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Who doesn’t enjoy reading a good romance book? And what’s even better than a FREE romance novel you can read today?

Well, below is a list of ten free contemporary romance ebooks for you to download and enjoy reading.

Most, if not all, are available to download to your favorite Kindle, Nook, Apple Books, Google Play, or Kobo e-Reader. 

9 Free romance novels you can read right now!

Note: At the time of publishing this article, these romance novels were free.

Please check the price to make sure they are still free before you download them.

1. A Fallen Star by A. M. Kusi

The first book in our newest Shattered Cove series is completely free for you to download to see if this small-town romance series might be for you. 

Mikel Evans is broken. With all his attention focused on dealing with blackmail and drug dependency, his day-to-day is barely survivable. So when he reflexively steps up to defend his best friend’s little sister, he’s blindsided when she leans in for a kiss.

Remy Stone is done bottling up her emotions. And now that she’s finally caught Mikel’s eye, she’s determined to pursue the relationship despite the red flags. But when his violent past lands her in the hospital and reveals her own hidden truth, Remy’s resolve falters.

He’s tormented by dark addictions. She’s fighting for a lifelong dream. Can they rise from the ashes of despair and find happily ever after? 

If you love reading interracial romance novels, then get this book right now.

Download from:  Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Barnes and Noble  | Google Play |  Kobo  |  OverDrive |  Scribd  

2. Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover

If you’ve ever read a book by New York Times best-selling author Colleen Hoover, you know how amazing a storyteller she is. And this free romance book from her doesn’t disappoint.

A chance encounter. A game of pretending. And then the girl rushes off like Cinderella when their time is up.

With no name and no chance of seeing her again, Daniel believes it only felt like the perfect love because it was all pretend. Things like love at first sight only happen in fairy tales, right?

A year later, a terrible relationship over, Daniel has a hard time not believing in love at first sight when it happens again with a woman named Six.

Can they get their happily ever after when a secret from the past tries to shatter their one hope at love forever?

Download from: Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Barnes and Noble  | Google Play |  Kobo 

3. Damaged Goods by Talia Hibbert

Escaping an abusive husband, a pregnant Laura Burne runs to safety and back into her teenage sweetheart, Samir.

He’s kind, and sexy, and treats her like a goddess, even with another man’s baby growing in her belly. What could go wrong?

Laura is keeping a secret Samir might never forgive. So when the truth comes to light, will he stay?

Or will he run and leave her even more broken than she arrived?

Download from: Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Barnes and Noble  | Google Play |  Kobo 

4. Secrets: Web of Sin One (Sparrow Webs book 1) by Aleatha Romig

If you like to dip your toe on the dark side of romance, then this free romance novel is the one for you. It’s the start of a trilogy and the beginning of a series.

Aleatha is a New York Times best-selling author and is masterful at weaving a twisted tale of love amidst darkness.

Decades before, Sterling Sparrow’s ruthless father showed him a picture of a girl that would be his if he followed his father’s orders.

Sterling Sparrow is the kingpin of Chicago. Now he wants his Queen. And Mr. Sparrow always gets what he wants.

Download from: Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Barnes and Noble  | Google Play |  Kobo

5. The Orchard Inn by A. M. Kusi

This is the first steamy book in our Orchard Inn Romance series, and the first-ever series we wrote.

Ella is dealing with the death of the man who took her in when she escaped a domestic abuse situation. Mac had hidden her away, and after his death, left her to take over his inn in the green mountains of Vermont. Ella rebuilt herself and created lasting friendships.

What she didn’t count on was a man like River coming to stay at her inn. The persistent and sweet man stirs a passion inside her that terrifies her. And when danger from her past comes knocking, she runs to River’s arms.

But when he finds out what she’s hiding, will he be the one running? And when she discovers an upending secret that will surely tear them apart, will he be there when she needs him most?

Download from: Amazon |  Apple Books |  Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play | OverDrive | Scribd

6. Summer Escape by Peyton Banks

Marina Carter was taking back her life. Saying goodby to a loveless relationship with a cheating ex, she packed her bags and flew to a private island. It was a chance to clear her head, dip her toes in the sand, and plan out her new life.

