Mollie Mathews's Blog
October 10, 2025
A fake Elvis wedding. A real love song
★★★★★ “Rugged, soulful, and vulnerable in all the right ways. The music, the setting, the emotion… I felt every beat”A small-town girl. A man who lives in the shadow of a legend. One marriage of convenience that could change everything.
She never fit in back in Montana. Wild, creative, and different, she’s always been told her quirks made her too much—or not enough. But in Memphis, with its neon lights and pulsing music, she discovers the songs she writes could set the world on fire… if only someone believed in her.
He’s one of the most sought-after Elvis impersonators in America—hauntingly handsome, heartbreakingly talented, and hiding behind another man’s legacy. His fans say he channels the King, but deep down, he’s terrified he’ll never be more than a copy.
When a twist of fate—and a tangle of contracts—forces them into a marriage of convenience, sparks ignite. She gives him the courage to step out from Elvis’s shadow and sing with his own voice. He gives her the faith to turn her “differences” into genius. Together, they create a sound—and a love—that could rival the greatest duets of all time.
But in a city built on fame and illusion, can two broken souls risk everything on a love that feels more real than anything they’ve ever known?
Love in Memphis is a soul-stirring, sexy, and inspirational romance for fans of second chances, opposites attract, and the healing power of music.
READERS JOY…
★★★★★ So original
I loved how much music played a part in both their lives. Ethan was always there, I loved how he kept popping up. Cassidy is so inspirational and full of talent, it was so enjoyable to watch her grow. The amazing scenes, tension, escapism, gripping detail, and so much more will have you not being able to put this one down till the end. I wanted it to continue, I was so engaged with the characters.”
BUY NOW…Enjoy this book through the links below…
AMAZON
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
IBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, KOBO and other great bookstores:
https://books2read.com/u/4A02Me
AUDIOBOOK
AUDIBLE:
US: https://www.audible.com/pd/Audiobook/B0DDZVLPGQ
AMAZON:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDZ2JTNZ
EXCERPT CHAPTER ONE
The valley was still when Cassidy Quinn stepped outside, the kind of hush that belonged only to Montana mornings. The horizon stretched wide, soft blue shadows clinging to the folds of distant hills, and the smell of hay and pine drifted through the cool air. Horses shifted in the corral, their breath misting as dawn brushed gold across the peaks.
Cassidy paused on the porch, hand curled around her coffee mug, and breathed in the day. Her thoughts were always busiest in the quiet. She could hear the tick of the windmill, the huff of Belle—her favorite mare—and even the subtle echo of her own heart keeping a steady rhythm. She thought in rhythms. Always had. A latch closing was percussion. The low call of a cow was a bass note. When she hummed, the world filled in behind her, like a song waiting to be born.
But Cassidy Quinn didn’t share her songs. Not with her neighbors who thought she was too strange, too restless. Not with the ranch hands who teased her for the way she saw colors in chords and patterns in words. Not with anyone.
“Cass?”
Her aunt Jo’s voice carried from the kitchen doorway, roughened by years of coffee and laughter. “You’re out early. Got something on your mind?”
Cassidy gave a quick shake of her head and stepped inside. The kitchen was warm, the scent of bread rising from the counter. A thick envelope waited on the table, out of place in this room of worn wood and chipped crockery.
“It came yesterday,” Aunt Jo said, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “From Memphis. Looks important.”
Cassidy’s stomach tightened. She had forgotten, almost, about the contest. Forgotten the late night she’d recorded a song on her phone while the storm rattled the eaves, her voice husky with nerves and longing. She had uploaded it with a reckless click and told herself it didn’t matter. People like her didn’t win things like this.
She sat, slid her finger under the flap, and unfolded the letter. Her eyes skipped once, twice, before the words settled.
Congratulations.
Your song, Out of the Shadow, has been selected for the Stax SongLab Emerging Songwriter Fellowship.
Her throat went tight. She read it again, slower this time, her pulse stumbling like a rider on a rough trail. Winner. Fellowship. Memphis.
Her aunt leaned close. “Well? Don’t leave me hanging.”
“They…” Cassidy swallowed hard. “They picked my song.”
Aunt Jo’s smile was radiant, as though she had known all along. “I knew it. That song of yours has a way of holding a body still. Like prayer. I told you it wasn’t nothing.”
Cassidy pressed the paper to her chest. “I don’t even know how to be in Memphis. Lights, people, noise…”
“You’ll learn,” Jo said simply, pouring two mugs of tea. “You learned how to ride bareback before you could spell saddle. You learned how to hold your ground when folks said you were different. You’ll learn this, too.”
Cassidy wanted to believe her. She wanted to believe she could belong somewhere outside this valley, where people didn’t look at her sideways when she forgot to answer a question right away, or when she said something too blunt, too true. She wanted to believe there was a place where her differences might feel like gifts instead of flaws.
Aunt Jo left the room and returned with a garment bag, long and slender. She laid it on the table as though it were something sacred. “Your mama’s red dress. I kept it for the right moment. I think this is it.”
Cassidy’s hand trembled as she slid the zipper. Silk spilled out, rich and bold, the red of sunsets and heartbeats. She remembered her mother wearing it once, twirling in the kitchen while her father played the guitar, laughter spilling through the house like music.
“I can’t wear this,” Cassidy whispered. “It’s too much.”
“Exactly,” Jo said. “You’ve spent too long making yourself smaller. Maybe it’s time to be too much.”
The words clung to Cassidy as she carried her guitar out to the barn. The horses shifted when they saw her, heads turning, ears flicking. She sat on a hay bale, strummed a chord, and let the sound settle. Music was the one place she didn’t feel wrong. Each note fell into place, a language more honest than any she’d ever spoken.
She began to sing, softly at first, then stronger:
I’ve been living where the quiet holds,
Keeping company with mountains and the cold,
But there’s a city with a heartbeat like a drum,
And it’s calling me to come.
The sound rose through the rafters, brushed against the dust motes, and wrapped around her like a promise. Belle pressed her muzzle against Cassidy’s shoulder, warm and steady.
Her phone buzzed, startling her. A new email lit the screen. Welcome to Memphis. Your duet partner will meet you on Day 2. Local legend. Stage name under wraps.
A duet partner. Someone she didn’t know. Someone who might laugh at the way she counted time, or the way she scribbled lyrics in margins, or the way her songs carried too much of her heart.
Cassidy pressed her fingers to the strings until the vibration stilled.
The mountains had always been her refuge. But Memphis was waiting—and with it, a man whose life was built on music, shadow, and a name that wasn’t his own.
And though she didn’t know it yet, her life was about to be rewritten in chords bold enough to fill the silence she’d lived with for far too long.
