Kat Baxter

Emmy I am a walking nerdy girl cliche. Smart? Check! On the spectrum? Check! Awkward? Check! Virgin? Check! The only nerdy-girl box I don’t check is “friendless.” That’s because I have the coolest best friend ever—Zane. Everyone in town thinks Zane is just a hot, bad boy inkslinger, but I know better. With me, he’s kind, sensitive and thoughtful. I know he doesn’t see me as anything more than a friend, but when I decide it’s time to lose my virginity so I can finally date and find love, he’s the only man I can imagine asking for help. Zane Emmy thinks we’re just friends, but I know better. I’ve been in love with her for damn near half my life. Until now, I could be satisfied being just her best friend. But now that I know she’s ready for a physical relationship with a man, all bets are off. She wants help losing her virginity so she‘ll be comfortable dating some super geek she works with? Fine. I will take her V-card, but I plan on ruining her for other men.

Zombies need love too… Atticus I’ve been dead for nearly two decades. Or rather, undead. Being a zombie is not like in the movies; I don’t shuffle, and I absolutely don’t eat brains.I look different than I used to and I feel nothing. No happiness, no sadness, no anger, I am a flatline of emotion. Until her… Vivian Cane. I hunger for her in a way that defies logic. Every moment I spend with her changes me. Every touch, every kiss makes me feel human again. I don’t deserve her, but I’m going to do whatever I can to convince the curvaceous beauty that we belong together. Vivian I’ve been a horror writer for a few years so I know my monsters. Research brings me to the town rumored to be riddled with “real” monsters. I don’t expect anything, but some quiet writing time. What I get is chased by a feral creature and then saved by… a zombie? Atticus Hunt might not look like a normal man, but he’s more humane than any guy I’ve ever known. Being with him makes me feel alive in a way I’ve never felt. But am I ready to risk it all to live in a world I always thought was make believe?

Cleary Unlike my group of friends, I don’t have just one fear to conquer. I have a laundry list of phobias. Spiders, confined places, the color orange (don’t ask), flying, traveling alone… and the massive, inked, bearded, giant who’s my seat partner to Las Vegas. I don’t expect the ridiculously attractive stranger to be gentle or to hold my hand through turbulence. I certainly don’t expect to wake up the following morning with a wedding band on my left ring finger snuggled up to a shirtless, pantsless Ian Miller. Oh dear… Ian The minute the luscious curvy redhead peeks up at me with her freckled face and sparkling green eyes, I’m a goner. Cleary Decker is the most innocent, sweet beauty I’ve ever seen and I know without a doubt, she’s meant to be mine. So when she assumes we got married, I run with it. I’ll get her to fall in love with me before I have to tell her the truth. Then I really will make the feisty bombshell my wife. Oh yeah… If you love over-the-top heroes who fall hard and fast and curvy awkward bookworms getting swept off their feet, then Hot Mess Wedding is for you! *** Valentine's Day? This group of single besties hasn't celebrated since, well...they don't want to talk about that. But this year looks a whole lot different. Thanks to a bottle of wine and a ridiculous Galentine's Day pact, they're conquering their fears, one outlandish adventure at a time. Love wasn't supposed to be in the cards, but they'll tumble headlong into it anyway when they meet the men of their dreams in the last places they expected. Seven of your favorite instalove authors are taking you on a rom-com adventure to remember this Galentine's Day. Buckle up. These feisty heroines are going down in infamy!

Caleb I’ve known Madison Crawford was mine since we were teenagers. Timing, circumstances, and my good manners have kept me from claiming her as my own. Now, the ex who left her at the altar is back asking for a second chance, and I’m done playing by the rules. She thinks I’m nothing more than a stick-in-the-mud, but she’s about to find out what happens when I’m not in uniform. No more Mr. Nice Guy. It’s time for the proverbial gloves to come off. Time for me to put my handcuffs to better use. She needs to see that she belongs in my bed now and forever. Madison I’m tired of town gossip. Which is ironic since, as the secret author of the Saddle Peek, I practically invented gossip in this town. When my past comes back–literally–claiming he made a mistake, I have too much pride to run and hide. Everyone in town is waiting to see if my ex is going to break my heart all over again. Instead, the unthinkable happens. Caleb Burton, Sheriff McHottie himself, comes to my rescue. Suddenly, I’m in a fake relationship with the most irresistible guy in town. Is he just being my hero because it’s his literal job? Or could he actually want a troublemaker like me?

