The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.wownovels.com Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:06:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.wownovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.wownovels.com 32 32 Just One More Date (The Sterling Family #7) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-date-the-sterling-family-7-read-online-carly-phillips Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:06:49 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-date-the-sterling-family-7-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Insta-Love, Novella Authors: Carly Phillips Series: The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)

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Leo Watson needs a pretend wife for a business Christmas party.

Could the cute barista who serves his favorite coffee drink play the part?

Camille Hendricks is willing… for a price—an interview at his sister’s PR company.

The game seems easy but their attraction is all too real.

When sexy lines are crossed, both Leo and Cammie stand to lose something more important than business.

They risk losing each other

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Snowflakes fell on Leo Watson’s wool coat as he stepped out of his car, his cell phone pressed to his ear. “Come on, Ruby. You’ll have a good time. You know I always deliver on that promise,” he said in his most seductive voice.

He usually made those kind of promises to a woman after he called them for an occasional hookup, but he was talking to Ruby for an entirely different reason this time.

“It’s not about whether I’ll have fun at your company Christmas party, Leo. It’s Christmas Eve and I’ll be having dinner with my father that night.”

He groaned as he ran a hand through his hair, his warm breath a visible cloud in the cold December air. Ruby was the third woman to turn him down for similar reasons. Apparently, all the women he casually slept with were spending the holiday with their families. Of course, his family got together too, but if a work obligation came up, they understood.

He usually had no idea how the women that warmed his bed would spend their Christmases. He rarely got to know them beyond surface-level flirtation and whispered words in the heat of the moment. He knew nothing about their lives outside of the bedroom. That might sound cold, but it worked for him. Until today, when they were all unavailable to attend his company’s party on Christmas Eve.

“I really need a date for this party. I’m so close to getting a promotion, and I know that if I can secure this last big client, it’ll be mine.”

She paused. “And what does a promotion have to do with bringing a date to a Christmas party?”

Since she didn’t understand, he decided to explain. “There’s an important potential client named Spencer McClain. He’ll be at the party, and he’s a big fan of family values. He’s made it clear he likes to work with people who feel the same way. I can’t show up to the party alone, like some carefree bachelor or he won’t take me seriously.”

“But isn’t that what you are?” Ruby asked with amusement in her voice.

He rolled his eyes. “That’s beside the point. I need a woman on my arm that I can pretend to be in love with.”

She laughed. “Sounds like you need a fake wife.”

Leo cringed at her comment. “A fake girlfriend will do, as long as I can sell the story that we’re in a serious relationship.”

“It sounds like fun, but I’m afraid I can’t help you. If it was any other night, I’d come, but like I said, I have plans.”

He glanced up at the overcast sky. “Is there anything I can do to talk you out of it?” he asked.

On the other end of the line, Ruby laughed. “Talk me out of attending my family’s Christmas Eve dinner? No, I’m afraid not. But if you want to get together sometime between Christmas and the New Year, I’d be happy to meet up for some holiday fun.” Her voice dropped an octave.

Leo made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat, said he’d get back to her and ended the call. He was too focused on his current predicament to even think about a post-Christmas hookup.

Frustrated, he walked toward the door of Froth and Grind, the independent coffee shop he visited a couple of times a week. He was already looking forward to enjoying one of their seasonal specialties, the peppermint mocha latte. Maybe the tingle of peppermint would do something for the mood he was in.

He pulled open the door and was greeted by the sight of red and green Christmas decorations. Tinsel draped along the front of the counter and star shaped lights hung from the ceiling along with the Edison bulbs that usually illuminated the small shop. A thin Christmas tree stood in front of one of the exposed brick walls, complete with fake presents underneath.

Froth and Grind had been transformed for the holiday season, along with most of Manhattan. Something Leo could not relate to. With the hours he worked and his focus on a promotion, he had no time for Christmas frivolity or cheer.

The rich scent of roasted coffee beans filled the air, along with the sweeter aromas of vanilla, caramel, and of course, peppermint. It was mid-afternoon, and half the tables were full of customers sipping coffee and eating pastries. Luckily, there was no line at the counter.

The usual barista stood behind the register, her bright smile lighting up her blue eyes. He looked forward to seeing her whenever he came in. She wore a black polo shirt with the coffee shop’s logo on the left breast, and a Santa hat covered her long, blonde hair.

