Book picks similar to
Primal Love in Gotham City by Mary Stone Ashford


poc-leads-and-characters
romantic
interracial-romance
not-public

Kings of the Underworld: Monroe: Rise of the Phoenix King


Annitia L. Jackson - 2019
    After years of being away from them, he comes back to avenge his father’s death and finds out he could be losing his mother as well. He finds himself thrown into a race against time to find a cure for his mother, as well as fighting against a prophecy he is destined to repeat. Lawrynn thought she was alone in the world, until she finds out she has a sister she knew nothing about. Being a Kanima means she is sworn to protect the people who matter the most to her, and she vows to find her sister, Latoya. Problem is, Latoya is trapped in the Forbidden Realm, a place where nothing but pain and destruction exists. Lawrynn and Monroe are in a race against time to save both of the people they love, while battling a growing love, deadly enemies, and realm of death. Will they succeed or end up losing everything that matters the most to them, including their souls?

Where the Heart Is 2


Cristina Grenier - 2015
    Despite his promises to find another job in another hospital so they could move, Simon is still working long hours in the same place, leaving Jamie to do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to raising their daughter. As if that weren't hard enough, their relationship has become somewhat long distance, and Jamie spends time driving back and forth between the house in their hometown and Simon’s apartment in the city with their screaming baby girl in tow after spending time with her sick mother every week. They both find themselves tired and irritable, more often than not, and their lack of communication just makes misunderstandings and fights happen more often than either of them have the time or energy to deal with properly. When Jamie finds out that none of Simon's friends know anything about her or their baby despite how long it’s been, she has to ask herself once again if trying to make something work with Simon is the right thing to do or if she’d be better off following in her mother’s footsteps and going it alone.

If He Loves Me (Entertainment District Book 2)


B. Love - 2017
    Even those unlovable parts of me that the newness of us has made him too blind to see.’ – Cassie Cassie Armstrong is beautiful, creative and one of the most free-spirited people you’d ever meet. With dreams of becoming an internationally known fashion designer, Cassie is able to see the beauty in everything and everyone but herself. Her fiancé, Quentin Simpson, takes full advantage of her insecurities and further builds upon them. Matteo Tate has been a fighter all of his life. A protector all of his life. When he meets Cassie, the warrior instinct that he was born with goes into overdrive. He realizes with time that Cassie is a princess who is unaware of her need to be saved. Matteo is stuck with two choices – remove himself from her life to avoid watching her spiral out of control, or risk hurting his own heart to save hers. Two men. Two vastly different displays of love. One of which isn’t love at all. But which one? Cassie is unsure. All she can do is pray that she chooses correctly because both her heart and her life will depend on it. *Please note: This is a spinoff from ‘Coffee with a side of You’.

Shattered Lives 3


T.M. Pigatt - 2017
    I’ve done everything to survive. I’ve been running for so long... but no more. It’s time to stand up and fight. I will fight for my life. I will fight for the love and the passion that Charles has awaken. I won’t let them take that away from me. Charles.... From the moment I saw Samantha, I felt a connection. I knew that I was going to have to make her mine. Now, I won’t let anyone take her away from me. Doesn’t matter who I have to battle. Even if it’s Samantha herself, or a ghost waiting in the shadows, I'm NEVER letting go!

Dying To Love Her


Tina Martin - 2014
     CEO of Rockwell Computer Components, his company is on the verge of the biggest merger in its twelve-year history. However, his attention is soon diverted from company matters after a chance meeting with Ava, a young woman he met on vacation two years ago – the one that got away. And he can’t help but notice that the little boy beside her looks just like him. Andre begins to juggle the complexities of work while seeking answers from Ava – wanting to know why she chose to neglect telling him about his son. Angry and confused, he also needs closure regarding her disappearing act two years ago and demands to know the reason why she never called him after the week they spent together in paradise. But he’s not prepared for her answer... Ava knows she shouldn’t have kept Andre’s son a secret from him. But she couldn’t find it in herself to tell Andre the reason she cut off ties with him – that she’s in failing health. When he finds out the truth, Andre must decide what’s important to him – his company or his family. Will he walk away from Ava and his newly discovered son to grow his business? Or will he find forgiveness in his heart for wrongs that had been committed against him. Will love ultimately prevail?

King Michael: The Dark Angel


Neicy P. - 2019
    after he puts his life and everything else on the line one last time for his family. 
 One failed attempt on his life after another is thwarted but right when he believes that all hope is lost, he sets his eyes on Ariella. One glance and he knows that she is his true destiny and come hell or high water, he won't allow anyone to steal the bright future he now sees that he can have with this queen by his side. 
 Ariella, a strong, independent boss in her own right, has always followed the rules and never questions the edicts and decisions of those ranked higher than her. She unquestioningly takes on the assignment to bring King to his knees. What she doesn't expect is for her feelings to overcome her faith and blind her from the truth... or is it that she was deceived and now her eyes are finally wide open? 
 King Michael and Ariella have an instant, undeniable attraction to one another, but the question is, are they truly destined to be together or will Ariella carry out the orders of the elders sacrificing her and King's chance at a happily ever after?

