrington, Margaret's youth sparked into color. Courtney was smart, beautiful, and put together--everything Margaret wasn't. Who would have imagined that they'd fit together so perfectly? But first loves can scar. Margaret hasn't seen Courtney in years and that's for the best. But when Courtney loses her father and returns to Tanner Peak to take control of the family store, Margaret comes face-to-face with her past and the woman she's tried desperately to forget. The fact that Courtney has grown up more beautiful than ever certainly doesn't help matters.

Sometimes wrong is extra right. Mallory Spencer is in charge. As the face of Soho Savvy, the advertising firm she owns with her three best friends, it s important that she s poised, polished, and put together. However, as she watches her friends couple up and settle down, she wonders about her own happily ever after. One thing s for sure. It s not going to happen with that blue-eyed bartender from Showplace. It s irritatingly clear they couldn t be more wrong for each other...or have more chemistry. Hope Sanders wants nothing more than to keep her head down and craft a better life for herself running everyone s favorite nightspot. That means ignoring the groupies that flock to the bar to stare at her all night. However, an uptight brunette has snagged Hope s attention and she knows a challenge when she sees it. A Soho Loft Romance"""

If you don t get lost, there s a chance you may never be found. Jenna McGovern has spent her whole life training for the stage. She s taken dance classes, voice lessons, and even earned her performance degree from one of the most prestigious musical theater programs in the nation. At graduation, she s stunned when a chance audition lands her a prime supporting role in the hottest Broadway touring production in the country. In more exciting news, Jenna discovers acclaimed television star Adrienne Kenyon is headlining the production. Jenna settles easily in to life on tour and has a promising career laid out in front of her, if only she plays her cards right. She s waited for this opportunity her entire life and will let nothing stand in her way. The one thing she didn t prepare for, however, was Adrienne. Her new costar is talented, beautiful, generous, and the utmost professional. As the two women grow closer onstage and off, they must learn how to fit each other into a demanding lifestyle full of unexpected twists and difficult decisions. But is Jenna ready to sacrifice what she s worked so hard for in exchange for a shot at something much deeper?"

In this small-town second chance romance, Melissa Brayden's Dream a Little Dream explores the pain of betrayal, the courage to face the unexpected, and the longing for a love that's unforgettable. Savanna Potter is having an off year. Her aunt died, and the woman of her dreams, who had agreed to meet her on the suspension bridge one year after their first amazing date, stood her up. Then, in news that rocks her, it turns out the dad she knew isn't her biological father. So, who the hell is? Savanna, angry and adrift, can't believe it when Dr. Kyle Remington, the very woman who left her standing on that bridge like a fool, shows up in Dreamer's Bay. Not only has Kyle landed in Savanna's small town, but she's managed to charm every other person who lives there. Savanna has no plans to forgive and forget. There's nothing between them anymore, even if Kyle's sparkling blue eyes and shiny dark hair make Savanna's pesky knees go weak. Life is too complicated for second chances. Or is it?

Have you ever had a crush on your babysitter? Taryn Ross sure did. Sixteen-year-old Charlotte was sophisticated, thoughtful, gorgeous, and fun. Taryn counted the minutes until they'd hang out. But Charlotte and her family moved away. Now a transfer student at Hillspoint University, Taryn is ready to officially come out when she runs into a familiar face at a party. Charlie, now a grad student, insists on walking a drunk Taryn home. To the detriment of Taryn's heart (and libido), Charlie has only grown kinder (and hotter) with time. Charlie Adler has a five-year plan: finish her MFA without any hiccups, figure out a timeline for her engagement, and become an acclaimed fiction writer. Easy, right? That is until Taryn shows up at Hillspoint and shakes up her world like a snow globe. This Taryn is different: soulful, brooding, and all grown up. Charlie's never been attracted to a woman before, and isn't dating your one-time charge against the rules? If only their toe-curling, mind-dulling, body-aching chemistry would calm the hell down.

