Book picks similar to
The Skin Artist by George Hovis


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Santa's Little Helper


Lisa Chalmers - 2020
    But Emma is completely different from every other woman he's met. Suddenly he's the one seemingly doing the chasing.Can he turn this flirtationship into something real?

Birdcall Morning


Mark J. Asher - 2016
    The last time he was conscious, at thirty-one, O.J. Simpson had just led police on a long car chase and nobody knew the name Monica Lewinsky. When he turns on the strange-looking flat screen in his room at the nursing home, he hears reporters on one channel after another talking about Charlie Sheen’s infamous meltdown. After his mother arrives at his bedside, he learns that his father has died, his wife has divorced him, and the music store that he owned for most of his adult life has been sold. As Joel grapples with the loss of his independence, he realizes that his mother, who has driven him crazy since birth, will be his caretaker for the foreseeable future. Luckily, angels disguised as therapists and the support of old friends help him through a grueling rehabilitation. With one foot in the past and a heavy heart, Joel is about to slowly reenter a very different world than the one he left. Birdcall Morning is an emotional and life-affirming tale about the struggle to start over, the value of friendship, the true nature of love, and the changing times that we live in. It’s the sort of book that takes you on an unexpected journey that’s captivating until the very last word.

Crackanory: Series 1 and 2


NOT A BOOK - 2015
    What twisted, funny tales would it unleash upon the world?Each episode of Crackanory contains two 15-minute tales and is a master class in storytelling, combining some of the UK's best comedy writers and performers.Full author list: Nico Tatarowicz, Toby Davies, Kevin Eldon, Ali Crockatt, David Scott, Laurence Rickard, Jeremy Dyson, Simon Judd, Alex Carter and Holly WalshFull narrator list: Jack Dee, Sally Phillips, Rebecca Front, Kevin Eldon, Harry Enfield, Sarah Solemani, Sharon Horgan, Charlie Higson, Richard Hammond and Jessica Hynes.

The Woman I Was Before


Kerry Fisher - 2019
     A new home can be a happy ending. Or a fresh start. Or a hiding place... Kate Jones is running away. She has left her old life behind, changing both her own name and her daughter’s. No-one must ever connect Kate with the mistake that destroyed her life. Starting afresh on Parkview Road – a brand new street full of newly built houses – Kate looks at the other women on the street with envy. They seem to have it all: Gisela with her busy life, full house and successful children, Sally with her exciting spontaneous marriage, her glamorous holidays, her high-flying career. The pictures that Kate's new friends post online confirm their seemingly perfect existence, whilst Kate hides from the world at all costs. Until one day, everything changes. Kate is called to the scene of a devastating accident, which is about to test everything the women thought they knew about each other, and themselves. From the bestselling author of The Silent Wife, The Woman I Was Before is a book about the things we hide from those closest to us – and the terrible consequences that keeping those secrets can have. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Diane Chamberlain.

Hunter


Kate Tilney - 2020
    But now that I’m home to take the helm, I find out my parents have gone and hired some corporate wannabe with a fancy degree to help. I’m determined to send her packing until I get a good look at her.Though she represents everything I hate, I find myself drawn to her. She’s a temptation that’s hard to resist.OliveHelping the family-run apple orchard reach the next level seems like a good stepping stone for bigger and better things. It would go a whole lot better if the owners’ son didn’t question my every decision.And it would be a whole lot easier if he wasn’t so good looking.I’m here to do a job, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to mix a little pleasure with business.Instalove Fall Festival is a series of standalone short, sweet, and steamy romances filled with the best parts of Autumn and happily ever afters. Read this series if you love strong, protective heroes and confident, curvy heroines who find true love, and maybe some hot apple cider along the way. No cliffhangers! No cheating!

The Lumberjack's Match: A Sweet Fake Relationship Romance (Pretendr Dating App Series)


Blake Andrews - 2018
    Rhett’s already been planning to build himself a beautiful new home on it, but the seller has several stipulations about how said land can be purchased. Chiefest among them: the buyer must build a family home on the acreage, establishing genuine roots in their small town of Leavenworth. Rhett hasn’t devoted much thought to dating, let alone marriage, but he’ll do anything to acquire this land—even if it means pretending to have a bride. Lacey Macuzzi’s family is constantly pressuring her to settle down, wanting nothing more than to throw her a huge, expensive wedding. You’d never know by her massive social media presence, but Lacey’s actually shy and socially-awkward. She’s given up on the chance of ever meeting anyone, but wants to please her parents. Frustrated, she longs to find a man willing to pose as her groom for the big day, just to get them off her back. But how? Enter Pretendr, the app that pairs people looking for fake relationships. Being matched through the app seems like the perfect solution, but once Rhett and Lacey have solved their problems, another one emerges… They both seem to have fallen for each other. The Lumberjack's Match is a 30,000 word standalone novella, perfect to curl up with if you're looking for a sweet, fun, quick read on the go.

