Books in series
#1
Traded
Brody and Kara
2018
She’s in hiding. He’s focused on football. When giving in to desire is risky, will they choose to play for love?
Nurse Kara Boggs lost everything because she stood up for what’s right. After turning state’s evidence against her mobster father, she’s forced to go underground with an assumed name. But taking a job for a handsome celebrity quarterback could shine a very dangerous public spotlight.
After leading his team to a Super Bowl win, Brody Mullen should be on top of the world. But he’s shocked when his quiet seaside homecoming reveals his mother in a cast, and her housekeeper dying from a brain tumor. Frantic to get the best care for the women he adores, he hires a gorgeous nurse… despite her strange request to stay publicly invisible.
As Kara’s attraction to the charming jock grows, she becomes trapped by her own high-stakes secrets and the constant threat of exposure. And Brody’s famously strict “no women” rule means falling hard for the beautiful woman could ruin his career.
Will they be sidelined by their own rules, or will they complete a pass to passion?
Traded: Brody and Kara is the touching first book in the Cliffside Bay small-town romance series. If you like courageous heroines, steadfast heroes, and heartfelt stories of friendship and family, you’ll adore Tess Thompson’s emotional saga.
Buy Traded: Brody and Kara to win love’s game today!
#2
Deleted
Jackson and Maggie
2018
His heart broke when she died. Her life was robbed by loss. Betrayed by a mountain of lies, can two lost souls rebuild their stolen romance?
Jackson Waller thought fulfilling his dream would set him free. Despite his excitement to be taking over his father’s practice, the thoughtful young doctor never moved on from the demise of his high school sweetheart. So he’s shocked when he visits her grave a decade later, only to find his first love has returned to town very much alive.
Maggie Keene will never forgive her dad. Unable to prove the despicable man killed her mom, she fled her hometown at age eighteen to pursue singing and dancing in New York. But when she returns to the quiet seaside town and challenges the ailing brute on his deathbed, she’s furious when he confesses that he faked her death.
Thrown into a spin by the hope of another shot with his soul mate, Jackson realizes he can’t settle for any other woman… which confronts him with a painful decision. And finally ready to put the tragic past behind her and rush into her true love’s arms, Maggie is unnerved to discover her father still holds one more appalling secret…
Can the wounded couple restore justice and mend their shattered lives back together?
Deleted: Jackson and Maggie is the second standalone book in the sweet Cliffside Bay romance series. If you like stories of starting over, small-town settings, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll adore Tess Thompson's scandal-filled tale.
#3
Jaded
Zane and Honor
2018
Try as they might, some people can never be “just friends”, as you’ll discover in this standalone, swoon-worthy, small-town romance from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
Nothing has ever come easy for Zane Shaw, which is exactly why he keeps his guard up at all times. Though he wasn’t raised to cower in the corner and hide from adversity, he’s had more than his fair share of troubles and he’s done being vulnerable to pain.
Honor Sullivan’s living her life much the same way her old friend Zane is, though for very different reasons. It’s not that she’s tired of getting hurt so much as she’s got too much to lose. Plus, she’s terrified that all she can do is hurt anyone else.
Is it possible that after surviving so much disappointment and pain, Zane’s broken heart is perfect for Honor’s broken soul? When these two finally decide to unpack their baggage together, they just might recognize their imperfectly perfect forever underneath the protective shell that the other wears.
USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson invites you into the world of Cliffside Bay to meet a group of five best friends, the women they love, and the stories that bring each couple together. Each book in the Cliffside Bay Series is intended to be read and enjoyed as a sweet standalone, but for maximum enjoyment read this binge-worthy series in order.
#4
Marred
Kyle and Violet
2018
A playboy with a painful past finds help he never expected to need, in the most unlikely of places, in this standalone, opposites-attract romance from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
Real estate developer Kyle Hicks only has time for three things: his latest project, his very best friends, and his next no-strings-attached tryst. Struggling single mother Violet Ellis is just as busy. Between her son, her failing business, and her historical preservation work, there’s never any time to catch her breath.
While Kyle’s bringing progress to Cliffside Bay, Violet’s fighting to protect the small town’s increasingly rare charm. But for once they’ll find themselves on the very same team when a brand new project that neither of them anticipated arrives.
As this unlikely pair quickly learns, working together will require trust and respect. And there just might be something else simmering under the surface of their once-acrimonious relationship—something special that both of these former rivals are willing to fight for.
USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson invites you into the world of Cliffside Bay to meet a group of five best friends, the women they love, and the stories that bring each couple together. Each book in the Cliffside Bay series is intended to be read and enjoyed as a sweet standalone, but for maximum enjoyment read this binge-worthy series in order.
#5
Tainted
Lance and Mary
2018
In love, there are no mistakes, only detours. Find out for yourself in this standalone, swoon-worthy, small town romance from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
Businessman Lance Mullen is no stranger to mistakes, but he’s determined to get things right this time. Coming home to Cliffside Bay proves to be the first in a series of great decisions, and in no time at all Lance has his life back on track.