A Friends-to-lovers/Curvy Girl Romance Johnny Harper Rhodes and I were just kids when we promised to be each other’s first everything. I’m not sure if she thought I was kidding or lying. All I know is she’s left town because she thinks I got another woman pregnant. Little does she know I’ve been saving everything for her. Every kiss. Every touch. Every filthy-fueled fantasy. I’m tired of waiting. Harper belongs to me and it’s time she understood that. Harper When we were kids, I thought Johnny Crawford and I would be best friends forever. Then we grew up. Johnny got stupid hot and I got, well, just really stupid. As in I fell in love with him. I saved myself for him because I never could imagine anyone else touching me. Now he wants to cash in on those promises we made. Am I just practice for him until something better comes along, or has he really been saving himself just for me all this time? *** Welcome to Saddle Creek, TX. Cattle ranches scattered amidst the rugged hills; the land dotted with wildflowers, cacti and longhorns. Small town, but home to the big Crawford family. These cowboys and mountain men have been busy working their land and haven’t had time for romantic complications. But when the terms of a will mandates they all find brides or risk losing their family’s land? It’ll be a race to the altar as each of them is determined to do their part to save their slice of heaven. But none of them expects that finding a bride will also mean finding love.

Hayes Saddle Creek was a great place to grow up, but I got out as soon as I could. I go back to visit my siblings, but there is nothing in the world that could lure me back there for good. Until I meet Rory Reynolds, a delectable, sassy-mouthed bombshell. Now, for the first time in my life, I want to give up my one-and-done ways and settle down, even if it means returning to Saddle Creek for good. Rory As soon as I could, I traded my designer heels for a pair of scuffed boots and a hobby farm. I love my goats and the sweet life I’ve built in Saddle Creek, even if my nights get lonely at times. Which is why I gave in to the temptation of a passionate one night stand with the hottest Crawford. Everyone knows Hayes will never settle down, so when he starts talking about forever, how can I believe he wants me, and not just the baby I now carry? *** Welcome to Saddle Creek, TX. Cattle ranches scattered amidst the rugged hills; the land dotted with wildflowers, cacti and longhorns. Small town, but home to the big Crawford family. These cowboys and mountain men have been busy working their land and haven’t had time for romantic complications. But when the terms of a will mandates they all find brides or risk losing their family’s land? It’ll be a race to the altar as each of them is determined to do their part to save their slice of heaven. But none of them expects that finding a bride will also mean finding love.

An Age-Gap/Forced Proximity Curvy Girl Romance Quinn The minute I see Amber fending off handsy customers at the small-town diner, I know she needs protection. So I do the only logical thing, I bring her home to be my live-in housekeeper and cook. She’s too young and innocent for me, but every day is a battle not to claim her. I know this much, if I can’t keep my hands to myself, I either have to marry her or send her far away. Amber I’m used to being on my own. I’ve been alone in the world since I was fourteen. I like my independence, and I don’t need anyone tell me what to do. I don’t care how hot they look in a pair of cowboy boots. Except when it comes to Quinn Crawford. There is something in that bossy tone of his that makes my body—and my heart—crave him. *** Welcome to Saddle Creek, TX. Cattle ranches scattered amidst the rugged hills; the land dotted with wildflowers, cacti and longhorns. Small town, but home to the big Crawford family. These cowboys and mountain men have been busy working their land and haven’t had time for romantic complications. But when the terms of a will mandates they all find brides or risk losing their family’s land? It’ll be a race to the altar as each of them is determined to do their part to save their slice of heaven. But none of them expects that finding a bride will also mean finding love.