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Just One More Time (The Sterling Family #6) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-time-the-sterling-family-6-read-online-carly-phillips Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:13:55 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-time-the-sterling-family-6-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Suspense Authors: Carly Phillips Series: The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)

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One night. One heartbreak. One man she could never forget.

Years ago, Brooke Snyder gave her heart — and her innocence — to Aiden Sterling, her best friend’s older brother. For one perfect night, he was hers. Then he walked away without looking back.

Heartbroken, she focused on her career, and tried to move on, while he was half a world away. But no man ever measured up to Aiden, and the one time she tried, ended in disaster.

Now, he’s back to help his ailing father, and avoiding him isn’t an option— not when they’re forced to work together and definitely not when she’s sleeping in the bedroom next to his.

The past crackles between them, charged with everything they never said and everything they still feel. Every look dares her to remember. Every touch reminds her exactly what she spent years trying to forget.

Giving him her body is easy. But how can she protect her heart… when the man who broke it is the only one who can put it back together?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Brooklyn Snyder assumed the downward dog pose, her hands on the front of the mat, ass in the air. She stretched her feet out behind her, and blew out a long breath that sounded more like a pained sigh.

“Are you okay?” her friend, Amy, asked in between yoga stretches.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Brooklyn played dumb, stalling the inevitable conversation about her ex as long as possible.

From her own upside-down pose, Amy frowned. “We are going to discuss this after class.”

Brooke had known Amy Jenkins since middle school where they’d sat together at lunch and had become inseparable ever since. If Amy said they were going to talk, she wouldn’t be deterred, but Brooklyn was grateful for the end-of-class reprieve anyway.

Listening to the instructor, they stretched, then lay on their backs for Savasana, the resting pose. Was it bad that this was her favorite part of yoga? she mused.

Once the instructor released them, they rolled their mats, put other accessories away in the back, and walked out of the room together.

“Brooke, do you want to get a shake?” Amy pointed to the small café inside the gym with a few tables and a counter where the person working behind it made the most delicious chocolate and peanut butter protein shakes.

“Definitely.” Her stomach rumbled in agreement.

They waited for the icy drinks to be created and luckily found a table where they could sit and talk. Or should she say unluckily, as Brooke didn’t want to discuss anything related to Aiden Sterling, and that was definitely where this conversation was headed.

“Okay, so are you prepared to see Aiden at work next week?”

It was just like Amy to get right to the point, Brooke thought and groaned. “Couldn’t you wait for me to at least enjoy my first sip before you started grilling me?”

“I’m not grilling you, I’m asking as a concerned friend. It’s one thing to see Aiden on his occasional trips home, another to know he’s back for a prolonged time, and yet another to have to work with him.” Amy gave her a pointed stare.

Stalling, Brooke took a long pull from the straw and allowed herself to enjoy the chocolatey sweetness before meeting her friend’s gaze. “With a little luck, we’ll be working in the same office but not together.”

During college, Brooke had interned for Sterling Investments, and she’d been employed by them ever since. Yes, she’d known the family for years. When she was fourteen, the Sterling patriarch, Alex, had bought the estate where Brooke and her mother lived in the gatehouse. Alex had five children, and Brooke became close with each. Her mother remained the housekeeper and Brooke grew up with the family. Fallon, the only girl, was Brooke’s other best friend and Brooke’s mom was now dating Alex Sterling.

Brooke had earned her Chief Operating Officer position at the firm by working hard and dedicating long hours to proving herself. It helped that Aiden, who’d broken her heart, had been gone for five long years, and only returned for big events and when he could take time from his roving journalist job.

“Okay, but you still have to face him and talk to him. Or are you going to continue keeping him at arm’s length?”

Brooke’s heart skipped a beat at her friend’s question. “Keeping Aiden at arm’s length is for my sanity. I’m afraid if I get close to him, I’ll slap him for all the pain he put me through.”

“And he’d deserve it.”

Brooke nodded. She’d given him her virginity and her heart, and he’d tossed her away the next day in favor of his career. He hadn’t even allowed them the chance to make a long-distance relationship work. He’d never taken her feelings and her needs into consideration. What she wanted hadn’t mattered.

But that was in the past, even if the anger she felt was current and real. “I can handle seeing him,” she said. “I’ve already done it at family get-togethers. I’ll be fine.” She wrapped her hands around the icy drink, the condensation seeping into her skin.

“And are you still keeping what happened from the family? You still won’t tell Fallon?”

