Fun fact about “The CEO Enemy”

Dear reader,

I hope you all had a delicious “Chocolate Pudding Day” yesterday!

Speaking of delicious things, I wanted to remind you that the sweet release price for my newest romcom, “The CEO Enemy,” is ending very soon. 

(Segue, good? Good? šŸ˜‰)

Now, onto something even sweeter: a fun fact about my newest release!

Keyword: Spider-Man.

My latest romcom is sprinkled with tiny Spider-Man references. My love for Spider-Man goes way back to my childhood. It all began with classic comic books, long before the blockbuster movies we adore today.

I vividly remember the moment I fell head over heels for Spidey. It wasn’t Mary Jane’s time yetā€”this was an iconic kiss with another heroine. 

It left me captivated. šŸ’‹ā¤ļø

Here’s the scene:

The romance! The thrill of that moment!

Set in spaceā€”absolutely epic, right?

Do you love it?

I can’t help but chuckle at Spider-Man’s thoughts during the scene, thinking “Oh, brother!” and “This is getting out of hand.” Hihihi šŸ¤­ Swooooon!

Ever since that day, Spider-Man has been my ultimate hero. In my new book “The CEO Enemy”, you’ll find small nods to Spider-Man woven into the story. I hope you love these references just as much as I do.

Speaking of which, I’m curiousā€”who is your favorite hero? Is it Spider-Man too?

If so, “The CEO Enemy” is for you.

Come meet Jess and Sean in this exclusive sneak peek. Just a heads-up: during their first, well, “revealing” encounter, Sean doesn’t exactly scream Spider-Man vibesā€”but hey, maybe it’ll sneak up on Jess later in the story.

For now, Sean gives off “Neighbor from Hell” vibes.

I knock on the door. 
ā€œHello?ā€
I know someone is home.

I can hear the TV news. Thereā€™s some movement, but it doesnā€™t seem like theyā€™re coming to answer.

My neighbor Lottie caught sight of a man moving in, and she cautioned me that heā€™s a *very* unfriendly character. Apparently, he didnā€™t even bother with a simple ā€œHiā€ and instead, seemed to communicate through grunts. Classic Lottie, with her flair for exaggeration. Heā€™s likely the regular friendly guy next doorā€”poor Lottie just caught him in the midst of moving in.

After a few seconds, I knock again, only louder this time. 
ā€œHello? Anyone home? I need help!ā€ I knock repeatedly.

The door opens a second later.

ā€œHi, there, sorry to bother yā€”whoa.ā€ I canā€™t believe I said that out loud, but Iā€™m not even a little embarrassed about it.

He towers over me. The most handsome man Iā€™ve ever seen in my life.

He’s at least six foot one, with a chiseled jaw, bright-green eyes piercing into my soulā€¦and not a stitch of clothing on. Yeah. Heā€™s standing there in his birthday suit.

And here I am thinking that me in my small-ish pink towel, wearing nothing underneath, is weird. My eyes keep straying south. I canā€™t help but catch more than just a glimpse of the view below the horizon.

Yep. Thereā€™s hisā€¦dick.

Believe me, Iā€™m as surprised as anyone else here. Even in its relaxed state, itā€™s long and thick. Or is he half-hard? Because the size is quite impressive. Easily eight inches. Maybe nine. Iā€™m staringā€¦and disbelievingā€¦and staringā€¦until I realize what Iā€™m doing and quickly avert my gaze back to his face.

My new neighbor looks alarmed, mad even, as if heā€™s rushed to the door without bothering to dress.

ā€œWhat is it? Whatā€™s wrong?ā€ he demands, eyes narrowed.

Crap. Why am I here again?

Right, Iā€™m locked out. ā€œUm, sorry to bother you, but, um, I locked myself out of my apartment,ā€ I say, gesturing toward my door and the blueberry pancakes. As I speak, I realize how difficult it is to have a regular conversation when youā€™ve just caught an eyeful of all *that.*

ā€œWell,ā€ he huffs, ā€œunless you slipped a spare key under my door when I wasnā€™t looking, then Iā€™m not sure how I can help you.ā€ He arches an eyebrow, already in the process of swinging the door shut shut.

