Book picks similar to
Scout by Rhea V. May


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Bayou Cottage


Suzanne Jenkins - 2020
    It’s the perfect place to run away to after her heart was broken.The first night while she’s down at the road to lock the gate, a hunky guy on horseback steps out of the woods, but Maggie doesn’t recognize him. Turns out they were childhood playmates long ago during winter visits to her grandparents’ cottage. Justin Chastain, local vet and wild horse advocate, heard through the grapevine that Maggie had returned to Cypress Cove and wanted to see her for himself. But he didn’t know that she was hiding from a failed marriage, leaving her with a big chip on her shoulder. It remains to be seen if she can ever trust again. The chemistry Maggie senses fluctuates between lukewarm and molten, but for Justin, it’s constant and he’s falling in love, hard. Then he unintentionally commits a blunder that Maggie will struggle to forgive, and they have to start all over again. Is there another chance at love for Maggie Angel?

Fooling Around with Ford


Piper James - 2021
    Tricked. Manipulated. The life and career I’d worked so hard to build crumbled around me, so I abandoned it and moved in with my parents. Shady Springs Retirement Community in Sweet Pea, Florida was the perfect place to hide out, even if I was stuck sleeping on the couch.Then along came Ford Birmingham, a jerk who ran over my things with his lawnmower, destroying them and blaming me for the whole thing. As frustrating as he was charming, it didn’t take long for me to soften toward him…but I knew it was a dead end.His life was here, but mine wasn’t. I would be leaving as soon as I found a new job in a new town where I could rebuild my shattered world. Ford I’d mowed the grass at Shady Springs for twenty years and never met a resident as intriguing as the beautiful and feisty Virginia Jones. Of course, everyone else who lived there was at least twenty years my senior, so…When I accidentally shredded her e-reader, sunglasses, and towel one bright and sunny December afternoon—starting a feud I was definitely all-in for—I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I knew I’d eventually win her over, but to what end?She would leave Sweet Pea, and me, eventually. But sometimes, the reward was worth the risk.Fooling Around with Ford is the first book in the Sweet Pea Flings series of interconnected standalone novels. A sweet & steamy romance, this book has all the spice with a guaranteed HEA.

A Bride of Convenience for the Broken Earl


Hazel Linwood - 2020
    Left alone with just her uncle after her father’s tragic death, she must marry in less than a year to inherit her dowry.There are two things Matthew Walsh, newly-appointed Earl of Paxton, will never forgive: his parents for sending him into exile, and Lydia for not writing to him. Determined to get his life back, he makes a bewildering proposal: a fake marriage to Lydia.When old feelings return with a vengeance, their reunion nearly costs them their lives. A woeful wail is all Lydia manages before she’s forced on a carriage to Gretna Green with a man she now hates. For the sins of the father, shall be visited upon the daughter.

A Lord's Bet of Desire


Meghan Sloan - 2020
    While working at the house of Norman Pembroke, the Duke of Bancroft, she has always dreamt of advancing her life from a humble maid to that of a governess. Despite knowing that this opportunity may never appear, her love for reading is enough to keep the dream alive. But little did she know that fate would bring an unforeseen twist that would make this dream a tangible reality... When Edward, the endearingly attractive brother of the Duke, comes to visit, the last thing she expected was to end up under his roof and away from the only place she's ever known. Laura will inevitably find herself seduced by his ravishing beauty, but will she allow herself to finally surrender to her burning desire for him?Edward Pembroke has always been the opposite of his brother. Being warm and dutiful himself, he was against his brother's love for gambling that was dwindling the Pembroke fortune every day. When he finally decides to confront him about his wayward habit, they both end up engaging in a fateful night of gambling, and Edward wins the prize of taking anything he wants with him. Without a second thought, he chooses Laura, as her fiery nature lightens a spark inside him. Once they move to his house, he can't help but be mesmerised by her every move, willing to do whatever it takes to possess her. Will he manage to turn this promising desire into an everlasting love?Laura and Edward's attraction is impossible to deny, but their evident class differences are threatening their undeniable lust. The more time they spend together, the more they lose their hearts and bodies to one another. Will their passionate connection prove strong enough to shatter the insurmountable obstacles? Or will their heated affair go down in flames before it even sets them on fire?"A Lord's Bet of Desire" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Malac


Ava Ross - 2021
    With conflict brewing in the kingdom, will he be forced to make a heart-breaking choice?BellaWhen I came to the subterranean kingdom of Driegon as a mail-order bride, I didn’t expect the dragon king to sweep me off my feet, take flight, and claim me as his mate. He says a mythical mating ritual called the Torrent proves we’re fated. Yeah, sure. Then I find out he’s almost engaged. He insists he’ll find a way for us to be together, but I’ve fallen for pretty lies before, and I won’t give my heart again easily.MalacTo end a war among the factions of my Driegon people, I must marry the daughter of a rival warlord. I’ve accepted my fate. Until I meet Bella, one of three Earthlings brought to my kingdom as mail-order brides. One touch, and my blood roars through me—the first sign of the Torrent. We’re fated and I ache to claim her, yet I cannot betray my people. But the heart of a dragon will not be denied.

