Book picks similar to
Duke by Kiru Taye


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bipoc-lead
black-love
romantic-suspense

The Discovery


J.T. Cross - 2012
    Search and rescue specialist Luc Moon is tasked with the impossible: finding the boys on his own.During the search, Luc discovers clues to a remarkable lost world, a world hidden deep within a forgotten valley. Now in a life-and-death struggle, Luc―and those closest to him―must survive against legendary creatures and a ruthless billionaire determined to keep the discovery to himself.

Move Your Body: Carnivale Chronicles


Stephanie Nicole Norris - 2020
    Practicing day and night has her team in tip-top shape, and she's confident they will take home the win. That is, until she discovers the rival dance studio across the street is who they'll be facing off against.And not only will they compete for the victory, but getting to know the leader, Messiah West, has Tatiana wondering if they're battling for something a little more. Determined to ward off any sentiments of desire, Tatiana's guard remains elevated. But Messiah's perseverance is just as strong in his ambition to break down her walls.

When We Love: a steamy novelette


ShanicexLola Shanice Swint - 2019
     His intentions were pure... His touch was everlasting... He was the first. I never fathomed my best friend’s allure would suffice and fulfill me exceedingly. His embrace was soothing... His kisses were gentle... The best was saved for last. *Please note, When We Love is an introductory novelette for a full story to come on Kaden + Aria.

Love’s Battle Won (The Rileys of Misty Creek Series) (A Western Romance Story)


Elliee Atkinson - 2017
     Will Love To Be The Price To Pay? An Angel’s smile…A Devil’s eyes…Are dreams made to be broken? Cheated out of her own ranch and left alone with a son to raise, Serena Snowdon can’t seem to keep ahead of the trouble that haunts her. With her only chance at a normal life hanging on the return of her husband, Serena knows she will just have to hold on until he comes back. But when she finds employment as a cook in the Riley household, she discovers that some things are worse than being out in the cold - like a dark-haired cowboy with the temptation of the devil himself. Known to be a man who loves hard and fights harder, Jasper Riley has a knack for knowing when danger is nipping at his heels. Yet he seems blind to the perils of the irresistible attraction he feels for their new cook, even as he is coerced into a marriage with a woman he has no feelings for. But when all Serena has left is being threatened, she and Jasper realize that if they don’t make a stand, then the worst that can happen is far more than either of them is willing to risk. With their backs against the wall and Serena determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers, Jasper has no choice but to set his sights on the one thing he knows best - protecting what is his.

Point of Impact


Lisa Phillips - 2022
    When she returns home, she has to face down every nightmare she's ever had. Is the resurgence of a series of all too familiar deadly crimes the work of a former ally, or a mastermind who has been pulling her strings all along?Recluse and artist Jacob likes his life. It's how he's managed to cope with who he became all those years ago. But he can't avoid the past any longer. Not when Addie walks back into town, and right back into his life.The past returns in a wave of unexplained crimes. Addie and Jacob find themselves at the heart of it all, at the place where their lives were torn apart.This stand-alone story is the start of the accountant’s office series – a spinoff from Last Chance County.A Christian romantic suspense novel.

Lethal Distraction


Terri Reid - 2018
    Little did she realize that following up on one particular discard would not only drop her in the middle of a murder investigation, but also put her smack dab in the crosshairs of an assassin’s gun. Will her burgeoning relationship with Sergeant Tom O’Reilly, her assigned protector, guide her to success as a reporter? Or will their attraction prove to be a lethal distraction?

Lethal Legacy


Amanda McKinney - 2017
    Over three decades later, a house fire destroys her Texas mansion and takes the life of her cheating husband, unleashing a series of events that open up the dark past she’s tried so desperately to forget.Former Navy SEAL, Police Lieutenant Danny Dabrowski, suspects arson and while questioning the sexy, alluring wife of the late William King, he becomes suspicious when Victoria shows no signs of emotion other than a fiery attitude toward him.As Danny’s perception of Victoria becomes clouded by desire, all bets are off when he finds out that the past and present are linked to a dangerous cartel that only wants one thing from Victoria. The one thing she doesn’t even know exists.And they’re willing to kill for it.

Nothing Even Matters 2: the finale


Bri Noreen - 2016
    After an unwanted disruption of their romantic vacation, Sage and Zu find themselves at the hospital. Sage gets news that isn’t promising, and in an attempt to keep from breaking Zu’s heart prematurely, she decides to keep the news to herself. When things blow up in her face, Zu lashes out and things between the picture perfect pair erupt. Will the couple overcome their issues and work through Sage’s health crisis? Or will the notion that Zu could stand to lose another love one destroy what they built? Find out if they get their happy ending in the final installment of Nothing Even Matters.

Chance Given (The Chance Series Book 3)


Diana W. - 2018
     Being the youngest Winston, and having her brother Mike, as a great role model, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Loyalty is high on the list of Winston family values but for Lacey, it tends to skew her perception of happiness. Lacey's shaky long-term relationship with her on again off again boyfriend, Greg, who is headed to the NFL, is continuously being tested, but it seems that Nathan, his teammate, is more than willing to suit up and get in the game to win Lacey's heart. Constant flags are thrown at their attempts at a connection and sends them both on a path of emotional ups and downs that neither of them is certain they can endure. Join Lacey and Nate on this final installment of the Chance Series. Along with Zoe, West, Mike, and Kelise, as they all once again, face their own relationship obstacles. See what transpires when love and life happen By Chance & when a Chance Taken results in a Chance Given. *** This book is and can be read as a standalone however, also reading the previous books By Chance and Chance Taken in the series is highly recommended ***

Crowned: The Return of a Savage


Deshon Dreamz - 2017
    Crowned Queens, an organization that Ashura and Nacobi created when they were freshmen in college, had turned into a lucrative empire right before their very eyes. Young, successful and content with life, Ashura implements the necessary changes to put that lifestyle behind her, but with the power that she’s gained comes a slew of enemies prepared to snatch everything that she has worked for. Nacobi has always been there for Ashura. Her rider to the point of no return and that will never change. When Ashura gets fed up with Crowned Queens, Nacobi reluctantly follows suit in getting things shut down. However, what they don’t know is that the enemy who is out to get them is closer than either of them would expect. With love found, love betrayed, and love tainted, the savage that Ashura has fought tooth and nail to keep suppressed is threatening to rear its ugly head. Unbeknownst to the enemy, if the beast is released, they will soon learn why she’s the diva who was Crowned Queen.