A chance encounter with Gage Marks, and the sexy times that followed gave Marina more than an escape. He showed her a long-lost part of herself that she’d forgotten about.

Too bad it was all temporary…or is it?

Download from: Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo 

7. Accounting For Love by Erin Wright

Looking for a good cowboy romance? Well, this USA Today bestseller gets down and dirty with the opposites attract trope.

Our hero loves farming, but not so much doing the books. That’s where the heroine comes in, a total city girl accountant, to audit his books, and ends up spending a lot of time checking him out as well.

What happens when a storm hits and the road washes out? You’ll have to download this free romance book to see!

Download from: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo 

8. Heartbreaker by Lizabeth Scott

This is book 1 in the Billionaire of White Oaks series. Our hero is the country’s number 1 renovator and our heroine is in need of some serious renovating.

He’s suspicious she has ulterior motives – can you say trust issues?

But our heroine has a heart of gold, doing some renovating of her own-breaking down the walls around his heart one at a time.

Download from: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo 

9. One Holiday Kiss: A Shattered Cove Short Story by A. M. Kusi

This quick read is one of the short stories in our Shattered Cove world. It’s a steamy, best-friends to lovers holiday romance. 

If you love a protective hero who doesn’t say much, but takes control in the bedroom, don’t miss this one. 

You can finish reading it in less than 90 minutes.

Download from: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play | OverDrive | Scribd 

Final thoughts

We hope our list of free romance novels has made it easier for you to pick your next read.

Simply choose one, download it, and start reading today.

Happy reading!

 

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Steamiest Romance Novel Excerpts From A Fallen Star

9 Amazing Romance Novels with Black Heroines

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9 Interracial Romance Books You Don’t Want to Miss

Excerpt for Conflict of Interest Romance Novel (FREE Chapter 1)

 

In this article, you will discover 5 libraries that provide online library cards for book lovers, even if you live out of state. And the 2 worldwide libraries that readers living anywhere can get a library card or membership from.

Plus a simple way to use OverDrive to find libraries to join internationally, or in your local area.

And because OverDrive is one of the largest and leading library distributors of ebooks, audiobooks, and more, we’ve added all our contemporary romance novels to their catalog for romance readers to check out.

Click here to see our novels on OverDrive

Online Libraries for Book Lovers in the US

Keep in mind that to apply for any out-of-state library card online, you will need at least a government-issued photo ID, and/or proof of residence.

Most of the libraries also require an application fee which is non-refundable. However, you can apply to most if not all of these online libraries directly on their websites.

Note: The Orange County Library System and Scribd has the most amount of eBooks and audiobooks.

1. Orange County Library System, FL

Costs: $125 per year.

Click here to apply

This is what their website states: 

Fee cards are available to anyone residing outside of our service area. Fee cards are non-refundable and are available for 3 months ($75), 6 months ($100) or for one year ($125).

2. Houston Public Library, TX

Costs: $40 per year.

Click here to apply

This is what their website states:

Non-residents may obtain a library card for $40 annually or $20 for 6 months.

Fees can be paid using personal check or money order made out to City of Houston. You can apply in person, by mail, or online.

3. Westchester Library System, NY

Costs: $75 per year.

Click here to apply by mail

This is what their website states:

If you live outside of Westchester County and DO NOT work, go to school, or own property in Westchester, you may purchase a card from the Westchester Library System at an annual fee of $75. For patrons aged 65 and over, a System card can be purchased at a discounted price of $35.

4. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

Costs: $45 per year.

Click here to apply

This is what their website states:

The $45 non-resident fee is a one-time-per-year charge per household.

The annual non-resident fee for adults 62 years and older is $35.

The 2 Online Libraries Available Worldwide

1. Scribd Digital Library (Referral Link)

Scribd is a digital library available worldwide, which means you can become a member (irrespective of where you live) so far as your local service providers or authorities have not blocked it.

Scribd provides access to ebooks, audiobooks, podcasts, magazines & news articles, and more for a monthly fee. They usually have a 30-day free trial, however, make sure you read their Terms of Service before you sign up.

