Book picks similar to
The Date Before Christmas: A Novel by Elyse Douglas


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A Sprig of Lavender


Susan Ralph - 2012
    Since her viscount father passed away, the family’s resources have dwindled, and she dreads becoming a destitute spinster. But when she’s invited to the Duke of Mumshire’s country estate—where she’ll be considered for the heir’s hand—hope returns.A trip to the country will also take her mind off the crime she’d witnessed at the last event of the season—an unbearably handsome stranger stealing a lady’s purse. Catherine and the thief locked gazes in the middle of the act, and while she was quickly been swept away by the crowd, later that night she was introduced to the thief, Henri LaFleur. Now he knows her name and can force her silence.Catherine shakes the memory…until LaFleur shows up as a fellow guest at the Duke of Mumshire’s estate. This time, though, she finds herself terribly, inexplicably drawn to this thief. But is LaFleur who he seems?

My Heart Is A Fool


BriAnn Danae - 2017
    Fool me twice, shame on me.” Malena, a young, free spirited woman in the last year of undergraduate school is trying to figure out where her heart belongs with this thing called love. What she fails to grasp is that the love she’s seeking is not dependent of other’s actions, but of her own. Open emotionally, Malena and her boyfriend Maayad – or what she considers him to be – find themselves struggling to keep faith alive in their relationship. One chance too many has been given, and Malena finds herself torn between what her heart yearns for, and what her mind needs; solace and security. Mellow, and as smooth as silk, Demir has been nothing but the perfect best friend to Malena. Coming to her defense has always came natural to him, and having been placed in the friend zone from the day they met, Demir doesn’t mind his title one bit. In fact, he wore it proudly until he began to see Malena for who she really is; or isn’t so to speak. Though he loves the bond they have, and finds himself curious as to what they could become, his relationship of three years stops him from doing so. Tip-toeing on the edge of temptation, balancing her busy life and strenuous relationships, Malena is forced to make some life altering decisions. Ones she never saw coming until it was too late. In this fast-paced tale of love, loss, and life lessons, BriAnn Danae introduces her readers to a fresh, relatable storyline and set of characters you’ll grow to love, even hate. Being loyal isn’t all it's cracked up to be; especially when you’ve been played the fool in the name of love.

The Cowboy’s Unexpected Christmas Gift: A Western Historical Romance Book


Lydia Olson - 2021
    

The Oddest Little Mistletoe Shop


Beth Good - 2017
     Rose Mistletoe runs her family's flower shop on Christmas Parade, and loves every minute of her job. So when the Parade comes under acquisition by a redevelopment company, Rose forms a protest group against the bid. But business tycoon Nick Grimsby is determined to make her sell up. His company is planning to knock down the parade of traditional shops and build a block of exclusive apartments instead. And it seems the sexy billionaire will go to any lengths to get her shop. As Christmas approaches and Nick dangles the proverbial mistletoe, can Rose resist his powerful allure? Given how gorgeous he looks in a tuxedo, the answer is probably no. But she's not going to make it easy for him! Because Rose has secret plans of her own ... Warning! This romcom novella contains jokes, oodles of romance, festive wreaths, mistletoe, holly, and a sprinkling of paper hats. Another quirky romcom in the popular 'Oddest Little Shop' series from Beth Good. Titles can be read in any order.

Her Billionaire Inventor


Dobi Daniels - 2018
    She’d been emotionally scarred from her last relationship and has just managed to pay off the mountain of debts she was saddled with.Now all she wants for Christmas is to rediscover Christmas joy—no love in the equation, and what better place than her hometown Dexington where she recalled spending the happiest times of her life. She is determined to stick with her plan and not even a chance encounter with Phillip—billionaire hospital heir and inventor, and the town’s most eligible bachelor—can change her mind.Until she discovers he is the boy she kissed in high school.Phillip Dexington is finally about to launch a new medical device after having his last invention stolen by his former girlfriend and sold to his archenemy. He’s determined that nothing must go wrong this time around—which means avoiding a relationship at all costs—and is content with spending Christmas with the children at the orphanage.But when Phillip runs into Sarah Nash, the girl who stole his heart in high school, his world flips upside down. She’s only in town for Christmas, and the time before the launch party is Phillip’s only chance at determining if she is the one.Will they open their hearts to the fullness of Christmas and give love a second chance, or will their trust issues rob them of a happily ever after?This is a sweet/clean emotional scars Christmas medical billionaire romance with no cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA.

