The Susan Wade Saga
"An adorably romantic, witty story."
"I loved this fun and engaging book!"
"Incredibly funny banter!"
Twenty-nine-year-old Susan Wade didn't realize what she was getting into when she and her best friend cooked up a scheme to help her get promoted. Once settled in the claustrophobic coastal town of Havelock, North Carolina, she can't wait to leave. But before long she discovers her new arch-nemesis wants more from her than a good fight.
When Susan's world blows up, Pete Walsh, Havelock's version of the bachelor, is the Southern gentleman who helps her pick up the pieces. But are his motives as gentlemanly as he pretends or is lust taking the wheel?
As sparks fly, Susan is soon faced with a problem she may not be able to solve. Could Pete Walsh be the man of her dreams, or is that dream promotion what she really wants? Will these two confused souls figure out what they need before Susan is called back to the big city? Can Pete let Susan leave this small town without a fight? And when did this casual summer fling turn into the “L” word?
Find out in the romantic comedy, readers are calling a home run!
"Brilliant!"
"Funny, snappy, and intelligent."
"A richly chaotic and highly entertaining world."
"Superbly written."
"A home run!"
A pee-in-your-pants comedy, rife with nutty roommates, questionable fashion choices, and an epic search for the perfect cup of coffee...Twenty-two-year-old Susan Wade's dream of a glamorous, high-powered career is the only thing that's gotten her through the past four years of college. But now that she's graduating, her future isn't looking quite as bright as she'd hoped. She's discovering the hard way that Corporate America values something she doesn't have: experience. With only five dollars left to her name, Susan is left with two unappealing options: follow her semi-boyfriend to the bowels of Texas or manage a dilapidated diner in her small town. She's got to convince someone to take a chance on her. But how?
Let's face it. Ben's not exactly relationship material. Awkward and geeky, his ideal job is designing computer software while hyped up on energy drinks. Best friends with Susan for far too long, he's ready to take their relationship to the next level, but she keeps shutting him down. Until one night...
Will Susan get the break of a lifetime before she makes a huge mistake? Will Ben finally get his fantasy girl? Or will they both end up in caffeine rehab? Find out in what readers are calling a surprisingly quirky, completely wonderful story!
"A beautifully complex, and completely
mesmerizing story."
"Perfect in every way."
"A heart-warming story from an exceptionally
talented writer."
"Smart, gloriously funny, and fast-paced."
"The quality of Gray's writing makes this a
truly remarkable book."
"Hilarious and Touching"
Nothing is more important to 29-year-old Susan Wade than her career--not family, not friends, and especially not love. When she's offered a short-cut assignment to a big promotion, she jumps at the chance and finds herself in the last place she ever thought she'd see again.
The small coastal town of Havelock, North Carolina, may look like paradise, but for Susan, it holds the demons of her past. Determined to get the job done and out unscathed, she avoids her old haunts, until the worst kind of day has her heading to the bar for a much-needed drink. When one drink turns into three, she picks a fight with Pete Walsh, the town's favorite son, that quickly escalates into a full-blown battle of the sexes.
Pete's the kind of guy who'd give you the shirt off his back, but losing his mother to cancer and his heart to misplaced love have left him in a bad place. When this spitfire of a woman walks into his life, he's suddenly torn between irritation and overwhelming attraction. As Pete learns more about his new enemy, he realizes what Susan really needs is a friend. As their relationship blossoms, Pete makes it his mission to save her from herself.
Will Susan make room in her heart for love, or will she return to the empty life she once led? Find out in Caught Up in Me...
"A beautifully complex, and completely
mesmerizing story."
"Perfect in every way."
"A heart-warming story from an exceptionally
talented writer."
"Smart, gloriously funny, and fast-paced."
"The quality of Gray's writing makes this a
truly remarkable book."
"Hilarious and Touching"
Nothing is more important to 29-year-old Susan Wade than her career--not family, not friends, and especially not love. When she's offered a short-cut assignment to a big promotion, she jumps at the chance and finds herself in the last place she ever thought she'd see again.
The small coastal town of Havelock, North Carolina, may look like paradise, but for Susan, it holds the demons of her past. Determined to get the job done and out unscathed, she avoids her old haunts, until the worst kind of day has her heading to the bar for a much-needed drink. When one drink turns into three, she picks a fight with Pete Walsh, the town's favorite son, that quickly escalates into a full-blown battle of the sexes.
Pete's the kind of guy who'd give you the shirt off his back, but losing his mother to cancer and his heart to misplaced love have left him in a bad place. When this spitfire of a woman walks into his life, he's suddenly torn between irritation and overwhelming attraction. As Pete learns more about his new enemy, he realizes what Susan really needs is a friend. As their relationship blossoms, Pete makes it his mission to save her from herself.
Will Susan make room in her heart for love, or will she return to the empty life she once led? Find out in Caught Up in Me...
"Romantic Comedy at its finest."
"Sexy and Hilarious!"
"This one melted my heart."
"All I can say is, Sister, you hit this one out of the ballpark."
I would recommend this book to anyone."
"Packs an emotional wallop."
Susan never planned on a husband, kids, or a small-town address. Her dream included a giant corner office and a full spread in Forbes Magazine. But for reasons defying understanding, she's agreed to marry her formal rival, Pete Walsh, move to the tiny coastal community of Havelock, North Carolina, and become part of his enormous (and highly opinionated) family. But marital bliss can be a fleeting thing. When the opportunity for company advancement arises, Susan is forced to choose between her personal wants and her family's needs.
Pete never realized that marrying Susan meant marrying her career as well. He's a simple guy with the simple dream of settling down and raising a family. When he learns Susan doesn't share his vision, marriage becomes harder than either of them imagined.
Can Susan find a way to have it all? Can Pete come to terms with her decisions? And whatever happened to happily-ever-after? Find out in Back Where I Belong...
Often, places and people inspire writers. Below are pictures of North Carolina, my home state and the setting for many of my books. If you'd like to travel here in your mind, just read Caught Up in Me.
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Wouldn't this make a nice view from Pete's house?
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Bogue Sound
The Marsh
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Sandpiper hunting in the foam at Atlantic Beach
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Beach Access
"Taxidermy is a true art form"
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Oceana Pier's diner
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The Fabulous Oceana Pier
 The Mighty Neptune
A very long time ago, this statue stood in front of a hotel
just past the big bridge to Atlantic Beach (when that bridge was yet another raccoon trap). It has since been moved to the marina boardwalk in Morehead City. If you are ever down that way, drop by and blow him a kiss...or give him your phone ;-) |
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Pilot Mountain. "The Great Gray Pearl"
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Seriously?!!
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Oceana Pier (pre-Hurricane Florence)