After losing her mother, child, and marriage, Mary Hansen is determined to keep her heart safe from any further pain. By convincing herself that her job and her books are enough, she’s sure to never be vulnerable to love or loss again.
When New Year’s Eve brings these two unlucky souls together over a bottle of tequila, their celebratory mood will get the best of both of them. But it won’t take long before one fun night turns into long days of panic when they discover that perhaps they’ve both made the biggest mistake of all. Is it possible that the things we don’t think we want can turn out to be the very things we actually need?
USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson invites you into the world of Cliffside Bay to meet a group of five best friends, the women they love, and the stories that bring each couple together. Each book in the Cliffside Bay Series is intended to be read and enjoyed as a sweet standalone, but for maximum enjoyment read this binge-worthy series in order.
#5, 5
Cliffside Bay Christmas
2019
The presents are wrapped. The stockings are hung. And two precious miracles are preparing to make their debuts.
The most wonderful time of the year becomes even more joyous for Zane and Honor when their surrogate, Sophie, gifts them with an extra special delivery. And Brody and Kara's dreams come true when their son arrives just in time for Christmas.
Return to your favorite small town and visit the whole gang, including Minnie the cat, in this heartwarming holiday novella from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson!
#6
Missed
Rafael and Lisa
2019
Return to the beloved beach town of Cliffside Bay, where USA Today bestseller Tess Thompson spins another emotional, intriguing tale about overcoming adversity and finding strength in love in this standalone story about Lisa and Rafael.
After years of struggling as a starving actor, Lisa Perry's dreams are finally coming true. Splitting her time between Los Angeles and Cliffside Bay, the young beauty has a successful television miniseries, her first movie role, and quality time with her best friends Maggie and Pepper. Everything is coming up roses until a single tragic moment changes Lisa forever.
Haunted by unshakable memories and near-crippling anxiety, Lisa must face a publicity tour full of crowds and interviews in order to move her budding career forward. And with the help of Rafael Soto, the head of security for Brody and Kara Mullen, she finally begins to relax. Though the pair are as different as night and day, something about her temporary bodyguard soothes the young actress, and soon their relationship turns from professional to passionate.
But what neither anticipates is that despite the obvious threats to a beautiful ingenue, it's actually her protector who stands in harm's way. Will Lisa and Rafael be able to face the danger awaiting him together, or are they destined to accept yet another tragedy they can't stop?
USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson welcomes you back to Cliffside Bay to explore the rich, heartwarming stories of the characters who brightened the original five novels in the series. Each book in the Cliffside Bay Series is intended to be read and enjoyed as a sweet standalone, but for maximum enjoyment read this binge-worthy series in order.
#7
Healed
Stone and Pepper
2019
It's Cliffside Bay and beyond in this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romantic adventure from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
Stone Hickman is the last of a dying breed. The former Marine believes in integrity, service to his country, a hard day's work, and taking care of his loved ones. When he meets the clever Pepper Griffin, their obvious attraction has him ready to count the stunning beauty among the people that he cares for. But Pepper doesn't share the instant connection. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. And for honest, straightforward Stone, not knowing why only makes the rejection worse.
Pepper Griffin is the epitome of scrappy. For years she's struggled to make acting her career without any help at all from her famous father. While she's still accepting meager roles with little screen time, her best friend has steadily risen to the height of fame. To make matters worse, that very same friend is happily in love, newly engaged, and wants poor Pepper, whose love life is as sad and pathetic as her last film role, to serve as her maid-of-honor while Pepper's enemy, Stone Hickman, is sure to be the groom's best man.
Though Pepper despises the best man, she loves the bride-to-be more. To keep the peace, Pepper willingly includes Stone in the wedding planning process. When the unlikely pair find themselves stranded in a snowstorm while searching for the perfect venue, they'll have to work together to survive the chill even if that means thawing Pepper's heart.
#7, 3
Christmas Wedding
2019
It's supposed to be the wedding of Lisa's dreams: the picturesque ski town of Emerson Pass, Colorado, her closest family and very best friends, and the love of her life waiting for her at the altar. But when the mother of the groom sets out to rid her son, Rafael, of a family marriage curse before the big day, it seems that all of her best efforts do nothing but keep the curse alive. And when the mother of the bride drops a bombshell on her daughter the night before the ceremony, it seems the wedding Lisa has always wanted may never become a reality.
Join the Wolves and their lovely ladies in snowy Colorado for this sweet, suspenseful installment of USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson's much beloved Cliffside Bay Series. But please note that unlike the other books in the series, Christmas Wedding is not a standalone and is intended to be enjoyed after reading Missed: Rafael & Lisa.
#7, 5
Chateau Wedding
2019
After a decade of searching for 'The One', Pepper Griffin is intent on having the wedding she's always dreamed of. But as the Cliffside Bay crew makes their way to Europe to celebrate Pepper and Stone, fate intervenes and threatens to ruin everything. Crazed fans and a missing wedding dress loom like large clouds over Pepper's most perfect day.