ENJOY NOW USING THE LINKS BELOW
AMAZON:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FTVGR1DD
iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, KOBO AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES:
https://books2read.com/u/mdvPQd
AUDIOBOOK
AUDIBLE:
US: https://www.audible.com/pd/Audiobook/B0DDZVLPGQ
LOVE IN MEMPHIS is part of Mollie Mathews’ TRUE LOVE series starring Maverick Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too.
THE TRUE LOVE SERIES
Love In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award)
Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver)
Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate)
Love In Montana (Lizzie and Jack)
Love in Tuscany (Lorenzo and Sophia)
Love In Greece ( (Sophia and Aris)
Enjoy other full-length contemporary romances by Mollie Mathews:
THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES:
Claimed by the Sheikh (Tariq and Melanie)
Stolen By The Sheikh (Anwar and Lucy)
Bought By The Sheikh (Fazza and Grace)
GEMSTONE BILLIONAIRES
The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride (Issy and Massimiliano)
The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage (Alex and Vitaliano Rossi)
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September 27, 2025
Montana Cozy Art Mysteries 4-Book-Bundle Box Set
AMAZON
★★★★★ “Absolutely gripping! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. If you love art, intrigue, and a good whodunit, this one’s for you.”
The Montana Cozy Art Mysteries 4-Book-Bundle Box Set contains the first four books in Award-winning author Mollie Mathews’s cozy mystery series: Murder On The Canvas, Murder In The Frame, Murder In The Palette, Murder On The Lake, starring amateur female sleuth Cassandra Fairweather.
Where art meets murder, secrets hide in every brushstroke …
In the picturesque town of Willow Hollow, nestled in the Montana mountains, the Willow Hollow Art Retreat promises a sanctuary of creativity and inspiration. But when renowned and notoriously cruel artist Victor Deveraux is found dead at his easel during the annual Plein Air Painting Competition, the retreat transforms into the scene of a chilling murder mystery.
Cassandra Fairweather, a former art historian and the retreat’s owner, reluctantly steps into the role of amateur sleuth. With a keen eye for detail honed from years of studying art and a determination to protect her beloved retreat, Cassandra begins to piece together the fragments of Victor’s tumultuous relationships with the retreat’s participants.
Murder In The FrameAn art auction, a missing masterpiece, and a killer hiding in plain sight…
Fresh off solving the shocking murder of a famous art critic, Cassandra Fairweather is ready to leave crime-solving behind and focus on what she loves most—running the Willow Hollow Art Retreat. But when an exclusive charity art auction at the retreat takes a deadly turn, Cassandra finds herself entangled in yet another mystery.
With whispers of forgery, deception, and stolen identities, Cassandra must navigate a web of intrigue stretching from Montana’s mountain town to the high-stakes world of art collectors. Who wanted the painting so badly they’d kill for it? And what secret was hidden within the frame?
Murder in the PaletteSome secrets are buried in the garden. Others are mixed into the paint.
Each spring, artist and intuitive sleuth Cassandra Fairweather welcomes guests to her Montana haven, a sanctuary known for creativity, reflection, and peace. But when the influential Drummond family arrives for a Mother’s Day retreat—reeling from the recent death of their patriarch—their perfect image begins to crumble.
When May Drummond, the family’s formidable matriarch, is found dead in the retreat’s wildflower garden, her death appears natural. Yet Cassandra sees what others miss. Through intuitive painting sessions, silent observations, and the unspoken language of color, she begins to uncover a truth hidden in the shadows of the palette—where resentment, rivalry, and revenge have been brushed over for too long.
As a spring storm seals everyone inside Willow Hollow, buried secrets emerge in pigment and paint. A granddaughter’s haunting artwork. A missing basket of mushrooms. A second will that threatens to unravel the family’s legacy. Cassandra must trust her instincts, her brush, and the stories told in stillness to unmask a killer before they strike again.
Murder on the LakeWhen a country legend’s perfect life unravels on the shores of Willow Hollow, secrets rise from the depths…
Everyone at the Willow Hollow Art Retreat is starstruck when Skye Newton, iconic country singer and queen of reinvention, checks in for a private lakeside getaway with her dashing new husband, Troy Landon. But when Troy’s shoes are found at the water’s edge and he disappears without a trace, the small town is thrown into chaos.
Was it a tragic accident? Or the perfect cover-up?
This is a great whodunit series! Each story is short and sweet. Perfect for fans of:
Cozy mysteries with art and antiques themes
Small-town whodunits with a dash of danger
Clever amateur sleuths with a sharp eye for detail
Twisty mysteries with satisfying endings
Short stories
EXCLUSIVE TO AMAZON. FREE IN KU.
Audiobook out now!
Buy this book through the links below…US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSYQ5L27
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FSYQ5L27
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FSYQ5L27
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FSYQ5L27
THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES:
Claimed by the Sheikh (Tariq and Melanie)
Stolen By The Sheikh (Anwar and Lucy)
Bought By The Sheikh (Fazza and Grace)
Forgotten By The Sheikh (Asim and Yasmin)
Untamed By The Sheikh (Khalid and Amara)
GEMSTONE BILLIONAIRES
The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride (Issy and Massimiliano)
The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage (Alex and Vitaliano Rossi)
Other books starring Maverick Billionaires
Love In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award)
Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver)
Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate)
Love In Montana (Lizzie and Jack)
The post Montana Cozy Art Mysteries 4-Book-Bundle Box Set appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
Loved by the Sheikh (Prequel)
AMAZON
A soul-stirring prequel of passion, secrets, and second chances by award-winning author Mollie Mathews.
★★★★★ “A Sheikh romance with heart, heat, and healing.”
In the heart of Montana, one woman learns it’s never too late to reclaim your dreams and find true love
The love they never meant to rekindle.Crown Prince Salim na Hassir doesn’t do soft. Not in his palace, not in his business, and certainly not in his heart. Scarred by betrayal, haunted by survivor’s guilt, and determined to restore his family’s honor, Salim has vowed never to lose control again—especially to a western woman.
But when his latest royal business venture pairs him with Emery Lark, a rising star in the toy design world, the walls he’s spent years building begin to implode. Emery is passionate, creative, and utterly off-limits. She’s also the woman he once shared an unforgettable fling with—and the one who walked away with more of him than either can admit.
Emery has no interest in romance. After a childhood starved of maternal love, she pours her heart into creating toys that bring joy to others—especially the honey-brown teddy bear that has been her own constant companion. But working alongside the dangerously magnetic Sheikh who once broke her heart—and who can never know her greatest secret—is the last distraction she needs.
