Book picks similar to
Intrigued by Z.L. Arkadie


romance
christmas
contemporary-romance
contemporary

Going Down Easy


Carly Phillips - 2016
    Until Lexie Parker arrives. She's no-nonsense, efficient and all business… She’s also hot as sin and soon starring in Kaden's dirtiest fantasies.When their passion for each other reaches a boiling point, Kaden may think he’s calling the shots, but for this billionaire bad boy, going down easy has never felt so good.

Love like You've Never Been Hurt


S.J. McCoy - 2013
    After losing her parents so young and later suffering a disastrous marriage, she believes that love only ever leads to pain and loss. When she meets Jack Benson, the business partner of her childhood friend Pete, she sees everything she used to long for in a man; tall, dark, and drop dead gorgeous! Despite their undeniable attraction, Emma is too scared to risk her heart, especially on a man so much like her ex - sexy, smart, funny, successful and no doubt the same kind of cheat! When events lead them both to Summer Lake for the summer, will Jack be able to persuade her that he's nothing like her ex in all the ways that really matter? That the love she used to dream of isn't a little girl's fantasy, but a reality they can share if she can get past her fear and learn to trust? This book is intended for adult readers 18+

Dirty Little Lies


Clare James - 2014
    (Yeah, she knows it’s stupid name, so don’t start.) But most importantly, Stevie’s lost herself. As she shuffles through her days in worn-out Hello Kitty PJs—eating ice cream, sipping wine, and contemplating her next move—a magazine article catches her attention. Blaring black letters read: "How to Get Your Sexy Back in Six Easy Steps."Stevie studies the article in the trashy magazine like the good student she is and immediately knows what she has to do. With the magazine article in hand, and a bottle of red in her bag, Stevie embarks on a journey to reclaim her life and win back her ex. Until she meets Gabe Shannon. Gorgeous, single, and on a quest of his own, Gabe introduces Stevie to a lifestyle that is sure to help get her sexy back and then some. If she doesn’t chicken out … (Oh, you know where this is going.)What follows is a story of self-discovery, romantic gestures, erotic encounters, and following one's heart--even if it leads in unexpected directions.Portions originally published online as The Club e-series, Dirty Little Lies now has 70% more content, chapters from Gabe's point of view, and a sizzling conclusion to this steamy tale.

Legally Yours


Nicole French - 2017
    Okay, so maybe she's a little neurotic too. She just can't afford to be distracted these days, especially not by the immature boys that keep asking her out. At the end of her third year at Harvard Law, all Skylar wants is to figure out her next steps: ones that will hopefully include a job, an apartment, and enough money to help her father stop getting into trouble. She simply has no room for romance, especially the kind that might break your heart. But on a dark, snowy night, when she's stranded in the living room of the notorious CEO of Sterling Ventures and one of the best attorneys in Boston, all of those boundaries are about to be knocked down.Brandon Sterling never believed in fate. A man of his own making, he firmly credits his successes to hard work. How else could you explain his rise from the poorest of backgrounds in South Boston to becoming one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Boston? Living in the lap of luxury, it never mattered to him that increasing success meant increased isolation in his big house on Beacon Street. After all, when you have everything, everyone else always wants something. That he walks in to find a gorgeous redhead sitting on his windowsill. Suddenly, the idea of love at first sight seems like the most plausible thing in the world...if only the one person he wants to give his heart to would actually take it.Together, Skylar and Brandon have the kind of passion few hope to find, but things keep getting in their way. Between school, business, her father's gambling troubles and Brandon's history of personal struggle, will their complicated lives prevent them from making it work together? Or, as they both suspect somewhere deep down, have they finally met their match in each other's hearts?

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.

Masquerade


Nicole Flockton - 2012
    Vowing to only look forward and not behind, she attends a Masquerade Ball with no expectations. That is, until a mysterious masked man sits beside her. Attraction ignites, and, setting her inhibitions aside, she embarks on one night of passion. Alex Scavoni has sacrificed a lot to be the best ER doctor he can be. Now he’s about to start his dream job as the Registrar of the ER Department and getting involved in a relationship is the last thing on his mind. When he meets a masked Sophie, he knows he has to have her, and he won’t take no for an answer. Fate plays her hand and Sophie and Alex find themselves working closely together in the stressful world of emergency medicine. Determined to keep their passionate interlude a secret they attempt to maintain a working relationship. Only they find that their one night together isn’t enough. Can they push aside their growing feelings or will fate have one more card to play that will change their lives forever?

