Book picks similar to
The Absolute Novels by S.J. Hooks


never
school-college-university-love
arc
fiction

The Shadow Soul


Kaitlyn Davis - 2014
    Masquerading as a boy, Jinji joins Rhen with vengeance in her heart. But traveling together doesn't mean trusting one another, and both are keeping a deep secret – magic. Jinji can weave the elements to create master illusions and Rhen can pull burning flames into his flesh.But while they struggle to hide the truth, a shadow lurks in the night. An ancient evil has reawakened, and unbeknownst to them, these two unlikely companions hold the key to its defeat. Because their meeting was not coincidence – it was fate. And their story has played out before, in a long forgotten time, an age of myth that is about to be reborn...From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes a fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Kristin Cashore, and Tamora Pierce! Told in alternating male and female perspectives.

The Unimaginable


Dina Silver - 2014
    Set on the sun-soaked beaches of Thailand and the rough waters of the Indian Ocean, The Unimaginable paints a vivid portrait of a young woman on a journey to find herself—and her harrowing fight for survival.After twenty-eight years of playing by the rules, Jessica Gregory moves from her small Indiana town to Phuket, Thailand. But her newfound routine is upended with the arrival of Grant Flynn, a captivating, elusive man who is sailing around the world while trying to move on from a past tragedy. Jessica volunteers to help crew Grant’s boat, Imagine, on a passage across the Indian Ocean and finds herself falling in love with him as the voyage gets underway. But when disaster strikes, Jessica must summon her courage as the crew is confronted by unspeakable terrors—and, aboard a boat named for such promise, comes the unimaginable.

The Love Proof


Madeleine Henry - 2021
    Sophie Jones is a physics prodigy on track to unlock the secrets of the universe. But when she meets Jake Kristopher during their first week at Yale they instantly feel a deep connection, as if they’ve known each other before. Quickly, they become a couple. Slowly, their love lures Sophie away from school. When a shocking development forces Sophie into a new reality, she returns to physics to make sense of her world. She grapples with life’s big questions, including how to cope with unexpected change and loss. Inspired by her connection with Jake, Sophie throws herself into her studies, determined to prove that true loves belong together in all realities. Spanning decades, The Love Proof is an unusual love story about lasting connection, time, and intuition. It explores the course that perfect love can take between imperfect people, and urges us to listen to our hearts rather than our heads.

Now That It's You


Tawna Fenske - 2016
    Ditching him at the altar after blurting out “I can’t” instead of “I do” would sour any relationship. But now, just as Meg is finally ready to bury the hatchet, she learns closure is permanently off the menu. And the kicker? Matt’s brother, Kyle, is back in her life, stirring up feelings that are equal parts guilt and lust.Meg was the best thing that never happened to Kyle. He couldn’t make a move on his brother’s girlfriend—even if Matt didn’t value her nearly enough. The situation is even more complicated now that Meg’s bestselling aphrodisiac cookbook has spawned a legal battle with the Midlands. Maybe he should stay away. But love, like family, plays by its own rules. And the one woman he shouldn’t want might be the only one who’s perfect for him.

Starborn


Lucy Hounsom - 2015
    . .Kyndra's fate holds betrayal and salvation, but the journey starts in her small village. On the day she comes of age, she accidentally disrupts an ancient ceremony, ending centuries of tradition. So when an unnatural storm targets her superstitious community, Kyndra is blamed. She fears for her life until two strangers save her, by wielding powers not seen for an age - powers fuelled by the sun and the moon.Together, they flee to the hidden citadel of Naris. And here, Kyndra experiences disturbing visions of the past, showing war and one man's terrifying response. She'll learn more in the city's subterranean chambers, amongst fanatics and rebels. But first Kyndra will be brutally tested in a bid to unlock her own magic.If she survives the ordeal, she'll discover a force greater than she could ever have imagined. But could it create as well as destroy? And can she control it, to right an ancient wrong?

So Good


Darcy Burke - 2016
    He’s never minded being called a manwhore, but after two years immersing himself in his new winery, he might be ready for the next chapter. Especially when he meets a sexy wine distributor—only she says she isn’t interested. Following a bitter divorce, Brooke Ellis relocated to Ribbon Ridge to rebuild her life. Things will never be the same for her, and she’s coming to terms with that reality when she meets charming, persistent Cam. She can’t imagine a happy ever after given his reputation, but he makes her feel so good. As the sparks between them intensify, they’re both hesitant to commit for very different reasons. Or are they really just sabotaging their own futures? If they can trust each other—and themselves—they may realize that what they share is too good to let slip away.

