Book picks similar to
Absinthe Minded by Kathryn M. Hearst
romance
mafia
dnf
contemporary
Say You'll Be Mine
Maria Luis - 2017
Twelve years, three cities, and too many pairs of stilettos later, Shaelyn Lawrence is back in the one place she vowed never to return: New Orleans.Thankfully, her hometown stint is temporary. Better yet, she has a plan guaranteed to get her out ASAP: Return her aging-but-still-crazy grandmother back to health;Help her cousin with her boutique;Evade Brady Taylor, her high school sweetheart, a.k.a the reason she fled Louisiana in the first place.Brady isn't even a footnote... until one unexpected run-in with him changes everything. She shouldn't be tempted by his drawl, she shouldn't be tempted by the promise of his kiss, she shouldn't want him.But she does.Oh, boy, this was so not the plan.----------Twelve years, one city, and too many issued traffic tickets later, Homicide Detective Brady Taylor is all geared up for being promoted to sergeant within the New Orleans Police Department. Or, he would be — if he wasn't sitting in third place.Thankfully, he's cut out every possible distraction:Hanging out with his buddies;Women;And, God help him, football.His life should be distraction-free... but then Shaelyn Lawrence waltzes back into it, with her sexy red lips, curvy body, and her f***-me heels. Brady should run in the opposite direction. He definitely shouldn't spend time pursuing her, kissing her, or landing her in his bed.But he does.Shaelyn may have left once, but Brady is determined to prove that Shaelyn belongs in New Orleans. She belongs with him. For fans of Jill Shalvis and Lauren Layne, Maria Luis’ new sexy contemporary romance will leave you laughing and desperate for more! SAY YOU'LL BE MINE is the first full-length novel in the NOLA Heart series, but can be read as a standalone.
After All
Heidi McLaughlin - 2019
Desperate to move forward, Brooklyn has focused on raising her daughter for the past fourteen years. But when the opportunity comes along to renovate the old Driftwood Inn, Brooklyn knows it’s time to go home.But it won’t be easy. For one, Austin’s best friend, Bowie Holmes, still lives in Cape Harbor. Brooklyn hasn’t quite been able to forget him: not since the night they spent together—the same night they both lost Austin. Separated by tragedy and guilt, they’re brought together by the Driftwood project. And as they rebuild the inn, they discover they’re also rebuilding something else.Brooklyn’s always been desperate to move on, not knowing that she first needs to reconcile past transgressions. She can’t forget, but she can forgive—Austin, Bowie, and herself—on her way toward long-awaited happiness.
The Substitute
Denise Grover Swank - 2014
Megan Vandemeer meant to tell her parents about her broken engagement, but a month and a half later she finds herself boarding a plane home to her wedding. Having stretched avoidance to its limits, it's time to come clean--a terrifying prospect since her mother is sure to blame her rather than her cheating, emotionally frigid ex. A couple of drinks and two Dramamine later, Megan finds herself spilling her sob story to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger in the seat next to her. With only one week left to save his business, Josh McMillan boards a plane to Kansas City in a last-ditch effort, leaving the details to chance. An unexpected answer is delivered in the form of the beautiful brunette beside him. Though she’s completely loopy, her honesty, openness, and humor charm him. So when she passes out before landing, he helps her off the plane--a good deed that leads to a colossal misunderstanding. Her parents assume he’s her fiancé. In a twist of fate, the mix-up might help Josh save his business, so he plays along, figuring he can help Megan too. All he has to do is stage a public break up convincing enough to appease her mother. Josh is only supposed to be a substitute groom, but the more time he and Megan spend together, the more their pretend engagement starts to feel real…and the less they want to break it off. Can a relationship that began as a farce turn into happily ever after?
Damian
Jessica Wood - 2013
The man, the legend, the heartbreaker. As a self-proclaimed man-whore, Damian doesn’t believe in love or commitment. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he’s had feeling for a woman that went beyond hot, no-strings-attached sex. The only things he cares about are his bar, his appearance, and his needs.But then he meets Alexis.Meet Alexis Blythe. A small town girl that has lost a lot of love in her life. Wanting to leave her past behind her, she moves to San Francisco looking for a big change. Yet, despite everything she’s gone through, she still believes in true love.But then she meets Damian.When Alexis shows up at his bar, Damian’s caught by surprise. She’s different. She’s sweet, innocent, and feisty. But above all, this woman didn’t respond to his charm and piercing-blue eyes the way every other woman did. To Damian, she’s his ultimate challenge.Could Alexis be the girl that will break through Damian’s wall of perpetual bachelorhood without getting hurt? Or will Damian remain true his ways and break Alexis’s heart and her hopes of true love?
