Big & Beautiful Series by Mary E. Thompson

Mandy likes her life. She's happy. She has great friends, a good job, a happy life. She has it all, even if it comes with a few extra pounds. But Mandy doesn't mind. She knows who she is and she likes cupcakes too much to worry about the weight. But a stroke of luck, and a phone call to her customer service job, brings Xander Carlson into her life. He's everything she's not. Attractive, built, and sexy as all hell. And for some reason he wants to meet Mandy. In person. In real life... moreMandy likes her life. She's happy. She has great friends, a good job, a happy life. She has it all, even if it comes with a few extra pounds. But Mandy doesn't mind. She knows who she is and she likes cupcakes too much to worry about the weight. But a stroke of luck, and a phone call to her customer service job, brings Xander Carlson into her life. He's everything she's not. Attractive, built, and sexy as all hell. And for some reason he wants to meet Mandy. In person. In real life. Mandy isn't sure what to make of Xander's insistence that he wants her, but she drops her guard and lets him in. Juggling her new relationship, a possible promotion, and the coworker from hell, Mandy knows it can't all end up happily ever after. Especially if Xander ends up being the man she feared he was - someone who judges her by her weight. ***Mature Audiences Only! This book contains mature language and explicit descriptions of sexual encounters including foreplay, oral sex, and intercourse.*** less

Claire doesn't trust men. Ever since her high school boyfriend forced himself on her, she's struggled to let a man close. To make sure no man would ever put her in that position again she gained weight. She was happier not living in fear. A relationship is out of the question, and sex? Well, she'd gotten used to not having any. She was pretty sure she didn't need it to survive, although it had been so long so wasn't really sure. Somehow, though, Aidan snuck through her defenses... moreClaire doesn't trust men. Ever since her high school boyfriend forced himself on her, she's struggled to let a man close. To make sure no man would ever put her in that position again she gained weight. She was happier not living in fear. A relationship is out of the question, and sex? Well, she'd gotten used to not having any. She was pretty sure she didn't need it to survive, although it had been so long so wasn't really sure. Somehow, though, Aidan snuck through her defenses. He became her friend first, getting to know her and earning her trust. Then he started asking her out. She said no, of course, but she wanted to say yes. But, really, a guy that looked like Aidan wasn't really serious about going out with her. They were friends. He liked her, yes, but asking her out was simply a confidence booster. She knew he didn't mean anything by it. Until Aidan makes it clear he's not joking. He's not just saying he wants to go out with her. He's really, honestly interested. The only thing to figure out is if Claire's gotten to know him well enough that she'll trust him. And if Aidan is the man she hopes he is, or the man she fears in the darkness. less

Love isn't in the realm of possibility for Lexi Mack. After her parents manipulated her love to get their way before and after their divorce, she knew love wasn't something she ever wanted. It would just leave her hurt, and she'd had enough pain to last a lifetime. Sex was another story though. Lexi could handle that. She needed it, and Mike Peterman was the perfect man to help her get that release. Until Mike wants to change things... moreLove isn't in the realm of possibility for Lexi Mack. After her parents manipulated her love to get their way before and after their divorce, she knew love wasn't something she ever wanted. It would just leave her hurt, and she'd had enough pain to last a lifetime. Sex was another story though. Lexi could handle that. She needed it, and Mike Peterman was the perfect man to help her get that release. Until Mike wants to change things. When he becomes her boss, she's ready to end their friends-with-benefits relationship, but he wants to take things to a completely different level. Can Lexi get over her opposition to love, and dating the boss, and let Mike in? Or is she destined to be alone forever? less

Addison James is the woman who is always there for everyone. Constantly offering a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or two hands to hold back your hair when you vomit, Addi is always there. She’s the one person you never have to question if she’ll be around, because she always is. But what happens when the one person everyone else turns to needs someone to lean on? When Addi’s world is flipped, spun, and kicked off its axis? Addison James becomes someone else, that’s what... moreAddison James is the woman who is always there for everyone. Constantly offering a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or two hands to hold back your hair when you vomit, Addi is always there. She’s the one person you never have to question if she’ll be around, because she always is. But what happens when the one person everyone else turns to needs someone to lean on? When Addi’s world is flipped, spun, and kicked off its axis? Addison James becomes someone else, that’s what. Addi gets her good deeds and predictable personality thrown in her face after yet another rescue, and she’s sick of it. Deciding to take a play out of her irresponsible sister’s playbook, Addi puts herself first for once. And for the first time, she wonders if casual sex is really the way to go. Joey is just a ski bum with no future. He plays for a living. And he gets Addi’s motor running in a way it’s never been before. Who better to jump start her conversion to wild and free Addi than the ski instructor who melts the snow as fast as the resort can make it? When disaster strikes, and Addi is called into question, who will come out on top… dependable, responsible Addi or wild and carefree Addi? less

