Book picks similar to
The Upside of Down by Nicole Rodrigues


contemporary
single-parent
romance
single-mom-romance

Without You


Jennifer Van Wyk - 2020
    Without her, I was better off.I knew it the second she walked away and realized how much happier I was.Knew it the day I interrupted her wedding reception to show her what she was missing and locked eyes with someone I hadn’t seen in years.Those eyes.Her smile.Everything about her turned something around inside me that had been quiet for years. But I’m not the only one who noticed.How do I, a grease monkey, compare to what a Nashville star has to offer?Easy.Because without her, none of what I’ve taken years to build matters.Now I get to prove it to her. Without You is a complete standalone small town romance filled with friendship, love, and second chances.

Fake Bride With Benefits


Riley Rollins - 2017
    Especially not for Hunter Thorne. Hunter's ripped, dangerous arms and sinful hands shouldn't be allowed anywhere near me. The absolute last thing I need is a fling with an infuriating, sexy-as-hell, tattooed bad boy who already broke my heart once. But I don't need Mr. Right to get this money.I just need Mr. Right Now.And guess who's staying on my couch?I'm not the naive schoolgirl I used to be. Fake brides don't fall in love for real, and I won't fall for the inked bad boy a second time…...…... If only my heart would get the message. Because pretending shouldn't be this easy. And saying goodbye shouldn't be this hard.

Man Candy


Melanie Harlow - 2016
    And he looks good enough to eat, which is just one more reason to stay away from him. But I can’t resist.The sex is incredible (pretty sure we’ve shaken the house right off its foundation), but he can’t fool me—not this time. A degree in marketing and five years in advertising have taught me that “true love” is a fairy tale used to sell lipstick, diamonds, and perfume. It doesn’t exist.He thinks I’m wrong, and he wants to prove it.I think he’s crazy, so I dare him to try.It might be the biggest mistake of my life.

I Just Want You


Kaylee Ryan - 2017
    “Get a good job,” they said. “It will be a piece of cake.” Well, whoever they are, they lied. Sure, college was a blast, but after college, not so much. The finding a job to go with my expensive education, that part was not so easy. At least not until I was offered a position at the new club in town. Life is defined by the little moments that have the power to change it completely. I never thought getting a cup of coffee would change mine, but it did. She did. She’s one of those moments. He’s my boss. She’s my employee. I want him. I can’t resist her.

Body Talk


Ashlee Price - 2017
    She’s un-touched and my assistant. I’m Dagger Braun though. I’m used to getting what I want. Even if it means risking it all to make her mine. Who would have thought an ex-SEAL like me would open a yoga studio? Before I can offer classes, I need a talented instructor who can follow my lead. No attachments. Just someone who is professional. That was until Whitney walked into my studio... She was smart, funny and gorgeous – a combination that will tempt any man. The throbbing in my pants proves I'm no exception to that temptation. Those innocent eyes and plump lips could be my undoing. Each time I see her, all I want is for her to submit to me…mind, body, and soul. You know what, maybe she's the one? The one I don't want to share and ever let go of. But a dangerous, unsettled score from my past could ruin our only chance at real love. Despite all odds, I am determined to make her mine! ***Body Talk is a full length, stand-alone romance with a guaranteed HEA. No cheating and no cliffhangers.***

Hammered


Alexis Alvarez - 2018
     I’d love to bend her over the hood of her stupid little electric car and smack that ass. But the project comes first. I don’t have time for dating, especially tree-huggers. I have to get this build completed on time. But a kiss never hurt anyone... right? She just better not be playing me to get info on my boss. Or shut down this project. Because she’ll find out that I can give as good as I get. That I have creative ways to punish her. Get her begging for more… This book is part of an amazing series of books about sexy blue-collar guys who don't mind getting a little dirty. ;) They are stand-alones and do not need to be read in order, but are all super sexy and delicious. From Alexis Alvarez (me!), Lee Savino, Renee Rose, Alta Hensley, Tara Crescent, Ava Sinclair, Aubrey Cara, Jane Henry.

The Pickup


Nikki Ash - 2019
    The world decides for us. But I disagree.I believe love is a decision. Who we love, how we love. It’s in our control - in our hands.I grew up having no clue about the true meaning of love. Money. Cars. Houses. Status. Fame. That’s what love means to the people around me.It wasn’t until the woman I picked up in a bar came back into my life and showed me love can be so much more.So, what’s the problem?The woman I’m falling in love with believes in fairytales. She compares everything to a storybook and wants the happily-ever-after.So while she’s stuck on recreating stories that have already been told, page by page, I’m showing her it’s time we write our own book.Nobody ever said the journey of falling in love would be easy, just that it would be worth it. The Pickup is a standalone sports romance.