She shook her head. “Nobody knows. I don’t want Fallon to feel like she has to take sides.” Which was why she’d never told anyone but Amy what had happened with Aiden. Oh, they knew something had changed. Especially Brooke’s mom. It was obvious she and Aiden were no longer close, but Brooke never spoke of why.

Holding her pain inside hadn’t been easy but she’d done it once before, when her dad died, keeping things in so her mother wouldn’t worry about Brooke while she dealt with her own grief. Continuing to pretend things with Aiden were fine but distant should be easy. She’d been doing it long enough.

She and Amy finished their drinks. Together, they walked out, parting ways at Brooke’s PT Cruiser and Amy’s SUV parked side by side.

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Just One More Affair (The Sterling Family #5) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-affair-the-sterling-family-5-read-online-carly-phillips Wed, 04 Jun 2025 21:19:36 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-affair-the-sterling-family-5-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary Authors: Carly Phillips Series: The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)

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Oops, she did it again…

A one-night stand with a billionaire.
A surprise pregnancy.
Can she trust his love?
Or is it the baby tying them together?

Charlotte Kendall never expected history to repeat itself after a one-night stand at a wedding. Especially since a past encounter left her co-parenting twin daughters she adores. Except this time, her baby daddy is a man she can’t resist.

Billionaire Jared Sterling always gets what he wants—and he wants Charlotte Kendall. When he learns she’s pregnant, he’s all in. But Charlotte’s past has taught this independent, single mom to guard her heart. She doubts Jared’s motives and believes he’s only invested for the baby.

Their chemistry is undeniable and Jared will do anything to convince Charlotte she’s his endgame. But her life is complicated and when her brother’s recklessness puts Charlotte in danger, Jared takes over, proving he’s offering the love and stability she has always craved.

Now Charlotte must decide—will she keep running from the man who’s offering her everything, or take a chance on love?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Even a small Sterling family wedding was a lavish affair, Charlotte Kendall thought, looking around at the hotel ballroom where the reception was taking place.

Pink and white flowers twined around the ceiling with lilies dangling for effect. Each table had a luxurious burst of the same blush-colored flowers, a mix of roses, and other blooms surrounded by tea candles. The damask tablecloths were elegant. And the cocktail hour had four stations of different hot food choices along with servers walking around with various hors d’oeuvres.

The bride, Fallon Sterling, was Charlotte’s daughters’ new stepmother. Fallon had just married Noah Powers, the girls’ dad. A man Charlotte had had a one-night stand with that resulted in a surprise pregnancy and a healthy co-parenting situation with their ten-year-old twins. She’d truly gotten lucky with Noah. They’d enjoyed one another once, but there had never been feelings between them and she was thrilled he’d found his soulmate in his younger wife.

As if he knew she’d been thinking of him, Noah strode over and kissed her cheek. “Charlie, I can’t tell you how much it means to Fallon and me that you came home for the wedding,” he said, calling her by her nickname most people used.

“I wouldn’t have missed it.” But she appreciated him saying so. “Thank you for inviting me. Not everyone would understand our relationship.”

“Fallon does, and that’s what matters. We do a good job together with the girls.”

She nodded. “And you’ve had the patience of a saint putting up with me following my dreams.”

“I understand and if this is something you want to continue to do, I want you to know I’m okay with it.”

She wrinkled her nose, having given her situation a lot of thought as the current dig was coming to an end. “As much as I loved the experience, I’m glad it’s almost over. I miss the girls and having them full-time this week shows me how much I don’t see on a day-to-day basis. They’re changing and growing up and I want to be there.”

He nodded. “Well, we’ll work out a new arrangement and schedule when you’re home for good.”

“Hello, you two!” Fallon, who appeared to be floating with happiness, joined them and hooked her arm into Noah’s. “Hi, Charlie. Thank you for flying in.”

“Of course. And I need to thank you for all you do for the girls.”

Early on, Charlie had been worried about all the time Fallon had with the kids while she was away, but Fallon had proven herself wise for her years. She knew how to handle the twins and their precocious personalities, never tried to play mother, and deferred important decisions to Noah and Charlie. When Charlie moved back, she could see herself being Fallon’s friend.

“I adore them and I’m glad we’re making things work between us,” Fallon said.

Charlie smiled. “Me too.”

“Oh, this song!” Fallon exclaimed.

Charlie hadn’t been paying attention to the music but when she focused, she heard the band had shifted to a slow song.

“I want to dance,” Fallon said.

