California Series by Sandy Loyd

Do you remember your mother telling you when you were little that you’d never meet Mr. Right if you were spending all your time and energy with Mr. Wrong? And what about the book out a few years ago that created such a hoopla with the single crowd – He’s Just Not That Into You? The two main characters in Winter Interlude either didn’t heed their mother’s advice or haven’t read the book... moreDo you remember your mother telling you when you were little that you’d never meet Mr. Right if you were spending all your time and energy with Mr. Wrong? And what about the book out a few years ago that created such a hoopla with the single crowd – He’s Just Not That Into You? The two main characters in Winter Interlude either didn’t heed their mother’s advice or haven’t read the book. Now, add into the plot that the two in question are enemies who regularly run into each other, given their current relationships. Paul Morrison, a hunky, blond, financial planner, has been putting time and energy into winning the heart of Kate Winter’s best friend for almost as long as Kate, a strong willed antiques dealer, has been dating James Morrison, Paul’s brother. The sparks start to fly when the two get stuck together for a three-hour drive to the mountains and years of misconceptions about each other are slowly being wiped out. It is in the confines of the BMW that the two begin their journey, taking them from being mortal enemies to lovers. Winter Interlude tells the story of their adventure – of how they finally find love. Kate and Paul’s story is the first one in a series of four friends caught in a time warp. They can’t move on because they are stuck on their idea of their perfect dreams. But sometimes life works in mysterious ways and they are all forced by circumstances to change. less

They met at a wild party and neither forgot the experience. Each came away with a completely different perception of what happened that night when Judith Reid, an ill-at-ease seventeen-year-old college student, captured Dev McAllister's attention. He succeeded in breaking through her icy demeanor, but the minute things heated up, she ran. Dev tried everything he could think of to get her to go out with him, only to be rejected. He finally admitted defeat and accepted the truth as he saw it... moreThey met at a wild party and neither forgot the experience. Each came away with a completely different perception of what happened that night when Judith Reid, an ill-at-ease seventeen-year-old college student, captured Dev McAllister's attention. He succeeded in breaking through her icy demeanor, but the minute things heated up, she ran. Dev tried everything he could think of to get her to go out with him, only to be rejected. He finally admitted defeat and accepted the truth as he saw it. Judith Reid was a snob, no different from all those other women he'd met through his wealthy college roommate. In fact, she was worse because she had him believing in love at first sight, when in reality, she set him up. He swore to even the score no matter how long it too. Judith, a commercial interior designer, is lured into his grasp with the prospect of remodeling an office building Dev knows holds significance for her. However, Dev's plans backfire. And from the moment he sees her again, he's captivated and he struggles against another empty seduction. Promises, Promises is the second in the California Series where four friends, caught in a time warp, can't move on because they're stuck on their own ideas of the perfect dream. But sometimes, life works in mysterious ways and they are forced by circumstances to change. less

James Morrison is a man women love. Good looking. Talented. Great fun to be with. And of course, he loves women. But he has one flaw. He can't commit. Samantha Collins is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother made. Living day to day off the government and loving the wrong, loser men. Since the age of sixteen, she's had her life outlined better than any AAA roadmap. Her plans include marrying Charles Winthrope III and bearing Charles Winthrope IV in three years... moreJames Morrison is a man women love. Good looking. Talented. Great fun to be with. And of course, he loves women. But he has one flaw. He can't commit. Samantha Collins is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother made. Living day to day off the government and loving the wrong, loser men. Since the age of sixteen, she's had her life outlined better than any AAA roadmap. Her plans include marrying Charles Winthrope III and bearing Charles Winthrope IV in three years. But fate has a way of intervening and destroying the best-laid-plans. Sam always thought she had too much sense to simply fall for James when they spend time together because he's helping her improve her relationship with Charles. She tumbles. Hard. He's sexy, fun, and likes to play. But when an incident forces Sam to realize James will never fit into her plans, she finds out that she and her mother have more in common than she'd thought. They both chase after the impossible. JAMES is the third in the California Series where four friends, caught in a time warp, can't move on because they're stuck on their own ideas of the perfect dream. But sometimes life works in mysterious ways and they are forced by circumstances to change. less

Mary Ann Murphy has become overly picky about dating since her break-up with the person she thought was the one. She has no intentions of making the same mistake again, especially when the man in question is one of her mother’s set-ups. Kyle Davidson has sworn off relationships and considers himself a bad catch after his last girlfriend accused him of using his work and causes to avoid intimacy... moreMary Ann Murphy has become overly picky about dating since her break-up with the person she thought was the one. She has no intentions of making the same mistake again, especially when the man in question is one of her mother’s set-ups. Kyle Davidson has sworn off relationships and considers himself a bad catch after his last girlfriend accused him of using his work and causes to avoid intimacy. To return a favor to a wily matchmaker, Kyle unwittingly agrees to be Mary Ann’s partner when she wins ballroom dancing lessons. As the two step their way through the first class, an attraction flares between them, melting the ice around Mary Ann’s heart. Still, she knows better than to fall for her sexy leading man with the killer gaze. He’s made it clear he’s not looking for long-term and she won’t settle for anything less. Despite the passion that ignites every time he takes the angel in his arms to the dance floor, Kyle is determined to keep things light. Mary Ann’s girl-next-door persona is enough of an enticement to draw Kyle away from his work temporarily, but it can’t last. She’s the type who deserves a Happily-Ever-After. She certainly doesn't need him and his baggage messing up her life. less

War is hell, especially for those left behind to deal with the loss of loved ones. When an IED explosion devastates the lives of Roberto ‘Cam’ Camareno and Nicole Murphy, both believe their promise of tomorrow has been shattered. Field medic Cam helplessly watches his fatally wounded friend die in his arms, wishing he could take his place. Cam is the one who should die, not his friend who has a fiancée waiting back home. Instead of getting his wish, Cam promises to take care of Nicole... moreWar is hell, especially for those left behind to deal with the loss of loved ones. When an IED explosion devastates the lives of Roberto ‘Cam’ Camareno and Nicole Murphy, both believe their promise of tomorrow has been shattered. Field medic Cam helplessly watches his fatally wounded friend die in his arms, wishing he could take his place. Cam is the one who should die, not his friend who has a fiancée waiting back home. Instead of getting his wish, Cam promises to take care of Nicole. How on earth can he do that when survivor guilt paralyzes him? After losing the love of her life and having her future blown away with his death, Nicole fears her broken heart will never heal. Even now, a year later, she still grieves. Then she meets Cam and her life changes for the better. Love has the ability to heal, but only if the heart is open to accepting love. As these two struggle to come to grips with the past, can they find the promise of tomorrow? less