Books published by Bella Books

Half a million dollars will be Celeste Thorne's reward for spending four years of her life in total isolation. No faces. No voices. No way to leave.Since Celeste has never really worried about being alone, the generous paycheck she'll receive for her participation in the solitary psychological experiment seems like easy money. br>When she finds an injured hiker in the woods bordering her living compound, her strictly governed world is thrown into disarray. But even as she struggles with the morality of breaking the rules of the experiment, Celeste can't deny her growing attraction to the kind and enigmatic Olivia Soldano. Still, how much can you really trust a stranger? And how much can you trust yourself when you know all the faces you've seen and voices you've heard for the past three years have only been your imagination?But what's real? Celeste's reality may lie somewhere between the absolute truth and a carefully constructed deception.

"A confidant to all who need her, Rose Pruitt is a familiar face at Jones University thanks to her years of dedicated service at the Campus Center. Only a few days into the new school year, Rose finds herself cleaning up all kinds of messes, including one that involves a newcomer to campus--Professor Allison Chandler. Although their first encounter is all business, the two women soon discover an easy rapport and attraction that neither can deny. Hurdles abound as the two women face challenges both separately and together. Can they get beyond the obstacles and potential disaster they face? Only time will tell in this timeless romance by author Shannon O'Brien."--Provided by publisher.

Everyone fantasizes about winning the big jackpot, but what if you actually won... Ty MacIntyre''s life changes the instant she wins the lottery. People are after her winning ticket and she''s not sure who to trust. She''s been given the gift of wealth. Will she use it to get her life back on track or will that prove easier said than done? Karla Rehn is forced to walk away from her dream of being on the US Ski Team. She''s angry at the world--especially herself. A trail of reckless behavior threatens to derail her plans to earn a college degree and become a nurse. Ty is drawn to Karla the moment the two women meet. Can they guide each other through the obstacles that life has thrown their way?

What if you''re a nerdy med student and a womanizing rock star wants you as her next conquest--then leaves you totally humiliated. Now fast-forward eleven years. Sexy and magnetic, Australian rock star Austen Farleigh is at the height of her spectacular career. Her penchant for one-night stands is as famous as her many songs. American Dr. Merritt Harrington now works for Doctors Without Borders and is at a crossroads in her life. Her last assignment in the Andes Mountains was harrowing, and her love life at a dead end. No one has been able to ignite even a tiny spark since Austen--damn her. When they meet again in Australia, Merritt is desperate to keep Austen at arm''s length. But temptation whispers in her ear. From the US to Peru to Australia and the highlands of Papua New Guinea, their desire for one another is on an uncontrollable collision course--with a force they may no longer be able to ignore.

Charlie Kincaid has moved to Washington, DC, to get away from her spoiled ex-girlfriend Madison and an unsavory association with a popular item at her trendy Portland bakery, The Charlie Pie(TM). The delicious treat is a frosted blueberry tart secretly named after Charlie''s vagina. Now what was once a sexy secret has turned into the most talked about dessert in southern Maine--with knockoffs in every store and a radio jingle on repeat. Renaming herself Charlotte, Charlie moves with her twin brother Daniel to the Georgetown guest house of their great aunt, internationally known artist Wellesley Kincaid. On a wild night out, Charlotte notices green-eyed Lily and sparks fly. When chance throws them together again, the sparks take fire. Charlotte finds herself hopeful that a relationship with the young lawyer might grow. Then the fledgling romance is threatened when Madison makes a surprise trip to DC--looking for a way back into Charlotte''s life. Will the trust Charlotte and Lily have built withstand the test of Madison''s return? Maybe Charlotte is the story of two women overcoming the disappointments of past relationships to forge one that is uniquely their own. A Sequel to Claiming Camille.

After narrowly escaping fiery death in Out of the Flames, San Francisco police detective Manhattan Sloane and DEA Agent Finn Harper embark on something even more perilous: bringing to justice all those responsible for the murder of Sloane''s wife, and rekindling the love they had for each other as teens. Both have the potential to burn them badly--and scar Sloane''s grieving stepdaughter, Reagan. Even as Sloane rediscovers that life without love is no life at all, she is learning that parenthood--especially single parenting--means making sacrifices. Can she have it all? Finn and Reagan and the badge she has worn with honor for almost nine years? Or will a cartel drug lord bent on revenge force her to not only betray her conscience--but also fail to save the ones she loves?