Queens Of Beasts: Breaking Mika


Phoenix Williams - 2019
    Returning to Hell Fire Valley after thirteen years, she is put in charge of finding who wanted her beloved grandmother murdered. Add on the fact that she was Turned into a shifter against her will and it's no wonder she's having a hard time controlling her bloodlust. Suffering from Hell Fire Valley's Alpha curse, Andrew Bayer is more animal than man. With the weight of one of the few Bear clans on his shoulders and a past that has him seeing ghosts around every corner, Drew finally finds his salvation in the form of one woman: Mika Mashall. With danger lurking in the shadows and secrets brewing just beneath the surface, Mika and Andrew learn that love and destiny cannot solve everything but death can. What else would you expect when Drew The Destroyer and Mika The Berserker team up?

The Mistletoe Wedding (The Brides of Christmas #1 )


Izabella Brooks - 2019
    Fate brought them together again, at Christmas, no less. But this time, she’s determined to safeguard her heart. Breona Ten years ago, he stole everything from me. We used to be friends. We could have even been more than that. Until he left me behind for good, ruining my life in the process. But backstabber or not, we’re both part of a wedding party. Together. At Christmas. It might be a season of love, magic, and second chances, but not for us. We’ll be lucky if we make it through the wedding without killing each other or setting the place on fire. Karsyn Okay, there’s no denying it: Breona Smyth is the most obnoxious, beautiful, enchanting woman I’ve ever met. She’s also clinging on to the notion that I ruined her life. Ten years later, she’s just as obnoxious, beautiful, and enchanting. I don’t want to ruin my best bud’s wedding, but I’m determined to make her see reason. I just don’t know if she’ll really listen. Or if I can keep myself from falling in love with her all over again. **** This is a standalone Novella with a touch of steam and HEA. ****

Love Me When It Hurts (Love Me Series Book 2)


A.C. Taylor - 2017
    Niam is honest, loyal and more understanding than she feels like she deserves. But even the best men make mistakes and sooner or later those mistakes catch up with them. Naomi is doing her best to look beyond what’s staring her in the face, but it gets harder and harder by the day. On top of it all, she can’t seem to shake old habits and get over her own trivial fears. Niam doesn’t want to step back into his past, but he can’t resist the desire to make things right. He never meant for things to go the way that they did and he would do anything to fix them. But in an effort to fix his past, he stands the chance of ruining his future—a future that he’s worked way too hard to see flourish. When it’s all said and done, love is supposed to conquer all. But how is that possible…when it hurts so much?

He Got Me In My Feelings


Kellz Kimberly - 2016
    Growing up without a father was nothing new but growing up without a mother turned Karma cold. Money over everything was the mentality of this cold-hearted thug. Love was a foreign language and nonexistent until he runs across the infamous Butta. Royce is newly single after leaving her no good, cheating boyfriend Addison. She makes a promise to herself to take some time to find herself again. Instead of finding herself, she finds a new love that has her head gone. The beautiful songstress falls heart first for Karma without giving it a second thought. Royce and Karma both have things to work on as individuals, but when they come together magic happens, at least for them anyway. It seems like when these two find love the rest of the people in their life find, greed, jealousy and disappointment. Jump into this fairy-tale love story that will leave you teary eyed & surprised as you learn a whole new meaning to being in your feelings.

Seducing the Boss


K. Alex Walker - 2019
    Yet, the morning after a particularly drunken Christmas party, she finds herself waking up in a man’s bed. A man who happens to be her sexy employee, Carson Hollister. And Carson’s fifteen years her junior.What was supposed to not go past the drunken party turns into an agreement—they continue a casual sexual relationship for twelve days until Christmas Eve. After that, they part ways. No feelings and a clean break.Easier said than done.Carson has no problem agreeing to the arrangement…except, in those twelve days, he’s planning to make Tamika fall for him. For him, their Christmas after-party hookup was nothing short of divine intervention; he’s wanted her for years but always kept a professional distance.He can give her what she thinks is the only thing he wants from her—screaming mornings, steamy evenings, and erotic nights in her office, his loft, his car…wherever. But, when it’s all said and done, she’ll realize age truly is nothing more than a number when it comes to what he can do to her body, and what he can be in her life. Warning: This standalone novel 30K contains graphic language and sexual scenarios. For mature readers only.

