Book picks similar to
Defect by Danielle James


romance
freebie
standalone
age-gap

All Grown Up


Vi Keeland - 2019
    Young, gorgeous, successful, smart. Did I mention young? If I did, it bears repeating. Ford Donovan was too young for me.Let's back up to how it all started. My best friend decided I needed to start dating again. So, without my knowledge, she set up a profile for me on a popular dating site--one that invited men ages twenty-one to twenty-seven to apply for a date. Those nicknamed Cunnilingus King were told they'd go straight to the top for consideration. The profile wasn't supposed to go live. Another point that bears repeating--it wasn't supposed to.Nevertheless, that's how I met Ford, and we started messaging. He made me laugh; yet I was adamant that because of his age, we could only be friends. But after weeks of wearing me down, I finally agreed to one date only--my first after twenty years of being with my high school sweetheart. I knew it couldn't last, but I was curious about him.Though, you know what they say...curiosity kills the cat.My legs wobbled walking into the restaurant.Ford was seated at the bar. When he turned around, he took my breath away.His sexy smile nearly melted my panties.But...he looked so familiar.As I got closer I realized why.He was the son of the neighbor at our family's summer home.The boy next door.Only now...he was all man.I hadn't seen him in years.I left the restaurant and planned to put the entire crazy thing behind me.Which I did. Until summer came.And guess who decided to use his family's summer home this year?

Tamed


Zaria Diamond - 2019
    I knew what it meant, and was ready for what I’d be expected to do. But nothing could have prepared me for him. He is as powerful as the stallions locked in his stables. His heart is as distant as a falcon flying over the horizon, searching for prey. He lives in a palace and wears royal robes, but make no mistake. This man is not a desert prince, but a beast. That’s fine. I am not the innocent beauty I appear to be. I am a hunter. He owns the sand I walk on and the water I drink, but he will never own me. He may claim my body, but I will tame his heart.

Claiming Their Nanny


Lily Reynard - 2020
    When she sees an ad looking for a nanny to care for an orphaned baby way out in the Montana Territory, she decides to leave her ruined reputation behind and make a new start far away from her home in Philadelphia. But when she arrives in the booming frontier town of Twin Forks, she realizes that her new employers are devastatingly handsome cowboy twins, and they want to show her exactly what it means to be a woman. Unaware of the secret eating at her heart, they can’t possibly understand why she could never wed either of them. But they’ll do whatever it takes to lasso her heart forever. This MFM historical romance features lots of steamy moments, scorching love scenes, and a happy ending for Abigail and both of her hot cowboys.

A New Chapter


Susan Coventry - 2016
    Five years later, they meet again, both newly divorced, and in the process of rebuilding their lives. Emma finds comfort in the bookstore that she owns, while Zack is busy caring for his four-year-old daughter Gracie.Despite their attraction, Emma and Zack decide to be “just friends,” but soon discover that staying in the friend zone is easier said than done! Sometimes love comes along when you least expect it, but when will Emma be ready to trust her heart again? How will she know when the time is right to begin…A New Chapter?

Clear Skies


Suzanne Cass - 2021
    Secrets may tear them apart.Daisy’s in trouble. Her car is stalled in the middle of a flooded creek, with the water rising quickly.Dale is in no mood to rescue the woman about to be swept away by a raging tropical storm, who’s clearly a city girl, unfamiliar with the country roads, and driving a completely unsuitable car. He has half a mind to leave her right where she is.Stranded on the wrong side of the creek, Daisy has no other option than to accept Dale’s offer to spend the night at the luxury resort, Stormcloud Station.All of Daisy’s plans to leave the station as soon as she can are thrown into chaos when a girl is discovered drowned in the creek and everyone become suspects in a murder investigation.Daisy has discovered that far north Queensland is a wholly inhospitable country, but it also has a man with mesmerizing dimples, whose kiss has captured her soul. But she hides a secret that would tear them apart.On a night full of chaos, Dale and Daisy uncover the truth about the killer. But how can Dale safeguard this willful, determined woman who owns his heart, when Daisy puts herself squarely in harm’s way?

