Tag Archives: Love at First Flight

When nothing ever seems to happen the way you expect and why Janine Amesta’s characters roll with the punches.

April 15, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

I’ve always been a nature girlie. I like exploring the wilderness, going hiking, and appreciating the natural beauty you can find in the world. So when my husband suggested that we move from the traffic-filled Los Angeles to Oregon, I thought I knew exactly what I was getting into. Lots of forests and foggy days and ocean!

As with my stories, nothing ever seems to happen the way a character expects it. We moved to Central Oregon, which is considered the High Desert, and if you can’t tell from the name, it’s very dry and it has a high altitude. It wasn’t at all like the lush green forests and foggy skies I had been dreaming of.

But just because it wasn’t the stereotypical image of Oregon that most people have, it didn’t mean the area didn’t offer really cool things like caves and giant rocks and lots of sunshine. Sometimes I’ll be out on an early morning walk, and I’ll spot a local hot-air balloon in the sky, sparking my imagination. Exploring Central Oregon has actually been amazing, and it’s why I decided to make it the location of my newest series, Love is in the Air.

The first book, Love at First Flight, is about a woman, Selah, who takes over piloting her family’s hot-air balloon business after the sudden loss of her dad. Despite living in the sunny High Desert, she and her family find themselves in a dark hole, struggling to make things work. Things slowly change when Selah meets Dex, a local state park ranger, who’s looking to take a hot-air balloon ride. Even though they hit it off, things hit a roadblock when it’s revealed Dex is planning on using the balloon ride to propose to his girlfriend, putting him off the market.

But as I stated earlier, things never turn out the way my characters expect. The proposal flight is a disaster, first with it getting rejected and then ending with a fateful burst of wind tipping the basket over upon landing, sending Selah into Dex’s lap. The whole situation is awkward and embarrassing for both parties, but neither one expects to ever see each other again.

Only a few months later, they do bump into each other, and though things start off a little bumpy, they start to develop a friendship with each other. This is pushed further when a social media post about them goes viral. And not only does Selah have trouble letting go of Dex, but she also discovers she’s just as attached not only to the hot-air balloon business started by her father but also to the area it’s connected to.

All these years of flying above the land in a hot-air balloon have etched themselves into her heart. It’s part of her and it’s a part of her family. She learns, as I had, that sometimes you’re surrounded by a beauty that you never expected to find. 

About the Author.

Janine Amesta has loved reading kissing stories most of her life. She currently resides in Oregon with her husband and their pets, Hitchcock and Pippin. She studied screenwriting in college and her banter is influenced by the screwball romantic comedies of the 1930’s. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect line. You can also follow me on Bluesky.

Marching along into our April releases at Tule (plus, a GIVEAWAY!).

April 1, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

GIVEAWAY: Because who doesn’t love FREE books?

We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the April romance releases.

Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the end of the month.

Good luck and happy reading!

What They Don’t Know

by Susan Sands

When the past comes to call…

Following the death of her mother and the breakup with her cheating fiancé, clinical therapist, Bree Hawthorne, has built a new life for herself and her pup, Tiny, in the mountains of Moonshine, Georgia. Her practice is thriving, and occasionally, she consults with law enforcement, calling on her insights into human behavior to profile and catch criminals. She finally feels happy, and then the body of a former patient is discovered.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s agent, Mitch Calloway, is investigating the death of a woman who disappeared two years ago. When he meets Bree, Mitch inadvertently offends the blonde bombshell therapist. Though a skilled investigator, his social skills are beyond rusty, but Bree can forgive much if pie is involved.

Through her experience with cults and unfortunate family ties, Bree is dragged into the investigation, and soon she and the handsome, though seriously awkward GBI officer go undercover as man and wife at a suspicious nature retreat where several women have gone missing. For Bree, it’s a chance for closure on her unconventional past—if she and Mitch can survive the investigation.

Fly By Night

by Kelly Cain

Can an unforgettable one-night stand in London threaten a 100-year-old family legacy in Texas? 

Ambitious airline pilot Margaret Hawthorne grew up shadowed by her family’s legacy, beginning with a couple of Tuskegee Airmen ancestors. She adores flying but feels the weight of being the oldest. She’s poised to succeed her father, though her grandfather stands firm: only male heirs can take the mantel of the company. When her hot English hook-up arrives and befriends her brother, Margaret is suspicious. She doesn’t believe in coincidence.

