Otago Waters Series by Stephanie Ruth

Book 1 of the Otago Waters series: A New Zealand friends to lovers romance.Shal Hoffner’s back in Dunedin after eight years of self-imposed exile. Setting up a new fashion boutique, and celebrating her best friend’s wedding, she’s determined to forget her ripped-up past, soulless love-life, and the guy who broke her heart.She should’ve known it wouldn’t be that simple.Assuming the proximity of Cameron Dante—builder, guitarist, surf-buddy, and ex-flatmate—the least of her worries? Big mistake... moreBook 1 of the Otago Waters series: A New Zealand friends to lovers romance.Shal Hoffner’s back in Dunedin after eight years of self-imposed exile. Setting up a new fashion boutique, and celebrating her best friend’s wedding, she’s determined to forget her ripped-up past, soulless love-life, and the guy who broke her heart.She should’ve known it wouldn’t be that simple.Assuming the proximity of Cameron Dante—builder, guitarist, surf-buddy, and ex-flatmate—the least of her worries? Big mistake. Humongous. Because there’s more to the past than Shal knows, on a collision course with right now, and if she can’t stick to friends-with-benefits there’s a chance she could snap. Just like before.Shal’s mantra: ‘No promises, no commitment, and no exclusive rights’ is fast losing traction, and it’s all Cam’s fault.Cam’s not the shy surfer-down-the-hall he once was, and despite fears history’s about to repeat, he’s out to prove something. No matter the cost. He’s been in love with Shal forever, so what’s he got to lose?His newfound roots, his music career, his very heart and soul...Pretty much everything, actually. less

Book 2 of the Otago Waters series: A New Zealand enemies to lovers romance.First impressions are hard to shake...Big-headed ex-rugby star, Daniel Dante, refuses to believe a word celebrated ceramicist Kanako Janssen says, though why her new landlord's opinion bothers her so much is anyones’s guess. She has enough to worry about, with her soon to be ex-husband refusing to sign divorce papers, Daniel’s dog appearing regularly to freak her out, and an exhibition date looming... moreBook 2 of the Otago Waters series: A New Zealand enemies to lovers romance.First impressions are hard to shake...Big-headed ex-rugby star, Daniel Dante, refuses to believe a word celebrated ceramicist Kanako Janssen says, though why her new landlord's opinion bothers her so much is anyones’s guess. She has enough to worry about, with her soon to be ex-husband refusing to sign divorce papers, Daniel’s dog appearing regularly to freak her out, and an exhibition date looming.Kanako is everything Daniel isn’t, and nothing he’s used to. Commitment doesn't come easily to a player who's been burnt so publicly before, but if he can’t learn to trust this fresh-faced, quirky artist, he could well lose her altogether.Like the swallows, Kanako’s only in Otago for the season. But willing or not, the self-proclaimed introvert is being slowly absorbed into small town life on the lake, and she’s in grave danger of falling in love with it.Editor and agent's choice in the RWNZ Great Beginnings competition, and finalist in the Pacific Hearts Award, RUBY ISLAND is the second story in Stephanie Ruth's Otago Waters series, set in the beautiful South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each book stands alone, but reading them in order provides a deeper experience. Intended for readers who enjoy their feel-good romance on the steamy side, and promising a happily ever after.Authors note: Though this story ends in an HEA, it also deals with the subject of past addiction, and a historical drowning. Please read at your own discretion.Sign on to Stephanie Ruth's newsletter via her website to receive bonus short stories, prologues, epilogues, and cut scenes set in the same world, with the characters you love. less

What does it take to shift deep-seated betrayal?Adele Fergus switched back to her maiden name with plans to never look back—never think about her naïve, short-lived marriage to James Montague. But that was before he turned up on her Wānaka doorstep with her missing diamonds, a crazy backstory, and persistent requests for visitation with his ex-stepdaughter.Adele’s hell-bent on keeping James at arms-length, but it’s not easy with old attractions still running hot... moreWhat does it take to shift deep-seated betrayal?Adele Fergus switched back to her maiden name with plans to never look back—never think about her naïve, short-lived marriage to James Montague. But that was before he turned up on her Wānaka doorstep with her missing diamonds, a crazy backstory, and persistent requests for visitation with his ex-stepdaughter.Adele’s hell-bent on keeping James at arms-length, but it’s not easy with old attractions still running hot. What’s more, she’s beginning to suspect she may have left him on false information. Divorce was never in James’ game-plan, so when his ex-wife’s jewellery comes to light, he’s drawn back to her—welcome or not—and he isn’t leaving until he has all the answers.The more the exes re-learn to trust each other, the more they come to realise someone was intent on dragging them apart from the very beginning. Someone close.Is it worth risking everything to start again?Authors note: Though this story ends with an HEA, it also includes references to a historical miscarriage, depression, and suicide. Please read at your own discretion.Winner of both the Daphne Clair de Jong First Kiss and RWNZ Great Beginnings competition, LAKE TAIMANA is a contemporary love story set in the stunning Lakes District in southern New Zealand, and is intended for readers who enjoy their feel-good romance on the steamy side.The third novel by emerging Kiwi writer, Stephanie Ruth, LAKE TAIMANA can be read as a standalone, or in conjunction with two other linked love stories in the OTAGO WATERS series. Sign on to Stephanie Ruth's newsletter to receive bonus short stories, prologues, epilogues, and cut scenes set in the same world, with the characters you love. less