Hello Spring! What I’ve been working on.

Hello, hello! 🌸

It’s the first day of spring, and here in my part of Minnesota, it actually feels like it. We don’t have much snow left, and everything looks a little… dull right now. Brown grass, all the garbage the snow was hiding suddenly in plain sight, mud everywhere—it’s kind of a gloomy vibe, especially on cloudy days.

But the weather is warming up, the sun will dry everything out, and pretty soon the trees will start getting their leaves again.

I like fall best, but there’s something about a new season that feels like a fresh start. You just never know what life has in store.

I should be getting my final proof of WICKED GAMES today! 👀 I made a few small tweaks to the formatting (including a blog post and an interview!) and adjusted the cover just a bit. Once everything looks good, I’ll be ordering paperback ARC copies. 📚

I’m really excited about that since it’s something I’ve never done before. I’ll still offer ebooks like I usually do, but sending out a few paperback ARCs feels like something special. I’m so proud of how this book turned out, and I can’t wait for you all to see it.

While I’ve been waiting, I’ve been re-editing my Cedar Hill Duet. I love those characters so much, and they deserve this glow-up. New edits, new covers… yep. They deserve it.

And of course, I have a new story rattling around in my brain. Beckett and Sloane won’t leave me alone—in the best way possible. I teased their story a while back (like… last year 😅), so it’ll be nice to finally “skate” into the world of hockey. 🏒

Have a great first day of spring, and keep an eye out for WICKED GAMES ARCs soon! ♥️

Wicked Games Cover and Blurb Reveal!

I love being an author! ♥️ 📚 I love when all the pieces of a book fit together just right.

When I first saw this cover, I knew deep in my bones that it was a perfect match to Seth and Avery’s story.

Set in a small Minnesota town near a lake, the background captures the moody setting where this story takes place.

Needless to say, I love it, and I hope you do too!

black background with grey weeds/lake/fog.  picture Wicked Games' cover. text reads Cover Reveal! May 15th 2026

Seth
On a cold February afternoon, I lost my son at a ransom exchange gone wrong.
My wife left me a week later.
Every morning I wake up alone in a house filled with nothing but their memories, and most days I can barely get out of bed.
I need to get out of the city, and I go to a small Minnesota town to grieve and come to terms with my little boy’s death and the loss of my marriage.
There I meet Avery McKay, who’s in Lakehaven Falls for reasons of her own.
I’m not ready to fall in love, but I do anyway. In just a few short days, she becomes my lifeline—someone who understands my grief in a way that no one else ever could.
As we spend time together, Avery and I discover that my son’s kidnapping and her sister’s death are connected, and we realize the danger isn’t over. When I’m warned to stay away from her if I want to keep her alive, I do the only thing I can.
I walk away from the woman I love.

Avery
In a dark alley covered in snow and trash, my sister was murdered, and the police think it was a violent act of revenge.
Two months later, my husband left me for another woman.
I came to Lakehaven Falls to grieve and to figure out who I am now that I’m alone. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with a man who was as damaged as I am.
When the detective handling my sister’s case asks me to write a goodbye post on her gossip blog to draw out her killer, I stumble across a devastating secret that connects her to Seth’s family. The longer Seth and I look for answers, the more dangerous the truth becomes.
Someone will do anything to hide what they’ve done.
Loving Seth could cost me my life—but the last thing I’m going to do is let him walk away with my heart.


Wicked Games is a standalone billionaire romantic suspense with an HEA. It will be available on Kindle, in Kindle Unlimited, and Paperback May 15th, 2026.

ARCs to come!

Check here later for further details.

I hope you all are having great week!

Vania

A Valentine’s Day note–and a small teaser! ♥️

Happy Valentine’s Day!
I hope you’re all able to relax a little and spend some quality time with your loved ones this weekend! I’m not doing too much . . . working my day job and then the kids wanted to order calzones for dinner. That saves me from having to cook, so that sounded perfect to me!

I’m excited to start teasing the cover for Wicked Games! I’m currently working on getting the ARCs ready, and I’ll share more details here when they’re available. Wicked Games will be releasing in May, so mark your calendars, subscribe to the blog, and follow me on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/VM-Rheault/author/B0B1QSXVK4

Foggy Minnesota lakeshore with tall grass. Text reads: “Wicked Games — May 15, 2026. Two broken hearts. One small Minnesota town. Too many secrets to count.” Partial book cover visible.

Wicked Games is a standalone steamy romantic suspense that includes:

*Billionaire/Grieving Hero
*Small Town
*Romantic Suspense
*Finding Love after Loss
*Fast-Burn Romance/Instalove
*Strangers to Lovers
*Forced Separation
*No 3rd Act Breakup

Whether you’re spending today with someone you love, enjoying some quiet time, or somewhere in between, I hope you’re able to take a moment for yourself this weekend. I’ll be back soon with more Wicked Games updates.