12 Dog Days of Christmas


Paula Munier - 2020
    With Zach's mom in Bali and the woman of his dreams gone AWOL, he's facing a Christmas alone with Ringo—until Tessa the cute veterinarian appears at his door with an offer he and Ringo can't refuse.It's a Christmas he'll never forget....

Christmas in Cape May (Cape May Book 2)


Claudia Vance - 2020
    Though it hasn't been open to guests in years, the pair endeavor to reopen in time for the holidays. Problem is, they discover the charming old place is really a money pit full of more issues than they can handle on their own.On top of dealing with renovations, Margaret is surprised by an unexpected visit from her ex-mother-in-law. Having never gotten along, Elaine has a lot of nerve to request Margaret step in and do something about her ex-husband giving his mother the slip. Not only that, but the neighbors who own the Morning Dew Cottage next door are nothing but nasty and rude, which is a mystery to the sisters. As Margaret and Liz get to know their other neighbors, they uncover hidden secrets within the Seahorse's walls.Dave and Margaret are still going strong, but will his brash mother and big family feud over the holidays prove to be the straw that breaks Margaret's back?In Book 2 of the Cape May Series, follow Margaret and Liz's journey of reopening The Seahorse Inn while the magic of the holidays-and the B&B itself-bring together family and friends for a special Christmas to remember.This is Book 2 in the Cape May series. It is recommended to start at Book 1, The Cape May Garden.

Veiled Dagger Series: Books 1-3


Jon Kiln - 2017
     Royal assassin, Rothar, is on a routine mission. Tasked with quietly eliminating a lecherous merchant with a penchant for young children, Rothar's blade strikes without hesitation. But when more children go missing, Rothar digs deeper and discovers an insidious network that reaches high up into the echelons of nobility. What started as a simple mission has become a dangerous quest for justice. Rothar must call upon all his skill to punish those responsible, and rescue the innocent before it's too late. Contains the first three books in the series: Assassin's Quest Assassin's Shadow Assassin's Winter

Yuletide Angels


Keira Montclair - 2021
    One Maddie Grant is determined to accept.When an invitation to spend the Yule season at Ramsay Castle arrives at the door of the Grant keep, Maddie Grant immediately begins to plan for the journey. But soon, an obstacle emerges, and it comes in the shape of her husband.Alex Grant refuses to take such a risk with his family. Traveling through the Highlands in the dead of winter is madness, especially with three young bairns. The journey is more perilous than his wife understands.Yet the idea of gathering the whole family together for the Yule season is just too tempting for Maddie. When Alex commands her to remain in their home, his sharp denial of her request only spurs her plan: She and the children will sneak away while Alex sleeps. By the time her husband wakes and chases them down, they will be closer to Ramsay land than their own.One adventurous day in the Highlands, for a whole season with family. It’s the perfect plan.But when a snowstorm hits and turns the adventure into a fight for survival, Maddie finds herself in desperate need of an impossible rescue, and Alex grows increasingly hopeless as he searches for his wife. Luckily, Christmas is a time for miracles, and there are a few angels who might lend the couple a helping hand.

Cole For Christmas


Kelly Collins - 2015
    Using her infectious joy, she was determined to soften the heart of her new employer, Mr. Cole, and to bring warmth and cheer to his cold Aspen home. New to Aspen, Chloe was resolute to start fresh, shaking off a past relationship betrayal. She saw the Cole assignment as her ticket to establish herself professionally, and despite the magnetic lure of Mr. Tall, Dark, and Delicious, she knew to keep her distance. For real estate mogul, Elias Cole, a broken heart had vetoed celebrating Christmas for years. More Scrooge than Kris Kringle, he was desperate for help so he hired Chloe Craig to bring the once-loved Christmas joy to his home. But when his personal life fell apart, he needed more than a decorator. He needed a miracle, and her name was Chloe. Sometimes desire is simply too irresistible to give into, and attraction too hard to ignore. While some girls get presents for Christmas, others get Cole. Could a little Cole for Christmas be Chloe’s wish come true?

You Make It Feel Like Christmas


Louise Marley - 2020
    'A Holly Jolly Christmas' has been screened every December for twenty years and her entire family are involved, including her daughter Beth—the unwilling star of a thousand memes and gifs. But Beth has finally had enough of public ridicule. All she’s ever wanted is a traditional family Christmas away from the television cameras. If she can’t persuade her family to change, should she consider celebrating Christmas without them?

Christmas Kisses


Cynthia A. Clement - 2014
    When he finally comes home to celebrate the holidays it’s to introduce his fiancée to his family.Will the Christmas season give them a second chance at happiness? Or will honor demand they separate forever?

