Cover

Serendipity

Synopsis

Music runs through Annie Foster’s veins. A jingle writer by day and hostess of Coffee & Chords, an open mic night at her best friend’s coffee shack, by night, Annie is doing exactly what she loves. Hitting the big time was never her dream. She has enough followers online to know her music matters. If it’s the right combination of success and happiness, why does she feel empty inside?

Bristol Baines is top of the pop charts, internet famous, and so lonely she could cry. She was tossed into the business at fourteen, and any other kind of life wasn’t in the cards. Living the dream with everything at her fingertips really means a life of disguises, secrecy, and failed relationships. Success has been a big disappointment, and she’s ready for a fresh start even if that means walking away from fame.

Serendipity brings Annie and Bristol together, and their undeniable attraction keeps them close, but will their different paths drive them apart?

Praise for Kris Bryant

Home

“Home is a very sweet second-chance romance that will make you smile. It is an angst-less joy, perfect for a bad day.”—Hsinju’s Lit Log

Scent

“Oh, Kris Bryant. Once again you’ve given us a beautiful comfort read to help us escape all that 2020 has thrown at us. This series featuring the senses has been a pleasure to read…I think what makes Bryant’s books so readable is the way she builds the reader’s interest in her mains before allowing them to interact. This is a sweet and happy sigh kind of read. Perfect for these chilly winter nights when you want to escape the world and step into a caramel-infused world where HEAs really do come true.”—Late Night Lesbian Reads

Lucky

“The characters—both main and secondary, including the furry ones—are wonderful (I loved coming across Piper and Shaylie from Falling), there’s just the right amount of angst, and the sexy scenes are really hot. It’s Kris Bryant, you guys, no surprise there.”—Jude in the Stars

“This book has everything you need for a sweet romance. The main characters are beautiful and easy to fall in love with, even with their little quirks and flaws. The settings (Vail and Denver, Colorado) are perfect for the story, and the romance itself is satisfying, with just enough angst to make the book interesting…This is the perfect novel to read on a warm, lazy summer day, and I recommend it to all romance lovers.”—Rainbow Reflections

Goldie Winner Temptation

“This book has a great first line. I was hooked from the start. There was so much to like about this story, though. The interactions. The tension. The jealousy. I liked how Cassie falls for Brooke’s son before she ever falls for Brooke. I love a good forbidden love story.”—Bookvark

“This book is an emotional roller coaster that you’re going to get swept away in. Let it happen…just bring the tissues and the vino and enjoy the ride.”—Les Rêveur

“People who have read Ms. Bryant’s erotica novella Shameless under the pseudonym of Brit Ryder know that this author can write intimacy well. This is more a romance than erotica, but the sex scenes are as varied and hot.”—LezReviewBooks

Tinsel

“This story was the perfect length for this cute romance. What made this especially endearing were the relationships Jess has with her best friend, Mo, and her mother. You cannot go wrong by purchasing this cute little nugget. A really sweet romance with a cat playing cupid.”—Bookvark

Falling

“This is a story you don’t want to pass on. A fabulous read that you will have a hard time putting down. Maybe don’t read it as you board your plane though. This is an easy 5 stars!”—Romantic Reader Blog

“This was a nice, romantic read. There is enough romantic tension to keep the plot moving, and I enjoyed the supporting characters’ and their romance as much as the main plot.”—Kissing Backwards

Goldie Winner Listen

“Ms. Bryant describes this soundscape with some exquisite metaphors, it’s true what they say that music is everywhere. The whole book is beautifully written and makes the reader’s heart go out to people suffering from anxiety or any sort of mental health issue.”—Lez Review Books

“The main character’s anxiety issues were well written and the romance is sweet and leaves you with a warm feeling at the end. Highly recommended reading.”—Kat Adams, Bookseller (QBD Books, Australia)

“I was absolutely captivated by this book from start to finish. The two leads were adorable and I really connected with them and rooted for them…This is one of the best books I’ve read recently—I cannot praise it enough!”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)

“This book floored me. I’ve read it three times since the book appeared on my Kindle…I just love it so much. I’m actually sitting here wondering how I’m going to convey my sheer awe factor but I will try my best. Kris Bryant won Les Rêveur book of the year 2018 and seriously this is a contender for 2019.”—Les Rêveur