What do you get when you combine a sweet cinnamon twist and robust Italian wine? Bestselling author Melissa Brayden's You Had Me at Merlot, the perfect blend of sugar and spice. Bordeauxnuts is New York City magic, and it all belongs to Jamie Tolliver. A charming coffee and doughnut spot by day, Bordeauxnuts transforms with a sprinkle of powdered sugar into a cozy sophisticated wine bar each evening. Jamie's enjoying a blueberry latte with her quirky band of regulars when a stunning and enigmatic stranger saunters in, flips her laptop open, and Jamie's world upside down. Each time Jamie speaks to Leighton Morrow, her crush multiplies. She's drawn to Leighton's captivating presence, her kindness, and the faint lip print she leaves on her cup that winds a tingle up Jamie's spine. But sexy spine tingles can be deceiving. Leighton Morrow didn't set out to ruin anyone's life, but she has a job to do. As a development coordinator for Carrington's Department Store, Leighton's part of the team that plans to take over the city block for the new location, including demolishing her new favorite caf , Bordeauxnuts. A shame, but that's life. She'll miss the apple fritters and the cute owner. But work is a No Feelings Zone and she definitely cannot give in to the ones she has percolating for Jamie. Leighton and Jamie have all the ingredients to turn their attraction into love, but it's a recipe for disaster.

When enemies fall into temptation, love brings out the most delicious flavor of all. Marigold Lavender lights up every room she enters. Then she's left to turn out the lights and head home alone. Soft on the inside and a go-getter on the outside, Marigold just wants to make sure everyone else is okay before worrying about herself. When an awful big-city food critic trashes her sister Aster's new restaurant, Marigold pauses her search for her own happily-ever to go to war with the woman, who happens to be just as delectable as she is sour. Alexis Wakefield's brutal honesty is what makes her successful. Her readers trust her judgment, and a few sharp strokes from her keyboard can make or break a new restaurant. When, on a whim, she reviews a small-town eatery getting lots of buzz, the owner's sister sabotages everything, leaving her professional world in jeopardy. Marigold Lavender has gone too far and must pay for the damage she's caused.

Juliette Jennings lives her life like a tightly laced corset--not that she'd ever wear one. As a business owner of a stationery store, structure is her favorite. But when her best friend and her ex fall head over heels for each other, everything unravels and leaves her exposed. Even worse, a scandalous lingerie shop has moved in next door, and its tantalizing window displays will drive away her conservative customers. If only the owner would turn off the charm, Juliette is sure she could stop imagining her in nothing but the shop's lacy best sellers. Peyton Lane loves a clean slate. In fact, she desperately needs one after a series of bad choices. She also likes sexy things, and uptight Juliette next door would be a fun bow to untie. But when Peyton's feelings enter new territory, she realizes the world might be scarier than she'd planned. Juliette has Peyton longing for forever on one hand and lacing up her running shoes with the other. What're a structured stationery store owner and a sexy lingerie peddler to do?

Is it truly better to have loved and lost? Bethany Cahill says nope. Eleven years ago, her fellow cheerleader Reid Thatcher held her heart in her hand...and crushed it like a bug. Since then, Bethany avoids risk, reward, and anything romantic on TV. Just, no. But when grown-up Reid's shopping cart bumps into hers, Bethany is catapulted into the past and staring into Reid's eyes, which are still annoyingly stunning. Forgiveness doesn't come easy, and Bethany isn't about to let Reid in. Not after all she took. Reid never fully understood why Bethany withheld forgiveness all those years ago, but no kiss since has ever been as satisfying as Bethany's lips on hers. The happenstance run-in was a stroke of luck and ignites Reid's plan to get to the bottom of Bethany's silence, a mystery she can't let drop. But she hadn't planned on the reckoning in store when she learns the truth. When Bethany and Reid confront their past, they give new meaning to letting go, forgiveness, and a future worth fighting for.

When your parents name you and your three siblings after flowers, the world is stacked against you. At least, that's how Aster Lavender feels. The youngest daughter, Aster always keeps her head down and lets her siblings stand in the spotlight. She sells her gourmet doughnuts from Hole in One, the small drive-through stand in sleepy Homer's Bluff, Kansas, and daydreams about seeing the big beautiful world. Love is never going to happen, especially when the only other lesbians in town are already married to each other.Beautiful Brynn Garrett arrives to fill in for Homer Bluff's only veterinarian, and suddenly every pet in town is sick. Brynn's older, smarter, and way out of Aster's league. Plus, she's only in town temporarily and definitely running from something. Aster didn't plan for a connection so strong it knocks the wind right out of her, but Brynn makes her feel like anything but a wallflower.