Her Alpha Wolf Protector (Cave Bay Shifters Book 1)


Cynthia Wilde - 2020
    Desperate to leave her old life, and memories of her nasty shifter ex behind, she was all too happy to accept the position as the new Fae appointed “Archivist” in which she would be working closely with the local pack Alpha. She had no idea just how close they would be getting. Max Strata had his hands full being the Alpha of Cave Bay. Being responsible for his pack and trying to reverse the mysterious slow decline of his beloved town was already a full-time job. With the sudden appearance of a sinkhole, and rumors of something dark and dangerous in the waters offshore things are only getting more complicated when, on top of the rest, he is thrown into the uncomfortable role of temporary guardian of three orphaned shifter children. As if that is not enough he has to welcome the new archivist. And she will prove to be his greatest challenge yet… Bound together in a race to discover what’s happening in Cave Bay, Max and Heather have to navigate ancient legends of the sea, and a myriad of strange unfolding mysteries and dangers, all while doing their best to overcome their own rising passions. Can they set aside their fears in time to discover the truth of what is plaguing the town in time? Will they take the chance to fight for a true love, or will the mysteries of the town, and their own demons destroy them first? Come along to Cave Bay and the start of a new unfolding mystery… This story contains no cheating, no cliff hangers, and of course has a HEA! ; ) Warning: This ebook contains mature themes and language and is meant for 18+ readers only. Her Alpha Wolf Protector is a Wolf Shifter Protector Romance that will appeal to lovers of paranormal, urban fantasy, shapeshifters, contemporary, and, of course sexy sweet romance full of the “feels”.

My Unexpected Serenity


Harlow James - 2021
    But in my defense, it was gourmet cheese… you know, the expensive stuff.How did I, Wesley Morgan, hotel billionaire and recovering alcoholic, end up sending a woman a basket of cheese?Well, it was only one of two morsels of information I knew about Shayla Mitchel that I thought would get her attention.The bartender across the dimly lit club took me by surprise the moment I saw her, but then I ran into her twice more upon my return to Santa Barbara, California, and that’s when I knew I didn’t stand a chance.You see, I never expected Shayla. I was on a mission to correct my mistakes and make amends for the choices I made over six years ago, and then we crossed paths and turned down a road we both never saw coming.And of course, I couldn’t fall head-over-heels for an easy woman.No.I had to be drawn to the sass and poise of a girl who doesn’t believe in love, at least the kind that comes from a man like me.Now she’s all I can think about. All I never knew I needed. But she’s putting up a fight and testing us both.Can I convince her to let me in? Can I convince myself that we both deserve happiness?But most importantly, can I convince her that sometimes good people can cause irreparable harm before they can cultivate good?

Out of the Red


Arell Rivers - 2021
    Well, maybe he does—he’s never encountered a riff he couldn’t handle, a treasure he couldn’t score, or a woman he couldn’t conquer. No one, especially not a buttoned-down rule-follower like the band’s new tour accountant, is going to change him. Accountant Sara Anderson is an unabashed stickler for the rules… Sara’s worked nine long years to make partner, and only one thing stands between her and her goal—Hunte. Now she’s going on their tour to whip the band into financial shape. So long as she gets them out of the red, the promotion will be hers. Those bad boys of rock will be tamed, no matter how yummy their lead singer is. When rebellion confronts discipline, fireworks explode. Passions collide, and lives are permanently altered, in this enemies-to-lovers, slow burn standalone romance set in the mid-1990s—when grunge ruled the airwaves and women partners were as uncommon as those new mobile phones.

Salt Bay Sunrise: A Brother's Best Friend, Wounded Veteran, Tropical Romantic Adventure


Juliet Brilee - 2020
    He’s an embattled veteran determined to help. When she gets in over her head, will their love sink or swim?Ecotour captain Willow McBride enjoys introducing tourists to the many wonders of the sea. But with financial pressure mounting, she reluctantly takes on a group of mysterious “treasure hunters” with unclear intentions. And the salt really hits the fan when her hunky high school crush wanders back into her life out of nowhere.Grant Taylor needs a fresh start. After checking out of the VA hospital with a still-mangled arm, he agrees to look in on his friend’s sister back in his hometown. And though he remains haunted by the people he let die, he’s unprepared for the way her familiar face makes his wounded heart skip a beat.Despite falling for the handsome soldier from her past, Willow still can’t let him interfere with her clients’ increasingly illegal demands. But if Grant wants to fulfill his obligation and protect the lovely mariner, he’ll have to confront his terror of open water.Can the reunited pair dodge a bullet and sail off into the sunset?Salt Bay Sunrise is the charming first book in the Escape to Valencia Cove for Tropical Romance series. If you like fanning old flames, sizzling secrets, and a dash of suspense, then you’ll adore Juliet Brilee’s sweet story.

Boss Rules


Jenna Gunn - 2020
    Today my off-limits Boss..It was supposed to be my dream job.Ocean rescuer on the highly respected Southern California team.But he happened.A few hours ago Bryce Archer wasn’t my boss.Or my anything for that matter.He was a one night indulgence.One that left my voice shredded and my body in withdrawal.But my new job on his team doesn’t allow us to mix business and pleasure.The rule book says we’re done.But the electricity between us says we’re not.So my dream job hangs in peril.If I become the secret lover…it could all come crashing down.This badass job and perfect seaside town are everything I want.But now I want him too.Enough to risk it all.Enough to follow his reckless lead and break all the rules.It’s a dumpster fire in the making.One that might leave me knocked up, broken hearted, with my dreams in tatters.Boss Rules is a steamy stand-alone book in the Archer Brother's series. Scorching passion, plenty of humor, and lots of adventure action set this seaside love affair apart from the rest of the pack. No cliff-hangers and no cheating in this HEA. This one will melt you and your Kindle!