Noah laughed. “Guess that’s my cue. Talk to you later, Charlie.”

With a wave goodbye, Fallon led her new husband to the dance floor.

Given the choice between going to get a drink at the bar and watching the newlyweds dance, Charlie chose the former. She walked over to the luckily empty bar and picked up a glass of Champagne from several pre-poured flutes waiting on a tray.

She glanced around the room, her gaze falling on Fallon’s best friend, Brooke, who she’d met during one of her trips home. She was talking to her mother but she kept looking at Aiden Sterling, the journalist who wandered the world for stories. Charlie had often caught Aiden staring at Brooke, their gazes never meeting, and Charlie wondered what their story was.

“You look lost in thought. Is everything all right?” another of Fallon’s brothers asked as he joined her.

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Just One More Temptation (The Sterling Family #4) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-temptation-the-sterling-family-4-read-online-carly-phillips Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:22:52 +0000 https://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-temptation-the-sterling-family-4-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Chick Lit, Contemporary Authors: Carly Phillips Series: The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56799 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)

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He’s a grumpy single dad who's serious and uptight.
She’s a younger free spirit who's sunshine and light.

Fallon Sterling’s one experience with a rich, older man ended in heartbreak. So when twin nine-year-old girls wind up in her gallery, followed by their oh-so-hot dad, she refuses to notice how sexy he is. And she will not let herself fall for his broody charms. Or his adorable daughters. That was her plan. Unfortunately, planning hasn't always been her strong suit…

Noah Powers needs a reliable nanny, not a romance with a much younger artist who his girls adore. The fact that he desires Fallon and the sunshine she brings into his drab world doesn't matter. His focus needs to be on his work and his daughters. Trouble is, he can never remember that when Fallon is in his arms.

Somewhere between a matchmaking family (his) and dangerous workplace drama (hers), Fallon and Noah realize they might have more in common than they thought. But is it enough for happily ever after?

Just One More Temptation, book 3 in the stand-alone Sterling Family series, is a spicy, fun, hot, age-gap, single-dad, contemporary romance. Order today, and welcome to romantic escapism at its steamiest.

💖 Single Dad
💖 Grumpy Sunshine
💖 Age Gap
💖 He Falls First
💖 Matchmaking Family
💖 Workplace Drama and Suspense
💖 Spicy hot fun

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Noah Powers frantically searched the New York City park for his twin nine-year-old girls, calling their names, ignoring the looks from the mothers with their younger children playing in the sandbox. He turned to Hazel, the sixty-year-old woman he’d hired when their last nanny had been too young and flighty to keep an eye on his girls. They’d been acting out lately but they’d never run away. Hadn’t he lectured them enough about stranger danger and staying with an adult?

“Dammit!” he yelled, pulling his hand through his hair.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Powers. I was watching them, I swear. They asked if they could go to the pretzel truck on the corner and I had an eye on them. I blinked and they disappeared.”

He ground his teeth together. “Because you didn’t go with them.”

She looked down, not answering since he was right.

“You stay here in case they come back.” He strode toward the cart and questioned the man selling food who said he’d sold them a pretzel and soda but didn’t see the direction they went after.

Panicked, Noah rushed down the sidewalk, scanning inside each shop and walking into the larger ones. Heart in his throat, he looked in each window, not seeing their brown-haired heads.

He swallowed hard and a horrific thought ran through his head. What if someone had taken them? No. They were just being difficult because they hadn’t liked Hazel from the moment he’d hired her. Then again, it was the same story with every nanny no matter their age. They missed their mother and there was nothing he could do to change the fact that Charlie, an archaeologist, had been invited on the dig of her dreams.

They’d shared custody until six months ago. For all their lives, she’d had the girls during the week and he’d taken them one night a weekday and every other weekend. Despite the explanation, they’d hoped their mom would be home by now but the dig was long. Even with Charlie coming home to see them often, it wasn’t the same as their mom being here. Noah was doing the best he could on his own but his kids were disappointed and too damn smart for their own good.

One thing he knew, when he found them, they’d be grounded for life. And he would find them. There was no acceptable alternative.

* * *

Fallon Sterling walked to the front of the paint and sip side of the art gallery where she worked, two glass cups of frothy cappuccino in hand. She passed the rectangular table she’d set up for tonight’s class, including the easels, paints, brushes, and other materials. Her best friend, Brooklyn Snyder, who she called Brooke for short, had stopped by to say hello and helped her arrange the items since Fallon’s usual assistant, Sylvie, was out with a bad cold.