A Home in the Sun


Sue Moorcroft - 2021
    Nursing a broken heart, Judith knows she must find happiness again – and rebuild her life on her own terms.Could an island in the sun be the answer she is looking for?A wonderfully escapist summer read, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Carole Matthews.

The Empty Nesters


Carolyn Brown - 2019
    But none of the women are prepared when their daughters decide to enlist in the army together. Facing an empty nest won’t be easy. Especially for Carmen. With emotions already high, she suffers an even greater blow: divorce papers. Diana understands the fury and tears. She’s been there.With nothing to lose and no one at home, the girlfriends impulsively accept an unexpected offer from their elderly neighbor. The recently widowed Tootsie has an RV, a handsome nephew at the wheel, and an aim for tiny Scrap, Texas, to embrace memories of her late husband. Still grieving, she can use the company as a balm for her broken heart. So can the empty nesters.Embarking on a journey of hope, romance, and healing, Diana, Carmen, and Joanie are at a turning point in their lives. And with the open road ahead of them, it’s just the beginning.

The Legacy Collection Box Set: Books 1-6


Ruth Cardello - 2019
    6 full-length novels Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire Dominic Corisi knows Abby Dartley’s the distraction he’s looking for, especially since having her takes more persuading than he’s used to. When business forces him to fly to China, he takes her along on his terms. No promises. No complications. Just sex. Abby’s the responsible one. She doesn’t take risks, especially with men—until Dominic. He’s infuriating and intoxicating, a heady combination. Their trip to China revives a long forgotten side of Abby, but also reveals a threat to bring down Dominic’s company. With no time to explain her actions, Abby must either influence the outcome of his latest venture and save his company or accept her role as his mistress and leave his fate to chance. Does she love him enough to risk losing him forever? Book 2: For Love or Legacy Stephan Andrade has planned revenge since Dominic Corisi unscrupulously took over his father’s company. Corisi Enterprises’ reputation depends on the success of a new software network for China; Stephan sees a chance to regain his legacy. Dominic’s sister, Nicole, asks Stephan for help and it’s an opportunity to exact his revenge. It all goes smoothly until he falls in love. Nicole Corisi will lose her inheritance if she doesn’t find a way around terms of her father’s will, but she’ll have to partner with her brother’s rival to do it. As pretense becomes painfully real, Nicole has to choose between Stephan and the family he’s driven to destroy. Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire Lil Dartley’s life is upside down. Her steadfast and predictable sister is marrying a billionaire and needs help planning her wedding quickly. Years of rebellion haven’t prepared Lil for handling billionaires or paparazzi. Jake Walton knows a train wreck when he sees one. Lil’s trouble from the start, but her sister is marrying his best friend, and he has to help her or the wedding will be in the news for the wrong reason. Keeping Lil safe would be easier if she didn’t drive him crazy both in and out of the bedroom. Book 4: Saving the Sheik Rachid bin Amir al Hantan is fighting for the sovereignty of his small country. He needs to find some powerful allies quickly. Attending Dominic Corisi’s wedding is more about reconnecting with old friends. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a woman. Zhang Yajun’s a self-made billionaire who can’t believe her friend dared to kiss Sheikh Rachid before the wedding ends. When impulsive words lead to impulsive actions, these two discover the last thing you’re looking for is the one thing that saves you. Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire Dreams of Alethea helped Jeremy Kater survive a difficult childhood. He now has influential friends who owe him favors, and he’s determined to become the man Alethea is interested in: rich and dangerous. Jeisa Borreto is hired to help him morph into that man. She’d enjoy the job if it weren’t tearing her heart apart. How can she help him change once she realizes she’s falling in love with the man he’s always been? Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire Alethea’s at a crossroads. It’s always been her and her BFF, Lil, against the world. Now Lil has met Prince I-Have-My-Own-Helicopter Charming and reconnected with her family. Alethea’s on the outside looking in, justifying who she's been to people who’ve never understood her.