And I can’t forget to show off Pim! I think she matches Wicked Games’ cover!

black and white photo of a tuxedo cat lying on grey bedsheets. (I have no idea why I turned it black and white. it already was!)

Thanks for reading! Have an amazing rest of your weekend!

Vania

Hello January! So Far, So Good

I’ve been a little quiet in my part of the world, not even posting on social media (yikes!) and I thought I’d check in and let you all know what I’ve been working on.

The release date for Wicked Games is getting closer and I’m so excited! I want to share the cover, but I have to pace myself, so I’ll do that in a month or so. Also, I’ll be getting ARCs ready to go as well. Wicked Games is a billionaire, small-town, romantic suspense with no third-act breakup. It’s a standalone, but it’s a little longer like most of my standalones are. Unfortunately, I won’t be putting it up on Booksprout like I have in the past, so if you’ve downloaded my ARCs from there before, watch this space or my Facebook Author page for access to those advanced review copies.

I can’t keep all the details all to myself though, and maybe you can find the hints in this graphic. Can you tell where this story takes place?

foggy lake in greys and blacks  text reads: wicked games coming may 15th 2026
Two broken hearts.
One small Minnesota town.
Too many secrets to count.

I’ve also been going back and dusting off my old Cedar Hill duet. Those were the first books I published under my initials when I started my pen name, and it’s been so fun to read those over again. I’m also giving them new covers, better ones that match the stories. I’m not sure the dates those will be re-released, but I will let you know!

Besides that, it’s cold, and spring can’t come soon enough! Pim is doing well. She’s been with us for eight months, but it seems like she’s always been a part of our family. I love that she likes to sit on my lap in the mornings while I edit and drink coffee. She’s a little menace who gets lonely, but luckily there’s always someone home.

tuxedo cat looking up at author while sitting in her lap at the kitchen table

That’s all I have for this month. I hope you all are having a great start to the New Year!

I’ll talk to you soon!

Vania

Fall Reads & Road Trips: October Update 🍂

Happy October! There’s been a lot going on in my corner of the world and I thought I would pop into your inbox and say hey!

Last Sunday my sister, daughter, and I went on our yearly road trip to Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. It was a lovely drive and the temperatures were just right. The trip actually did double duty, though I didn’t know at the time. One, to get out of the city to look at the leaves as it’s peak leaf-viewing season here, but two, driving through Pelican Rapids was something I needed but didn’t know I needed until I did it, if that makes sense. I’m working on a new book right now and it’s set in a small, northern Minnesota town. The vibes of Pelican Rapids fit just right. The quiet Main Street, the schools, the tiny fire department. It will be a perfect backdrop for my angsty contemporary romance. They also had a giant pelican statue (his name is Pete) that probably won’t make it into my book, but he was fun to look at just the same.

picture of a pelican--white body, orange beak. standing on a type of fenced overlook. blue sky and a bridge in the background

Loss and Damages has been out for three weeks, and the launch has been great! I’ve been getting really lovely feedback from all who have read it so far. If you grabbed an ARC, now would be the perfect time to leave a review. I appreciate your time and willingness to share! 💕

You can find it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Loss-Damages-VM-Rheault-ebook/dp/B0FKFH8QT9

white text on dark red flowers:
“Hello. Can I help you?”

Her voice does funny things to my cock. I know it’s Jemma Ferrell before I turn my gaze away from the teacup, and it only took those two seconds for the words to leave her mouth for me to fantasize about fucking her. Her lips to my ear, begging for more as I’m buried so deeply inside her I can’t think about the next deal.

That would be quite an accomplishment.

Keeping my head in bed.


Loss and Damages

I’ve decided to release Wicked Games in May of 2026! I know that’s a bit of a wait, but I wanted to give you a heads up. I’ll be doing the cover reveal, ARCs, and all that good stuff here, so be sure to subscribe if you haven’t or bookmark this site to check back.

Wicked Games is a standalone Billionaire romantic suspense, and I can’t wait for you to meet Seth and Avery!

foggy black and white lake with the text:
When Seth Lockwood retreats to the little town of Lakehaven Falls to mourn his son who was killed in a ransom kidnapping gone wrong, he falls in love with a woman who could be in 
the middle of it all. 

Wicked Games, May 2026

That’s all I have for this month. I hope you’re having beautiful fall weather wherever you are!

I’ll check back with you soon.

Vania 🌻

Loss, Love, and What’s Next: A New Release Announcement!

I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me in a bit! Life has been a little crazy with my day job and I’ve picked up an editing project that’s been taking most of my free time.

Despite being busy, the launch of Loss and Damages has been going great!

