Everything Happens For A Reason by Nicole DiCicco

 

 

 

Two love stories for Natalie that burn with passion and heart-stopping twists—a spicy whirlwind with billionaire NYC architect Steve and a steamy slow burn with Italian artist Max.

Everything Happens For a Reason

by Nicole DiCicco

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Two love stories for Natalie that burn with passion and heart-stopping twists—a spicy whirlwind with billionaire NYC architect Steve and a steamy slow burn with Italian artist Max.

Which love story will you like best—Team Max or Team Steve? You decide in this steamy, soul-stirring romance that will leave you breathless.

Natalie Morelli is no stranger to heartbreak, but her impulsive love life is about to change forever. Enter Steve Falconeri, a New York billionaire architect whose intensity sweeps her off her feet. But can he ever love her more than his all-consuming career?

When Natalie crosses paths with the charismatic Italian artist Maximus Ricci in the seductive streets of Italy, she's forced to question whether true love lies with her husband or with a sensual stranger who promises a life of beauty, adventure, and love.

This story is about sacrifice, surrender, and the raw, unexpected lessons life throws our way. Spanning 15 years and crossing between the glittering skyscrapers of New York and the sun-soaked charm of Italy, this saga will ignite your heart and reveal why, sometimes, everything really does happen for a reason.

 

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   “Sorry, we were interrupted just as you were about to come,” Steve whispered in her ear 

    Natalie blushed. “You’ll make it up to me later,” Natalie said peeking at the outside of the one-story light-yellow stone and wood villa with a terracotta roof. 

    “I forgot to tell you, since I’ll be working so much, I hired a live-in local tour guide who has his own room on the side of the villa. He comes highly recommended and will take you to see or do anything you want around Italy.” 

    “Sounds good. Thank you.” 

    Steve grabbed the suitcases and before they reached the double wooden front doors, the side door opened. Out stepped a 6’3” hunk of a man with thick wavy black hair styled with hair gel, short in the back and a little longer in the front. A few strands fell onto his forehead above his deep green almond-shaped eyes, Roman nose, pillowy lips, and neatly trimmed beard covering a perfectly chiseled jawline. 

    “Oh my,” Natalie gasped loud enough for Steve to hear as she scanned the stranger’s broad shoulders and narrow waist wondering what he looked like underneath the clothes. 

    “Relax tiger. You’re all mine, only mine,” Steve reminded her sternly. 

   “I know, husband.” She turned briefly glancing at Steve. 

    Natalie examined the ruggedly handsome stranger from head to toe in faded blue jeans and a tight, white t-shirt. The perfect specimen winked at Natalie and smiled baring perfect white teeth against his olive skin. He turned his head to Steve but kept his eyes fixed on Natalie. 

    “Buongiorno, I am Maximus. You can call me Max. Welcome,” he said with a thick Italian accent. He regarded Natalie steadily with his green eyes and she found she couldn’t look away. 

    Max put out his hand and Steve shook it. “Hi Max, I’m Steve and this is my wife, Natalie.” 

    Max kissed Natalie’s hand and lingered there while keeping his eyes locked on hers. She pulled her hand away anxiously. “Hi Maximus,” she said her voice shaking as she felt her cheeks grow warm. 

    “You can call me Max,” he said carefully scanning her face. 

    Steve cleared his throat to get the handsome guide’s attention. “Max, as I explained to the agency, I will be working six days a week so you will be showing my wife around. Take her anywhere she wants to go, spare no expense. I want her to be happy while I’m busy working.” 

    Max didn’t stop staring at Natalie. “Wherever you want to go, you let me know. If you need ideas, I can help. Is this your first time in Italy?” 

    “We were here for our honeymoon about two years ago but only for a few days and we saw the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Coliseum, and the Pantheon.” 

    “Okay, good to know. I will plan other sites to see.” 

    “Thank you.” 

    “My pleasure,” he smiled at Natalie. “What is your cat’s name?” he asked pointing at the carrier in Natalie’s hand. 

    “This is Peanut,” she said holding up the carrier to eye level. 

    Max finally glanced over at Steve. “Do you want some time to settle in and then we can go over some of the itineraries I have, and we can customize them?” 

    “That would be great. You can do that with Natalie. My associate will be arriving soon.” 

    Natalie turned to Steve with surprise. “Oh, they are coming already? I thought we would have a little time, at least today before you dove into work.” 

    “Sorry, baby. I need to learn things before I can just dive into the project.” 

    “I get it,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment. 

    “Signora, I can meet you on the back patio, and we can make our plans for the next few days and weeks. How does that sound? Maybe we can do some quick sightseeing today if you’re up to it.” 

    “Perfect. Thank you, Max,” she said inadvertently batting her eyelashes. 