Lovely Little Things in Pretty Beach


Polly Babbington - 2021
    So, when she finds herself leaving her lovely, comfortable existence in London with nothing much more than a car and her gorgeous little dog a new start in Pretty Beach seems like the best thing that’s going to happen to her anytime soon.As she sets to work on a dilapidated old house on Seafolly Passage, starts a new job and begins to turn her life around things in Pretty Beach are definitely looking on the rosier side of what she had just left. Even though she had thought that going back to Pretty Beach was very much a backward step in her life.We follow along with Lulu, as not only the old house she has inherited, but also Lulu herself comes back to life, and just when she is least expecting it, boom, along comes Ollie Cavendish and knocks her for six.Will Lulu Drinkwater find love least when she was expecting it or will she decide that, actually, life on her own, really isn’t quite so bad after all?Sit back and delve into the utterly gorgeous little town of Pretty Beach where cinnamon buns, sparkly sea, golden beaches and beautiful old houses wrap you up in their warmth and transport you to a place you’ll sometimes wish you could live forever.♥ ‘Polly Babbington creates oh-so-magical books.’ ♥‘Absolutely loved this book as I did all the others in the series sheer feel good and escapism as were the others. Please please write the next one.’ LynnFyson, Amazon Reviewer♥ All the Pretty Beach books are set in Pretty Beach with each little trilogy focusing on new central characters.♥ It's preferable to start with book one but all books end with a conclusion and can be read as standalones.Book 1 (Trilogy 1) The Boat House Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 2 (Trilogy 1) Summer Weddings at Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 3 (Trilogy 1) Winter at Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 4 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Christmas (Juliette & Luke)Book 5 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Dream (Juliette & Luke)Book 6 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Wish (Juliette & Luke)Book 7 (Trilogy 3 ) Secret Evenings in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 8 (Trilogy 3) Secret Places in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 9 (Trilogy 3) Secret Days in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 10 (Trilogy 4) Lovely Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 11 (Trilogy 4) Beautiful Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 12 (Trilogy 4) Darling Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 13 (Trilogy 5) The Old Sugar Wharf Pretty Beach♥'Another brilliant book that keeps you excited to keep turning the page. Can't wait for the next one and see how it develops. Well done Polly on another great book.' Debra, Amazon Reviewer'Polly just keeps giving such fantastic stories with amazing characters. I just can’t wait for the next book.' G. Harry, Amazon ReviewerThis is what romance readers are saying about Polly Babbington’s books:‘What a lovely piece of escapism. I totally fell in love with the descriptions of the decor of Sallie's place. Is she real? I want to go there......really!’ Julie41, Amazon Reviewer‘5 stars all the way yet again for another wonderful read.’ JudeP Amazon Reviewer‘One of my fave romantic comedy novels.’‘I honestly loved all of this romantic beach read - strong female characters & romance on the beach.’

What the Governess is Hiding


Abby Ayles - 2021
    A secretive governess. A threat looming over their love. Will they move forward as one or let their past hold them back?When a terrible fire claims the lives of her friends and employers, Kathy Wright must make sure that their children will be well cared for. Even if that means that she must face her worst fear and leave the security of the Scottish Highlands and return to England…Richard Johnson’s heart was crushed many years ago and he still has not managed to put the pieces back together. Now, the old wound opens again, when he must take care of the two young children of the very people who left him broken in the first place…Richard and Kathy both battle the demons of their past, but while the caring governess will help the Duke nurse his wounds and be whole again, her own secrets may just prove too much…When push comes to shove, Kathy must decide if she would be willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of the girls she came to care for so much and for the man that captured her heart…

Second Time Around: Small Town Second Chance Romance


Alandra Knight - 2019
    He’s lived them. Four years earlier, he and his brother lost their wives. Since then, they’ve been left to raise their children all alone.His world is everything mine can never be.It doesn’t matter that our chemistry is off the charts. It doesn’t matter that Jaxson’s arms are the only ones I feel safe in.He and I are like oil and water – and while opposites clearly attract, I can’t believe there’d ever be a place for a girl like me in Jaxson’s world of foam dart battles and bedtime stories.Or, at least, that’s what I thought until we both dared open our hearts – and began wondering if, just maybe, we deserved a shot at love the second time around.Second Time Around is the first in Alandra Knight's Finding Our Forever series - emotionally intense tales of true love, featuring beautifully crafted characters overcoming the darkest odds to earn their happily-ever-after.

Show


Joy Blood - 2020
    Every part of the club is embedded deep in his roots, but he will go against them and his President for the woman he loves. When Cammy is banished from the club she is forced to go back to where she came from, with Show as her escort. Only when they get there, things aren't as they seem. Even with his orders Show knows he can't leave her there so he comes up with an idea. The only way for Cammy to be accepted back into the club.Marriage.A happily ever after couldn't be too far off, right?If only things worked that way.