Fallon handed her friend a cappuccino and gestured to two stools by the bar where they usually sold wine and snacks. “Let’s sit.”

They strode across the room and Fallon took the seat facing inside, a habit so she could look around and make sure she hadn’t missed anything that her students would need later.

“Let me run to the ladies’ room,” Brooke said, grabbing her purse. “Be right back.”

Fallon glanced around, her gaze landing on two of her modern, pop art paintings hanging on the walls. The feeling of pride swirling inside her never grew old. Even as a child, she’d loved to work with bright colors. In college, she’d dual majored in art history and fine arts, minoring in business at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Then she’d moved back to New York and worked first at a museum and for the last year and a half, here at the gallery. Her dream was to own a place like this one day but for now, she enjoyed her career and the opportunity to combine the painting she loved with helping the owner with the business.

Brooke returned and settled into the seat beside her. “So? When are you going to get your family in for a session?” She gestured to the easels.

“Do you really think any of my brothers would paint and sip?” Fallon asked, shaking her head, smiling at the thought. She took a taste of the hot froth and savored the cinnamon sprinkled on top, licking her lips to remove any remnants.

Brooke chuckled. “I guess you’re right but the image is amusing.” And she would know.

Of all Fallon’s friends, Brooke knew Fallon’s family best since she’d grown up in the gatehouse on the property Fallon’s father had purchased. Brooke’s mother had been their housekeeper and her father the groundskeeper before he’d passed away. These days, her mom, Lizzie, insisted on keeping her job but she was also seeing Fallon’s father and Fallon suspected things were serious between them.

“Only you got your mother’s talent,” Brooke mused.

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Just One More Mistletoe (The Sterling Family #3) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-mistletoe-the-sterling-family-3-read-online-carly-phillips Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:04:40 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/just-one-more-mistletoe-the-sterling-family-3-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Erotic, Insta-Love Authors: Carly Phillips Series: The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 18896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 94(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)

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What happens under the mistletoe stays under the mistletoe...

Brandy Bloom plans to seduce the man of her dreams at an office Christmas party but finds herself kissing his twin, instead. One night only is her plan but Max Corbin has other ideas. The sexy elf who kissed him under the pretend mistletoe is a special woman he has no plans of letting go.

*A stand-alone novella

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Brandy Bloom finished up her work for the day. The office Christmas party was in a few hours and she had to prepare. The event was a week before the actual holiday so everyone could go home to be with their families. Those who had families, that is.

Brandy had an invitation to join Samantha and her husband, Dex, at whichever large family event they were attending. Last she’d heard, they were going to the Sterlings on Christmas Eve and the Dares later on Christmas Day. Brandy doubted she’d attend. Big family events weren’t her thing. Samantha might be Brandy’s chosen family but that didn’t mean she was comfortable at a big family get together like hers.

Before she could stand up and unzip her costume that was hanging on the door, a knock sounded.

“Come in!”

“Merry Christmas!” Her boss and friend, Samantha Dare-now-Sterling walked in with a card in one hand, and took a seat across from Brandy’s desk.

“A little early, but Merry Christmas to you, too.”

“I come bearing gifts.” Samantha placed the card on Brandy’s desk. “This is your office present.”

“And here’s yours.” Reaching into her bag, Brandy pulled out a small box and they exchanged items to be opened later.

Samantha tucked hers into her shoulder bag. “Listen, I got you something special and didn’t want to give you your gift in front of everyone else.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Brandy said, though she, too, had bought her friend a more personal present.

Samantha waved a hand in dismissal. “I didn’t have to, I wanted to. Brandy, you’re more than the office manager and my PA. You’re family.”

Family. She’d always told herself she didn’t have any but Samantha was different, she thought, a lump rising in her throat.

That lump remained and all Brandy could do was nod. “You also have Dex as family and the Sterlings. You two are so good together.” She smiled at her friend.

“And I want that same thing for you.”

Brandy shook her head. “You know I don’t do relationships.”

“Umm… what do you think this is?” Samantha asked, gesturing between them. “It’s a relationship.” She spoke before Brandy could reply. “And you’re really good at it. The way you stayed by me in the hospital after everything with Jeremy meant the world.”