Good Things Come


Linda Shantz - 2020
    But when she drops out of vet school to get her jockey’s license in New York, intent on coming back to Ontario to ride Chique in the Queen’s Plate in three years, he’s the obvious choice to keep an eye on the filly. Nate’s content to watch Liv go, even though he’s got similar aspirations – when he’s not talked out of them by voices from his past. His growing bond with Chique might earn him Liv’s approval and give him the fresh start he’s looking for, but that’s as involved as he’s getting with the boss’s daughter. Not that Liv’s been receptive to anything more. Liv’s determined to keep their relationship professional, no matter how much Chique draws them together. Because racetrack romances are messy…and nothing can interfere with getting Chique to the Plate.Set against the backdrop of North America’s greatest racetracks, Good Things Come is a story about the hearts of Thoroughbreds...thepeople who love them...and the allure of Canada’s most prestigious race.

Vindictive Revenge


Nia Wilson - 2018
    . When off-duty EMT Kristen Devereaux rescues a man from a potentially fatal accident, she has no idea that she just saved the life of one of the most successful billionaires in the country. Which is exactly why she’s stunned when he invites her to dinner one night and makes her a proposal she just can’t afford to turn down. Self-made billionaire Sebastian Kent is a man in trouble. This divorced father of two adorable girls is restlessly being pursued by a vindictive ex-wife who’s not quite as innocent as she looks. After a particularly nasty divorce, the last thing that Sebastian wants is another relationship. Until he meets feisty Kristen with her sparkling eyes and sharp wit. In spite of their reservations, there’s no denying the electrified spark between Kristen and Sebastian. But as the two lovers embark on a whirlwind romance, will they ever escape the dangers that constantly lurk over their heads? **** This is a standalone Novel with a touch of steam and HEA. ****

Holiday Hijinx


Shara Azod - 2016
    Her partners and best friends were determined to make this year's office Christmas party the best one ever. So leaving the two to do their worst, which could be extremely bad, she set out to give the presentation of a lifetime to Ty Lafitte, the most sought after investor in all of Silicon Valley.  Who knew a man worth billions could strip like he was a pro? Who knew a lap dance could lead to forever?   Excerpt: “Dude! You are late! Your costumes were delivered like an hour ago. Come on you can get ready on my office.” Ty wasn't exactly sure what the hell was happening. There hadn’t been time to step off the elevator before a tiny termagant of a human was pulling him along then pushing him into an otherwise empty office, shoving a gym bag in his hands. “Hurry up!” the little woman hissed at him, actually stomping her foot. “Dana will be here in five minutes, the one I sent you a picture of. You remember what she looks like right?” Not giving him time to answer she launched into instructions. “It doesn't matter, she will be the only one seated, I will be standing right behind her. I’m Kimmi by the way, the one who hired you. Just make sure you give her one hell of a show before working the room. We’ve already paid you double so that shouldn’t be a problem, right? I mean, you are bound to get a lot of tips out there. Oh and you are bi right? The guys that are into this kind of thing - you know- you shaking it all over them or whatever, will be up front. Leave the dudes hanging back alone. Are we clear? Good! Now hurry up and get those buns out there. As soon as I see you enter I will start the music.” There was no time to tell the diminutive general who he really was. As soon as she finished talking she was gone, closing the door with authority despite doing so quietly. Yep, he was definitely investing in this company. Hell, he was prepared to give them twice the capital they were asking for. What he couldn’t figure out was whether he was going to march out of the office he was currently standing in the middle of like he had lost every available brain cell in his head, or have a little fun and go out there and play the role. There was a reason Ty kept a very low profile despite his unprecedented success in business. Truthfully, he just didn't want to be bothered with questions and have an exposé done on his background, the Louisiana swamp he crawled out of, or the fact he put himself through college by stripping. This situation would be funny if it was so eerie. It just so happened he could go out there, shake it like they had never seen before, then surprise the three partners with his identity. It would be a great prank. But as Ty began hastily disrobing, he knew the real reason he was doing this. It was Dana. The straight talking, serious pitch woman had piqued his interest beyond her company’s potential growth. As he watched her deal with Dale and Dallas, he found himself fascinated by her. And yeah, he was more than a little interested. His cock had gotten hard by the way she continually slapped down Dale’s insinuations that maybe the apps she was presenting weren't so unique, or that maybe Dana and her partners needed assistance in supervising a growing company. Dale hadn’t even realized how thoroughly she had slit his throat with witty, accurate comebacks. Some flew right over Dale’s head. Dallas had simply sat there and let his counterpart be torn apart rhetorically speaking. Sirens was a company that didn't need Ty, they wanted him. That made a business deal desirable.

Choyce and Zenia: Finding Love by Mistake


Hydiea - 2018
    She didn’t know that an argument about dishes would lead to her never seeing him again. Choyce is a 31-year-old Police Officer that is married, yet unhappy. He has a beautiful nine-year-old son, and a pregnant wife. Zenia & Choyce have many things in common, one of them being the people they took vows with didn’t deserve them. Did Choyce have a hidden agenda with Zenia? Did he play a part with her brother getting murdered? Was he covering for someone? Did he mean it when he said he loved her? Zenia wants answers, and she’s determined to get them. Find out how spicy things get in New Orleans with this amazing two-part BWWM series.