From Leigh: You ever start a debut and think to yourself, “where has this been all my life” and then you get real excited to see where an author’s career goes from there? That is exactly how I felt from the start of this contemporary romance novella. Sam’s first line made me chuckle and then I was swept away into their karaoke experience when their friends don’t show up for their usual night out. But this turns out to be Sam’s gain because it means their only focus is on Lily, another regular who knows how to rock a song and can make a killer dress that suits her fat body perfectly. The way the chemistry built between these two! It’s the perfect lead in for a one night stand and more.

After Alexei saves hot hiker Ben from stepping on a snake, they keep running into each other on the 2,500-mile Pacific Crest Trail until they decide to hike together. The farther they go, the more they realize they might not be able to walk away. (Open door.)

Moonie’s is the karaoke bar where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came. Exception: high school nemeses Aiden and Kai after their mutual best friend Penny interferes. There’s no resisting the magic of karaoke in a queer bar, however, and when a blizzard rolls in just as the bar closes, Aiden and Kai wind up spending the night together. (Open door.)

This is the cutest short story! Kiki’s girlfriend just dumped her. One problem: they’re in the Swiss Alps for the holidays and Kiki doesn’t know anyone else there. Her solution? Go skiing anyway, even though she’s never done it before. How hard can it be? Luckily, Maya is there to rescue her. This is just the start of their romance and I would absolutely read a whole book about what happens once they get back to Portland. (Chaste.)