Samantha had overheard her almost-groom plotting to steal her fortune and the business she’d built. She’d run from her wedding in tears, right into Dex, who’d saved her by offering a quick getaway. “Brandy, I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”

Brandy managed a smile. “I’m grateful for you, too.” Samantha was different. Brandy trusted her. She knew her strengths and weaknesses. She could manage Samantha’s workload and keep the office running. She loved the life she’d built for herself. She wasn’t good at forming attachments beyond friendship.

“Can I stop by tomorrow morning and drop off my gift?” Samantha asked.

Brandy nodded. “Of course, and thank you. I have something at home for you, too.”

“Are you ready to play Santa’s elf at the party?” Samantha glanced around the office, her gaze landing on the garment bag hanging on the door. When she turned back, she had an amused smile on her face. “Looks like you are!”

Brandy laughed. “I enjoy it,” she admitted. And she had a plan her friend knew nothing about.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it. See you at the party.” Samantha rose and walked out of the office, closing the door behind her.

Brandy blew out a breath, her stomach bouncing with nerves. Not for playing elf, that was something she did every year, but for her plan to seduce Stephan Corbin, an associate partner at Samantha’s PR firm and the object of Brandy’s desire.

A little while later, her office door locked, Brandy fastened the white fur anklet adorned with three silver bells and a green velvet bow, closing the accessory around her ankle with a single snap.

From her phone on the edge of her desk, a traditional Christmas carol ended and the Bruce Springsteen version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” now reverberated through her small office. Pulling her hat over her head and securing it with bobby pins, she hummed her own off-key rendition of her favorite Christmas tune. She twirled once, pleased with the jingling accompaniment to the gruff voice of The Boss.

If Santa was coming to town, he wasn’t going to find Brandy being a good girl. Not this year. Not this night. Tonight, she was a woman on a mission. A mission to seduce the man she’d been attracted to for too long. She hoped to act on their obvious physical attraction and indulge in a safe interlude she could easily walk away from when their time together was through. Something Stephan, the firm’s confirmed self-proclaimed bachelor, would appreciate and understand.

Because they’d been working closely together for a few years, acting on her desire had been impossible until now—but today had been her last day of work before the long holiday vacation. Samantha was a generous boss and gave them all a long holiday break. When she returned after the new year, she’d be in the new suburban offices of Dare PR. Samantha and Dex had bought a house on Long Island. She’d decided to open a satellite office and Brandy was only too happy to leave Manhattan and join her.

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Just One More Dare (The Sterling Family #2) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-dare-the-sterling-family-2-read-online-carly-phillips Thu, 22 Aug 2024 20:05:39 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/just-one-more-dare-the-sterling-family-2-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Forbidden, Insta-Love Authors: Carly Phillips Series: The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >62

A runaway bride.
Her older brother’s off-limits friend.
Taking one more shot at love should be easy, right?
Not on a dare.
Samantha Dare had one thought when she found out her fiancé was a lying cheat. Escape. So, she ran from her wedding… straight into the arms of the man who once gave her the hottest kiss of her life. But rebounding with her brother’s friend would be a huge mistake… wouldn’t it?

The last thing Dex Sterling needs is more chaos in his life. Retiring from football and starting over in broadcasting gave him plenty of that. But even though Samantha is chaos personified, for some reason, he’s still not able to keep his mind—or hands—off her…

Is a little bit of forced proximity and a lot of sexual chemistry enough to earn them a second chance at happily ever after?
Samantha and Dex are about to find out…

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Samantha Dare’s stomach churned with anxiety. She recognized the feeling, one she’d become familiar with as her wedding day approached. She’d tried to shake it off and did the same now, reminding herself that marrying her business partner was the smart thing to do. Just because the passion had fizzled didn’t mean they wouldn’t have a solid relationship based on shared interests.

She smoothed the lace bodice of the ballroom wedding gown she wore and chewed on her bottom lip.

“Samantha, are you okay?” her older sister, Olivia, asked. “Stop that or you’re going to need to touch up your lipstick.”

“I’m fine.” She patted her bare lips. Dammit. She would need to have it put on again.

“Spill,” Olivia persisted. “I know all your tells.”

Their conversation caught the attention of Samantha’s other bridesmaids: her sister, Avery, her half-sister, Sienna, her cousins, Lucy and Brianne, and Samantha’s best friend and office manager, Brandy. They sat on the sofa and club chairs, picking from the charcuterie board filled with a variety of cheese, smoked meat, and tiny fruit. Half-empty champagne glasses were spread around the table. All the women looked beautiful in differing metallic colors with a variety of silhouettes.

