Book picks similar to
Crushed by Andrea Smith
young-adult
romance
novella
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Arkadia
Dzintra Sullivan - 2014
I am beautiful. I am popular. I am also the most messed-up witch you will ever meet. I can’t make water boil, or make the wind blow; I can’t even light a match without the aid of a flint. My 18th birthday is in six months, and if I don’t pass the Paranormal Safety Exams (PSEs) by then, I will be banished to the Isle of Shadows for eternity, never to be seen again – it will be as though I never existed.I found myself at the halfway house under the supervision and guidance of Den Mother and telepathic empath, Eloise Mayflower. The halfway house is the last chance for troubled paranormal teens like me to pass our PSEs and avoid banishment. Eloise knows everything I think and feel, and is supposed to be helping me, but I still can’t do basic spells a six-year-old can do. I hate it here, but I have no choice. This is my last chance.I had all but given up hope, when in walks Bohdan Drak. Tall, dark, and so damn sexy it hurts to look at him – even his muscles had muscles. He is a dragon shifter and wears the mark of having passed his PSEs. When our souls meet, we realize we have found our soul mates and perfect matches. My dying hope has found life again, and I finally have a reason to look forward to a future.I thought everything would be fine, but darkness and despair creep into my future. I have been framed for a murder, and everyone believes I am guilty. The paranormal council now watches my every move. Can I trust Bohdan and true love? I fear my destiny is to be banished forever …
Captured Onyx
Linnea May - 2019
Obey. Submit. Don’t fail me–or you’ll die. I wake up to these words, kidnapped, bound and at the mercy of a man who is as gorgeous as he is cruel. How did I get here? Why is this happening to me? I left my calm small-town home to celebrate with my best friend, and now I’m the captive of a criminal—a man who wants to trade me as part of a deal with the Mafia. He says he’ll train me. He tells me to trust him, to obey his command and to bend at his will. He is prepping me for a war that I’m not ready to fight. He is my only chance to survive. My captor—and my only solace. This is part 1 of a duet.
Lingerie on the Floor
Amanda Aksel - 2017
But my lingerie business is in trouble. If I don’t find an investor before I return to L.A., I’ll be forced to close my London boutique. The good news is the top fashion magazine wants to feature Kate Golden Lingerie in a double page spread. The bad news—they want me to model my lacy thong. How can I say no? I care way more about sexy lingerie than I do about love, until him . . . Drew, the insanely hot photographer I keep crashing into. I can’t help myself. He drove me wild during our boudoir photo shoot. Those eyes. That delicious mouth. The way he feels between my legs when I’m riding on the back of his motorcycle. I know, he’s a rich, bad boy, who only dates models. Sooo not my type. I’m not his either. But we can’t keep away from each other, even when we try . . .
Good Karma
Donya Lynne - 2014
Bullied as a child, she hides behind an unremarkable wardrobe and relegates herself to the shadows. But when her best friend convinces her to attend a charity benefit in Chicago wearing a stunning red dress that catches the eye of every man in the room, she discovers a surprising side to her personality. One that adores the spotlight but has no idea how to handle the attention.Mark Strong, a wealthy Chicago businessman, is brimming with confidence. He’s in total control. Nothing—and no one—escapes his notice. However, Mark carries a heavy, painful burden. After finding his fiancée with another man six years ago, he’s erected a fortress around his heart, unwilling to let himself fall in love again. But when enchanting Karma snares his gaze from across the room, he has no idea she will shatter his carefully ordered life.What starts out as a casual flirtation takes a series of surprising turns as Mark and Karma embark on a sensual journey destined by fate. Mark is driven to know Karma, understand her…educate her, and Karma is his willing student, eager to experience the pleasure he promises. But when the student becomes the teacher, Mark has to make a choice between taking another chance on love or a future alone.
Run
Allison LaFleur - 2019
Sleepless, I studied my surroundings—the aged family photos, the antique dresser, the stenciled ladder-back rocking chair—and found the sense of permanence they offered somewhat comforting. Knowing one of the matriarch’s of his family had sewn each green and blue patch by hand made the quilt feel like an embrace, and I held it tight like a security blanket. I didn’t know Josh. We’d barely spoken since I’d opened my eyes. He didn’t know me either. I didn’t even know me. Still, the faint sound of his breathing in the next room reminded me I wasn’t alone, that my protector was nearby. I guess when you desperately need a hero, you’ll attach that title to anyone who’ll wear it. He hadn’t turned me away or betrayed me when I begged him not to call the sheriff even though I couldn’t give him a reason why. In my desperate state, that made him my champion. Even so, I was panicked and fighting to remain still while every part of me wanted to run. It’s okay. You’re okay. He’s right in the next room. He’ll hear you if you scream. He won’t let anyone hurt you. I repeated those words in my head over and over, but while they kept me from bolting out the door, they did nothing to bring me peace. The night seemed endless. If not for the sound of his breathing and the tick-tick-tick of the clock, I would have thought time itself stood still... Grab your copy and read *FREE* in Kindle Unlimited today!