ā€œWait! Please donā€™t! I really do need your help.ā€

I better be quick. Also, my pancakes are getting cold, so I really need to get back inside my place.

ā€œSo, Ms. Lockout Queen, do you need me to call the super or something?ā€ he asks, scrutinizing me the whole time.

What a jerk. ā€œNo, thanks. Actually, our balconies are right next to each other. I was wondering if you would let me in so I could climb over.ā€

ā€œNo.ā€

I blink a few times. ā€œIā€™m sorry?ā€

ā€œI said no.ā€

ā€œIt will only take a second. I promise, it really will only take a second for me to hop over to my place. Then Iā€™ll leave you alone.ā€

He gives me a stern look. ā€œClimbing between balconies is reckless and unsafe.ā€

ā€œIā€™ll be fine.ā€

ā€œAnd if youā€™re not? Iā€™m not going to be held responsible if something happens to you.ā€

ā€œFine,ā€ I say, attempting to keep the exasperation from my tone. ā€œIf I promise not to hold you responsible if I get hurt, then will you let me in?ā€

He studies me for a moment, and itā€™s hard to get a read on him. His expression holds nothing but annoyance, though Iā€™m hopeful Iā€™ve gotten through to him, considering he hasnā€™t slammed the door in my face yet.

I offer him a bright smile.

Thereā€™s a momentā€™s pause before he mutters something under his breath and steps to the side. ā€œFine. Come in.ā€

Thank goodness! I want to do a little happy dance, but well, Iā€™m trying not to lose my towel.

Before entering his apartment, I grab my food delivery and give my towel an extra little tuck for good measure.

Iā€™m in!

The place looks minimalistic. Sleek. Somehow bachelor-esque with all the black furniture and monochrome artwork. I spot a black helmet. He rides a motorcycle? Interesting! 
At once, I realize he was exercising. I notice his treadmill and weights near the balcony, and thereā€™s a pile of workout clothes on the floor. He must have been on his way to the shower when I knocked. I should have known he works out. With that body, itā€™s safe to say heā€™s not the ā€œlounge around all dayā€ type.

ā€œJust a second,ā€ he mutters, storming down the hall, and thatā€™s when I catch a glimpse of his other side, and oh, boy, itā€™s just as appealing as the first. Iā€™m pretty sure I could bounce a quarter off his backside if I had the chance.

Awkwardly, I stay put, switching my weight from one foot to the other, playing with the paper bag in my hands. He returns wearing a simple pair of black boxer briefs. They cover him, but honestly, the outline still makes quite the statement.

ā€œThe balcony is this way.ā€ He motions with his inked arm for me to follow him.

Dear God, his back is rippling with muscles, something I missed when checking him out earlier. How does someone get that well-defined? I donā€™t have the energy for exerciseā€”unbelievable, I know.

I tear my gaze away to focus. When did I become so easily distracted by a man?

Once we step outside, reality slaps me in the face, and I wince.

Crap. The balconies are a little farther apart than I originally thought. Not ridiculously far, only a couple of feet.

The distance is still manageable. However, it does make this whole thing a tad riskier. Setting my bag of pancakes down, I move to the edge to get a closer look, trying to figure out what my best move might be.

ā€œWeā€™re really high up,ā€ my neighbor says. ā€œYou know what, Iā€™m going to call the super.ā€

ā€œNonono, absolutely not necessary. I got this. Easy-peasy. Justā€¦stay there in case I slip or something.ā€

ā€œI thought you said you could handle this?ā€ He sounds even more irritated than before.

I glance back at him to find he hasnā€™t followed me out onto the balcony. He stands in the doorway, tattooed arms crossed, that frown still etched in place. Geez, doesnā€™t this guy have any other facial expressions?

