Step into the steamy, heartwarming world of Julie Kenner’s Man of the Month series, where love ignites in the vibrant heart of Austin, Texas! This collection of contemporary romance novels weaves standalone love stories with a shared mission: saving a beloved local bar, The Fix on Sixth. With sizzling chemistry, relatable characters, and a community-driven spirit, Kenner crafts a binge-worthy saga that’s perfect for romance fans craving passion and emotional depth.
Each book introduces a new couple, their unique journey to love, and a touch of drama, all while the bar’s fate hangs in the balance. From friends-to-lovers to second-chance romances, Man of the Month delivers tropes that make your heart race and stories that keep you hooked.
How Man of the Month Began
J. Kenner, a New York Times bestselling author known for her sultry Stark series, launched Man of the Month in 2018 to explore a fresh concept: a rapid-release series of interconnected yet standalone romances. Inspired by the idea of a community rallying to save a cherished hangout, Kenner set the series in Austin, her hometown. The innovative twist? A Man of the Month calendar featuring local hunks to draw crowds back to The Fix, sparking love stories with every photoshoot.
Kenner’s knack for crafting dominant yet heartfelt heroes and strong, relatable heroines shines through, earning praise for her engaging dialogue and vivid characterizations. The series’ binge-read format—releasing a new book every two weeks—captivated readers eager for their next romantic fix.
The Heart of Man of the Month
The series spans 13 books, each spotlighting a different couple and a classic romance trope. In Down on Me, Reece and Jenna navigate the leap from lifelong friends to passionate lovers, their chemistry sizzling as they work to save The Fix. Hold on Tight tells a second-chance story of Spencer and Brooke, whose past heartbreak and family pressures test their rekindled love. Get It On dives into Tyree and Eva’s emotional reunion, complicated by the revelation of a long-hidden daughter. In Too Deep explores Hannah and Matthew’s fake engagement, which blossoms into real feelings amid personal ambitions.
Themes of love, loyalty, and community pulse through the series, set against the lively backdrop of Austin’s bar scene. Kenner balances steamy encounters with heartfelt moments, creating stories that feel both indulgent and grounded. Whether it’s the thrill of forbidden attraction or the joy of rediscovery, each book delivers a happily-ever-after (HEA) while advancing the overarching goal of saving The Fix.
The series’ style is fast-paced and flirty, with Kenner’s signature wit and emotional resonance. Fans love how the interconnected characters—like bar manager Reece or owner Tyree—reappear, fostering a sense of camaraderie that mirrors a real community.
Why Man of the Month Resonates
Man of the Month has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its innovative format and relatable storytelling. Readers rave about its addictive quality, with reviewers calling it “a fly-on-the-wall experience” into vivid, romantic lives. Kenner’s ability to blend tropes like beauty and the beast, billionaire bad boys, and secret babies keeps the series fresh yet familiar, earning accolades from authors like Carly Phillips.
Its lasting appeal lies in its celebration of love’s transformative power and the strength of community. By 2023, the series’ collection release solidified its status as a fan favorite, inviting new readers to discover its charm. For romance enthusiasts, Man of the Month remains a testament to Kenner’s storytelling prowess.
- Publication Years: 2018–2021
- Number of Books: 13
- Setting: Austin, Texas
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
Dive into Down on Me and lose yourself in the sultry, heartfelt world of Man of the Month! Whether you’re a romance newbie or a seasoned reader, Kenner’s sizzling tales will leave you swooning.