Secret Acquisitions


Raleigh Davis - 2019
    Fast.When I stumble onto a tech giant's plot to spy on everyone's phones, I know my security company is only one who can stop them. But my little start up needs money. Lots of it.Enter Mark Taylor, the hottest venture capitalist in Silicon Valley. And the only billionaire I know on a personal level. And the guy I reluctantly turned down in college.I'm in his office and ready to beg... but he's not the forgive and forget type.Mark: I never hear the word no. Not since I remade myself from a skinny nerd into the deal making playboy of Bastard Capital.January was the last woman to tell me no--and the one woman I can't forget. She's as enticing as ever, so I offer her a deal: I say yes to her in the boardroom and she says yes to me in the bedroom. A quick, scorching affair is exactly what I need to get her out of my system.But when a shadowy conspiracy threatens her company--and the privacy of everybody--all my protective instincts flare to life. And this quick affair is suddenly much deeper than we'd ever expected... Enter the world of Bastard Capital: Unrivaled men. Unimaginable wealth. Unlimited power. Books in the Bastard Capital SeriesSecret Acquisitions (Book One, Mark's story)Unfinished Seductions (Book Two, Logan's story)Competitive Instincts (Book Three, Finn's story)Intimate Mergers (Book Four, Paul's story)Hostile Attractions (Book Five, Elliot's story)Private Disclosures (Book Six, Dev's story)

Crystal Magic


Madeline Freeman - 2014
    Windows break. Books rocket across the room. Lights flicker. Strange occurrences follow the sixteen-year-old everywhere. When tragedy forces her to move to the small town of Clearwater, Michigan, with her estranged aunt Jodi, Kristyl tries to leave her past behind. But Clearwater has secrets of its own—a mystical history that intersects with Kristyl’s life and might shed light on the inexplicable events that plague her. When a mysterious illness threatens her aunt’s life, Kristyl will do anything to cure her. Enlisting the help of witches could save Jodi, but is dealing in magic worth the consequences?

Captured by Love Books 1-3


Miranda P. Charles - 2017
    With dangerous situations pulling them apart, how can they hold on to the women who have captured their hearts? This collection includes books 1 to 3 of the steamy, stirring and suspenseful Captured by Love series. Each book in this series can be enjoyed as a standalone. Book 1: The Unwilling Executive Lucas Renner never expected his biological father to start acknowledging him as a son and only heir. He bet the old man has ulterior motives that has nothing to do with wanting to develop a relationship with him. He refuses to make contact with the man who has rejected him all his life... until his father's message is hand-delivered by a blushing beauty who stirs him in the right places. Jade Tully thanks her lucky stars for her new role as the personal assistant to a wealthy CEO. Heaven knows she needs it. But she doesn't anticipate getting entangled in the personal conflict between her eccentric boss and his extremely hunky son--a man who rattles her poise and melts her heart. If she continues to do her boss's bidding, would she lose Lucas's trust and her chance to capture his heart? Book 2: The Unyielding Bachelor Rick Donnelly is under contract to remain unattached until his fifteen-year-old half-sister turns twenty-one. If he breaks the rules, not only will he have to hand over the management of his sister's substantial inheritance to his reckless stepmother, but he'll also have to transfer twenty percent ownership of his company to the untrustworthy woman. When the tempting Lexie Mead decides to knock down his heart's defenses, he finds himself in danger of breaking the contract's strict conditions--something he simply cannot afford to do. Lexie Mead has long had feelings for the hunky Rick Donnelly. Tired of being treated as just another one of his friends, she sets out to win his heart from prettier and more aggressive women admirers. But Rick has complications to deal with... and enemies who will do anything to see him fail. She doesn't want him to lose the things he's worked hard to keep. But how can they have a future together when she is forced to walk away and Rick can't ask her to stay? Book 3: The Undercover Playboy Detective Carter Garrett is required to play the role of a cash-strapped playboy to solve an important case. When Cassie Stephens starts working in the art gallery owned by a suspect, his growing feelings for her threaten to blow his cover. He mustn't let Cassie in on the secret. It could ruin his team's best chance at catching a group of criminals whose leader could very well be Cassie's new boss. But when Cassie gets embroiled in the case, his heart joins in on the action--a dangerous situation he cannot allow to persist. Cassie Stephens is ecstatic to land a high-paying job with perks anyone would envy. To her further delight, her new boss has business dealings with the charming Carter Garrett, her friend's hunky brother. But being aware of Carter's playboy ways, she orders herself not to dream of a future with him... until her new boss shares a secret about Carter she wasn't at all expecting. With everything seeming too good to be true, how far away are heartbreak and danger? *** Each book in the Captured by Love series can be read as a standalone. For better enjoyment, the author recommends reading the books in order. Book 1: The Unwilling Executive (Lucas Renner and Jade Tully) Book 2: The Unyielding Bachelor (Rick Donnelly and Lexie Mead) Book 3: The Undercover Playboy (Carter Garrett and Cassie Stephens) Book 4: The Unintended Fiancé (Bradley Mead and Erin Baker) Book 5: The Unforgettable Ex (Gavin Redford and Natasha Ga