ā€œI can,ā€ I tell him. ā€œDoesnā€™t mean Iā€™m immune to the effects of gravity. It might be easier if you come out and spot me. Just in case.ā€

He shakes his head, a protest clearly on his tongue. When he notices that Iā€™m already maneuvering my right foot over the railing, he quietly steps out and moves closer to me. ā€œI got you.ā€ The weight in his voice gives me a warm feeling. My heart flutters as he draws near. Deep down, I know that if anything were to happen, he would have my back. At least in this crazy endeavor. With those muscles, heā€™d definitely be ready to snap me back up!

As I carefully maneuver my other leg over the railing, I try to keep my breathing even and focus on him, the grim culmination in front of me, in an attempt to avoid looking down. I stand on the other side of the railing, gripping the metal so tight my knuckles turn white.

ā€œTalk to me,ā€ my neighbor says. At the sound of his deep, but surprisingly calming voice, I take a slow breath. ā€œOkayā€¦Slowly. No need to rush.ā€

Rotating, I face my balcony, and Iā€™m slapped with a gust of wind that nearly sends me flying. The shriek that escapes is foreign to me, practically enough to make me backtrack and say, ā€œForget it.ā€ The last thing I want to do is go splat, in just my towel, on a Manhattan sidewalk.

No. Thank. You.

ā€œWhoa there,ā€ he says, grabbing me like his life depends on it. ā€œCome back. Now.ā€

I canā€™t suppress a surprised squeak, my heart fluttering at the unexpected closeness. ā€œWhoa, buddy, I barely know you,ā€ I tease.

But after a momentā€™s pause, with his strong arms enveloping me from behind, I think Iā€™m good. I canā€™t stop now. Iā€™m almost there.

Itā€™ll be way easier to follow through instead of turning back at this point.

Cautiously, I stick my foot out until I feel the ledge.

I find it easily and, in one smooth movement, I step over and grab my railing. Dear God, if anybody were to look up, theyā€™d be treated to a firsthand view of what not to wear on a balcony.

Phewwww. My adrenaline is through the roof. Iā€™m proud of myself as I straddle the railing.

Almost there.

Ufff. Thank goodness.

When I glance back at my neighbor, he still has that serious expression heā€™s been sporting since he opened the door. But I notice his shoulders slump and some of the tension leaves his body.

ā€œSee?ā€ I say with a grin, lifting my other leg over. ā€œHa! Piece of cake. Told ya!ā€ I shrug, waving it off like Iā€™ve been doing this all day, every day. ā€œCall me Lockout Queen by day, and Balcony Spider-Woman by night,ā€ I joke.

Iā€™m too focused on my triumph to notice that my towel has become loose.

The next thing I know, Iā€™m standing on my balcony all right, with my towel on the floor and everything on display for a complete stranger. Yes. Iā€™m talking tits and delicate lady bits, officially making their debut.

My neighborā€™s eyebrows shoot up.Ā 
For the first time since weā€™ve met, that surly exterior cracks.

Did you enjoy the sneak peek?

Grab “The CEO Enemy” before the release price endsā€”it’s free on Kindle Unlimited!

šŸŽ§ Get ready for July, when the audiobook, narrated by the incredible Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt, hits all major retailers worldwide.Ā 

Happy reading (and listening)!

This is what some of you are saying. Guys! My heart! ā¤ļø

“One of the best meet-cutes I have read! After the first few surprises it flows into a wonderful story. Great beginning to a series. I cannot wait for the next one.” -Amazon Reviewer

“10/10 recommend.” -Amazon Reviewer

“The banter is top tier! They had me giggling so many times! Also, Sean had me swooning! Plus the mouth on this manā€¦SHEESH!” -Amazon Reviewer

“Sean is everything, literally. He’s tall, gorgeous, a little grumpy, charismatic, not to forget a billionaire CEO (that’s my typešŸ˜«šŸ”„) and has a filthy mouth that is my downfall. Most importantly he loves hard and the way he fought for their love and Jess made my heart swoon and warm.” -Amazon Reviewer

“I was hooked from the beginning. And the office scene! SHEW šŸ„µšŸ„µšŸ„µ” -Amazon Reviewer

This one made me giggle:Ā šŸ¤­šŸ¤­šŸ¤­

“Iā€™m in no way prepared to let go of these characters, so Iā€™m going to need the author to write more, fast.” -Amazon Reviewer

Looks like I better keep those characters busy. Next book coming right up! Stay tuned! ā¤ļø

Jolie Day

The CEO Enemy is here!

