Book picks similar to
Taken by Surprise by Valerie J. Clarizio


romance
ebook
contemporary
romantic-suspense

The Lone Stars Box Set


Katie Graykowski - 2019
    Austin is the home of the Lone Stars, the youngest team in the NFL. The players take football very seriously. They work hard and play even harder. In this box set, you'll meet Clint, Chord, and Devin. They learn the hard way that all is fair in love and football and love is just the beginning.

Promise You'll Stay


Julianne MacLean - 2016
    A Standalone Contemporary Romance Professional security expert Jocelyn MacKenzie knows better than to mix business with pleasure, especially in the presence of her new client, Dr. Donovan Knight, a wealthy, handsome heart surgeon. She’s been burned by handsome men before, so all she wants to do is her job and protect him from the stalker who’s been sending him threatening letters. But it’s not easy to stay focused when she feels an intense attraction that can’t be ignored… When danger escalates and the stalker makes an attempt on Donovan’s life, he agrees to leave town under Jocelyn’s protection and hide out with her in a secluded cabin in the woods. Jocelyn wants to keep things professional, but Donovan is falling fast and hard for his female bodyguard, and he has other ideas. Now the challenge is to get her to let down her guard at last, and turn this contractual arrangement into a personal one….

It Happened In Vegas


Kathy Ivan - 2015
    What could go wrong?That's what Charlie King thinks when her friends dare her to reach out to the one man she's never forgotten. There's just one catch—he's the older brother of her former fiancée.Rodeo star Jared Drake is in Vegas for the Grand National finals when he spots Charlie. Their chemistry is instantly off the charts. There’s just one problem—his role in her broken engagement.This time around, can they beat the odds to happily-ever-after or will secrets from the past keep them apart forever?

The Wishes Series Box Set: Books 1-3


G.J. Walker-Smith - 2014
    She's been branded a troublemaker, her reputation is in tatters and she's stuck in Pipers Cove, a speck of a town on the coast of Tasmania. Thankfully, it's temporary. Her lifelong dream of travelling the world is just months away from becoming reality. All she has to do is ride out the last few months of high school, which is easier said than done thanks to a trio of mean girls known as The Beautifuls. When Adam Décarie arrives in town, all the way from New York, life takes an unexpected turn. His arrival sets off a chain of events that alters her life forever, convincing her of one thing. Fate brought him to her. Saving Wishes is the story of a girl who doesn't quite fit the life she's living, and the boy who helps her realise why. *Second Hearts (Book 2 of the Wishes Series)* Charli Blake's high tolerance for risk doesn't always work in her favour. After a year of living out her dream of travelling the world, the sunny West African village of Kaimte would be her last stop. She's bound for New York, in search of the boy she'd let go of long ago. For Charli, nothing has changed. She's travelled thousands of miles but hasn't moved an inch. Adam Décarie still means everything to her. But reality soon hits hard. For Adam, everything has changed. Memories of the best love she's ever known is all she has left, until Charli makes a shocking discovery. None of it had ever been real in the first place. *Storm Shells (Book 3 of the Wishes Series)* The only way to move forward was to go back to the very beginning…. After three miserable weeks without Charli, Adam makes the decision to follow her, desperately hoping to find a way of following through on his promise of a happy ending. He finds her back in Pipers Cove, healing her broken heart by spending time with the one person who never lets her down. Both know nothing has changed. They're desperately in love, hopelessly stuck in limbo, and unable to find common ground. When fate offers them a chance at a different kind of ending, it’s a one-shot deal. Running with it means changing their plans – something neither of them has ever been willing to do before, even for each other. Just as one begins to find their way, the other completely loses direction – and neither of them realise that time is running out.

Commanding Sia


Zoe Dawson - 2020
    . .reunited by duty… When Lieutenant Ambrosia “Sia” Soto returns from an investigation into a “pilot error” case aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. James McCloud, she comes face to face with NCIS Special Agent and former lover, Christophe Vargas, the man who was involved in an F-18 Fighter Jet accident that took her brother’s life six years ago. But when another incident aboard the carrier involves the death of a senator’s son whose plane crashed into the deck on a routine training mission, she’s now required to return to the carrier with Chris in tow to face a cunning and dangerous foe. Bombarded both personally and professionally, Sia must trust her instincts and suppress the feelings that surface for her enigmatic and sexy partner.