When desire ignites, old wounds resurface, and hidden truths threaten to tear them apart, Salim and Emery must decide if love is worth the risk. Can a man who swore off softness learn to be vulnerable again? And can a woman who has only ever trusted a teddy bear trust the one man who could shatter her heart?
BONUS! Includes three exclusive bonus chapters from Claimed by the Sheikh — Salim’s origin story
A secret softness. A forbidden desire. A love neither of them can outrun.
Loved by the Sheikh (prequel) is a breathtaking prelude to Mollie’s upcoming full-length second-chance romance filled with passion, betrayal, healing, and a secret heir that will change everything.
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSWJ5XQW
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FSWJ5XQW
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FSWJ5XQW
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FSWJ5XQW
is part of Mollie Mathews’ THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES series starring Maverick Sheikh Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too.
THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES
Claimed by the Sheikh (Tariq and Melanie)
Stolen By The Sheikh (Anwar and Lucy)
Bought By The Sheikh (Fazza and Grace)
Forgotten By The Sheikh (Asim and Yasmin)
Untamed By The Sheikh (Khalid and Amara)
Unveiled By The Sheikh ( Haleem and Laila)
Deceived By The Sheikh (Rafiq and Lina)
Seduced By The Sheikh ( Zahir and Layla)
DESERT ROYALS
Awakened By The Sheikh (Zayad and Celeste)
“This novel captures the raw vulnerability of second chances like no other. Jolene’s journey is both inspiring and relatable, and Beau’s determination to win her back had me rooting for them the whole way. A must-read for anyone who believes in love, even when it’s complicated.”
~ Terri
Nashville’s vibrant music scene and characters that leap off the page“With rich descriptions of Nashville’s vibrant music scene and characters that leap off the page, One Step at a Time is more than just a love story—it’s a testament to resilience and the courage to take a leap of faith. Mollie Mathews has crafted a deeply moving, unforgettable romance.””
~ Mel
beautifully written, emotionally charged romance that tugs at your heartstrings“A beautifully written, emotionally charged romance that tugs at your heartstrings from the very first page. Jolene and Beau’s story is one of heartbreak, healing, and the hope that love can be even stronger the second time around. I couldn’t put it down!”
~ Margaret
absolutely stunning“I fell in love with Jolene and Beau’s story. Their chemistry, their struggles, and their undeniable connection make this a powerful tale of love, redemption, and the strength it takes to forgive and move forward. Absolutely stunning!”
~ Elaine
ENJOY OTHER FULL-LENGTH BOOKS BY MOLLIELove In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award)
Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver)
Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate)
Love in Montana (Jack and Lizzie)
The post Loved by the Sheikh (Prequel) appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
September 7, 2025
🌸✨ Celebrate Small-Town Stories from the Heart of New Zealand ✨🌸
I am delighted to offer you a collection of wonderful, soul-enriching stories from first-time author Nero Rose. If you love uplifting, country-themed tales filled with laughter, resilience, and friendship, here’s your chance to dive into a heart-warming collection of short stories—straight from the heart of rural New Zealand. 
For a limited time, you can grab your copy for just $0.99!
Perfect if you want to: Support a first-time author Escape into fun, authentic small-town adventures Enjoy stories that will make you laugh, tear up, and feel connected
Don’t miss this special offer—download today and join the celebration!
AMAZON 
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPZPP3XQ
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FPZPP3XQ
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FPZPP3XQ
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FPZPP3XQ
iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE & OTHER GREAT STORES
https://books2read.com/u/meOdZr
Grab your copy today and celebrate the joy of country life through these wonderful short stories!
★★★★★ “The Country Ladies Club is such a delight to read. The stories are authentically unique, told with both humour and depth, and rooted in lived experience. I am certain that anyone, wherever they are in the world, who is interested in tales from the heart will find joy in this collection of short stories.”
~ Cassandra, The Joyful Artist & Award-winning Author
Step into the charming world of The Country Ladies Club—a heart-warming collection of thirteen short stories inspired by the lives, laughter, and friendships of women in rural New Zealand. In a small country community, the local ladies’ club is more than just a meeting place. It’s where friendships blossom, secrets are shared, and stories unfold.
From organising events and fundraisers to navigating everyday joys and challenges, these women weave together humour, resilience, and heart in ways that will resonate with readers everywhere. Each story is steeped in authentic detail, drawing on lived experiences of rural life—gardens and gatherings, triumphs and trials, companionship and community.
Whether it’s the gentle comedy of small-town antics or the quiet strength of women supporting women, The Country Ladies Club offers a delightful glimpse into a world that feels both timeless and true.
Perfect for readers who love uplifting fiction, cosy rural tales, or heartfelt short stories, this collection celebrates friendship, belonging, and the simple yet profound moments of everyday life.
Discover a book that will make you laugh, nod in recognition, and perhaps shed a tear—all while reminding you of the beauty of community and the power of storytelling.
About the Author
Nero Rose lives on a lifestyle block in the heart of rural New Zealand. An active member of her community, she delights in gardening, hosting, and gathering inspiration from the fun and fabulous people she meets. Through her writing, she captures the humour, warmth, and authenticity of rural life, sharing stories that are as comforting as a cup of tea with a friend.
At Blue Giraffe Publishing, our mission is simple yet powerful: to bring more joy, wonder, and beauty into the world through words and art.
Founded by Cassandra — The Joyful Artist, Blue Giraffe Publishing celebrates creativity that uplifts, heals, and inspires. Just like our namesake—a whimsical blue giraffe with wings—we believe stories and ideas can help us rise above the ordinary, stretch into new perspectives, and soar into brighter horizons.
We publish books that:
Share heartfelt stories rooted in authenticity and courage
Celebrate imagination, resilience, and the power of creativity
Inspire readers to see the world through fresh eyes
Every book we create is infused with joy, love, and a touch of magic—because we believe stories aren’t just meant to be read, they’re meant to be felt.
Blue Giraffe Publishing is more than a company—it’s a creative sanctuary, a celebration of life, and a reminder that art and storytelling can change the world, one reader at a time.
At Blue Giraffe Publishing, we believe every voice matters and every story deserves to take flight. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a published author, we’d love to hear from you.
Through our bespoke mentoring programme, we guide you every step of the way—nurturing your creativity, polishing your words, and celebrating the joy of bringing your book into the world.
Whether you’re writing for healing, inspiration, or simply to share your truth, we’re here to help transform your dream into a beautifully published reality.
Because stories change lives—including yours.