The Problem with Planning Love
Claire Cain - 2020
Divorcé. Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army.All titles I’ve come to terms with, even if I didn’t see those first two coming.I never imagined making a military move to Germany as a single parent. What else I never imagined? Having an insane spark like I’ve never felt with my son’s kindergarten teacher.Livie’s a singular force of light and beauty, and I’ve never wanted someone so much. But after what happened last time, I can’t escape the dread of dragging a new wife into this life and failing again.Besides, our lives are too different. Our plans don’t match. We definitely shouldn’t date and absolutely can’t afford to catch feelings.Everything changed the day I walked into that classroom. And now the only thing that scares me more than trying for another chance at love is living with regret if I don’t.The Problem with Planning Love is a dual point of view romance told in first person that will give you all the sizzle and heat but keep it sweet.
Treading Water
Marie Force - 2011
Recently back to work after spending more than a year tending to his comatose wife, Jack is focused on getting through each day and caring for his three daughters. However, the moment he sets eyes on Andrea Walsh, the interior designer who has come to decorate the hotel his company is building in Newport, Rhode Island, Jack begins to wonder if Andi might be his second chance. After a disastrous marriage, Andi, single mom to a hearing-impaired son, isn’t exactly looking for love, either, but that’s what she finds with Jack. The two embark on a long-distance relationship fraught with challenges as they balance the needs of their children and dueling careers while Jack continues to care for his wife, Clare. Just when Jack thinks his life is once again settled, he is confronted with a new challenge that tests him in ways he never could've imagined, leaving him to wonder if "happily ever after" is in the cards for him.
Dare
Glenna Sinclair - 2016
Just because you’re some rich CEO with a fancy name, a slick car, and an unbelievable amount of sex appeal, it doesn’t mean you get to literally run over all of us little people. Sebastian Clementine (what kind of name is that, anyway?) isn’t going to get away with damaging my truck and not paying for it. We’re just a small California farm, after all. We’re trying to keep up in the expanding world of organics, and we can’t really afford to repair our ancient delivery truck. I had to reattach the bumper my own damn self, while the beautiful, well-groomed man responsible doesn’t even look like he’d know how. I don’t know what I was planning to say, crashing into his big, important meeting this way, but by God, he is going to keep his word to me. When his cool, calm gaze meets mine, I suddenly wish I were wearing something nicer than my farm jeans…but I’m not exactly known for holding my tongue, so out it pops: “Hey, asshole, remember me?” Sebastian Well, if it isn’t the fiery Ms. Dare, storming into my office guns a-blazing, calling me out. I was wondering when I might hear from her. Or rather, I was hoping I would hear from her soon. It’s true that our first encounter could have gone better. Smashing into someone’s car isn’t the best way to make a first impression. Our second encounter is off to a rough start as well…but perhaps I can turn it to my advantage. I’m not president of Clementine Organics just because of my good looks, after all. I’m almost glad I pissed her off – she’s so sexy when she’s angry. And that I can definitely work with. Note: This standalone novel includes three other novels for a limited time only! Enjoy :)
Already Designed (The South Haven Crew #1)
Xavier Neal - 2018
When laid-back Hollywood heartthrob, Levi Stone, asks Kadence Allan out for a date he isn't expecting to be rejected. He isn't expecting to have to practically beg for a chance. He isn't expecting to be challenged every time she opens her mouth. Most importantly, he isn't expecting how hard he's willing to work at being Mr. Right rather than Mr. Right Now. Can Levi convince Kadence he's worth the risk of rearranging her entire life to include him, or will she stick to the plans she's already designed?
Man Enough
Nicole Snow - 2018
Sure chaos. Mr. Impossible.So why am I risking it all for one more kiss?I never knew what hit me.Rex stormed into my little world with two adorable twin boys and no apologies.Bearish. Short-fused. Consuming. Huge.Torturously gorgeous.Leave-your-heart-in-pieces wrong.Did I mention HUGE?He's instant trouble the second he checks into our lodge and my overprotective grandpa hires him.Then I catch him staring with that knowing ache in his eyes.I forget what trouble even means.He also needs a nanny. Sold.My signature cupcakes aren't the sweetest thing in this small town anymore.Not when his cold shoulder thaws.Not when our nights unravel me.Not when every taste of him overrules the thousand reasons we shouldn't.But tarnished hearts and prowling kisses have limits.The closer we get, the harder he pulls away.Rex won't reveal why he's really here.I can't admit how bad I wish it didn't matter.Of course, the chilling truth always strikes. Without mercy.There's heartbreak written in our stars.Then there's the crazy part of me that believes he's man enough to stand, to fight, to stay.Crazy, I said. Or is it?From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow - heart, heat, and tears. Plus one unbelievably alpha single dad who'll stop at nothing to make her complete. Full length stand alone romance novel with a hard fought Happily Ever After.
