Renee Hudsen

My life is everything I ever wanted—by design. Being one of the nation’s most sought-after wedding planners has led to a life of traveling to glamorous locations, bumping elbows with the rich and famous, and sampling every handsome hunk the world has to offer. I gave up the idea of happily ever after long ago, embracing my single status.

I’m on a mission—happily ever after or bust. I just know my handsome, successful, bearded prince is out there waiting for me to find him. True, it’s been a challenge navigating the dating scene, but you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince. So when my childhood bestie reappears after years apart, announcing his desire to reconnect, it’s a pleasant distraction to introduce him to my world. He’s not my type at all, but he’s fun enough to pass the time with. But the longer we do this, the more I wonder, are we just blowing off steam, or are we chasing fate?

Most people on the island avoid the hot-tempered chef, but he doesn't scare me. Sure, he's prickly, but I've also caught him feeding a stray cat, so I know there's more to him than the sky-high barbed-wire fence he's built around himself. When Storm's ex-husband shows up unexpectedly during the off-season and refuses to go home, pretending to be Storm’s boyfriend is apparently my new job. Faking it with my grumpy boss should not be this much fun, especially since the last thing I need is to make a fool of myself by falling for anyone else on the island.

I came to Palm Island two seasons ago, confused about my life and desperate for a change. The island drew me in, but I’m still not sure why. Maybe it’s time I cut my losses and go back home, back to med school like I always planned. But when the breathtaking, flirtatious, tattooed bartender I’ve been crushing on for ages offers to let me room with him this off-season, there’s no way I’m leaving now.

Brant Harkrader is done living by other peoples’ rules. He may not know exactly what he wants out of life, but he’s perfectly happy letting that question figure itself out while starting a new job as a tour guide. Too bad the one thing he does want—his sister’s BFF—only sees him as a little brother. Or so he thinks. Kellan Shelby-Briggs has never shied away from going after what he wants. And what he wants is the important contract that will put his brand new company on the map—and Brant. Too bad Kellan’s career keeps yanking him away just as things heat up.

The first thing I learned at vet school was to always expect the unexpected. Well, I sure never saw Santiago Torres or his adorable Great Dane coming. Santi is everything I’m not. Tall, confident, overbearing, and if I’m to believe his advances, he’s also very experienced in...well, you know what. I always play safe, but it’s time to ditch the V-card. We couldn’t be more different, but that doesn’t matter, because this is just a one-time thing. I’m not going to want more, right? I’m not going to fall for him, right?

He captivated me the first time I saw him. I was drawn to him, curious about the mysterious, soft spoken older man. I convinced myself there was no way someone so worldly would be interested in a shy, inexperienced guy like me. I’m careful what I reveal, choosing instead to live with what if.

Eli Baker needs a job. Drag isn’t paying the bills and the life of a starving artist isn't as fun when he’s the one living it. Taking a temporary office job is meant to be a quick fix. It's not supposed to reintroduce him to the funny, sharp, and sweet Tristan Rose…who just so happens to be Eli's oldest brother’s best friend. Eli can’t stand his brother, and the feeling is more than mutual. Getting involved with Tristan could mean family trouble, but Eli's never been one for following the rules, especially when breaking them means annoying his brother.

My best friend’s little brother is all grown up. Figuring out my sexuality at nearly 40 years old has been a revelation, but dating hasn’t been any easier. After a failed engagement, I know what’s important to me, and I refuse to settle anymore. So when my best friend asks me if I can help his little brother settle in after being away, it sounds like a pleasant distraction. I always thought Felix was a sweet kid. Only 10 years later, he’s definitely all grown up. He owns his glamorous style and larger than life personality, and I’m hooked.

Cairo has been my bestie for years. He’s sexy, charming, and absolutely gorgeous. Even though the attraction is strong, my track record taught me to keep the line between friendship and more intact. But then Luca entered our world with his Southern drawl, bedroom eyes, and sexy smirk, quickly making a play for not one but both of us. Sounds like a recipe for trouble. I refuse to hand over my heart and get it stomped on again. No matter how hard both of them try to convince me I’m safe. Luca and Cairo can chase, but they’ll never catch me....