As winemaker at Tangle Valley Vineyard, Madison LeGrange relies on science and logic to make the best vintage possible. It's also how she manages her life. But with her career in its prime, her accountant thinks it's time she diversifies her income. Not a problem because her favorite caf , the Bacon and Biscuit, is up for sale. What she didn't plan on was the time she'd spend with Clementine, who has her feeling anything but logical. Clementine Monroe loves her job managing the Bacon and Biscuit Caf . In fact, after escaping a difficult past, it's all she has. When Clementine is offered the opportunity to step out from behind the counter and buy the place, her longtime dream is about to come true. That is until it's snatched out from under her by the very same girl she crushed on in high school. Old habits are hard to break, but Clementine has no plans to forgive Madison anytime soon.

Josephine Wilder's torrid love affair is with Tangle Valley Vineyard, her family's legacy. She's grown up dreaming between the vines. She's always had secret ideas about how to make the place shine, so when it passes to her, Joey vows to make Tangle Valley everything she knows it can be. Her biggest obstacle? That overly commercial hotel going up, and the uppity manager trying to kill the vineyard's rustic charm.Becca Crawford loves to unwind with a good glass of wine. An astute business woman who has climbed the hospitality ladder, she's the perfect person to head up Elite Resorts' newest property, The Jade Hotel, and give tourists all the luxury they desire. As a bonus, The Jade is not far from the cutest vineyard with the best pinot she's ever tasted. If only the captivating owner would get on board with her plan and stop badmouthing the hotel to everyone in town.Is it possible that a nice glass of red could help Becca and Joey see each other in a new and alluring light?

Lauren Prescott had dreamed of being an actress since she was cast as Wendy in her middle school production of Peter Pan. Yes, her nightgown snagged and brought the set tumbling down, but she was hooked. After years of unsuccessful auditions, performing just wasn't in the cards. Instead, Lauren established herself as a successful stage manager at the esteemed McAllister Theater. Unfortunately, the resident director has cast celebrity Carly Daniel: headstrong, entitled, and always late. So why is their chemistry turning her the hell on? After partying her way through her twenties and ruining a successful film career, Carly Daniel has to take whatever she can get. If schlepping it onstage will raise her star again, she'll listen to her pesky agent. Added bonus: the uptight stage manager is a sexy distraction. When Carly's costar is sidelined, Lauren must decide whether renewing a long forgotten dream will jeopardize what she has percolating with Carly. Is the limelight big enough for two?

Building a bridge between two worlds can be tricky.Hannah Shephard likes her life, her job, and her perfectly cozy apartment around the corner from her shop. She's never been one to take big risks and would much rather stay in on a Friday night with a warm cup of decaf and her favorite mystery novel, so why do her friends insist she needs more? Plus, Hannah has bigger problems to focus on. She's in trouble. Well, her bookstore is, and if she doesn't find a way to bring in some more cash, she'll be closing the doors of A Likely Story for good.When world famous romance novelist Parker Bristow accepts her request to come in for a signing, Hannah might finally be able to drum up some much-needed attention and save the shop. What she didn't anticipate was an unexpected evening and a woman she wouldn't soon forget. A real romance is off the table. Parker is flashy, sought after, and Hannah is just, well, Hannah. But for Parker, it seems like Hannah might be a safe place to fall. The question is, what kind of falling are they doing?

Who says you can't go home again?Philadelphia real estate broker Devyn Winters is at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it. She's pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer's Bay, where the most exciting thing to happen was the twice a year bake sale. Unfortunately, a distress call hauls her back home and away from the life she's constructed. Now the question is just how long until she can leave again? And when did boring Elizabeth Draper get so beautiful?Elizabeth Draper loves people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight. In the quaint town of Dreamer's Bay, she's the only employee of On the Spot, an odd jobs company. She remembers Devyn Winters as shallow in high school, but now everything about Devyn makes her lose focus. Though her brain knows Devyn is only home temporarily, her heart didn't seem to get the memo.

Sometimes the most imperfect match is the most perfect surprise.Hadley Cooper believes in happily-ever-afters with her whole heart. Described by her friends as a wide-eyed, eternal optimist, she looks for the bright side in most any situation. However, when her job as the assistant manager of Silhouette, a posh boutique on Rodeo Drive, is on the line, she realizes it's time to pull her head out of the clouds and find a way to turn business around, and that just might mean partnering with the most stubborn up-and-coming fashion designer she's ever encountered.Spencer Adair has a passion for fashion, but hates the fact that it rhymes. She's serious about her designs, fiercely protective of her work, and is waiting patiently for her big break. What she didn't plan on, however, was the unsolicited opinions of that overly- friendly blond boutique manager. Or the way her heart beats faster every time she's around.