BL71

I’m Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries. I’m a bonafide bachelor, and never intended to settle down. But I’m also a dependable kind of guy and do what’s right when I can. So when my best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, I do everything possible to help out their aunt—Allison . She’s gorgeous and funny and someone I enjoy being around. I even propose marriage when the kids’ grandparents unexpectedly contest the custody. It’s the only way Allison can win.

I love my job. So, when a grumpy grouch wants to shut us down, I’m ready for the fight of my life. I was heading for serious career burnout until my dream job came true. Making pralines for a living has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. So, it comes as quite a shock when I find out that the owner wants to shut down the LeBlanc-Broussard confectionery because it’s not profitable. My hope is that I can win him over. Once he realizes how integral the confectionery is to the city, to the very makeup of New Orleans he’s bound to agree, right?

Easton Calloway needs a wifey, pronto, and he chooses me to temporarily fill the position. While I want to tell him to eff off, I can't walk away from the temptation. So, I do what any broke actress living in New York City would do, and I agree to the terms and conditions. It should be easy: a year of marriage, a cushy penthouse in the city, and a spending allowance. After three hundred sixty-five days, I'll receive divorce papers and a check in the mail. All I have to do is pretend we're happily married without falling in love.

When I find out on my wedding day that my fiancé is cheating on me, my whole world comes crashing down. The only bright spot? My best friend Leo is by my side every step of the way, offering his unconditional support — including a temporary getaway, which I so badly need right now. Once in Boston, he invites me to stay with him until I get back on my feet. Temporarily, of course. And I don’t even think twice before agreeing. But I quickly question if this was the right thing to do. Did I forget to mention Leo is the hottest man on the planet?

She’s too damn hot, but also rude and unprofessional... yet that doesn’t stop me from becoming her fake boyfriend. I pride myself on never doubting my decisions. It’s why my business runs so smoothly. But when a disgruntled supplier tracks me down, and I discover that she lost business because of me, I’m determined to make things right. First step—I invite Georgie to a Mardi Gras party, to wave the proverbial white flag.

Maddox Whitley is the most arrogant man I’ve met. He thinks the world revolves around him and everyone else must do his bidding. He’s determined to buy my father’s business, and he’s using dirty tactics to get it. But the Adventure Park is my family’s life’s work, and I’m defending it no matter what. Even if I have to go toe to toe with Maddox and his infuriatingly sexy swagger. I challenge him every way I know, but then he switches strategies.

I'm in a predicament of historic proportions. I've learned I can't inherit my grandfather's highly profitable business unless I'm married? Yes, an entirely ridiculous rule. I live with a herd of rescue cats and nary a boyfriend in sight. I'm also considered plain, sharp-tongued and overweight. And I've never, once been interested in marriage. Hence my reason for applying for a mail-order husband. The next morning I scream with fright when I find a huge, satanic-looking alien lurking on my doorstep.

Being a single dad while managing one of the biggest businesses in New Orleans keeps me very busy. I spend my free time with my daughter, Bella—reading to her, styling her hair, or choosing nail polishes appropriate for an eight-year-old. But I’m okay with that, because she is my whole world. After my divorce, I made myself a promise: I wouldn’t date until Bella was older. Then, all my good intentions go up in smoke when I hire our newest chef for the flagship restaurant in the French Quarter.

When someone’s down on their luck, I like to help out. Diane needed a place to stay, and my attic was empty. How hard could it be to have a temporary roommate? It turns out—very hard. Living with her is turning out to be physically impossible. Every time she saunters through the living room, I can’t help but want her. Whenever she gives me sass, I fantasize about kissing that mouth until she begs for more.

My sister says I need to get laid. She says I have an itch that only a mountain man can scratch. I think she’s full of it until I head to Montana and see Dylan Wallis. He’s bathing in a river. My body instantly reacts. I want him.