Opposites Attract


Merry Farmer - 2017
    But with the opening of Paradise Space Flight, an aeronautics company and brain-child of Howard Franklin Haskell IV, the entire town is looking to the future. All except cowgirl, Casey Flint. Daughter of one of the original Paradise Ranch families, Casey is reeling from all of the change in her hometown. Even more so when project manager Scott Martin moves into town and turns her world upside down. Scott is more than ready to embrace the quieter pace of life that Haskell represents while helping a new and exciting company to launch…in more ways than one. His life gets even better when he meets and falls hard for local girl, Casey. But Casey proves to be more of a challenge than he anticipated when she seeks to block his efforts to buy land from her father. Scott and Casey rub each other the wrong way, but the sparks they create are irresistible. But just as the two rivals are tempted to give in to attraction, the infamous Bonneville family causes trouble for both Scott and Casey’s family. When they threaten to buy out Casey’s family’s ranch, everyone’s futures are in jeopardy. Hearts are on the line as the cowgirl and the engineer must work together to preserve the past and protect the future. The Nerds of Paradise series take place in the modern-day world of Haskell, Wyoming. Want to read about the founding and history of the town? Check out The Brides of Paradise Ranch historical western series! PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level – Very Hot

Royal Bastard


Nana Malone - 2018
    Don’t cause an incident. Oops. I might be a newfound prince, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to say goodbye to my days of freedom. So when my brother, the king, asks me to babysit a diplomat’s daughter, my first thought is to say no… that is until I see her climbing out of a window with her dress tucked into her thong.She might just be my kind of girl.I just thought I'd mix business with pleasure...I didn’t plan to lose control of my heart. Bryna…I’ve been groomed by my parents to climb the social ladder all my life and I’m done with it. I want nothing from their royal world.Now that I’m finally on my own, I can live where I want, date who I want, do who I want.The one person I won’t be doing? My new accidental roommate.Oh, he’s gorgeous and mysterious, and cheeky. He’s also friends with the king and a total jackass.So basically, he’s never gonna get it...famous last words.

Unbelievable


Nikki Rome - 2021
    He’s the man she left behind. When their paths cross again can they fight past regret to a fiery second chance?Christy Price knows unspeakable trauma. After fighting to regain her voice, she stands tall as a powerful, high-profile attorney. But when her complicated past returns, against her better judgment she agrees to meet the handsome man who still haunts her nights.Jason Calvano rules his security empire with an iron fist. Successful in every way, he refuses to take no for an answer. When he crosses paths with the one woman with the strength to stand up to him, he vows to safeguard her and win her back.As Christy struggles to overcome her secret agony, she fears she'll never find the courage to fully share herself with Jason. Meanwhile, the determined security agent battles to discover Christy's secrets, knowing it’s the only way to protect and finally embrace her for all time.Will they survive the battle for true love? This is a steamy, second chance romance that guarantees an HAE. Unbelievable, book one in the Heroes of Calvano Security series is a complete story.

Naked Truth


Tami Lund - 2014
    George at his partner’s wedding, and in typical Jack fashion, he seduces her. Like every fling before, it was supposed to be a one-night stand. Kennedy was burned by her ex-husband—badly. She told everyone he cheated on her, because the truth—that he stole all her money before disappearing out of her life—is far more embarrassing. When she meets Jack at her cousin’s wedding, she decides a one-night stand is the perfect distraction from her otherwise screwed up life. Ah, you don’t always get what you expect. That one-night stand turns into a torrid affair that distracts Jack from his current undercover assignment and puts their hearts—and Kennedy’s life—in danger. Now there’s only one way Jack can stop a killer, and it involves admitting what he and Kennedy both swore they didn’t want. Tough Love Series Naked Truth Undercover Heat Delicious Deception