Only Ever You


C.D. Reiss - 2019
    She had a plan, after all. First college, then a climb up the professional ladder. Love, marriage, children. All of it was on the schedule.The cheap Hollywood apartment wasn’t on the list. Neither was the string of heartbreaks. Or the effect her mother’s cancer had on her career.It’s hard to stay practical and on point when everything takes a left turn.Enter Sebastian, the nerd across the street. The boy she defended when he couldn’t defend himself. The best friend she promised she’d marry if life didn’t go according to plan.Not only is he successful, confident, and gorgeous, but he also still has their handwritten marriage contract.No one goes through with childhood wedding pacts.That’s crazy.But their families might just be crazy enough to rent a hall and set a date. All Rachel and Sebastian have to do is fall in love.

Fight for Me : A Friends to Lovers Romance


Sloane Peterson - 2021
    

Penthouse Prince


Virginia Nelson - 2015
    Instead, she finds herself greeted warmly by gorgeous company CEO Camden James...and introduced to his father as his fiancée. Now she's been hired—complete with a hefty pay raise—to be the fake fiancée of the infamous “Penthouse Prince.”Camden doesn't believe in love. He believes in mutually beneficial business arrangements. With his real fiancée off cheating on him, Camden needs someone to help him prove to his father that he's definitely ready to marry. Yet Jeanie's combination of beauty and bluntness act like an aphrodisiac, and their “for the press” kisses look incredibly real. So real that Jeanie and Camden are either really convincing actors...or they've fallen for their own charade.

Taking the Chance


Kelsie Rae - 2018
    Luke. My husband’s ex-best friend and my once-upon-a-time confidante. As the truth of my predicament tumbles out of me, he offers me a place to stay.And because I’m desperate and vulnerable...I accept.After all, what other choice do I have?

Wet: A Brother’s Best Friend Romance


Aria Ford - 2017
    She’s practically family. She’s also a client. I’m training her for the Olympics, not for my bed. They say I’m the toughest swimming trainer out there. I’m not afraid to push hard—that’s why my clients win. When Lindsay’s trainer moves away, I couldn’t let her down. I stepped in and took over. I never stopped to think what a bad idea that was. Because now I’ve seen her slick and wet, panting for breath. All alone with me in the pool. Wanting me just as bad as I want her. We shouldn’t cross that line. Even though I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. Her brother is the best friend I ever had and he’d never forgive me. Now I can’t stop thinking about her. I want her all the time. Once I’ve had her, I can’t get enough. We’ll have to keep this our dirty little secret. She was the best, worst thing I’ve ever done, so how can I stop? I know we can’t keep the secret forever, but will I lose her when the truth comes out? What if it’s more than just lust—what if she’s the one?

That Second Chance


Meghan Quinn - 2019
    Nothing was supposed to go wrong. We’d vowed to be on our best behavior after all . . .But it only took one rowdy night with my brothers to flip my world upside down. One unlucky encounter saddled us with a family curse and the promise of doomed relationships. I laughed it off immediately. “Yeah, right,” I thought. “A love curse. Ha!”Boy, was I wrong.Word spreads quickly in a town like mine; rumors about that night soon made us the most eligible yet untouchable bachelors in Port Snow, Maine. As a subject of endless gossip and speculation, I could kiss my dating life goodbye.It would have stayed that way if Ren Winters, the new girl in town, hadn’t crashed into my life. Brave, beautiful, and smart—her vivacious thirst for a fresh start has given me hope that maybe, just maybe, I can have one too.Everyone wishes for that second chance . . . but could this really be mine?

Boomerangers


Heather M. Orgeron - 2017
     Spencer I love sex. I love the power, the intimacy, the euphoria it brings. Too bad I’m not having any . . . You’d think as New Orleans’ most renowned sex therapist that I’d be swimming in single men. In a way, I am . . . except for the fact that one is in diapers and the other two are drowning in preteen hormones. As a single mother of three, my days are devoted to my clients and my kids, and my nights are spent with Fabio, my trusty vibrator. When my world begins to unravel, I have no choice but to move back home. And when my high school sweetheart comes waltzing back into my life, comedy and chaos ensue. What can I say? I never said I could pick ’em, but you can bet your ass I know how to fix ’em. Cooper As soon as the ink dried on my divorce papers, I made myself a solemn vow: I was done with relationships. Moving home to take over my father’s firm was the plan, until Spencer decided to return, along with three souvenirs from the life she’s lived without me. I’ve been in love with the girl next door for nearly all of my life; the rest was spent trying to forget her. I’d give almost anything for a second chance with her, but I have no time for distractions—especially the kind that involve diapers, bottles, and eighteen-year commitments. The problem is, she’s already got me by the balls . . . and I’m beginning to feel the noose tightening around my heart. *Intended for readers 18+

Just One Night


Carly Phillips - 2021
    Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.