A new neighbor just moved in! Let’s go knock and see who it is.

Guess who moved in next door? NYCā€™s top bachelor. And Iā€™m not swooningā€”Iā€™m cringing.

Heā€™s everything I despise.
Grumpy.
Arrogant.
The neighbor from hell.

The bigger bombshell?
Heā€™s NYCā€™s cutthroat hotel tycoon, now a major shareholder in my hotel.
And guess what? Heā€™s convinced he can charm me out of the rest.

No chance his towering 6-foot-2 frame, those piercing eyes, and his ability to leave me breathless with every word will sway me.
My resolve to resist him is as firm as my “No dating CEOs” rule.

In my defense, he locked lips first.
I even attempted to keep my panties on during our first date.
But somehow, things went from hot to setting off fire alarms.
Until those mind-blowing Oā€™s took a detour to “Oh sh*t!”

Because just when I think there might be an “us,” I find myself jobless, apartment-hunting, and questioning all my life choices.
How did I go from locking myself out to nursing a heart in ruins?

Now available on Amazon: Kindle eBook

From USA Today Bestselling Author Jolie Day comes an enemies-to-lovers romance. Get ready for a boss who puts the ”dirty” in dirty talk and a badass heroine who’s not afraid to dish it right back. Dive in and brace yourself for a romance with a “woah” happily ever after you won’t soon forget!

Now available on Amazon: Kindle eBook

The CEO Enemy: Less than a week to go

Ever dreamed of cozying up next door to a sinful, sizzling-hot billionaire?

Well, itā€™s time to pack your bags.

“The CEO Enemy” hits the shelves in less than a week. 

This is an all-new standaloneĀ enemies-to-lovers romance.

Heā€™s everything I despise.
Grumpy.
Arrogant.
The neighbor from hell.

The bigger bombshell? 
Heā€™s a cutthroat hotel tycoon, now a major shareholder in my hotel.

Whatā€™s worse, he thinks he can get me to sell the rest. 
But my resolve? 
Stronger than my “Never date CEOs” rule.

Until he finds my weak spotā€¦

Coming soon! The book goes live on June 18th.

Preorder your copy now and enjoy a special price.

Attention, audiobook enthusiasts, it’s time for the narrator reveal:

The CEO Enemyā€ is narrated by Andi Arndt and Jacob Morgan in a captivating duet narration. I just received the files from my audiobook studio, and as soon as I hit play, I felt a rush of excitement and couldn’t stop smiling! I adore all my audiobooks, but let me tell you, “The CEO Enemy” is quickly climbing to the top of my favorites list. The cherry on top: The audiobook features a delightful UK and Irish accent. 

The audiobook will be available on all major retailers within 45 days of release.

I can’t wait for you to read the story!

Cover Reveal: The CEO Enemy

ā€œThe CEO Enemyā€ is almost ready to hit the shelves.

Ever dreamed of cozying up next door to a sinful, sizzling-hot billionaire?

Well, itā€™s time to pack your bags, because this series is about to sweep you off to the streets of Manhattanā€™s Upper East Side. Get ready for scorching hot moments in cramped quarters, hilarious (and oh-so-dirty) midnight encounters, and even a serious swirl of unexpected romance.

Iā€™ve locked myself out.

So, I knock at my new neighborā€™s door.

And boom! Mr. Grumpy King answers: 6ā€™ 2ā€, piercing eyes, not impressedā€”oh, and did I mention, completely naked?

Itā€™s a double surprise: Iā€™m shocked, and my towel drops, leaving me in all my glory.

Later at the bar, Iā€™m thinking weā€™ll share a drink, laugh it off.

Or, you know, hook up.

The bigger bombshell?