Choose Me
Donya Lynne - 2018
He wants more. And he won't stop until he gets it.Katherine Clayton, divorcée and single mother of two, just sent her kids to California to spend the summer with their father. Which means it's time to let her hair down for her annual summer fling. Unfortunately, her past four summer romances have fallen flat. If she can't find a man this summer who can fulfill her needs, this year's fling will be her last.Well-endowed Greyson James is beyond frustrated with his sex life. Below the waist, he's more man than most women can handle, which has led to more than a few failed relationships. Then he meets Katherine. Unlike the others, she's undaunted by his size. In fact, it's his size that seems to excite her the most.But after one mind-blowing night of passion, neither is prepared for the wicked ride fate has in store for them. When Katherine agrees to attend a business meeting on behalf of her father, with intentions of shooting down a competitor's bid to buy her company, she's shocked to find that Greyson is the prospective buyer. He has his sights set on obtaining Katherine's company, and he'll pull out all the stops to convince her to sell. Now Katherine must decide if she can trust Greyson with not only her heart, but with her company.As the Banger Trilogy unfolds, Greyson and Katherine will wrestle with their feelings for each other, long-held family secrets will be revealed, and scandals neither could have imagined will rock them to the core. Will what they've found in each other be enough for happily ever after? Or will one passionate summer be all they share?NOTE: This book was previously published as part of the 7-book Banger Serialized Novel. While the series has been rebranded as a trilogy, and the story slightly altered to accommodate the new format, it is the same story. Please do not buy this book thinking it is a different story or a continuation of the previous Banger books. Thank you.
Hide Your Heart
Tracey Alvarez - 2015
Distrust will tear them apart…Alexandra Lauren Knight has reinvented herself in the safety of her rural New Zealand hometown to become Lauren Taylor. She’s cut all ties with her past as a former model whose ex-husband turned out to be ruthless in both the boardroom and the bedroom. While Alexandra allowed other’s expectations to propel her into the spotlight, Lauren prefers the safety of anonymity; restoring classic cars with her brother, and snuggling with her four-year-old son. Nate Fraser, a burned-out photojournalist, plans to fix up the property next door to Lauren and sell it as a celebrity retreat. Always on the move, Nate is only comfortable with short-term assignments and even shorter-term relationships. But it’s not just his buyer’s tight deadline or that the restoration is far beyond his expertise which turns a short-term project into an ordeal. Nate’s plan of travelling the globe is in jeopardy — created by the intensity of his growing feelings for Lauren and her little boy.As the sparks of passion ignite between them it reawakens Nate’s long forgotten dream of having a home and family. Lauren must find a way to trust Nate not only with her secrets, but with her heart — before her safe haven is exposed and she can no longer hide in the shadows.
Heat Wave
Karina Halle - 2016
~~~ Still grieving the loss of her sister who died two years ago, the last thing Veronica "Ronnie" Locke needed was to lose her job at one of Chicago’s finest restaurants and have to move back in with her parents. So when a window of opportunity opens for her – running a kitchen at a small Hawaiian hotel – she’d be crazy not to take it. The only problem is, the man running the hotel drives her crazy:Logan Shephard.It doesn’t matter that he’s got dark brown eyes, a tall, muscular build that’s sculpted from daily surfing sessions, and a deep Australian accent that makes your toes curl.What does matter is that he’s a grump.Kind of an asshole, too.And gets under Ronnie’s skin like no one else. But the more time Ronnie spends on the island of Kauai, falling in love with the lush land and its carefree lifestyle, the closer she gets to Logan. And the closer she gets to Logan, the more she realizes she may have pegged him all wrong. Maybe it’s the hot, steamy jungles or the invigorating ocean air, but soon their relationship becomes utterly intoxicating. There’s just one major catch. The two of them together would incite a scandal neither Ronnie, nor her family, would ever recover from. Forbidden, Illicit, off-limits – sometimes the heat is worth surrendering to, even if you get burned.Note: this is a standalone novel, unrelated to any previous books. It does NOT contain cheating of any kind.
Dear Heart, I Hate You
J. Sterling - 2016
Or for him. Or anything that had to do with Cal Donovan from Boston. Meeting him had been a complete and utter surprise, taking me one hundred percent off guard. I met new people every single day in my line of work and none of them affected me. Wasn’t that the way of things though? You could meet a thousand people and they’d all mean nothing to you. But then you’d meet that one and they suddenly meant everything.
Prelude to a Wedding
Patricia McLinn - 1991
Paul was a sweetheart--and very sexy. But he lived for the moment. Bette wasn't sure she should get involved; she couldn't expect commitment from this man. And Paul--well, he had issues of his own about a woman who was so organized. Contemporary romance by Patricia McLinn; originally published as a Silhouette Special Edition
The Royal Treatment
Melanie Summers - 2017
But that won’t be enough now that the Royal Family is about to be ousted from power once and for all. When Prince Arthur has to rely on the one woman in the kingdom who hates him most, he must learn that earning the love of a nation means first risking his heart. Twenty-eight-year-old Tessa Sharpe, a.k.a. The Royal Watchdog, hates everything about Prince Arthur. As far as she’s concerned, he’s an arrogant, lazy leech on the kingdom of Avonia. When he shocks the nation by giving her the keys to the castle, Tessa has no choice but to accept and move in for two months. It’s lust at first sight, but there’s no way she can give in to her feelings—not if she wants to have a career or a shred of pride left when her time at the palace ends… Can two natural enemies find their forever in each other’s arms, or will they ruin each other to save themselves?