"Samantha Cassidy, award-winning actress, up-and-coming Hollywood "It Girl", is missing three things in her life: an Oscar, a special someone to share her life with, and a baby goat in pajamas. Alex Novato married her college sweetheart, but tragedy struck and the love of her life was ripped from her arms. Now she refuses to open her heart again, choosing casual sex over deeper commitments, until a not-so-chance meeting with her favorite Hollywood starlet turns her world upside down. Will Alex give love another try? Will Sam find the courage to follow her heart, Hollywood be damned? Will anyone get a baby goat in pajamas? #CassiNova is a sweet, funny, fun romp through the Hollywood Hills."--Provided by publisher.

Readers love the consistent, fresh stories from debut and veteran pens that Bella Books produces. So do judges and critics: 170 titles have been shortlisted or won more than 230 awards from popular choice and literary juried systems. Debut authors have won awards six out of the last seven years. Online marketing plan: direct to customer newsletters and new release announcements (e-mail lists of 11,000+ vetted, opted-in readers) from Publisher, Author, and Distributor; New release e-mail announcements direct to bookstores from Publisher; website excerpts on Publisher, Author and Production Company websites. Online blog with frequent updates, news releases, reprinted reviews and soft sell interest pieces connects to Facebook and other social networking. Bella has attracted more than twice as many followers via Facebook than any other lesbian-niche publisher. Author tours, industry conventions and publisher-sponsored events in key demographic areas.

Abandoned by her mother and raised by her loving but religiously zealous grandmother, 16-year-old Heavenly Faith Simms (H.F. for short) has never felt like she belonged anywhere. When she finds her mother's address in a drawer, she and her best friend, Bo, an emotionally repressed gay boy, hit the road in Bo's scrap heap of a car and head south. Their journey through the heart of the American South awakens both teens to the realization that there is a life waiting for them that is very different from what they have known and that the concept of family is more far-reaching than they had ever imagined. 

Elizabeth Dumas is under quarantine. As the newest Strigoi in Fane's family, she must prove her loyalty and discretion before she can leave the freight tunnels they call home to hunt on the streets of Chicago. Publicly, she answers to Irina. The name Fane gave her. But how long can Elizabeth deceive the Moroi before he discovers her true allegiance lies with her Maker, Stela?Stela is in debt. When she killed a human associate to protect Elizabeth, she terminated a lucrative business endeavor. Now her fledgling Elizabeth is yet another Strigoi Fane must feed, clothe, and protect. And he will have his recompense.Together in blood, body and mind, Stela and Elizabeth must keep the truth of their bond and the depth of their love hidden from Fane and the rest of the family.After all, one Strigoi cannot belong to another.All Together Stranger is the riveting sequel to the ground-breaking Terrible Praise.  Book Two of The Redamancy Series.

Readers love the consistent, fresh stories from debut and veteran pens that Bella Books produces. So do judges and critics: 170 titles have been shortlisted or won more than 230 awards from popular choice and literary juried systems. Debut authors have won awards six out of the last seven years. Online marketing plan: direct to customer newsletters and new release announcements (e-mail lists of 11,000+ vetted, opted-in readers) from Publisher, Author, and Distributor; New release e-mail announcements direct to bookstores from Publisher; website excerpts on Publisher, Author and Production Company websites. Online blog with frequent updates, news releases, reprinted reviews and soft sell interest pieces connects to Facebook and other social networking. Bella has attracted more than twice as many followers via Facebook than any other lesbian-niche publisher. Author tours, industry conventions and publisher-sponsored events in key demographic areas.

Readers love the consistent, fresh stories from debut and veteran pens that Bella Books produces. So do judges and critics: 170 titles have been shortlisted or won more than 230 awards from popular choice and literary juried systems. Debut authors have won awards six out of the last seven years. Online marketing plan: direct to customer newsletters and new release announcements (e-mail lists of 11,000+ vetted, opted-in readers) from Publisher, Author, and Distributor; New release e-mail announcements direct to bookstores from Publisher; website excerpts on Publisher, Author and Production Company websites. Online blog with frequent updates, news releases, reprinted reviews and soft sell interest pieces connects to Facebook and other social networking. Bella has attracted more than twice as many followers via Facebook than any other lesbian-niche publisher. Author tours, industry conventions and publisher-sponsored events in key demographic areas.