Christmas Hostage


Jane Blythe - 2017
    Now it’s giving them a second chance.He walked away because he thought it was what she wanted. When FBI Agent Tom Drake arrives at the scene of a robbery, the last person he expects to see is his ex-wife. Seeing her again reminds him of everything he lost when they divorced, and the only way he's going to survive being around her again is to keep reminding himself this is just another job.She let him walk away because she thought it was what was best for him. Hannah Buffy is conflicted about seeing her ex-husband again, especially when he starts claiming he thinks the robbery at her store wasn’t random. Positive it is just another way for him to paint her as a victim, she ignores his warnings at her own peril.↝ Trigger warning - mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜

The Serafina: Sin City Series Box Set


Katie Reus - 2014
    And he’s about to make his claim… Sierra hit it off with Hayden from the moment they met. The sexy, tattooed ex-SEAL is the main star in her wildest fantasies. She just wished he felt the same way. Hayden’s struggled to keep his attraction to the beautiful casino chef a secret. When an attacker targets her, he will do whatever it takes to protect her and convince her they’re meant to be together. Sensual Surrender (#2) I’m ready to move on. Please don’t search for me. Please just let me go. ~Ellie The note on the kitchen table shatters Jay Wentworth’s world into bits. Ellie is his lover, his soulmate, his best friend…she’s the woman who stood by him through the aftermath of a horrible explosion, the woman he’s planning to propose to. He’d do anything for her…except let her go. With his fierce protectiveness kicked into overdrive, he teams up with Ellie’s Hotel Serafina boss, billionaire Wyatt Christiansen, to find her. Ellie is family at the casino and they take care of their own. Ellie is devastated when her secret past finally catches up with her. Stupid to think she could bury the mistakes of her youth and find happiness with a good man. Leaving Jay rips her heart to shreds, but it’s the only way she can protect him from the dangerous people she once ran with. And deep down, she fears he’ll never be able to forgive her for hiding her past from him. The closer Jay gets to the truth about Ellie, the deeper he plunges into danger. He’ll move heaven and earth to save her, but if she can’t trust in Jay’s love it might be too late for both of them. Sweetest Surrender (#3) A woman on the run… Angel has been on her own for two years, moving from place to place to outrun her past. With no family and few friends to lean on, she’s managed to keep her secrets and stay safe. But when her past suddenly catches up to her, she has a choice to make. Run or stay and claim her life once more. He’ll stop at nothing to protect her… Vadim has never let anyone close to him—until Angel. From the first time he met her, everything changed. As a private consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, he’s good with computers and he’s got connections to unearth people’s deepest, darkest secrets. When Angel’s life is threatened Vadim steps in and uses all his resources to end the threat once and for all. As the danger closes in, he lies to her in an effort to protect her, not realizing that even once the threat is eliminated, he might lose her anyway. Box Set Collection: 116,000 words Author Note: Each title can be purchased individually or as a box set.

Smart Jocks: Books 1 & 2


Rebecca Jenshak - 2021
    these are the things I knew about him. What I didn't know is that he is a seriously smart jock.WesWhat's the best way to get rid of the peppy and unrelenting girl that keeps asking me to tutor her? If I knew, I wouldn't be staring at her tan legs and attempting to teach her statistics.Sorority girl, fine as f**k, determined, ball buster... these are the things I knew about her. What I didn't know is that she is all the things I didn't realize I wanted or needed.Or that one semester with her would change everything.Book 2 - The FadeawayHe thinks we're playing the longest game of hard-to-get ever. We're not.JoelThe hottest girl on campus won't go out with me. I know, I know, that sounds presumptuous, but this girl... this girl has gotten under my skin, and I can't seem to walk away.Every Thursday, I show up at the café where she works. She's fed me every excuse in the book. I should give up and bang one of the many girls blowing up my phone. I'm not.Even when she says no, Thursday is my favorite day of the week.KatrinaThe hottest guy on campus won't stop asking me out. I know that sounds like a good problem to have, but this guy... this guy has no idea how complicated my life is trying to juggle being a single mom and college student.Every Thursday, he shows up at the café where I work. His cheesy pickup lines and arrogance should have me completely annoyed. I'm not.I can't say yes, but Thursday is my favorite day of the week.