Against All Odds

“Against All Odds by Kris Bryant, Maggie Cummings, and M. Ullrich is an emotional and captivating story about being able to face a tragedy head-on and move on with your life, learning to appreciate the simple things we take for granted and finding love where you least expect it.”—Lesbian Review

“I started reading the book trying to dissect the writing and ended up forgetting all about the fact that three people were involved in writing it because the story just grabbed me by the ears and dragged me along for the ride…[A] really great romantic suspense that manages both parts of the equation perfectly. This is a book you won’t be able to put down.”—C-Spot Reviews

Lammy Finalist Jolt

Jolt “is a magnificent love story. Two women hurt by their previous lovers and each in their own way trying to make sense out of life and times. When they meet at a gay- and lesbian-friendly summer camp, they both feel as if lightning has struck. This is so beautifully involving, I have already reread it twice. Amazing!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

Goldie Winner Breakthrough

“Looking for a fun and funny light read with hella cute animal antics and a smoking hot butch ranger? Look no further…In this well-written first-person narrative, Kris Bryant’s characters are well developed, and their push/pull romance hits all the right beats, making it a delightful read just in time for beach reading.”—Writing While Distracted

“It’s hilariously funny, romantic, and oh so sexy…But it is the romance between Kennedy and Brynn that stole my heart. The passion and emotion in the love scenes surpassed anything Kris Bryant has written before. I loved it.”—Kitty Kat’s Book Review Blog

“Kris Bryant has written several enjoyable contemporary romances, and Breakthrough is no exception. It’s interesting and clearly well-researched, giving us information about Alaska and issues like poaching and conservation in a way that’s engaging and never comes across as an info dump. She also delivers her best character work to date, going deeper with Kennedy and Brynn than we’ve seen in previous stories. If you’re a fan of Kris Bryant, you won’t want to miss this book, and if you’re a fan of romance in general, you’ll want to pick it up, too.”—Lambda Literary

Forget Me Not

“Told in the first person, from Grace’s point of view, we are privy to Grace’s inner musings and her vulnerabilities…Bryant crafts clever wording to infuse Grace with a sharp-witted personality, which clearly covers her insecurities…This story is filled with loving familial interactions, caring friends, romantic interludes, and tantalizing sex scenes. The dialogue, both among the characters and within Grace’s head, is refreshing, original, and sometimes comical. Forget Me Not is a fresh perspective on a romantic theme, and an entertaining read.”—Lambda Literary Review

Whirlwind Romance

“Ms. Bryant’s descriptions were written with such passion and colorful detail that you could feel the tension and the excitement along with the characters.”—Inked Rainbow Reviews

Taste

“Taste is a student/teacher romance set in a culinary school. If the premise makes you wonder whether this book will make you want to eat something tasty, the answer is: yes.”—The Lesbian Review

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By the Author

Jolt

Whirlwind Romance

Just Say Yes: The Proposal

Taste

Forget Me Not

Touch

Breakthrough

Shameless

(writing as Brit Ryder)

Against All Odds

(with Maggie Cummings and M. Ullrich)

Listen

Falling

Tinsel

Temptation

Lucky

Home

Scent

Not Guilty (writing as Brit Ryder)

Always

Forever

EF5 (novella in Stranded Hearts)

Serendipity

Acknowledgments

I love creating stories around music. We’ve all dreamed about being rock or pop stars at some point in our lives. I never outgrew the dream, but I can’t sing or read music, so I write about it. I have attended concerts ever since I was old enough to drive myself to venues, and I have seen some incredible shows. Music touches our hearts in a way that nothing else does. It’s designed to pull out emotions that we either hide or nourish, and it makes us vulnerable. Love, anger, happiness, sadness, euphoria, rage, peace. The list goes on. Isn’t it wonderful that one little four-minute song can lift us up or shred us? While it’s wonderful to create music and words that reach a lot of people, success comes at a price. I wanted to write that aspect. What sacrifices does somebody make to reach their dreams? Why can’t people have both?

I’d like to thank Ashley for being a stellar editor as always. We’re such a good team. Trust me when I say that without her, my books wouldn’t be as smooth. Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, for publishing my books. I’ll never get tired of telling my stories, so I’m thankful you still want to publish them.

Thank you to Deb for creating my beautiful and wonderfully simple covers. I love that she knows exactly what I’m envisioning even if my words don’t come out right.

