~ THE SERENDIPITY SERIES ~
by Carly Phillips
As we round up to the end of January, we wanted to bring you something special about our author of the month, Carly Phillips. We got to peak into her mind a bit about her latest series set in Serendipity. If you haven’t read it yet and you love a sweet and spicy small town romance, then you have to give this series a try. Her heroes are swoon worthy and her heroines are feisty. You can’t help but fall in love with them.
Now, instead of giving you our fantasy cast for the series we actually got the opportunity of learning from the source about the inspiration for each character in the series. We leave you now with author, Carly Phillips, while she talks about the characters of Serendipity.
From the author:
I kind of have a thing for picturing characters and using soap opera characters and actors/actresses to name people in my books. Because everyone knows I’m an ABC Soap Opera addict – All My Children ::sniff::, One Life to Live ::sniff sniff:: and General Hospital … so if you don’t watch, where many of those photos I sent you came from? Yes, you are now going to see how nuts I really am 😉
SERENDIPITY
Book 1
New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips presents the first in a delightful new series about a quaint upstate New York town
where love, fate and fortune are intertwined …
Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege–until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned.Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father’s betrayal has rocked Serendipity – and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush — the dark, brooding Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he’d own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again come face to face with Faith–the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge between them.
Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town’s notorious bad boy will only lead to trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity …
The character of Faith
– Alexa Havens played Babe Chandler on All My Children. I pictured her for Faith. But I used her name, Alexa, for the doctor, Dr. Alexa Collins, who is in the series, and gets her story this summer in Hot Summer Nights’ Anthology with Jaci Burton, Erin McCarthy and Jessica Clare – my story is called Perfect Stranger.
The character of Tess
KISMET
Book 1.5
Kismet – A Serendipity Novella – eBook ONLY
Long Lost Love and Second Chances
Elisabetta Gardelli thought she’d spend her days serving coffee and writing obits for the town paper until an unexpected opportunity results in her dream job as a journalist. Now, divorced and determined to make it on her own, Lissa is hired to do a series of interviews about entrepreneurs who’ve made their mark at an impressively young age. First up? Wall Street mogul Trevor Dane — Lissa’s first love. Lissa hasn’t seen Trevor since he left the small town of Serendipity to earn his spot on the right side of the tracks. Ten years have passed but neither has really moved from their super-passionate teenage affair – or the heartbreak that followed. This reunion can be their second chance or it can provide much needed closure. It all depends on Trevor. Can he forgive Lissa or will the past continue to stand in their way?
FATED
Book 1.75
New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips presents a never-before-published novella set in a quaint upstate New York town—where Serendipity’s finest show exactly what they’re made of…
Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s second choice again. Unfortunately, her undeniably intense desire for Nick Mancini is testing her best laid plans because Kate has carried a torch for Nick since high school– but she’s always been permanently in the friend zone.
Lately, Nick has definitely noticed Kate. Unfortunately he can’t get her to take him seriously. He knows he’s made some stupid moves in the past but he’s determined to get Kate to act on their obvious and mutual attraction. However Kate’s stubborn and she’s been hurt before, which means Nick will have to pull out all the stops in order to convince her he’s not the same boy she used to know, and she’s not second best… she’s everything.
READ AN EXCERPT
DESTINY
Book 2
From New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips comes her second novel set in Serendipity, the quaint upstate New York town where love, fate, and fortune are intertwined…
Nash Barron may be cynical about love, yet even he likes a good wedding. But the only good thing about his brother’s wedding is Kelly Moss. Nash can’t help but admire her confidence and beauty, but he’s forced to keep his distance because getting involved with Kelly could destroy his relationship with his newly discovered half sister, Tess…Kelly came to Serendipity to give Tess–her half sibling as well, thanks to an illicit affair–a second chance at life. She learned long ago not to rely on anyone but herself. Besides, she doesn’t want to upset Tess’s life by pushing for a fling with Nash. Except the more she gets to know him, the more vulnerable she becomes to the kindness beneath his gruff exterior, and the less she’s able to stay away. But she has other reasons for keeping her distance. Like the secret from her past she knows Nash will never forgive…
The character of Nash Barron
– the photo is of Scott Reeves, who plays Dr. Steve Webber on General Hospital.
The character of Kelly Moss
KARMA
Book 3
From New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips comes her third novel set in Serendipity, the quaint upstate New York town where love, fate, and fortune are intertwined…
Police Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight ever since he was a teenager. But despite his lifelong attraction, the closest he’s ever come to interacting with her is watching Liza regularly bail out her brother at the station. Dare’s dark past with Liza’s brother, Brian, has always kept him from pursuing her. But suddenly Liza finds herself in need of protection and Dare appoints himself as the man for the job. And while the sizzling attraction between Dare and Liza draws them together, the past that Dare and Brian share threatens to keep the two apart forever.
PERFECT FIT
Book 4
Dear Readers: Thank you for loving the small town of SERENDIPITY. Because of you, I’m able to continue what I started in Serendipity, Destiny and Karma and introduce you to Serendipity’s Finest – the cops of Serendipity. You met Cara in KARMA – now read her story in PERFECT FIT where she tangles with her new boss, police chief Mike Marsden, an alpha male who meets his match in this beautiful woman with painful secrets of her own. I hope you continue to enjoy Serendipity because there’s much more in store!
Best wishes,
Carly
In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s finest?