    Steve and Natalie entered the villa. There was no foyer, the front door opened directly into the cozy living room with a beige sectional couch, stone walls, and a brick fireplace. Paintings of landscapes hung along the walls. The living room opened into the farmhouse-style kitchen with a back wall with sliding glass doors leading to a garden patio with an in-ground pool. 

    “Steve, this is lovely.” 

    “I’m glad you like it. I hope you understand that I need to start work so soon. I’m sorry.” 

    “I do understand. This is our new life for a while. You can finish what you started in the taxi later tonight before bed.” 

    “Mmmm, deal, baby.” He kissed her and quickly squeezed her ass. 

Weaving irresistible tales of love, lust, life’s unpredictable twists—and the occasional mind-bending psychological turn—Nicole DiCicco crafts stories where complex hearts meet sizzling passion.

 Nicole’s books span the worlds of romance, romantic suspense, and psychological dramas, with settings as captivating as her characters. Whether it’s New York City's vibrant streets or Italy's enchanting landscapes, her stories transport readers to places where love, secrets, and drama unfold in unforgettable ways.

 Known for her quirky blend of heartfelt dialogue, emotional depth, and gripping twists, Nicole dives deep into the tangled web of human relationships—whether it’s love, desire, or the secrets we hide even from ourselves.

 Her characters? Complex. Her scenes? Spicy. Her style? Boldly unpredictable! From sizzling erotic moments to the exploration of love's more delicate nuances, Nicole isn’t afraid to mix it all up, making her a true standout in romance.

 Hailing from Brooklyn, Nicole is a die-hard Mets fan (yes, her cat Shea is named after the stadium). When she’s not spinning tales of love and suspense or watching General Hospital (since she’s five), you’ll find her chasing the next great plot twist—or the nearest slice of pizza.

 Want to keep up with Nicole's latest? Head over to her website for updates on new books, behind-the-scenes peeks, and maybe even some spoilers (you’ve been warned)!

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Horses Heal Hearts Series by Kimberly Beckett

 

 

Follow Jessica Warren, her family, and friends as they find true love in the competitive world of equestrian sports.

Dressage Dreaming

Horses Heal Hearts Book 1

by Kimberly Beckett

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Michael Stafford was on top of the world. A proud member of the British Olympic dressage team and Olympic gold medalist, his life was perfect. Then, he lost his mount, his fiancée left him for another man, and now, his brother has been arrested for manslaughter.

He believes his luck has turned when he learns that a beautiful and talented stallion is available in Germany, just in time to compete in the next World Cup competition. The horse’s name is Tempest.

Jessica Warren is an up-and-coming American dressage prodigy with a brilliant future. Orphaned at the age of 21, when her parents were tragically killed in a car accident, and the legal guardian of her younger sister, Jessica has lost her competition mount to injury and needs a new horse if she wants to compete in next year’s World Cup.

She learns of a spectacular horse available in Germany named Tempest, but when Jessica arrives in Germany with her trainer, she discovers she will have to compete with the extremely handsome and talented Michael Stafford for the right to ride Tempest.

Jessica has nothing but respect for Michael, but sparks fly when they’re thrown together in a competition that both must win.

Who will win Tempest? Will Michael be able to trust another woman with his heart? Will Jessica allow herself to be loved, or will her personal demons keep them apart?

 

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Racing Toward Love

Horses Heal Hearts Book 2

Ian Stafford is a former British Special Forces soldier and Afghanistan war veteran who still has nightmares after watching his best friend cut down by a sniper in a remote village in Afghanistan. When he sees a woman in a local pub being harassed and threatened, he intervenes. During the ensuing brawl, the woman escapes, but Ian accidentally stabs one of his attackers, who later dies. Ian is charged with manslaughter, and the woman who can exonerate him has disappeared.

Megan Brady and her father Daniel never imagined that the thoroughbred colt they raised from birth would grow up to be a contender for the British Triple Crown. Seabiscuit II is the last horse you might imagine as a champion if judged by looks alone. Like his namesake, Seabiscuit II is not much to look at, but has a heart as big as all outdoors, and refuses to be beaten.

Unfortunately, the Irish mob has also taken notice, and has approached Megan’s brother Stephen with an offer of a bribe to purposely lose the most important race of his career. Stephen refused, and Megan has taken it upon herself to thwart the mob, but their brutal tactics nearly see her raped until Ian steps in to save her. Megan knows she must come out of hiding to exonerate Ian. But she also knows that if she does, the mob will be there, too.

 

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Lionel’s Leap of Faith

Horses Heal Hearts Book 3

He doesn't know the mob has him in its cross hairs.