Email hello@thejoyfulartist.co.nz to learn more
The post 🌸✨ Celebrate Small-Town Stories from the Heart of New Zealand ✨🌸 appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
September 1, 2025
something very close to my heart
This book has been a lifetime in the making. It tells the story of Clarissa, a woman born in 1965 who always felt different. Sensitive, imaginative, deeply attuned to beauty and truth—yet often told to be “less.”
Her journey takes her from childhood dreams of flying carpets and painted skies to the brink of her sixtieth birthday, when she uncovers a secret that changes everything: her difference is her magic
.
Whispers of Love is a lyrical, mystical novel of magical realism, transformation, and joy. It’s for anyone who has ever been told they were “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “too different.”If you love Isabel Allende, Paulo Coelho, or Jessie Burton (The Miniaturist), you will find echoes of their luminous storytelling here.
Why I Wrote This BookFor much of my life, I too felt different. It wasn’t until later in life that I discovered that my sensitivity—what others once saw as weakness—was, in fact, my greatest strength. I wanted to write a story that celebrates this truth.Clarissa’s story is both deeply personal and universally human. It’s about the courage to embrace who we are, the resilience to shine even when the world asks us to dim, and the joy that comes when we finally claim our magic.
Grab Your CopyWhispers of Love is now available worldwide:AMAZON:US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN779P8S
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FN779P8S
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FN779P8S
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FN779P8S
iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, KOBO AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES:
https://books2read.com/u/mB6GGD
If the story moves you, I would be so grateful if you could leave a review—it helps this book find other sensitive, soulful readers who might need it most.
A Little Gift for YouAs a thank-you for being part of my creative journey, I’ve included a free journal prompt:
“Where in your life have you been told you are ‘too much’? How could this actually be your hidden superpower?”I invite you to reflect, write, and whisper love back to yourself.With fierce joy and gentle magic,
What I’m working on now…Yes… this is me at 60, nearly!
On my bucket list is a trip to Montana, Nashville and Graceland…all places I’ve written about but never been. My trip has yet to be finalised but I am holding it in my art for autumn to celebrate 60 laps around the sun!
Won’t that be fun.
If you are from that magical place in the world and have some travel tips I’d love to hear from you.
Read Love In MonanaBooks by SeriesMontana Hearts>>Montana Cozy Mystery>>
Nashville Hearts >>Read moreFeatured reader of the month
Dear Clare,
Thank you for your recent review. I do so appreciate you!
★★★★★ A Total Charmer of a Book
Meet Claire. She’s six months sober and facing complications she’s not ready for, like the reappearance of her rotter ex and her meddling family. Luckily, she’s able to find solace in her sober support group and in her new passion of making banana bread. She’s unprepared for Daniel: a calm and sunny life coach who’s determined to lend her support and friendship. Does she dare to take a chance on love again? This short tale is low heat and heartwarming, and Claire is an extremely likable and relatable heroine. You’ll be rooting her on throughout her journey. Perfect for some you time at the end of a busy day – I highly recommend this book!
AMAZON:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES
https://books2read.com/u/m2ydPr
Book overview
★★★★★ “The perfect read for anyone who loves their romance with a side of self-discovery and humor.”
Finding yourself is messy, but love—and banana bread—makes it worth the journey.
Claire O’Hara is six months sober, and while life without alcohol is clearer, it’s also a lot more complicated. With her toxic ex-boyfriend reappearing, her meddling family pushing all the wrong buttons, and her newfound love for banana bread baking threatening to overtake her tiny kitchen, Claire feels like she’s barely holding it together.
Enter Daniel Blackwood, a maddeningly calm life coach who seems determined to remind Claire of her potential at every turn. Claire insists she doesn’t need saving—least of all by a self-help guru who looks like he stepped off the cover of a mindfulness manual. But as her journey to rebuild her life collides with his relentless optimism, Claire begins to wonder if love might be the one thing she’s still allowed to mess up.
Packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos, Soberly Ever After is a story about finding strength in the messy middle, choosing yourself first, and learning that even the most imperfect lives can still have a perfect happily ever after.
Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Sophie Kinsella.BONUS EXCERPT: The Prince and the Dreamer ★★★★★ “A modern fairytale with heart and soul.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TWO AUTHORS, ONE LOVE
If you’ve been following me for a while, you might know me by two names: Mollie Mathews—my romantic pen name where love blossoms on every page—and Cassandra Gaisford, an award-winning artist who also writes empowering non-fiction and transformative fiction. Though the genres may differ, one theme ties everything together: love. Whether it’s the heart-stirring romance of Mollie’s stories or the self-discovery and empowerment woven into Cassandra’s works, love is always at the center—love for others, love for life, and most importantly, love for ourselves.We celebrate the power of love in all its forms! AMAZON:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DSTMMYHV
iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES
https://books2read.com/u/m2ydPr
READER’S JOY
Empowering and fun!
“Claire is a protagonist you root for from page one. Her imperfect, messy life is so relatable, and her growth is empowering. I loved the mix of romance, humor, and self-discovery. And yes, now I crave banana bread!”
A Love Story with Depth
“This isn’t your typical romance. Claire’s struggle with sobriety, her budding confidence, and her sarcastic banter with Daniel make for a refreshingly real love story. Add banana bread and karaoke, and you’ve got a winner.”Read moreLet’s stay in touch!
Follow my Amazon author page: Author.to/MollieMathews
Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mollie-mathews
Feel the love on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molliemathewsauthor
Stay in touch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molliemathewsnz
Be inspired on Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/molliemathews
Enjoy book trailers and excerpts from my books on YouTube: MolliemathewsYouTube
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August 25, 2025
Flight of Passion
Flight of Passion: Love, Transformation, and the Magic of Butterflies
If you love romance novels about transformation, second chances, and the healing power of love, you’ll adore Flight of Passion. Inspired by the miraculous journey of the endangered monarch butterfly, this heartwarming story invites readers to escape into a world of beauty, resilience, and light.
Here in my soulful sanctuary, I spend my days rescuing endangered monarch butterflies. I’ve watched them crawl across swan plants, hang upside down in their “J-shape,” and surrender to the mystery of metamorphosis inside a chrysalis.
It’s a daily reminder that transformation is never easy, but always worth it. The same is true in romance. My characters must shed old skins of fear, family dysfunction, and heartbreak before they can stretch their wings and discover where they truly belong.
The Heart of Flight of PassionFlight of Passion is one of my most beloved novels. Readers say it captures the same wonder they feel when standing inside a butterfly sanctuary.