RSVP to the event of the season and join USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson's beloved cast of characters in picturesque France for an extra dose of happily-ever-after. But please note that unlike the other books in this series, Chateau Wedding is a quick read novella, not a standalone, and is intended to be enjoyed after reading Healed: Stone & Pepper.
#8
Scarred
Trey and Autumn
2019
For Autumn Hickman, online dating has been an exercise in nothing more than coffee and failure. There simply isn’t a man on the planet who can compare to her best friend, Trey Wattson. And while Trey is everything Autumn has ever wanted in a partner, she knows the man who loves life’s most beautiful things could never cherish anything as scarred and mangled as her.
Trey Wattson is in love with his best friend, but he can't seem to reach her. She’s guarded, and for good reason, but Trey doesn’t care. He knows Autumn’s soul, and it’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. Desperate to claim Autumn’s heart for his own, Trey conspires with The Wolves to create a fake profile on the dating site Autumn frequents. But the more Autumn trusts Trey’s online persona, the more it becomes clear that Trey is gambling with the very thing he wants most of all.
Return to Tess Thompson’s beloved Cliffside Bay and discover for yourself why true love is built on honesty and trust, and why best friends often make the very best life partners, in this anonymous online romance set in your favorite charming small town.
#9
Jilted
Nico and Sophie
2019
Despite being young and romantically inexperienced, Sophie Woods is an old soul who believes in true love, working hard at her bar, and always trusting her instincts. And from the moment she meets Nico, she knows without a doubt that he is her one-and-only. Twelve years her senior, the handsome architect is only sure of two things when it comes to Sophie: she’s far too young for him, and he wants no part in upsetting her protective older brother.
Broke and broken, Nico Bentley moves to Cliffside Bay for a fresh start at both work and play. But in a cruel twist of fate, it’s the one woman he can’t have whose captivating smile makes him forget all about his past. Yet when tragedy turns the vivacious Sophie into a shell of her former self, it will be Nico, and only Nico, who steps up to bring the joy back into her life. And in the process, the depth of his feelings for her can no longer be ignored.
In this installment of USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson’s beloved Cliffside Bay Series, return to the small town that warms your heart and take a trip halfway across the world to discover hope, healing, and the importance of happiness.
#9, 5
Kissed
2020
Rosa Soto hasn't been kissed in thirty-five years. Yet when the darling woman known as Mama Soto to half of Cliffside Bay meets the handsome Dominic Perry, she's suddenly ready for her dry spell to end. Even if the rich and powerful Dominic could never be serious about a nobody like her, Rosa is more than happy to have his company, and his kiss, for one New Year's Eve.
But when the pair is still kissing in stolen moments almost a year later, Rosa has fallen for the big man with the chocolate eyes despite knowing he will eventually grow tired of her. Can she brace herself for the disappointment, or will a Christmas surprise save her from a broken heart?
#10
Departed
David and Sara
2020
Recently widowed Sara Ness moves to Cliffside Bay to hide from her painful past and the scandal that cost her far too much. With a baby daughter to raise alone, the peaceful privacy of small town life, and the comfort of the local grief support group, are just what the heiress needs. But when her inheritance is jeopardized by her new marital status, Sara is forced to make a deal with the only suitable candidate available. And for the next year she's paying for the pleasure of pretending to be married to the one man in town she simply cannot stand.
In the wake of his wife's death, architect David Perry accepts a job at Wolf Enterprises and promptly moves his children to be near what's left of their family. Though work and the kids are more than enough to fill David's days, his quiet, lonely nights force him to seek the help of the local grief support group. And when the spoiled Sara Ness proposes a partnership that promises to be lucrative for them both, David agrees to her terms and discovers that his fake bride just might hold the key to his future happiness.
The final installment of the wildly popular Cliffside Bay Series weaves a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers meets marriage-of-convenience tale in the style readers have grown to expect from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson, with richly developed characters, a setting to marvel at, and the ultimate life lesson about true love's never-ending ability to bridge the gaps that we frequently allow to divide us.
#11
Checking Holly Twice
2021
Famous actress Holly Turner arrives in Garland Grove with a bang when she crashes her sports car in the middle of the town square. Facing humiliation after getting very publicly dumped by her fiancé for another actress, she's looking for a place to escape. But when all the inns are full, she's forced to stay at the bed and breakfast run by the grumpiest of owners, Forest Sully. The bonus? His adorable niece and nephew.
Forest Sully has no use for spoiled actresses but when Holly needs a place to stay, he's only too happy to rent her a room at his empty bed and breakfast. Raising his parentless niece and nephew, he's desperate to save the family home for their sake. Given how things are going, he'll lose the place to the bank before the snow melts in the spring.
Can a Christmas miracle save them all?
Author
Tess Thompson
Author · 63 books
Tess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings. Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with nearly 40 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings. She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag. Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the rain even though she chose to live in Seattle. She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk. She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter: http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your efforts. Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media. BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh... Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
