Books published by Kensington Publishing

For a man who makes his living pleasuring women, what happens when the only pay-out worth having is love?  Faith Abigail Charles has always done the right thing. So when her mother runs for mayor of New Orleans, Faith puts her law career on hold to help her win. But when tensions run high, Faith trades one kind of heat for another—in the arms of a hard-bodied stranger. He’s everything a woman dreams of in a lover. So much so that her one-night stand turns into two, then three, then four … For Aiden Rios, meeting smart, sexy Faith feels like fate. After being ditched by his client in the Big Easy, the high-paid male escort needs a little company himself. Aiden knows he’ll have to come clean about his line of work, and he plans to—right after another taste of Faith’s sweetness—and another and another … Until a chance meeting with his client leaves Aiden exposed—and Faith shocked and hurt. Now the hired hottie must show Faith that the love they share is bigger than the scandal threatening to destroy them … Praise for Stripped “There’s no other word to describe this book but delicious—it’s as sinful and pleasurable as a perfect piece of late summer pie.” —Entertainment Weekly“A witty, wonderful romance that speaks to who we are, who we are meant to be, and who we are meant to be with.” —Washington Post“Stripped is a modern rom-com that’s equal parts sexy and sweet.” —Shondaland

As summer comes to an end in her Jersey Shore town, Lucy Berberian continues to manage her family’s Mediterranean restaurant. The Kebab Kitchen also has a food tent at this year’s beach festival. But now a local businessman is under the boardwalk—dead by the sea …   With a sand castle contest and live music, Ocean Crest bids a bittersweet farewell to tourist season. Summer will return next year … but Archie Kincaid won’t. The full-of-himself store owner has been fatally shot, soon after a screaming match with Lucy’s best friend. Katie’s far from the only suspect, though, since Archie had some bitter rivals—as well as some relationships no one knew about. It’s up to Lucy to look into some seedy characters and solve the case before the wrong person gets skewered …   Recipes included!   “Clever and charming … A culinary delight that will have readers salivating over the food and hungry for literary answers.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars, on Hummus and Homicide   “A series that will prove delightful for cozy fans.” —Parkersburg News & Sentinel

Will Val pie hard on national TV?   Business at the bakery may have slowed down, but Val Harris isn’t about to eat humble pie—not until a reality cooking show decides to whip the struggling Pie Town into shape. If Val can tolerate criticism from an abrasive pastry chef during filming, the free publicity might turn the unusual opportunity into the sweetest deal she didn’t know she needed.   Except no one in San Nicholas has an appetite for dessert once murder steals the spotlight. When the show’s bossy producer gets pushed to her death, Val and her flaky, septuagenarian pie crust expert, Charlene, follow crumbs in hopes of finding the killer. But with cameras still rolling and the shocking identity of the victim’s replacement a guaranteed recipe for disaster, Val needs to stay cool long enough to solve the crime and keep Pie Town from falling apart—or else she just might go up in smoke before she ever graces the small screen.

An assassination plot that could end the Civil War, and a hidden enemy that could destroy a secret league of unsung heroes …   Daniel Cumberland, born free in Massachusetts, studied law with dreams of helping his people—dreams that died the night he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Daniel is rescued, but he’s a changed man. When he’s offered entry into the Loyal League, the covert organization of Black spies who helped free him, he seizes the opportunity for vengeance against the Confederacy and those who support it.   When the Union Army occupies the Florida home of Cuban Janeta Sanchez, daughter of an enslaved woman and the plantation owner who married her, her family’s wealth does not protect her father from being imprisoned. Under duress and blaming herself for the arrest, Janeta agrees to infiltrate a group called the Loyal League as a double agent—and finds a cause truly worth the sacrifice.   Daniel is aggravated by the headstrong and much too observant new detective he’s paired with, and Janeta is intrigued by the broken but honorable man she is tasked with betraying. As they embark on a mission to intercept Jefferson Davis and thwart European meddling, their dual hidden agendas are threatened by the ghosts of their pasts and a growing affection that could strengthen both the Union and their souls—or lead to their downfall.   Praise for Alyssa Cole   “This book is fantastic.” —Kirkus STARRED REVIEW on A Hope Divided   “Thoughtfully portrayed characters with deep minds and passionate hearts make this …sparkle.”—Booklist STARRED REVIEW on A Hope Divided   “Brimming with vivid characterization, heartfelt dialogue, and sensual sweetness.” —Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW on An Extraordinary Union

Even the Worthington least likely to wed may find her perfect match . . .   Marriage has worked out quite nicely for her older sisters, yet Lady Augusta Vivers is certain it would end her studies in languages and geography, and stop her from travelling. But when her mother thwarts her plan to attend the only university in Europe that accepts women—in Italy—she is forced to agree to one London Season. Spending her time at parties proves an empty diversion—until she encounters the well-traveled Lord Phineas Carter-Wood. Still, Europe awaits . . .   Phineas has studied architecture all over the world, yet Augusta is his most intriguing discovery yet. How can he resist a woman who loves maps and far-off lands? But her longing for all things foreign hinders any hope of courtship. When he learns her cousins have offered a trip to Europe, he secretly arranges to join their party. For he is determined to show Augusta that a real union is a thrilling adventure of its own. And when their journey is beset by dangerous obstacles, he gets far more opportunity than he bargained for . . .   Praise for Ella Quinn’s The Marquis and I   “Romance builds in this satisfying, memorable read, perfect for fans of Grace Burrowes and Tessa Dare.”—Booklist  “A surprising Regency romance that combines intelligence and intrigue for satisfying results.”—Kirkus Reviews   “Full of payoffs for longtime readers while welcoming the new.”—Publishers Weekly

"Secure the bag" is their motto, and death before dishonor is their G-code, so when greed, disloyalty, and hidden agendas threaten their enterprises, these outlaw mamis exact revenge on a whole new level! Blood of My Blood by Jasmine Williams: Products of their environment, Naima and Cha-Cha are all too familiar with the street code, but when blood turns against blood, it sets off a chain reaction for retaliation and street justice! Watch the bodies fall in their chase to get money! Honor Among Boss Chicks by Niyah Moore: No hustle is too grand for JuJu and Tah. Being raised as troubled youth in the system and wards of the state, they can only depend on each other for survival, but will Tah's latest masterplan threaten their friendship and blow their cover? Dishonorable by INDIA: Whoever said the dope game is only for men must've had no idea that women are some of the best players! Markita, Alexis, and Kenya stumble into Detroit's rising drug trade, and using their street intel and hustle-hard mentality, they quickly rise to the top. The question is, how long will they stay? Mental by Brandie Davis: Tammy and her younger brother, Cory, solidified a desirable position harvesting organs in the black market. Their success inspires drug dealer Baldwin, and he's desperate to eliminate his competition, even if it means catching a body. He'll learn soon enough the lengths one will go to protect what's theirs. One in the Chamber by N'TYSE: Carma Jenkins has had her fair share of run-ins with the law as a wild and rebellious teenager; however, after witnessing her parents' brutal murder, she vowed to change her life for the better. Now the ambitious real estate broker is living her best life¿until the past she deserted resurfaces to collect on the IOU.