“I have been to a butterfly sanctuary. Flight of Passion reminded me of the wonders I had seen. Two dysfunctional families given the power of having two people too afraid to see where their true love was and going to where they truly belonged.” — Amazon Review
This story is about two people afraid to risk their hearts but destined to find each other. Like the monarch, their journey isn’t glamorous—it’s full of struggles, setbacks, and moments of surrender. Yet, in the end, love gives them the courage to fly.
Romance Readers Love EscapeRomance novels offer more than happy endings—they offer escape. An escape into beauty, hope, and the healing power of love. My readers tell me that my books feel like stepping into a sanctuary—a safe space where hearts are healed, and joy always returns.
Just as the butterfly reminds us to trust the process of change, my stories remind readers that true love and light await on the other side of struggle.
Begin Your EscapeIf you’re longing for an escape into a story filled with love, light, and transformation, I invite you to spread your wings with Flight of Passion.
Find it here:
And if you love butterflies, soulful living, and the art of joyful transformation, follow me for more stories that celebrate romance, renewal, and the beauty of life.
FREE EXCERPT
I hope you enjoy this short excerpt from Flight of Passion—it’s just for you
FLIGHT OF PASSIONWhat happens when you come face-to-face with the person you always loved but can never have? Read to find out!
NINE
Oliver wasn’t sure what prompted him. He wasn’t foolish enough to dance with danger. He hadn’t intended to take things this far. Normally his emotions were tightly controlled. But as he gazed into Ruby’s face instinct took over. He touched his tongue to his lips, narrowed his eyes, moved toward her, one thing in mind.
Her eyes widened and her soft, sensuous lips parted, staring at his mouth uncertainly. A soft salmon blush settled upon her cheeks. Ruby’s body moved toward him involuntarily. Desirous, yearning, needy.
“I must go,” she said thickly, as though forcing herself to fight the physical magnetism he was exerting.
He leaned toward her. “You can’t help what you feel,” Oliver murmured in his low, seductive voice. “You want to taste me as much as I want to taste you.”
His face came closer, his eyes commanding hers with relentless purpose.
“Oliver…I…I can’t,” she stammered, pushing him gently as he approached.
His eyes narrowed sensuously as his gaze lingered on her throat, on her heaving breasts, on her trembling body, filled with passion—and with promise.
Ruby shrunk back, hard against the wall. He lifted an arm, placing his palm firmly on the wall near her ear.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered, bringing his lips to within centimeters of hers.
He could feel the electrical charge that unified and ignited their bodies. He could hear the quickening gasps of breath.
He inhaled her familiar scent, savoring memories of the steamy sex they’d once enjoyed. Eight years later he could still smell her sweet musky essence after that night of lovemaking. He could still hear her moans of pleasure. He could still feel her body tense as ecstasy sent ripples through her body.
He wanted to turn back the hands of destiny, to reclaim the time lost to them. One minute he was leaning toward her, and the next he was lost in a tropical utopian dream. Soft, sensual, vibrant, surrounded by fragrant breezes and the feel of the warm earth beneath his bare feet.
Ruby let out a breathy sigh just before his lips touched hers. So softly, so gently, he wasn’t sure if it was real. He felt her body stiffen, then tremble as she folded into him.
He moaned as Ruby’s slender arms draped around his neck. His mouth sought hers with a slow deliberation that eased the throb of need deep within him. Gently he took her top lip in his mouth and softly sucked it, slowly savoring her taste. He opened his mouth to drink more of her intoxicating elixir. She opened for him, tasting of honey and paradise.
With a touch like a butterfly, he kissed her eyelids, then softly brushed her cheeks with his lips. He held her neck gently in his hands, caressed the tips of her earlobes with his lips, blew soft kisses in her ear.
Ruby’s whole being vibrated in wild response to his. He sensed she was utterly helpless to stop him doing anything he wanted with her.
His hands slid under her silky dress, stroking the smooth skin of her back. He pressed her closer until he felt the pounding beat of her heart against his chest.
The sounds of the music rising, rhythmic humming and people chattering as they partied below could barely be heard over the roar of longing in his heart.
They remained close as though frozen in a moment. He closed his eyes and marveled at how wonderful it was to be with her again. Her kisses quenched his thirst, watered the dry, barren, parched wasteland of his life.
Her sensual touch provided a welcome tonic for the boring monotony of soulless encounters.
He felt the flutter of the cool air on his face, streaming through the vents, heard the faint sound of a musician, acoustic guitar in hand, strumming songs of love. And lost himself in mindless enchantment. Then, he felt a shove to his chest.
“Stealing a kiss may not be immoral in your mind, but you and I both know you don’t give a damn about who you hurt, or whose life you ruin,” she said, projecting the guilt and anger she felt at her own weakness onto him, as she opened the door and fled.
“You can’t lie to yourself, not for long,” he said, his voice a dark prophecy, chasing after her as she fled.
“Forget it. Forget me. Forget us,” she cried.
END OF EXCERPT
To grab your copy from Amazon, click here>>https://mybook.to/FlightOfPassion
To grab your copy from iBooks, Barnes & Noble and other great bookstores, click here>>https://www.books2read.com/u/bpp0LJ
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AUDIOBOOK
AUDIBLE>>
US
https://www.audible.com/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874YCXVL
UK
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874X8TGX
AU
https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874Y3V2T
KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/audiobook/flight-of-passion-4
Love and Murder Amongst The Butterflies
The post Flight of Passion appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
August 14, 2025
Murder by Numbers: Free Cozy Mystery
Five core values.
Five gruesome murders.
One artist determined to paint the truth.
I’m thrilled to announce that my newest Cassandra Fairweather Art Mystery, Murder by Numbers, is officially here!
SCROLL TO THE END TO ENJOY FOR A FREE COZY MYSTERY CHAPTER
Set in the sweeping beauty of Montana, this installment finds artist and retreat owner Cassandra Fairweather reluctantly hosting a luxury “wellness retreat” for the top brass of one of the country’s most powerful banks — the kind of institution that once destroyed her family.
The bank proudly promotes its core values: Caring, Integrity, Passion, Courage, United. But when the executives begin dying one by one, each death eerily reflects one of those very values, Cassandra realizes this is no corporate bonding weekend — it’s a deadly game.
As the sheriff’s suspicions close in, Cassandra must navigate:
Lavender fields hiding more than beautyArt as a weapon — and as a tool for money launderingA killer turning corporate slogans into calling cardsHer own past… and the people who’d love to see her take the fallIf you’ve enjoyed Richard Osman, Louise Penny, or Ellery Adams, you’ll love diving into this cozy mystery with an edge — where art meets intrigue, and every brushstroke could be your last.
Why you’ll love Murder by Numbers
Grab Your Copy Now
Find out which value draws first blood — and whether Cassandra can uncover the truth before she becomes the next target.