Lady Adalyn: A Reverse Harem Risqué Regency


Sahara Kelly - 2019
    For the first time in my life, I felt a gentleman’s hands assisting me in removing my clothing. Yes, I shall surely be condemned to an eternity of agony for such a transgression, but I had no one else to ask. Giles brought hot water to my chamber and found me struggling with the tapes of my gown. He was all that was proper and polite, and had me unlaced in a trice, which was very helpful. My blushes must have added their own warmth to the room, but given his kindness and his attentions to me, I was not unduly overset. Lady Adalyn Wilkerson’s Diary, Wolfbridge Manor, January 1817 A birthday, a marriage and a funeral—twenty-year-old Adalyn has experienced them all in the space of a fortnight. The widowed Lady Wilkerson is lost, homeless and helpless as she stands next to her late husband’s grave, until an elegant gentleman introduces himself as her new butler, takes her to Wolfbridge Manor—and her life changes forever. She finds herself mistress of a tidy estate, run by the most amazing men she’s ever set eyes on. Their attentions teach her about loyalty, affection, caring and devotion, and stimulate the dawning of her sensuality. Unfortunately, not even her skilled and loving gentlemen can keep trouble from the door, and Adalyn is going to need all the courage she possesses to protect Wolfbridge and its residents. But protect them she will, if it takes every ounce of her strength. Others might have hesitated, but the men of Wolfbridge have taught her well – she isn’t just a mere cypher in a bonnet, she is their Lady Adalyn. This is the first novel in The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor. The story will continue in Book 2.

A Fateful Twist of Love


Aria Norton - 2020
    Seeking the truth, Emily finds herself travelling to England, comforted in the knowledge that her inheritance will allow her to live a pleasant life. Her world turns upside down though, when she finds out about the condition that dictates she needs to find a husband before her twenty-first birthday... Fate seems to be teasing her even further, as she soon finds her heart entrapped by the presence of a dashing lord. Will Emily manage to secure her fortune without risking her one chance at true love?Lord Maximillian Camborne is a strong and independent man. Despite appearing calm and collected on the surface, a dark secret is hidden behind the reason he's keeping everyone at distance. Rumours surrounding his wife's death and a curse upon his home in Cornwall have left him with little to be joyful of, but the arrival of a mysterious young lady might be exactly the salvation he's been looking for...Emily and Maximillian feel completely lost before their pathways meet, but they end up finding more than they dreamed of in each other's mesmerising gaze. Regardless of how unexpected their encounter is, the connection is instant and their feelings persist against all odds. With Emily hiding her real identity, though, and Maximilian concealing an even darker reality, could love stand a chance? Will they manage to defy the endless obstacles and rumours to reach the final destination of love?"A Fateful Twist of Love" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Soul-Bonded to the Alien


Serena Simpson - 2015
    They came to earth years ago as children and learned to blend in with society. When he was called to California to help find the missing mate of an Arbrin he went, never suspecting he would find his own mate. Paige spent her life keeping her secrets close to her chest. Loneliness became a way of life for her. She never dreamed one look at a man in an alley could make her yearn for so much more. Yearning turned to fear as she watched him shift into a monster. Now she was on the run from the one thing she wanted to run to. Calix and Paige will have to work through what she saw as well as conquer the evil that has been planted inside of her if they ever wish to have a happily ever after. This book contains adult content. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

A Hope Baked with Love for the Sheriff


Melynda Carlyle - 2021
    His duties as Sheriff in Kansas only reinforce his sense of justice and his desire to do good, although he has received very little himself. After a terrible heartbreak, he puts up a Mail-Order-Bride ad, wishing to finally find the love and warmth missing from his life. . Little does he know, he is about to find all that and much more in the face of Natalie, the most talented young baker of Boston.Natalie has always loved her family and they have loved her in return. Yet, she knows that it’s high time she made a life of her own. When her hope to work as a professional baker and her wish to find an honorable man for herself merge by what seems to be a magical touch of fate, Natalie grabs the chance and heads out to Kansas to meet her destiny.When Natalie and Harland meet, their attraction is undeniable. With her lively attitude and her delicious baked creations, Natalia wins Harland’s heart and everything seems to be going smoothly for them. But as the new shop takes a lot of Natalie’s time and Harland’s duties drag him away from his bride-to-be, an unsuspected threat slips into their lives. As the Sheriff, Harland must figure out the menace that hides in plain sight before the town’s safety is jeopardized. But at what cost?

Sky Raiders


Michelle Diener - 2016
    Then they started attacking. Finally, they began to raid. Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.She does have an idea of how she can break free--the sky raiders have brought them to Shadow to mine for ore. A very special ore which Taya has worked out is as dangerous to the sky raiders as it is valuable.What she doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.

Devil's Cut


L.A. McGinnis - 2021
    But then I meet Bastian Forge, and discover everything I was told was a lie.He’s powerful. He's beautiful. He’s enigmatic.And now I owe him, bigtime. When Bastian unlocks my gift—I can read vampire minds—he opens up a whole new world, teaching me how to use my newfound powers. But as our enemies close in, I’m not sure who to trust, because while Forge keeps his secrets?I have my own, and neither of us will leave the other unscathed.