Molly is still by my side as I write these books, but I know that won’t always be the case. Having her in my life is such a blessing.

Thank you to my parents and my sister for their love and support. Nope, they still aren’t allowed to read my books.

I love my friends! Thank you, Fiona, for our chats and all the beautiful photos you send me of the g. snaps. K.B.—we need more writing dates—even if they’re at the lake and we’re on the boat. I’m sure it’s the perfect time to write! Encouragement is so important during the writing process, so a big heartfelt shoutout to the people who check on me, including Paula, Carsen, GFB, Mellie B, Morgan, Friz, and so many others.

Another big shout-out to my online friends who read, tweet, post, and share our books with their friends. I love our community of readers and writers who lift one another up.

My patrons are doing great things on Patreon for animal shelters and sanctuaries around the world. I’m proud that what we are doing is making a difference. Animals give us unconditional love, and even though we can’t keep them all, we can at least give them food, beds, and toys until they can find their forever homes.

Thank you to everyone who reads this book and continues to support our LGBTQIA family. You are the real superstars!

Dedication

For all the pop and rock stars who never made it to the stage.

Chapter One

“Big turnout tonight, huh?” Charley asked.

Annie adjusted the microphone stand and smiled at her best friend. “I can’t believe how many people signed up.” She absently wiped her hands on her black pants before pushing a blond curl behind her ear. Her curly hair always managed to slip out of the confinement of the hair tie, giving her a messy “I just woke up” look no matter how many times she tried to tame it. She slipped her phone into the docking station and took a deep breath. In eight minutes, she was going to livestream Coffee & Chords, a popular show for her YouTube channel. Wednesdays were open-mic night at Charley Shock’s coffee bar, The Night Owl. It always amazed Annie how many people drank coffee late at night, but there was a need, and The Night Owl was the only coffee bar that stayed open until eleven.

“Go get ready. I’ll get the stage set up.” Charley pointed to her clock.

Annie went into the back room to slip into her jacket, throw product on her hair, and touch up her makeup. She sat on the single bar stool onstage and adjusted the mic. Wednesday nights were her absolute favorite. Most people loved Friday nights, but not Annie. That was her night to order takeout, curl up on the couch with a good book, and fall asleep until Raven Elizabeth, her rescue cat of eight years, pawed her on the face for a late-night snack or a game of fetch. Brainpower and creative juices flowed best for her on Wednesdays.

She contracted work as a jingle writer for several local advertising agencies. The rest of her time was spent at The Night Owl doing solo gigs, which allowed her to work out new songs and practice in front of crowds. She was thankful Charley gave her the stage whenever she wanted. “Okay, everyone. We’re going live in one minute. I’m going to start off by playing a quick song, and then first on the list is Harmony Hannah.” She stumbled over the name and bit her lip to keep from laughing at the horrible alliteration. Annie always played the first song to give her viewers enough time to pop on. She had over twenty thousand followers, and open mic was good exposure for local artists, especially queer ones.

“Is everyone ready?” The loud applause made her smile. She was in her happy place. She strummed a few times to tune her guitar, and once she felt comfortable, she hit the live button but turned off the tip jar. She didn’t feel comfortable taking money for other people’s performances, and trying to divide the online tips was a nightmare. “Welcome to another episode of Coffee & Chords. We’re coming to you live from open mic at The Night Owl, the best coffee bar in the Denver area.”

Most of the people or small bands played soft, easy-listening music because the venue was a coffee shop, not a concert arena. Country was also popular, but after scanning the crowd and not seeing cowboy hats or cowboy boots, Annie figured tonight would be a night of folk and pop music. The stage wasn’t big enough for head-banging bands with tons of equipment, so most artists were low-key.

“We have a great night in store for you. Over fifteen musicians have signed up, so sit back and enjoy the show.” Annie didn’t introduce the song she was playing. She didn’t have to. It was a cover of a popular pop tune on the radio, but she slowed it and gave it a personal twist. Several people in the audience sang it with her, which always made her smile. When she was done and saw the number of viewers was where she wanted it to be, she introduced the first guest to the onstage. “First up is Harmony Hannah. Let’s give her a warm welcome.” Annie scooted offstage and waited for Hannah to finish her song so she could come back onstage and introduce the next guest, Loco Motion.