Readers love the consistent, fresh stories from debut and veteran pens that Bella Books produces. So do judges and critics: 170 titles have been shortlisted or won more than 230 awards from popular choice and literary juried systems. Debut authors have won awards six out of the last seven years. Online marketing plan: direct to customer newsletters and new release announcements (e-mail lists of 11,000+ vetted, opted-in readers) from Publisher, Author, and Distributor; New release e-mail announcements direct to bookstores from Publisher; website excerpts on Publisher, Author and Production Company websites. Online blog with frequent updates, news releases, reprinted reviews and soft sell interest pieces connects to Facebook and other social networking. Bella has attracted more than twice as many followers via Facebook than any other lesbian-niche publisher. Author tours, industry conventions and publisher-sponsored events in key demographic areas.

Newly minted San Francisco police detective Manhattan Sloane lets no one get close. Especially lovers.Sloane has her reasons for keeping the world at arm's length. But then her first childhood crush, DEA Agent Finn Harper, reappears and changes everything. Harper has arrived in San Francisco to investigate a new street drug weaving its way into the city--a drug that has personal ties for Sloane. The two find themselves thrown together as they team up to take down a ruthless cartel lord. Soon sparks fly as old feelings surface, forcing Sloane to face her past in order to build a new future.Out of the Flames is the breakout debut novel by Stacy Lynn Miller. This is the first novel in the Manhattan Sloane romantic thriller series.

For Madison Jones, there has always been her life in Denver. There has always been her girlfriend, Kacey. There has always been her best friend, her studio and her pottery. She has everything in her life exactly in place. But after the loss of her brother, Madison feels unsure about her own future. When Kacey is offered a new job in Oregon, Madison jumps at the opportunity to follow her.While Kacey works to open a new restaurant at Minerva Hills Winery, Madison sets up her art studio on the property. But constantly in Madison's path is the owner and winemaker, CS Freeburn. CS is as serious as they come and seems unlikely to warm to either Kacey or Madison.Though their initial interactions are awkward--if not downright nerve-wracking--the more they cross paths and the more Madison gets to know CS, the more Madison craves those little moments with the standoffish winemaker.How could she have known that those encounters would begin to threaten the carefully structured life that Madison has built?

Gillette Park, a sleepy town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, harbors a secret.Twenty-three years ago, a young girl went missing. Two days later her body was found lodged beneath the footbridge over Boulder Creek. The murder shook the town but they soon found it was only the beginning. A serial killer hides among them--a serial killer who strikes twice, sometimes three times a year.Mason Cooper couldn't wait to leave Gillette Park. At eighteen, she headed off to college and the bright lights of Los Angeles, thinking she'd never return home to the broken family and forgotten friendships she'd left behind. But being a cop in LA lost its charm and--after a breakup--Mason heads back to her hometown. The serial killer still haunts Gillette Park and she becomes consumed with catching him.Dr. Grace Jennings has what some call a gift. She "sees" things. She "hears" things. Running from that gift was useless so she's learned to embrace it instead. Now the FBI has solicited her help in catching the serial killer.Not everyone in this mountain town has embraced the idea of bringing in a psychic, including Mason's uncle and boss, Sheriff Cooper. Mason is tasked with being the go-between and she soon finds herself with a front row seat as Dr. Jennings discovers the dark--and well hidden--secrets of Gillette Park.As Mason and Grace's friendship grows, so does their attraction. But safety lies only with each other, as they battle the evil that lives in Gillette Park.

"I hate field trips." That's exactly what Kell was thinking just as the bus blew up...Thus begins a grueling trek for three young survivors in a treacherous post-apocalyptic world--pitting the inner strength and resilience of youth against the dysfunction and destruction created by adults.Scavenging for food, drinkable water and anything else that will help them survive the journey, the teens must constantly be on the alert for enemy drones, crazed loners, domestic terrorists, packs of feral dogs, and flesh-seeking predators. Not to mention some deadly surprises from Mother Nature.

