Laura Heffernan

Gwen's got one goal: become the American Board Game Championships winner. With thousands of hours of game play under her belt, only one thing stands in her way: four-time champion Cody. Gwen's prepared to destroy him. What she's not expecting is how good-looking he is. Or charming. Dating a co-competitor violates all her rules, but Gwen can't get Cody out of her head. Despite her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him. Maybe if she gives into temptation, just once, that'll get this guy out of her head once and for all. Should she stick with her long-time dating strategy or roll the dice and take her chances?

She's Got Game

SEEKING THE SMART ONE Twenty-four-year-old Jen Reid had her life in good shape: an okay job, a tiny-cute Seattle apartment, and a great boyfriend almost ready to get serious. In a flash it all came apart. Single, unemployed, and holding an eviction notice, who has time to remember trying out for a reality show? Then the call comes, and Jen sees her chance to start over—by spending her summer on national TV. Luckily The Fishbowl is all about puzzles and games, the kind of thing Jen would love even if she wasn’t desperate. The cast checks all the boxes: cheerful, quirky Birdie speaks in hashtags; vicious Ariana knows just how to pout for the cameras; and corn-fed “J-dawg” plays the cartoon villain of the house. Then there’s Justin, the green-eyed law student who always seems a breath away from kissing her. Is their attraction real, or a trick to get him closer to the $250,000 grand prize? Romance or showmance, suddenly Jen has a lot more to lose than a summer . . .

America's Next Reality Star

RISK EVERYTHING . . . Holly has taken herself out of the dating game since breaking up with her cheating, thieving ex. She barely notices Marc, who comes into the game store every week, hoping to get her attention. Her friends insist it’s time to take on a new role, to leave Quiet Holly behind and embrace her inner flirt. And on paper, Marc’s great: cute, funny, and a hardcore gamer just like Holly is. Then there’s Nathan. He’s everything twenty-eight-year-old Holly wants...except he’s also her friend’s father. Absolutely off-limits. But as she and Nathan playtest a new legacy game together, they’re growing closer. The game is complex and intriguing, and there’s no way to know how choices will pan out. What seems like a good idea could lead to disaster...or sweet victory. But in gaming, as in love, sometimes you have to roll the dice and take your chance . . .

Against the Rules

An impulsive decision. A twist of fate. A new life. On September 11, 2001, Brett Cooper checks into a flight to go on an interview for a job he doesn't want in a city where he doesn't want to live. All to make his wife happy. He loves her, but he's not happy in his marriage. Or in his body. When boarding begins, Brett panics and gives his ticket away. Then the plane strikes the World Trade Center, giving Brett a second chance. Finally, he can live the life he always wanted. Brett embraces his "death" and disappears. For eighteen years, everything is peaceful and easy. Until his wife appears. Jess used her husband's life insurance to go to medical school. Unfortunately, she's not really a widow. To complicate matters, Jess realizes that the love she held for her spouse is alive and well. The spouse who transitioned into Christa while they were apart. Together, Christa and Jess must figure out what the future holds. Can love conquer all or is it better sometimes to let go?An impulsive decision. A twist of fate. A new life. On September 11, 2001, Brett Cooper checks into a flight to go on an interview for a job he doesn't want in a city where he doesn't want to live. All to make his wife happy. He loves her, but he's not happy in his marriage. Or in his body. When boarding begins, Brett panics and gives his ticket away. Then the plane strikes the World Trade Center, giving Brett a second chance. Finally, he can live the life he always wanted. Brett embraces his "death" and disappears. For eighteen years, everything is peaceful and easy. Until Jess reappears. Jess used her husband's life insurance to go to medical school. Unfortunately, she's not really a widow. To complicate matters, Jess realizes that the love she held for her spouse is alive and well. The spouse who transitioned into Christa while they were apart. Together, Christa and Jess must figure out what the future holds. Can love conquer all or is it better sometimes to let go? --- Keywords: Trans women's fiction, young love, childhood sweethearts, 9/11, redemption, love regained, trans woman, new life

A Trans Love Story (9/11 Women's Fiction Second Chance Romance)