Playing Fate


Leigh Ann Lunsford - 2016
    A loving home, good looks, a fast track to the major league. But then he makes a mistake. A mistake that would derail most, but not him. He takes the challenge, turns the mistake into another accomplishment. His life it altered – for the better. Saylor Lewis is just a girl. A girl she doesn’t even know. Always the good girl, never rocking the boat, never living for the moment. Until she attends college – out of state. He’s wide open; she’s hidden away. He wants her. She just wants success. She fights. He fights harder. He fights dirty. They each have an endgame . . . will it be each other?

Why Should I Love You?


Ivy Symone - 2014
    He’s surrounded by family and friends that adore him, and he takes pride in being an influential member within the community. Even though, all seems good, he has a troubled past and can’t find love. He thought he'd found it in his fiancé, only to find her in bed with her boss. As he’s beginning to feel that all is lost, an optimistically charming woman, by the name of Lovely, enters the picture. The beautiful Lovely Prasad is visually impaired and unfortunately, also romantically impaired. Twelve years prior, she loses her sight and any kind of possibility at ever finding that one true love. However, she remains positive and free-spirited which ultimately lands her in the arms of Abe Masters. As Abe and Lovely’s relationship grows, those surrounding them can’t seem to get it together. And, unfortunately for Abe, his past transgressions resurface. Some things are hard to let go of and other things just won’t go away, no matter how much of a changed man he is. Secrets will be exposed, and threats will be made, leaving those who are foolishly in love with only one question lingering in their minds. Why should I love you?

The Blame Game


Tracie Delaney - 2019
    Especially when you fall for the one you set out to destroy.Indie Monroe was supposed to ruin Jax. Not fall for him. But his family has to pay for their sins, regardless of her heart.Jax Brook lost everything—his parents, his place at Juilliard, and his identity. For twelve years, he set aside his own happiness for the sake of his family. Finally, his time has arrived, except the gorgeous, seductive Indie Monroe isn't what she seems.Beneath the professional façade, Indie is hiding a secret that will forever change the course of Jax’s life. Possibly even end it.But as she and Jax grow closer, Indie begins to have second thoughts about the path she is destined to walk.Which course will she choose? And will Jax’s love be strong enough to forgive her?The Blame Game is a complete standalone and part of a series. Buy your copy today, and step into the world of the Brook Brothers.The Brook Brothers SeriesThe Blame Game – Jax and IndieAgainst All Odds – Calum and LaurellaHis To Protect – Cole and MillieWeb of Lies – Nate and Dex

Claimed


Bella Night - 2019
     The death of his brother forces Greyson West to take his rightful spot in a pack of outlaw wolf shifters. He accepts his fate in order to protect his family, but when a dangerous encounter brings him face-to-face with his mate, he finds himself risking everything for love. The only problem. . . she’s human. Etti Blackwell is a smart-mouthed tattoo artist with a fierce independent streak. So when a sexy wolf shifter turns her world upside down, she doesn’t take kindly to it. Greyson may have rescued her, but she doesn’t trust him. It’s his fault she’s on the run from werewolves! As the pack’s savage Alpha closes in, Grey does the unthinkable to keep Etti safe, triggering a curse so powerful it may just cost them both their lives. Unless . . . Can Grey win Etti’s heart and prove he’s her mate before the next hunter’s moon? Crescent City Wolves will transport fans of Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and The Originals to a world unlike any other... Crescent City Wolves Series: A Paranormal Shifter Romance Book 1: Claimed Book 2: Cursed Book 3: Chosen Book 4: Buried Book 5: Betrayed Book 6: Bitten

Where My Heart Breaks


Ivy Sinclair - 2013
    Kate’s mission is to prove that she has learned from her mistakes. Almost immediately, Kate is drawn to someone else who understands the unfairness of being judged by actions of the past. Reed Black has his own regrets, but, instead of trying to change the town’s perception of him, he embraced it. When Reed offers to give Kate a crash course in the romanticized history and insight behind the novel that put the Willoughby Inn on the map, Kate is unable can’t resist playing only, even though she knows that just like the plot of the Willoughby Inn story, anything more than friendship is strictly off-limits. This is a full-length, standalone new adult contemporary romance novel intended for readers 18+. The Willoughby Inn Love Story Collection: Where My Heart Breaks Grounded By You