Placed on a medical leave of absence from the her job as an special agent in the National Protection and Investigation Unit, Mikala Flynn is a woman on the edge--guilt-ridden, depressed, battling war wounds and personal demons. The world and the relationships as she knew them no longer exist. Now, the streets of New York, the bottle, and anonymous sex have become her solace.In the midst of a fire escape bender, Flynn overhears her crazy-like-a-fox grandmother and her art-world cronies planning a daring theft of a valuable historical document. Eventually Flynn crashes the party and agrees to take on the heist herself. Along the way, Flynn runs into, both literally and figuratively, her now wheelchair-bound best friend, an alluring, mysterious thief who throws multiple wrenches into the works, and the ex-love of her life.Can Flynn pull off the job without falling victim to vodka and lost love...and somehow begin to find herself again along the way?

Peachy, a former street kid turned professional conwoman, is on a mission: steal a family heirloom. All is going according to plan until she wakes up in a strange and new world. Noomi, a gifted and powerful Fae never expects anything out of the ordinary. Every minute is planned and there's no room for disorder. One day, a strange woman enters her world plunging it into chaos.

Successful Chicago-based artist Lauren Hansen is on a layover in Las Vegas before heading to what was supposed to be the vacation of a lifetime with her partner. Until, that is, that partner became an ex.Recovering from a nasty break-up herself, workaholic Penny Rothmoor agrees to meet Lauren for dinner, but only out of a sense of obligation to her mother.One thing leads to another, and soon Penny finds herself on a plane, jetting off to meet Lauren for a week on the beautiful island of Hawaii--but strictly as friends, of course.As the bikini-clad duo relaxes and gets to know each other better, they begin to realize that there's more to enjoy in Hawaii than just sun and sand--and that king-size bed is looking awfully inviting. What is it about the words "no strings attached" that are sure to create a tangled mess of desire, mind-blowing pleasure, and the pain of separation?

Though still suffering side effects from the injuries she sustained in a serious fall, Corey Curtis is off restricted duty and back at work in the morgue. Within hours of cutting the cast off her arm with a bone saw she's asked by her former mentor to assist on a body recovery. Now she's elbow deep in decomposing human remains and a suspicious death that hits far too close to home.Just when her relationship with Dr. Thayer Reynolds has reached a new milestone, the new case tests Corey's limits while Thayer struggles with a difficult situation at work. Corey's impulsive nature has her hurtling down an all too familiar road with trouble around every corner.The only thing keeping the wheels from totally coming off is Thayer's unwavering love and support. But when the investigation comes full circle, everyone is caught off guard...threatening a most unhappy ending.Picking up minutes from the end of Gallows Humor, Dirt Nap is the second Corey Curtis and Thayer Reynolds romantic thriller.

Newly appointed US Ambassador Elizabeth Turner is still getting used to her post in Mauritania, Africa. She has lots of plans for her time in office, but those plans are forgotten when a crowd of angry protesters start to gather outside the embassy--bringing both sporadic gunfire and concern for the ambassador's safety.Flagler security agent Angel McTaggart will never understand why an intelligent woman would choose to come to a country where women are devalued. Not that her opinion matters, she knows, because she's here to do one job and one job only--keep the ambassador safe at all costs.Angel needs to get the situation under control quickly before an attempt to storm the embassy becomes an option for the rioters. Elizabeth Turner isn't uncooperative, she reasons, just headstrong and opinionated. Angel knows she's worked with worse, but no one that's had the effect on her that the ambassador seems to be having now.Focusing on her job might be harder than she thinks...

When Dr Paris DeMont lost Gabriella, her partner for eight years, to the tragedy of 9/11, she lost her will to love. A successful cardiologist to New York City's elite, Paris now lives a sterile existence on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Denver detective Jake McCoy is trying to recover--both physically and emotionally--from the shooting death of a young boy that also left her injured. She soon finds herself rehabbing at her cabin in the mountains, soaking in the remote natural springs--which is exactly where Psychologist Nicole Westbrook vacations and soon stumbles across her...When Nicole leaves the next day, the two women know little more about the other than her first name--yet they are now lovers instead of strangers.When Jake returns to Denver, a serial murder investigation soon leads her to Nicole. As the investigation develops, their physical attraction threatens to compromise the case. Nicole finds herself struggling to remain in the professional closet that she's been hiding in for so long--a place where an out cop like Jake McCoy simply does not belong.Once the crimes are solved, will the women go their separate ways? Or will the physical attraction and the gentle tug of love prove that opposites do attract...