Costs: At the time of publishing this article, it cost $9.99 USD (plus tax where applicable) per month.

To subscribe to Scribd, feel free to use our referral link below.

Click here to sign up for a Scribd membership (Referral link)

And to see our romance novels on Scribd, simply click here. 

2. Orange County Library System in FL

As of publishing this article, this library (number 1 above) allows people living outside the US to apply for their online library cards for non-residents. Even if you are not a US citizen or permanent resident.

Costs: 3 Months @ $75, 6 Months @ $100, and 1 Year @ $125.

On your online application form, make sure you check the box Out of Country or United States. Then enter your address, correct email address, phone number, date of birth, and a Valid Driver’s License, State Issued ID, or Passport ID.

Click here to apply 

How to Use OverDrive to Find Libraries

First, visit the OverDrive website below to find a library that’s closer to your residence.

Click here to visit the OverDrive Library Finder

Second, enter the name of your town and country, or zip code into the box, then hit the Go button to get a list of libraries.

If you are not a member of the libraries shown, contact them to see how you can become a member.

That’s it.

For more information, you can visit the OverDrive Help Page.

A FREE Library Extension

If you want to see whether a book you are about to purchase is available at your library or not, install this free Library Browser Extension to your web browser.

(Watch the video below to see how it works.)

Final Thoughts

Libraries are one of the most affordable ways to get eBooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines, etc., especially during difficult financial periods.

So if you know online libraries that offer library cards that are either free or paid, share them in the comments below.

 

You might also like:

10 Funny Reading Shirts for Book Lovers (Hoodies and V-Necks Included)

9 Interracial Romance Books You Don’t Want to Miss

9 Amazing Romance Novels with Black Heroines

5 Free Romance Novels You Can Read Today

 

Sources:

Wiki.Mobileread.com

Romance novels with Black heroines used to be far and few between. Unfortunately, Black women are still vastly underrepresented in literature today. But we are beyond excited about how that is changing more and more every year.

Diversity in romance is important because it reflects the real world around us. Because Black women deserve to see heroines that look like them getting their happily ever afters. And because diversity is something to celebrate.

Love comes in all colors.

We are trying to do our part, as authors to include diversity in our characters which is one reason we write about interracial couples only. (Who better to write about interracial couples than an IR couple? LOL.)

Our favorite heroines to read about are confident and feisty, and strong. That doesn’t change by the amount of melanin in their skin.

Below are some romance novels with Black heroines that Ash read, loved, and recommends for anyone looking to read a great romance with a Black heroine.

9 Romance novels with black heroines

1. Defying Gravity by A. M. Kusi

Yes, we’re gonna include this one because Belle is one AMAZING Black heroine. She’s been through hell and she’s not afraid to fight for what she deserves. She has big walls up from a lifetime of trauma and it takes a special kind of man to break through them.

This contemporary romance novel highlights what it is like to be Black in America today, and what it’s like to be in an interracial couple, and the learning that needs to take place for the White partner.

To say Bently and Belle get off to a rough start would be an understatement. These two have a lot to overcome to get to their HEA. This story is real, it’s raw, and it will tear your heart out, shatter it, and then put it back together in all the best of ways.

Instantly read Chapter 1 for free right now.

Buy on:  Amazon  |  Apple Books |  Barnes and Noble | Google Play |  Kobo 

2. Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins

Beverly Jenkins was one of the first authors I read when I started reading romance. I’m not usually a historical romance fan, but I absolutely LOVED this series by Beverly and many others.

Our heroine is feisty and holds her own as a housekeeper for the ornery rancher she works for. Sparks are flying alright, but it seems more like enemies than lovers for these two in the beginning.

I learned so much about the real history of what it was like in the 19th century for Black people with Jim Crow and all they had to put up with. This was a fantastic story, series, and tale of love. Even if you’re not a fan of historical novels, this author is amazing.

Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo

3. Earn Me by Nia Arthurs

This was probably my favorite book by Nia so far. The prose of this heartbreaking marriage story was simply put, amazing.