Walk of Shame


Victoria Ashley - 2015
    . . I’ve been told it’s a problem. But I see it as a passion; something that I’m good at. And who the fuck stops something that they’re good at? They want me to seek help; get my cock in check. Don't judge my lifestyle. You’re no better than me. Just admit it, you like to fuck too. Sex is what I do best; my own personal high, so I embrace it instead of being ashamed. When I'm not fucking, I'm slinging drinks at Walk Of Shame or stripping my way into your bed; another thing I'm good at. Every woman’s darkest fantasy was brought to life. So, am I stopping? Fuck no. Sex is beautiful, raw, and erotic and I get off knowing I can have it with anyone I want . . . with the exception of her. Aspen. She walks into the club swaying those hips, instantly drawing my cock to attention. She’s pure perfection. That is, until she opens that mouth, drawing me in, and for the first time in forever, I want something more than sex. I want her and she hates it. Things get dirty. Dirty is what I like; it’s how I live. But . . . she’s playing a game she can never win. Hemy (Walk Of Shame #2) My name is Hemy Knox and I’m a fucking heartbreaker . . . I’ve hurt the one person that means the most to me in life; the only woman I have ever fucking loved. I let the drugs, alcohol, and wildlife take over; consume me. I got her where I wanted her and ripped her fucking heart out. Since then, I’ve spent countless nights having dirty, meaningless sex with a multitude of people; only leaving them wanting and begging for more with no regrets. Some may even call me the devil; soulless. They look and judge, but there is one thing they don’t know; no one does. I want more than this life of stripping and sleeping around; the never-ending party. I want to love and everything that comes with it; that high that never ends. The problem is . . . I only want it with her. Onyx. She refuses to be mine . . . again. She’s smart and it’s a mother fucking pain in my ass; guarding her heart while ripping mine right out of my chiseled chest. I can’t say that I blame her. I always was a dumb ass when it came to the emotions of a woman, especially her. She wants to see me suffer as much as I made her; watch me wither and fucking die at her feet. She wants to crush me until I’m no longer breathing and I will let her because it hurts far less than not having her as mine. I will stop at nothing to make her mine again. The pain only drives me harder; feeding my fury and giving me a reason to live . . . her. Cale (Walk Of Shame #3) My name is Cale Kinley and I’m a fucking Virgin… Well, with the exception of my tongue. The countless things I can do with my tongue are bound to leave you breathless and begging for more, but more… is something that I can’t give. It’s a choice. My choice. There’s a reason for that. A very good reason and that reason is her. Riley. She’s the only woman that I want to bury myself deep in. The one-woman I have wanted since I was old enough to fuck. I never got my chance though, because she left. She had no choice and it stung like hell. But I couldn’t let her leave without telling her how I felt.

Here Comes The Bride


Rita Herron - 1999
    After all, it’s going to help underprivileged children. And it’s just a weekend…what will it hurt?Except the handsome architect Austin McDane is nothing like the men Marci usually tangles with. And when Kimberly meets his family and the charade snowballs out of control, she can’t help but wish the engagement – and impromptu wedding she gets ropes into – were for real!

Rescuing Single Mom


Suzanne Hart - 2019
     But then he runs the opposite direction once he meets my kid. Silas Denton. Billionaire, cocky, the man who thinks he owns the world. His family RUINED me. And now he wants to make things right. Well, guess what? I don’t need his help. And I definitely don’t need him in my bed. It should be easy for me to shove him right out the door. Except his chiseled chest refuses to leave my dreams. He might be in my fantasies. But there’s no way in hell I’m giving him my heart. We’ve both got our secrets to protect. What would happen once he discovers mine? Will this feisty single mom accept help by being rescued by her prince charming? Scroll up and one click to discover this hot romance today! All novels in the Turning Good Series have interconnecting characters, but each has a unique storyline and individual HEA.