A Fake Marriage, Husky Man/Curvy Girl Romance Harrison Eight months ago I married a stranger to help with a “green card” situation. Now I need a wife for real to help save my family’s ranch. I’ve only met Birdie the one time, but I remember very clearly that she’s remarkably smart, adorably shy and has curves I want to spend the rest of my life exploring. But now I have to give her an ultimatum: either be my wife for real or we have to get divorced so I can find someone else for the job. The only problem; she’s the only woman I want. Birdie The only thing I remember about the man who came to my rescue is that he’s a barrel-chested, thick-thighed, bearded cowboy who keeps invading my dreams. Okay, so I remember a lot about Harrison. But our union was for nothing more than practicality as far as he’s concerned. Our union serves a practical purpose as far as he’s concerned, but for me, there's more to the story. Like the fact he saved me from an unwanted arranged marriage to an obnoxious crown prince. I just want to lead an ordinary life, and now I know I want that life to be with Harrison. But will he want me if learns the truth about my past?

A Marriage of Convenience/Curvy Girl Romance Monroe I just got out of prison. I literally have blood on my hands. It doesn’t matter if it was an accident or even justified. I'm tainted. One look at the bespectacled, curvy librarian, and I’m hooked. Clean, educated, and polished, Callie is beautiful, sweet, and the sheriff’s sister. She’s the last person I should want because I’m the worst person for her. But when she offers to marry me to meet the conditions of my grandfather’s will, I practically run to the courthouse. Callie I know "Roe" is different the minute he steps into the library. It’s not his scowl or his tattoos or even the intelligence he tries so hard to hide. There’s something in his eyes that calls to me. I feel a connection with him I can’t explain. Of course he’s also the most devastatingly handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on. He needs a wife. And he can provide something I want. So despite the fact that he’s younger and way hotter than me, I offer to meet him at the altar. But I never expected to fall in love with my husband.

I’ve been voted Mr. Perfect Cheeks for the last five years. Though I do have a nice smile, it’s not those cheeks that warrant the attention. So yeah, my behind is my bread and butter. But when my most lucrative asset is injured, I’m sent to the set medic. To say I fall head over derriere in love with her is an understatement. Maxine is jaded about love though, so it’ll take all my small-town Texas charm to woo this curvy California grump that I’m in it, to win it. And by it, I mean her. ***Eight of your favorite authors are putting the "Naughty" into "The Naughty List."When the cast and crew are summoned to Heart and Soul studios to film a last-minute Christmas movie The Naughty List, the mood is more bah, humbug than merry and bright. But when the lights illuminate and the camera rolls, the action on set transforms from frosty to steamy faster than Santa can empty his sack down the chimney.As Christmas Eve approaches, will these star-crossed lovers go their separate ways, or will they choose to stay on The Naughty List... together?*Please note, these stories were originally released as part of the Hollywood Humbug anthology.

A Forced Proximity/Forbidden Curvy Girl Romance Remy Leave it to me to find myself on an assignment while on leave. But when my brother calls in a favor, I can’t say no. Even if it means forsaking my tropical vacay to go home to my small Texas town to track down a General’s runaway daughter. Once I bring this kid back to her dad, I’ll be free to get some rest and relaxation. Only Ava Reynolds is no kid, she’s a full-grown woman with a curvy body I’m ready to pledge my allegiance to. If only she weren’t off limits. Ava Leave it to my controlling father to send an off-duty Navy SEAL to bring me home. Did he have some kind of competition to find the single hottest one too? How am I supposed to resist Remy Guidry when he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man? Oh, except for one small detail: he’s military like my dad. Which I swore to always avoid. If only he weren’t so tempting. *** Meet the men of SEAL Team Romeo. At work, these warriors serve their country, protect the innocent, and generally kick ass. No matter the challenge, or the danger, they always have each other’s six. They’ve been too busy saving the world to find love. Until now. While on leave, each of them is about to meet their match. These SEALs fight hard...and love harder. Whether she's the girl next door or the one that got away, when the right girl captures a Romeo's heart, she's his for life. Get ready to fall for SEAL Team Romeo in this series of short and steamy romances, coming in May from some of your favorite instalove authors.