Once Samantha became the center of attention, they all questioned her at the same time.

“Stop, I’m fine!” Samantha raised her voice and immediately regretted it. “Sorry. I’m just having nervous, walking-down-the-aisle jitters.” She sighed. “I need some fresh air and a few moments alone to clear my head.”

The bridal suite was located on the fourth floor of the Meridian NYC Hotel, on the same floor as the ballroom where the ceremony would occur. The hotel was once owned by her father, a man she neither respected nor wanted to think about on her special day. The Meridian Hotel Group was now in the hands of her cousins, something that worked for the entire family, so no hard feelings for anyone… except her father, Robert Dare.

The door to the terrace was already open and she stepped outside, then walked to the balcony. Bracing her hands on the top of the heavy stone railing, she drew a deep breath of beautiful spring air and wondered why she couldn’t calm down.

Her gut told her it wasn’t every day wedding jitters but voices from another terrace distracted her and she focused on those instead of the unwelcome thoughts running through her mind. All would be well once she said I do.

“I know what you promised me,” a distraught-sounding female said, the voice coming from the terrace around the corner from the one where Samantha stood.

Curious, Samantha couldn’t help but step closer. Was she eavesdropping? Yes, but better to focus on someone else’s issues than her own.

“But seeing you in this tuxedo, ready to get married… I don’t like it,” the woman continued, but now Samantha thought she recognized the voice. Marley, her soon-to-be husband’s personal assistant, was speaking.

“We had an understanding.” And that coaxing reply came from Samantha’s fiancé, Jeremy Rollins.

“How long will it take before you’re able to get rid of her?” Marley asked.

Shocked, Samantha’s belly fluttered with nerves. Certain she’d misheard, she waited to hear her fiancé’s reply—and what the hell was he doing alone with Marley right before their wedding, anyway?

“Calm down,” Jeremy said in the patronizing voice Samantha hated. No woman liked being talked down to. “We’ve waited this long, surely you can hold out another year or two. The breakup has to look real if I’m going to get my hands on any of her money. Her brothers will make sure of that,” he muttered. “It’s you I love, Marley.”

Silence descended, followed by an obvious-sounding moan.

Samantha sucked in a horrified breath. That no-good, low-life, cheating son of a bitch. He was having an affair with his personal assistant. The same woman he insisted he needed with him when he traveled to meet clients. He’d claimed his ADHD kicked in during long meetings and Marley took the most detailed notes. And Samantha had believed him.

She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her hand to her rolling stomach. She was an idiot. He’d duped her into using her trust fund money to start their joint PR firm and she’d agreed, believing he was the brains when it came to creating potential campaigns. After they’d launched, his ideas had impressed many big-name clients to join them. Jeremy was smart. Apparently smart enough to put one over on her.

She lifted her skirt and stormed back into the suite, his false words ringing in her ears. I love you, Samantha. We’re going to be such a great team, Samantha. We have so much in common. We’re a dynamic duo, Samantha.

“Bullshit,” she muttered, fury coursing through her veins.

“Samantha? What’s wrong?” Her mother, Emma St. Claire, strode over.

Wearing a beautiful silver beaded gown, looking elegant as ever, her mother was Samantha’s rock. There was no one she admired more for her strength and dignity, especially after everything her ex-husband had put her through. She was married a second time and extremely happy.

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Advertisement
Just One More Moment (The Sterling Family #1) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.wownovels.com/just-one-more-moment-the-sterling-family-1-read-online-carly-phillips Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:51:26 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/just-one-more-moment-the-sterling-family-1-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Erotic, Suspense Authors: Carly Phillips Series: The Sterling Family Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)

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She thinks happily ever after only happens in romance novels.
He can’t wait to prove her wrong…

Falling in love is not on Raven Walsh’s agenda. Running from her past keeps her way too busy for that. She can, however, handle a friends-with-benefits scenario with the hot billionaire who co-owns The Back Door bar. But trusting him with her heart? Not a chance…

Remington Sterling has had his eye on the smart and sexy Raven since she started waitressing at his bar. He knows she’s gun-shy where relationships are concerned. But he’s ready to do whatever it takes to convince her he’s worth the risk…

When Raven’s secrets catch up to her in a big way, she must decide if the potential cost of trusting Remy is more than she’s willing to pay—and Remy will need to figure out how far he’s willing to go for love…

Just One More Moment, book 1 in the Sterling Family series (all can be read as standalones), is a spicy contemporary romance featuring a ready-to-run heroine and the possessive, protective alpha hero who is more than ready to catch her.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the—” Before the officiant could finish his sentence, Zach Dare swept his bride into his arms and dipped her head for a long, nearly-inappropriate-for-an-audience kiss.