Lionel Hayes is shocked to discover a world-class jumper among the abused horses he rehabilitates. Unfortunately, the only man with the talent to ride that horse is not only the man of Lionel's dreams - he has also been recruited by the mob to frame him.

One fateful decision in a moment of weakness destroyed Lionel Hayes' life as he knew it and led to the death of his longtime partner and lover. At first, he blamed his friend Michael Stafford for his misfortune and sought revenge, but through his work rehabilitating abused horse, and the trust of one special horse, he realized that he had to take responsibility for his actions, and that he and he alone should take the blame. From that day forward, Lionel vowed to restore his image and resume the career that he loved. In the process, he found the horse of a lifetime, Gideon's Rainbow.

Monty Campbell was a rising star on the international show jumping circuit until he lost his horse to injury. Desperate for a replacement mount, and with the support of the British Equestrian Team, he learned of Gideon's Rainbow and knew this horse was for him. To his surprise, the horse's owner was also a perfect match for him, although the man stubbornly refused to acknowledge it. How could Monty convince Lionel they were meant for each other and would the sinister force that sought to destroy Lionel destroy Monty as well?

 

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Her Forever Love

Horses Heal Hearts Book 4

 

She thought she’d never see him again.

High school sweethearts Liz Randall and Jason Merrick were deeply in love, but when Liz rejected his marriage proposal to fulfill her dream of riding international level dressage, Jason joined the army and broke off all contact. Fifteen years later, they’re both back home, and Liz must find a way to tell Jason they have a daughter.

Liz Randall is coming home a champion.

Fifteen years after leaving Columbus to follow her dream of riding dressage for the United States Equestrian Team, Liz has returned with a gold medal, a determination to raise her teenage daughter, and a dream to expand her therapeutic riding practice.

Falling in love again isn’t in her plan, especially not with Jason Merrick, her first love, the boy whose heart she broke all those years ago. The man with whom she shares more than just a history.

Jason Merrick came home a hero.

An army ranger seriously wounded in the same attack that killed his best friend, Jason sought the familiar comfort of his hometown to recover. Now he’s ready to build something rather than destroy. What he wasn’t ready for was seeing Liz Randall - the girl who broke his heart 15 years ago. His growing construction company needs the money remodeling Liz’s stables will bring. That’s the only reason to take the job…or so he tells himself.

The moment they see each other again, feelings that never died come rushing back. Jason knows he’ll doing anything to have her. But as much as Liz wants to be his, she has a secret. A secret that, once revealed, could make him walk away from her forever.

 

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Winning Hailey’s Heart

Horses Heal Hearts Book 5

After losing both legs below the knee in a drunk driving accident, Hailey Warren dreamed of helping others similarly disabled by becoming a physical therapist. When the university she decided to attend denies her that opportunity based solely on her disability, she is left devastated and rudderless.

Now, the handsome and irresistible Marcus Harrington, eighth Earl of Storrington, has offered to use his education, connections, and position to help her fight for her dream, but will her love for him survive after she discovers his devastating secret?

 

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Ever since she can remember, Kimberly Beckett has loved horses. She wore out 4 rocking horses before she was 5 years old, and as she got older, she read every horse story in print, from Black Beauty to The Black Stallion. Her parents couldn’t afford to buy her a horse of her own, and believed it was just a phase she would soon outgrow, but as soon as she had her first attorney job nearly 30 years ago, Kimberly bought her first horse, and she hasn’t been without at least one ever since. She has been riding dressage for several years and has earned her United States Dressage Federation Bronze Medal. When she wasn’t reading about horses, she was reading romance novels, and her favorites always involve an alpha male Hero riding a magnificent horse. Kimberly has now found a way to combine her love of horses with her love of romance by writing her own version of equine-facilitated happily ever afters. She truly believes that Horses Heal Hearts. She lives in southwest Ohio with her warmblood horse. She hopes you enjoy her stories, and encourages you to leave positive reviews for her work. She also loves to hear from her readers.

 

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Once Again Mine by Maia Ambrose

 

 

 If she gives me one more chance, I’ll risk it all for that forever kind of love.

A BWWM Firefighter Romance  

Once Again Mine

by Maia Ambrose

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Ex-flame alert! My high school sweetheart’s back home unannounced.

She’s got me hooked with those mesmerizing eyes and curves that won't stop.

Stranded in a snowstorm?

Not complaining when her velvety brown sugar skin warms things up.

I crave the love we had -

But she's got real grown woman problems,

And a controlling streak that drives me wild—especially in the bedroom.

Our fiery encounters are louder than my fire truck's horn.

Sure, she's used to the public eye, but all I want is her attention.

If she gives me one more chance, I'll risk it all for that forever kind of love.

Even if it means leaving everything behind.