Jackie This year, all I want for Christmas is to not see my ex-boyfriend’s wife flashing her baby bump all around town. When my best friend gifts me a week at a mountain cabin, I jump at the chance to get out of Saddle Creek for the holidays. Except instead of solitude and hot cocoa, I find the last thing I expect: Luca Daniels. Not only is Luca the hottest guy I’ve ever known, but he’s also my best friend’s older brother. Apparently, he thinks the cabin is his for the week. But this is my vacation and I’m too stubborn to leave. If he finds my infectious Christmas joy annoying, then he can choke on a sugar plum! We’ve never gotten along and could legitimately argue about anything. So color me surprised when we’re snowed in together, and I realize the line between love and hate just might be thinner than the stripes on a candy cane.

Roni He’s older than me. He’s my boss. And I’m secretly in love with him. Nash Lloyd is as delicious as the candy confections he creates in his sweet shop. He’s friendly to everyone that steps into the store, but keeps me at a distance. I can’t help but stare at his big, burly body all day long. So when the opportunity comes for him to play my fake boyfriend, I jump at the chance. I’ll take pretend kisses from him. For now. If I’m a very good girl, maybe I’ll get what I really want for Christmas: real kisses and so much more… If you love laugh-out-loud, steamy instalove reads featuring burly older men and curvy sassy girls, then Candy Coated Curves by USA Today Bestselling Author, Kat Baxter, is for you!

A Fake Relationship/Husky Man-Curvy Girl Romance Beckett I’m not good with first impressions, especially if the person I’m trying to impress is a gorgeous woman who our mutual friends are sure is my “perfect woman.” So when I bungle my blind date with the curvy bombshell, I’m sure I’ve missed my one shot. When Hazel Prescott comes to me a year later, begging me to pretend to be her boyfriend for the weekend, I’m all in. Worse case scenario, maybe she’ll love me for my dog and accept that we’re a package deal. *** LOVE AT FIRST BARK SERIES: When it comes to love, everybody has hard limits. Lines that can't be crossed. Boxes that must be ticked. For the heroes and heroines in this series, there's just one limit, line, and box: "Love me, love my dog." (or dogs!) Join fifteen of your favorite romance authors for stories that’ll tug on your heart, tickle your funny bone, and heat up your Kindle! It’s more than puppy love for these couples, it's love at first bark!

Nanny…or soulmate? Maddox I may be a quarterback, not a baseball player, but that didn’t keep life from throwing me a curve ball. I'm contracted to play my final season in the NFL, my career is on a high and I want to go out on top. Complication? Six months ago, I gained custody of my sister’s young kids. They are my priority, but I need help in the form of live-in nanny extraordinaire, Finley. The kids adore her and I'm falling a little in love with her myself. I need a nanny more than I need to get laid, and I don’t have time to play games. When the dating app I signed up for matches me with Finley, all bets are off. Finley Taking a gap year to work as a living-in nanny between college and grad school was always part of my long-term plan. What’s not on my agenda is fall hard for the adorable kids I'm hired to take care of. Worse than that, I can't help but fall in serious lust with their sexy uncle who secretly hides a heart of gold beneath his gruff and grumpy exterior. I need a distraction and join a new dating app, only to discover it matched me with Maddox. Play time is over. He’s playing for keeps.

Hailey I’ve never been good at taking what I want … I have a long history of making life choices solely on what my rich extended family expects of me. I am trying to change, though. I’m ready for a fresh start, a new career, and a love life that involves fewer trust funds and pedigrees. I want someone real. Someone not afraid to get his hands dirty. Someone maybe even a little bad. And my surly, grumpy neighbor? He has bad boy written all over him. Which makes me want to be all over him. Lennox I’ve never been good at doing the right thing … I’m not a good man. I’ve been a sniper my entire adult life. My moral compass lost its true north a long time ago. I’m surprised to find myself attracted to my new neighbor. She’s gorgeous and sexy and has curves for days. I’m too old for her, too jaded, and I have too much blood on my hands. But for the first time in my life, I wonder if I could change. When a mistaken identity puts her in danger, I’ll move heaven and earth to keep her safe. Even if it means showing her who I really am.