Heā€™s NYCā€™s most ruthless hotel mogul who just bought half my hotel shares.

And he thinks he can sweet-talk me into giving up the rest.

I donā€™t care how hot he is, or how much my body protests.

My determination to keep my hotel shares is as unshakeable as my ā€œI never date CEOsā€ rule.

In my defense, he locked lips first.

I even attempted to keep my panties on during our first date.

But somehow, things went from hot to setting off fire alarms.

Until those mind-blowing Oā€™s took a detour to ā€œOh sh*t!ā€

Because just when I think there might be an ā€œus,ā€ I find myself jobless, apartment-hunting, and questioning all my life choices.

How did I go from locking myself out to nursing a heart in ruins?

Letā€™s talk perks of ā€œThe CEO Enemyā€:

āœ”ļøMortal enemies going head-to-head? Check.

āœ”ļø Hot CEO? Double check. (By day, heā€™s all business. By night, heā€™s a sexy biker.)

āœ”ļø Strong, sassy, curvy heroine? You betcha.

āœ”ļø Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic? Oh yeah, itā€™s on.

āœ”ļøChemistry so electric it could light up Times Square.

āœ”ļø Oh, and be warnedā€”this heroā€™s dirty talk has a panty-dropping effect. (The heroine can vouch for that, she lost her panties over it. Multiple times.)

Preorder the Kindle Edition. Release Date: June 18th is the big day. Thatā€™s when the book officially hits the shelves.

The audiobook is in the works and will hit all major retailers worldwide within 45 days of release. Keep an ear out for the exciting narrator announcement coming soonā€”trust me, itā€™s worth the wait.

The CEO Enemy is coming

Hi readers,

I wanted to take a moment to share something special with you, something thatā€™s been brewing in the heart of NYC (and in my own heart, too) for quite some time now.

So here it is:

After countless late nights and endless cups of elderberry tea, Iā€™m beyond excited to announce that my next book, ā€œThe CEO Enemy,ā€ is almost ready to hit the shelves.

Youā€™ll find yourself living next door to a grumpy billionaire whoā€™s hotter than a New York summer sidewalk. Yeah, Iā€™m talking about the kind of guy who sets your heart racing and makes you forget how to breathe.

Thatā€™s how Jess feels when she lays eyes on him for the first time.

The second encounter? Happens in the conference room.

Only this time, itā€™s not just his presence that leaves her breathlessā€”itā€™s the realization of who her new neighbor truly is.

And no, heā€™s not her new bossā€”heā€™s something worseā€¦

Now, mark your calendars:

Cover Reveal: May 22nd

Release Date: June 18th is the big day. Thatā€™s when the book officially hits the shelves. Preorder Now!

Letā€™s talk perks of ā€œThe CEO Enemyā€:

āœ”ļø Mortal enemies going head-to-head? Check.

āœ”ļø Hot CEO? Double check. (By day, heā€™s all business. By night, heā€™s a sexy biker.)

āœ”ļø Strong, sassy, curvy heroine? You betcha.

āœ”ļø Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic? Oh yeah, itā€™s on.

āœ”ļø Chemistry so electric it could light up Times Square.

āœ”ļø Oh, and be warnedā€”this heroā€™s dirty talk has a panty-dropping effect. (The heroine can vouch for that, she lost her panties over it. Multiple times.)

And what’s that? An audiobook, you ask? Yes! Itā€™s in the works and will hit all major retailers worldwide within 45 days of release. Keep an ear out for the exciting narrator announcement coming soonā€”trust me, itā€™s worth the wait.

Jolie Day

Unwrap your gift(s) and project news

Dear reader,

Holiday hugs and a surprise for you!

I’ve got a little post-Xmas treat just for you: A copy of ā€œCrushing on my Billionaire Best Friend.ā€

It’s my gift to youā€”completely free.

Hurry, though. This exclusive ebook offer expires on December 29th 2023.

I just moved in with my billionaire best friend (and secret crush),

Oliver Humphries.

Heā€™s the all-star. The jock. The golden boyā€”

and Iā€™m no match.