Just hoping I survive long enough to make it happen.

***

Once Again Mine is a standalone interracial romance. You can expect a second chance stuck together HEA romance between Jake and Savannah. Steamy scenes and explicit language are included and intended for mature audiences only.

**Only .99 cents!!**

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“Next up on our segment of StarShocked…you know her, you all love her. Our special guest today and 

your favorite media personality, Savannah Davis!” 

I inhale deeply and exhale with just as much force. My publicist Juan said this was the best way to curb 

the rumors. In his words ‘You have to show the public that wonderful news anchor they fell in love with 

initially.’ 

I would rather show them what my middle finger looks like, but then I might as well kiss my job 

goodbye. 

“That’s your cue Miss Savannah,” one of the production crew urges me forward. Bracing myself, I step 

onto the stage, raising my hand in a fake princess wave to cover my eyes from the glaring light; my 

practiced smile turns on as I walk towards Brittani. 

Brittani Hayward is the host of the BeTalks and whom I’ve known for eight years. We were co-hosts on 

the Morning Tea, but the show got canceled, and Brittani was let go while I became the main anchor on 

KBLE - a multinational news channel and the leading media platform in New York. Brittani has held a 

grudge against me ever since then. 

Fortunately, we have never had to cross paths, and I made sure to stay out of her radar. But one vicious 

rumor later and Juan’s anxious ass sends me straight into her net to ‘get right with the streets.’ He feels 

her show is the best way to stop people from talking since she has the right influence and audience to 

shift the public’s opinion. It’s supposed to be an easy win, but I’m pretty sure Brittani has other plans. 

This thorn of a rumor is about me having an affair with my boss Liam Walsh, the CEO of KBLE Media. It 

started a week ago and has gotten worse. The media buzz alleges that I had an affair with him when he 

was still married to his recently divorced wife and now people are questioning if my position as news 

anchor was earned or gifted. 

It’s all bull, but when it comes to my line of work, the public’s opinion matters. BeTalks is a chance for 

me to break my silence and lay the rumor to rest once and for all, yet I wish it was on a more unbiased 

pathway. 

She welcomes me with a large grin full of pearly whites and glossy lips, a smile that has all the signs of 

viciousness and malintent. The first image that comes to mind is the Cheshire Cat. I involuntarily gulp. 

“Brittani, I’m so happy to be here,” my false smile grows wider. We hug before she leads me to the seats 

and takes the couch opposite me as I take mine. 

“Of course,” she says before turning to the audience, “You guys may know this, but Savannah and I go 

way back,” she tells them before turning to me, “Isn’t that right Savannah?” 

“Oh yeah, our glorious Morning Tea days,” I reply to her even though that is not what we should discuss. 

Brittani laughs a little too loudly, “Ah the memories, you were so ambitious and driven then it was 

almost scary. Look at us now, both successful anchors of our talk shows.” 

“I’m a news anchor on KBLE news, not a talk show,” I tell her and watch with satisfaction the slight slip 

in her smile. 

“Right. So, girlfriend,” she leans in, and I instinctively lean back, “How has it been?” 

“Should we really be catching up on live television?” I ask her, my smile still in place and she laughs 

loudly again. What the hell is this?! 

“You are right, you are right. We will catch up later over a bottle of chilled Chardonnay, like the ol’ 

days,” the audience laughs along with her, “Well then, let’s just cut to the chase. StarShocked rules are 

simple, the audience gets to ask you questions, any question no matter how shocking and you have to 

answer them no matter what within eleven seconds. No holds barred. Are you ready?” 

Hell no. 

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I respond. 

She claps, and the audience follows suit, “Let’s get started…” 

The first few questions are basic like what my skincare routine is like, my preferred diet, and which 

female celebrity I would agree to a one-night stand with. 

“Okay so my question is about the current buzz about you,” the man holds the microphone and stares 

straight at me. The entire room seems to hold their breath suddenly as he nails the elephant in the 

room, “Are the rumors true? Did you have an affair with Liam Walsh?” 

I feel Brittani’s spiteful eyes on me, and I sit up straight. This is what I planned for, I rehearsed for this. 

It’s going to be a walk in the park. Hold your head up, you got this Savannah. 

Maia Ambrose is an African American Steamy Romance author from the Midwest who believes in the power of love and everything it has to offer. Her stories illustrate the dynamic of contemporary interracial relationships between strong, resilient black women and heart-throbbing, irresistible white men. Maia believes there's truly someone for everyone and aims to inspire more love energy in the world with her work.

Maia is a notorious night owl, who frequently burns the midnight oil, coming up with creative romantic ideas. When she's not writing her BWWM stories, she's spending time with the people she loves most and practicing self-care.

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