Can this runaway mail order bride find forever with the husky cowboy who saves her? Josie What kind of woman answers an ad for a mail-order bride and then backs out of the deal? A desperate one. Like me. My dad just died, leaving me alone in the world. I'm penniless and orphaned, trying to find the twin I never knew I had. The only clue I have to her identity and my own past is the name of a small town in Tennessee. Which is precisely why I answered the mail-order bride advertisement. I intended to hold up my end of the bargain. But as soon as I meet him, I know I can’t go through with it. And that’s when I meet Chase, my real life hero. Chase What kind of man steals another's bride? When I see Josie trying to escape the grasp of the town creep, I have to step in and help. I’m no one’s hero, but the guy is three times her age and as mean as they come. There’s no way I’m letting her go home with him. Paying him off to get her out of the contract is the easy part. The hard part? She insists on finding a way to pay me back. So I offer her a job on my ranch, just to keep her close. She's curvy, tempting, and way out of my league. But I'm falling hard and fast. I don’t want her gratitude. I want her. Whiskey Run is home to the sexiest and most possessive cowboys you’ll ever find. They work hard and play even harder. They might be gruff and bossy, but all it will take is the right curvy woman to bring them to their knees. Welcome to Whiskey Run... where the cowboys know how to ride.

A Grumpy Meets Sunshine/Curvy Girl Romance Paige There was really no way for me to know that the helpful woman from the sheriff’s office who gave me a camping permit was sending me to camp on her brother’s land in a misguided attempt at matchmaking. Or that he’d be so annoyed when he found me setting up my tent. The barrel-chested, plaid wearing, bearded giant growls and scowls more than he smiles and talks. Still, the whole grumpy mountain man thing is really working for me and all my lady bits. Camden I want to think the curvaceous romance author setting up a tent in my backyard is a lunatic. Instead, I can’t stop fantasizing about sneaking into that tent to keep her warm. The military left me too scarred–inside and out–to have anything to offer a woman as sweet as Paige. It doesn’t make me not want her though. When the snow comes and she really does need some warmth, I’m ready to give her my body. Come morning I’ll realize she’s already stolen my heart. *** What happens at the yearly writer's retreat stays at the retreat...except the bonds these authors forge and the stories they tell. But someone forgot to mention that to the men they find themselves falling for in stunning Lake Tahoe. From the small-town sheriff to the hot, bossy cowboy to the grumpy, reclusive mountain man, these romance authors have stumbled upon real life trope-tastic heroes that sweep them off their feet. Sometimes literally. Get ready to laugh, cry, and swoon this Valentine's Day when these six authors bring you on a Galentine's Getaway you won't forget. Galentine’s Getaway is a collection of steamy short romances brought to by six of your favorite instalove authors!

June I’ve been a “good girl” all my life. As the only female in a long line of police officers, toeing the line is pretty much in my blood, even it’s meant giving up things I’ve always wanting. Specifically, one thing I’ve always wanted: Matthew Simms. Or, as he’s known in his motorcycle club, Knight. Because, yeah, that’s how off-limits he is. Even if he wasn’t off limits, he’d be out of my league. Former Army ranger, current tattoo artist, member of a MC, Knight has known me forever and sees me as nothing more than his former best friend’s kid sister. To him, I’m nothing more than a pest. A dorky goodie-two-shoes. But when I stumble upon information that could bring down a dirty cop, Knight is the only one I can turn to. I know he won’t turn his back on me when I need him. He can keep me safe, but will he break my heart? Knight Everyone thinks June is a the perfect cop’s daughter. They see her sweet nature, her ambition, and her determination to help others. I see all of that and more. I see her humor and sass and sexy curves. I’ve wanted to make her mine for years, but I know she deserves a better life than one I can provide. So I keep my distance, no matter what. When she puts herself in danger to help bring down a dirty cop and to protect my motorcycle club? All bets are off. Despite my nickname, I’m no knight in shining armor. I will do everything in my power to keep her safe, but when she kisses me, I’m not strong enough to resist her any longer. The only question is this once I know she’s safe, will I be strong enough to walk away?