Iā€™m the nerdy, frizzy-haired, not-so-skinny friend.

The moment I met him at fourteen, I was in L-O-V-E.

Iā€™m under no illusion I stand a chance.

Living with him?

Not a problem. In fact, itā€™s a brilliant idea. Iā€™m good at hiding my feelings.

Until I play ā€œTruth or Dareā€ with him.

Oh, good grief!

Did I just tell him I want him to be my first?

ā€œCrushing on my Billionaire Best Friendā€ is the #1 Bestseller in American Humorous Fiction and is the first book in my “Kiss a Billionaire” series. It can be read as complete standalone. No cliffhanger. Enjoy!

Hold on, there’s more!

I’m teaming up with fellow romance authors to bring you a one day book blast.

Embark on a fun romance extravaganza with us: over 2000 free books across all romance subgenres await you today in the Stuff Your eReader promotion: 

Currently in the works:

Book Project 1: I’m crafting a fresh billionaire series set in the bustling city, and I’m itching to spill the beans with more details come 2024.

Book Project 2: For those of you who’ve been on this journey with me, you know I have a soft spot for inked guys on bikes. Alongside the big city series, I’m in the middle of writing a book set in a small town. While this book strays from my typical style, there’s definitely a dash of fun in the mix. Can’t wait to share more soon!

Book Project 3: If all goes according to plan, I should be wrapping up Book 3 in the “Faking it in NYC” series by the end of the next year. (Unless my characters decide to go on strike.)

šŸŽ§ Exciting news on the audiobook front: “One Bossy Date” (Book One of my “Faking it in NYC” series) is in the works for an audiobook debut. In the early weeks of the upcoming year, I’ll be teaming up with two narrators I haven’t collaborated with before but greatly admire. Keep an ear out for sneak peeks and teasers.

Wishing you a beautiful winter season and a fantastic New Year!

Cheers,

Here’s to a love-filled 2024!

Jolie Day

Real Fake Husband is live

Dear reader,

ā€œReal Fake Husbandā€ is here, just in time for the holiday season.

Marrying my childhood bully? Monumental mistake.

He called me ā€œGoody-Goody.ā€
He called me ā€œNosy-Josie.ā€
He called me other things while he pulled my pigtails.

Two decades later, Iā€™m shocked to find my name on his grandmotherā€™s will.
Weā€™re set to inherit a fortune, split 50-50.
The catch?

We have to tie the knot.
We have to live in her tiny NYC apartment (with just one bed).
We have to keep up the fake marriage for one month.

Luckily, I have a strategy:

Ignore his sizzling looks and sinful tattoos.
No accidental lip-locking (the first one was a mistake).
Absolutely no sketching him in his birthday suitā€”and definitely donā€™t let him catch me.
Resist his bedroom antics, even if he calls me a ā€œprincess.ā€
Never, ever fall in love.
Survive the month, snag the inheritance, and exit swiftly.

But then, just when I think itā€™s going smoothly, things go terribly wrong.

The book is now live. This is an all-new standalone romance in my “Faking It in NYC” series. Get your copy now and enjoy a special price.

šŸŽ§ The audiobook is on its way and should be available approximately in the middle to the end of November.

The sinful bad boy and the sassy good girl are tying the knot. Get ready for the hottest month of their lives.

Definitely for adult readers only. šŸ˜‰

Enjoy reading!

Real Fake Husband is available on Amazon.

Kindle Special Edition Cover:

Less than a week to go!

“Real Fake Husband” hits the shelves in less than a week. 

Josie’s about to tie the knot with her childhood bully, all for the sake of a hefty inheritance.

She had no idea he’d turn out to be tall, tattooed, and drop-dead gorgeous. 
She certainly didn’t expect there would be only one bed. 
And what she had no way of foreseeing was just how “close” she’d end up getting to him.

ā€œGoodnight, sweet thing.ā€ He laughs sleepily, burying his face in my hair.

ā€œNight, Cal.ā€

He falls asleep almost immediately.