Raven Walsh joined the rest of the guests, clapping for the newlyweds as they joined hands and made their way back down the white rose lined aisle.

“I adore a good second-chance love story,” Stevie Palmer, Raven’s friend and waitress at the bar she managed, said. Stevie rose from her seat and Raven followed suit, waiting for everyone in their row to file out and head for the reception.

Raven laughed. “You and your romance novels.” She shook her head at her book-loving friend. “But in this case, I have to say I agree.” Even she, with the lack of a relationship in her life, couldn’t deny these two deserved happiness and a long future together. “If anyone was meant to be together, it’s Zach and Hadley.” They’d lost each other once due to circumstances beyond their control and fought hard upon Hadley’s return. In more ways than one.

The bridal party, consisting of Hadley’s young sister, and all seven of Zach’s brothers, sisters, and sisters-in-law, followed the couple down the aisle. So did the best man, Zach’s best friend and business partner.

He also happened to be Raven’s boss and the star of her fantasies. Wearing a black, double-breasted tuxedo with wide lapels, a white shirt, and black bow tie, Remington Sterling was the epitome of sexy. His brown hair was lightly gelled. Choosing not to shave, he’d kept the beard she loved and imagined scraping along her thighs. Which would not be happening. Bad, Raven. She shouldn’t be having naughty thoughts about her boss.

He might flirt up a storm whenever they were together but as much as she wanted to know him better, and end up between the sheets, Raven had to keep her distance. Her past was always waiting to pop up and destroy anyone she got close to. These days, that past was getting closer than ever. She shuddered and pushed the thought out of her mind.

Remy walked down the aisle and stood parallel to her row. He caught her gaze, treating her to a wink before striding forward, leaving her with a view of his broad shoulders and back, and a tingling feeling low in her belly.

Beside her, Stevie let out a whistle. “That man wants you.”

And Raven wanted him.

Too bad she wasn’t destined for the happily ever after Hadley had found. Raven didn’t begrudge her friend the love she and Zach shared. She just wished one day, she could have the same. But fate didn’t seem to cut her any breaks. Still, she’d created a good life for herself and wasn’t one to dwell on the negatives.

The people beside her started to move and Raven followed the woman next to her out of the row. A little while later, she and Stevie stood with a glass in hand, looking around the Meridian NYC Hotel room where the cocktail hour was being held.

“I have to say, this drink is delicious.” Raven took another sip of the wedding couple’s specialty offering, a peppermint white Russian, made with Kahlua, her favorite liqueur.

“Rich people and their signature drinks,” Stevie said. “My friend got married at the VFW Hall in my small New Hampshire town. Guests paid for their own alcohol. I’m sure you get it, right?”

Raven stilled mid-sip. For all outward appearances, she was just like Stevie. A New York City working girl. Her clothing was a mix of thrift store finds and affordable fashion, she shopped at inexpensive grocery stores and ate at home more often than she spent money in restaurants. When she did go out, she knew all the good but cheap places and her recreation choices were the same. Free museum days, outdoor art in the summer, and free movies at Backyard at Hudson Yards.

Her upbringing, however, was the same as Remy’s. Private schools, expensive restaurants, summers in Sag Harbor…

“Raven?”

She shook her head. “Sorry,” she said to her friend. “I got lost in thought.”

“I was saying I’m sure you understand how out of place I feel at this wedding. The Back Door is much more my speed.”

Raven stepped closer so she could talk lower and still be heard. “Actually, I grew up like this.” She gestured around the gorgeously decorated room.

“You’re kidding?” Stevie’s eyes opened wide.

Raven shook her head. “My biological mom died when I was five and I went into foster care. I was quickly adopted by a wealthy family and had all… this.” And so much more, she thought with a shiver.

Stevie raised her eyebrows. “But you’re so unaffected.”

Raven laughed. “Much to my mother’s chagrin. She wanted a frilly, girly girl. Instead, she got me.”

Stepping back, Stevie looked her over. “Well, if she saw you in that dress, she’d rethink her assessment, at least on the surface.” She lifted her glass to her red-stained lips and took a sip. “And if Remy’s stares are anything to go by, he also likes what he sees.”

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