I want to thank everyone who entered the Goodreads giveaway! 1,672 people entered and it made me feel really good that so many people want to read about Dominic and Jemma.

black background. text says: goodreads giveaway.... 1672 people entered. thank you so much

Loss and Damages cover appearing like it's on a cell phone screen

One reviewer said: “this thrilling story had me all caught up in the drama.” So if you like stories with trauma bonding and found family, then I think you might love Loss and Damages! Grab it on Kindle, in Kindle Unlimited, or Paperback.

https://www.amazon.com/Loss-Damages-VM…/dp/B0FKFH8QT9


As for what’s next…

I’ve decided that I’m going to release Wicked Games in May 2026! I know that seems far away but I want to pace myself so I can write another book and also have time to send out ARCs.

I’ve seen a lot of readers say they don’t get enough notice so I want to make sure you all have plenty of time to read, savor, and review!

Wicked Games is written and mostly edited already! The time buffer is just in case things don’t go the way I want. (And if everything does go smoothly, I’ll happily move the release date up.)

Thank you again for all the love you’re giving Dominic and Jemma. This launch for Loss and Damages has been one of the best I’ve had and I couldn’t have done it without you!

foggy lake with trees. black, white and grey.  

text saysWhen Seth Lockwood retreats to the little town of Lakehaven Falls to mourn his son who was killed in a ransom kidnapping gone wrong, he falls in love with a woman who could be in 
the middle of it all. 

wicked games, may, 2026

End of Summer Update (and a Goodreads Giveaway)

Happy Labor Day Weekend!! I have no idea where the summer went, but I can’t lie. I’m looking forward to some cooler weather. I didn’t get done nearly as much as I wanted to, but that’s okay. I’ve been pretty busy with book stuff even if it doesn’t feel like I’ve made much progress. I’ve actually been polishing up a couple of my older books, and if you’re in the mood for a happily ever after that has fall vibes, Rescue Me might just be what you’re looking for. It’s available on Kindle, in Kindle Unlimited, and Paperback. https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Me-Billionaire-Standalone-Romance-ebook/dp/B0BGT13LPR

graphic of male model faded in the background with Rescue Me book cover on top. the text reads:

a one night stand saved my life...but can i save hers?

If you missed the chance to snag an ARC of Loss and Damages and want to try your luck, I have it listed on Goodreads. The giveaway ends September 14th and there are 100 Kindle copies available. To enter, you can do it here: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/419642-loss-and-damages

aesthetic of Loss and Damages. black and white. man wearing tux in one corner, dark-haired woman wearing black dress in another corner, and a lake with a moon shining on the water is in the last corner. 

text reads, goodreads giveaway. now through september 14

If you’re not interested in entering the giveaway but would like to pre-order it or add it to your wishlist, the Amazon link is here: https://www.amazon.com/Loss-Damages-VM-Rheault-ebook/dp/B0FKFH8QT9

Since I’ve been working on getting Loss and Damages ready to go and dusting off some of my older titles, that means I’m really itching to start writing again. I can’t wait to start working on a new book, and that’s what I’ll be doing for the rest of the year. I’m excited because that means I’ll have two books out next year–Wicked Games, a small town romantic suspense, and Bitter Love, a small town second chance. Both are standalones, something I’ve been enjoying writing lately.

So, bookmark this website or sign up to the blog for cover reveals, ARC signups, and more!

Enjoy the holiday!

Vania

Loss and Damages ARCs have been claimed!

brick background. cover of loss and damages, man wearing tuxedo. text says, loss and damages vm rheault tagline says, "I'll never be the man she needs me to be."

graphic text says I'm the most hated man in the city. I don't f*cking care. Until I meet Jemma.

Thank you to everyone who claimed an ARC of Loss and Damages. They’ve all been taken, and I’m thrilled!

If you missed your chance and would still like to read and review, contact me at vaniarheault(at)gmail(dot)com and I’ll email you an ePub or PDF. This offer is good until July 31st, after that I’m halting all ARC campaigns so I can put Loss and Damages on pre-order.

Loss and Damages won’t be live until September 15th, so take your time and I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer! ☀️


If you’re looking for something else to read at the pool or beach, or if you’re staying inside in the air conditioning, you can always download My Biggest Mistake, a Billionaire, ugly-duckling, standalone novel. You can find it here: https://BookHip.com/CMSVSNK

My Biggest Mistake graphic. grey background. picture of book cover on a Kindle tablet.  cover is man wearing navy suit. title of the book my biggest mistake. vm rheault. tagline says, "I lost her before I knew I wanted her."

grahic says, "The day I hurt you is the day I threw away waht could have been the best ten years of my life. It's my biggest mistake."