A Forbidden Love/Curvy Girl Romance Ren I’m in my last three weeks of desk duty after getting my shield suspended for being a “hot shot” agent. Thankfully my supervisor gives me an off-the-books assignment to bide my time. All I have to do is go undercover as a manicurist in his younger sister’s salon and keep her safe. Trying to blend in at a small-town beauty shop when you’re six foot three and over two hundred pounds is no easy feat. But it turns out the hardest part of the assignment is keeping my hands off Savannah, my boss’s ridiculously sassy and curvy sister. Savannah I am tired of my older brother always bossing me around. I’m a grown woman and he can’t send me the single hottest man I’ve ever seen to babysit me with”hand’s off” instructions. I haven’t always been brave enough to go after what I want, but this time I’m doing it. Ren is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man; strong, protective, and his kisses melt me into a puddle of goo. Step aside, big brother, baby sister is claiming her man!

All she wants is a weekend rendezvous… I love the small town I’m from. I love having so much extended family close by and I love my mail order chocolate company. But what what I don’t love is being everyone’s favorite aunt. It’s like being cock-blocked by the entire town. So when I win first prize in a contest that takes me to New York City for the weekend, I know just what I’m going to do--hook up with the first hot guy I meet who doesn’t aunt-zone me. I think I've got it all figured out, until I meet an enormous, growly professional football player, trying to seduce me and realize I'm loving every minute of it. All he wants is the chance to prove one weekend will never be enough... The world thinks I’m a player on account of my job and that’s okay because people are going to think whatever the hell they want to think. Truth is, I’m not, nor have I ever been a player—that’s not how my parents raised me. They have the forever kind of love and I want that too. I’m not a one-night-stand kind of guy but this feisty curvy beauty has already stolen my heart and makes me want to break all of my rules.

You know what they say about satyrs… Jace Like many of the people in Screaming Woods, I’m cursed. My plight goes beyond my hooved feet, horns and my tail. My problem–my curse– is a different kind of hard. The perpetually stiff kind of hard, if you know what I mean. Only true love can give me “release.” I know it’s too much to hope the pretty, curvy human is my fated mate. One touch and I could lose all control, and I can’t risk hurting her. Harriet Ever since my best friend fell in love with a monster, I’ve wanted one of my own. I’ve gone out with a few, but no one gets my heart racing like the brooding, mysterious satyr. Jace refuses to give me a chance though. I know he wants me, I can see the heat simmering in his gaze. We just need some alone time. Yeah, kidnapping him might be an extreme, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do… *** Who says monsters can’t fall in love? In Screaming Woods, anything is possible. Welcome back to the little town turned monstrous by a party potion gone wrong. Your favourite instalove authors are bringing you hairier, scarier, and hornier monsters than ever before in this beastly series coming to your kindle in May 2023.

He's coming home to claim her... Jacob I’ve been on active duty since I was eighteen. My intentions were to be a soldier for life. Then her letters showed up. Now, everything has changed. I fell in love with her through her words and I know she feels the same. So I’m taking my shot. I’m going to walk right into her flower shop and tell her she’s mine. Bethany I was born with a broken heart and I’ve got the thick, jagged scar to prove it. I’ve seen the way people stare, the way men look away. I’ve always known that I’m not the kind of girl a man would pick for his forever. So what do I do when the man of my dreams storms into my life insisting I’m his one? I can’t bear to see the look on his face when he sees my scars, but I also can’t seem to resist him.

This is the story of how I, Rosie Breit, intrepid assistant to eccentric, reclusive, hotel mogul, Hudson Wells, finally met face to face. Turns out, the stories aren't true. They're worse. He isn't agoraphobic. He's a cranky vampire staying out of the spotlight. So why did I practically beg him to bite me?! There is no real happy ending when one of you is immortal. But when both of you are? Well, that changes things...***Brace yourself for a wild ride as your favorite authors sharpen their claws and unleash a ferociously fun series. Get ready for burly, grrrowly, furry mayhem, proving the best things in life often come with a little extra bite. Dad Bod Monsters...Coming this April!

coming in May