Finding Tranquility

Make Your Move

SAY ‘I DO’—OR ELSE When Jen Reid escaped a reality TV cruise with her relationship intact—if not her hair—she swore she was done with the cameras for good. Sure, she and Justin met, had their first kiss, and got engaged with tape rolling, but manufactured drama and ruthless producers have shaken them up more times than she can count. With Jen’s reality-themed bakery just getting started and her brand-new lawyer fiancé in a pile of debt, they’re a long way from glitz and glamour, and that’s fine by Jen. Until the Network calls and tells her that unless she says “I do” to a wedding special, Justin will be out of a job. Now Jen has two weeks to plan an all-expenses-paid “dream wedding”—and dodge the tricks and traps of a showrunner happy to mess up her future in the name of ratings. Luckily for Jen, she’s got plenty of experience with cake and popcorn. But when real-life drama and reality TV twists collide, the cliffhangers may just follow her right down the aisle . . . Praise for America’s Next Reality Star “Smart, witty, and really freaking good, America’s Next Reality Star is a fun read that has you cheering from the first paragraph through the last page. Laura Heffernan spins an entertaining tale, expertly mixing the main character's real life events with the reality show's challenges. With enough drama to not only satisfy fans of reality TV shows, but readers who thrive on a good story with humor and romance, this book is a perfect read.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author “Reality TV fans, this is your book! Laura Heffernan captures all the drama and over-the-top craziness in this fun and flirty romance.” —Amy E. Reichert, author of Love, Luck, and Lemon Pie “America’s Next Reality Star is one sweet, sexy brain-candy read! You won’t be sorry you indulged.” —Leah Marie Brown

Reality Wedding

Life after TV is looking up: Jen moved to Florida and her themed bakery is prepared to open with a bang. Then a major competitor threatens to put Sweet Reality out of business before they sell their first goodies. She’s going to need a smash hit to keep the store afloat. Then she has a brilliant idea: Jen joins a filmed cruise to convince fellow reality star Tammy Rae to give her the secret recipe for her baking-show-winning cupcakes. Problem is, Tammy Rae watched Jen on The Fishbowl, and she thinks Jen faked her relationship with Justin to trick the viewers. To get the key ingredient, Jen must convince Tammy Rae that their love is real—-right when the Network puts it to the ultimate test. Saving the bakery means nothing if Jen loses Justin. She must find a way to remain true to herself, protect her relationship from her arch-nemesis, and save the bakery-all within the confines of a one-week cruise. Because once the ship docks back in Miami, she’s sunk.

Sweet Reality

LOVE’S ALL ABOUT TIMING . . . At twenty-eight, Shannon has yet to fall in love. Which is fine, since she’d rather spend her evenings creating games than swiping right or going on awkward blind dates. Right now though, she has two little problems. First, she’s stuck for a new game idea. Second, the only candidate in her roommate search is Tyler, the gaming buddy who’s long had an unrequited crush on her. It should be awkward. But when Tyler moves in, the situation doesn’t go at all the way Shannon expected. Between helping her deal with coworkers and fixing the bugs in her latest game, Tyler’s proving to be damn near perfect. Except for the fact that he’s falling for someone else. . . Maybe Shannon has already forfeited her turn. Maybe she’s playing for nothing but heartache. But the best games have endings you can never predict . . .

Life after TV is looking up: Jen moved to Florida and her themed bakery is prepared to open with a bang. Then a major competitor threatens to put Sweet Reality out of business before they sell their first goodies. She's going to need a smash hit to keep the store afloat. Then she has a brilliant idea: Jen joins a filmed cruise to convince fellow reality star Tammy Rae to give her the secret recipe for her baking-show-winning cupcakes. Problem is, Tammy Rae watched Jen on The Fishbowl, and she thinks Jen faked her relationship with Justin to trick the viewers. To get the key ingredient, Jen must convince Tammy Rae that their love is real--right when the Network puts it to the ultimate test. Saving the bakery means nothing if Jen loses Justin. She must find a way to remain true to herself, protect her relationship from her arch-nemesis, and save the bakery-all within the confines of a one-week cruise. Because once the ship docks back in Miami, she's sunk. Praise for Sweet Reality "If you like sweet contemporary romances with a reality show theme, then you are going to enjoy Heffernan's Reality Star series. Her second book, Sweet Reality, takes place about 16 months after the first and features the same great couple, Justin and Jen. These two are likeable and relatable characters and there is more romance in this one than there was in the first. There is also an interesting cast of secondary characters. Heffernan does a wonderful job with character development and painting vivid scenes. There are also some cute and funny moments that makes this book a worthwhile and entertaining read. If reality shows are you guilty pleasure, give Heffernan's Sweet Reality a try." - RT Book Reviews