Posh corporate recruiter Lewis Watson-Grosvenor knows his meteoric rise is related to his English family’s money and connections. Starting out fresh in the states will be a way to prove himself and leave a very public breakup behind. When Lewis discovers the flight-school director he’s been pursuing professionally is the brother of his memorable one-night stand, he knows he must play his cards close to his chest.

As their attraction blooms, so do the secrets and conflicts of interest. Can Margaret and Lewis find a way to trust each other between the ground and thirty-thousand feet?

Love at First Flight

by Janine Amesta

Can the most awkward ‘Meet Cute’ lead to something real?

When Selah Moreno‘s father unexpectedly dies, she abandons her dream job as an airline pilot to helm her family’s struggling hot air balloon business. While piloting is in Selah’s blood, the pressure of being everyone’s rock leaves little room to breathe. It’s no wonder she gets caught up in the daydream of flirting with a handsome potential client…until she finds out he’s booking a proposal flight.

Smith Rock park ranger Dex Westerly wants to take his relationship to the next level, but nothing goes right. His proposal is rejected and a rogue wind tips the basket upon landing, sending the pretty and curvaceous balloon pilot into his lap where she makes an ill-timed joke, increasing his humiliation.

Months later, Dex and Selah bump into each other and bond over business struggles. Dex proposes a marketing partnership to promote her balloon tours while raising funds for the park’s new wildlife rescue program. Sparks fly between them, and when a promotional social media post goes viral, they’re pushed into a pretend whirlwind romance that starts to feel too close to love.

Their Patchwork Family

by Fiona Marsden

What does it take to make a patchwork family?

Leo Farrell has been picking up after his cousin Tinker all his life, even to the point of providing financially for his dead cousin’s secret daughter. When the young girl loses her grandmother and her stable home, Leo knows he has no options but to bring her to Kurrajong Crossing and raise her as his own.

Single mother Tamara’s one night with wayward musician, Tinker, gave her a cherished son, and while the fling was a mistake, and she’s weathered Tinker’s cousin Leo’s silent disapproval for years, she’s grateful to have her child. Then Leo brings home a daughter no one knew existed, sending the gossips into a frenzy.

The children become fast friends, and Tamara and Leo’s long-held dislike of each other quickly turns into fierce attraction. But with secrets set to unravel, how far are they prepared to go to give their children the life they deserve? And will they finally find the kind of love they’ve both been yearning for?

The Dogwood Days of Summer

by Laurie Beach

Should she choose love or freedom?

After years of committing her life to a man she knew wasn’t right for her, Brooke Warter found the backbone to quit that relationship—and now she’s back in Goose Island, South Carolina, sharing a house with her squabbling parents and kooky grandmother.

On the other hand, she has a job working with her best friend at the local winery, and she has space to figure out what comes next. Brooke just needs to keep moving forward and a solid future will automatically follow.

So when old summer camp friends return to her life, she’s not gung-ho on going backward. Especially since she never really let go of her first love—Nathan Daugherty, whom she met when he showed up to camp with his clothes in a grocery bag. After all, childhood fantasies don’t always equal good adult choices, and she needs to stop defining herself based on her relationship status.

But what if a second chance with Nate could offer a whole lot more?

Fans of Susan Sands and Mary Alice Monroe will find themselves charmed with Goose Island!

Bad Boy in Her Bed

by Katja Desjarlais

Bad boy Birch Baker doesn’t run until he meets a woman worth running for.

Tattoo artist Birch Baker has one goal : support his younger brothers so they can escape their hometown and build successful lives without the burden of the notorious Baker reputation. An ex-con from the wrong side of the water tower, he works hard and keeps his head down, looking up just long enough to see his high school crush, Jocelyn Carter, walk through the door of Serpent’s Tongue Ink.

Forensic accountant and former golden girl track star Jocelyn is back in Epson to hunt down the cooked books of shell companies feeding an elusive corporation with potentially criminal connections. A chance run-in with one of Epson’s infamous Baker boys is an alluring distraction—until she discovers one of the businesses she’s investigating belongs to Birch Baker, the man currently warming her bed and stealing her heart.

She won’t risk losing her integrity or career.

He won’t risk losing his family.

But both are losing themselves in each other and sooner or later, something has to break.

Paging Dr. Breakup

by Jillian David

Widow Deirdre Steen has spent the last five years making sure she’s the best chief nursing officer Yukon Valley Hospital has ever seen. It cost her a personal life—and protected her heart. But now her childhood friend, Dr. Calvin Garrett—the one who got away—is temporarily lending his emergency medicine skills to their rural hospital in Alaska’s interior. The community’s relentless matchmaking network loves a challenge, which leaves Deirdre with one viable option: a fake dating pact with Calvin until the spring Breakup Festival and his inevitable departure to his regular job and his life in Seattle.