Persuaded by the Hero (Heroes of Freedom Ridge)


Elle E. Kay - 2021
    Her decision will decide their future.Bryce hasn’t laid eyes on Sabrina in three years despite visiting Freedom Ridge every Christmas. Not that he could blame her for avoiding him. He left town in a hurry and without a backward glance. He isn’t the same irresponsible kid from back then—the Army changed him. But convincing her to trust him again will be a challenge.Avoiding the man she’d once loved every Christmas season was one thing, but now he's back. And he's her boss. Sabrina isn’t prepared to work for Bryce—it will make it impossible to keep her secret. Their story might have derailed three years earlier, but her humiliation feels fresh. Had God rescued her only to throw her back into the mouth of a hungry lion?They soon discover time apart didn’t dim their chemistry and long for buried feelings rise to the surface, but will they have a second chance at romance or is the risk of involving him in her son’s life too great?Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.Persuaded by the Hero is Book 11 in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, but each book can be read as a standalone.

Faking it with the Billionaire: A Secret Baby, Marriage-of-Convenience Romance (Sexy Fake Marriages Book 1)


Chelsea Greene - 2019
    It was a business deal and I had only one rule. Do not fall in love.Losing my v-card to the hot British billionaire was never the plan.He was sexy as sin but arrogant as hell.I was an intern dreaming of my catering business;He was an heir pleasing his mom.A fake marriage seemed like the perfect plan.Until his touch made me want more.His lips against my mouth made me lose control.He claimed me in every way.I could totally resist him, right?Or was it too late? Faking it with the Billionaire is full-length novel with lots of heat, steam and a HEA. Scroll up and one-click your copy today.

Avenging Amy


Annabelle Winters - 2021
    . . ANNABELLE WINTERS STYLE!When a brash Saudi prince takes liberties with State Department translator Amy Hadad, she’s told to forget it and move on, to be a patriot and swallow her personal pride for the sake of the bigger picture.Saudi Prince Rafiq is helping the US in a delicate hostage situation with the rogue extremist nation of Jawal, and so Amy is stuck with an impossible choice: If she accuses Prince Rafiq, he might not help the US, and hostages might die.It’s not just an impossible choice, it’s no choice at all.She has to stand down, keep her mouth shut, smile for the camera, and let the show go on.Navy SEAL Jake Axelrod, busted down to security detail for a loudmouthed Senator after running his own mouth off in public, is used to choosing his country over himself.It’s what he was born to do, trained to do, loves to do.But when he senses how Amy reacts to Prince Rafiq at a State Department Gala in Dubai, something awakens in him, something comes alive, a different sense of moral duty that burns strong in his heart, like it comes from someplace deep and ancient, from a time when a man's highest duty was to protect his woman.Soon Axe faces his own impossible choice, and he makes it with his heart instead of his head.An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind, they say.Well, even a blind man knows when the sun is shining, and that’s what it feels like around Amy.So what the hell.Who needs eyes when your future's so clear.Hooyah.Toe-curling suspense, button-popping steam, mind-breaking action. And of course over-the-top drama and madness, Annabelle Winters style. This is a full length standalone.

Valencia and Valentine


Suzy Krause - 2019
    To confront those fears, Valencia’s therapist suggests that she fly somewhere—anywhere—before her upcoming birthday. And as Valencia begins a telephone romance with a man from New York, she suddenly has a destination in mind. There’s only one problem—he might not actually exist.Mrs. Valentine is an eccentric old woman desperate for company, be it from neighbors, telemarketers, or even the funeral director (when you’re her age, you go to a lot of funerals). So she’s thrilled when the new cleaning girl provides a listening ear for her life’s story—a tale of storybook love and incredible adventures around the world with her husband before his mysterious and sudden disappearance.The stories of Valencia and Mrs. Valentine may at first appear to have nothing in common…but then again, nothing in life is as straightforward as it seems.

Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall (The Willow Tree Hall Series Book 4)


Alison Sherlock - 2019
     Lily Harper is an events organiser, but her neat, ordered world has just exploded. First she lost her job, then she lost her fiancé. Her five-year plan is looking increasingly shaky. Lost and lonely, Lily heads home to her childhood village, and accepts the position of live-in housekeeper at the grand but welcoming Willow Tree Hall. It's not exactly her dream job – Lily is more used to arranging parties than pantries – but at least she's working. Her first task is to arrange the Willow Tree Hall summer fete. Lily is in her element, writing to-do lists and organising bunting and baking – until her old flame Jack Carter turns up in the village. Lily hasn't seen Jack in over ten years, when he sped off on his motorbike, taking with him the pieces of her broken heart. Lily vowed she would never forgive him. But as Willow Tree Hall weaves its magic, Lily finds she might just give Jack a second chance after all... Full of warmth, tears, love and laughter, this is a gripping romance for fans of Heidi Swain and Philippa Ashley. What readers are saying about Willow Tree Hall: 'A sympathetically heart-warming story about family, loyalty, love and friendship ... I look forward to reading more in the series' Donna Orrock, NetGalley. 'I absolutely adored this book. Felt like a proper fairytale' Natasha Potter, NetGalley. 'A wonderful, enchanting story ... I am very much looking forward to reading further stories in this series' Lis Beasley, NetGalley. 'A beautiful and exquisite read. I couldn't put it down. Loved it' Karen Whittard, NetGalley. 'A delightful book of new beginnings and hope, I really enjoyed this one!' Books, Books and More Books. 'I never knew that a book had the power to make me feel calm. Until now. Not only is A House to Mend a Broken Heart true to its title storyline wise, for the duration of this novel it became A Story to Soothe a Painful Body' Kaisha Holloway, Netgalley. 'Delightful! ... A well written, relaxing, and thoroughly enjoyable read' Kathleen Gray, NetGalley. 'A brilliant, uplifting mix of romance, drama and fun. Recommended!' Agi Klar, NetGalley. 'Full of warmth it really is a delightful read!' Rae Reads.

When Loss is Gain


Pavan K. Varma - 2012
    

Alpha’s Best Friend’s Sister: A Forbidden Office Romance (Swoon Worthy Billionaires Book 3)


J.P. Comeau - 2022
    The scent of his cologne made me quiver. Time ceased to exist.My favorite daydreams were coming true.The love of my life had been set free.But as I reached for his embrace,My boss, who protected me like a brother, stepped between us, warning me…“Mikael Johnston is off-limits!”Of course, I didn’t listen.And after our desperate moment,Reliving some of those spicy daydreams,Panic reawakened my senses.He begged me to stay, to talk it out.But I was afraid and ran away.When Mikael ended up in the hospital fighting for his life,Struggling to clear his name once and for all;My guilt for abandoning him was all consuming.I wanted to believe in our future.But the drama from his past threatened to tear us apart,Until fate stepped in.Now, I’m carrying his baby.But I have a career.I never imagined what life might be like as a single mom.And now that he has his billions back,What will Mikael do when I tell him the news?Is it possible, my daydreams will finally come true? Is it possible the love of my life will want to settle down here in Peachland and raise a family?If you love a sexy forbidden romance, don’t miss this satisfying alpha protector read with tons of twists and surprises. Best-selling Amazon author J.P. Comeau’sAlpha’s Best Friend’s Sister is a full-length novel with no cheating, and a happily-ever-after.

A Lily in the Light


Kristin Fields - 2019
    People Esme has known her whole life suddenly become suspects, each new one hitting closer to home than the last.Unable to cope, Esme escapes the nightmare that is her new reality when she receives an invitation to join an elite ballet academy in San Francisco. Desperate to leave behind her chaotic, broken family and the mystery surrounding Lily’s disappearance, Esme accepts.Eight years later, Esme is up for her big break: her first principal role in Paris. But a call from her older sister shatters the protective world she has built for herself, forcing her to revisit the tragedy she’s run from for so long. Will her family finally have the answers they’ve been waiting for? And can Esme confront the pain that shaped her childhood, or will the darkness follow her into the spotlight?

The Casanova's Wife (Marriages Made in India, #5)


Sundari Venkatraman - 2016
    Being a super model, he travels from Jaipur to Mumbai to Delhi, modelling for high-end brands and playing show stopper during fashion shows. Clothes, jewellery, glares, briefs – you name it and Bharat Maheshwari models for it. Dia Mathur is a management trainee based in Mumbai. She’s surprised to find herself at an after event party hosted by a major fashion label, thanks to her best friend. That’s where she meets Bharat, completely unaware of his claim to fame. Sparks sizzle and they get together instantaneously. But things fall apart when Dia realises that Bharat is quite the Casanova and might not make for a life partner. She disappears from his life......to surface again two years later, at no place other than his family’s drawing room in Jaipur. Will the Casanova turn a new leaf? Or will Dia have to play second, third or fourth fiddle to every gorgeous model who comes into his life?Read Book #5 from MARRIAGES MADE IN INDIA series to find out more about "The Casanova’s Wife".