After her ex insults her and breaks up with her, Sam is determined to show him exactly what he missed out on. Sam's hurt, but Sam's no push over. She's equally mad, too. And determined to make him eat his words. Questioning if any man will ever look at her like she's beautiful, Sam joins a local gym. She's led around by Brady, the gym's owner, and is more than a little intimidated by him. His intensity scares her, but something about him intrigues her more than she cares to admit... moreAfter her ex insults her and breaks up with her, Sam is determined to show him exactly what he missed out on. Sam's hurt, but Sam's no push over. She's equally mad, too. And determined to make him eat his words. Questioning if any man will ever look at her like she's beautiful, Sam joins a local gym. She's led around by Brady, the gym's owner, and is more than a little intimidated by him. His intensity scares her, but something about him intrigues her more than she cares to admit. When Brady defends Sam and tells her she's beautiful, she struggles to accept his words. As Sam works to figure out who she is, and what she really wants to do with her career and life, Brady's strong and silent presence builds her confidence. Until Brady dismisses her, making her think he's just as bad as her ex. And that she'll never find someone who truly cares for her. less

Riley is a quiet woman. She likes to read, hides behind her books. She doesn't date much and thinks no one would be interested in the quiet, plump girl with her nose in a book. Connor was the high school hottie. Riley knew of him, but never knew him. So when he approaches her at a wedding she's baffled that he knows she exists let alone knows her name... moreRiley is a quiet woman. She likes to read, hides behind her books. She doesn't date much and thinks no one would be interested in the quiet, plump girl with her nose in a book. Connor was the high school hottie. Riley knew of him, but never knew him. So when he approaches her at a wedding she's baffled that he knows she exists let alone knows her name. When everything Riley's ever wanted seems almost within her reach she starts to wonder if it's possible, or if it was just a dream all along. less

Carrie Taylor only wants one thing in life - to be a mom. She knew from an early age that being a parent, especially a stay at home mom, was her #1 goal. But at 27 she feels like she's missing the boat for love, and for babies. If she can't have a baby, Carrie at least wants to enjoy her career, but she hates her job. When a new one presents itself Carrie can't say no. Even if the job is working for the man who makes her insides flip, burn, and ache for more... moreCarrie Taylor only wants one thing in life - to be a mom. She knew from an early age that being a parent, especially a stay at home mom, was her #1 goal. But at 27 she feels like she's missing the boat for love, and for babies. If she can't have a baby, Carrie at least wants to enjoy her career, but she hates her job. When a new one presents itself Carrie can't say no. Even if the job is working for the man who makes her insides flip, burn, and ache for more. Drew Montgomery never expected the woman with the endless legs that he saw across the room at his launch party was his new receptionist. He'd hired her sight unseen at the request of his partner, Xander, and Xander's wife, Mandy. Both insisted Carrie was perfect for the job, but Drew thought she was perfect for helping him get over his ex. As Carrie and Drew struggle to find a balance between their attraction to each other and their working relationship, Carrie questions if sleeping with her boss, and hiding it from her friends, is really a good idea. She knows he's only in it for the sex, which she's enjoying, but sex isn't going to help make her dreams come true. Especially if Drew's mom and ex girlfriend have anything to say about it. less

She's as fluffy as her cupcakes. He's as fabulous as her fantasies. Charlie Black wanted to open a bakery for as long as she could remember. After two and a half years, her business is growing and she's almost ready to expand. Until she gets an eviction notice and not only has to find a new place to work, but a new place to live. On top of seeing her dreams sift through her fingers, a competitor moves in across the street... moreShe's as fluffy as her cupcakes. He's as fabulous as her fantasies. Charlie Black wanted to open a bakery for as long as she could remember. After two and a half years, her business is growing and she's almost ready to expand. Until she gets an eviction notice and not only has to find a new place to work, but a new place to live. On top of seeing her dreams sift through her fingers, a competitor moves in across the street. Charlie isn't prepared to stand back and watch everything she worked so hard for slip away. Even when she discovers the man who seemed like he could be the missing ingredient in her life is hiding a secret she isn't sure she can handle. Charlie needs to decide if she can embrace the change being thrust upon her and ask for help from the most unlikely source, or if her pride is worth sacrificing her dreams. less

Abby is moving on with her life. After she caught her husband cheating, live and in person, she divorces him and starts living for herself instead of doing everything for him. Abby opens her own bakery, changes her look, and moves out on her own for the first time ever. The only thing she isn't ready to do is date. Graham helped Abby get her bakery up and running. As a carpenter he loved the challenge of turning the blank space into a bakery... moreAbby is moving on with her life. After she caught her husband cheating, live and in person, she divorces him and starts living for herself instead of doing everything for him. Abby opens her own bakery, changes her look, and moves out on her own for the first time ever. The only thing she isn't ready to do is date. Graham helped Abby get her bakery up and running. As a carpenter he loved the challenge of turning the blank space into a bakery. Even more than that, he loved getting to know the beautiful new tenant. When Abby's ex learns she's moving on with her life and doesn't need him, he wants to remind her of everything she gave up when she left him. Everything Abby was happy to leave behind. Now Abby is stuck between the man who made her feel needed, but never wanted, and a man who makes her feel wanted, but she doesn't need him. Abby needs to figure out what she wants - the man from her past, the one who promises her a future, or the present she's fallen in love with, alone. less