“What’s your number tonight?” Charley put her arm around Annie’s waist and rested her cheek on her shoulder.

Annie checked the app on her watch. “Just over three thousand.” Annie loved the closeness she and Charley shared. They had been best friends since high school, forming a strong bond initially over music and then over their love of books, junk food, and scary movies. Despite what people assumed, Charley was straight and had a boyfriend of three years, but fully supported Annie’s queerness.

“I bet by the end of the night, you’ll have five thousand viewers,” Charley said.

“I hope so. Half of the sign-up sheet is new to me. My viewers really appreciate fresh sounds.”

“Harmony Hannah isn’t horrible,” Charley said.

Annie nudged her in the ribs. “Shh. The phone picks up everything. We don’t want people to hear you.” She turned around to watch Hannah. “But you’re totally right. She’s pretty decent, just not comfortable in front of a crowd.” Hannah’s glittery rainbow guitar strap reflected the spotlight, blinding everyone in the crowd when she strummed.

“High school. Who didn’t have anxiety then? She sounds like she’s wrapping up. Go save her before she melts into a puddle of awkwardness,” Charley said.

Annie quickened her pace and slid up beside Hannah right when she strummed the last note on her guitar. Annie started applauding, and the crowd picked up her cue. “Thank you, Harmony Hannah. Was that an original song?” The young musician nodded and blushed. She now understood why Hannah asked to go onstage first. Sometimes it was easier to get it over with and sit back and enjoy the rest of the night without the anxiety of counting down the minutes until stage time. “Great job.” She waited until Hannah shuffled off the stage. “Next up is a new-to-us band, Loco Motion, that just formed a month ago.” Annie ignored the rest of the biography they handed her. They were pressed for time, and this was an open mic. “Let’s give them a warm welcome.”

“They sound pretty good for being new,” Charley said when Annie returned to her spot next to the stage.

“I think so, too.” Annie liked their youthful energy. They were only a minute into their song, but she heard something she liked. Maybe it was the lead singer’s vocal agility or the way his fingers glided so smoothly along the strings of his guitar. His chord transitions were flawless. With practice, she imagined Loco Motion could go far, or the lead singer could strike out on his own. He was good enough. Since she started open mic two years ago, three performers had gone on to sign contracts with record labels. Not because of her, but Annie liked being able to say, “I knew them when.”

“What’s your schedule for tomorrow?” Charley asked softly.

“I’m headed to the hospital to play for a bit. Then I’ll be here after lunch, if that’s good?”

Charley nodded. “That works. How’s Peyton?” Her fingers pressed into Annie’s waist when she asked the question.

It wasn’t a secret that Peyton suffered from retinoblastoma. Annie just hated that it defined her niece already at such a young age. There was always the underlying message when people asked about Peyton because the question was never about her being a kid. It was never about how she was doing in preschool or if she liked playing soccer or if she wanted to be in tumbling. It was always about if she was going to survive the cancer or if her sight would ever be normal. “She’s good. You know how she is. So resilient.” When Peyton was diagnosed at four, a late age for the disease, the prognosis was grim. The tumor behind her right eye had been growing at such an alarming rate the doctors feared the cancer had already spread to other parts of her body. Thankfully, it hadn’t, but her treatment plan was still aggressive.

“How many days is she in for?”

“Sarah will probably keep her overnight.” Annie’s older sister was head nurse of the pediatric wing of the university hospital. Years ago, they joked about how it was a good idea to take the job in case Sarah and her husband had accident-prone children. Little did they know how important that decision would turn out to be.

“I think it’s great that you play for the kids. It gives them something to look forward to every week.” Charley pointed to the bar. “Looks like they need me over there, but stop by before you head to the hospital tomorrow, and I’ll give you some freshly baked cookies for Peyton.”

“She’ll love it. Go. I’ve got this.” Annie turned back to the stage. She spent the next few hours welcoming the next thirteen guests until it was time to say good night and end her livestream. “Thank you to everyone here and those watching from somewhere else.” She stopped the stream and broke down the stage as people were leaving. It was almost midnight, but Annie felt so alive. She helped Charley close and walked to her apartment two blocks away. It was tough having no outlet for the inspiration that had swelled after tonight’s performances, but it was late, and she knew her neighbors were asleep. There was always tomorrow. Tonight, she’d crawl into bed and read the comments on tonight’s livestream.

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