♥︎Loss and Damages ARCs are ready!♥︎

Happy Tuesday friends!
I hope the summer has been treating you well. ☀️

Just a quick update on all the things.

If you’ve been waiting for the ARCs of Loss and Damages, they’re ready to go! There are only forty copies available, so if you were thinking of picking it up, don’t wait.

graphic of loss and damages book cover. handsome man in tux against black brick.

text says:

ARCs ARE AVAILABLE
angsty contemporary romane
grief bonding
Good girl/morally grey guy
Dead brother's girlfriend

You can get your copy here: https://BookHip.com/JQVRNZD

ARCs will be available until July 31st and reviews won’t be needed until September 15th.


Here are a few quick details:
Standalone or Part of a Series: Loss and Damages is a standalone billionaire romance with a happily ever after. It’s a complete novel at around 350 printed pages.

Triggers: None that I know of. Dominic deals with some family drama/trauma, and Jemma gets roughed up while trying to stop a break-in, but nothing graphic or prolonged.

Where to Review: Amazon and Goodreads are best, since Loss and Damages will be in Kindle Unlimited. If you want to share on social media too (Instagram or Facebook), that’s awesome but not required.

What to Say: Whatever you want! If you loved it, say so. If it wasn’t your thing, that’s okay too. I really don’t mind. Honest reviews help future readers find books they’ll love.

Thank you all for picking up a copy and giving it a read. I hope Loss and Damages is a lovely part of your summer relaxation!


Bonus reminder:
If you’ve read my King’s Crossing serial and haven’t left a review yet, now’s a great time. Even a few quick lines for one or two books will help other readers find it.

covers of King's Crossing books. cruel fate, cruel hearts, cruel dreams, shattered fate, shattered hearts, shattered dreams

text says: review me!

You can find the serial here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX7SFGB5


One last thing: We got a new cat named Pim! My son’s friend moved out of state and couldn’t bring her along, so we made the arrangements with our property management and adopted her! She’s adorable and loves being carried around on your shoulder. It’s been really nice to have a cat around again. 🐾

tuxedo cat laying on the floor playing with a stuffed mouse

I hope everyone is doing well and that your summer so far has been full of friends, family, and good reads.

I will chat with you soon!

~Vania

My January Recap

couple looking outside a balcony window while embracing.  text says in script, bye bye january

♥︎♥︎♥︎JANUARY RECAP♥︎♥︎♥︎

Everyone is saying that January went by so slowly but I can’t believe it’s the last day of the month. If you had New Year’s Resolutions, how have they been working out so far?

January was a busy time for me, though it feels like I didn’t get much done. I’ve been editing the next book I’m going to release in September, LOSS AND DAMAGES, but mostly I’ve just been giving myself some down time after editing and launching my King’s Crossing series and revamping an old series, A Rocky Point Wedding. (Don’t ask me how many times I’ve watched Twisters!)

I’ve also been trying to catch a missing cat in our neighborhood. I see him in a park close to my apartment, and I’ve been leaving food out at a shelter under a picnic table. When I go check, sometimes it’s gone and sometimes it’s not. I don’t know who is eating it when it’s gone, but I always fill the bowl. He won’t come to me, darting off whenever he sees me, but I haven’t given up hope that one day he’ll let me catch him.

♥︎♥︎♥︎WHAT’S NEXT♥︎♥︎♥︎

February is going to be a busy month. I’m going to finish the editing pass I’m doing on LOSS AND DAMAGES and start writing WICKED GAMES, a billionaire romantic suspense standalone novel. I have a tentative release date of January 2026. That’s thinking a little too far ahead, but I like having my ducks in a row and having something to look forward to. Having a goal and a plan is what keeps me going and gives me motivation to keep opening my laptop.

It’s nice working on standalones as they aren’t so stressful to put together. When I write a series, I think of it as one long story and handling that many words takes a lot of time and effort. I love it, though, and my next project after WICKED GAMES is a four-book series. I already have two books written that I wrote during the pandemic, but I haven’t looked at them for a long time so I know they’ll need some work. Hopefully after releasing two standalones I’ll be up to the task. After that is anyone’s guess what I’ll be doing, but that is WAY too far ahead to be thinking about right now.

Also in February I’ll finally be able to hold my giveaway…so stay tuned for that.

♥︎♥︎♥︎KING’S CROSSING UPDATE♥︎♥︎♥︎

Four of the six books are out now, and I’ve been getting awesome feedback! Thank you all to everyone who has supported me during the release. They’re books I’m very proud of, and I’m so happy readers are enjoying them! There are still two more books to go, book 4 in March and the last in April! If you’re looking for something to read while waiting for the weather to brighten up and get warm, you can start here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX7SFGB5

That’s all my news for right now! I hope you all had an amazing start to 2025. Keep in touch!