AMAZON:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM228V8H
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FM228V8H
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FM228V8H
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FM228V8H
iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES: https://books2read.com/u/mdMoAW
And if you’ve read it, I’d love to know: which of the bank’s values do you think hides the most secrets? Drop me a message — I might just share the results in a future post!
FREE COZY MYSTERY CHAPTERChapter One Murder By Numbers
Cassandra Fairweather eyed the blinking line on her studio phone as though it were a snake coiled in the grass. It was never good news when the bank called—not on a Friday afternoon, not when the shadows were long and the scent of linseed oil still hung fresh in the air.
“Cassandra speaking.”
“Ah, Ms. Fairweather,” came the syruped tone of Neil Tuckerman, the local bank manager who wore pastel ties and the smug smile of someone who had never known a hard day. “You’ll be pleased to hear we’ve had a very exciting request come across our desks.”
She said nothing, letting the silence stretch—just long enough for him to squirm.
“Willow Hollow has been highly recommended,” he pressed on. “One of our national corporate partners—well, a rather prestigious financial institution, actually—is looking for a luxury location for an executive wellness retreat. Artists’ havens are trending, and your… ah, reputation for healing experiences and ‘emotional exploration through color’ came up in a regional strategy meeting.”
He said it like it tasted off.
Cassandra felt her jaw tighten. She knew that tone. Polite. Calculated. Framed as a favor but loaded with expectation. “You mean your bank is recommending my retreat to their bank?”
Neil chuckled nervously. “Let’s just say there’s enthusiasm from both ends.”
She turned her back to the canvas she’d been working on—a soft wash of indigo and burnt sienna—and stared out the studio window toward the distant mountains. Her gut, which rarely failed her, twisted like a knife in old wounds. She hadn’t forgotten how this very bank had stripped her mother of her home, or how the paperwork they claimed was ‘lost in the system’ had led to her father’s final, desperate act.
“And what if I say no?” she asked.
There was a pause. A too-careful one.
“Well,” Neil cleared his throat, “I did notice your mortgage review is coming up. Just a standard reassessment, of course. But it never hurts to show goodwill, Cassandra. These things… they go on record.”
Bile rose in her throat. So that was it. Not a recommendation. A coercion, disguised in calligraphy.
“I see,” she said coldly. “When do they arrive?”
“Monday,” he said cheerfully, as if she’d just accepted an invitation to a garden party. “They’ll stay the week. I’ll send the details through shortly. You’re doing something very important for the community, Cassandra. Banking is changing. We’re all about progress now—financial, social, environmental.”
She hung up before he finished the sentence.
In the silence that followed, she stared down at her open hands, streaked with alizarin crimson and payne’s grey. “Funny,” she murmured, “they always come painted as saviors.”
Outside, the wind stirred the lupines.
Inside, Cassandra whispered to no one, “This place is sacred. They’d better tread lightly.”
She had no idea that by week’s end, several of them wouldn’t be treading at all.
***END OF EXCERPT***
MURDER BY NUMBERS is the 6th book in the Cassandra Fairweather MONTANA COZY ART MYSTERIES series, where each mystery is painted in layers—light, shadow, and revelation.
While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too.
Murder on the Canvas
Murder in the Frame
The post Murder by Numbers: Free Cozy Mystery appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
August 13, 2025
Murder by Numbers
Five core values.
Five gruesome murders.
One artist determined to paint the truth.
I’m thrilled to announce that my newest Cassandra Fairweather Art Mystery, Murder by Numbers, is officially here!
Set in the sweeping beauty of Montana, this installment finds artist and retreat owner Cassandra Fairweather reluctantly hosting a luxury “wellness retreat” for the top brass of one of the country’s most powerful banks — the kind of institution that once destroyed her family.
The bank proudly promotes its core values: Caring, Integrity, Passion, Courage, United. But when the executives begin dying one by one, each death eerily reflects one of those very values, Cassandra realizes this is no corporate bonding weekend — it’s a deadly game.
As the sheriff’s suspicions close in, Cassandra must navigate:
Lavender fields hiding more than beautyArt as a weapon — and as a tool for money launderingA killer turning corporate slogans into calling cardsHer own past… and the people who’d love to see her take the fallIf you’ve enjoyed Richard Osman, Louise Penny, or Ellery Adams, you’ll love diving into this cozy mystery with an edge — where art meets intrigue, and every brushstroke could be your last.
Why you’ll love Murder by Numbers
Grab Your Copy Now
Find out which value draws first blood — and whether Cassandra can uncover the truth before she becomes the next target.
AMAZON:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM228V8H
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FM228V8H
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FM228V8H
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FM228V8H
iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES: https://books2read.com/u/mdMoAW
And if you’ve read it, I’d love to know: which of the bank’s values do you think hides the most secrets? Drop me a message — I might just share the results in a future post!
MURDER BY NUMBERS is the 6th book in the Cassandra Fairweather MONTANA COZY ART MYSTERIES series, where each mystery is painted in layers—light, shadow, and revelation.
While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too.
Murder on the Canvas
Murder in the Frame
The post Murder by Numbers appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
July 25, 2025
Your Next Read If You Loved Too Much
If Lena Dunham’s Too Much left you craving more wildly honest, unfiltered, and gloriously complicated women navigating love, sex, and self-reinvention in their thirties, meet your new obsession:
Sex With Strangers
One night. One lie. One chance to rewrite everything.
She’s a betrayed wife who gave up on love—and he’s the stranger who makes her question every rule she’s lived by.
This is a book for every woman who’s been called too much—too emotional, too bold, too honest—and decided to turn it into her superpower.
Like Too Much, Sex With Strangers is:
Emotionally messy but beautifully self-aware
Set in a world of ambition, disillusionment, and reinvention
Equal parts sexy, smart, and soul-baring
A cultural commentary wrapped in a provocative love storyWhether you’ve ever:
Swiped right on someone you shouldn’t haveStayed in bed wondering what the hell you’re doing with your lifeFelt like you missed some invisible deadline to have it all togetherThis book is for you.
Why fans of Too Much, Girls, and Carmen the Opera will love it:Bold, flawed women trying to define love and identity on their own termsSexual candour that doesn’t shy away from the messy bitsModern love in a post-fairytale world—where everyone has baggage and no one’s perfectReclaimed feminine power in all its raw, sensual gloryArt meets emotional chaos in a collision of passion, shame, and unexpected healing Sex With Strangers is more than just a provocative title. It’s an invitation to ask:
What if the biggest risk you take is letting yourself be seen, fully and fiercely?