Always feeling like the odd man out in his family, Michael Marsden wanted to make it on his own. So he escaped Serendipity to become an undercover cop in Manhattan, where the Marsden name wasn’t known. But Michael’s independence is compromised when he returns home to replace his sick father as chief of police. Back in the shadow of his family, he’s as lost and restless as ever, until he’s challenged by someone he never anticipated.
Cara Hartley is the Serendipity cop with whom Mike had a one night stand three months earlier. Neither expected anything more but fate has other things in store. When Mike returns as Cara’s boss, the sexual tension between them is impossible to ignore – and the unexpected emotional connection continues to grow. But Cara’s a small town girl while Mike has a wanderer’s blood in his veins.
Both are convinced a future together is impossible. Until Mike’s real father’s secrets come back to haunt him and he realizes there are some things worth staying and fighting for. Including Cara.
The character of Cara Hartley
– well her looks actually tie to her name …actress named Lindsay Hartley came to All My Children when it was still on the air, to play a character named Cara Castillo. I mixed her real name with her character’s name and Lindsay Hartley’s Cara became my Cara Hartley. Not to mention, she’s a PERFECT FIT (no pun intended – not really!).
So what do you think?
Ready to read all about Serendipity?
In honor of our Author of the Month, we are giving away a book from the Serendipity series, winners choice, in any format desired (print, ebook or audiobook). International.
My favorite book is Destiny. 😀
I think Destiny was my favorite, too.
I loved Perfect Fit and then had to go read all the over Serendipity series.
I love Serendipity and Carly Phillips!!
I love Carly Phillips.
I love them ALL!
This is a new to me author. The series sounds great. I can’t wait to read it.
I can’t pick one favorite. I love Carly and ALL of her work! Looking forward reading more of Serendipity!
Serependity is one of my favorite… I love all her books…
I love this series. Love Love Love Ethan from the first book!
I love the Serendipity series! I can’t wait for the next book to be available!
Thanks for the fun post and giveaway! Sadly… I don’t have one has I haven’t read any of Carly’s books yet 🙁
I have not read any of Carly’s books but the Serendipity series looks interesting.
I really loved her Hot Stuff book, but since I haven’t read other books then those in that series I can’t say.
I have only read a couple of them so far but loved both Serendipity and Perfect Fit!!! And intend to get the others. I loved in the original book that in addition to the romance there was the story of Tess.
Favorite is Serendipity.
I haven’t read Carly Phillips books, but this Serendipity series looks very interesting.
I have never read a Carly Phillips book. *ducking the flying tomato*……sorry, but its true. The covers look terrific and I hear the name all the time. But never read one.
I have not read a Carly Philips books.
I am always looking for new authors/and or new books. As I enjoy reading.
Thanks for the chance to win your book.
Have a good day! 🙂
Lucky Charm is my favorite book of Carly’s.
Can’t just pick one. I really love the Chandler brothers series.
Aww her books look so swoon worthy I am ashamed to say I have not read any of them yet but am hoping to <3
I think Serendipity.
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net
Since I’ve only read Perfect Fit so far it’s my favorite!
Have really enjoyed the Serendipity series. Don’t know if I could pick a favorite…..I like most of Carly”s books.
I haven’t read any yet but I really, really want to! I’ve so been meaning to get into more contemporary romances, and these ones look great!!
I just started Perfect Fit Love it so far
Serendipity sounds like a great place to live. 🙂
Ive not read any yet.
I have to pick one!!! Oh no!! It’s too hard. I haven’t read a Carly Phillips book that I haven’t loved!! I’ve even re-read a few.
I have to say Serendipity is my favorite. It made me hug the book and dance a little. I love when a book makes me feel all good!
Do I get kicked out if I say I’ve never read one? Eek! I promise to get right on that!
actually haven’t read any yet
Sorry. Can’t pick just one. Love all your books, Carly. I’d have to say Nash is my fav Serendipity hero, though I pictured him…beefier? Older looking? But your version looks yummy, too!
It’s so hard to pick one but I’m going to have to go with the Hot Zone series 🙂
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I have not had the chance to read any of Carly Phillips books yet but I really hope to soon. I have heard a lot of good things about them. Thanks for the great giveaway!
thompsonem3 at aol dot com
I really enjoyed the Lucky books and I have liked all the shorts in anthologies… if I see Carly is in it, I buy it!
Havent read these yet but they are for sure on my to be read list.
Hot Item from the Hot Zone series..which I loved!!!
Destiny is my favorite.
One of my favorites is The Batchelor.
I love them all…but Serendipity would be the top 1.
I haven’t read any of Carly’s books. I can’t believe I’ve missed them they sound great! I will definitely be reading them, but where to start?
Loved Destiny!
I haven’t actually started these books yet but I’ve heard a lot about them so I’d like to ^_^
Haven’t read any of your books yet, but would like to.
My favorite book has been a tie b/t Karma & Perfect Fit! But I also really loved Kismet…I love the short stories that I can sneek in and read from my computer when I am not busy at work. Can’t wait for Perfect Fling!!! 🙂
I like the Hot Zone series but also Kiss Me if You Can is really good.
My favorite is Serendipity!
I would say my favorite is probably Hot Number from the Hot Zone series
The Serendipity Series especially since Carly has a character with my maiden name. 🙂
I LOVE this whole series!
I love Serendipity series xx
I have not read any of her books but that will soon change. Thank you for this giveaway!!!