The Runaway Christmas Bride


Scarlet Wilson - 2015
    Mitch is stunned but directs her somewhere to stay... and finds himself unable to keep from checking up on her. Emma McGregor has had the worst day of her life. Finding out her groom didn't really want to marry her was a devastating blow, but Mitch and the town of Marietta reach out to her in a way she couldn't have imagined. Nowhere seems to do Christmas like Marietta does. But Mitch has secrets of his own. Everyone knows about the injury that tragically ended his promising football career, but there's more to the story... Will the magic of Marietta sprinkle some Christmas dust on their broken hearts and help them find their happy ever after?

Caged in Winter


Brighton Walsh - 2014
    She's only seventy-six days away from college graduation--and the future she's dreamed of for so long. She just has to stick to her rules: Don't lose focus. Trust no one. Hookups only--she doesn't want or need a man ruining her plans.But then Cade Maxwell, aspiring chef and Prince Charming in-training, comes swooping in to her life. All brash exterior and marshmallow center, Cade strips away her walls as easily as he strips away her clothes. One of the best in his class, he's on the fast-track to his dream job--as long as he keeps his eye on the prize.This close to graduation, neither of them can afford a distraction. Despite their explosive chemistry, nothing serious can develop between them. Thankfully, Winter's rules are keeping them safe.Except Cade's not playing by her rules anymore.

Her Brooding Italian Boss


Susan Meier - 2015
    He may be darkly handsome, but the fiery Italian proves to be a difficult boss! Since his wife's betrayal, Antonio has been unable to pick up a brush. But captivated by Laura Beth's guileless beauty, he wonders if she could be the woman to unlock the talent he thought he'd lost forever… It's a miracle which reminds him of all that's now good in this life: Laura Beth!

Million Dollar Devil


Katy Evans - 2019
    The perfect man. But when the rich “fundbabies” she usually rubs shoulders with prove impossible to hire, she takes a chance on a raw beast of a man salvaged from the wreckage of a bar brawl.James Rowan earns a modest income as a YouTube daredevil, but he can’t refuse Lizzy’s million dollar deal. As she polishes his rough edges, creating a sophisticated gentleman fit for the highest circles of society, not only does she bring out the perfect man—it’s like she’s making the man of her dreams. How can she resist?Though Lizzy loves seeing James in his clothes—and out of them—he isn’t the kind of man you bring home to Daddy. Her father’s disapproval and the pressure of the campaign have her eyeing the straight and narrow, but Lizzy’s finding it awfully hard to resist the devil on her shoulder…

Men In Control: The Smith Brothers Series Box Set


Brenda Ford - 2019
    6 HOT Men who know how to take control.Affairs, cougars, scandals… the Smith brothers have it all. None of them have a straight forward love life…even the ones that think they do.Escape into their whirlwind romance as the Smith Brothers promise to entertain you all day and night.  Stories included in the box set: The Perfect Boss She’s innocent…My assistant…And way younger. I’m the last man she should be with. At the same time, though…  I’m the only man who’d do anything for her.She’s supposed to be mine. I’m way too obsessed to let her go. Especially now that she’s pregnant.  I’ll do whatever it takes to claim my family.  Tempt Me Forever “A rock band drummer dating a billionaire!” That in itself sounds like a joke. And also like an unattainable fantasy. But as luck would have it.. Our two worlds collide. It causes an explosion… and a ton of drama. And now, he’s down on one knee. Do you think I should say yes? Rock Hard Freya Brown…She is simply perfect…I thought I’ve found my love…Only to realize that I messed up again,But I’m too obsessed to let her go,And I’ll do everything to make her mine But this girl just doesn’t know it yet! Blind In Love I know it’s forbidden…her daughter is elder to me.I know it’s dangerous…her ex is a stalker.And yet, I’m falling for my teacher!But looks like destiny doesn’t want us to be together.I am forced to move out to New York,  It’s been four long years, and I am back – to claim what’s mine.  But would she still be waiting for me?  Head Over Heels Falling in love with the girl next door was never the plan!But she’s tempting, alluring, exciting and I can’t stop myself from being drawn in to her dangerous world.The deeper I sink, the harder it will be to get out, Yet, I can’t stop myself from falling. Head over heels in love with her. Ellie will create an explosion in my life, I just know it. But love makes you do some pretty crazy things, right? And I’m going to win her back. No matter what it takes! Unexpected Baby I hate her…I’ve always hated her, And it will never change.

Untraceable


Shelli R. Johannes - 2011
    When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father. Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.