In this irresistible rom com for fans of Christina Lauren and Alisha Rai, travel blogger Gwen Williams’ pact to never mix love with gaming is put in serious jeopardy by her frustratingly handsome competition, Cody McKay. Will it be winner take all, or will Gwen be left with her heart on the table? "Charming, funny, and full of surprises, She's Got Game gave me all the feels, following Gwen on a romantic journey as she learns to let down her guard and play her hand at the game of love." —Kristin Rockaway, author of How to Hack a Heartbreak Travel blogger Gwen Williams is living the dream—competing in the annual American Board Game Championship. She's up against some stiff competition, namely legendary gamer and four-time champ Cody McKay. The seriously buff hottie and shameless flirt is going all-out to seduce her. That's when Gwen lays her cards on the table: She never, ever mixes gaming with romance . . . until resisting Cody becomes a losing proposition. As Gwen gives in to temptation, everything's in play for a major heartache. With the rounds heating up and players eliminated, she knows she's gambling a lot more than a seat at the final table in Vegas. But Cody's kisses promise more than a fleeting romance. If she plays her cards right, Gwen just might walk off with the championship and the man of her dreams. Praise for America's Next Reality Star "Smart, witty, and really freaking good . . . a fun read that has you cheering from the first paragraph through the last page." —Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author "Reality TV fans, this is your book! Laura Heffernan captures all the drama and over-the-top craziness in this fun and flirty romance." —Amy E. Reichert, author of Love, Luck, and Lemon Pie "America's Next Reality Star is one sweet, sexy brain-candy read! You won't be sorry you indulged." —Leah Marie Brown

Enjoy this hilarious Boston-based romantic comedy series by award-winning author Laura Heffernan. Lila needs to pay her soul-crushing debt. Pierre needs a wife. Maybe they can help each other. Once she finishes these renovations, Lila can finally sell her money pit and get back on her feet. But on box store wages, that’ll take decades. Then her friend Pierre proposes the perfect solution: he needs a green card. If Lila marries him, he'll pay for the job. One problem: who is going to believe the gorgeous, brilliant investment banker fell for little Lila? Everyone, if they have any say. Not even their closest friends can suspect the truth. Lila fakes the walk of shame, feigns shock at Pierre's staged public proposal, and plans their wedding with a single-minded determination rivaled only by her Yorkie begging for treats. Their fake relationship is so perfect, Lila starts to wish it was real. Then Pierre's brother drops a bombshell: they are royalty, princes to a tiny island nation, and Lila isn't princess material. Now, instead of studs and sandpaper, Lila finds herself worrying about titles and tiaras. Will she get her happily ever after, or will Lila's prince decide she's not so charming after all? "Heffernan has a way with the back-and-forth banter that I love to read between characters...This really was a sweet, funny, five-star experience!" - Sara, Chick Lit Central "Wonderful banter and I loved all the quirky characters." - Comfy Chair Books "Heffernan has a way with the back-and-forth banter that I love to read between characters, and what I really like is when the protagonist discovers new things about themselves that really creates the character evolution I hold so dear to my heart." - The Book Bag "If you enjoy the hugely popular royal romance genre then you will enjoy this :) ...Laura is a 'new to me' author and I really enjoyed her writing style." - Jo, Reading is My Bliss This friends-to-lovers fake engagement romcom with a royal twist will appeal to fans of: Melanie Summers, Becky Monson, Tracie Banister, Whitney Dineen, and Annabelle Costa. -- keywords: royal romcom, teri wilson, fake relationship, green card marriage, rags to riches, first in series, secret royals, romcom, romantic comedy, billionaire romcom, melanie summers, Harry and Meghan, the royal family, the proposal.

A friends-to-lovers fake engagement romantic comedy with a royal twist.