Tara thought her life was perfect. Right up until everything fell apart. With no job, no boyfriend, and no future, she returned home to Winterville to help her mom run her floral shop. She felt like she was back in high school, working for her mom and living at home. When nude pictures of Tara show up online, her life is scrutinized even more than it ever was in Hollywood. She can’t leave the house without someone asking her questions or thinking she’ll be willing to model for them. As if... moreTara thought her life was perfect. Right up until everything fell apart. With no job, no boyfriend, and no future, she returned home to Winterville to help her mom run her floral shop. She felt like she was back in high school, working for her mom and living at home. When nude pictures of Tara show up online, her life is scrutinized even more than it ever was in Hollywood. She can’t leave the house without someone asking her questions or thinking she’ll be willing to model for them. As if. When Tara meets Noah she thinks he’s playing her. He doesn’t seem to know anything about the pictures. As they get closer, doubts creep in, but Noah holds strong as her rock. Until he learns the truth. less

He only has to resist one Curvaceous woman. Too bad she’s the only one he finds Captivating. Single mom, Olivia Humphrey is always overwhelmed. The laundry reaches the ceiling some days, dishes fill the sink, and the trash always makes her gag. But she doesn’t have time to worry about any of that. She has a job to do, two of them, and as the mayor’s assistant and a mother, she has to suck it up and get the job done. Even if it means dealing with Winterville’s newest irritating man... moreHe only has to resist one Curvaceous woman. Too bad she’s the only one he finds Captivating. Single mom, Olivia Humphrey is always overwhelmed. The laundry reaches the ceiling some days, dishes fill the sink, and the trash always makes her gag. But she doesn’t have time to worry about any of that. She has a job to do, two of them, and as the mayor’s assistant and a mother, she has to suck it up and get the job done. Even if it means dealing with Winterville’s newest irritating man. Ethan Norwood has bad news written all over him. From the dangerous glint in his eyes to the tattoos that cover his body to the power he holds as the biggest sponsor for Winterville’s Easter Egg Hunt. Olivia knows she absolutely has to stay away from him, not only because he warned her to but because she doesn’t need a man like him in her life. Too bad she doesn’t seem to be able to say no to him. When Ethan and Olivia are forced to work together, it’s a battle of strength to find out who can resist longer. Or if either of them will. less

Stocky and sumptuous don’t mix… except in his eyes. Vicki Prescott knows exactly what she doesn’t want. A man. Especially one who works too many hours. She’s had one too many relationships end because she wasn’t more important than a job. She was done. Of course, being her friend’s maid of honor means she’s constantly faced with everything she doesn’t have. No, doesn’t want. If it weren’t for that pesky desire to be a mom, she was certain she wouldn’t need men at all... moreStocky and sumptuous don’t mix… except in his eyes. Vicki Prescott knows exactly what she doesn’t want. A man. Especially one who works too many hours. She’s had one too many relationships end because she wasn’t more important than a job. She was done. Of course, being her friend’s maid of honor means she’s constantly faced with everything she doesn’t have. No, doesn’t want. If it weren’t for that pesky desire to be a mom, she was certain she wouldn’t need men at all. Hunter Campbell does not take no for an answer. He is in full hustle mode and doesn’t have time for a no. He’s so close to his dreams he can practically taste it. All the late nights, screwed up relationships, and begging for friends to take him in was finally going to be worth it. As long as he kept his eye on the prize. And not on the sexy red head with an hourglass figure and green eyes that see right through him. Vicki doesn’t want Hunter. Sure, he’s gorgeous, but he has workaholic written all over his three piece suit and perfect features. He’s good for some private fun, solo, but he’ll never be given access to all of her. No matter how much her fantasies wish he’d show up and mess up more than just her desk. less

His determination is as ample as the snow. Her beauty is as alluring as Christmas.  Peyton Prescott has always turned to her work. It's her happy place, where she's most comfortable and knows exactly what to do. She helps couples get pregnant, and she's damn good at it.  But it's not everything.  Mayor Wyatt Ramsey is a friend. A friend of a friend really... moreHis determination is as ample as the snow. Her beauty is as alluring as Christmas.  Peyton Prescott has always turned to her work. It's her happy place, where she's most comfortable and knows exactly what to do. She helps couples get pregnant, and she's damn good at it.  But it's not everything.  Mayor Wyatt Ramsey is a friend. A friend of a friend really. But when he finds out Peyton has always hated Christmas, he decides it's his job to make her see the beauty of the season that only brings loneliness for Peyton.  As the two of them get to know each other, neither can deny their attraction. What starts as an innocent friendship quickly becomes something Peyton doesn't want to walk away from. But what happens if she becomes exactly what she never wanted to be? less