Love at Westbrook Mall Series by Annelise Amore

I don't want to make friends; I just want to fix things.I'll prove I'm more than a jaded, shut-in programmer. But when my first day as a computer tech goes awry, I accidentally smash the distracting toy store guy's drone into scrap metal. He doesn't want my money. Or a fight. Sal suggests I hug his turkey plush. It's stupid, unnecessary, and strangely comforting.Sal's not like the guys from my college program. He's sweet, patient, and funny. Even when his girlfriend ditches him for her friends... moreI don't want to make friends; I just want to fix things.I'll prove I'm more than a jaded, shut-in programmer. But when my first day as a computer tech goes awry, I accidentally smash the distracting toy store guy's drone into scrap metal. He doesn't want my money. Or a fight. Sal suggests I hug his turkey plush. It's stupid, unnecessary, and strangely comforting.Sal's not like the guys from my college program. He's sweet, patient, and funny. Even when his girlfriend ditches him for her friends. So, when he asks me to lend him my game modding expertise for her birthday gift, it's difficult to say no—and even harder to pretend she deserves him. What he needs is a real friend...and we could share benefits. We did seem compatible, especially if he was single. But if I'm actually going to let someone into my life, it'll require some serious modifications. less

Even nice elves have a naughty side…Christmas is my favorite time of year. Not just because I get to play Santa’s elf and spread cheer to all the exhausted parents and wide-eyed children at the mall.But because I get to indulge a side of me nobody ever gets to see. The side of me that’s just as full of wonder as those kids waiting for their turn on Santa's lap.Nobody, that is, until him. Harvey, the hot, grumpy barista who feeds my caffeine addiction—and some very, very naughty fantasies... moreEven nice elves have a naughty side…Christmas is my favorite time of year. Not just because I get to play Santa’s elf and spread cheer to all the exhausted parents and wide-eyed children at the mall.But because I get to indulge a side of me nobody ever gets to see. The side of me that’s just as full of wonder as those kids waiting for their turn on Santa's lap.Nobody, that is, until him. Harvey, the hot, grumpy barista who feeds my caffeine addiction—and some very, very naughty fantasies.Even as he flirts with me, indulging the little girl inside me with snow angels and hot cocoa, I can’t help but wonder if there’s some real life Christmas magic stirring between us…Or if I’m setting myself up for a rejection even more devastating than coal in my stocking on Christmas morning. less

They say fake it ‘til you make it, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. My life is an aesthetic designer clothes, my own apartment, and a hot boyfriend who shares my passion for modeling. The reality is I'm stuck wearing a neon green tee at Fancee's for discount shoes, my boyfriend is a lying mooch, and people are only willing to pay for pictures of my feet, not my face. The quarterback from high school, Zack, doesn't even recognize me when he comes in. Well, I'm not being passed over again... moreThey say fake it ‘til you make it, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. My life is an aesthetic designer clothes, my own apartment, and a hot boyfriend who shares my passion for modeling. The reality is I'm stuck wearing a neon green tee at Fancee's for discount shoes, my boyfriend is a lying mooch, and people are only willing to pay for pictures of my feet, not my face. The quarterback from high school, Zack, doesn't even recognize me when he comes in. Well, I'm not being passed over again. On New Year's Eve, I make a resolution to do what's best for me, even if that means dumping my ex, throwing fruit at his sugar mommy, and getting hauled out of the bar by the bouncer, who happens to be Zack. At least now he'll remember me. He even offers me a ride home and a warm meal. But that meathead doesn't want my midnight kiss. He's more interested in a job recommendation for Fancee's warehouse. Fine, whatever, have some health insurance.When my ex starts hounding me at the mall for a second chance, Zack steps in, and for some stupid reason, I claim he's my new boyfriend. The solid wall of muscle should keep my ex at bay. But Zack wants to continue the ruse through Valentine's Day to get his family off his back about getting a girlfriend.Faking it for the cameras is easy. Faking it for his loving family proves a little more complicated. Plus, we work together in more ways than one. But he's a straight-laced guy, and I sell pictures of my feet. Still, part of me believes if I can finally strut my true self in front of him, I might snag the priceless kind of love/life I've been faking for so long. less