PERFECT MOMENTS (Book 3 of the Perfect Series)


Brenda Jackson - 2021
    

SEALed with a Challenge (Special Forces:Operation Alpha; Shock Force One #4)


Rachel McNeely - 2021
    Even so, he can’t help being drawn to a fiery, independent female in need of help she refuses to ask for.Businesswoman Judy Larson has nothing against SEALs, especially since her mother and sister have found love with men of that breed. She’s just not wild about having an alpha male take charge of her happily single life. So why does she go weak at the knees when a certain green-eyed serviceman does just that?When Judy suffers a devastating loss at the hands of a stalker with deadly intent, Harry is ready, willing and able to convince her that their love can meet any challenge.

Echo of Glory: An Irish Legends Novel (Celtic Legends Collection)


Martina Boone - 2018
    A heart-pounding and magical tapestry of romance, history, legend, and complex themes of inequality that resonated as deeply centuries ago as they do today. Perfect for fans of Susanna Kearsley, Nora Roberts, Mary Stewart, Maeve Binchy, and Susan Wiggs. After a disastrous relationship with her boss, Meg Cameron leaves her job with two bad options. Stay silent? Or speak up and ruin her career? A trip to an archeological dig gives her time to reflect on historical imbalances of power, but history refuses to stay quietly in the bloody past of Ireland's beautiful Beara Peninsula and the O'Sullivan massacre. Niall Sullivan has spent years chasing the truth of what happened to his family in 1602. But he never expected to have to bring his newly orphaned nephew, Adam, with him to excavate on Dursey Island--without internet or television or even reliable cell phone coverage. Still, time alone together in the abandoned village could be exactly what the two of them need to build the foundations of a family. Until Meg Cameron comes along. Meg and her developing relationship with Niall brings out both the best and the worst in Adam. And as danger comes from unexpected sources, they all have choices to make. Life and death choices none of them expected. ★★★★★  PRAISE FOR LAKE OF DESTINY ★★★★★  "Delightful, charming, and heartwarming!" -- New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins "I loved this!!! It reminds me of a Nora Roberts series, The Gallaghers of Ardmore . . . but a Scottish version with men in kilts!" -- Two Chicks on Books "Outlander-Lite Meets Gilmore Girls in Scotland. This is a story that sucked me in from the start and didn't let go until I'd laughed, shed a few tears and worked up an appetite. Fast. Fun. Romantic. Read it!" -- Jenuine Cupcakes "Endearing and alluring! Modern day mixed with history, truth, folklore, and just the right touch of the blarney! -- Thoughts on Your Words "So much charm it's magical!" --  BookGeek ★★★★★ PRAISE FOR COMPULSION ★★★★★  "Skillfully blends rich magic and folklore with adventure, sweeping romance, and hidden treasure . . . Impressive."  -- Publisher's Weekly "Eight Beaufort is so swoon-worthy that it s ridiculous."  RT Book Reviews , RT Editors Best Books of the Year "Darkly romantic and steeped in Southern Gothic charm, you ll be compelled to get lost in the Heirs of Watson Island series." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout "The perfect Southern family saga: charming and steamy on the surface, with cold-blooded secrets buried down deep." -- Kendare Blake, -- New York Times bestselling author "Haunting, atmospheric, and absorbing.

Feign For Me


Ivy Laika - 2019
     When circumstances force her to reevaluate her personal life, her younger sister, Dada, suggests that she goes to Boston to have a weekend to herself. It’s Christela’s first chance to be selfish and put herself first. What she was not expecting was to meet Mac. Mac Pierre vows to love her for a weekend. To be selfless so that for once in her life she can be selfish. As a result, they form a bond that seems unbreakable. After a weekend full of lust and love will the two stay together or leave the other feigning for what they shared?

Nolan (Billionaire Titans Book 3)


Alison Ryan - 2017
     My father is dead. That much I know. What I didn't know, was what my father did for a living. I thought he was just a run of the mill lawyer. I was wrong. My father had an entire life I never knew about. One filled with half-truths and plenty of deception. Nolan Weston is the key to unlocking the lies. Nolan worked for my father. He was his right-hand man, the one he entrusted with everything. That would include being the executor of my father's massive estate that I just so happen to be the sole heiress to. I should hate Nolan. He's cold. Arrogant. And he's hiding something. But I don't hate him at all. I'm drawn to him. After a snowstorm in Tahoe traps us inside my father's luxury digs, the forced proximity opens up the floodgates of our desire. "It was one of the moments in my life I knew I would remember always. And that as much as I didn't want to feel like I belonged to anyone, at that moment I was completely his, for as long as he wanted me. He might one day be done with me, but I would never be done with him." Nolan wants to teach me how to please him. I want to learn how to trust him. But as I've learned, nothing is as it seems. And the man I want to trust might just be the man I need to run from. WARNING: This is a steamy romance involving an older, experienced alpha male and the young girl he wishes to own. There are twists and turns and it will leave you gasping for more. (This book was previously published as NECESSARY LIES)