Calvin moved away years ago rather than watch his best friend marry Deirdre. Now, amazingly, she’s in Calvin’s bed and the center of his world.  Yet a woman like Deirdre deserves forever—as well as a man who didn’t finish as runner-up the first time around.

Can an Alaskan spring thaw help two wounded healers thaw the ice surrounding their hearts and fulfill this second chance at love?

New Year, New Love: Seven Romances to Anticipate in 2025

December 30, 2024 · Posted by Tule Publishing

It’s a good thing romance never goes out of style, no matter what year we find ourselves in! And here at Tule, we pride ourselves on having the very best and brightest romance novels, especially our newest releases you haven’t met yet!

Get ready for the new year, because we have seven intense, charming, and swoon-worthy romances coming to your shelves in 2025.

These books are immediate adds to any TBR and will give you sweet, spice, and everything in between.

One-Night Crush by Mia Heintzelman

RELEASING: February 11, 2025

After a banner year, Marcello Fortemani is eager to prove his value at his family’s Napa vineyard. The youngest of four siblings, he’s used to having his ideas ignored. But when he suspects a collaboration with local competitor Whitaker Vineyard & Winery, Marcello quickly volunteers to take the lead.

Excited for his big shot, he pre-celebrates at the bar where he runs into Holly Whitaker—the babysitter of his preteen dreams. She’s back in Napa, and… doesn’t recognize him?  Marcello isn’t about to remind her, either. Especially, when she brings his fantasies to life with a fiery one-night stand.

But the day before the quarterly meeting, he learns his family’s vineyard isn’t partnering but acquiring hers. Now, she feels deceived, and he’s shocked to find they’re both vying for international exports director. What started as a steamy night escalates into a battle of pranks and tactics as they gear up for a brand test at Vintner’s Weekend in Tuscany.

Despite the competition, their chemistry is undeniable—she lets him take care of her, and he finds belonging. But will they fight to win, or call a truce for love?

Heintzelman’s latest installment in her Fortemani Family series follows the youngest Fortemani sibling as he seeks to establish his own legacy in the family business. Full of family drama, pining tropes, and rivals in competition, One-Night Crush offers the very best of the romance genre. Pre-order HERE for its February 2025 release!

A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach

RELEASING: February 20, 2025

Christmas is a time of miracles–but is it magical enough to change a person’s mind?

Allie Westley’s Christmas will be a bit different this year. She’s taken a big step to move away from Nashville to Goose Island, South Carolina, to pursue her dream of becoming a wine enologist, and she’s not tripping over this chance to make a break from her family, either. She’ll spend December 25 doing her own thing. Although the beach might be cold, it is the perfect place for new traditions.

But she was also counting on her new roommate, Sam Clare, to be a sister she never had. Instead, Sam is an ex-military man now working as a paramedic. Even his dog, Buttercup, is part wolf. Yet he turns out to be the most understanding person in her new world, despite the fact that she’s declared him her enemy.

As the season’s activities bring them together, Allie uncovers several details her new circle of friends weren’t forthcoming about. But will the secret Sam’s keeping break her heart or mend what she didn’t realize was broken?

Beach’s newest release combines a holiday, small-town setting, miscommunication tropes, and a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance. Pre-order HERE!

How to Lose a Cowboy in Ten Days by Kaz Delaney

RELEASING: March 4, 2025

Liberty Fox knows better than to be taken in by a handsome face and a hot body, especially when the cowboy’s playboy reputation proceeds him. She’s on a mission to discover her real identity, and doesn’t want the distraction of a charming, cheeky cowboy who makes her laugh and yearn for a place to belong.

Successful livestock broker and rancher, Jack Halligan, knows there’s something missing in his life, but gorgeous Liberty Fox is definitely not it, no matter how perfect she feels in his arms. Still, offering his ranch house as a sanctuary when her life is threatened by a stalker, is understandable.

Appointing himself her bodyguard and spending time with the beautiful and compassionate Liberty is turning Jack’s world upside down, but maybe the collision of their two very different worlds is to blame. Neither Jack nor Liberty know whether they should run towards each other or run away.

Reminiscent of How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Delaney’s newest Montana-Born release combines a heroine in search of herself, a charming male protagonist with a reputation, and a one-of-a-kind situation that forces the two together. Pre-order TODAY in preparation for its March 2025 release!