Best Friend With Benefits
B.B. Hamel - 2017
Henry broke my heart years ago. I never forgave him for what he did. But now I have my dream job, and it turns out we’ll be working together. He’s even hotter than I remembered. And he still wants me. I need to resist that delicious jerk’s charm. What a huge mess. Back in high school, we were inseparable. Henry was my best friend and a little bit more. But he broke my heart. One day we were close, and the next he was ignoring me in the halls. Fast forward ten years. I just landed my dream job working for an online news organization. It’s my chance to report on serious issues. Except I’ll be working very closely with Henry. He’s the producer on my first story. I never thought I’d see him again. But he’s back, and he’s all grown up: cocky grin, muscular body, hands that have a ton of experience. I can’t stop picturing all those nights we used to undress each other in the dark. I need to keep it professional. But Henry isn’t making that easy. He wants me again. And he’s not being subtle about it. If I give in to him, I know I’m going to need more than just one night. I’m in for the best mistake of my life. Best Friend With Benefits is a steamy romance with hot scenes and bad language. It’s only recommended for readers 18+. Best Friend With Benefits is a STANDALONE, full-length novel. No cliffhanger. Guaranteed HEA. Includes bonus content!
Whiskey Secrets
Carrie Ann Ryan - 2018
When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
Becoming Me
Staci Stallings - 2018
Just ask her. She’ll tell you. After all, he is her sister’s best friend, “royalty” in her high school, a senior, and so talented he would never notice a nobody like her. So Paige resorts to pouring her non-existent feelings for Nelson into a very special notebook, a notebook of the words that cascade through her without her knowing how or where they come from. She’s always been like that, writing words that are poetic, ephemeral, and too precious to share with anyone else. But what happens when she loses the notebook that contains the words that are such a part of her? Worse, when Nelson starts to want to hang out, can she play it cool or will he learn all the secrets she’s been keeping from everyone, even herself? Nelson Samuels knows he’s always been a little weird. For as long as he can remember, he’s done his best to keep just how weird a secret from those closest to him. Yes, they know he writes music. What they don’t know is that he hears music in haunting melodies all the time. Having learned to capture some of them into notes on a page, he struggles to share just enough of his talent without risking anyone knowing all of it. It’s only when Nelson starts to notice his best friend’s younger sister that life is about to dare him to open the deepest secrets he holds about himself to someone else. Will he be brave enough to share the imagination side of him, or will he forever stay trapped in knowing he has this amazing gift but being too afraid to share it with anyone? “Becoming Me” begins The Imagination Series by USA Today Best-Selling Christian author Staci Stallings. This set of stories begins in the very real world and takes the reader on a journey to learn that we all have gifts and talents, and those were placed inside of us by a God Who loves us and wants us to learn to use them—for ourselves, for our friends and family, for the world, and for His Kingdom. Come along on this journey that dares to ask what would happen if we all stopped judging our differences and started celebrating them instead.
Bylines & Blue Lines
Stephanie Julian - 2019
Why is he so miserable? Brody Mitchell is a damn good hockey player and has the NHL contract to prove it. He loves the game, but he hates the hype, the spotlight and especially the puck bunnies who only want to score an athlete husband. He’s been burned before. He’s not looking to repeat that mistake. The last thing he expected was to make a hot connection with a beautiful brunette at a bar. She doesn’t want to know his name and he’s more than happy not to give it. She just got it all. How’s she going to keep it? Tara doesn’t offer her name to the sexy guy she picks up after bombing out on her first assignment. As a brand-new sports reporter for the Philadelphia Record, she should be more interested in tracking down a hot trade rumor than in how many times the hot stranger can rock her world. Tara and Brody spend one amazing night in bed. But in the light of day, they find themselves on opposite sides of the boards. Will trust issues ruin their budding romance? Or will love win the day?