I listen to the sound of his breath evening out, feeling the soft rise and fall of his chest against my cheek.

But I donā€™t sleep.

Not right away, at least.

A million things race through my mind. I replay every moment, every gasp, every movement.

More importantly, I think about how he made me feel.

Like I was the most gorgeous woman in the world.

Like he only has eyes for me.

Like I was the happiest girl alive.

Coming soon! The book goes live on November 1st.

This is an all-new standalone enemies to lovers romance in my “Faking It in NYC series.”

Preorder your copy now: Real fake Husband on Amazon

Cover Reveal (and some of Josie’s artwork): Real Fake Husband

The cover for ā€œReal Fake Husbandā€ is here. 

Special Kindle Edition

Kindle and Paperback Edition

He called me ā€œGoody-Goody.ā€
He called me ā€œNosy-Josie.ā€
He called me other things while he pulled my pigtails.
Now, his grandmother left us a surprise inheritanceā€¦with strings attached.
We have to live together in a small NYC apartment.
For a month.
With just one bed.
When I arrive, heā€™s not the cheeky jerk I hated.
Heā€™s piping hot.
Tall.
Sinfully tattooed.
A stunning villain.
And that damn smirk on his face?
This will be one hell of a month.

Coming soon! The book goes live on November 1st.

This is an all-new standalone romance in my “Faking It in NYC series.” The scorching enemies to lovers forced proximity romance drops soon. Preorder your copy now and enjoy a special price.

Will there be an audiobook?
The audiobook is in the pipeline for a release in the near future.

Get a closer look at what Cal and Josie’s love story is about:

So, how did I even come up with the idea for this book?

Well, it all started with my background in artā€”particularly my experiences in nude portraiture classes. From there, the character of Josie, a young waitress and aspiring artist with big dreams, began to take shape in my mind.

Her journey unfolds alongside an unexpected surprise: a reunion with her childhood bully, now a tattooed, motorcycle-owning tycoon with several thriving dealerships across the nation.

I’m genuinely excited, and I hope you are too!

Keep an eye out, it’s dropping early November.

Secret Butter Cookies Recipe

Hereā€™s the ā€œsecret family šŸŖ recipeā€ thatā€™s been passed down to me by my grandmother. Grandma was notoriously secretive about her recipe, but after much persuasion (and a few glasses of red wine), she finally gave in and handed down her treasured recipe. These butter cookies are buttery, crumbly, and simply melt in your mouth.

As a kid, I remember spending countless afternoons in my grandmotherā€™s kitchen, and it was always a special treat to have a warm cookie straight from the oven.

Now, Iā€™m excited to share her recipe with you.

Psssst. Grandmaā€™s secret ingredient is finely chopped white chocolate, which gives them a rich, indulgent flavor.

So letā€™s get baking and enjoy these delicious butter cookies ā€“ just be sure to keep the recipe a secret, or my grandma might come after me!

šŸŒ± For a vegan version, you can replace butter and white chocolate with vegan alternatives.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white chocolate (Grandmaā€™s secret ingredient)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 320Ā°F (160Ā°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Divide the dough into two equal halves. Add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and chopped white chocolate to one half of the dough and knead it until everything forms a smooth mixture.
  7. Wrap both dough halves in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for one hour.
  8. Shape separate dough rolls with a diameter of about 1 cm and place them closely together, one dark roll and one light roll side by side.
  9. Now, using a sharp knife, cut off a piece of the juxtaposed rolls, about 2 to 3 cm in size, and loosely twist the black and white dough piece around each other, so that the light piece wraps around the dark (or vice versa).
  10. Shape the dough pieces into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
  11. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
  12. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  13. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Keen-eyed readers may notice a delightful difference: Just like every great romance, Blanchie’s cookie recipe had a few embellishments along the way to make it fit perfectly into the story. As you whip up these real-world versions, remember that it’s your unique touch that makes them truly special, and don’t be surprised if the cookies in your kitchen turn out even more enchanting than the ones on the pages!

Happy baking!

The Merlot Baroness, reigning supreme on her cherished couch.


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