The hero made a lot of little mistakes that added up over time, and one big omission that came to light. They separate and he wants her back. A friendly mechanic helps him in an unconventional way.

This romance novel was such a realistic portrayal of marriage and love, and what it takes to make it work. The story was original and fresh.

Buy on: Amazon

4. Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan

One thing I LOVE about Kennedy Ryan’s books is her heroines are always FIERCE AF.  And this book is no different.

Our heroine is passionate about her career, and she won’t let any man derail that. What’s the cherry on top? The hero is secure enough to let his lady SHINE.

This novel was an epic love story that blended cultures and a tale of true, real, raw, messy love.

Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo

5. Can’t Escape Love by Alyssa Cole

I love books with characters with diverse abilities. Our confident, beautiful, and genius heroine is in a wheelchair.

She is a super smart and sassy inventor and nerd. The hero needs her help to develop an escape room themed around a romance anime.

They make a deal in exchange for her smarts, she gets his…voice. Yup, she can’t sleep without his deep masculine sexy voice to help with her insomnia.

I laughed, I learned, and I cheered for this couple. Definitely a romance book worth reading.

Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo

6. The Wish Collector by Mia Sheridan

I can’t say enough good things about this book. I never wanted it to end. It was a beautifully layered love story but so much more.

Our heroine Clara is a ballerina who is slowly making friends in the new town she moved to, New Orleans, Louisiana. She hears about the legend of a local plantation and goes to investigate herself. It’s supposed to have been abandoned for some time, but there she meets our hero Jonah.

This story reminded me of some Beauty and the Beast. There is intrigue, love, thrilling moments, and a love story I have not forgotten in the years since I read it. Just beautiful.

Buy on: Amazon

7. The Office Party by Whitney G. 

This romance novel was a funny and sexy holiday novella. The heroine is the badass second in command at a huge company.

The hero is her very grumpy demanding boss who makes every one of his employees work over Christmas, even though he jets them off to a luxury resort.

She drew his name for secret Santa and regifted him whatever her cousin sent her because it’s usually a sweater. Well…it wasn’t this year.

And by the time she realizes she just gifted her boss a vibrator, it’s too late. He’s coming for her!

Buy on: Amazon

8. Be My Darling by Nia Arthurs

Yes, another one by Nia. This romance book was such a great representation of what it is like to be in an interracial relationship.

Things White people don’t have to think about because of their privilege are brought to light and then the hero and heroine have to make a decision.

A beautiful story of love despite the rocky climb to get their HEA.

Buy on: Amazon

9. Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan

The whole series was great, but this book stood out to me. It was definitely more on the women’s fiction side, but the romance was totally there. A slow burn, with a little paranormal in there.

Lotus our heroine has some deep-seated trauma in her life from sexual abuse she suffered as a child. She’s taking a break from her usual no strings attached sex, and of course, the single dad of her dreams shows up at the most inopportune time. He’s so patient with her and willing to meet her where she’s at.

I love how they complimented each other. A great story that had me holding my breath and getting the tissues, and jumping for joy.

Buy on: Amazon 

We hope you found this list of romance novels with Black heroines helpful. 

Happy reading!

 

You  might also like:

9 Interracial Romance Novels You Shouldn’t Miss

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Excerpt for Glass Secrets Romance Novel (FREE Chapter 1)

How to Request AM Kusi Books From Your Library

Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Add on Goodreads | Add on Bookbub

Chapter 1

Jasmine

Jasmine pulled the sheet over the two fluffy pillows, smoothing out the wrinkles before reaching for the soft, pink comforter. A paper card fell off the nightstand. Picking it up, she smiled. Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy! The script no doubt belonged to one of her sisters-in-law, but the shakily scribbled Z’s all over the card were from her favorite person in the world. Zoey had drawn two smiling faces: one for Jasmine and one for herself. Jasmine set the card back on the nightstand before running her hand over the bedspread once more. Never in a million years would she have imagined having such a feminine color in her space. Motherhood had changed more than just her body.