Edge of Glory
Magan Vernon - 2016
I'm Lia and I'll nguhhhhhhhhhhhhh". I froze. Directly facing me was Olympic swimmer, Jay Morningstar… and I just made an idiot of myself. The rest of the table looked up to see me standing there with my mouth practically gaping. His coach, who I recognized from TV interviews, and even two other swimmers from the Olympic team... they didn't say anything, they didn't even blink. "Uh… I mean…" I couldn't even put together my words and Jay Morningstar was just staring at me with that Wheaties box smile and those icy blue eyes. What was I supposed to say? "Sorry I just made a weird noise, it's just that I have a poster of you on my wall where you are wearing nothing more than your gold medals, a smile, and a pair of man panties?"
Red at Night
Katie McGarry - 2014
She's the girl with purple hair from the wrong part of town. He's a high school senior who hangs with the cool crowd. Until a car accident leaves him haunted by guilt, and Jonah starts spending time at Stella's favorite refuge…the local cemetery.Stella knows she should keep her distance—after all, she spent her girlhood being bullied by Jonah's friends. Once he's sorted out his tangled emotions, Jonah won't have time for her anymore. Too bad she's already fallen for him.
Catching Cassidy
Melissa Foster - 2015
They're tough, edgy, and accepting--most of the time. Although Catching Cassidy is a heterosexual romance, this series will include heterosexual, gay, and lesbian themes, written in the loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.In Catching Cassidy...Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to spread his parents' ashes and to try to figure out his next step.Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands--but that's what best friends are for, isn't it? Having each other's backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family's summer home--even if her jealous boyfriend is giving her hell for it. But he doesn't have anything to be jealous of...or does he?It's impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt's past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn't want to lose the one woman who's shared his past and owns his heart.Coming in 2015 the full Harborside Nights series:Catching Cassidy (Het)Discovering Delilah (F/F)Tempting Tristan (M/M)Chasing Charley (Het)Breaking Brandon (M/M)Embracing Evan (Het)Reaching Rusty (Het)Loving Livi (Het)Characters from the Love in Bloom series will appear in the Harborside Nights books.
I Crave You
C.C. Wood - 2020
If I had done that at fourteen, maybe I would have avoided the unfortunate nickname of "Flatty Cami." It all started when I met Brody Murphy. I was eight years old and it was love at first sight. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, he showed me his true colors six years later. We argued every time I saw him, which was a lot since he was my brother's best friend. The hostility became outright hate when he coined that nickname I mentioned—the one that I didn't leave behind until I graduated high school. The day he got married and moved away was probably the luckiest day of my life and since then, I graduated college, started a business, and grew boobs so the whole nickname thing shouldn't still bother me. Yes, I know it shouldn't, but some grudges are worth holding.Now, Brody's back in town, divorced, and with his adorable daughter in tow. But he's not the same boy I once knew. He's a hot single dad who makes me laugh and it's getting harder and harder to remember all the reasons I should hate him.And way too easy to fall in love.
Faking It
Christina Ross - 2017
A mega-hot action star’s career in free fall. Jackson Cruise is super hot, super successful, and his movies have made billions at the box office. But when the paparazzi photograph him kissing another man, Jackson’s true sexuality quickly comes into question in ways that might destroy his career. Start the damage control now. Enter emerging actress Sienna Jones, who is offered millions to become Jackson’s new girlfriend. Sienna decides to take the job and fake it, and before long, her star starts to rise as her and Jackson’s fake relationship begins to trend on Twitter. All while the actor’s hunky security guard, Austin Black, looks on at Sienna in lust. As Sienna and Austin become friends—and then a whole lot more after one steamy night of passion—the question is simple: How long can Sienna continue to fake it when she realizes that she’s falling in love. With Christina Ross’ gift for delivering romance, humor, wit, and characters you’ll love and never forget, Faking It will leave readers swooning until the last page is turned.
Our Little Secret
Ashelyn Drake - 2015
The only problem is Toby is her best friend’s twin, and Tori has a very firm “no dating the brother” policy. But Becca’s grade has hit rock bottom and she needs a tutor. It just so happens that Toby is a math genius and more than happy to help—lucky her! Working so closely with the handsome, popular Toby, Becca can’t hide her attraction, and it soon becomes obvious he feels the same way. Becca doesn’t want to lose her best friend, but she isn’t willing to give up Toby either. At first, sneaking around is fun, stealing kisses right under Tori’s nose. But things take an ugly turn when Toby’s ex-girlfriend Meredith catches them together. Meredith demands Toby take her back and restore her reputation, or she’ll tell Tori their secret. Do they dare tell Tori the truth? Or would that just make things worse? Surrounded by secrets and knee-deep in deception, something has to give… How far is Meredith willing to go to keep Toby and Becca apart? And how much is Becca willing to risk to keep… Our Little Secret?