Pity Series by Whitney Dineen

FaithI should’ve known it wouldn’t work out.In all my twenty-nine years, life has never been smooth sailing when a man was involved. Astor Hill was everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner—handsome, successful, and interested in me. Until he started cheating. The cherry on the sundae is finding out the truth less than two weeks before we’re supposed to stand up for our best friends at their wedding... moreFaithI should’ve known it wouldn’t work out.In all my twenty-nine years, life has never been smooth sailing when a man was involved. Astor Hill was everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner—handsome, successful, and interested in me. Until he started cheating. The cherry on the sundae is finding out the truth less than two weeks before we’re supposed to stand up for our best friends at their wedding.When a staggeringly good-looking and kind stranger comes to town and offers to take me to the wedding, I jump at his proposal. Who cares if he’s gay? Astor doesn’t need to know that.TeddyShe thinks I’m gay?!I’m taking a vacation from Hollywood and going back to Elk Lake. My grandfather hasn’t been doing well after Gram died and he needs my support. Luckily, I’m between blockbuster movies so I can make the time.My first stop is Rosemary’s Bakery for one of the gingersnaps I remember so fondly from my childhood. The only problem is that the girl at the counter has eaten them all. After spilling my tea on me, she bursts into tears and tells me her troubles. I should be annoyed but I’m oddly charmed.I know what it’s like to be dumped by a cheater, so I do the only thing I can think I offer to take her to the wedding to make her ex jealous. Unfortunately, with the help of the tabloids, things quickly spiral out of control… less

What do you do when you own a bridal salon and can’t seem to seal the deal on a romance of your own? You have what your mother refers to as a pity party. Then you enlist the help of your friends and get busy changing your destiny.

Who in the world would go on a dating show to find love?Turns out, I’m that person. Paige Holland, lifetime resident of Elk Lake, Wisconsin, and dedicated seventh-grade math teacher.I love my charming town, but there’s seriously no single action here. Unless of course I want to date the painfully boring mailman or the kid at the Quick Mart. Hard pass to both.So, what’s a girl to do?Apparently, apply to Midwestern Matchmaker and hope the reality show gods will smile on me... moreWho in the world would go on a dating show to find love?Turns out, I’m that person. Paige Holland, lifetime resident of Elk Lake, Wisconsin, and dedicated seventh-grade math teacher.I love my charming town, but there’s seriously no single action here. Unless of course I want to date the painfully boring mailman or the kid at the Quick Mart. Hard pass to both.So, what’s a girl to do?Apparently, apply to Midwestern Matchmaker and hope the reality show gods will smile on me.Enter the lawyer from Chicago, the vegan Pho chef, and Tim Ferris—my childhood crush. As luck would have it, the lawyer is a narcissist, I love bacon, and Tim is still hung up on his cheating ex-wife.When one disaster after another—starring me— gets broadcast around the world, I seriously start questioning what I was thinking... less

Trina Rockwell here. You know, your favorite TV host from Midwestern Matchmaker?I have a I am without a doubt, the unluckiest dater in the history of the entire world. I’m not even embellishing. I’ve inadvertently dated a mobster, a dead-beat dad, and a guy who puts salt on watermelon... moreTrina Rockwell here. You know, your favorite TV host from Midwestern Matchmaker?I have a I am without a doubt, the unluckiest dater in the history of the entire world. I’m not even embellishing. I’ve inadvertently dated a mobster, a dead-beat dad, and a guy who puts salt on watermelon. What’s next, pineapple on pizza?As my past relationships reads like the who’s who of court jesters, it’s no wonder I’ve refused my producers desire to spotlight me as one of the singles on a new show they’re putting together.The problem is that Midwestern Matchmaker just got canceled and unless I agree to their terms, I’m out of a job.In order to keep doing what I love doing—matching midwestern singles, I either need to suck it up and parade my dating life on national television or I need to get married—STAT.Guess which one I’m putting my money on? less

MollyI haven’t beeninterested in dating since my ex dumped me for a new girl at his law office. Since then, I’ve thrown myself into my work as a hotel gift shop designer. While being single isn’t what I expected, there’s truth to that old saying, “Once bitten, twice shy.” And the bite of a cheater stays with you.Christmas can be a particularly vulnerable time, which is why I accepted a job right before the holidays. I had no idea the lodge that hired me was also hosting a singles' event... moreMollyI haven’t beeninterested in dating since my ex dumped me for a new girl at his law office. Since then, I’ve thrown myself into my work as a hotel gift shop designer. While being single isn’t what I expected, there’s truth to that old saying, “Once bitten, twice shy.” And the bite of a cheater stays with you.Christmas can be a particularly vulnerable time, which is why I accepted a job right before the holidays. I had no idea the lodge that hired me was also hosting a singles' event. Imagine my surprise when they had a last-minute cancellation and asked me if I wanted to join them.BlakeWhen I left LA for my dream job in Chicago, I never dreamed by first assignment would be spending two weeks in Elk Lake, Wisconsin, covering the Midwestern Matchmaker’s new venture to set up Chicagoland singles. I’m a sports journalist for Pete's sake, not some airheaded twit who writes about the lovelorn.Unfortunately, the job I transferred for isn’t open yet, so here I am. In Wisconsin. Living my worst nightmare. There is no way anybody is going to find love at this thing. No way.So, imagine my surprise when the most awkward woman in the world trips over me … less

I’ve loved my brother’s best friend for as long as I can remember. Newsflash, he doesn’t see me that way. But now that Luke Phillips is coming to town and needs a place to stay… could this be my big chance?It’s not like I’ve sat around for the last twenty-eight years waiting for Luke. Not really. But ever since I moved back to Elk Lake, I can’t help but hope I’ll run into him. Enter my big brother calling and asking if his bestie can bunk with me... moreI’ve loved my brother’s best friend for as long as I can remember. Newsflash, he doesn’t see me that way. But now that Luke Phillips is coming to town and needs a place to stay… could this be my big chance?It’s not like I’ve sat around for the last twenty-eight years waiting for Luke. Not really. But ever since I moved back to Elk Lake, I can’t help but hope I’ll run into him. Enter my big brother calling and asking if his bestie can bunk with me. My younger self is doing backflips at the possibilities.Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Luke is looking for a long-term situation. He’s made it clear he’s got some business to take care of and then he’s on the first train back to Chicago.But then he kisses me. And everything changes.At least, I hope it has…Pity Play is a brother’s best friend, close proximity, small town rom-com that takes place in the resort town of Elk Lake, Wisconsin. This is the sixth book in a series that read as standalones. less