Perfect for fans of:
Lena DunhamPhoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag)Carmen reimagined for the millennial heartWomen who are too much and not sorry Grab your copy now and discover the story that speaks to your thirty-forty-fifty-something soul.
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083HW66T3
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B083HW66T3
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083HW66T3
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B083HW66T3
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/SexWithStrangers
To grab your copy from Apple, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and other great bookstores, click here>>https://books2read.com/u/4EkM6z
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS STORYAs a friend of mine wrote to me, when times are tough, and you’re feeling depressed, you can’t concentrate on a heavy book. You need to read to take your mind off things.
Which is why I wrote Sex With Strangers, a comic and playful look at the world of dating follow betrayal and divorce As with all my books, it does portray serious themes, but it also shows the power of love, kindness, and compassion to heal the deepest wounds.
To enjoy on Amazon, click here>>getbook.at/SexWithStrangers
To enjoy on iBooks, Barnes & Noble and other great bookstores, click here>>https://books2read.com/u/4EkM6z
To enjoy on Kobo, click here>>https://www.kobo.com/ebook/sex-with-strangers-13
Audio
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/sex-with-strangers-14
Amazon, click here>>getbook.at/SexWithStrangers
“I love it!”
“We thoroughly enjoyed it”
“A really good, hip, fun book.”
“The chapter heads are just lovely.”
“It was a riot. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great fun!”
ENJOY THIS FREE EXCERPT NARRATED BY ME
The post Your Next Read If You Loved Too Much appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
July 15, 2025
Joy and Sorrow The Inspiration behind Stolen by The Sheikh
Recently I’ve been contemplating the following Japanese proverb:
Joy and sorrow are life’s companions
So many of my stories are inspired by sorrow—with the promise of a happily-ever-after. So I always love it when I receive a positive review!
Like so many of my stories, Stolen by The Sheikh explores many of the issues that are important to me.
Christmas is not always a happy time for many people. It stirs up old hurts and family dramas for many. It’s a very distressing truth that a significant number of beautiful, kind souls have suffered because of the hurtful behaviour of family members who are suffering from Narcissistic Disorder Syndrome.
One definition from The Mayo Clinic is as follows:
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.
Some people have suggested that as many as 50 per cent of the Western population may be afflicted. We certainly seem to live in an era where the golden rule I grew up with, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” has been lost on so many. But then, when we look a little deeper, it seems that the people who are doing the hurting have been wounded in their childhoods. And so the trauma cycle repeats.
Unfortunately, people with all the hallmarks of Narcissistic Disorder Syndrome are rarely clinically diagnosed and rarely seek treatment, instead mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives—people from all walks of life. They operate from a lens of envy and take pleasure in stealing people’s happiness and making people feel sad.
I wanted to explore this issue in Stolen By The Sheikh and show how self-love, compassion, empowerment through education, and true unconditional love can and do work miracles on the journey to healing for those who have been mistreated so unfairly.
It’s heartbreaking not to be loved by your mother and to have hateful lies spread about you by envy —as you’ll discover in Lucy’s story. But art brings healing—as does faith and the love of Sheikh Anwar na Hassir.
So many of you have written to me to tell me how much you loved this story.
Passionate, wounded, and hopelessly romantic, the na Hassirs are a family worth waiting for. Anwar’s (and Lucy’s) story is one you won’t forget.
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Claimed by the Sheikh, you’ll find links at the end of this blog
Stolen by The Sheikh l a second-chances, secret baby, billionaire sheikh romance
R
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CR8LGF73
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/StolenByTheSheikh
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES
https://books2read.com/u/mg5dP0
KOBO:
https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/stolen-by-the-sheikh-3
AMAZON PAPERBACK:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/199105310X
NOW ALSO IN AUDIO!
WRITER’S ROOMS: MOLLIE MATHEWS
Find out where author Mollie Mathews writes her bestselling books in her sunroom overlooking the sea! With paintings and crystals around her, read now to discover her inspirations, from orchids to endangered species.
Enjoy the latest blog: https://www.molliemathews.com/writers-rooms-mollie-mathews/
Dear friends,
I thought you may enjoy a little excerpt
Stolen By The Sheikh, Book two in THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDESFall in love with Anwar as he strides into the magical art gallery looking like he owns it. Read an excerpt from Stolen by The Sheikh this Christmas!
The whole room looked magical, like a harem to love, Lucy muttered under her breath as Anwar strode into the art gallery, looking like he owned the place. Owned her, Lucy conceded to her dismay.His dark gaze fastened on her with such searing intensity it made her skin burn with self-awareness. All she wanted to do was run away, but she was left with no choice but to do his bidding.
“You’ve gone to a lot of trouble,” he purred.
Danger prickled down her spine, fracturing the reserve she had so carefully erected. “I didn’t,” she shot back, thrusting her arms over her chest.
What little protest she had initially offered when Maria had told her of Anwar’s demand for a private viewing had been quickly extinguished. They both needed the injection of cash Anwar’s purchase of Lucy’s collection had provided. Without Maria, there would have been no solo exhibition. She owed it to her. But to Anwar, she owed nothing, Lucy reminded herself. But here they were. Together. Alone. Nothing to keep them apart but memories she refused to rekindle.
“Why are you so defensive?” he challenged.
“The worst thing about being raised by a narcissist is that it makes it difficult to trust,” Lucy blurted, immediately regretting the strange confession that escaped her lips.
She had made the fatal error of confiding in him again, so she may as well finish what she had begun, she decided. If anything, hopefully, when Anwar realised that she was seriously damaged goods, he would run a mile. 7,354 miles, she corrected, mentally computing the distance from New York to his desert Kingdom.
“The worst thing is my mother believed she was an empath. She was always talking about the importance of kindness. But her actions were anything but kind. Not as far as I was concerned.”
“All words and no substance. Not unlike a few world leaders I can think of,” Anwar said. “Fakes and frauds. Dictators and despots masquerading as benevolent rulers.”
Lucy felt suddenly vividly alive in a way she hadn’t for years. He agreed with her. He understood. It shouldn’t matter, she told herself, but it did.
“Everyone thought my mother was perfect. It was all a facade.”
“At least the tyrants and bullies show their real faces,” Anwar said. “My father, for example.” His head jerked backwards sharply. “All kinds of atrocities are committed in the name of family and love. Which is why, like my brothers, I am forever turned off to marriage.”
“I heard Tariq had a change of heart,” Lucy said, noticing her stomach lurch as Anwar confirmed her worst fears. He would never marry her. He would never offer her unborn son the sanctuary of legitimacy.