After tucking the edge of the comforter under the pillow, she moved across the small room she shared with her three-year-old daughter. She pulled open the old and worn dresser, wiggling it side to side at the same time so it wouldn’t stick. Like everything in her life, it had been used almost beyond its limit. She placed Zoey’s carefully folded clothes inside before wriggling it closed again. She scanned the room, catching the few dolls scattered across the floor. Jasmine bent and picked them up, opening the wooden dollhouse that Mikel, her brother, had made especially for Zoey. He’d painted it bright pink at her request. Jasmine bit back her smile. Only she would end up with such a girly girl for a daughter and be terrified.

She sighed, tracing the edge of the doll’s expression. The two smiling faces on Zoey’s Mother’s Day card flashed in her mind. Her chest tightened. Would Zoey have had a better life if I’d let someone adopt her? Would she have two parents who loved her, rather than just me? I can barely keep a roof over her head and used clothes on her quickly growing body.

Maybe it had been selfish to keep Zoey, but the moment she’d seen that little heart beating on the ultrasound, she’d known: she’d never be able to give her up. But will I be good enough? Will I be able to protect her? Will she resent me when she knows what I’ve done? Who I was? Life would be so much easier if Jasmine was someone else with a different past.

The walls seemed to be closing in. Her ribs squeezed and the backs of her eyes burned. She gently placed the doll inside the wooden house and straightened. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. I just need to keep doing better. For Zoey. Her phone chirped, jarring her out of her thoughts. She had one guest checking in today, and that was what she should have been focusing on. She needed guests to keep her inn—her livelihood—afloat.

She wiped her hands on her ripped jean shorts that had seen better days and opened her door. As she walked down the stairs to the desk, a tall figure caught her eye. His back was to her, all attention focused on the painting of the crashing ocean waves on the wall.

“Good morning. You must be Mr. Remington.”

A low chuckle sent a shiver through her. “My father is Mr. Remington. I’m just Atlas.”

She smiled politely as her eyes darted to his face, and she froze. Time stopped. The air evaporated as terror gripped her heart and squeezed it like a vise. His tall frame filled out an expensive-looking suit. His black hair was long at the top and flecked with grey at the shorter sides. Dark scruff peppered his perfectly chiseled jaw. She shivered, remembering the way it had felt brushing across her shoulder. And those eyes. Grey and bright. She only knew one other person with the same cloudy orbs. Zoey.

He’d changed some in the last four years since she’d seen him. Not that she’d had much time to really look at him before she’d nodded towards the dingy bathroom in the bar where he’d followed her and bent her over the sink. Flames of embarrassment lapped at her skin. She’d been looking for an escape that night, and the stranger had been more than willing to help.

Atlas. Atlas Remington. She finally had a name for Zoey’s biological father.

“What are you doing here?” She gasped. Was he here to take Zoey from her? Had he known all this time? No. That wasn’t possible. No one knew what had happened in that bathroom except them.

His eyebrows furrowed. “Uh, checking in. I should have a reservation for two weeks.”

Did he not recognize her? Was it possible? He’d smelled strongly of whiskey that night. Maybe he had no idea who she was.

“Right. Sorry. We don’t know each other, do we?” She held her breath.

“I think I’d remember if we did.” He smiled. Was he flirting with her?

“What are you in town for?” she asked carefully, finding his paperwork.

He looked around the room at the high, white patched ceiling and then over to the paint-chipped furniture, rather than at her before he answered. “Just needed a little vacation.”

“And you chose my inn? Was it my two Yelp reviews that convinced you?” She couldn’t hold back her smile.

He chuckled again. Those grey eyes flashing as they focused on her. “I like the location and wanted to see it for myself. The pictures didn’t do it justice though.”

Her eyes flicked down momentarily. “Well, someday I’ll hire a professional photographer.”

“Oh, no. The pictures were great. I just meant it’s even better in person.” He smiled, showing off his perfect, white teeth. Good God. Was he a toothpaste model?

“Do you need my credit card?” he asked.