A Royal Farce

Rachel Sagner Buurma

The Teaching Archive shows us a series of major literary thinkers in a place we seldom remember them inhabiting: the classroom. In Rachel Sagner Buurma and Laura Heffernan's literary history, we watch T. S. Eliot and his working-class students revise their modern literature syllabus at the University of London's extension school during World War I. We read about how Caroline Spurgeon, one of the first female professors in the United Kingdom, invited her first-year women's college students to compile their own reading indexes in 1913. We see how J. Saunders Redding taught African American memoirs and letters to his American literature students at Hampton Institute in 1940. I. A. Richards, Cleanth Brooks, and Edmund Wilson figure prominently in Buurma and Heffernan's study, as do poet-critics Josephine Miles and Simon J. Ortiz. Throughout, the authors draw on what they call "the teaching archive"--the syllabi, course descriptions, lecture notes, and class assignments--to rewrite a history of literary study grounded in actual practice. ​ With this innovative study, Buurma and Heffernan give us an urgent literary history for the present moment. As English departments look to an uncertain future, they also look to their past. In The Teaching Archive, they will find a revelatory history of the profession.

A New History for Literary Study

The Teaching Archive

When politics meets pole fitness, Mel's life flips upside-down. After Mel’s disastrous promotional video goes viral, a family values group launches a protest against her dance studio. Their leader isn’t just trying to stop her from teaching—he’s using Mel as a moral scapegoat for his own senate campaign. If he wins the upcoming election, he threatens to change the laws to keep all pole dancing out of their community. Mel’s no politician, but she's not not going down without a fight. Since running for office beats unemployment, she decides to face off against him. She hires campaign manager Daniel and tosses her hat in the ring. There’s just one problem: voters don’t understand pole. Mel needs to change her image, fast. If she can’t get the people on her side, she won’t have a business to save. She hires a campaign manager to get the community on her side. Daniel is smart, witty, and passionate about changing the world. As he rebrands Mel’s image, he captures her heart. But does he like Mel the dancer or Melody the candidate? Can Mel run for office and still protect her heart? Poll Dancer is a fun, witty update on My Fair Lady, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. --- Keywords: beach reads, romcom series, love and politics, workplace romcom, romantic comedy, workplace romance, forbidden love, patriotism, liberal romantic comedy

Poll Dancer: a fun, fabulous romantic comedy

SAY 'I DO'--OR ELSE Life as reality royalty rocks: Jen’s bakery is booming, Justin’s got his dream job, and they’re saving for a wedding. Then the producers call with an offer Jen can’t refuse: hold the wedding on national TV, or they’ll make sure Justin loses his job. Oh, well. It’s just a few weeks, and the wedding will be paid, so how bad could it be? Dumb question. The producers don’t want a show about love, they want ratings and drama. From a wedding “dress” made of body paint to vegan cake, they’ve chucked Jen’s wishes out the window. Worse, Justin’s stuck in Florida, and the producers want the show to go on without him. Walking away from the show means a $100,000 penalty. If she can’t find a way to make her own ratings smash, Jen & Justin’s Big Day may turn into Jen’s Financial Fiasco. --- Keywords: romantic comedy series, romantic comedy, romcom, reality tv romance, enemies to lovers, competitors to lovers, best beach reads, hilarious romcom, vacation romance, cruise romance, bakery, competition show romcom, wedding romcom, friends to lovers

When politics meets pole fitness, Mel's life flips upside-down.After Mel's disastrous promotional video goes viral, a "family values" group launches a protest against her dance studio. Their leader isn't just trying to stop her from teaching-he's using Mel as a moral scapegoat for his own senate campaign. If he wins, he threatens to change the laws to keep all pole dancing out of their community. Mel's not going down without a fight. Because running for office beats unemployment, she decides to face off against him. She hires a campaign manager and tosses her hat in the ring. There's just one problem: voters don't get pole. Now Mel needs to change her image, fast. If she can't get the people on her side, she won't have a business to save. To make matters worse, Mel's campaign manager Daniel is giving her some very UN-professional fluttery feelings. Who knew the hardest part about running for office would be not losing her heart?Fans of My Fair Lady will love this fun, witty twist on a classic.

