Ruled Out Romances Series by Charissa Stastny

Orange chicken was a game-changer. Meridee Mansford wants nothing to do with the popular crowd. She’s comfortable being invisible. But that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the hunky football player who visits the campus ice cream shop where she works. Still, she’s smart enough to know he’d never notice a girl like her, and she’d never want him even if he did. Too much unwelcome attention... moreOrange chicken was a game-changer. Meridee Mansford wants nothing to do with the popular crowd. She’s comfortable being invisible. But that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the hunky football player who visits the campus ice cream shop where she works. Still, she’s smart enough to know he’d never notice a girl like her, and she’d never want him even if he did. Too much unwelcome attention. Parker Harrington basks in the glory that’s been his since the game-changing passes he caught pre-season that pushed his team into the national spotlight. Sticky Fingers is his media moniker now, and the cheerleaders who used to ignore him when he sat the bench have become his most devoted fans. But when he accidentally crashes into a quiet coed and covers her in orange chicken, it throws off his offensive game and makes him question why he is drawn to a princess when he already has the queen. As fate, ice cream, and orange chicken throw the opposites together, they will discover that skin deep magnificence can't compare to true beauty deep within a soul. Will Parker continue keeping company with women he knows are only using him for his fame, or will he change up the game and risk his heart on a genuine girl who despises the attention he craves? *** In this new set of stand-alone stories—the Ruled Out Romances —star-crossed lovers meet, but rule each other out as dating options. But life, with its quirky twists and tangled turns, brings each of the unlikely duos back together again until they discover their unique happily-ever-afters. less

Angels come in different packages. Single mom Spring is doing her best to raise her two-year-old daughter alone. She has no desire to date again, so is pleasantly surprised at her best friend’s wedding when a handsome man’s flirtations charm, instead of annoy her. But when her toddler runs up and calls her Mommy, she can tell by his reaction that her daughter is a deal-breaker. He can’t escape fast enough... moreAngels come in different packages. Single mom Spring is doing her best to raise her two-year-old daughter alone. She has no desire to date again, so is pleasantly surprised at her best friend’s wedding when a handsome man’s flirtations charm, instead of annoy her. But when her toddler runs up and calls her Mommy, she can tell by his reaction that her daughter is a deal-breaker. He can’t escape fast enough. Hudson Sandel is proud of his bachelor status even as he attends his little brother’s wedding as best man. Too bad the only woman who tempts him has a daughter that rules her out. Instant fatherhood isn’t on his agenda. But when the kid throws a tantrum, he swoops in to help keep her from ruining his brother’s wedding. When the night ends, he can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous blonde’s expression when he played hero to her child. It made him feel uncomfortably good, and it doesn’t help that he keeps running into the angelic duo around town. Hudson knows Spring and her daughter are a package deal. The question is: Does he want to take on that responsibility, or will he stick to the road leading to professional success and glory? *** In this new series of stand-alone romances, star-crossed lovers meet, but rule each other out for various reasons. But life, with its quirky twists and tangled turns, keep bringing each of the unlikely duos together until they discover their unique happily-ever-afters. Ruled Out Romances (Do not have to read in order) 1 - Game Changer 2 - Package Deal 3 - Collateral Hearts (Coming later this year) 4 - Corporate Crush (Coming later this year) *** Praise for Package Deal: “The littlest member of the package deal steals the show in this charming romance about finding out that three is not always a crowd—and that our hearts can always make room for one more person to love.” –Taylor Dean, author of the Sound of Silence series “Stastny has become one of my new favorites with her Ruled Out Romances series...Once again I went without sleep and got lost in the pages of a fantastic read. The romance was divine, the characters perfect. I can’t wait for the next book in this AMAZING series!! – Mylissa Demeyere, blogger/reviewer less

Can a bet lead to love? To escape the stress of college studies and caring for her sick mother, Ainsley Howard hides away with a book after her shift ends at the library each night. But when a sexy patron surprises her with a kiss and begs for a date, she wonders if she’s fallen into the pages of one of her romance novels. Though “Prince Charming” seems too good to be true, and she’s already forgotten his name in her flustered state, she agrees to go out with him... moreCan a bet lead to love? To escape the stress of college studies and caring for her sick mother, Ainsley Howard hides away with a book after her shift ends at the library each night. But when a sexy patron surprises her with a kiss and begs for a date, she wonders if she’s fallen into the pages of one of her romance novels. Though “Prince Charming” seems too good to be true, and she’s already forgotten his name in her flustered state, she agrees to go out with him. She’s tired of living vicariously through books. It’s time to claim her own happily-ever-after. When Ty Kartchner bets his friends he can get the bookworm in the corner to kiss him, big money is laid on the table. The guys know there’s no way he’ll succeed with the stern librarian. But when he not only kisses the uptight girl, but easily convinces her to go out with him the next night as well, Ty sees a chance to solve his financial woes. Raising the stakes, he places the bookworm’s heart down as collateral, and determines to win at any cost. As fate, literary classics such as The Scarlet Pimpernel, and deathbed promises throw the unlikely couple together, hearts tangle in Ty’s web of wagers until he discovers too late that winning might actually make him lose what he loves most. *** Ruled Out Romances (Do not have to be read in order) 1 - Game Changer - Can he catch the one who's trying to get away? 2 - Package Deal - Angels come in different packages. 3 - Collateral Hearts - Can a bet lead to love? 4 - Corporate Crush - Can love tame the CEO? (coming in 2019) In this series of stand-alone stories, star-crossed lovers meet, but rule each other out. But life, with its quirky twists and tangled turns, keep bringing each of the unlikely duos together until they discover their unique happily-ever-afters. *** “A heartbreaking and sweet romance all rolled into one!” -Taylor Dean, author of Chasing Fireflies & I'm With You ”This was one of those books that had me thinking about it long after I hit the end, leaving me with a proper book hangover.” – Mylissa Demeyere, author of The Songs of Me & You less

Forget my first kiss?Not when it goes viral.Katie is tired of one-sided love notes. For years, she’s waited for her brother’s best friend and email pal to realize she’s grown up and has feelings for him. But no more. She’s tired of being alone.Dominic Wright, CEO of Titan Tech and host of a popular podcast, shuns commitment. His high-profile life is too messy for a serious relationship. And he refuses to break hearts as his dad and celebrity brothers so callously do. Work is enough for him... moreForget my first kiss?Not when it goes viral.Katie is tired of one-sided love notes. For years, she’s waited for her brother’s best friend and email pal to realize she’s grown up and has feelings for him. But no more. She’s tired of being alone.Dominic Wright, CEO of Titan Tech and host of a popular podcast, shuns commitment. His high-profile life is too messy for a serious relationship. And he refuses to break hearts as his dad and celebrity brothers so callously do. Work is enough for him.Until he meets a new girl in the breakroom.Now, he can’t stop thinking about the girl who didn’t recognize him. The girl who thinks he’s just a normal guy. The girl who made him laugh and whose brilliant mind he longs to explore.Will he risk his heart—and hers—on this fickle thing called love?Especially when there’s so much to lose?Find out in this twist on the classic Daddy-Long-Legs story. less