Shit. She’d been staring. “Uh, no. It’s all on file. Just sign here.“ She pointed to the space on the form ready and waiting on the counter. “You have the Lighthouse suite like you requested. There are extra towels in the closet in the bathroom. I’ll come in to clean every three days unless you need it done sooner—just let me know.”

He nodded and scribbled his signature on the paper. Jasmine held out the lone key ring with a lighthouse chain and his receipt. “I’ll charge the card you provided when booking with any incidentals. Your room is just up the stairs to the left.” Across from mine. “There’s a sign on the door. The silver key works for the front door, and the brass key is for your room. Did you need more than one set, or will it just be you staying with us?”

“Just me. The one is fine.” He took it from her and reached to grab a duffel bag she hadn’t noticed in the shock of seeing her baby daddy from a one-night stand—if you could even call it that. Were ten-minute stands a thing?

“Enjoy your stay. I leave my number at the desk here.” She pointed to the folded card stock sign right next to the one stating No cash kept on premises. “And it’s also on the copy of your receipt. Just text me if you need anything and I’m not at the front desk.”

“You run the inn by yourself?”

She smiled with pride. “Yes, I do.”

He nodded and grabbed the papers before walking towards the stairs. She waited until the click of his door closing sounded to let out the breath she’d been holding.

“Holy fucking shit.” She placed a shaky hand over her racing heart as if it would help to calm the panic.

She whipped out her phone and stepped into the large kitchen, dialing her big brother Bently’s number.

He picked up on the second ring. “Hey, Jas. You on your way?”

She swallowed hard before answering. Jasmine didn’t need her brother freaking out and showing up here to make things worse. Even she didn’t know what the hell was going on yet. “Uh, no. Actually, I need you to keep Zoey overnight.”

“Is everything okay?” The concern in his voice brought a rush of guilt crashing over her.

Not even close to okay. Of all the people in her life, Bently had been the one constant—the only person she could count on. She hated to lie, but she’d brought enough trouble to their family. No. She’d handle this on her own.

“I have everything under control, Bent. I just need you to do this and not ask me any questions. Okay? I’ll owe you one.” More like a million, but who was counting?

“Okay. Fine. Anything you need,” Bently said.

“Thank you. I’ll call before bed to say goodnight to her.”

“Sounds good.” Bently ended the call.

Jasmine opened her contacts. She needed to talk to someone about this. But her best friend, Remy, was married to Mikel, and she was shit at keeping secrets from him. The last thing Jasmine wanted was her two overprotective brothers jumping in to save her. Again. She’d caused them all enough pain. This was her doing and she would fix this. Somehow.

She scrolled through her contacts until Emma’s name popped up and hit call before she could back out. It rang and rang until her friend picked up.

“Jazzy! Hey, mama. I got a quick break from the studio. How are you?” Emma asked as background music filtered through the phone.

Jasmine covered her mouth with her hand, trying to quiet the sob that surprised even her.

“Jas? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Emma asked. The noise grew quieter, as if she’d moved away.

“He’s here,” she managed.

“Who’s there?”

“Zoey’s father. He’s staying at my inn.”

Emma was silent for a few beats. “Is this a good thing or a bad thing?”

She couldn’t blame her friend for not knowing. There were several things Jasmine kept locked away in a vault of topics she wouldn’t talk about. Zoey’s biological father was one of them. She was too ashamed.

“I don’t know, honestly.” Jasmine wiped the tears from her eyes and walked out to the back deck. Salty sea air blew gently over her skin as waves crashed in the distance.

“Okay. Does he know about Zoey?”

“I don’t even think he remembers me.”

“Oh, sweetie.”

“I—I don’t know what to do.” Jasmine shook her head.

“I wish I could offer advice, but you have never said anything about this guy.”

Jasmine sighed. “I know. It’s a part of my past that I’d like to omit. I did a lot of fucked-up things, and I’d just rather forget the girl I used to be.”

“I get it . . . So, can you explain how you made a baby with him, but he somehow can’t recognize you?” Emma asked carefully.

Flashes came back of that dark bar. Those grey eyes had burned her skin with awareness, making it clear exactly what he’d wanted from her before he’d ever even offered to buy her a drink.