Poll Dancer

Jen went on a reality show hoping to win the $250,000 grand prize. She never dreamed she'd fall in love. Lights, Camera, Attraction contains all three books of the Reality Star series: America's Next Reality Star, Sweet Reality, and Reality Wedding. Praise for America's Next Reality Star: “Smart, witty, and really freaking good, America’s Next Reality Star is a fun read that has you cheering from the first paragraph through the last page. Laura Heffernan spins an entertaining tale, expertly mixing the main character's real life events with the reality show's challenges. With enough drama to not only satisfy fans of reality TV shows, but readers who thrive on a good story with humor and romance, this book is a perfect read.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author “Reality TV fans, this is your book! Laura Heffernan captures all the drama and over-the-top craziness in this fun and flirty romance.” —Amy E. Reichert, author of Love, Luck, and Lemon Pie “America’s Next Reality Star is one sweet, sexy brain-candy read! You won’t be sorry you indulged.” —Leah Marie Brown, USA Today Bestselling Author Praise for Sweet Reality: "If you like sweet contemporary romances with a reality show theme, then you are going to enjoy Heffernan's Reality Star series...Jen and Justin.are likeable and relatable characters....Heffernan does a wonderful job with character development and painting vivid scenes. There are also some cute and funny moments that makes this book a worthwhile and entertaining read. If reality shows are your guilty pleasure, give Heffernan’s Sweet Reality a try." - RT Book Reviews keywords: romantic comedy series, romantic comedy, romcom, reality tv romance, enemies to lovers, competitors to lovers, best beach reads, hilarious romcom, vacation romance, cruise romance, bakery, competition show romcom, wedding romcom, friends to lovers, boxed set, omnibus, collection, complete series

The Complete Reality Star Series Collection

Lights, Camera, Attraction!

Lana Chen’s just been elected state senator. Weird, because she wasn’t running. Well, she’d been getting bored with life, anyway. Practicing law in real life is nothing like it appeared on tv. The thought of spending the next forty years pushing papers and filing briefs fills Lana with dread. She craved excitement, and now she’s got plenty. Lana finds herself in uncharted territory. She seeks guidance from sexy Senator Jason Park and irresistible lobbyist Steve to help her navigate the shark-infested waters of politics. Both men seem too good to be true. But you know the expression, never trust a politician, especially a hot one… One of Lana’s mentors manipulates her into voting for a bill that spells disaster for her community and her best friend’s new business. Can Lana find a way to undo the damage and not lose the most important person in her life? --- Keywords: beach reads, romcom series, love and politics, workplace romcom, romantic comedy, workplace romance, forbidden love, patriotism, liberal romantic comedy, liberal agenda, friends to lovers, asian male lead

A Romantic Comedy Novel (Forbidden Love Workplace Romance)

The Accidental Senator

She's a poor dance teacher. He's her rich student. If they can overcome their differences, this could be love. Legend says everyone who boards the Oceanic Aphrodite finds love. Janey's on the ship to teach dance, not for romance. Then she meets Frank. He's everything Janey isn't--refined, classy, rich--but his good looks and charm make him undeniably appealing. Unfortunately, he's also a passenger, which makes him off-limits. When Janey's partner can't perform in the end-of-cruise talent show, Frank offers to fill in. He's never done pole, but she's got time to teach him. As they grow closer, Janey finds herself hoping the legend is real--but if she gives in to temptation, she could lose her job.Fans of Dirty Dancing will love this charming gender-swapped version set on a cruise ship. -- Keywords: vacation romance, romcom, billionaire, millionaire, forbidden love, best beach reads, dance romcom, sports romcom, pole romcom, quick reads, short reads, romantic comedy novella

A Witty, Charming Romantic Comedy Novel (Forbidden Love Rags to Riches Billionaire Vacation Romance)

Time of My Life

Anna's perfect life has become a category 5 disaster. A hurricane destroying her home is only the beginning of Anna's troubles. Her ex, Eric, plasters private photos of her on billboards all over the city and across the internet. The backlash against her makes the storm look tame: She's instantly suspended from her job. Her current boyfriend dumps her. The cops blame her for the pictures. Her friends vanish. Trapped in despair, Anna enters a downward spiral. When she hits rock bottom, holding Eric accountable is her only way out of the mess her life's become. He always seemed untouchable, but if there's one thing Anna knows now, it's that no one is too perfect to be brought down. She just has to create a perfect storm of her own. Fans of Kerry Lonsdale or Jodi Picoult will love this tale of loss and redemption. --- Keywords: revenge porn, women's fiction, Hispanic lead, finding yourself, overcoming obstacles, finding yourself, starting over

Laura Heffernan

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