There was a tense silence while Anwar lifted his gaze to Lucy’s painting, expertly spotlighted behind her. His eyes narrowed as he studied the giant falcon circling above the dunes rendered in abstract sweeps of gold ochres and rich umbers. “Tariq surrendered his freedom,” he growled.
“That’s not what I heard,” Lucy challenged.
“And what exactly did you hear?”
“Tariq fell in love.”
Anwar gritted his teeth, his jaw locking against the strain of suppressing his emotions. “He met a woman who loved that desolate, isolated piece of sand as much as he did, that’s all. Their mutual attraction was a distraction.”
“They got married,” she pressed.
“Love is a dangerous emotion.”
“I don’t want that kind of danger,” Lucy exclaimed, registering the feverish pumping of her heart.
He turned to her, his dark eyes pooling with feeling. “Love killed my brother.”
“I know. I heard about the car accident. I’m so sorry.” Of course, she knew. The whole world knew. A blaze of dramatic headlines and gruesome pictures of the crumpled wreckage that killed his beloved older brother and the Western wife he’d eloped with ensured no one missed the tragic news.
Anwar stepped towards her as though scenting the conflicting emotions lapping through her body. She shrunk back against the wall and sucked in a deep breath. “I guess we have both suffered,” she stammered. “Our families, our childhoods, our—”
“Trauma,” Anwar muttered, his gaze drifting forlornly along the neutrals and as-far-as-the-eye-can-see camel tones of the desert in Lucy’s painting. “No wonder Mother fled to London.”
His face came closer, his eyes commanding hers with relentless purpose. “Just as you fled,” he growled.
“You expelled me!”“At least we are agreed.”
“Agreed about what?”
“That we are closed to love.”
“It’s safer that way,” Lucy affirmed.
“Safer,” he murmured. He lifted an arm and rested his palm on the wall near her ear.
Her breath constricted in a throat so tight she could barely swallow. “My therapist told me that narcissists prey upon 50% of the population,” she whispered shakily. “They know how to spot empaths. They’re like vampires, sucking every ounce of goodness.”
“They failed,” Anwar said.
“What?” she gasped as his lips approached hers with a slow deliberation that taunted the pulse of need inside her.
“To suck every ounce of goodness from you.”
In a reckless moment, she dreamed how soft, supple, and sensuous his fingers would feel upon her skin.
He bent his face to the nape of her neck and inhaled her scent. “You look and smell ravishing.”
Her body exploded in a heated flood of anticipation. Anwar was teasing her. It would be reckless to trust him. Foolish to surrender. Dangerous to taste temptation. But her mind’s arguments didn’t appeal as much as the blazing need to kiss him.
“Your kindness, compassion, empathy, I won’t lie, they’re what attracted me to you,” he whispered. “And your expertise.”
“Expertise,” she mumbled. “Of course.”
All the frustrations of the day curdled the last bastion of common sense. She had wanted to sell her paintings on her merit. Not because Anwar wanted to buy her. She had wanted to showcase her memories and love to heal the hurt he had inflicted in the past, not rip the wounds open again. Now, against all common sense, she wanted… no, she craved to know whether her strong desire to taste his kiss one last time was a wild fantasy or a test. Could she surrender to the passion if it were her expertise he wanted to possess?
“You’re glowing,” he murmured as his hand moved from the wall and curled softly around her throat, caressing the tension that held her motionless. His thumb tilted her chin as his mouth took possession of hers. His kiss was merciless, smashing through every walled inhibition with an aggressive eroticism that had all Lucy’s senses reeling into chaos.
All thought of mounting a late resistance was driven from her mind, lost in a whirl of sensation that peaked into a wildfire of need. She collapsed against him, utterly helpless. Her whole being vibrated in a wild response to his touch, ruthlessly pressing the desire that tore through her belly and drained the strength from her legs.
A little cry of need dragged from her throat when his mouth abruptly withdrew from her lips. His kiss was addictive, and she didn’t want it to end. But now, the feast of sensation was taken from her. His harsh breathing fanned her ear with a tingling heat that whispered his triumph.
“You cannot deny what we have.”
The softly spoken words dropped into the sandstorm of her mind and formed ripples of sanity that lapped at the edges of her senses, forcing an acknowledgement of reality. No matter that this man was filling needs and desires that had lain dormant for too long, succumbing was dangerous. And he knew it. He relished it. He inflamed it.
Taunting her with slow, seductive sensuality, his mouth trailed kisses around her temples and cheek. Her head turned instinctively to the command of his lips. The shreds of her willpower were hopelessly weak. How she drew the necessary strength, Lucy never knew. Even as she tore herself out of his embrace, the shock of withdrawal left her shaking.
He caught her quickly. His hands encircled her wrists, pinning them effortlessly between them as he dragged her back to him.
STOLEN BY THE SHEIKH, BOOK TWO in THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES
Buy this book through the links below…Buy this book through the links below…AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR8LGF73AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CR8LGF73
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CR8LGF73
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/StolenByTheSheikh
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES
https://books2read.com/u/mg5dP0
KOBO:
https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/stolen-by-the-sheikh-3
AMAZON PAPERBACK:
The audio version of this book is also available from all online bookstores and also librariesSTOLEN BY THE SHEIKH is part of Mollie Mathews’ THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES series starring Maverick Sheikh Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too.Claimed by the Sheikh (Tariq and Melanie)
Stolen By The Sheikh (Anwar and Lucy)
Bought By The Sheikh (Fazza and Grace)
Forgotten By The Sheikh (Asim and Yasmin)
Untamed By The Sheikh (Khalid and Amara)
Unveiled By The Sheikh ( Haleem and Laila)
Deceived By The Sheikh (Rafiq and Lina)
Seduced By The Sheikh ( Zahir and Layla)
Coming soon.
Tamed By The Sheikh (Hamad and Nicky)
Freed by the Sheikh (Rashad and Haya) Coming soon
Destined For The Sheikh (Omar and Danielle) Coming Soon
Sheikhs Untamed Brides Box Set Books 1-3
Readers who love sheikdom stories will love this 3 book boxset with its familiar secret babies, enemies to lovers; opposites attract, later-in-life, the wrong side of the track and forced proximity tropes.
Exclusive to KU
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D37DY81N
Bride of Gold; Married by Christmas; Flight of Passion; Love All of Me; Sex With Strangers
Fall in love with these contemporary heroes and heroines trying to mend their hearts, overcome their fears and find true love—read the other standalone books my Mollie to discover the friends and family who tumble into a once-in-a-lifetime-happily-ever-after affair of the heart themselves. 5-star review
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Claimed by the Sheikh How extraordinary love can change our lives
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The post Joy and Sorrow The Inspiration behind Stolen by The Sheikh appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