Sexy in Stilettos


Nana Malone - 2012
    What's worse than having to watch your sister marry your ex fiancé?  How about when that fiancé fires you from the family business? Hyper-organized, event planner, Jaya Trudeaux is used to doing things by the book and never making waves.  It's a strategy that's served her well until she finds herself in failure alley with no fiancé, no job and her thirtieth birthday looming.  Maybe it's time to change her methods.  Starting with an unlikely date to the wedding from hell.The only thing that can tie carefree, playboy, Alec Danthers down is his formidable step mother.  When she calls him home to help find his wayward brother, he never imagines an uptight, list making, sass-talking woman would make him think about putting down roots.Can Jaya put the lists down long enough to enjoy the ride that is Alec?  Will Alec stop running long enough to recognize true love?Warning: Sexy, sass talking women will make you laugh, cry and want a pair of killer footwear.

Spark


Brooke Cumberland - 2013
    Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes. Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls—despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.They have an undeniable spark—something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**

Resisting the Bad Boy


Violet Duke - 2013
    His brother's best friend. And the valium for his soul he had no business wanting.To be fair, she did ask him for advice--on what she could do to stop being 'the nice girl' for a little bit. All he did was answer truthfully:"Try something new that excites you."...Preferably him.NOTE TO READERS: This is Book #1 in a three-part 600-pg SERIAL (also available as a bundled box set). Each book in the trilogy has a separate story arc in the greater love triangle, and need to be read in order. Book #4 (the other brother's happily ever after) is a standalone novel that can be read on its own.

I'll Run to You


Nikki Vale - 2016
    Now, Hunter is back and turning her world upside down once again. Will Evie survive when he tears down the walls surrounding her heart?

The Snow Maid


Bee Brooks - 2019
    But is the winter storm strong enough to break the barriers that keep them apart? Amy landed the perfect housekeeping job: great money for changing a few towels at a brand-new luxury resort. All she has to do is get there before the big snowstorm hits Maine. If she leaves right now, she can probably totally make it.Real-estate billionaire Will Campbell has his latest hotel up and running but means to escape the snow and his haunting past asap. Meanwhile, his PA -what's her name again?- can take care of his social obligations. She won't answer her phone, but he's sure she's just gone to pick up the employees. About time, because he's hungry, and the pool towels need to be washed.When the storm strands Will and Amy in an otherwise empty hotel, they get to know each other better than they thought possible. Worried, their families race to save the billionaire and his maid from the snow—and each other. Soon, Will and Amy wonder: will their stations in life keep them apart?If you love snowy fields, starry eyes, and funny retorts, you won’t want to miss this sweet romance! Clean, wholesome, and witty, it will give you all the thrills of true loveThe Snow Maid is the first full novel in a sweet and clean contemporary romance series. All books in the Snowbound Series share locations, events, and characters, so don't be surprised if you see your favorites show up again in a new couple's story! The novels are best read in order, but each is a stand-alone romance with a happy ending that will leave you smiling. Get your copy now

The Misadventures of Catie Bloom


Brooke Stanton - 2016
    He's a player ready to settle down. Can they fake it till they make it into each other's arms? Catie Bloom dreads being found out as a hot mess. So when the high-profile domestic goddess’s supposedly perfect life is scheduled for a TV special, she’s desperate to hide the slovenly reality while she scrambles to learn to cook and find a studly pretend hubby. And with her future on the line, she reluctantly accepts the office playboy’s lifeline to help her cover up the cracks and look the part… Sportswriter Sam Harding buries authenticity behind his breezy charm. And though he knows Catie’s less-than-tidy secret, he’s frustrated when his lady’s man reputation gets in the way of intriguing the one woman who holds his heart. So when he discovers her goose could be cooked, he jumps at the chance to stand in as her handsome prince. As Catie struggles with burned offerings, her growing attraction to Sam is a grease fire waiting to happen. While Sam worries if he keeps his desires hidden for much longer, he’ll lose his opportunity to move from bogus husband to the real deal. Is their passion about to be roasted, or can they whip up a gourmet romance?The Misadventures of Catie Bloom is the hilarious first book in the Bloom Sisters romantic comedy series. It’s a dash of Sophie Kinsella’s Can You Keep a Secret, with a helping of Christmas in Connecticut, and a recipe all its own, mixed into a delicious and romantic romp. Buy The Misadventures of Catie Bloom to set a table for two today!