Indiana Idealist: States of Love

By Ann Omasta and Callie Love

Has a pot-bellied pig ruined anyone else's life?

No?... Just me, then?

 

Leo Sullivan is a passionate environmentalist with a sustainable Christmas tree farm.

 

He is constantly at odds with Camille Ellis, the owner of a successful golf course––which has fertilizer runoff that pollutes a local stream.

 

Despite their differences, Leo and Camille keep being drawn together by his ornery and lovable pot-bellied pig, Charlotte.

 

When Charlotte forces Leo and Camille to confront the sparks of attraction they've been trying to ignore, will they find common ground and a way to coexist, or will their differences drive them apart? Find out in the spicy, enemies-to-lovers romance, Indiana Idealist.

 

The States of Love books are scorching stories with heat, heart, and laughter. They feature strong characters, sizzling chemistry, and a satisfying happily-ever-after. Start anywhere. Binge-read them all. Tee up with the unlikely trio of Leo, Camille, and Charlotte in Indiana Idealist to satisfy your steamy romance craving.

• Language: English
• Publisher: More Happily Ever Afters
• Release date: May 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215078525

Ann Omasta

Ann Omasta is a USA Today bestselling author.  Ann’s Top Ten list of likes, dislikes, and oddities: I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida, and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon, and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea––I love it all. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a couple of big dogs who are overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dogs referenced above. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie Sleeping with the Enemy, but I can't seem to control this particular quirk. I love, love, love finding a great bargain! Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it, or even think about it. Great––now I'm thinking about it. Ick! ** I would LOVE to send you a free copy of my novella, Aloha, Baby! Visit annomasta.com for details. ** Stay up-to-date on new releases and insider info by liking / following Ann: - Facebook: facebook.com/annomasta - Goodreads: goodreads.com/annomasta - Bookbub: bookbub.com/authors/ann-omasta - Website: annomasta.com

Book preview

1

CAMILLE

Iwasn’t chosen as the best match for this month’s bachelor––again. That’s the tenth time in a row that I’ve been passed over for someone else. When this group started almost a year ago, I was convinced that the Man of the Month Club matchmaking meeting was going to be my ticket to everlasting love and happiness with my soulmate.

Each month, another happy couple is paired, and without fail, they magically fall in love.

At the beginning of the next month, I get all gussied up and sit at the table of hopeful women with my fingers crossed, but each time, someone else is selected as the best match for that month’s bachelor.

I understand the concept of paying my dues and waiting my turn. Plus, I want to be paired with the man that will give me the best chance of being in a satisfying and enduring, long-term relationship. But this is starting to get ridiculous.

How is it possible that I’m no one’s best match? Not to sound conceited, but I’m kind of a catch. I’m smart and successful. I can hold my own on the golf course with anyone. I make a mean dirty martini. I practice yoga three times a week. I have stylists who make sure my hair, makeup, and clothing are all on point. Oh, and I give one helluva blow job––not that anyone’s stuck around long enough lately to find out about that particular skill.

It really doesn’t make sense. It’s not like I’m a bridge troll. In fact, I have a lot to offer. I’m not sure why no one seems to be able to see that.

Deciding that I need to put some good karma out into the world, I call my childhood friend, Graham, and ask him to be the man of the month at our group’s next meeting. There has never been anything more than friendship brewing between the two of us, so I know that we won’t be paired, but I hope that bringing the handsome and charming small-town inn owner to the group for someone else will be the good deed that sets me on the path to finding my own true love.

Graham sounds happy to hear from me, but explains that he can’t be this month’s bachelor because he is madly in love with a badass female firefighter. I’m delighted by the happiness evident in my lifelong friend’s tone.

He shocks me by asking, Did you hear that my place burned to the ground?

What?!? No. Was anyone hurt? Are you okay? What can I do to help? The questions rush out of me in a flurry as I struggle to process this horrific news.

Every time I’ve spoken to Graham since he moved to Illinois, he has told me about the work he puts into every detail of his quaint inn. That place was obviously his pride and joy. I can’t believe it’s gone.

I plop down on the sofa and stare at the plush carpet as I try to figure out what I can say to comfort my friend. He must be absolutely distraught.

Graham stuns me again by chuckling at my barrage of questions. Yes, chuckling.

The strange outburst makes me wonder if the fire has sent him over the edge. It can’t be easy to stay sane when facing losing your home, business, and livelihood in one fell swoop.

I appreciate your concern, but it will all work out, he says in a calm voice.

He’s far too relaxed about this. Perhaps the full reality of the situation hasn’t settled into his mind yet.

It hits me, then, what I can do to help him. How about if I send you some cash to help tide you over until you get back on your feet?

Money is the one thing I have plenty of that everyone can use in a time of crisis.

Graham sounds touched as he says, "That’s really sweet of you to offer, Camille, but I’m going to be fine. I have enough money saved to get by