A Summer to Remember by Cassidy Carter

RELEASING: March 20, 2025

Careful what you wish for…

When single mom Delaney Phillips recommends that her boss and best friend, Wyatt Andrews, audition for a reality show that rescues dying businesses, she’s trying to save more than just precious childhood memories. Her home and job are also on the line. But when the slick host arrives full of ideas guaranteed to change the character of the resort, Delaney is worried. Worse, the host has romantic designs on Wyatt, and Delaney realizes she’s deeply in love with her best friend.

All Wyatt has ever wanted was to run his family’s Cabins in the Pine Resort, but when a highway bypass leaves them too far off the beaten path, he’s in danger of losing everything. Delaney’s brainstorm sounds crazy, and it’s crazier when his business is chosen to be “fixed.” When the glamorous host and her crew arrive, they are hilariously unequipped to handle nature or the remote location, but more concerning—his friendship with Delaney is unraveling.

Can Wyatt save his family’s legacy and friendship with Delaney? Has Delaney waited too long to show Wyatt how much he means to her?

Pre-order Carter’s debut release HERE!

Love at First Flight by Janine Amesta

RELEASING: April 15, 2025

Can the most awkward ‘Meet Cute’ lead to something real?

When Selah Moreno‘s father unexpectedly dies, she abandons her dream job as an airline pilot to helm her family’s struggling hot air balloon business. While piloting is in Selah’s blood, the pressure of being everyone’s rock leaves little room to breathe. It’s no wonder she gets caught up in the daydream of flirting with a handsome potential client…until she finds out he’s booking a proposal flight.

Smith Rock park ranger Dex Westerly wants to take his relationship to the next level, but nothing goes right. His proposal is rejected and a rogue wind tips the basket upon landing, sending the pretty and curvaceous balloon pilot into his lap where she makes an ill-timed joke, increasing his humiliation.

Months later, Dex and Selah bump into each other and bond over business struggles. Dex proposes a marketing partnership to promote her balloon tours while raising funds for the park’s new wildlife rescue program. Sparks fly between them, and when a promotional social media post goes viral, they’re pushed into a pretend whirlwind romance that starts to feel too close to love.

Pre-order Love at First Flight HERE!

Paging Dr. Breakup by Jillian David

RELEASING: April 29, 2025

Widow Deirdre Steen has spent the last five years making sure she’s the best chief nursing officer Yukon Valley Hospital has ever seen. It cost her a personal life—and protected her heart. But now her childhood friend, Dr. Calvin Garrett—the one who got away—is temporarily lending his emergency medicine skills to their rural hospital in Alaska’s interior. The community’s relentless matchmaking network loves a challenge, which leaves Deirdre with one viable option: a fake dating pact with Calvin until the spring Breakup Festival and his inevitable departure to his regular job and his life in Seattle.

Calvin moved away years ago rather than watch his best friend marry Deirdre. Now, amazingly, she’s in Calvin’s bed and the center of his world.  Yet a woman like Deirdre deserves forever—as well as a man who didn’t finish as runner-up the first time around.

Can an Alaskan spring thaw help two wounded healers thaw the ice surrounding their hearts and fulfill this second chance at love?

David’s Paging Dr. Breakup combines the fast-paced hospital setting of Grey’s Anatomy, the fake-dating trope of Emily Henry’s Funny Story, and the brisk weather of Yukon Valley, Alaska. Pre-order HERE!

The Seal’s Promise by Stella Holt

RELEASING: May 22, 2025

He never expected to return to his hometown, but now he can’t leave her behind again.

Dr. Dalton Hart left his small Southern beach town fifteen years ago to become a Navy SEAL. Now he’s back, and Sandy Point is buzzing over his return. He thought he came home to help his family, but his oldest brother will barely speak to him and his childhood friend is trying to avoid him. Worse, if he wants to stay, he’ll have to face the secret that’s haunted him ever since he left.

Brooke Garcia can’t believe this ripped, blue-eyed SEAL is back in her life or that she’s stuck working with him. She’s no stranger to smooth-talking hometown heroes—she married one, and he broke her heart. Now a single mom, she doesn’t have time to indulge in walks down memory lane. Brooke never forgave Dalton for the way he left town without even saying good-bye, and she’s not interested in making amends.

But soul mates have a way of finding you…even when you’re not ready.

A Navy SEAL’s dramatic homecoming, an earth-shattering secret, and a second-chance romance await you in Holt’s first Southern Hart Brothers release. Pre-order TODAY!

Written by Tule Marketing Intern, Kristina Gaffney