Mix together a smooth-talking, too-handsome-for-his-own-good young man, a frumpy librarian, a bet too lucrative to pass on, and what do you get?
Not what you might think.
Instead you'll find truth in the age-old adages to never judge a book by its cover, and to be kind, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
A heartbreaking and sweet romance all rolled into one!
Collateral Hearts releases today on Amazon.
Can a bet lead to love?
To escape the stress of college studies and caring for her sick mother, Ainsley Howard hides away with a book after her shift ends at the library each night. But when a sexy patron surprises her with a kiss and begs for a date, she wonders if she’s fallen into the pages of one of her romance novels. Though “Prince Charming” seems too good to be true, and she’s already forgotten his name in her flustered state, she agrees to go out with him. She’s tired of living vicariously through books. It’s time to claim her own happily-ever-after.
When Ty Kartchner bets his friends he can get the bookworm in the corner to kiss him, big money is laid on the table. The guys know there’s no way he’ll succeed with the stern librarian. But when he not only kisses the uptight girl, but easily convinces her to go out with him the next night as well, Ty sees a chance to solve his financial woes. Raising the stakes, he places the bookworm’s heart down as collateral, and determines to win at any cost.
As fate, literary classics such as The Scarlet Pimpernel, and deathbed promises throw the unlikely couple together, hearts tangle in Ty’s web of wagers until he discovers too late that winning might actually make him lose what he loves most.
I had the opportunity to beta read this book twice. While it starts out with a cringe-worthy bet, involving some crude college boys, don't let that deter you. This book goes down some very heartfelt roads and takes some unexpected twists. In the end, it's a sweet and touching read that captured my heart. I loved it!
Charissa Stastny writes flawlessly, and is one of my best author friends. I hope you enjoy her stories as much as I do.
Collateral Hearts is the third book in the Ruled Out Romances Series. Although, each book is a stand-alone. The only thing in common between each book is that the hero and heroine immediately rule each other out as potential love interests.
Ruled Out Romances (Do not have to be read in order)
1 - Game Changer - Can he catch the one who's trying to get away?
2 - Package Deal - Angels come in different packages.
3 - Collateral Hearts - Can a bet lead to love?
4 - Corporate Crush - Can love tame the CEO? (coming in 2019)
In this series of stand-alone stories, star-crossed lovers meet, but rule each other out. But life, with its quirky twists and tangled turns, keep bringing each of the unlikely duos together until they discover their unique happily-ever-afters.
Enjoy!
BTW, I WILL HAVE BOOK NEWS COMING YOUR WAY VERY SOON!!
Here's a sneak peek, something I haven't advertised at all as of yet. Until the ebook formatting is done, and I have exact release dates, I've kept quiet thus far. But now the proverbial cat is out of the bag!
Both of my new books that I'm getting ready to release are now on Goodreads!!!
Go check them out!
Happy reading!