Page 1 of No Mane, No Gain

ONE

Olive Russo leaned forward, adjusting the pillow behind her back as her cousin Athena focused the camera. The soft glow of fairy lights illuminated Olive’s cozy, book-filled reading room, casting a warm ambiance her followers adored. She settled back into her plush armchair, a steaming mug of chamomile tea within reach.

“Hey, there, book lovers.” Olive’s bright smile filled the screen on the laptop on the desk. “Welcome back toOlive’s Bookish Musings. Today, we’re diving into a real treat –A Howl to Remember, the first in the Whispering Pines Series by Milly Taiden.”

She held up the book, its cover featuring a cute blue wolf and magic symbols. “Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Olive, another shifter romance?’ But trust me, this one’s got bite.”

Olive winked at the camera, her blue eyes twinkling. “Taiden’s created a world that’s equal parts small-town charm and steamy paranormal action. Our heroine, Celeste, is a middle-aged sassy witch who’s just lost her memories.”

She leaned in conspiratorially. “And don’t get me started on our hero Kade. Let’s just say if all shifters looked like him, I’d be prowling the forests every full moon.”

Olive paused, a wistful expression crossing her face. “You know, it’s books like these that make a girl wonder. Where are all the Kades of the world? Sexy, kind, protective – but not in that creepy, controlling way. Just once, I’d love to meet a guy who could sweep me off my feet without making me want to sweep him out the door.”

She shook her head, her honey-blonde curls bouncing. “But enough daydreaming. Let’s talk about that scene in chapter six. You know the one I mean – things get extra steamy!”

Olive fanned herself dramatically, eliciting a chuckle from behind the camera. She shot a playful glare at Athena helping with the recording.

“Anyway, my darling bibliophiles, if you’re in the mood for a paranormal romance that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe howl a little,A Howl to Rememberis your ticket to a wild night in.”

She reached for her mug, taking a sip before continuing. “As always, leave your thoughts and new book recommendations in the comments. And remember, life’s too short for bad books – or bad lovers. This is Olive, signing off and wishing you happy reading!”

With a final wink, Olive ended the recording. She slumped back in her chair, exhaling deeply.

“And cut!” Athena called out, lowering the camera. “That was perfect, Olive. Your followers are going to eat it up.”

Olive quirked an eyebrow. “You don’t think the jokes were too much?”

Athena laughed. “Are you kidding? That’s what they love about you. Your snark is your brand.”

“My brand,” Olive mused, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. “Who knew my sarcasm would become a marketable skill?”

She stood, stretching her arms above her head. Olive glanced at her watch and sighed. “Time to switch gears. I’ve got a board meeting at the foundation in an hour.”

She moved to her home office, a sleek space dominated by a large desk and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Among the romance novels were thick binders filled with grant proposals and charity project outlines. Olive pulled out the latest stack of applications, settling in to review them.

As chairwoman of the Russo Family Charitable Foundation, Olive took her responsibilities seriously. It was one of the few areas where she and her parents saw eye to eye. Philanthropy was in the Russo blood, after all.

An hour later, her phone buzzed with a reminder. Time to head to the foundation’s offices for the board meeting. Olive changed into a tailored navy blue suit, her “chairwoman armor” as she liked to call it.

As she gathered her materials, Olive couldn’t help but smile. Her vlog might be her passion project, but the foundation was where she made a real difference. It was a balancing act – the lighthearted book lover and the serious philanthropist – but Olive wouldn’t have it any other way.

The board meeting went smoothly with Olive presenting a new education initiative she was particularly excited about. As the members filed out, offering their congratulations on another successful quarter, Olive felt a familiar mix of pride and pressure. She was good at this, she knew that. But sometimes, the weight of expectations – her family’s, the board’s, her own – felt overwhelming.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Athena:Coffee? I need gossip and caffeine, stat.

Olive smiled, grateful for the distraction.Meet you at Brewed Awakening in 20.

Thirty minutes later, Olive and Athena were ensconced in the plush velvet armchairs of their favorite coffee shop. The atmosphere was a perfect blend of upscale chic and cozy comfort, much like the cousins themselves.

Athena sipped her cappuccino, foam clinging to her upper lip. “Okay, spill. How’d the board meeting go?”

Olive stirred her herbal tea, watching the leaves swirl in the delicate porcelain cup. “It went well. They loved the new education initiative. But...”

“But?” Athena prodded.

Olive sighed. “My birthday’s coming up soon.”

Understanding dawned on Athena’s face. “Ah. The big 3-0. And the... arrangement.”

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