Tidings of Love: 7 Holiday Romance Novellas


Alicia Hunter Pace - 2015
    They're just the right size, so you'll find time for love and good cheer between trimming the tree and hanging the stockings. Tidings of Love is guaranteed to put you in the mood to ring in the holidays at any time of the year. Nickolai's Noel: A chance meeting and a snowy ice storm bring together an unlikely pair - Russian hockey player Nickolai Glaznov and artisan quilt maker Noel Verden - on the most enchanting day of the year. A special connection flares between them despite his lack of roots and her overly involved family. But when the ice melts, will the magic disappear too? Her Secret Santa: Neighbors and co-workers at Morgan Confectioners, Rebecca Sinclair and Ben Redding have been best friends since grad school. When their feelings turn more than friendly, will they be able to get past their fear of ruining their friendship? A holiday gift exchange might just bring the best present of all - Christmas love. His Hawaiian Christmas: Humbug in Hawaii? When Clara O'Fallen gets a promotion to paradise, she can't help feeling homesick for her Wisconsin winters, complete with real snow, family traditions, and Christmas festivities. But smiling surfer Kai Schmitt might just show this scrooge how to hang loose and catch the spirit of the season - the aloha spirit! Gavin Fever: A sudden snowstorm unexpectedly strands Julia Winthrop with her ex, reality TV star Gavin Beckett, at a cozy mountain cabin for the holidays. Trapped till the weather lets up, their attraction resurfaces. It's not long before they realize their fling might've been the real thing and this surprise reunion might just be a Christmas miracle. A Man for All Seasons: There are crazier ways to spend a holiday. At least that's what journalist Janey Turner keeps telling herself when she agrees to spend Thanksgiving with the editor she's never met in person before. But the chemistry that flares between her and Joe Argenti is as hot and unexpected as the lightning strike that soon ignites Casper Mountain. Will her professional dreams cost her a merry Christmas? Lights, Latkes, and Love: Non-profit CEO David Shay can't get enough of the December festivities. As a manager of a large retail store, Hannah Jenkins, on the other hand, turns into a jaded Scrooge every year on Black Friday. Can a nice Jewish boy - with the help of some Christmas lights, a little girl, and a latke party - teach Hannah the true meaning of the season and guarantee them both a New Year's Eve kiss to remember? Winter Fairy: Recuperating ballerina Penelope Glazier can enchant the young girls in her Fairy Dreams class, but will her magic work on Carson Langley, the sexy but straight-laced single father of her most talented student? Or will she dance out of their lives when her big break arrives? Sensuality Level: Sensual

The Christmas Contest


Theresa Sederholt - 2021
    Hopefully, the enticement of winning his house and the magic of the holidays will lure in just the right person! Holly Kirby was a bit shocked when she read the ad. The winner of the Christmas contest would receive a house! Knowing this might be some sort of scam, she still can’t help but imagine all the wonderful things she could do with a beautiful house on Nantucket. Holly decides to go ahead and enter, hoping that the Christmas angels will bring her a miracle. Jack Anderson immediately knew something was wrong with his grandfather after reading the ad for the Christmas contest. Maybe it was time to take a break from work and pay him a visit. Somebody has to talk some sense into him! Only, when he gets there, he realizes Grandpa’s plan is already in full swing. The clock is ticking but can Jack stop it in time, or will his family home be lost to him forever?

A Kiss of Christmas


Jillian Eaton - 2014
     THE WINTER WISH Lady Sarah Dawson has one simple wish for Christmas: to gain the attention of Devlin Heathcliff, the handsome viscount who she has loved for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately for Sarah she is plain, quiet, and embarrassingly shy – the exact opposite of the type of woman Devlin is attracted to. All hope seems lost… Until one afternoon fate steps in and Sarah learns that sometimes, with a little magic, winter wishes can come true. THE RISQUE RESOLUTION Due to a clause in her father’s will, Lily has until Christmas to find a husband. She fears all hope is lost… until she meets the mysterious, insufferable, and oh so handsome Captain James Rigby. Recently returned and still recovering from the bloody battlefields of war, James is missing an arm and, it would seem, a heart. The last thing on the embittered soldier’s mind is marriage, especially to Lily Kincaid, a woman who is as infuriatingly stubborn as she is beautiful. With time running out, can Lily convince James – and herself – true love really exists? Or will she lose everything, including her heart? PLEASE NOTE: Both 'The Winter Wish' and 'The Risque Resolution' are previously published novellas and are available for purchase individually.