“He was just a guy from a bar. We never exchanged names, just . . . body fluids.”

“Thanks for the mental image,” Emma said and laughed. “Is he hot?”

Jasmine rolled her eyes. “On a one-to-ten scale, he’s an eleven.”

“Damn, girl. So, how can this godlike man not recognize you? Tell me it was something kinky like a sex party with masks.”

Jasmine laughed. Only Emma could take a subject like this and turn it into something to laugh about. “It was less than ten minutes in a bathroom and I never saw him again . . . until today.”

“Was it a good ten minutes?” Emma asked.

Jasmine blew out through her nose. “It was . . . okay.” Achieving orgasm with a partner was pretty rare for her. Zoey’s father hadn’t been one of those unicorn moments.

“Hot but not great in the sack. Got it. Well, we can’t all be perfect. Maybe you should try sleeping with a woman; I’ve never not had an orgasm with a woman. With guys, it’s fifty-fifty.”

“I wish I could be sexually attracted to a woman.” They seemed safer.

“Okay, so maybe it is a good thing your baby daddy is back in your life,” Emma suggested.

Jasmine paced back and forth over the long porch. “How exactly?”

“You can get to know him and see if he’s a decent guy. Maybe Zoey can have her dad in her life after all.”

Jasmine stopped, a rush of dizziness spinning though her head. She sat on the ground with her head lowered to her knees. “I’m scared. What if he tries to take her from me? What if he says I’m a bad mom? What if—”

“What if he’s a great father? What if Zoey could have two parents in her life? What if he can help provide for her and take some of that stress off you?”

Jasmine blinked back more tears. She hated showing her emotions like this, but that was something else that motherhood had changed. She couldn’t hide anymore.

Emma had a point. Jasmine wouldn’t let fear stand in the way of Zoey’s chances of happiness. If Atlas was a good father, and she didn’t try, then she’d be robbing Zoey of something Jasmine herself had never had but always wanted. She couldn’t hold the man’s sexual history against him. After all, she’d done the same thing—more than once.

“You’re right. I’ll get to know him. I’ll see if he’s a safe person, observe how good he is with Zoey. Then I’ll tell him.”

“I’m here for you. Whatever you need,” Emma offered.

“Thank you. I appreciate it. Can you keep this between us for now? I don’t want Remy to find out just yet. She’ll tell Mikel and then—”

“And then you’ll have two big brothers and their best friend knocking on your door and getting into the middle of your business. I got you.”

Jasmine laughed. “They probably wouldn’t even knock. They’d bust the thing down.”

Emma giggled. “True. Well, I know they have your back, but I also respect your right as Zoey’s mother to do what you think is right.”

“You’re the best, Em.”

“Tell that to my stepbrother the next time you see him.” Emma laughed again, but this time it sounded forced.

“I’ll mention it to Link,” Jasmine promised. It was a hopeless cause, much to her friend’s dismay.

“Okay, well, I gotta get back. Almost done with this album and then I start my tour next week,” Emma said.

“I’m so happy that your dream is becoming a reality. Soon you’ll be too famous to be my friend.”

“Never!”

“Talk to you later.” Jasmine smiled.

“Love you, bitch.”

“You too.” Jasmine slipped the phone in her back pocket and got to her feet once more.

Taking a deep breath, she stared past the tall beach grass and rose hip bushes towards the expanse of green-blue waves. They crashed against the rocks to her left and licked the sandy coast to her right as the ocean tide worked its way in. She could do this. For Zoey, she’d do anything. If that meant giving her father a chance, she’d do it. And if it meant keeping who he was a secret for the rest of her time on earth, she’d do that too.

Because Zoey would not go through the shit she’d been through. Jasmine would work through the pain of the past so that her daughter didn’t have to have one-tenth of the trauma in her life that Jasmine had had. She’d protect her daughter, no matter what it took. Jasmine knew better than anyone that of all the people in a child’s life, the father figure could be the most dangerous.

 

—-

That’s it for this romance novel excerpt.

To read the full standalone novel, order your copy of The Lighthouse Inn today.

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